Fabulous Florets Card Swap

I was invited to participate in a card swap with another demonstrator from Savannah.   I made the following card and thought I would share my technique for this card.  I received a similar idea from a card swap from convention and just loved it!

I folded a half sheet of Whisper White cardstock in half for the card base.  I then made a stencil from a scrap 1/4 sheet of cardstock by folding it in half (long side) and using a 1 1/4" square punch to punch out a section, forming a frame (see below).  I put the stencil over the card front and stamped the stem and petals using  Versa Mark Ink and clear embossing powder.  After heat setting the embossing powder, I sponged Wisteria Wonder Ink around the inside edges of the stencil forming a border.  I then "scrunched" Concord Crush Ink over the center of the embossed area.  The darker, the better.   Dark ink next to a light embossed image really makes it POP!

Hand-made Stencil.

Inside I just inked the stamp with Wisterial Wonder, stamped it off once on a scrap piece of paper and then stamped it on the inside.

Products Used: 

Fabulous Florets stamp set- pg. 107
1 1/4" square punch - pg. 212
Versa Mark Ink - pg. 203
Clear Emboss Powder - pg. 201
Embossing Buddy (a must before embossing) - pg. 201
Wisteria Wonder & Concord Crush Classic Stamp Pads - pg. 176
Sponges - pg. 203
Heat Tool - pg. 201

Great Diva Week

Just wrapped up our monthly Diva Club.  Thanks to all for your orders ... always appreciated very much!

Since we have six divas on vacation this month, I thought I'd share the cards we made so they don't have to wait until they get home to see their goodies.   Your finished cards will be with your orders when they arrive next week.

Fun use of Postage Stamp Punch (pg 212)  and 2 1/2" Circle Punch (pg 212).   On this card we used the Square Lattice Embossing Folder (pg 218).  However, the Divas had the option to use the NEW Houndstooth (pg 218) Embossing Folder and it looked even better!  This "Best Dad Ever" Stamp Set (pg 49) is a great set to have on hand to make those MAN cards.  In addition to "best dad ever", the set also contains a stamp for "happy birthday", "thinking of you" and "happy father's day". 

This was a 5x5" finished card.  The white top layer (4 3/4" x 4 3/4") was punched out on all four sides with the Decorative Label punch (#120907).  Again, the 2 1/2" circle punch was used for the center circle and popped out with Dimensionals.
I demonstrated the brayer/dauber technique where we rolled the "My Friend" (pg 139) stamp (corner floral stamp) with Bashful Blue Ink and then daubed Night of Navy Ink on a few of the flowers.  The rose red butterfly was cut out with the Big Shot and the Beatiful Wings Embosslits Die (pg. 216).  "my friend" was stamped in Night of Navy using the Stamp A Ma Jig.  I used a regular sponge to sponge all sides of both white pieces.  The inside was also stamped in a similar fashion.

Simple, simple card showing off our NEW Lace Ribbon Builder Punch (pg 211) and our NEW Stripes Embossing Folder (pg 218).   Another technique shown was using various punches to punch out a simple image.  This "Joy at Christmas" scallop circle image is from the Perfect Punches stamp set (pg 140).  We stamped it three times with Old Olive ink onto Whisper White cardstock.  Then we punched one out with the 1 3/4" Scallop Circle punch, then the second one with the 1 1/4" circle punch (pg 212) and the third image with the 1" circle punch (pg 212).  The layers were attached and popped up with Dimensionals. 

Another simple but cute card using our New Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch (pg 211).  The base card was cut 6x6" and folded in half (get four cuts from a 12x12" sheet of cardstock).  The top Whisper White layer measures 5 3/4 x 2 3/4".  We punched out three Blossoms from this top layer and three blossoms from Calypso Coral cardstock.  This awesome Triple Layer punch gives us three different punched pieces!  We're only using two of them here.  We then stamped the petals and stems with Old Olive ink, and the butterfly with Not Quite Navy Ink (we had to cut out the butterfly, no punch yet for that :-).  These stamped images were from the Bold Blossom stamp set (pg 7 of the Summer Mini).  This set coordinates perfectly with the Triple Blossom punch.  Unfortunately, it did not make the new big catalog so if you want it, get it before August 31st when the Mini expires.  The "thanks" is from the Thank You Kindly set (pg 168) and was stamped in Black Ink.

