The Stamp Sell-er

I am LIVE ...

2012-02-01T00:00:00.006-05:00

....At my new Address! Click on the MemoryINKers LINK just above this post. It will take you to my new Blog Site where I will be posting daily!

Hurry, the post on February 1, 2012 is my VERY FIRST VIDEO! Believe me you don't want to miss that one! I want you to be able to tease me about whenever we meet! LOL It was so fun to make this first 'practice' video and I know I am going to enjoy posting 'REAL' videos for you too!

Thanks for Following me to my new home!

Keep Stampin'

Karie Beglau

Where'd I go?

2012-01-24T18:37:00.001-05:00

Hello! I am working to update my blog and I am moving it to a new location. Click the link below.

MemoryINKers Blog

I will have the new blog up and running by February, 2012.

My Goal is to post much more frequently and consistently. I am excited to work with some new formats as well. I hope you'll follow me over to the new blog site!

Hugs, Karie Beglau.

Convention, 2011

2011-07-19T17:25:00.000-04:00

Wanna See How Much FUN I had last weekend in Salt Lake City?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJDAMx5K3Lk&feature=youtu.be

This is just a tip of the iceberg! Watch for more samples coming very soon!!

Until I unpack

2011-07-18T00:01:00.001-04:00

Hostess Invites

This will post the day after I get back from Convention and I know I will not have uploaded my photos and projects so....

I thought I would schedule this post to share with you the card I sent out last month to invite my Hostesses to the Luncheon I shared with you last week. You will see 3 samples of the same card showing how each was slightly different because I used the die-cut pages from the Specialty DSP - Flirtatious! I LOVE LOVE LOVE this DSP. You have got to get some for yourself!

Keep watching I will be posting Convention pics very soon!!

Convention Scrapbook Swaps

2011-07-16T00:01:00.001-04:00

SCRAPBOOKING

One of the fun things about getting together with a bunch of demonstrators ..one of MANY fun things .. is that someone always starts 'invitation only' swaps. I am blessed to be invited to join many of them, but this time I choose to just pick two. They are both for trading scrapbooking ideas. I hope you like the ones I made.

The page on the left is closer to the correct colors. The base is River Rock, the photo mats are Rich Razzleberry, and the ink is Old Olive. Stamp sets used are Inspired By Nature, Just Believe, and Build-a-Blossom. Plus the matching Blossom Petal Builder punch, Clear Embossing Powder, Pearls, Ribbon, & Buttons too!

This sample many of you may have. It was my Mega Meet Special that went with our Free Make & Take last May. The photos are a bit off color, but the base is Whisper White, with River Rock, Early Espresso, and Cherry Cobbler. The stamp sets used are Elements Of Style & Word Play.

I am excited to know that when this posts I will BE AT CONVENTION in Salt Lake City!! I am sure I am busy learning fun new ideas from Stampin' Up! and all the demonstrators who are so willing to share with me. Of course I will share with them too!

Keep watching my blog for samples when I get home!

HAPPY STAMPIN'!!

Convention Swaps

2011-07-14T00:18:00.000-04:00

MY CONVENTION SWAP

CARD FRONTS

Whenever I attend a Stampin' Up! event the most fun thing is Swappin'! Demonstrators make one or two designs (sometimes more) and make a LOT of each one. But...we just make the front of the card to save a little money because all we really want to do is share ideas! Then we trade our ideas for other demonstrators ideas. Demonstrators love to share ideas so much that we even do it on a smaller scale at our team meetings each month!

The first time I saw thousands of demonstrators in heavy swap mode I thought to myself, "This must be what it is like to be in the pit at the New York Stock Exchange!" Everyone holding up a card saying "Swapping? Are you Swapping?" It's So Much FUN!!!

Here's what I am swapping with other demonstrators for their ideas...

The above card front is what I have the most of...about 95 I think.

The above 4 colors of one design I only have about 35 total.

All that paper folding started to hurt my fingers!

If you like this paper folding idea and want to know how to do recreate it, be sure to join the Hostess Club before July 18th. We will be making them in August!

I will post directions in the future, but not until my special club members have a chance to learn it in person.

July 6-7, 2011

2011-07-12T01:01:00.001-04:00

HOSTESS CLUB PROJECTS

Here's the projects we made at this month's Hostess Club Gathering. We were a week early this month because I will be attending convention next week.

Can you see that I used the new Houndstooth Embossing Folder? LOVE IT!! I am also really enjoying this new Fabulous Florets sets....it's part of so much of my stamped stuff that I made for the year!

Here's the second card we made, and the matching envelope! This uses the Nature Walk stamp set & Nautical Expressions DSP

Here's the same card as above only using The Open Sea stamp set. We made this one at Stamp Of The Month Club a few months ago.

I will have a few posts ready for you while I am at the Stampin' Up! Convention and when I get back I am sure I will have a ton of samples to share!

Until Next Time.....
Hugs, Karie B.

Pick a Date

2011-07-11T11:00:00.000-04:00

Something FUN for

Workshop Guests!

I created this ring binder using the Top Note Die and the Big Shot Machine. I also used some Chipboard that I covered first with Beyond The Garden - Designer Series Paper on both sides before I cut it out (Tip...I love using our Anywhere Glue Stick for this!). The lettering is cut from Rich Razzleberry card stock and I used the Timeless Type Junior Alphabet med. Sizzlet Die. After I adhered the letters to the front I outlined them using the uni-ball* Signo Gel Pen to help it stand out a little bit better.

What's Inside....

Inside I created four different base pages (one style shown) with My Digital Studio and the matching Beyond The Garden DSP that I had downloaded. Then I added the script and a space to fill in a date. I will pick a few dates each month that I especially would like to hold a Workshop. If a guest picks that date page from the ring then at her qualifying Workshop she will receive extra gifts! I shared this 'game' with guests this month and it's a big hit!

You could create a similar project yourself to use as fun coupons when your kids finish their chores, or date night ideas with your sweetheart. I know you will come up with even more ideas yourself!

The cool thing about this project is that I used the same Designer Series Paper both as product and as My Digital Studio when I created the monthly pages for my new Date Book!!! I will show it to you when I see you at the next class, or Workshop....maybe you will pick a date too!

Stamp Of The Month in July

2011-07-09T11:00:00.001-04:00

Travel Log Stamp Set

Summer Mini Catalog

I tried to make a few items that did not really look like a Travel theme...the card sample above was stamped with different words from the Fabulous Phrases stamp set, and the flower is from Thoughts & Prayers. However, I suggested that they club girls leave the Itinerary blank and fill it in with words that work for the recipient. Some did, others choose other words.

This card has additional stamps from the Beary Best Friends stamp set. Set this card can aside and when it's someone birthday just circle the month & date to personalize it!

The Designer Series paper used in this card, and the one below, is Nautical Expressions.

Yes, this card does use a little retired ribbon, but the club knew I didn't have the new Scallop Dot Ribbon in when I first created my sample...they are so understanding! It also used the Scallop Square Punch!

Next month we will be using the new Delicate Doilies stamp set for some really fun new card projects!

Until Next time....

June 25, 2011

2011-07-08T11:00:00.002-04:00

Hostess Luncheon Fun!

Tracy & Tammy

Everyone loved the chance to look at the New Idea Book & Catalog and do a little shopping in my retired product area before lunch.

Amanda & her mom, Carol....and a few of the other guests checking out what's new!

Moe gets some shopping done!

Cheryl & Sandi

Then it was time for Lunch....which I somehow forgot to take any pictures of! We had BBQ Chicken Wings, Potato Salad, Corn-on-the-Cob, Fresh Veggies, and Brownies! Yummy!!!

Project Time! After Lunch it was time to begin working on our projects!

What did we make? See yesterday's Post for the photo of the project and other goodies received by the guests!

Until Next Time...Hugs, Karie B.

Catching Up...again

2011-07-06T23:23:00.000-04:00

Preparing for my annual Hostess Lunch!

Held on June 25th

Getting ready by boxing up the gifts! This year I numbered them after the boxes where closed so even I didn't know what was in the box! I think I will do this again next year!! It was fun to see what was in each box as they were opened.

The little note clip, shown below, was the "You Pick" gift. I try to have something the Hostesses can choose the color and style themselves as they arrive at the luncheon. Everyone seemed to liked them!

They also got to choose their style of retired papers to create their class projects. Most were this style but there were several others to choose from. This is what the package looked liked. They had no idea what it would become.

Here is the project completed.
On the outside it looks like a large card, or book....but inside......

...it's a mini scrapbook! Plus all the guests received full color directions to take home so they could make them again and again!

Here is the room all Ready and waiting for my Very Special Hostesses!!

At each place setting there was a grid paper, a mini catalog, the NEW Idea Book & Catalog, some Smarties candy, a brochure, and a package of Chip Board shapes to take home and use on their other projects!

See more photos of the fun tomorrow!

Getting Ready...

2011-06-16T19:27:00.000-04:00

...for a New Year with Stampin' Up!

Here's what I have been working for my Workshop Guests....

I know, it looks like a mess on my desk, right? Well...it is...was. But it was so much fun! I sorted through all of the retired accessories that I have been holding onto for years. Brads, Eyelets, Buttons, RubOns, felt flowers, Silk Flowers, Ribbon, etc etc etc.... Then I sorted them into empty containers and added some simple decorations to each little container. Then I put them in a box like this.....

You can see only a small portion of what I worked on because the box is pretty full, and I had already put some into this large clear plastic 'bottle' to take to my workshops. That looks likes this....

So now I need to decide what I will give them away for; bringing a guest, a game, a drawing, booking a new workshop? Hmmmmm......Maybe I will have to switch it up. After all I have a few other treat options up my sleeve. I hope to see YOU at a Workshop Very Soon!

Hugs, Karie B.

SCRAPBOOK PAGES OF THE MONTH

2011-05-04T05:38:00.001-04:00

Since I am at the Scrapbook Expo, Great Lakes Mega Meet, it seems like a good time to share some of the scrapbook layouts that have been a part of my

Scrapbook Pages Of The Month Club

The club kits are FREE with a $25 Stampin' Up! product offer. You just pick up your kits at the T.A.C.O. crops, generally on the 1st Saturday of the month, when you pick up your product order. You can stay and crop for free as a club member too!

