Sale-a-bration gives reason for everyone to celebrate!

Sale-A-Bration starts tomorrow Feb. 01, 2009 until March 31, 2009

Customers : Receive a free Sale-A-Bration product for every $60 purchase.

Hostesses: Receive a free Sale-A-Bration product with a $350 or more workshop, in addition to the normal hostess benefits.

Recruits: Choose any retail stamp set (a value up to $56.95) from the current catalogue when signing up during the promotion.
Plus, get 15% off the regular $249 price of the Starter Kit--that's $410 worth of products for only $209

And if that wasn't enough you can receive a Free Idea Book when you order online through me at http://www.stampinup.com/. All you have to do is place an order from February 1-April 30, 2009. Place an online order during the promotional period
There is no minimum order amount required, so anyone can take advantage of this offer.

Simple Birthday

I saw a similar version of this Birthday card on Becky Roberts blog and thought it was so sweet. My daughter has a birthday party to go to tomorrow so we made the card and gift box in Haleys' favourite colours Pacific Point Blue and Kiwi Kiss Green. I had stamped the image "Simple Birthday Thanks" on the heavy cardboard from designer paper packages and cut it out. I also paper pieced it using the Kiwi Kiss and Pacific Point card stock. The bottom of the cupcake was run through the paper krimper to give the look of a paper cup liner. I used the heat and stick powder for the very first time and I have to say I love it. It makes the cosmic glitter stay on so nicely.

We are giving Haley gift cards from Claire's and the movie theater becasue every13 year old has their own personal style and then they can pick a night and go to a show with a friend afterall this is a lot more fun than texting, right!? The gifter cards will fit perfectly inside this oragami box which I got off of Spiltcoast Stampers.

I hope you like it. Thanks for dropping by and have a great weekend.

My version of the "UStamp Winter 09 SAB" project.

I am so excited that "UStamp Winter 09 SAB" started on Saturday and the first project inspired me to make this. If you have not seen or heard of UStamp click on over to here. It is not too late to start becasue it is pdf and video style so you can work at your own pace. There are chats, prizes, international dream team demonstrators and the best project planners. What are you waiting for...click on over to check it out.

So anyway, back to my project - It is a gift box with a necklace. I am giving it to my daughter wo also loves to read so I made her a matching bookmark.

I wanted to use up some of my retired paper so I have used Berry Bliss Designer Paper and coordinating cardstock but you get the idea.

The original project was not a necklace or bookmark but if you want to know you will have to check out UStamp for yourself. (I know this is not very nice of me is it)

Have a great day and thanks for checking in on me.

Making room for new stock...

My husband works in Human Resources and when he is giving a training presentation in brings in specialist and likes to send then a Thank You card for their contribution in employee development. He asked me back in November to make up some Thank You cards and I kept putting it off (all for good reason as it was after all the Christmas season). Today I got ambitious and made a stack of them. The layout was cased from Dawn

I took the opportunity to use of retired stock for these cards as I figured if I use up the old DP I could justify ordering new stock...makes sense to me!

It is a good thing I only made two of the cards on the left becasue he thought the sentiment was too personal and preferred the general "Thank You" for his cards.

Recipe:

Stamps: Stem Silhouettes, Cheery Chat

Paper: Purely Pomegranate, Wild Wasabi, Whisper White, Darling Doodles DP

Ink: Purely Pomegranate, Wild Wasabi, Groovy Guava, Black

Embellishments: dimensionals, double stitched grosgrain ribbon in same colours as card stock, circle punches, slot punch

Favours Anyone?

These little pillow boxes have been showing up on different blogs and it was not until my friend and fellow stamper Barb and I got together last Thursday evening and played with the new "Love You Much Bundle" and the Pillow Box Die.

I really really like this die. These make fabuloue party favours. Change the designer paper from fun to formal and you have every occassion covered.

Now, I learned something but it was not until I actually assembled the little pouch. I should have used the three heart punch on the section that has the concurve sides as opposed to the concave edges. The reason being that when it is assembled you would not see the ends sticking out. I suppose I could have added a piece of adhesive but I like the idea of easy access to the chocolate...you know in case of an emergency (hee hee).

Anyway, I hope you like it, they are fun.

Cards For A Cure

What does Animal Crackers and Cole have in common?
It is a lenghty story but well worth the read.
You can make a difference.