Next month, August, is our last month of this Diva session.  We are starting a new 4-month session in September.  If you would like more information about being a special Diva, please email me separately at bzstampin@live.com.   I'll be happy to share the complete information with you.  I LOVE MY DIVAS!

Ten lucky Divas were picked (at random) today to receive a certificate for 50% one item in the next session.  More information will follow.  This means that they could get the Big Shot for a little over $50 (including tax and shipping).  Lots of fun happenings at Diva Club Meetings!

Patriotic Card

Finally had a chance to play today waiting for my Divas to arrive.   I wasn't going to buy this Ala' Carte stamp, Land of the Free, (pg. 18 of Summer Mini), but I've seen several cards made with it and knew I'd be upset with myself if I didn't get it.   $8.95 is a small price to pay for a stamp to make cards for the service people who are protecting our freedom.  I have one special Diva who always organizes card signing events at the Lakehouse to send cards to our service people on Memorial Day.   She makes most of the cards; but is always very grateful for donations.  These will be going to her cause.  Thank you Joanne, for all you do.

I was actually using up some Pacific Point scraps, a retired star brad and some old star stickers.  My technique here was to emboss the flag stamp using Versa Mark Ink and Clear embossing powder on Whisper White cardstock.   After I heat embossed it, I used Real Red and Pacific Point Ink Pads and sponges to sponge over the respective areas of the flag.  For the card on the left, I used some sticky tape and folded some White Grosgrain Ribbon.  On top of that, I just used a scrap of real red cardstock and those $1 store star stickers. 

For the card on the right, this was literally a scrap of pacific point (see the reverse scallop punched bottom).  After I added the grosgrain ribbon and jumbo silver brad, it needed something else.   I used a ruler and a white gell pen and added 3 lines above the scallop bottom.  Like?

This stamp, Land of the Free (#123100 - $8.95), in the current Summer Mini Catalog did not make the big catalog.   So, if you like it, please order it before August 31, 2011.  You can order online 24/7!

If you ever have any cards to donate to Joanne's cause, I would be happy to get them to her.  Thanks for stopping by!

Only 3 Days Left to Join

Join Today!

Only three days left to join Stampin' Up! for $99 and receive $185 worth of product and a Free Christmas Keepsake Kit.  Yes, at Midnight on July 31st, this offer is over.  Remember, you can join now, customize your kit (replace standard items if you have them for other things you need) and there are no strings attached.  You will remain an active demonstrator through December 31, 2011, even if you buy nothing else!
But, if you'd like, you can benefit from the first time order discount of 30% (within 45 days of signing up) and full access to our Stampin' Up! website with literally thousands of ideas and training videos, etc.   I've mentioned this before and can't stress it enough, over 50% of the demonstrators out there do it for these two reasons alone ... they never sell a thing! ... and have been active that way for years.   If you do want to make a business out of it, I'm here to help if you ask!   (along with my wonderful upline of demonstrators).  If you don't ask for help, I will never bug you to sell a thing!  

A friend told me the other day that they could never do what I do.   You don't have to do a thing except enjoy the benefits Stampin' Up! has to offer.   If you decide in December that you don't want to take advantage of the discount any longer, then you're done.  There are absolutely no strings attached!

You may want to check it out one more time.  Offer does end July 31, 2011!

Sharing my Birthday Cards

Rick just commented on all my beautiful cards I received.  I am blessed!   I thank everyone viewing this blog who sent a card, emailed me, called me and/or posted on my Facebook Wall.  I'm overwhelmed!!!  It is all so special to me.  

