Christmas card ideas with Christmas Classics and Merry Melody

 

It’s October, which means Christmas cardmaking has begun in earnest. A local Women’s Institute group were the first to get a full-on Christmas card class, and we made two cards using the Christmas Classics stamp set from the Stampin’ Up!® September-December Mini Catalogue, and Merry Melody 3D Embossing Folder, from the current Stampin Up!® annual catalogue. 

Signing up as a Stampin’ Up!® demonstrator during Sale-a-Bration

Centre Stage and team notebooks with Tin Tile and copper

Over the weekend it was the BIG event of the Stampin’ Up!® year... OnStage! We hold these twice a year, exclusively for demonstrators, but this was the BIG one because it’s the 30th anniversary of Stampin’ Up!®

I was there, with a group of team members, and I have some more news about the event below. 

But first I would like to share with you the gifts I made for my team... a monogrammed notebook with on-trend copper accents.

I used the Tin Tile embossing folder (because I love it), which I swiped with copper shimmer paint for a verdigris look. They are finished off with a copper monogram, some leaves from Rooted in Nature, a flower from Best Birds, some Rich Razzleberry velvet trim, copper thread and a wooden heart, sponged in copper shimmer paint. Oh yes, I used circle dies and the Artisan Textures stamp set, too.

Yes, they are product heavy – but there’s no need to hold back when creating for fellow demonstrators!

This one is a little different, as I have a man in my team, so I created a more masculine look for his notebook. I also used both initials as the “I” on its own looked a little lost.

The main event was held on Saturday, but on Friday evening there is an even more exclusive event, for demonstrators who reach certain sales and recruiting levels. This is called Centre Stage and they really treat us well at these events. We had an incredible four-course meal, some sneak peeks about the coming announcements and some great gifts. Take a look...

If you’d like to find out how you can enjoy exclusive demonstrator events, I’d love to talk to you about joining my growing team. The best thing about being a demonstrator is being able to do it YOUR way... whether that means holding classes and events, or running an online business, or simply stamping with friends. There's room for all of us!

Please click here if you’d like to arrange a no-obligation chat or, if you already know you’re ready to take the plunge, you can join my friendly team here.

Lots of Lavender... but no lavender

Continuing the purple theme, these are some cute thank you cards I made for last month’s club ladies. Do you recognise the stamp sets?

I’ve used Lots of Lavender (but where's the lavender - this is clearly a rose!) and some words from Painted Harvest, which is still available for the two people who don’t already have it.

I stamped a big batch of these cards using the Stamparatus, which I am privileged to own already as I was part of a consultation team to develop the product. For those who have pre-ordered, you should be hearing from Stampin’ Up!® soon. For those who didn’t manage to pre-order, you don’t have too long to wait... the Stamparatus will be officially launched in the new Annual Catalogue in June.

If you want sneak peeks and chances to order early, you can’t do wrong by signing up as a demonstrator. It’s as low-key or high-octane as you wish it to be. You can build a business and earn an income... or not. It’s up to you!

And now is, of course, the BEST time to join, as it’s Sale-a-Bration! TWO extra stamp sets in your kit are not to be sniffed at. Please ask me for more details or click the image below to get started...

OnStage 2017 - a global gathering of Stampin’ Up!® demonstrators

My haul of goodies from OnStage2017 - there were SU pens, too!

It should be Mix It Up Monday today but you know what? I’ve decided not to let that rule my life any more, and not worry too much if I don’t manage to create a project with all 50 colours from my In Color charts. 

I thought today you’d be far more interested in my OnStage2017 experience. This is where demonstrators around the world gather to share ideas, business tips and, most exciting of all, see new products from the upcoming Spring/Summer catalogue and Sale-a-Bration brochure! Yes, of course we received both publications and a good haul of products from them, too! Plus, we get to order from them early, as a special On Stage treat!

My name label for the day featured my achievements from the past year. The numbered badge was for Prize Patrol!

More than 450 demonstrators attended the UK event, at the National Conference Centre in Solihull, and thousands more attended events worldwide, including the main OnStage Live event in Salt Lake City in the home of Stampin’ Up!® in Utah, USA.

It was a chance to recognise the top achievers and I was honoured to be invited to walk the stage for my promotion to Gold earlier this year. This was more daunting than I expected as I didn’t realise there would only be TWO of us walking the stage for this achievement! The video MIGHT be on Facebook.

Not quite one Big Shot each, but three stations like this around the room

It’s also a great opportunity to catch up with demonstrator friends from around the country – people we didn’t know until Stampin’ Up!® came into our lives – making the event like a hug reunion.  

In addition, there were demonstrations, product spotlights, display boards, gifts and, of course, Make & Takes. Here are the Big Shots, lined up and ready for action. Oh, what a shame you can’t see the fabulous dies we used... 

10th anniversary cupcakes - one for everyone!

And because Stampin’ Up!® will soon be celebrating 10 years in Europe, there were extra treats, too... and more celebrations to come in the year ahead.