I have the priviledge to participate in a fabulous cause - Cards For A Cure and YOU can too.

The proceeds from this fundraising event will go to Pediatric Cancer Research.

I am a member of the "Simply Stars" team head by our energetic, ambitious, extremely talented, and compassionate Heather Summers.

I could not say this any better than Heather so I am lifting it completely from her blog.

A Very Special Boy and a Very Special Fundraiser
"(This is a bit of a mushy post) Stampin' Up! has done so many wonderful things for me and my family over the past five years. It is an absolutely amazing company to work with, that carries beautiful product but more importantly has such caring people associated with it. I wrote to Stampin' Up! explaining that I am going to be hosting a fundrasier for Pediatric Cancer and would they be willing to support my venture with a small donation. Well, to my surpise I received a box today with hundreds of dollars of product to raffle off at our next event! How amazing is that???

Part of why I love Stampin' Up! is because it enables me to work with a group of friends in my team to raise money for so many wonderful causes. This one is particularly close to my heart.
About three years ago, I heard about an amazing little boy named Cole Petrie. He was a JK student at a local school and had been diagnosed with Stage IV Neuroblastoma in September of 2005 (4 days before he was to start school!) He was presented with a nerf football sized tumour near his right adrenal gland that had metastasized to his bone marrow being 98% packed with cancer. Cole has endured many tests, procedures and treatments in the over two years since as well as being hospitalized 170 nights in the first 1-½ years due to treatments, complications and infections. He has also been in the outpatient clinic for appointments, bloodwork, tests and transfusions about 120 times so far.

Currently, Cole is at home and they are blessed with Cole’s good health while cautiously optimistic about his future. Unfortunately, a very high number of Stage IV Neuroblastoma patients relapse within 1-2 years and at this point in time that is considered having virtually no cure. Cole continues to be the sweetest, most loving boy yet with a spunky determined nature and a beautiful smile that can light up a room."

With the help of my downline (Simply Stars), friends and family my next fundraiser event will be for Pediatric Cancer. I would like to make a difference not only for Cole, but also all the boys and girls that teach us about strength, reality and perspective.

If you would like to learn more about Cole, please visit his site HERE.

Here are the details for the fundraiser:

Cards for a Cure
We hope you can join us for an evening of fun and stamping! All proceeds will be donated to Pediatric Cancer. Cole and his family will help with dispersing the funds to areas of need.

Friday, Feb. 27 6:00 – 9:00 pm
At King’s University College
Cost: $40
Included in the cost are 7 Projects AND a stamp set!!!
PLUS cookies and coffee and LOTS of door prizes!

Format – come when it’s convenient for you! Find your seat and stay there to make 7 projects using the brand new stamp set Animal Crackers! Enjoy beverages and snacks at your leisure. If you can’t join us on February 27th, you are welcome to purchase a kit for $40 which will include all the instructions to make the projects, the necessary supplies and the stamp set!

There will be LOTS of door prizes!!!!
We will be raffling off some great stamping prizes as well. Tickets are 1 ticket/$1 OR 7 tickets/$5 OR 15 tickets/$10 dollars.

There will also be a 50/50 draw…..50% to donation and 50% to the lucky winner in their choice of Stampin’ Up! product!
Please bring with you your own scissors and adhesive, if possible. This is a great event to learn how to stamp, so if this is your first time, come on out, have some fun and learn something new!
The stamp set we will be using is "Aniaml Crackers" and you will get to take home...SO CUTE!

I am so excited about this fundraiser. I am a Life Donor with Canadian Blood Services and have given blood 55 times and still counting. I would like to challenge you to give a child HOPE by supporting this fabulous cause in three ways:

1) plan on joining me along with Simply Stars to attend the Cards for a Cure Fundraiser and if you cannot attend, kits are available to purchase (Canadians Only).

2) make an appointment with your local blood donor clinic and give blood - the gift of life

3) I am on the Bone Marrow Registery and I challenge you to do the same. To learn more about becoming a bone marrow donor click here.

