STAMPIN' PASTELS AVAILABLE...

Stampin' Pastels are Now Available!

We are pleased to announce that Stampin' Pastels and the Stampin' Pastels New Color Kit are now available.  There are so many beautiful techniques to make with this medium.  If you don't already have them, you will definitely want to get your very own!  If you already have our them, you can save money by buying the New Color kit, to have our gorgeous new color palette!

Stampin' Pastels 

#120962, $24.95

Bring out the artist in yourself with our Stampin’ Pastels. You’ll be amazed at how easy you can achieve a beautiful, soft look with our pastels.


■ Artist quality pastels in exclusive Stampin' Up! colors
■ Includes 6 applicators and an eraser
■ Oil free
■ Works well on matte-finish papers

Stampin' Pastels New Color Kit 

#120963, $14.95

If you already have our Stampin' Pastels and want to switch out retired colors for new colors, you'll want this kit.


■ Includes and 19 new colors: Pink Pirouette, Wild Wasabi, Baja Breeze, Marina Mist, Ridinghood Red, Cherry Cobbler, Cajun Craze, Melon Mambo, Tangerine Tango, Daffodil Delight, Pacific Point, Rich Razzleberry, Basic Gray, Sahara Sand, Crumb Cake, River Rock, Soft Suede, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla.
■ Artist quality pastels in exclusive Stampin' Up! colors
■ Oil free
■ Works well on matte-finish papers

TAX-FREE WEEKEND IN VIRGINIA...

The state of Virginia is having a sales tax holiday for school supplies up to $20.00 per item August 6 – 8. Because school supply items are included in this sales tax holiday, the below list of items will be tax free during the holiday period. Please note that you must place your order with Stampin’ Up! during the tax holiday period in order to receive these items tax free. Don't miss out on this limited-time benefit!    

The following items are tax-exempt during the Virginia sales tax holiday:  

Item #	Description	Price
100425	2-Way Glue Pen	$3.50
104332	SNAIL Adhesive	$6.95
104331	SNAIL Adhesive Refill	$4.50
103305	Dotto	$12.95
100902	Dotto Refill	$6.50
104045	Anywhere Glue Stick	$3.95
104294	Sticky Strip	$6.95
104430	Stampin' Dimensionals	$3.95
103683	Mini Glue Dots	$4.95
103579	Paper Snips	$9.95
103179	Craft & Rubber Scissors	$19.95
101879	Watercolor Pencils	$19.95
105021	White Uni-Ball Signo Gel Pen	$3.95
102845	Blender Pens	$9.95
Various	Stampin’ Write Markers (individual)	$3.50
119801	Many Marvelous Markers In Color	$14.95
119802	Watercolor Wonder Crayons Subtles	$16.95
119803	Watercolor Wonder Crayons Regals	$16.95
119804	Watercolor Wonder Crayons Brights	$16.95
119805	Watercolor Wonder Crayons Neutrals	$16.95
105394	Basic Black Stampin’ Write Journaler	$3.50
110755	Multipurpose Liquid Glue	$3.95
120963	Stampin’ Pastels New Color Kit	$14.95

For my Texas customers, there is a similar tax free holiday.  The state of Texas is having a sales tax holiday for school supplies up to $100.00 per item August 20 – 22.  All of the above items are included with the addition of these products as well:

The following items are tax-exempt during the Texas sales tax holiday:  

Item #	Description	Price
108360	Craft & Paper Scissors	$28.95
120948	Many Marvelous Markers New Color Kit	$35.95
119700	Many Marvelous Markers Subtles	$28.95
119701	Many Marvelous Markers Regals	$28.95
119702	Many Marvelous Markers Brights	$28.95
119703	Many Marvelous Markers Neutrals	$22.95
120949	Watercolor Wonder Crayons New Color Kit	$39.95
120962	Stampin' Pastels	$24.95

EXTRA $25 HOSTESS REWARDS...

Extra! Extra! Stampin' Up! hostesses get extra hostess awards July 27-August 31, in addition to the already fantastic hostess benefits!