But, because this is a card-making blog, I thought I just had to share some of the home-made cards I received.  One was put in my mailbox the night before my birthday and we had a major rain storm that night.  If it looks a little "distressed", it's because it arrived the next day "soaked".   Great technique, huh???



My beautiful Home Made Birthday Cards!

Awesome cards ... huh???  I've got some real talented friends, relatives and Divas.  Thank you again everyone!!

This is Diva Club week ... my favorite time of the month!   

What a Day!!!!

Just completed my first ever Christmas in July Event.   Lots of fun had by all, including ME!   25 new and "old" faces came today to make their Christmas cards and be ready this season!   My scheduling suffered a little and it was a little crowded at times.  Thanks to Bonnie and Carol for coming back later.   Congrats to the four "mini" winners and congrats to Dorinda for winning the $25 shopping spree.  These lucky class participants now have 20 Christmas cards and envelopes ready to mail in December.  Thank you again to all participants!  Merry "Christmas in July!"  AND ... thanks for sharing my 60th birthday with me!!!  AND, all my cool and beautiful cards.  A special thank you to Mutt and Mutt (:-)  for the beautiful flowers.  You are all very special to me~

Here are the completed cards we made today. 

Christmas Collage Background Stamp-pg 150
& Welcome Christmas-pg 36

Tags 'Til Christmas - pg. 32 &
Heard from the Heart - pg. 167 (one of my very favorites!)



Sorry, these stamp sets are retired but I just love this Santa and Reindeer.   Similar snow flakes can be found on page 36 -Serene Snowflakes.  Like the gold embossing powder on these cards.  My vacuum cleaner isn't going to like all this powder tomorrow a.m.  :-)





.




Punch Pals (p. 39) for the 'Tis the Season and
the Northern Flurry Embossing Folder (p. 219)



Keep on Stampin!!!




6x6 DSP Share

Okay, if you've been wondering where I've been all week ... well, I've been cleaning out my craft room and making room for convention goodies and everything I want out of the new catalog.   This means "sale time".  My sale rack is full.  Be ready to shop the next time you are here!

I've also been busy preparing for my first ever 6x6 DSP  Share (Designer Series Paper).  Please refer to pages 183-186 of the new catalog.  I've put together a share/class for $30.  With this $30 you will receive one 6x6" piece of every paper on those pages (NOT including the paper stacks).  This is 96 total pieces!  Local people will be able to come to a class on August 24th at 1p.m. or 6 p.m. (no additional charge) and make 6 cards using two of their 6x6 sheets and get written instructions on many ways to use their 6x6 pieces and other ideas I've accumulated.  Long distance customers can receive the 96 - 6x6" pieces of DSP, the written instructions, and color photos of the cards we will be making with no shipping costs.  In addition to being able to see and touch and feel all our designer series papers (most all are double sided), I'm offering a special to the first 8 people to sign up.   I will include some 6x6" pieces of  the new Hostess DSP (pg. 11) as well.  That will be about 100 pieces in all!!

Sorry, my photo is sideways and I'm not able to turn it (or at least I can't figure out how to turn it).  This gives you a small sampling of what's in store for you if you participate in this share.  If you are local and cannot make the class, just let me know that when ordering and I will throw in a package of our Dimensionals in lieu of the mailing or card making costs. 

IN ADDITION for those of you attending class, by popular demand I will be showing you how to use our markers to get similar results as by using Kopic markers.  I've had many requests for this.  Since I will be using our new Easy Events stamp set (pg. 57) for the 6 cards you will be making, you will be able to practice what I teach you and ask for help if you need it. 

Now, here's what you need to do if you'd like to participate.   EMAIL ME SEPARATELY (still having trouble with emails directly from my blog-- not getting some of them).   Let me know the following:

1)  You'd like to participate in share (Options A, B or C -- listed below) with respective additional info needed:

  A) Class (give me time -- 1 or 6 p.m.)
  B)  Long Distance package (I mail everything to you) - need your mailing address.
  C)  Local but cannot attend class - will include a package of Dimensionals

DEADLINE FOR RESPONDING IS JULY 31ST, 2011!  I need to put in the order August 1 to get everything in time to prepare the class.   If you have any questions, please email me or call me.   I will respond to all emails.  If you don't hear back from me, please try again. 