The You & Me layout had two pocket inserts.....

I hope you can join us at the T.A.C.O crop and be a part of the club too!!

April 28 - May 1, 2011

2011-05-03T00:12:00.000-04:00

The International Women's Show

Held at the Suburban Collection Showplace

Novi, Michigan

Thought I would share my photos from last weeks big vendor show.

Here's about half of the 'stuff' we take to set up our booth.

By this time we had already started the floor tiles and were waiting for Michael to bring the grid walls.

Here's the finished look from all angles.

Here is a picture just before the doors opened, of me & Jennifer.

Later we had a visit from Miss United States 2010

Jennifer helped her fix her gown.

Then she tried her hand at Stampin'

I wasn't about to get my photo with her ....she is so thin!

So I got Michael to pose with her so I could her whole gown...it had feathers!!

Isn't it great that my sweetheart comes to these events to help with the Make & Takes? He is so supportive!

Here's the book mark we had for everyone to make while attending this fun event.

We will have a 6" x 6" scrapbook page that uses the same colors & stamps for the FREE Make & Take at the Great Lakes Mega Meet this week (same location). Stop by and see me, Michael, & my son, Adam!

Remember to print out your Loyalty Coupons I sent out via email!!

Stamp Of The Month in April

2011-04-28T23:59:00.000-04:00

These were all created with the Build A Blossom stamp set & matching Punch! I sent this last card to Stampin' Up! recently to say THANK YOU for all they do for us Demonstrators. It's such a GREAT COMPANY to work for! Wanna Join me? Contact me for more details, or check it our on my website at http://kariebeglau.stampinup.net

Just a little catch up fun...

2011-04-28T00:01:00.000-04:00

To help tide you over if I can't post during the next weeks of shows....

This was done with the Button Button stamp set, matching embosslet, and DSP from the Summer Mini! This one one of the Make & Takes at my Workshops in February!

I don't know if you can see it, but this card front has been double embossed! It's a fun look. We made this card as part of the Stamp Of The Month in February!

Hope you like these!

Stampin' Up!'s Managers Reception

2011-04-27T21:00:00.001-04:00

Managers Reception at Leadership in January, Nashville!

The bad, Brother Trouble, tossed out special VERY limited edition T-shirts. Only a very few got one and I got the very last one!

Unless you count......

....the ones that Sue & Trevis talked the singers into giving them right off there backs when the party ended. LOL

Leadership was AMAZING and I am looking forward to Convention in Salt Lake City this July

WHERE IN THE WORLD IS KARIE BEGLAU?

2011-04-27T20:24:00.000-04:00

I know you've missed me, I've missed you too! I could come up with some wild story, but the truth is that I dropped my laptop a few months ago and after it was fixed I was so busy recovering a ton of business files, and holding a LOT of Sale-a-bration workshops that...well...I just got out of the habit. I know, that's not a nice thing to say...but it's true and I promise to better for you!

However, the next Two Weeks are so busy with....

THE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S SHOW

At the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi

(formerly Rock Financial)

Through Sunday...booth 706 if attend

Then Next Week, starting on Thursday I will be at the

Great Lakes Mega Meet

Same location - Through Saturday 5/7

Expect to be pretty tired between and after these shows, but I will do my best to prep more for you!

I am going to drop some ideas for you tonight!

Thanks for wondering about me! You Are All So GREAT!

Stamp Sell-er Fun

2011-04-26T12:02:00.000-04:00

Classmates enjoy creating cards and a fun 'shoe' project at the February Stack Attack Class!

We even had Snacks This Time! Hope you can join us for the next class on May 19th! Email me for details!

Stack Attack Class

2011-01-22T14:26:00.000-05:00

Time to Stamp!

I am backing to holding regular MONTHLY stampin' classes. These classes will be held on a Thursday and will have two time slots to pick from, 11 AM or 6:30 PM. You will find them on my website calendar at www.kariebeglau.stampinup.net under the calendar of events. I will post a sneak peak here on my blog of at least one projects for the upcoming class each month.

Here's a sneak peak at a few ideas for the next class held on:

Thursday, February 17th.

Cost just $15!

This Shoe is so popular that I have been asked to teach it again. Come to the class to pick your own color, and your own Designer Series Paper for the inside (first come first pick). YES! I am teaching the fun flower embellishment too! It's great for Wedding Showers, Mother's Day, Birthdays of ALL ages, or just for a fun table decoration!

There will also be cards (with envelopes) to create. Here's just another sneak peek card for February 17th.

The Class will include 4 cards

+ the Shoe (with pattern to keep)

Payment must be received by February 1st.

I accept Checks, Cash, Paypal, & Credit Cards (Visa, Mastercard & Discover).

Hope to see you there!

Gotta Try It All Class

2011-01-18T00:00:00.000-05:00

For the Love of it all!

I will be teaching this class on Friday, January 28th at 7 PM. You will make:

A gift box

8"x8" 2-page scrapbook spread

Candy Bar Pouch

Mini Scrapbook

4" Card pouch with cards!

Plus a lot of left over pieces to make more projects!

Cost: $25

includes all accessories, just bring your adhesive, snips, & paper trimmer!

(let me know you need me to order any of these items before class).

Contact me today to sign up! MemoryINKers@att.net

Occasions Mini Samples

2011-01-07T12:16:00.000-05:00

COPY AND STAMP EVERYTHING!

The following cards are copied from, or inspired by, samples in the new Occasions Mini Catalog. I hope you enjoy them!

This card was inspired by the cover of the mini and uses the new Framed Tulips textured impressions embossing folder, new Blossom Petal punch, and new Fun Flowers Bigz L die!

This card is for that someone special. Believe it or not, I was inspired by the card on page 5...honest! I know, it looks nothing like it, but it is where I started. The Love sentiment was stamped then punched twice with the curly label XL punch to produce this fun shape. I repeated that for the Real Red mat behind it.

Check out pages 20-21 for this one. Pretty much an exact copy although mine may not as perfect as the one in the mini....it's close enough for me. Punches: Build a Cupcake, Scallop Edge, Word Window, and Wide Oval (but I think a smaller oval might work better...the Large Oval I think). Plus that fun new Pompom Trim! See all three of the fun colors on page 35.

I will be in Nashville, TN, next week (1/11 - 1/15) for the Stampin' Up! Leadership Conference! I know I will be coming back with some amazing and fun ideas to share with you. I will return calls & emails when I return. Until then ... Hugs, Karie

Tags Class

2010-12-12T23:59:00.001-05:00

GIFT TAG TIME

On Saturday, December 11, I had a class for just making Gift Tags! It was a quick $5 class and each participant made one of each of these 7 tags. I hope you like them!

Happy Gift Giving Everyone!

Stamp Of The Month

2010-12-04T14:16:00.001-05:00

FRIENDS NEVER FADE

This month the Stamp Of The Month Club ladies really enjoyed that the kits included SIX (6) different card ideas and instruction sheets! Here's just a few of the ones they completed at today's class.

Next month we will be using one of the NEW Stamp Sets from the Occasions Mini Catalog. Join us for a Special Thursday Morning Club on January 20th at 11 AM. You won't want to miss this one!

Can't make it on that date? Remember that Stamp Of The Month also has a 'Stamps-in-the-mail' option! Contact me for more information.

November Projects

2010-11-28T23:59:00.000-05:00

Here's what you missed at my November Stampin' Up! Workshops!

I hope you enjoyed these card ideas. Sorry you missed getting the directions! Don't miss out on learning next months techniques! See you at the next Workshop....maybe it will be yours!

I am excited about the NEW YEAR and the NEW Occasions Mini Catalog. Call me to Book your workshop today!

Happy Thanksgiving Day!

2010-11-25T00:01:00.001-05:00

I know you've seen this card before, but I wanted to share it again to celebrate today!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!

Scrapbooking

2010-11-22T19:58:00.000-05:00

6" x 6" Scrapbook Pages

I thought I would share a few of the pages I had available as a FREE MAKE & TAKE at a crop where I was a vendor on the 20th of this month.

This one is the genearic version and although everyone loved it,

because of the upcoming Holiday Season,

it was not the popular choice!

This one below was by far the HOT choice!

Can you see the Dazzling Diamonds on the Ornament? It really makes it special.
The Colors are Old Olive, Marina Mist, & Whisper White card stock. Both use Early Espresso ink.

Hope you enjoy these ideas!

Hostesses Gifts

2010-11-14T00:01:00.000-05:00

Gifts for my November Hostesses

This month I all of my hostesses are receiving this 'gift' card filled with gift tags made from the Tags 'til Christmas stamp set.

Outside above / Inside below

And the contents

This stamp set is part of a Stampin' Up! Special Promotion that runs through December 16th. You can get the 'Tags 'til Christmas' stamp set and either the Decorative Label Punch (both found in the Holiday Mini) or the Ornament punch (in the Idea Book & Catalog) for just $31.92 (clear mount ) or $38.32 (wood mount). More great deals like this can be found on at www.kariebeglau.stampinup.com under products.

Have a Great Day!

Team Gathering

2010-11-10T23:59:00.002-05:00

What do Demonstrator's do when they get together?

We play, of course!

Here are some of the fun cards that we 'Swapped' at the

MemoryINKers Group Gathering last night!

Sue

Barb

Lani

Kathy (a guest & future demonstrator)

Check back here on Monday to see what I taught my team at this meeting!

It's what I am giving to all of my November Hostesses!
See You Here On Monday!

I'd love to have you join us at an upcoming

MemoryINKers Gathering.

We get together every month!

Contact me for dates and details.

House Hunting?

2010-11-08T14:17:00.000-05:00

I know I recently shared the house I created from the Stampin' Up! Decor Elements -
Design-a-house in the Holiday Mini Catalog. I can't believe how talented some demonstrators are! Here are a few that my upline had at a meeting I attended last month. I totally forgot to post them for you! I don't know who created them, but the are so great that I had to share!