Beginning today through August 31, Stampin' Up! hostesses will receive an EXTRA $25 to use toward Stampin' Up! products of their choice when they host a workshop totaling $350 or more!

This extra benefit is included along with the standard hostess benefits they receive when they host a workshop. The standard hostess benefits include:

• A free 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalog worth $9.95!
• Free stamp sets only available to hostesses (with qualifying orders; select from the products on pages 10-16 of the Idea Book & Catalog)!
• Free Stampin' Up! products of your choice! (see chart below)

Workshop total (before tax and shipping)	Free Stampin' Up! merchandise		Extra, Extra hostess awards	Free Stampin' Up! merchandise with Extra, Extra hostess awards
$350 - $399	$40	+	$25	$65
$400 - $449	$45	+	$25	$70
$450 - $499	$50	+	$25	$75
$500 - $549	$60	+	$25	$85

With a brand-new Idea Book & Catalog and even more generous hostess benefits, this is a FABULOUS time to book a workshop for you and your friends.  This extra hostess benefit is only being offered for a limited time, so contact your me TODAY to schedule a workshop!

Things to Remember

• Online orders do not qualify. Please call or email me to put the qualifying order in for you.
• Orders must be $350 or more to qualify.  Orders larger than $350 are not eligible for additional hostess free merchandise dollars.   
• Hostesses may use their additional $25 in hostess free merchandise on any regular catalog/mini catalog merchandise.
• Qualifying orders must be placed by Tuesday, August 31, 2010; 10:00 PM (ET)

ISLAND BIG BIRTHDAY WISH...

I'm still feeling the Island vibe today!  Love that paper!  This time I am using it for a birthday card.  I also used the July Fourth stamp set to show it's versatility as more than just a holiday-themed stamp set.  It is available in the Summer Mini through August 31.   I like that this card works equally well for men or women - it's just a fun, happy and EASY card!

The sentiment I used is from the fantastic new Word Play stamp set.  It is an awesome set with great sentiments for all occasions.  Check it out at the end of the post.  I am loving mine and can't wait to use it again!

ISLAND THANK  YOU CARD SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets –  July Fourth (W #118523 $18.95  C #120063 $14.95), Word Play (W #120308 $41.95 C #120651 $28.95)
  
• Card stock – Whisper White, Pumpkin Pie, Tempting Turquoise, Island Oasis DSP 
• Ink – Daffodil Delight Classic, Old Olive, Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie, Rose Red, Tempting Turquoise Markers
• Accessories –  Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95)
• Punches – 2-3/8" Scallop Circle XL (#118874, $16.95), 1-3/4" Circle Punch (#119850, $16.95)
• Tools – Big Shot, Circles #2 Die (#114526, $15.95), Square Lattice Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (#119976, $7.95), Sponge Daubers

ISLAND THANK YOU...

This is a little Thank You note I made for one of the people who purchased some of my retired Stampin' Up! products.  I've really been cranking out the Thank You notes lately!  I thought you might appreciate seeing this one since it is so quick to make, but still really cute!  It uses some of the products from our Summer Mini.  I will really miss this adorable Designer Series Paper.  It is so happy and summery.  I just love it!  Be sure to get yours before August 31.

The sentiment is from our new Fabulous Phrases stamp set.  This is a great set!  You can use the words to create a lot of different phrases.  If you purchase it in clear mount, just mount the phrases together on one block and stamp them all at once!  At the end of this post you can find the recipe for the card and a list of many of the different phrase combinations that a group of us came up with.  Enjoy!

Speaking of retired Stampin' Up! products, I have updated my list once again.  Took out all the items sold and added quite a few new ones - stamp sets, embellishments and Big Shot Dies (most at 50% off!).  Check out the updated list!