Thank You so much for your support, we look forward to a fun and successful event! Plese contact me if you have any questions or are interested in attending (space is limited)

Dale Livingston
dale.livingston@sympatico.ca

Up for a Challenge

The top card was inspired by a layout I saw on Nancy Riley's blog

Recipe:

Stamps: Perfect Princess, Polka Dot BG
Paper: Whisper White, Pretty in Pink
Ink: Versa Mark, Pretty in Pink marker
Embellishments: Silver embossing Powder, pink dew drops, crystal effects, embossing folder, dimensionals

Recipe:

Stamp: Perfect Princess

Paper: Pink Pirouette, Whisper White, Bella Rose DP

Ink: Versa Mark

Embellishments: Pink Grosgrain ribbon, embossing folder, white embossing powder, crystal ice gemstone brad, dimensionals

I have to say I was flattered when a friend of mine asked me to design an invitation for a special group of young ladies who attend the Upper Deck here in Tillsonburg.

The Upper Deck/YFC (Youth For Christ) is a drop in centre for youth where they can feel safe, accepted, and most of know the love of Jesus Christ.

The invitation had to be soft, feminine and special. I say "special" becasue the girls receiving these invitaitons are special although they did not think so in the beginning.

The girls complete a 10-12 week coarse where they learn to love and respect themselves. They build self confidence, self esteem and values. Upon completion of this program each young lady will be invited to a special celebration and it is a big deal. I am not sure of the all the details but I was excited about this challenge and could not wait to get to work on it.

The top card was my first sample but wished I had used ribbon to soften the look so that is how I came about the bottom sample.

I know the "comment" section of my blog is not working but I would like to know what you think so feel free to email me at dale.livingston@sympatico.ca

Have a great day and remember to make someone feel special today.

Crazy for Cupcakes

I thought I would take a try at Kristina Werners' colour challenge #38. I have never tried a sketch/colour challenge before but when I saw the colours I thought why not. The colours spoke "happy" and "little girls" so I chose the Crazy for Cupcakes stamp set from Stampin' Up!

As I mentioned earlier in the New Year I was going to pull the theme through to the inside of the card so here it is.

Recipe:

Stamps: Crazy for Cupcakes

Paper: Ruby Red, Pretty in Pink, Pumpkin Pie, Sweet Always DP

Ink: Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie Stampin' Write Marker

Embellishments: Brads, dimensionals, slot punch, small and large oval punch

This is one of the cards we will make for the Birthday Card Class coming up on Feb. 5/09 at 7pm

Mini Bulletin Borad

The first time I saw this on Heather's blog I had to CASE (copy and share everything) it to coordinate with my daughter's bedroom.
This is so cute and just what every girl wants for her room. It has a mini cork board with little flowers push pins and a secret note compartment.
I am offering this as a kids class on:
When: Saturday, Feb. 21, 2009
Time: 9:00am to 11:00am
Cost: $20.00 incluedes the Little Flowers Stamp set.

Not a Traditional Valentine's Card

This is a sneak peak of the Valentine's Accordion Fold Card. I will be back later today with the finished project.

Well I have totally switched coarse on the project for youth group at our church tonight. I had planned on doing a variety of cards for Valentine's Day and Birthdays but have decided to do one big project instead...the Valentine Accordion Card.

My biggest dilema was choosing the designer paper as girls will be making this to give to their parents, someone special, grand parents or even to husbands (for the leaders who are married). I don't mind red on a card for men but pink; I don't think so!!

One of the designer series paper on the Inventory Blowout is Darling Doodles so I chose this as there is purely pomegranate, wasabi green, groovy guava and blue. I figured the pomegranate would be a good comprimise for the pink/red in a traditional card.

Accordion Fold Card Class:

When: Friday, January 23

Time: 7:00pm until 9:00pm

Cost: $25

Please note that a current designer series paper would be used and you could also substitue the "Happy Valentine's" sentiment for "Happy Birthday".

Please e-mail me privately at dale.livingston@sympatico.ca if you are interested in attending this class. If you are unable to attend, I have kits available (cost plus shipping).

Berry Bliss and Valentine's

I was thinking about Youth group this coming Friday and what we would stamp. Since Valentine's Day is not far off we will be making a Valentine's card for them to give to their parents along with birthday cards. These girls are a great group of enthusiasm and willingness and love to stamp. Since I donate my time and resources to the Youth at our church I thought I would use the Berry Bliss DP from the previous catalogue. I love it and can't believe I didn't use it all yet. The cards stock, designer paper and ink are all from Stampin' Up! however the stamp is from Michael's $1.50 bin. I thought this card was pretty and I am sure the youth will be happy with it as well.