The first one they turned into a church....how creative is that? WOW!!!

This next photo shows an adorable Holiday vignette that is so cute! Image creating your own Christmas village that can reflect YOUR HOME, and YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD! I love it!

It's not too late start working on your own Holiday Decorations using the Decor Elements Design-a-House. It's item # 120911 and they are just $5.95 each! They not only make a great decoration, but imagine putting cookies on tray and covering them with a house.....nice for an open house, nicer to take to a neighbor. You could even decorate the house to match their house! I am so excited! I have go and order more of them for myself!

If you want me to order one, two, three, or more for you....call or email me ASAP. Remember you can also order on line right from my Stampin' Up! Website. www.kariebeglau.stampinup.net

Stamp Of The Month Club

2010-11-06T13:00:00.001-04:00

Vintage Christmas Card Bundle

This month the club all agreed that they wanted to get in on this GREAT promotion from Stampin' Up! Today we created four fun cards with the Bells & Boughs stamp set, and the Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper from the bundle. Here's one of them!

We'd love to have you join us! Next month we are going to be using the stamp set,

FRIENDS NEVER FADE

on page 99 of the current Idea Book & Catalog.

Contact me today to get started in this fun Club.

(Mail order option is available!)

Make & Takes

2010-11-03T23:55:00.000-04:00

Here are the Make & Takes that you missed if you

did not attend one of my October Stampin' Up! Workshops!

Don't miss this months fun ideas.

Join a workshop, or host your own today!

Technique Thursday

2010-10-31T23:55:00.002-04:00

Ever wonder what we do at

a Technique Thursdays?

This month we used Stampin' Up!'s Re-Inkers to create some fun techniques.

Graffiti

Faux Marble

Dazzling Snowflakes

Next month Technique Thursday falls on Thanksgiving, so we are calling it...

Technique Faux-Thursday

On FRIDAY November 12th at 6:30.

I hope you join us!

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-30T00:02:00.002-04:00

BOO!

Here's a Fun Card to Celebrate the "Official"

Trick or Treat

Candy Gathering Day!

Yep, it's another Stamp Of The Month Club project from October!

Are you in the club yet? Call or Email me for Details!

I hope, since this year Halloween falls on the Lord's Day,
the only Spirit you feel is the sweet whispers of the Holy Spirit.

Hugs, Karie B.

No Naked Envelopes!

2010-10-22T17:00:00.000-04:00

Don't you just hate getting a

plain white envelope in the mail?

Me too! Plain white envelopes contain bills or solicitations to buy junk we don't need! So, I am on a mission to stop this practice by encouraging all of my Stampin' Friends to 'dress' their envelopes before allowing them out in public! Let's not scare the postal workers! Cover your naked envelopes! Those who receive them will thank you!

I hope you like this card. I copied it from another demonstrator and couldn't resist sending it out to my upcoming hostess along with a matching envelope, as a Thank You. I think they will enjoy sending them out to their friends (I didn't write on the inside, so they could...and added an extra stamped envelope too!)

The images were created with the French Foliage stamp set from the Holiday Mini Catalog. ...including those cool Perfect Plum water drops! I Love This Stamp Set!

What's Your Name?

2010-10-18T07:00:00.001-04:00

A.B.C. Class Project

(Anything But Cards)

November 17, 2010

11 AM or 6:30 PM

Earlier this month I attended a Demonstrator Training put on by my upline from PA (who came to us!). She challenged us to design an over-the-top name tag. So, here's mine!

It's just one of the fun Holiday ideas you will

make at this class for just $15!

It can easily be turned into a magnet, an ornament, or wall/widow decor!

RSVP's with Prepayment required...contact me Today to save your space!

Want to make one for yourself?

I have listed all the products you'll need below to make your own.

However, you can make it at the next ABC class for a lot less!!

I used these dies & Products to create it:

Sizzix Big Shot machine (Item #113439 $99.95)

XL Die- Snowflake #2 (Item #113460 $15.95)

Northern Frost - Decorative Strip Die (Item #120901 $21.95-Holiday Mini)

Mover's & Shapers (114506 $42.95 (just the insert below really)

Holiday Windows - magnetic movers & shapes (Item #116821 $29.95)

1 3/4" Circle Punch (Item #119850 $16.95)

Tags Til Christmas Stamp Set (Clear or wood...Holiday Mini Page 24)

Calendar Alphabet & Numbers Stamp Set (Item #111610 $20.95)

Night Of Navy Classic Ink (Item #102977 $5.95)

Velum Card Stock (Item #101839 $4.95)

Whisper White Card Stock (Item #100730 $8.59)

On Board Sheets Chipboard (Item #114320 $6.95)

Crystal Effects (Item #101055 $6.25)

Dazzling Diamonds (Item #102023 $4.50)

Pin Back

Soda Pop Can

Fishing line

Of course all of the items listed above will last a long time, and have many more uses (except maybe the pop can...it's pretty much useless after you make the snowflake). So, if you do want to make it yourself, just let me know what products you need and I will be happy to order them for you right away!

Here's To Sweet People!

2010-10-16T05:00:00.000-04:00

HAPPY SWEETEST DAY!

October 16, 2010

I am told this is more of a Michigan/East Coast Holiday created by that national card store, but Hey! What's wrong with Celebrating Sweet People?

I don't have a "Sweetest Day" Stamp, so this one is Valentine, but you could change the sentiment.

This was also part of the Stamp Of The Month Club for October...we have so much fun!

You should Join Us!

Stamp Of The Month

2010-10-14T14:14:00.000-04:00

OCTOBER 2010

Here's just one of the cards we made at the Stamp Of The Month Club this month!

I love that it doesn't worry about being perfect. The Paisley Party wheel we used in the background isn't straight, it overlaps here and there, and it fades in out....but that was the idea! You'll also notice I wheeled lightly over the Newsprint DSP in Chocolate Chip on the center band. Then it was sponged over with Marina Mist, Old Olive, & Chocolate Chip ink. Totally LOVE the effect it made. That was matted with Chocolate Chip card stock that was punched on the top side with the Scallop Trim Border. The leaves were simply stamped & cut out in the same colors and added with Stampin Dimensionals. The bow goes through the inside of the card through a slit in the fold. Fun, Fast, Fabulous! My favorite type of card!

Join The Club for next month!

Just $25 for the stamp set and at least 4 projects with full color directions so you can make it again and again!

(Clear-mount stamps - Wood-mount available at an additional charge)

Technique Thursday 10/28

2010-10-12T09:00:00.001-04:00

One of the fun techniques you will learn at my Technique Thursday class on October 28th at 6:30 PM. For just $15 you learn this, and a few other fun techniques. You'll take home a technique sheet with a sample square of each technique, as well as a finished project (like the card below) for each one as well!

I only have a few spaces left! Be sure to contact me right away if you'd like join in on the fun!

Happy Halloween CARD-iac-a-Fest Sample 2

2010-10-11T22:42:00.000-04:00

Here's another card you can make at the Repeat of the Card-iac-a-Fest event. You will make 10 card for $15 (Envelopes included!).

I wish I could remember who made this card, I love it and it's a great idea!Cute huh? Email, or call me, ASAP if you want to attend this repeat of my sold out class. The class will be held on Saturday, October 23rd at 10 AM. Hurry, this one is filling up too!

CARD-iac-a-Fest

2010-10-06T10:40:00.000-04:00

This Friday's class features Holiday cards. 10 Card for just $15! One Halloween, One Thanksgiving, and Eight Christmas/Seasons Greetings. Here's just one sample from the class..

The background color is NOT PINK...it's Confetti Cream (beige) This sample is a tweak from a card I received in last weekends swaps. The original card, made by Lacie Latimore, used different colors, no ribbon, no basic pearls.

This week's class is full, but if you are interested I am adding a second class on Saturday, October 23rd at 10 AM. Be sure to let me know ASAP.

Hugs, Karie B

Decor Stencils - Vintage Frames

2010-10-01T23:45:00.000-04:00

Remarkable Holiday Madness Blog Tour - Day 7

Today is the last day of the tour, wow this week went by fast! So many wonderful ideas have been shared by my fellow demonstrators and I want to publicly thank them for their wiliness to be involved with this tour and sharing their talents with you, my friends and customers.

I will be presenting to other demonstrator's this evening at a training event so, I thought I would end the tour by sharing with all of you what I will sharing with them.

When I first received my Vintage Frames stencil I was surprised at how big it is! The size printed in the Holiday Mini Catalog (page 22) is 8.25" x 8.25" However, that is just the size of ONE of the stencil images, the Ornate flourish shown in the bottom right corner. This thing is AMAZING and I totally loved playing with it. I hope you enjoy my samples today.

First is a card made with the stencils center image. I used VersaMark ink pad directly over the image to transfer the design. Then simply embossed with SU's Gold embossing powder (IB&C page 196) Added my greeting (Many Merry Messages IB&C page41) in black ink stamped on Whisper White card stock with the edges sponged in Real Red ink.

When My husband saw the card he thought it needed just a little something more so he added the Glimmer Brads from the Holiday Mini (page 36)...nice touch 'eh?

This next card I use just part of one image. I just put tape over the parts I didn't want to stencil and sponged on the Baja Breeze ink. You can see I used the marker/mat technique I told you about the other day on the sentiment too....also a small portion of the stencil to tie it in. I love a monochromatic card. This stencil can be used for so many occasions I know I will be using it for more than just the Holiday.

I really wanted to stencil on my walls, but since we still are in the process of preparing them for painting (yep, we even bought the paint last week!) that I thought my sweet hubby might not like it if I made more work for him. But I am pretty sure that I am going to use this stencil around pictures in my living room...I can't wait!

This last sample is so cool....I used joint compound (for you walls!) mixed with More Mustard & Pumpkin Pie re-inkers then just smeared it over the stencil and carefully scrapped off the excess. It's pretty easy but on the larger hole areas you do need to be sure not to scrape away too much of the design.