It's our 10th anniversary year in Europe

Demonstrators are given titles based on sales and recruiting and everyone awarded Silver Elite and above is invited to a special evening celebration the night before On Stage. This is called Centre Stage and was attended by around 50 demonstrators, including me and my downline Tracey. We were treated to a three-course meal, plus special gifts and we had the chance to share business ideas with other leaders. Plus - and this cannot be under-estimated as a perk - we received our catalogues early! And another valuable perk is that we get to register early so can skip the HUGE queues for check-in on Saturday morning!

A three-course meal and special gifts at Centre Stage

I can’t share any spoilers yet but trust me, there is LOADS to love in the two new catalogues. Whether you like floral, fun, funky or innovative, you’ll find something you’ll need. Yes, I said “need”.

My team at the end of a tiring day! They'll kill me. But then they don't read my blog so serves them right...

Sign up as a Stampin' Up!® demonstrator and get an early Christmas present

Wow, there is an AMAZING sign-up offer for July. You can join for the usual fantastic bargain price of just £99, but on top of your Starter Kit – which includes up to £130 of craft supplies of your choice – you will also receive additional gifts worth £65!

These are:

An Essentials Gift Pack, which features: 

• D Block (2) ~ 118485
• Grid Paper ~ 130148
• Paper Snips ~ 103579
• SNAIL Adhesive ~ 104332
• Bone Folder ~ 102300

PLUS the brand new Carols of Christmas stamp set

What’s more, there is a set of dies which co-ordinates with this set, too, which you can choose as part of your Starter Kit if you wish. 

I’d love to welcome you to my team so please contact me for a no-obligation chat or, if you’re ready to join, please click here to get started!

Two special offers - discounts and free paper

We have two fabulous new offers starting today, so read on…

Stamp, Stock & Save

This is a fabulous new – but very short – promotion which allows you to stock up on some stamping essentials at a discount. 

To celebrate World Cardmaking Day, which is this Saturday, from today until 6th October, you can purchase selected ink, paper, envelopes and adhesive at 15% off… and selected stamps at 20% off!

Here’s what’s included in the deal:

15% off items

• All classic Stampin’ Pads - £4.21 (RRP £4.95)
• All A4 cardstock collections - £5.31 (RRP £6.25)
• Whisper White A4 cardstock - £6.38 (RRP £7.50)
• C6 envelopes in Whisper White or Very Vanilla - £4.89 (RRP £5.75)
• Medium Crumb Cake envelopes - £4.89 (RRP £5.75)
• Medium Clear envelopes - £3.83 (RRP £4.50)
• Fast Fuse Adhesive - £7.61 (RRP £8.95)
• Fast Fuse refill - £5.74 (RRP £6.75)

20% off stamp sets

• *Big News (p68)  in wood (£31.96) or clear-mount (£23.16)
• Playful Pennants (p92) in wood (£15.96) or clear-mount (£11.96)
• Choose Happiness (p118) in wood (£17.56) or clear-mount (£12.76)
• *Petite Pairs (p134) in wood (£20.76) or clear-mount (£16.76)
• *So Very Happy (p55) in wood (£17.56) or clear-mount (£12.76) 

*Also available in French and German

You can order any of these items from my online store and have them shipped to any UK address, so why not start shopping?

Pick a Pack of Paper

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be a demonstrator, or have been one in the past and are thinking of returning, now is an excellent opportunity… especially if you like Designer Series Paper (and who doesn’t?).

During October, we have a fantastic sign-up offer which gives you a free pack of £9.95 paper every month for six months! Every month for your first six months as a demonstrator, you will be prompted to choose a free pack of paper when you place a demonstrator order. I’m happy to give you more details if you get in touch, or you can take the plunge straight away by joining my friendly team here. 

Looking forward to welcoming you on board!

Become a demonstrator for just £50

There’s only one week left to take up the fantastic offer of joining the Stampin’ Up!® family for just £50. Yes, just £50!

For this amazing price you will get a reduced Starter Kit featuring your choice of £55 of craft supplies, as well as your business supplies kit including, among other things, catalogues, order forms and party invitations. 

Who is this for?

• This offer is ideal for those who want to get started in the business, and already have a lot of Stampin’ Up!® supplies. 
• It’s also great for those who want to start a business but can’t run to the usual £99 Starter Kit right now. You can get started with your new supplies and begin earning commissions on your sales right away!
• It’s fantastic for those who can’t decide whether to take the plunge or not. It’s a minimal outlay and you get to keep your supplies even if you discover that being a demonstrator isn’t for you.
• And it’s perfect for those who have been demonstrators in the past but want to return to the fold!

During this promotion, the standard £99 Starter Kit is also available – you will be prompted to choose when you begin the sign-up process. The standard kit includes a business supplies pack as well as your choice of £130 of craft supplies. 

All new recruits get great benefits such as two free months of Demonstrator Business Web Services, an additional 10% on their first £150 order placed within the first 45 days and the chance to qualify for great incentives such as Stampin’ Start and Rising Star. 