Notice the pretty doily on the top card (white).  That's part of the share!  It's the flip side of one of the doilies in the Flirtatious Specialty paper (pg. 183) included with the share!  You will be able to make 100's of cards with these 6x6" pieces and some of your cardstock.  I will show you how!

Decor Elements

I'm pleased to announce that this year, in the new catalog that just came out July 1, Stampin' Up!'s line of Decor Elements is now in this catalog ... not in a separate catalog as was done in previous years.   Check out all the new items starting on page 227 and continuing through page 233.

Here are a few photos of what I've used in my home.  Unfortunately most of these items are no longer available; but it will give you an idea of how you can use them in your home.  They are VERY easy to put on your walls, computers, etc. and instructions are provided.

Just a simple way to add some fun to your home decorating!

Another idea for our Decor Elements, is to make wall hangings, serving trays, Holiday Plates, etc.   Here's a sample of a Decor Elements which is currently for sale in our new catalog.

Believe it or not, this plate was purchased at the Dollar Tree for ... yes ... $1!!!!!  This makes a very nice plate to give Christmas Cookies at Christmas ... and all for under $5!   AND, it took me less than five minutes to make it!!!!  Decor Elements are so simple to use and come with complete instructions.

How about a cutting board (not a great photo), also from the Dollar Tree!

 Can't you just imagine a block of cheese and a pack of crackers tied onto this with a pretty ribbon!!!

Convention Goodies

Wonder where I've been???
 ... just sorting through the goodies from convention and planning some classes.

Can you believe this is what I received at Convention.  Wonder why I LOVE conventions???  Here are some of the swaps I received:

Oh, and I just have to share this next photo.  Before I left for convention I received a shipment from Stampin' Up!.  Included in this shipment were a lot of items from the new catalog.  I was a little bummed because the shipment arrived at about 5 p.m. on Monday and I had to leave around 9 a.m. on Tuesday for convention.  Not a lot of time to play with my new goodies!!!  Bummer !!!!!

Well, in the shipment were many rolls of our new 3/8" ruffled ribbon in all 5 new, beautiful In Colors.  I told Rick that when I got back I would need to be sorting these into 2' bundles, all containing one of each color.  Look what my sweetie made me:

Well yesterday I used my new ribbon holder and walaahhhh, the ribbon share packages are ready for those of you who ordered them and can be picked up and paid for next week at the Christmas in July class and/or Diva classes.  $10 for 2 yards of each of all 5 new In Colors.  If you have not already ordered these and would like some, let me know.  It will be a breeze now sorting future ribbon shares.  If you are a bean counter, you will see that this is a good deal ... I'm not charging for shipping or tax (local customers) ... just my cost to get the ribbons ... passing on my discount to you.

Speaking of shares ... I'm diligently working on a DSP (Designer Series Paper) share where you will receive a 6x6" piece of EVERY sheet of our exclusive DSP (pages 183-186 of catalog -- excluding Paper Stacks on pg. 186).  This would equal 96 pieces of DSP!!!   Stay tuned for offers.  As normal "Bonnie" style, I'm also working on a class to go with these 96 pieces to show you what you can do with a lot of 6x6" pieces of DSP.

Pretty Postage

Still catching up from the fabulous trip.   Here's another easy one.  Guess I'm giving you easy ones because I can't even think of making a difficult card right now.

How simple and cute is this??!!

This is from the Pretty Postage stamp set on Page 11 of the current Summer Mini Catalog.  This catalog is good through August 31, 2011.   AND, it was announced at Convention that we will be carrying a 1" square punch (background marina mist cardstock--this was cut by hand) beginning Sept. 1 in the new Holiday Mini Catalog.  We demonstrators have been begging for it ... Stampin' Up! came through, as usual!