You may notice that the line on the right is longer than the stencil. I just waited for it to dry, then re-applied the stencil lining up the design and added in more little dots and flowers. Wasn't it nice that my mother's is wearing a Not Quite Navy blouse with a jacket that has More Than Mustard trim. SU has so many colors that it's easy to match almost any photo for you scrapbook layout!

Below the photo helps to show the dimension it created on the layout.

This weekend I am attending three different training events presented by my Stampin' Up! 'upline' who has come to Michigan from PA just for this purpose! I will have many of my Stampin' Up! 'downline' team with me and I can't wait to share all that we learn next week. Be sure to come back to my blog next week to see what awesome things Jan, and the other demonstrators, will have shared with us!

Until then....enjoy the last day of blog tour!

Day Of Gratitude

2010-09-30T23:45:00.000-04:00

Remarkable Holiday Madness Blog Tour - Day 6

This is not my original idea, and I apologize that I do not know who first came up with because I would like to give her/him all the credit the idea. I tweaked it a little bit, but basically it's a complete Stamp-lift (like shoplift, but nicer and not illegal). I wanted to add it because I think it's important to know that it's OK to copy other people's idea....I've often told you that I rarely have my own original creations. They all stem from something I've already seen, or a combination of ideas. You CAN be creative...just start Stamp-lifting!

It's super simple to recreate, which is why I chose it, but it has a very detailed look about it. Your friends will think you spent more time on it than you did. You will notice that I did the 'brush tip marker matting' technique on the punched out sentiment. I love to mat my projects and SU hasn't come up with mat punch (yet) for the new XL Decorative Label punch (Holiday Mini page 25). To help this show up I just run the brush end of the Stampin' Write Marker (IB&C) along the edge of the punched out shape. This helps it stand out even if you don't use Stampin' Dimensionals to lift it like I did here. The two pieces of card stock are from the Autumn Spice DSP again. The ribbon is over the seam where they meet and cinched up with Linen Thread that is wrapped around it and knotted before using it to 'sew' on the button (also from the Holiday Mini). The leaves are from the Sizzix die Leaves #2 (IB&C page 213) which I then used a sponge to highlight the edges, and then shaped them a bit with my fingers to give the dimension. They are also on with Stampin' Dimensionals.

Enjoy the rest of today's ideas. Hope you come back tomorrow for the last day of the tour.

A Bag Of Friendship

2010-09-29T23:45:00.000-04:00

Remarkable Holiday Madness Blog Tour - Day 5

Here's what you'll need for today's project. OK, yes email me for a full list. I just didn't want to type it all today. You will also not see as much detail in this post, there is just way too much in this fun little book. It may not seem like a "Holiday" related project but, since I think it makes a fun gift for someone during the holidays, I hope it's OK that I included it today. This idea as a Holiday book would be easy to personalize by someone's name, a family tradition, etc., after all you can make it as large or as small as you want...just keep adding decorated bags with more letter tags! (see below)

The book is made with the Mini Lunch Sacks & Autumn Spice DSP from the Holiday Mini catalog (page 12). The Define Your Life stamp set (IB&C Page 161) definitions with each letter worked great! It kept the look consistent and made it so EZ to tie in the letter to the adjoining page! I hope you like it!

Everything you see is made with Stampin' Up! products - the adhesives, ribbons, paper, card stock, diecut letters, definitions, punches, glossy, glittery, or fuzzy, finishes, etc etc etc...why would I use anything else? Stampin' Up! has all I need to create wonderful Holiday Gifts this year! (OK, the big rings are from an office supply store).

Here are a few photos to show the how the letters pull out of the bags, and a few finished pages too.

Now....who am I going to give this to?

See you tomorrow for more fun....enjoy the rest of today's ideas!

Design-a-House

2010-09-28T23:45:00.000-04:00

Remarkable Holiday Madness Blog Tour - Day 4

I knew immediately that I wanted to play with the new Decor Accents Design-a-House from the Holiday Mini Catalog (page 37). I can't believe it only costs $5.95!! What A Bargain!!!

I have seen many beautiful designs by other Stampin' Up! demonstrators - many gingerbread houses and haunted houses that would knock you out with their creativity. Well, because I do not want to even try to compete with theirs (Hey, I have feelings ya know LOL), I decided to make a replica of my house, sorta.

I used the Deck The Halls fabric from the Holiday Mini, like yesterday's nite lite sample, for the door, roof & chimney. The 'siding' is made from the 1/2" Seam Binding (Mini page 21). The window trim & other white trims are made from fun foam bought at a local craft show. The land is from a foam core poster board that I cut with my Hobby Blade (IB&C page 199) then used a mix of ink pads (Pear Pizazz, Certainly Celery, Old Olive, & Always Artichoke) I just rubbed the pads directly onto the board to make it look like grass....my real grass isn't all one beautiful color either. Pine cone trees from the tree outside my daughters apartment and the sidewalk is made a sheet of Deck The Halls Designer Series Paper (Mini page 18) - add in some 'moss' with my Always Artichoke Stampin' Write Marker (IB&C page 169).

Want to see the inside? Great, come on in- my alter ego is waiting on the sofa to greet you! Oh, and check out that cute little door knob.........it comes in kit! How Cool Is That?

Wall paper from Deck the Halls DSP, Drapery from the matching material, photo, and a chandelier too (made from the snowflake punch, and 2 Basic Pearl halves combine to make that center drop, and you can't see it, but the Basic Rhinestones are the bulbs, both from the Jewels (IB&C page 188). OK....there are too many products to keep typing them all out - but all of the furniture, including the 'glass' table are made with Stampin' Up! products, punches, and Big Shot dies. The 'homeowner' is from a retired set and the copy of the IB&C on the table...printed from my computer (reduced in size of course) Here's the rest of the house.....

One thing you may not know is that the Decor Accents Design-a-House also comes with patterns! This makes designing your house so EZ. I am only showing a small part of the patterns. You can't see all the pieces, and I want to point out that there are separate window patterns for the windows (and all windows) that you see in this photo. Stampin' Up! really thought this kit through! Love It!

Off to work on more projects . . . see you tomorrow! Until then, enjoy the rest of today's tour.

Light Up Your Day - with Fabric!

2010-09-27T23:45:00.001-04:00

Remarkable Holiday Madness Blog Tour - Day 3

When I first heard about the fabric that was added to our product line I was excited, and nervous. I am a crafter. I love stampin' but I also love sewing, quilting, needle work, you name it! I have dabbled in almost all things craft. However, how could I use this new product line in my business without dragging my sewing machine to a hostess party? Well....I often carry a quilting square given to me as a thank you gift from Stampin' Up! employees at the warehouse (I'm not the only one who got one). But today's tour shows one of my first fabric projects . . . and tomorrow you'll see my 'house' of fabric!

I started with this little night light I bought a long while back in the discount section of a local store. I had every intention of changing the cover but never could find the right look . . .

Well....when I saw the fun fabric from the Holiday Mini Catalog, Deck the Halls (page 16) I was sure I was going love the style (I love 'old world' stuff). So here's what I did with it.

I use the pink cowboy fabric as my pattern and the adhesive, my favorite heavy duty guy - Stick Strip (IB&C page 197). I put the tape on the edges of the fabric. The Crochet ribbon (Victoria - IB&C page 190) & 1/8" Taffeta (page 191) were added afterward with mini glue dots. It's been over a month and it's holding up without any problems! I love it and I think it goes with my plans for a French Country makeover in my bathroom!

What do you think?

I hope you will continue the tour and stop back here tomorrow to see what's next!

BINGO!

2010-09-26T23:45:00.001-04:00

RemARKable Holiday Madness Blog Tour - Day 2

I love this fun Bingo Card (Holiday Mini Catalog page 30) stamp and I have seen some adorable cards created with it, however . . .

. . . I wanted to stay true to what it is....a Game! So I thought about what events this could be customized for and I created just a few of them for you. There were a variety stamp sets and colors used to create them so if you are interested please email/call me for that information.

A Birthday Party - I chose a child's version, but it could be adjusted for every age and every party (as long as your guests are not 'too cool' to have fun!)

A Valentine Party for kids or adults with this version:

Plus I like the little hearts I punched out to cover the squares!

For the customized cards you would need to make drawing squares of each symbol, or letter, in the game and just draw them out of a box (OH....I just thought of a fun idea for the box too...not time, gotta post for this tour. I'll post it later).
...but if you do a Christmas Bingo (shown below), why not just use the wood mount version of the stamps set Jolly Bingo Bits (Holiday Mini Catalog page 29) and draw them out the box!

Some other ideas for this game: If the word has less than 5 letters you could add a symbol like the I did in the Love sample, or squeeze letters together in one square like A-N-I-MA-LS.

Plants- with different plants in each square, great for a garden club party or meeting.
Religion - People or events (Jesus has two s's you could put a symbol of heart or a cross with the 2nd one), or put a scripture reference in each square and if you have that you read the scripture to the class.
Teaching tool, like the Animals example above with photos on the squares.
Personalize to your family's favorite place or events with the word PLACE at the top or you last name, like SMITH. This is a great game for family night fun!
Names: 5 letters is perfect like Diane,or more than 5 double up on letters like SH-A-R-O-N. If it has double letters put them together in one square like B-O-BB-Y (symbol).

I think you get the idea....this stamp has E-N-D-LE-SS possibilities! I'd love to have you share your ideas with me...drop me an email with a photo and I will share you sample on my blog showing everyone how creative YOU are!

I hope you enjoy today's tour....see you back here tomorrow!

Roll Out The Christmas Trees!

2010-09-25T22:00:00.073-04:00

WOHOO! Another Blog Tour Begins!

This will be a first for me, posting 7 consecutive days in a row. WAIT! Oh No! Don't faint! Do need some water? Get back in your chair, now, are you OK? Good...let's get started then . . .

Since the theme is Holiday Madness, I decided to start out with something simple, but fun. These little trees range from 5 inches to slightly more than 9 inches. The Paper is from the Holiday Mini Catalog, page 33, Specialty Designer Series Paper - Candy Cane Christmas.