In addition, by signing up with me, you’ll be part of a friendly, active team, who meet regularly for team meetings and form firm friendship groups, taking part in other activities, crafting and otherwise. For instance, I recently completed the Pink Ribbonwalk with three members of my team – without Stampin’ Up!® I wouldn’t ever have had the opportunity to meet these great ladies! 

All you have to do to find out more, or take the plunge, is click here and then click JOIN NOW. You’ll be given the choice of the £50 Starter Kit or the £99 Starter Kit. But don’t delay – the offer ends on 30th June! 

I look forward to welcoming you into my team. 

Epic Day This and That Book

What’s this? A This and That book? How long have I had it? Hmm... a year? When did I finally decorate it? Two days ago! No point in rushing into things...

I have been sitting stroking this beauty for months, wondering what to put in it. Truth be known, I didn’t really want to “spoil” it with my horrible handwriting. But I decided enough was enough and it has now become the idea book for our house extension, planning permission for which was finally granted yesterday. If the whole plan comes to pass (we are currently waiting for quotes), it will result in a beautiful new craft room... but that’s a LONG way off yet, so I’m trying (failing) not to get too excited.

Oops, forgot to add the stickers to my product table – no time to fix now, got to go to work! And, as you can see, I used random Washi Tape, because the original rolls have been used up!

Bit distracted at the moment because we demonstrators are gearing up for our pre-order period and our first proper look at the new catalogue. If you’d like to share this excitement, and start your own craft business, why not take up our fantastic bargain sign-up offer that is running now until the end of June?  You can sign up for just £50 and get a reduced Starter Kit. The usual £99 deal is running alongside this, so you have more choice than ever! Please email me for details.

Stampin᾿ Up! Supplies

Table built by craftingbecky.com

This And That Epic Day Journal	Hexagon Punch	Gumball Green A4 Card Stock	Retro Fresh This And That Designer Washi Tape	Gingham Garden Designer Washi Tape

Celebrate Sale-a-Bration with a flip card

Do you have this DSP stack yet? If not, why not? It’s really cute and so useful… I just wish I could remember where I’d put mine! With this paper stack and these Label Card Thinlits, you’ll have really impressive cards in no time. All you have to do is click the links at the bottom of this post - I’m so happy that this is working as it makes me look like I know what I’m doing! Really, it’s all down to a website called These Are My Stamps, which helps me create these fab links so you can head straight to my online store and do your shopping. 

You don’t need to be a demonstrator or even a blogger to make use of this site. Anyone can upload projects to the gallery. But perhaps the most useful feature of all is the inventory - you can keep track of your supplies so you need never order the same thing twice (come on, we’ve all done it!) and create a wishlist. 

Remember you only have a few days left to earn free products with Sale-a-Bration. You have until Monday evening (let’s call it 9pm to be on the safe side) to do any of the following:

Place an order of £45 to earn any of the FREE SAB items in the brochure. Click here to see more 

Host a party and get an extra £25 in hostess benefits if your party reaches £250*. These can any of our products, including the exclusive hostess products at the back of the catalogue.

Get extra craft supplies in your Starter Kit when you start your own craft business for just £99. Click here to get started!

Obviously it’s too late to book a party, but you can still be a hostess by gathering orders and placing them yourself through my online store or by sending me an email. Don’t forget to choose your freebies! See here for how much you’ll get. 

Stamp

• Petal Parade Clear-Mount Stamp Set [133602]
• Remembering Your Birthday Clear-mount Stamp Set [131350]

Ink

• Crumb Cake Classic Stampin' Pad [126975]
• Pool Party Classic Stampin' Pad [126982]
• Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad [126949]

Card Stock

• Crumb Cake A4 Card Stock [121685]
• Fresh Prints Designer Series Paper Stack [132996]
• Whisper White A4 Card Stock [106549]

Big Shot

• Label Card Thinlits Die [133479]

133602	131350	126975	126982
126949	121685	132996	106549
133479

Just Sayin' with wooden elements

Have you ordered these little Wooden Elements yet? You might want to consider adding them to your order as they’re very cute and fun. You get hearts, arrows, chevrons, speech bubbles, triangles, circles, banners and starbursts, four of each. I love them as they are so have just used them plain so far but you could ink them, cover them in paper, stamp on them… go wild!

And I’m still in love with the Just Sayin’ bundle, which I’ve used here with Retro Fresh washi tape (LOVE washi tape!). 

I earned all of these new items FREE as part of a demonstrator rewards programme which runs at various points in the year. Stampin’ Up!® is a very generous company and is always keen to keep its demonstrators happy! If you’d like to be a happy demonstrator, running a business – big or small – doing something you love, please get in touch to find out more about the fabulous Sale-a-Bration offer which runs until the end of March. It costs just £99 to join this fabulous company, and you’ll get everything you need to get started in your business, including £150 of craft products and a business pack... not to mention that you will be part of a team of lovely, supportive people!

Stamps: Just Sayin’
Cardstock: Coastal Cabana, Baked Brown Sugar, Very Vanilla
Ink: Tangerine Tango
Accessories: Word Bubbles Framelits, Wooden Elements, Retro Fresh Washi Tape