Retirement Accessory List

Stampin' Up! has just released the retirement list of accessories which you can see below.
This list will be updated on my blog as items are sold out .
Act quickly since the Retired accessories are very limited. These items are available while supplies last or until January 18, 2009 which ever comes first.

The Inventory Blowout (up to 50% savings) starts Today - January 18, 2009 click here.

111377 ACCENTS & ELEMENTS ROOF GARDEN
112012 ACCENTS & ELEMENTS SEASON TO SHARE
112088 ACCENTS & ELEMENTS TRUE ELEGANCE
102782 ALBUM LEATHER BLACK 12X12 Not Available
104188 ALBUM LEATHER BLACK 6X6
105384 ALBUM LINEN POST MELLOW MOSS 6X6 Not Available
104516 ALBUM LINEN POST NAVY 6X6
105381 ALBUM LINEN POST REAL RED 6X6 Not Available
103977 BUTTONS BOLD BRIGHTS
103978 BUTTONS EARTH ELEMENTS
103981 BUTTONS EARTH ELEMENTS & NEUTRALS
105446 BUTTONS RICH REGALS
105445 BUTTONS SOFT SUBTLES
103604 DAYS-TO-REMEMBER CALENDAR 12X12
102174 DAYS-TO-REMEMBER CALENDAR 8 1/2X11
112465 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER BANBURY Not Available
112462 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER GEORGIA PEACH
112463 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER GHOSTLY GREETINGS
112040 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER GREEN TEA
112470 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER HAIKU
112460 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER HAWAII PAPAYA
112469 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER HOLIDAY TREASURES
112458 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER JUNIOR VARSITY
112459 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER MAINE BLUEBERRY
112466 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER MUIRFIELD
112149 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PARISIAN SUMMER
112467 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PRESTWICK Not Available
111355 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER SUMMER PICNIC
112039 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER WINDSOR KNOT
106523 ENVELOPE TEMPLATE FIVE-IN-ONE CARD COVER
104104 ENVELOPE TEMPLATE MINI Not Available
107298 ENVELOPES CONFETTI WHITE MEDIUM
110695 ENVELOPES OPEN END KRAFT SMALL
109115 ENVELOPES OPEN END VERY VANILLA SMALL
103372 METAL EDGE TAGS ALUMINUM WHITE SQUARE
107925 ON BOARD BITTY BOOK
109190 ON BOARD CLIPBOARD 9X9
109180 ON BOARD SIMON UPPER
112086 ON BOARD SOMETHING SEASONAL
107923 PAGE PROTECTORS RING 3.25 X 3.25 Not Available
104942 PUNCH 1/4 INCH CIRCLE Not Available
104943 PUNCH 1/4 INCH SQUARE
107273 PUNCH 3/4 INCH SQUARE
104389 PUNCH DOUBLE CIRCLE
100391 PUNCH HANDHELD 1/8 INCH CIRCLE Not Available
104830 RIBBON GINGHAM CARAMEL
104829 RIBBON GINGHAM LIGHT BLUE
104828 RIBBON GINGHAM LIGHT PINK
104831 RIBBON GINGHAM MOSS
109037 RIBBON GROSGRAIN MORE MUSTARD 1/4 INCH
110282 RUB ON ANCHORED
111806 RUB ON CHILLS & THRILLS
111805 RUB ON SCHOOL DAYS
111417 RUB ON WORD FLURRIES
110283 RUB ONS TAKE NOTE
112193 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN I WISH
112186 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN PINA COLADA
112068 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN SUMMER HOME Not Available
112043 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN U R SWEET
112061 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN WINTER RETREAT Not Available
112016 SIMPLY SENT CARD ELEMENTS HANDMADE HOLIDAY
109868 SIMPLY SENT CARD KIT LIFELONG NOTES
103647 STAMPIN STORE MINI
105813 WRITE ME A MEMORY FONT CD VOL II
107212 MATEYS MAP
106749 BRIGHT BULBS
109672 BRONCO Wheel Not available
104100 MAKING TRACKS
108978 SANDY SHELLS Not Available
110332 SNOW
101233 SNOWFLAKE
109694 SWEET STARS
111249 TAKE A NUMBER