I don't know if you can tell, but the red dots on the tallest tree have glittered centers. This is part of the paper as you can see the bottom photo. I just punched them out with the flower shape from the Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack (Idea Book & Catalog [IB&C] page 201). I glued them on with Mini Glue Dots (IB&C page 197). The star (XL punch IB&C page 203) is made of Brushed Gold card stock (IB&C page 170) & the Snowflake (XL punch IB&C page 200) from Real Red card stock (page 166). The ribbon is 1/8" Taffeta in Real Red, I used glue dots to hold down the 'curl' in strategic areas. The 'garland' is actually only touching the paper in the back where it's held in place with Mini Glue Dots (don't you love those little things?) It's the Silver Tinsel Trim from the Holiday Mini Catalog, page 21)

The photo below shows how what I did to get the little flowers....you can get a LOT of flowers from one piece...I barely used three rows with very, very, little waste - seriously, you can punch out EVERY full dot! WOW! I did curl the edges of the flowers too.

Hope you enjoyed this simple and quick project(s) for you Holiday decorating. Click the link below to move through the other RemARKable Demonstrator blogs until you get back home to me. Watch for my next blog tomorrow!

Circle of Thanks

2010-09-23T00:36:00.000-04:00

I have a dear friend, John Hill, who I have known for over 30 years. He has owned a Chemdry Carpet Cleaning franchise for even longer than that. He recently went to my daughter's apartment and cleaned her whole place as a favor to us. I decided that cookies and cake were not a good idea (His wife, Beth, watches his weight LOL). So, I created 100+ little Thank You notes for him to leave at his clients house after he cleans for them. He deserves more, but if he likes them I will keep supplied for as long as I can. He is one wonderful friend and I hope he likes them....

So, If you want/need to have any of your carpets or rugs cleaned, please call my friend, John.

Chemdry Of Oak Hills

248 476-5559

Maybe he'll leave you one of these little cards.

If you want to learn how to make these great

little note cards, email or call me!

Workshop Sample

2010-09-20T17:31:00.000-04:00

Just a quick share of the Halloween card that everyone is making at my September workshops.

It's a ton of fun and uses the Big Shot Top Note Die, Grateful Greetings stamps set, Bitty Bat Large & Decorative Label XL punches, Smooch Spritz Silver Foil, Pear Pizazz 1/2" stitched-poly ribbon (although some are using this in the color Concord Crush), Wicked Fun Specialty Designer Series Paper and card stock in Peach Parfait, Concord Crush, & Pear Pizazz.

Everyone is lovin' that Smooch Spitz!

Can you blame them?

The Beglau Family

2010-08-30T16:29:00.001-04:00

August 14, 2010
The Beglau Family got together for a Pot Luck meal, and lots of talking and laughing! Thanks to my husband's brother, Dave, we all managed to get together. The weather was too humid for me to be able to attend so the family agreed to come here! I was pretty happy about that, but honestly it was so hot and humid that I don't think anyone minded that we were not outside at a park!

I created some pages using Stampin' Up!'s digital paper crafting program, My Digital Studio. I still love to use paper and adhesive, but I have to admit, I am starting to become more and more converted to the ease of this amazing program. It's so great for sharing! I hope you enjoy these pages!

OK....I admit it! The last page is my favorite!

Don't I have a handsome family? LOL

Did You MIss Out?

2010-08-11T10:50:00.000-04:00

Free Classes - projects revealed.

In the last week there were two FREE Classes at 'The Stamp Sell-er'. I love offering a chance for everyone to attend at No Cost, although I can't do it very often. If you missed this opportunity be sure to sign up for my emails so you don't miss the next one!

Here's a snippet of what we created

CARD MAKING 101 - A class for beginners. I covered all the 'basic' info on how to cut, mat, stamp, and punch your way to a great hand made card to send to family or friends.

This sample taught basic stamping, how to combine Designer Series Paper, use Ribbon, and the great new Owl Punch! Everyone loved watching the owl pieces fly out of the punch!

The class made two other fun cards where they learned to mat an image so other objects could be stamped behind each other, and a third card that used a Sizzix Embossing Folder. Plus, if you weren't there you missed meeting some really FUN new Friends! It was a full house and we laughed a lot!

SCRAPBOOKING 101 This class taught the basic and more half the class had no clue where to begin when they arrived, but when they left they had handouts with information on how to keep photos safe, samples of scrap layout ideas, and a finished page....with lots of extra pieces to create at home!

Here's one of the samples I made for them to copy...

....but nobody's was like mine! I was so impressed the different designs that came for the same products! What a group of beginners can do always confirms the fact that anyone can scrapbook! If you had attended this Free Class you would have been right there creating your own original design!

DON'T MISS THE NEXT CLASS! Check my schedule to see what's coming up!

National Dance Day

2010-07-30T22:59:00.000-04:00

As a Big Fan of SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE, I couldn't let Saturday, July 31, 2010...the very first

NATIONAL DANCE DAY

go by without with some sort of 'dance' related posted. Since I am unwilling to send a video of me dancing into cyberspace, I thought I'd let the Stampin' Up! Build A Bear do it for me.

Some of you have seen this card before, but for those of you haven't....

Enjoy a little

Saturday [Night] Fe-BEAR

Starring: John TraBEARta!

I'm Stayin' Alive and Dancing in The Stamp Sell-er (when nobody's watching!)
Big Ball-Room Style Hugs!
Karie Beglau

Farmington Founders Festival

2010-07-19T12:53:00.001-04:00

Before, After, and After Again.

I was looking forward to sharing photo's of my tent, products, and display that I set up at this year's Festival. So here is the photo from before the Storm on Thursday . . . Well, sit back and read what happened!

I was so excited that I had my new tent this year and I was sure it would not leak if it rained. I made a banner for the top of the tent and sealed it, I thought, from the weather. I liked the look of the set up inside the tent and I was looking forward to another wonderful experience at the festival.

Even when I learned we had to close early on Thursday due to the approaching storm, I wasn't worried because my tent had the metal grid walls tied to it so I thought that was enough weight to hold it down from the wind. They are pretty heavy and even the seasoned vendors thought I would be OK. So, given enough warning all of us started to close up our tents. Because I have paper products I took longer than anyone and was possible the last vendor there as I made sure everything was off the walls and into plastic bins with lids. Then I even pulled the tables into the center and on top of those bins just as an added precaution.

I was just about done when the storm hit....FAST. My tent started to lift and fall over to the side toward where you see me standing in the photo. The tent on the other side had fragile items in it so I knew I couldn't let it fall over and have those heavy grids smash her tent and all of her products. I was ALONE at the time but was soon joined by Linda & Jen from the Farmington Center Florist - who have a regular shop where the fair was set up. (If you are in the area please go there they are GREAT people and I want to promote them as a very small way of pay back for their help! www.farmingtoncenterflorist.com)

It rained so hard and so fast that it was like we were in a waterfall, not a shower, a waterfall. It was impossible to see well and hard to keep from chocking on the downpour. I know there was another woman there, but I couldn't tell you who it was because it was all so frantic! We knew we needed to cut the metal grids off the tent so that it could be lowered and then less likely to flip. The problem was nobody could let go or the tent to do just that. Screaming for help we were soon joined by some teens who were taking shelter under the walkway of the flower shop. They helped us hold the tent down while the grids were clipped loose and dropped to the ground. Then we could lower the legs on the tent. It still didn't guarantee it wouldn't flip, but it was all we could do.

Drenched and emotionally drained I cried as I drove home - partly from relief because we didn't smash the other vendors tent, partly that I had watched many of my products and boxes flip over and float away, but mostly from fear. Truly it was the most terrifying experience I have ever had. We were standing in the rain & lightening holding down a tent with metal grids and a metal frame as the parking lot flooded and the water levels kept rising past our ankles and splashed up our legs. All this and I still didn't realize how bad it was until I watched the news coverage on television later that evening. So...before I show you the aftermath, and the what we rebuilt I cannot leave out the Blessing Of The Lord and His hand in keeping us safe during what was a very dangerous situation.

NOW....here's what I saw when my husband and I went back to check the damage on Friday morning.

This doesn't look so bad, but look at the sign on my tent.

Before

After

and inside here is just a little of what we saw...

As we moved everything out of the tent so we could dry it off and see if there was anything left for us to stay open we found mud underneath it all ....

Still....I HAPPY TO REPORT that not everything was lost and we did reset the tent, although due to the mud in our area we moved our location slightly to another spot behind were we had been.

As you can see, I didn't have as many kits and scrapbook layouts left and I did worry about running out of the Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalogs since I lost 16 of them to the storm. But, we found we liked this set up even better than the last and as an added bonus we didn't get the late day sun inside the booth. Although I did still manage to get a sunburn.

And later during the event we were visited by a few of the city's pageant winners.

Left: Elizabeth Anne Hawthorn, age 19, Miss Oakland County 2010

Right: Morgan Stocker, age 15. Miss Oakland County Outstanding Teen 2010

It was a long weekend, but I admit that after we reset the tent I was able to enjoy meeting many new friends and seeing several long time friends and customers during the event.

My husband, Michael, worked very hard to help me with this event and still worked this regular job, except on Saturday when I asked him to stay with me (more storms were possible and I didn't want to be alone again). He also spent the most of his time in the sun because there wasn't room for two of us in the tent at one time if people were shopping. So, he deserved a much needed rest under the big tent across from where we were....and I had to catch it in photo or two!

I am excited to see many of the winners of the drawing at some of my upcoming Scrapbook Classes that I am giving away from this event. If you'd like to attend one of them, please email me for information.

Will I do this show again next year? You Bet! We learned a LOT about what to do, and what NOT to do.

See you there in 2011.

RemARKable New Catalog Blog Tour - Post 3

2010-07-10T00:11:00.003-04:00

I em-boss!

OK, so maybe not a boss, but I like to emboss with the Sizzix Impression Folders! I have to have all of them! I couldn't wait until my shipment came because I knew I wanted to try something with one of them . . . and here it is.....

