'Fall' In Love With Stampin' Up! Open House

Last weekend, I held an Open House in Champaign, Illinois, where we have a huge, wonderful family. I wanted them to see what it is that I actually do, since I talk non-stop about Stampin' Up. It was a lot of hard work, but luckily for me, I had the help of four 'elves'. My brother-in-law, Jimmy, his wife, Beverly, my daughter, Megan, and my husband, Steve. I couldn't have done it without them. They made it fun for me, and I think the family members that dropped by enjoyed themselves too. I heard more than once, "I thought Stampin' Up! was just cards!"

The cards are a very big part, BUT, Stampin' Up! is so much MORE than cards!

We had so much room to move around, visit and talk 'stampin'!

The tables received lots of oohs and aahs, but that paper cake was a big hit!

Halloween and Thanksgiving cuteness.

Simply Adorned jewelry samples.

Loving the Christmas colors.

' Thank You for Coming' goody bags.

They loved the Make-n-Takes and Big Shot demonstration!

Three of my four 'elves'.

Left is my daughter, Megan, (aka Sweet Pea), my brother-in-law, Jimmy, (with that beard, wouldn't he make a great Santa?), and Steve, my husband, (probably checking football scores on his cell phone). Beav, my sister-in-law, is arranging the displays on the tables. She is AWESOME!

Thank you four so very much. I appreciate your help and love you for it.

By the way, what are you doing next spring...I want to do it again!!!!!!!!!!!!! = ^ )

Mini Christmas Album

I love it when you can make cuteness from an unexpected source.

(I'll get to that in a minute.)

An example, is this mini Christmas album.

I saw this project on the Demonstrator's website, and had such fun decorating each page.

There are four 'sleeves' with tags that pull out ready to hold special pictures, sentiments, journaling, maybe a holiday recipe. Or, as my brilliant friend, Jayne Singleton, suggested, how about placing different gift cards in each sleeve?

Like I said, brilliant!
The sleeves are held together with two binder rings that I've made pretty with lace and ribbons to match the Jolly Holiday Designer Papers.
Gotta have some bling, too!

One of my all-time favorite stamp sets, sadly retired.
That little snowman always makes me smile.

Snowflake punch.

Have you guessed what each sleeve is made from?

Wait for it...........

.....Paper towel rolls, or toilet paper rolls!

I know, not very glamorous, but oh so cute.

Wouldn't you like to have access to such a creative source like the Stampin' Connection?

It's just for Stampin' Up! demonstrators, and you can become one for 50% off, only $87.50!

Now, through November 30, you can start your stamping business or kick up your hobby by becoming a demonstrator. Contact me right away, and let's get you started on making your life a little happier!

NOW Is The Time to Become a Demonstrator!

Let's get you started today!

It's not going to get any better than this!

Christmas Card Stamp-a-thon 2010

One of my favorite events of the year is my annual Christmas Card Workshop. I start looking for ideas, literally, the summer before. I change my mind over the course of the next few months, several times, until I have it chiseled down to five or six favorites.

Traditionally, I tend toward the more whimsical type of Christmas card. This year, with the deep new colors and nostalgic designer papers, my choices were more vintage. I am so happy with how they turned out this year. I think my stamping friends liked them as well. We had a great, chilly day stamping, snacking, listening to Christmas music and enjoying the company of each other.

I saw a version of this beautiful card on my sister, Penny's blog http://www.penguinstamper.blogspot.com/, last year, and filed it away, knowing I would have to make it too. She always has the prettiest cards, and I use her as a resource constantly.

The base card stock is Bashful Blue, with Whisper White Craft ink on the flourish stamp from Baroque Motif stamp set. On top we placed a die-cut Top Note, stamped with the Simple Snowflake, again in Whisper White Craft, heat embossed in white. With a very light touch, we daubed at the snowflake with Bashful Blue ink to soften it and placed a rhinestone in the center. The sentiment is from the set called Heard From the Heart.

Thanks, Penguin!

The base card is Real Red. The Shimmery White card stock is embossed using the Texturz Plate called Flourish, from the Big Shot. The swirls of the embossed background along with the shimmer of the card stock seem made for each other. The tiny sentiment is from the set called Short & Sweet. Just the right touch here. Then, just like a pretty package, the Real Red Satin Ribbon ties it up with a bow.

This is such a rich looking card, but so very simple. The base card is Very Vanilla, as is the Satin Ribbon and the Victoria Lace. The designer paper is from Deck the Halls and adds that rich Always Artichoke color. The sentiment is from Teeny Tiny Wishes, stamped in Cherry Cobbler.

I thought I had my cards all ready to go and then I came upon Heather Klump's blog, http://hlkdownstairsdesigns.blogspot.com/, and quite literally scrapped one of my choices for this one. Hers has a cute button in the middle of the punched snowflake, but since my event was in THREE days,and I had no buttons, I pulled out the pearls, because I wanted to do this card so badly. I think she is one of the most creative demonstrators I have ever met! And I feel it was an honor to steal from her! = ^ ) Thanks, Heather for inspiring me everyday!