ISLAND THANK  YOU CARD SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets –  Fabulous Phrases (W #117002 $37.95, C #120501 $26.95)
  
• Card stock – Whisper White, Pumpkin Pie, Tempting Turquoise, Rose Red, So Saffron, Island Oasis DSP 
• Ink – Rose Red Classic
• Ribbon – Old Olive 5/8" Grosgrain (#109054, $6.95)
• Accessories –  Pumpkin Pie Corduroy Brad (retired)
• Tools – Big Shot, Island Floral Die (#118871, $21.95), Square Lattice Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (#119976, $7.95), Stampin' Sponges

Fabulous Phrases Combinations

beautiful day
beautiful life
beautiful you
beautiful birthday wishes
beautiful friend
beautiful smile
beautiful little one
best wishes (to you) (for you)
best friend (forever)
birthday wishes (to you) (for you)
celebrate dreams
celebrate happiness
celebrate little one
celebrate love
celebrate life
celebrate you
celebrate today (with the to + day)
celebrate the day
dreams & wishes
enjoy life
enjoy love
enjoy today (with the to + day together)
fabulous friend
fabulous life
fabulous day
fabulous you
fabulous birthday wishes
for you(to you)
forever friend
forever love
friend for life
friend forever
from one day to forever
gratitude for you
happiness (to you) (for you)
happiness & love
happiness & love forever
happiness forever
happiness to you
happy day
happy dreams to you (for you)
happy love day
happy for you
happy wishes (to you) (for you)
happy birthday (to you) (for you)
heartfelt thanks
heartfelt thanks to you
heartfelt wishes (to you)
heartfelt gratitude (to you)
heartfelt happiness (to you) (for you) hi friend
hi little one
kind friend
kind wishes
little one
love to celebrate you
love you
love & happiness
one happy day
one sweet smile
one kind friend
one fabulous friend
smile friend
sweet kind friend
sweet love
sweet life
sweet friend
sweet smile
sweet dreams
sweet dreams little one
sweet one
sweet little one
sweet & kind
sweet & beautiful
sweet birthday smile
sweet love happy life
thanks friend
thanks to you (for you)
welcome little one
welcome beautiful friend
welcome friend
welcome love
welcome to you
wishes for you to enjoy

NEW STAMPIN' UP! VIDEOS...

Wow, long week! Sorry there have been no no posts this week. I have been crazily getting my retired products together and price-marking them plus preparing for my Open House. Now that it's all over, I thought I would share a few of Stampin' Up!'s newest videos with you.

This one discusses our gorgeous new colors and how they work together.  It also shows you our new Color Coach that I told you about last week.  I love it!

This one is on adding, editing and accenting your photos in My Digital Studio:

This video shows you how to use our newly redesigned punches:

STAMPIN' UP! OPEN HOUSE THIS SATURDAY...

Stampin' Up!
NEW Catty Open House 
& Summer Mini Workshop
 
Saturday, July 24
2 - 5 pm

Hostesses (past year) admitted one hour earlier at 1 pm as a special bonus!

COME SEE:

• Displays - lots of cards & gift ideas that are easy to duplicate! I can show you how!
• Classes & Club information

FREE!!!

• Two free Make & Take Cards!
• Make your own bookmark of the new “in-colors”!
• New Summer Mini Catalog and Definitely Decorative Catalog
• Free Goodie bag
• 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog if you order with me

DOOR PRIZES (receive entries for):

• Attending
• Bringing a Friend
• Signing up for Technique Class, Stamp Camp, different Clubs
• Booking a Workshop
• Placing Order
• Joining My Team

RUBBER RUMMAGE BLOW-OUT:

• TONS of retired stamp sets, paper, accessories and more!
• You will receive a 50% "credit" back on your "retired sale" purchases, to be used against your new catalog purchases on the same day (July 24) - what a deal!  Example: purchase $100 in retired products at full-price and get a $50 credit towards an order placed with me that day on current products*.

**ALL Specials are good for July 24 only.
*Hostess Benefits do not apply. Shipping and tax is additional.

RSVPs are required, so that I will have your Make & Take items precut for you and have a goodie bag with YOUR name on it!  Please contact me for more information if you are interested.  Can't wait to see you there!

CONVENTION SWAPS...