I think the NEW Elegant Lines Textured Impressions Folder is to die for! So....I tried 'dying' it...sorta. I colored the raised edges of the design with a Stampin' Write Marker in Always Artichoke (background is Pink Pirouette). Then I colored in the lines with more Stampin' Write Markers in Pink Pirouette, River Rock, & Sahara Sand. Seemed odd color choices to me at first, but I got the colors from the NEW Color Coach and decided to trust it. (yes, I have mine back after accidentally having mine fall into my trash unnoticed!) It looks a bit dull in this photo, but in person the look is more like an Old Hollywood version of 'modern'. I love it! The sentiment is from the Mini Catalog stamp set, Watercolor Trio.

My order came late so I don't have ton of samples ready yet....but keep watching my blog for more to come soon! When I unpacked my order I put everything on craft desk and starting putting away the card stock, then I turned back to my desk and just had to take this photo....

I just LOVE NEW STUFF! So much still to play with I am about to go back down to The Stamp Sell-er and do just that! But I knew I had to make my midnight deadline for this blog tour.

Here's a close up of some items I just know will be me my favorites for a long time to come:

Pearls and rhinestones and brads and ribbons
....Oh My!

Wait until you see these beauties in person, there is no way to get a good enough photograph to do them justice! I plan to be using a whole lot of them in my workshops!

Clear Block Storage Caddy

I just have to share what I did to my caddy as soon as I opened it! Now the SU logo is obviously only exciting for demonstrators, but it fit and I was SO EXCITED about it! The cooler thing is that I had on hand a white Definitely Decorative FLOURISHES image and had to try it out. (It matches the stamp set Baroque Motifs - my all time favorite stamp set to date!!) I am So excited it about how it came out.

Here's the Before:

And The After:

The Stampin' Up! Logo Side

The inside of this thing is awesome! It even has a piece to put in the middle so none of the blocks touch when closed! If you're looking for safe storage of your blocks, this is the ONLY choice to make!

FOUNDERS FESTIVAL

Just a reminder that I will be at the Farmington Hills Founder's Festival next week, Thursday - Saturday from 9 am to 8 pm each day. Lots to do and see, but be sure to come and see ME! I will have more projects and class ideas on display, catalogs available etc. Because of this I doubt I will post much next week, but I plan to post after the Fair for sure! See you there...or here!

I hope you have enjoyed the Tour! Let's see what everyone else is up too..........
Hugs, Karie B.

Next stop: http://jbstampin.typepad.com/

RemARKable Blog Tour - Post 2

2010-07-08T23:55:00.004-04:00

Hi! Welcome back to Day Two of the RemARKable Blog Tour. Wow! There were a lot of great ideas shared yesterday! I am excited to see what's next!

I rest my CASE with a KISS

of Greenhouse Gala DSP!

Today, as promised, I am going to post some Very Simple Cards you can make using card stock and Designer Series Paper. Each card uses the exact same format. The DSP is cut 4" x 3.75" and matted with card stock cut 4.25" x 4" and mounted on the card front. I added ribbon to dress them up just a little, and then a very simple sentiment. I know, I know, these are NOT WOW CARDS! But my intention was to show you how taking one idea and just changing the colors can make creating cards and CASE-ing them (Copy And Stamp/Steal Everything) is very easy. Just KISS...Keep It Simple Sweetie!

This card uses Peach Parfait & Daffodil Delight stock.

Check out the two on the ends - each of them have a different feel, but are the same!

I love this batch! I was not sure how this DSP would look cut, or what I would get! The outcome was great! This photo has some odd lighting, sorry about that. The cards stock I used is Pumpkin Pie & Pear Pizazz.

I hope this inspires you to take a chance. Go ahead, cut up the paper and see what you get! You might just be pleasantly surprised! Remember, I didn't even turn any of these samples on their side for the 'landscape' version of these cards....another simple idea that can make a big change in the look of your cards!

My order is due in today . . . and hopefully it will get here early enough that I can play with some more new products.

Tomorrow's post will be a surprise to both of us!

Be Sure You Come Back & enjoy the rest of today's tour!

Next stop: http://jbstampin.typepad.com/

RemARKable New Catalog Blog Tour - Post 1

2010-07-07T22:00:00.003-04:00

Here We Go! Another RemARKable Blog Tour! I enjoy being involved with these tours because it keeps me on my toes, and makes me work a little harder to create fun ideas for you too!

This tour is all about featuring products from the NEW STAMPIN' UP! IDEA BOOK & CATALOG released just last week! Although I am still waiting for my 2nd shipment of products, and I have already shared a few projects in previous posts....But, I have a few more ideas for you!

This card is the featured Make & Take at all of my

July Stampin' Up! Workshops.

It uses Marina Mist, Pear Pizazz, & Cajun Craze card stock. The Pear Pizazz cs is also embossed with the new Vintage Wallpaper Textured Impressions Embossing Folder. The ribbon is new too! Also in Marina Mist it's the 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon! 1/8" Inch!! It's so thin and I LOVE IT! The Stamp Set is Artistic Etchings and it's stamped in the New Cajun Craze Ink. Punches include the Modern Label Punch and the NEW 2 3/8" Scallop Circle! WOW! Love it. The brads are from the Metallic brads package (Pewter). I hope I see you this month so you'll have the chance to make a sample of this project yourself!

This is my attempt to recreate, slightly differently, a card created by another demonstrator. (I will post her sample later, or email me and I will send it to you)

I loved how she had layered this Hydrangea from the

Because I Care Hostess Level 2 stamp set.

Here's the side view so you can see the layers created with Stampin' Dimensionals.

I used Concord Crush & Pear Pizazz card stock and Watercolor paper. The ribbon is actually Whisper White 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon. Because my shipment isn't due to arrive until Friday, I improvised by coloring the ribbon with my Stampin' Write Concord Crush Marker. I used Stazon Ink to stamp the image 3 times on the Watercolor paper. Using a the marker I created a palette on a clear block and squiggled the color which I then picked up with a blender pen to color in the flower. The centers are colored white using the White uni-ball Signo Gel Pen.

Tomorrow I will share several very simple cards I created to show the versatility of our Designer Series Papers, using the New Green House Gala pack. (You know I am loving it....I've already shared some samples using that paper...Obsession is nine/tenths of Crafting! LOL)

Enjoy the rest of the tour...remember to come back tomorrow!

Next stop: http://jbstampin.typepad.com/

Hostess Luncheon

2010-07-05T00:01:00.000-04:00

Hostess Appreciation Luncheon

June 26, 2010

I love this event! I think it may just be my favorite all year, although I have a many others that I like a whole lot. This year was another hit. I hope you enjoy the photos! (FYI....this will be a long post)

It started when I mailed each Hostess this invitation. It is made with Baja Breeze (which doesn't look that great in the photo), Pink Pirouette, Chocolate Chip, and Whisper White card stock. The pink is embossed with the NEW Square Lattice Embossing Folder and the NEW stamp set Friend never Fade. The ribbon is layered Whisper White 3/8" Taffeta under the NEW 1/8" Taffeta in Early Espresso, and I added the two Ribbon Slides from the Hodgepodge Hard Ware Kit.

When they arrived....

...they picked up a small brown bag (Hostess or Guest, accordingly). Hostess choose from a variety of fabric flowers (made with the Flower Folds Sizzix XL Die & fabric), while guests received a mini piercer (that Hostesses received last year).

Here's Chris Schultz who had the best match of the flower to her outfit. You can tell so much in the photo, but I had to post it because everyone commented on the match! I think everyone loved their flowers, they all wore them!

Then the Hostess were allowed to shop (guests had to wait until the event was over to shop).

One of my hostesses asked not to be seen on my blog, so you'll see her face blocked out in a few photos.

Hostesses received a rebate of 25% of whatever they purchased from my shelves toward a preorder for the New Idea Book & Catalog...Guest 10%. That made the catalog even more exciting. Many shopped while they ate!

The food was AMAZING this year. My friend Joy Davis & her husband are starting a catering business, Dragon Flower Catering (248-798-3229). She offered to make the food for my two events held on this day.

Joy Davis

and the Food; Thai Noodle Salad, Antipaost Pitas, Curried Chichen Croissants, Shrip Pasta Salad - to the right was Fresh Fruit Kebobs and a Banana Split Brownie Pizza that was to die for!

I forgot to take pictures of the totally different array she had for my Customer Open House that afternoon, but it included a veggie tray, pinwheels, key lime cupcakes, chocolate dipped strawberries, & mini peach strudels! Everything was so good and my Hostess were very happy (me too! I am not a fan of cooking).

The buffet line - drinks from my cute new dispensers (shown in the background) or a soda or bottle water from the mini fridge.

PRIZES

Through the lunch I called off numbers that were on the other side of the 'flower' attached the to the small brown bag they received when they arrived. All gifts were wrapped, but you can see what was inside below.

Hostess Picked from one box of gifts

Guests picked from another box

JUST FOR FUN PHOTOS....

Ceecee waves as she waites for her 'seat' to open up after the hostesses shop.

Chris, Susan, & Loreen work on the Slider Card project.

Hilda, Sylvana, & Collen work on the photo book.

Susan, Pam, & Anna work on the scrapbook page

Eating & Catalog Review

Here are the samples of the Projects we made this year at the Hostess Luncheon.

Daffodil Delight & Peach Parfait card stock with Greenhouse Gala DSP and a New Hostess Stamp Set, Occasional Quotes.

6" scrapbook page made with retired card stock and the NEW stamp set, Elements of Style.

Photo Book made with retring card stock, ribbon, & DSP, clear envelopes, & the Dreams De jour stamp set

The WOW Card....a Slider made with Pear Pizzaz, Marina Mist, Whisper White, & Early Espresso card stock, with Greenhouse Gala DSP It's fun to watch the left side slide out at the same time as the right side!

I hope you'll be able to join us next time! All it takes to be invited is to hold a Stampin' Up! Workshop (party) with me! Either in your home, or here at the Stamp Sell-er! Let's talk and see if this is something that might interested you and your friends.