This is a one-layer, Clean and Simple card. Sometimes less is MORE! We masked the Crumb Cake ink in the center using sponges and then with Always Artichoke and Cherry Cobbler markers, colored the holly stamp from the hostess set called Peace on Earth. With Cherry Cobbler ink, we placed the sentiment just below.

Thanks to all who came. You always make it fun for me.

And the food!

OMG!

(Did you know that you can put chocolate chips in pumpkin cookies? Fantastic!)

Thanksgiving Place Cards or Picture Holder

I just love this!

You could use it as place card holders on your Thanksgiving table!

Or, how about placing a picture in the little paper clip?

I found this little gem on our demonstrator sharing website and ran for my punches.

Recipe:

Extra-Large Scallop Circle Punch #118874, Two-Step Bird Punch (for the leaves) #117191, Decorative Label Punch #120907, Peach Parfait Card Stock (In Color) #119794, Old Olive Card Stock #100702, Crumb Cake Card Stock #120953, Pumpkin Pie Ink Pad #105216, Soft Suede Ink Pad #115657, Stamping Sponges #101610, Elegant Thank You Stamp #114484, Sticky Strip #104294

Additional: Small Paper Clip and a Penny! (placed inside at the bottom adds weight to prevent it from tipping over.)

Be careful while making these....they are addicting!

Kristine's Workshop Samples

Kristine and her family and friends got together for a holiday workshop. Judging by the laughter, I think they had fun!

This card was quick to make, but so pretty.

A tiny pearl placed on the ornament is such a pretty touch.

Don't forget to stamp something pretty inside too!
I think this one was a favorite.
We tore a strip of Whisper White card stock to make it look like a snow drift.
Then highlighted that torn edge with Dazzling Diamonds.

It sparkles, just like snow!

All the cards were placed in a cellophane bag and tied up with a bow.
When you add a pretty tag, it's a nice little gift for someone special this holiday season.
If you would like to get your friends together for some holiday stamping fun, let me know! Workshops are FREE!

Fall/Thanksgiving Stamp Camp Samples

In Missouri, we are blessed to have beautiful fall colors outside the window this time of year. I get that feeling from this card. The front panel is actually punched as a window. The leaves are from the stamp set called Day of Gratitude.
From the same stamp set, Day of Gratitude, this card has partnered Tangerine Tango and River Rock to make a vivid statement.
Wouldn't the guests at your Thanksgiving table feel honored to have this sitting at their plates?
Something for them to take home to make up for the lumpy mashed potatoes?
If you are lucky enough to get an invitation to a Thanksgiving meal, what a nice card this would be as a thank you for the lumpy mashed potatoes? French Foliage is the stamp set used.
Even though the holidays are coming up, we can't forget the birthdays this time of year!
Cute By the Inch stamp set makes this a perfect card for either man or woman. The base is Sahara Sand. Isn't that ribbon luscious?

These little Pendant Note cards come ready for you to embellish and include an envelope. You just push the perforated design out and add your pretty designer paper to fit any occasion.

When is a Ghost Really an Owl?

These little ghosts are made from the awesome Owl Punch, #118074 ! You just turn him upside down, snip off the feet and there's your ghost! The pumpkins are made with three circle punches each.

Aren't they cute?

HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!

Spooky Pieces of Heart Stampers

These ladies show why they are good at what they do.

And, they are having fun while they do it!

Why not become a part of our group?

Become a demonstrator with Stampin' Up and join the fun!

Speaking of hats...this one is a BOX!

Made by Judy Sumner, it is just too cute.

I love the way she used our Curly Label punch to make it look like it is a buckle.

Clever, so clever.

This cutie was made by Patty Schnell.

LOVE that little punched bat!

The Wicked Fun Designer Paper says it all.

SPOOKY!

Uhmm, Excuse Me Ma'am. You've Got Something On Your Hat!

Underneath that scary green cone is a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup!

Maybe I should have said, "Excuse me ma'am. You've got something IN your hat!"

That Bitty Bat (#119279 Punch) is just hanging around, waiting for something interesting to happen. He doesn't know there's chocolate nearby!

The black 1/2" Lace Trim (#120988) is from the Holiday Mini Catalog. So soft. The Designer Paper is called Wicked Fun (#117400).

I think that little witches' hat IS wicked fun!

All Purpose Pretty-ness

Ever need a quick card for an occasion that sneaks up on you? That tends to be my typical day! So, when I saw this beautifully simple card made by my good friend, Jayne Singleton, (http://stampnpunch.com), I jumped on it with both feet, (in other words, I stole it!). She used the pretty designer paper, Greenhouse Gala, #117167. The colors in that packet are so warm and fresh. She stamped her sentiment, punched it out with the Modern Label Punch, #119849, then placed it in the bottom right corner.

This could be used for a birthday card, get well, sympathy, or any number of occasions. I am leaving mine blank until that occasion sneaks up on me.

When it does, I am ready!

Flowers with a 'Punch'!