Also used on this card was a baja breeze and a black marker, the postage punch and baja breeze seam binding all on whisper white card stock   This would be an excellent card to make several and give them in a gift box to that special friend.

Heart Strawberry

I forgot to mention one highlight of the Convention ... two of my uplines made the top 100 Demonstrators of the Year ... Kim Cagle and Michelle Rahal ..  a BIG CONGRATULATIONS to my leaders!   Just another reason to join my team.  We have an awesome upline, too!

Okay, I'm at the Dallas airport awaiting a late flight to Charlotte.   I'm semi brain dead, but wanted to share with you this adorable, simple card idea.

How cute is this!!!   Again, I'm at the airport without my catalog (I know, that's hard to believe!) and can't give you all the exact names of the punches used but I'll give it a try.  I definitely can't give you the page numbers ... :-)

Heart Embosslit Die
Bird Punch (leaves and wings used for the green leaves)
Triple flower punch and a yellow brad.

How easy is that!!!

$99 Starter Kit -- $180 Value

Convention ended yesterday ... it is so sad!   Stampin' Up! totally outdid themselves this year.  I received over 6 stamp free stamp sets and so many more goodies and thousands of ideas.  My only regret is that none of you joined me here this year to share the fun.  

Next year's convention is July 18-21 in Salt Lake City.   I know the ropes (hotels, restaurants, shopping, etc. in Salt Lake City) and would welcome you to join me.  Even if you're just a hobbiest (55+% are just that!) ... it is truly a pampering experience you will never forget.

To help you join Stampin' Up!, they are running a sign up special only good through the end of July, 2011.  It is $99!!!!!  I will list below more information.  It is so simple to sign up.   Just call or email me and I will give you more instructions.  Again, this offer is only good through July 31st!  And, if you call me, I will share with you my own special ... which in essence will give you all of the following for free. 

Dates: July 1-31, 2011

Promotion Details: A limited-time $99 Starter Kit ($180 Value--See Kit Contents below!) is the perfect choice for the hobby stamper and lover of Stampin' Up! products.

•SAVE!!! Enjoy the new Stampin' Up! 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog using a one-time 30% Off Start Up Discount on product orders of $150 or more (placed within 45 days of start).

•Get 20% off future Stampin' Up! orders, oodles of exclusive resources and the opportunity to pre-order new products.

•Receive Stampin' Up! Demonstrator Discounts and Benefits through Dec. 31, 2011 with NO obligation to to purchase anything further or hold a workshop.  However, if you just love the perks of being a part of Stampin' Up! and are still a part of our team through June 30, 2012, you will have an opportunity to earn another $100 of free products from me! Call me for details ... 717-443-4224! 
•Hobby stampers are welcome!

•There's no penalty to drop. You keep everything.

•PLUS Get a Christmas Keepsake project kit (example below) absolutely FREE--a $40 value! This exclusive kit contains everything you need to create a beautiful Christmas Keepsake Box to hold your most treasured Christmas memories. It will be available with your first demonstrator order in August and must be redeemed by Sept. 30.

$99 Starter Kit Contents

Contains over $180 in products and business supplies--including new products from the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog! You CAN substitute a similar item of equal or lesser value for items as noted in SECTION A, except for the Blender Pen. Wood-mount stamps can be replaced with clear-mount and clear-mount can be replaced with wood-mount . . . as long as the value of the original kit item is of equal or less value.

SECTION APage) - Item# - Description

57) 123225 Easy Events Clear-Mount Set* or your choice of stamp set to $24.95
69) 122740 Pennant Parade Wood-Mount Set* or your choice of stamp set to $21.95
177) 102277 Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad or your choice of Classic Ink Pad color to $5.95
177) 105216 Pumpkin Pie Classic Stampin' Pad or your choice of Classic Ink Pad color to $5.95
177) 103133 Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad or your choice of Classic Ink Pad color to $5.95
177) 119706 Brights 8-1/2" x 11" Assorted Card Stock or your choice of Assorted 8-1/2" x 11" Card Stock to $6.95
180) 101179 Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad or your choice of Classic Ink Pad color to $5.95
182) 107311 Whisper White Note Cards (20) or envelope product to $6.95
185) 124339 Just Add Cake Designer Series Paper* or your choice of DSP to $10.95
195) 124142 Chocolate Chip 1/2" Scallop Dots Ribbon* or your choice of ribbon to $7.95
203) 122129 Blender Pen (1). No alternative selection.
205) 118486 Clear-Mount Block C or your choice of clear block to $6.95
206) 104332 SNAIL Adhesive or your choice of adhesive to $6.95
*New to the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog!