Hugs, Karie Beglau

Stamp Sell-er Changes

2010-07-03T00:01:00.001-04:00

Here's a photo of the new set up of The Stamp Sell-er

As you can see, I moved the tables a bit but I can still fit 15 easily for stamp events, and a bit less for scrapbooking (scrappers need to spread out). What I added was shelves to hold items that ARE AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE PURCHASE! As you may know I cannot have stock on any items that are currently in the Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalog, or any of the Mini Catalogs. However, I do have a lot of retired card stock, Designer Series Papers, Ink Pads, Chip Board, etc, etc, etc. So....now when you are wondering if I have that retired stamp set you missed, there is a place to find out! So much better than having to wait them to be put out at Mega Meet once a year!

I look forward to seeing you at the Stamp Sell-er soon

for the next Class or T.A.C.O. Crop.

Remember:

You can hold Your Workshop here too!

My husband's card

2010-07-02T00:01:00.002-04:00

Father's Day!

My husband is an artist! Seriously, he really is!! Although card stock, paper, and stamps, are not his typical medium, he is very good at using these things. Here's a the card he made for his dad on Father's Day.

He used some retired paper to produce the shirt, and the card stock is Mellow Moss (recently retired). Notice the buttons...he drew them on! The pocket is too cute and the crown is embossed. The "I love you" is a random stamp (I've had it for years) and he decided to write the word Dad.

What you can't see is that inside the shirt he wrote "Opps! nothing to see here" in case his father tried to open it up...like a guy would take something apart to see how it works...LOL

He want me to be sure to show the next two photos:

When the card is closed you can see that he trimmed the front just a touch shorter then the back.

He wanted to show the thin line gold embossed line he put there to accent the card.

On the inside ....

...he added another, larger, crown....and of course the embossed edge.

I love that my husband enjoys doing the same things I do! I can't paint, draw, or design, like he can...but at least with his talents I can enjoy the benefits!

Watch for the next post about the changes I made to the Stamp Sell-er

Belinda Ellsworth

2010-07-01T11:24:00.002-04:00

Here I am, a bit behind on my posts! I have been very busy restructuring things in the Stamp Sell-er, preparing for my Hostess Luncheon & Open house. Now that they are finished, it's time to catch up!

On Saturday June 12th I attended a seminar by one of my favorite speakers on direct sales, Belinda Ellsworth. She was taping an update of one of her audio training CD's so it was a longer than a normal event. It was interesting to watch the process. Although she rarely needed to 'back up' for the tape, there were a few times when the recording needed to be reset, or a new one started, whatever the correct term is. Anyway, that was when she would just chat freely about things. I even got her to do here famous "clip and clip and clip" infomercial that will not be included on the new recording....but it's sooo funny!

Here's a photo of myself, Belinda, and another Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, Donna Schaffer.

Because we purchased this seminar at a very inexpensive price, Belinda's office asked for donations of our products to be raffled off at the event. I donated a bag of Thanks. Considering we are all in the business of direct sales, I thought anyone could use the cards and goodies as little gifts for their clients.

And Inside:

There were other SU demonstrator's there, including one of my downline (Julie Gill) as well as consultants from many other direct sales companies. I even ran into my 2nd cousin, Kim, who I had not seen for years. It turns out she sells jewelry. I love direct sales, and the people involved in it. No other business seems as quick to share ideas as this one. Want to try it for yourself? Email me today to learn more about the Stampin' Up! opportunity ....there's a new kit starting today!

Sneak Peak

2010-06-10T12:45:00.000-04:00

...Of The New Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalog.

Stampin' Up! give demonstrators some really Awesome Ideas we can use to create projects for you. However, over the weekend I decided to challenge myself to use those samples and CASE them into my own version. I hope you enjoy them!

This one shows a NEW PUNCH...it's a BIG SCALLOP CIRCLE! So Cool!

I used the Pillow Box Sizzix Die, and some new Designer Series Paper (DSP), & 2 NEW Stamp Sets!

This Card is 3" x 4" and uses the Scallop Heart Punch (back from the Occasions Mini), NEW card stock colors, new DSP, and a New Stamp Set. I really smudged this one to make it more manly.

My husband tells me he wants to send it to his father for Father's Day.

This sample shows a New Stamp Set, some NEW 1/4" ribbon (on top of our Taffeta Ribbon), some new colors, and Smooch Spray (hard to see it on the white flower). This is prettier in person and it is also the card I am sending as my Hostess Luncheon Invitation.

I know what you are looking at ....

The NEW Sizzix Embossing Folder! YEP, it's pretty cool

...and there is another one coming that is totally cool too!

I used the new Scallop Punch and the new 1/4" Ribbon

New Hostess Stamp Set, New Colors, New Ribbon!

This one is actually my favorite one! It uses new DSP,

New Colors, New Stamp Set, New Clearlit Die, New Markers.

The ribbon is Twill Tape I colored with Markers.

Actually, I didn't like this piece of DSP and forced myself to use it. WOW!

Like I said....it's my favorite!

I hope you enjoyed this Sneak Peak. Remember to attend my

Customers Appreciation Event

Saturday, June 26, 2010

3 PM

The Stamp Sell-er

Until Next Time....

Hugs, Karie B.

NEW IB&C & Me!

2010-05-26T11:49:00.001-04:00

The NEW Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalog

is almost here ...Officially.

A few demonstrators were invited to join a special group to help them learn how to be leaders. Although my title with the company is too high for me to join, a few of my team did. One of their challenges earned them the privilege of being the first to receive their copy of the new catalog. Two of my team earned this, Way To Go Sue & Jackie!!

When I got the call yesterday evening that one had received her copy we all made quick work of calling other MemoryINKers team members for an impromptu meeting at that demonstrator's home. We ordered pizza and although everyone was eating, it was my turn to look at the catalog and I couldn't eat greasy pizza and touch Sue's new book. Below you can see just how that problem was solved for me. Another demonstrator, Laurie, helped me eat my pizza while it was still hot! As you can see, I didn't let eating interfere with this exciting opportunity, most of us didn't even take time to change from our casual clothes (I didn't have on any make-up either...hope I don't scare of anyone!)

You Gotta Love Team Work!

If you are wondering why the book looks so strange, it is because Stampin' Up! has asked that those who earned the book early do not post any photos of it, or it's contents, before it is officially released on July 1, 2010. So, in order to comply with that I did use my Photoshop program to quickly cover the front and back of the catalog.

So What IS New? Well, I am not allowed to share much, but I can tell you there is a LOT of New Stuff that will THRILL YOU!! The New Hostess sets are AWESOME! Each Level has something to please everyone. I want almost all of them! The new set up of some of the standard layouts for items seems a bit easier to use so I think all of you will appreciate that too. There are lots of new stamp sets, new designer papers and scrap kits, and many new accessories...you're gonna LOVE it!

If you want to see the New Idea Book & Catalog for yourself, plan now to attend my

Customer Appreciation Event

on Saturday, June 26, 2010

at 3 PM.

You Can View The New Products on Display,

Create A Free Make & Take,

WIN PRIZES,

Buy Retired Products,

Place Orders, and more!

HOSTESSES (that held a workshop, or book party, between July '09 & June '10) ...that is the same date as your Luncheon! Watch for your Invitation Only information via USPS to be mailed to you in about a week or so. I have some way cool Projects for you this year!

Speaking of Hostess Workshops....If you choose a date for your workshop (to be held between in July or August of 2010) at this event and I will add a FREE PACKAGE of the NEW IN-COLOR card stock to qualifying workshops. If you contact me to pick your date BEFORE the June 26th event, I will add in one FREE INK PAD! But don't wait....My summer schedule is filling up fast!

Have a Fabulous Memorial Day Weekend!

Hugs, Karie B.

Stampin' Up! booth at the Scrapbook Mega Meet

2010-05-11T15:04:00.003-04:00

What Fun We Had!

My son, Adam, worked the cash area,

while my husband, Michael, helped you with the Free Make & Take.

That left me available for your questions!

So many of you stopped by my booth just to say hello, create a FREE Make & Take, or to shop! It was so wonderful to see you again, or meet you for the first time! I am always on such a high during the day and totally exhausted each night. But, knowing you will be there the next morning makes me wake up with a smile on my face....even if I barely slept at all.

Here are the photos I promised you. Are you in any of them? If so, email me and let me know who you are & where you are in the photo, include your address and I will send you a free gift too!

Adam & Me (he single ladies!!) & Pat Schultz, who didn't want a photo...oops!

Michael prefers to stand at the M&T

Here's a rare shot where he actually sat down!

LOTS OF SHOPPERS

Michael teaches with a line waiting for a seat.

I love watching him and couldn't resist a peak while I handed out

drawing slips and my class brochures.

YES! As you can see; Men DO Attend Scrapbook Events!

They even make the Make & Takes!!

CONGRATULATIONS TO
THE DRAWING WINNERS!!

GRAND PRIZE $50 Product Basket

Joanie Peltzer, Grand Blanc, MI

$10 Product Winners:
Annie Walters, Waterford, MI
Julianna Smith, Southgate, MI
Brenda Yardley, Franklin, MI

Now You Have A Choice!

Wood Mount or Clear Mount Stamps!

If you tried the Make & Take you had the chance to use the

same stamp set, Elements of Style, in both versions,

Wood (Item # 118611 $27.95) or Clear (Item #120045 $19.95)

Shown above the flower stamp is on the clear, and the sentiment on wood.

Or perhaps you had the chance to use the opposite set up.

The Acrylic block shown above is the largest currently available;

Block F (Item #118483 $16.95)

Below is a photo of the smallest block that I wore on a necklace.

Block A (Item #118487 $3.95)

I am already making plans for next years Great Lakes Mega Meet (May 6, 7, & 8, 2011). I will have more scrap kits, more card kits, more embellishments and another Loyalty Gift! Be sure to watch your emails for that one!. Plus, naturally, another FREE Make & Take with a matching 12" 2-page spread at a great price! In the mean time, check my schedule for upcoming classes at the Stamp Sell-er (the craft room in my basement).