I have finally finished my Convention Swaps!  Although I am not able to go to convention, my upline, Susan Elise, has been kind enough to offer to take them for me.  I can't wait to see what everyone is coming up with!  I rarely check out other's blogs anymore, because I don't like to have others designs influence my thoughts when designing, so I am excited for the chance to see what other demos are doing.

Life has been hectic.  Reorganizing my stamping supplies, marking all my Retired 4 Sale Products and getting ready for my Open House next weekend is taking it's toll.  Time was getting short, so instead of coming up with a whole new design, I decided to cheat a little and use one of my sneak peek projects.  Back on June 24, I shared my Flowers & Friends Forever card.  I did half of my convention swaps in that design with a different ribbon and half in the different color combo below.  Amazing how just changing the colors give it a whole different feel!

FRIENDS & FLOWERS FOREVER SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – Friends Never Fade ( W #118750 $17.95, C #120618 $13.95)
• Card stock –  Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze, Greenhouse Gala DSP (#117167, $9.95)
• Ink – Chocolate Chip Classic, Chocolate Chip and Pear Pizzazz Markers
• Ribbon  – Early Espresso 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon (#119254, $5.95)
• Punches –Scallop Trim Border (#118402, $15.95)
• Accessories – Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95), Dazzling Diamonds Glitter (#102023, $4.50), 2-way Glue Pen
• Tools – Big Shot, Vintage Wallpaper Stampin' Up! Textured Impressions Folder (#120175, $7.95)

COLOR COACH...

Have you checked our new Color Coach yet?  It is completely redesigned and FABULOUS!  I find it so much more useful that the previous design.  A definite must-have for me!

Let this coach help you put together custom color schemes to express your unique creativity. Whether you want a quick reference of all colors in a collection, a card for every color, or blank cards to record your own color combinations, this swatch book is for you!

■ Includes 55 double-sided cards with removable metal post fastener
■ Includes color theory cards and individual color swatch cards
■ On individual color cards, one side shows color, the other side lists coordinating colors
■ Card size: 2-3/4" x 4-1/2"

Item #121260 found on page 165 in our beautiful NEW Idea Book & Catalog.  Order yours today by clicking HERE or on the Color Coach picture to go to my Stampin' Up! website.  Then click on the Shop Now button in the lower right-hand corner and enter the product number above.

UPDATES...

Due to some typos and an entire section being omitted for some reason, I had to upload a new version of my Retired 4 Sale list this morning.  If you downloaded the previous version, you may want to download it again to be sure you have the updated one.

Also, for those that are on my newsletter email list (not my blog email subscription) and have yahoo addresses, please be aware that for some reason, my emails have been banned from delivery.  I don't know if someone reported me as spam instead of unsubscribing or what happened, but they are all being returned to me and it says it is a permanent deferment.  I'm not sure what to do about it at this point, but I will be investigating.  Since almost half my email list is yahoo, most of you will not be receiving your July newsletters.  Sorry about that!  If you have any advice, let me know.

RETIRED 4 SALE LIST...

Well, I think I finally gotten through enough of the changeover to give you my Retired 4 Sale list.   Lots of goodies available!  There may still be a few additions later, but this should be most of it.  It is a fairly long list (13 pages), so rather than take up lots of space to post it directly, I am posting the link to the .pdf  for you to download and look over at your leisure.

You will find all the information for payment, shipping, condition key, etc., on the last page.  With such a long list,  I did not make automatic payment buttons for these items. Just email me at yourstampteacher@gmail.com with what you are interested in and I will get back to you on your totals. I will do this on a first come first serve basis and remove the items that have been purchased as soon as I am able.  There is always a direct link to the file on the top and sidebar of my blog to keep you updated!  Please don't hesitate to let me know if you have any questions.  Let the shopping begin!

STILL UPDATING COLORS...

Wow!  Doing a total revamp of all my colors is taking a lot longer than I thought!  I have spent days and days removing all the retired items, packing and pricing everything for sale, relabeling all my cardstock file folders, redoing my ink storage and so much more. On the upside, I will have lots of new items on my "Retired 4 Sale" list soon.  However, it is putting a major crimp in my designing and stamping time!  Not to mention that I still have to make convention swaps by Monday.  Yikes!