SECTION B (My Digital Studio Starter Kit)
Business Supplies - The business supplies in these promotional mini kits will be the same business supplies that are in existing starter kits; no alternative selections can be made for business items.

•Getting Started DVD
•Getting Started Guide
•Guest Invitation Postcards (100)
•2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog (8)
•2011 Summer Mini Catalog (8)
•Stampin' Up! logo vinyl
•Décor Elements applicator
•To My Hostess Envelopes (10)
•My Digital Studio Marketing DVD
•Recruit Folders (5)
•Recruit Brochures (20)
•Customer Order Forms (50)

OPTIONAL ADD-ONS:

- Stampin' Memories Add-On $50 (over $75 value)
•119710 Brights Assorted Color Smooth Card Stock 12 x 12 OR Assorted Color Smooth Card Stock 12 x 12, $9.95 or less
•122790 Empire Upper Alphabet Stamp Set OR Stamp Set $31.95 or less
•122368 Big Top Birthday Quick Accents OR any Quick Accents
•122348 Big Top Birthday Designer Series Paper OR any Designer Series Paper to $10.95
•105387 Linen Ring Album (6" x 6") Real Red OR Album $16.95 or less

My Digital Studio Add-On $50 (over $75 value)
•118108 My Digital Studio Software CD (p.6)

Definitely Decorative Add-On $40 (over $50 value)
•118261 Elegant Trio Décor Stencil OR Stencil $9.95 or less
•114115 Chocolate Manhattan Flower Décor Elements OR Décor Elements $23.95 or less
•117922 Upsy Daisies Pretty in Pink Décor Elements (3) OR Décor Elements $9.95 or less
•121019 Oval Chalkboard Labels (3) OR Décor Elements $5.95 or less
•114893 Chocolate Flower Décor Elements (8) OR Rose Red Flower Décor Elements (115161)

NOTE: Stampin' Memories, My Digital Studio and Definitely Decorative Add-Ons must be ordered in conjunction with the starter kit.

Stampin' Up! offers so many options (cardmaking & scrapbooking supplies, a digital software program (MDS) to make calendars, scrapbooks, etc. from your computer -- great for people with limited space), decor elements (Definitely Decorative) to use for home decorating, gifts, etc.  The list goes on and on.   If you want to hear more, call or email me and we will set up a time to talk in length. (bzstampin@live.com) 

As a special bonus ... and this is BIG ... Stampin' Up!'s is having their Regional Event in Charlotte August 19-20 THIS YEAR!!!  Myself and some of my Divine Divas will be attending on August 19th!  If you hurry and sign up and become one of my very special Divine Divas, I will see if we can still get you in.  This is a mini convention!!!  It will give you the convention bug!   It's all good!!!!!!!

Thanks for reading through all of this.  Hope to hear from you soon!

Sneak Preview of Holiday Mini Catalog

Today started at 6 a.m. and it's now 11 p.m.  We've been going ALL day!!!   We had a class tonight from 7-9 which 500 demonstrators had 2 hours to complete a 6 hour project.  We all got to feel first hand what it was like to sit in our customer's seats with very detailed projects and not enough time to finish.   My apologies to any of my customers if I've done this to you ... wahoooooo ... we're beat!

Seriously, it was another incredible day.  We learned so, so, so much. 

As promised, here's a sneak preview of what's coming in the Holiday Mini catalog September 1.  We are not permitted to share any photos of the products themselves before September 1, but I can show you some finished projects.  See if you can figure out what's coming ...  think ... Bigz for the Advent calendar!