My new favorite color is Cherry Cobbler (# 119685). It's such a deep, rich red. I used it as the base card underneath the Perfect Polka Dots (#117335) embossed Whisper White (# 100730). The stamp set is Pocket Silhouettes (#111672). I have used that little set for masculine cards, sympathy cards, and birthday cards. It should be in your 'go-to' stash of stamps! The little flowers were punched with the Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack (#118309). In the center of each, is a tiny little pearl from our Basic Pearls Pack, (#119247). It's all tied up pretty with the Certainly Celery 5 /8" Satin Ribbon (#117288).

Cute By The Inch-Silly Name-Elegant Card

Sometimes, Basic Black and Whisper White is all you need. The little design in the center is made using the Hostess, Level Two, Cute By The Inch stamp set, #116992. A tiny little pearl, #119247, is sitting in the center of that. What you probably can't see is that the black piece, wrapped with 1/8" Taffeta ribbon, #119262, has been embossed with a delicate pattern from one of the Texturz Plates series-Backgrounds #1, #114512.

All those elements come together to make a very quiet and elegant card.

Ribbon Lamp Shade

You can purchase these pretty ribbons from my online store 24/7 at

www.pamdurso.stampinup.net

along with all kinds of embellishments!

Stampin' Up! is so much more than just stamps and ink.

They have all kinds of fun embellishments.

For instance, RIBBON!

This is an inexpensive, mini lampshade from which I removed the actual shade to expose the metal frame. Then taking approximately 20" of our ribbon, I anchored it at the top and tied it off at the bottom, leaving a little 'fringe' of color. I used the Whisper White #114616 and Pretty in Pink #117289 Satin 5/8" ribbon. Early Espresso 5/8" grosgrain, #119753, and Certainly Celery 1/4" grosgrain, #109031. But any number of combinations would be pretty.

What a cute idea for a new baby's room.

Or favorite team colors for that hard-to-buy-for guy!

Re-purposing Calendars

Here is a clever way to use extra calendars.

Turn them into birthday cards!

Brilliant!

Wish I had come across this idea earlier.

In the meantime, I'll make good use of the last few current months I have laying around.

Friends Never Fade

You can order any of these products from my online store

www.pamdurso.stampinup.net

24/7!

What an elegant card.

It uses the stamp set, Friends Never Fade, #118750. It is done here with my new favorite red, Cherry Cobbler card stock # 119685, and marker #119681. Accented with Basic Black card stock #121045, and ink pad #101179. The base card stock is Naturals Ivory #101849. The beautiful ribbon is the 1 1/4" striped grosgrain #115615. The Scallop Edge Border Punch #119882, and Square Lattice Embossing Folder #119976, were also used.

Hodgepodge Hardware Meets the Simply Adorned Baubles!

If you would like to order any of these Stampin' Up! products, you can do so at my online store anytime at http://www.pamdurso.stampinup.net/. Simply click Shop Now under the Products icon.

This little bag tag or key chain is fashioned from the Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware #111325. I took two of the rectangle pieces, placed my stamped image inside the opening, and secured it with Crystal Effects #101055 and Glue Dots #103683. A Pink Crystal Simply Adorned Bauble #121013, hangs from the bottom. I found the jump rings and lobster clasp at my local craft store.
This one is made much the same way only with the Styled Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware #112454 and a Vanilla Pearl Bauble #121014.

I am in love with this little button bracelet. The sound it makes while wearing it is so soft and musical. I was inspired by Connie Collins' version on the demonstrator website. It uses the Simply Adorned Bracelet #117342. I used the Brights Designer Buttons #119747, but you could use the Subtles #119745, Regals #119744, or Neutrals #119743, to match the season. (I also added the Bitty Buttons #118761.) A Simply Adorned Crystal Bauble thrown in there would be so cute too. There are 72 buttons in each Designer Button package, enough to make four bracelets! What a cute, economical little gift!

Look What Penny Made Me!

As a member of my sister's Stampin' Up! demonstrator group, The T.O.P.I.C.S., (Touching Others with Paper, Ink, Creativity, and Stamps), I was able to attend our annual weekend retreat in Texas. We had a blast! (If you would like to go next year, talk to me about becoming a demonstrator and you can go too!) As a little perk for attending, Penny made each of us one of these cute, cute monogram necklaces, made out of bottle caps! I put the little black 'Bauble' on the bottom. Isn't it cute? I love it. Thanks, Penny, and thanks for a wonderful weekend of stamping my little heart out!

The BIG SHOT Club

I am starting a fun new club with great benefits!

Take a look at this:

Starting in November and after a four month period (in February), you will receive the BIG SHOT Die-Cutting Machine; the Extended Cutting Pads; the Decorative Strip Spacer Platform; the Extended Premium Crease Pad, the Standard Premium Crease Pad; the Decorative Strip Cutting pads; the Standard Texturz Impressions Pad; the Standard Texturz Silicone Rubber Pad; eight die-cut pieces from selected dies (two per month) for you to inspect!

PLUS

A Level 1 Hostess Set

PLUS

$15 in FREE merchandise

PLUS

Three Sale-A-Bration items!

After four months of $49.25, you will receive all of the above! What a great way to acquire all you need to get started making beautiful projects with your new

BIG SHOT!

Contact me today to get your name on the Club list.

pamdurso@sbcglobal.net