Since I am still in the midst of the "renovation" and don't have any new projects, I thought I would share my cardstock storage system with you.  I tried several different systems before opting for my current one.  I tried open shelving and scrapbook towers, but eventually the dust and light got the best of me.  I did use a sheet protector on top of each color stack and that did help with the dust.  But the light was fading my cardstock.  I have no direct light in my studio at all.  It was being faded just from the (no-fluorescent) ceiling light in the studio.  I tried vertical storage, which is great and I use it for my 12 x 12 cardstock.  But I am in and out of my 8 1/2 x 11 cardstock all day long and it is just too much trouble for that.

So ultimately, I went with a two-drawer lateral filing cabinet (Office Depot) right next to where I sit at my desk. I use legal-size hanging files in it.  That way the files are a little longer and keep my cardstock from being dog-eared.  The top drawer fits all my cardstock colors beautifully as pictured!  I also use a plain manila folder in the back of each hanging folder with scraps for that color.  I find I really use all my scraps now since I can find them all easily.  Very economical and I am all about saving whatever pennies I can!  I have been using this system for over a year now and I love it!

If you are interested in printing off your own labels for hanging file tabs, I made these labels and printed them off using Avery 5567 Hanging File Tab Labels.  You can download my Word file with all the colors HERE.  There are three sheets to print - each sheet will look like those below and will peel off.  Only some of the labels above are the new ones - I am still in the process of switching over.  Hope you find these useful!

MY DIGITAL STUDIO COLOR UPDATE NOW AVAILABLE...

The version 1.0.4 update to My Digital Studio is now available!  With this FREE update, not only will you get the latest My Digital Studio features and functionality, you also get all of the new colors (including digital card stock, ink colors and Patterns Designer Series Paper) from the recent color renovation! That’s a $50 value!

Updating your My Digital Studio software is easy!

• If you have installed the initial update (version 1.0.1), simply click Help and select Check for Updates in the My Digital Studio software. The update will be performed automatically.
• If you have not completed the initial update, download and install version 1.0.1 first, and then complete the steps listed above to get the most recent update.

Once you have the most recent version, you can download your FREE color updates by going to the MDS Updates page.  Then download each of the four updates in your version (PC or Mac) and click run to install them.

I just completed my own update and it was so simple!  And the new colors and Designer Series Paper are AWESOME!  Stampin’ Up! will be sending an e-mail to all registered My Digital Studio users who have opted to receive e-mail from the company to alert them of the free upgrade and provide similar instructions as found above. If you need any assistance with your My Digital Studio updates or any other questions about MDS, please let me know!

That's not all!  More brand new digital downloads for My Digital Studio are now available!  Remember that you can also purchase our digital images and download them in versions to use in any digital graphics/photo/scrapbooking software (ex. jpgs), so you don't have to have My Digital Studio to use our beautiful images. You can purchase and download today and print out a complete card or elements of a card that you can them put together using traditional card-making methods.  For example, print your own designer paper!

Item	Description	Price
	Always Elegant Digital Kit	#119839 $9.95
	Wedding Sweet stamp brush set	#121431 $3.95
	Paper Daisies Kit	#121432 $3.95
	Elegant Soireé Designer Series Paper	#121433 $4.95

Use the search keyword DWNLDA in my Online Store to see these and more new images, and place your order today!

RGB CODES FOR STAMPIN' UP! COLORS...

Did you ever want to use your computer for journaling for your scrapbook pages?  Or maybe you wanted a personalized sentiment for a card that there was not a stamp for?  And, of course, you want the colors to match the rest of your project which means matching Stampin' Up!'s exclusive colors!  My Digital Studio is perfect for these projects!  I use it all the time for this.  However, maybe you can't invest in our wonderful software just yet, but would still like to match the colors for your fonts.

Using the official RGB codes from My Digital Studio, I have customized a handout for my own use with all the color codes for our current (and NEW) Stampin' Up! colors.  I thought I would share it with all of you in case any of you might be interested.  If you click here or on the image above, it will take you to the .pdf version of this file, so that you can print your very own copy to have on hand!  I hope you find it as useful as I do.