Okay, now you know that I did not make any of these items.  They were all on display at our convention and all projects made by and copyright by Stampin' Up!   Enjoy ...

One more day of convention and then traveling all day on Sunday.   I can't wait to share as much as I can with you when I get back.

Holiday Mini Catalog Revealed Today

Oh my gosh ... I'm not even over the shock and joy of the new 2011-2012 big catalog; and today they gave us the Holiday Mini Catalog and previewed on stage many of the stamp sets, accessories, new punches and bigz dies are in the catalog.  Please come back Saturday.  I will be posting a few photos of some of the items they've made with the new products.  There is one Bigz Die that will blow you away.  Look for samples on the Advent Calendar I will be posting (didn't have time to get over and take photos).  It will give you a hint of what's in store.  The papers are beautiful, the accessories are awesome, and the Bigz Dies (two are to die for). 

For today I am going to share just a few of the cards from the Easy Events stamp set.  (Sorry, I don't have a catalog handy to share the page number).  This was just one of the many free sets I received for coming to convention this year.  I LOVE IT!!  You will be seeing a lot more from this along with a special offer for this set.  I will post the special in a few days.  

Wahooo ... I won a Stamp!

Yes, each year at convention they give out different colored wrist bands.  During an event, if they flash your colored wrist band, you win a stamp set.   I've never won one ... tonight as the event was going on (along with numerous side events), they flashed my colored wrist band.  I was off in another area learning new techniques and I didn't see it.  Fortunately for me, a girl came by me and said they just flashed my wrist band.  I went running ... and I got the large sunflower background stamp (sorry, I don't know the name) and a roll of so saffron taffeta ribbon ... wahoooooo  ... first time I ever won anything here!

Okay, enough bragging ... on with some of the swaps I got today ... Enjoy.

New Hostess Benefits

We are so happy here at Stampin' Up! that the Hostess Benefits have been revised beginning with the release of the new 2011-2012 Catalog July 1st.   This is a major benefit to my Diva clubs as now you are not restricted to only a Level 1 hostess gift.  And, depending on what hostess gift(s) you choose, you could get up to 3 sets!  AND ... IF YOU HOST A PARTY and your total sales exceed $400, you can get any item in the catalog for half price.  If the total is over $500, you can get two HALF PRICE items, etc.  (see chart below)  That means you could get the BIG SHOT for $50!

 
A SPECIAL TO MY DIVAS!

If you sign up now (at your July Diva Club meeting) for my next Diva Session (Sept - Dec, 2011), not only will each Diva be hostess for one of the FOUR (not Six) months and receive $20 in hostess bucks, but for all of those who sign up at July Diva, I will put all those names in a hat. I will draw 2 names for AUG, SEPT, OCT, NOV & DEC. Those lucky Divas will be able to use the 50% off one item discount. (Your normal $25 product order is still required to make this work). So think now about signing up for this shortened 4-month Diva Club. Again, all Divas will still get to be hostess for one of the four months plus 10 of you will be able to get something for 50% off! IN ADDITION TO THIS ... anyone who puts in a $150 order from Aug - December will not only get $25 in hostess bucks (even if it's not your month), but you will also be able to get something for 50% off.

If you will not be attending July Diva but know you want to sign up for the next session, simply email me and I will put your name in the drawing for a 50% off item. Think about all those Bigz Dies and more expensive stamp sets that you could get for 50% off!!!

On another note, I'm still having some difficulty receiving emails from this blog. If there is ever a time (like now) that you want to be certain I receive your email, please send me an email from your email account, not from this site. Thanks.

Made it to Salt Lake City ...

... and the swaps started on the plane.  It's a blast.   I'm tired, but wanted to share a few of the swaps with you so you can enjoy my convention, too.

These were mostly from strangers so I can't give them credit. 

Tomorrow, we're off to see the Stampin' Up! facility in Riverton and then back to the convention to get our bag of goodies!!!!!