Note:  Demonstrators, please give credit where it is due for the work that went into this handout. You may reproduce the copyrighted handout to share with downline or customers in it's entirety, including my name and contact info, or not at all. Thanks for understanding!

SMOOCH SPRAY TIPS...

Recently I have posted a few projects featuring our fabulous new Smooch Spray.  I love this new product!  It adds the perfect touch to your card or project whether you are looking to add a vintage or antique look or some holiday glitz.  I did want to share a few tips with you on using the Smooch Spray, so that you can perfect your Smooch Spraying technique.

SMOOCH SPRAY TECHNIQUE TIPS

• Before each use, shake vigorously until the particles are fully mixed. The sprayer can become clogged if particles get sucked up into the tube.
• Spray in the direction of the arrow on the nozzle top.  Be VERY careful to check this.  I have been just a little off a couple of times and ended up spraying projects laying on my desk instead of the item in my Color Catcher.
• For best results, spray six to ten inches from your project. I often spray from even a greater distance - twelve to fifteen inches.  For a heavier application of color, spray closer to the project.
• I find quick, but firm sprays result in a more "misty" application.  If you use hesitant, or partial sprays, I find you will can get a more splotchy appearance - which may be what you are looking for on some projects.
• The Smooch Spritz bottles are made of glass. When using this product, place the bottles on a towel or cloth to prevent them from rolling and possibly breaking.
• If the ink dries outside of the nozzle, remove the nozzle and submerge it in a household cleaner (such as Windex or 409) for 20 minutes. Rinse, replace the nozzle, shake well, and spray.

We have a great product that will help you use the Smooch Spray - the Color Catcher.  Use the Color Catcher to catch color overspray from the Smooch Sprays (or Shimmer Spray made with our Shimmer Paints, etc.) that can splatter work areas. Just place your project inside the Color Catcher and spray--and don't worry anymore about cleanup.  Plus it is easy to assemble and disassemble and it folds up compactly!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JENNI!...

Today is Jenni's 28th birthday! As many of you know, Jenni is my oldest daughter and is a frequent contributor to my blog as well as working with me for some classes and workshops.  She is always complaining when I post current pictures of her, so I thought I would share one from her baby years.  Isn't she adorable?   I love you, Jenni!

The whole family went to see Despicable Me (funny, cute, movie) and then to Red Robin for dinner and Skinny Dip yogurt for dessert - all Jenni's choices!  She was so full then though that we are putting off presents and cake (well actually she chose a giant cookie & ice cream) until tomorrow night.

I thought I would share the card I made her anyway and hope that she doesn't check out my blog between now and tomorrow night!  :D  I loved the Music of Love card I made and used a few of the elements from that one for her birthday card.  But, of course, I had to personalize it just for Jenni!  She loves purple, so I used Elegant Eggplant.  She took five years of French and was a whiz at it, plus one of her favorite stamp sets is Chic Boutique, so I wanted to include a Parisian theme.  And as it happened, she bought coasters today with the Eiffel Tower on them!  :)  So it worked out well, I think.  I hope she likes it!

ELEGANT PARISIAN BIRTHDAY SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – Artistic Etchings ( W #118517 $18.95, C #120573 $14.95), On Your Birthday (#111664, $33.95), En Francais (#109521, $17.95)
• Card stock – Basic Black, Whisper White, Elegant Eggplant
• Ink – Basic Black, Elegant Eggplant, Basic Gray Classic, Pear Pizzazz, Old Olive, Basic Gray and Elegant Egglplant Markers
• Ribbon – Basic Black 1-1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon (#115615, $9.95)
• Punches – Modern Label (#119849, $16.95)
• Accessories – Silver Foil Smooch Spray (#118771, $4.95),  Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95)
• Tools – Big Shot, Ovals Die, Top Note Die, Magnetic Movers & Shapers Punch Windows, Vintage Wallpaper Stampin' Up! Textured Impressions Folder (#120175, $7.95), Color Spritzer