Brochure Typos Challenge

I am getting many email on the contest to find the typos in my brochure. Some of you have found a few I didn't see, watch for your extra special gift, many more found ones I knew about. However, a few of you picked some that are not typos, but a play on words. The word Base-Meant is not basement it is 'a base meant for' hyphenated to indicate a basement....because I did this on purpose, it is not spelled wrong. And Sell-er is not celler or seller, for the same reason...So if you picked one of those two....send in another one via email for a free gift!

Watch my blog for the update

ABC Class

(Anything But Cards)

info that many of you asked about.

The next one is the round Scrapbook in a Box

that you saw on display and it will be held on June 16th at 6:30 PM.

Hope to see you in The Stamp Sell-er Soon!

Hugs, Karie B.

GLMM Make & Take

2010-05-08T23:41:00.000-04:00

Thank You to everyone who stopped by my booth at the Great Lakes Mega Meet over the last few days! This event always leaves me physically exhausted, but emotional fulfilled. By Saturday I barely knew my own name....but lucky for me many of you knew it!

I am looking forward to seeing all of you who signed up for classes, clubs and workshops, again real soon!

I will report more about the Mega Meet over the next week, but for now . . .

As Promised, here is a picture of the

FREE MAKE & TAKE

I hope you had the chance to make at my booth!

This simple 6" scrapbook page was a big hit. I hope you enjoyed having my husband, Michael, help you create it! He really does LOVE doing this event. Even though I work him pretty hard for weeks before hand and all day at the booth...when we get home he waits on me so I can relax! What a GREAT MAN!!!

Maybe you met my son, Adam, if you picked up any of the kits or retired items he was likely the cashier who helped you. He did an awesome job and I am so proud to be his mothers. I will post photos in a few days.

I hope you were you one of the lucky ones who had the chance to purchase the Limited Edition two-page 12" Scrapbook layout I had for sale for just $5 before we ran out? I made almost five times the number I had there last year and I still sold out....Michael even sold my display sample!! I'm sorry if you missed out on it this year, but I will do it again I promise!

Here's a photo of what you missed! It's simple, but I like to keep the price as low as I can for this matching layout. This is the 2nd year I offered something like this and it seems to be a big hit!

Lastly, a big shout out to

Pat Schultz

who came in just to help at the booth so we could run to the rest room or get away to eat our lunch!

You Are AWESOME!!

And to Everyone Else who stopped by....

Thank You Again for your support!

I promise you'll see more about the meet over the next few days. Until then...
Hugs, Karie B.

Mother's Day or Rose Party Favors Blog Tour - Day 3

2010-05-07T23:59:00.004-04:00

Day 3 already! WOW! I hope you enjoy my last installment. I thought these would be fun for a Tea Party, Bridge Club, or a great Mother's Day table setting.

The napkin ring is made with the the Stampin' Up! XL Bigz Die 'Table Setting' (Item #16819).

As you can see I cut the main strip twice, but cut one in half so I could have outline in the final product. The spiral is rolled in toward the center circle (which is the base of the flower). The leaves are next, I gently scored and folded them down the center and 'bent' them repeated to create the veins. Although my sample napkin isn't embossed (I ran out of plain white napkins) below you can see one that I ran through the Big Shot using the same Manhattan Flower Textured Impressions Embossing Plate that I used with yesterday invitation. Pretty Cool huh?

A quick Place card comes with the die - the stamped flower is from the Always stamp set (Item #113620).

I used Whisper White for the insert cut with the Designer Label Punch (Item #107590) I used a sponge to highlight the edges in Certainly Celery ink. I am sure I could have fancied this up, but I wanted to keep it simple this time around.

This last favor box is my favorite. I just had to see what else I could do with the embossing plates, so I tried cutting the Wood Sheets (Item #116309) with the SU Fancy Favor Bigz XL die (Item #115965), then I ran it through using the texture plate...to my surprise, & Excitement!!, it worked! I highlighted the flower and the leaves using a sponge and Pretty In Pink ink (Item #101301) & Certainly Celery ink (Item #105215). Then just a fill a Medium Flat Cellophane Bag (Item #102757) with some goodies, tie it up with Pretty In Pink grosgrain ribbon (Item #109032) and you have the table set!

If you like this theme consider decorating the walls (or clear glass dishes -underside) with the Definitely Decorative vinyl to match! That could be a real show stopper!

As you know, today I am still at the Great Lakes Mega Meet- It's the final day there too! I know you'll want to see what I post about that event too, but it may take me just a few days. So check back tomorrow to see the FREE Make & Take & matching Limited Edition scrapbook layout that we offered at the meet!

Enjoy the last day of the Remarkable Blog Tour....Hugs, Karie

Wedding & Rose Party Cards Blog Tour Day 2

2010-05-06T23:59:00.003-04:00

Here we are on Day Two! Yesterday was great! I hope you enjoyed the tour as well. Thanks to those of you who stopped by to say "Hello" at the Mega Meet....I love having the chance to see everyone!

Card #1 Wedding Wishes

My first project today is not my original idea! I wish I could remember the demonstrator who first created this, but I am so glad I am able to share my version of it with you.

This all White card is so elegant!
1) Begin with Glossy White card stock (Item #102599) cut 8.5" x 5.5"and folded in half for the base.
2)Whisper White card stock (Item #100730) cut at 4" x 5.5" run through the Big Shot with the SU Perfect Polka Dot Textured Impression Folder (Item #117335) and one side punched with the Eyelet Border Punch (Item #113692)
3) The next layer is Shimmer White card stock (Item #101910) cut at 3 1/8" x 4.5" and bordered with Whisper White just 1/8th wider. Before you layer this one emboss a design onto the front, mine had snow flakes from the Snow Swirled stamp set (Item #111690).
4) Before attaching to card front add the 5/8" White Satin Ribbon (Item #114616). Be sure to keep the bow to the side so you can add the next levels.
5) Glossy card stock cut 2.5" sq. run through the Big Shot with the SU Perfect Polka Dot Textured Impression Folder and mat with Whisper White card stock cut 1/8".
6) The last piece is Shimmery white cut 1 7/8" sq. also embossed with the largest snowflake stamp, and matted again with Whisper White card stock 1/8" wider.

All the pieces may seem like over kill.....but it's not! Try it yourself! I think you'll love the results!

CARD #2 Rose Party Invitation

1) Base 8.5" x 5.5" Basic Gray card stock (Item #108692) folded for car base.
2) Pretty In Pink card stock (Item #100459) cut 4"x5.25" and run through the Big Shot using the SU Manhattan Flower Textured Embossing Folder (Item #114517).
3) Lightly brush the embossed image with Pretty In Pink Stampin' Pastels (Item #105542). The 'water' spots are made with Crystal Effects (Item #101055) Be sure to let it dry completely!!
4) The ribbon is made with Basic Gray Taffeta Ribbon (Item #109064).
5) The sentiment, Sincere Salutations (Item #115068), is embossed with Stampin' Emboss Powder - Silver (Item #109131) on Brushed Silver card stock (Item #100712) the ink was Silver Encore (Item #101039).
6) Punch with the Scallop Oval (Item #114889) then matted on Basic Gray card stock punched with the Wide Oval (Item #112082) This is attached with Stampin' Dimensionals (Item #104430).

I hope you'll stop by tomorrow to see the Rose Party favors to match the invitation!

Enjoy the rest of the tour...., remember to click all the through until you are back here (After Kelly's blog).

Hugs, Karie B.

Scrapbook Wedding Layouts Blog Tour Day 1

2010-05-05T22:00:00.003-04:00

WOW! Here we are at the start of the Remarkable Special Occasions Blog Tour! I am so excited to be a part of this tour again. The last tour was amazing so I hope you find a lot of great ideas and come back each day.

Today I wanted to share the rest of the Scrapbook pages that I shared in my last post for National Scrapbook Day. Since the tour theme is occasions, what could be better than a Wedding! The following pages were made for my niece, Nicole Peitrowski...um, I mean, Johnsen now!

As I mentioned in my last post these layouts used 1/2 of the Guest Book - Simply Scrappin' Kit (Item #115697), Bella Blue DSP (Item #113974), & all three Specialty Papers; Bride (Item #115669), Groom (Item #116478), and Bridesmaid (Item #116497). I also used some grosgrain & Taffeta Ribbon, but sometimes I just used strips from the above papers (like the black strip in the last layout).

I wish these photos showed the textured of these beautiful papers. I also wish my photos weren't distorted slightly...but I am working on getting better at that.

You know I am busy at the Scrapbooks Mega Meet that starts Today, and runs through Saturday...all three days of the blog tour. It will be hard to wait until I get home each day to see what's been shared! I hope you take the tour, then come to the Mega Meet and give me your opinion. Remember...booth # 738

Tomorrow I will share with you two cards. One is the card I gave Nicole at her wedding reception, and the other is an invitation to a Rose Themed party. On the third day I will share some the Rose party favors. I hope you'll enjoy it!
In the Mean Time, continue with the tour tosee what Jackie has in store for you . . .

National Scrapbook Day!

2010-04-30T23:59:00.001-04:00

Happy Scrappin' Everyone!

As you already know I am still working on my preparations for the BIG Scrapbook show next week. However, I can't let today go unnoticed can I? NO WAY!

Here's a sneak peak at some pages from an album I gave my niece, Nicole, as a shower gift last fall. It is using the Bridesmaid, Bride, & Groom specialty paper in the current catalog on page 158, as well as the Guest Book DSP found on page 166. There are also some ribbons etc...and OK, yes, there are a few non-Stampin' Up! items too, but only because they don't make them...or they'd be even better!

Here's just a FEW pages of the album.

For her Wedding Dress/dressing photos

For her guests photos

...and the last page in her book.

There isn't a lot of color in this book....but my niece's dress was by Dior, her ceremony was in this historic church...Think Cathedral...and the reception was on the lake in the War Memorial (shown in a previous post). So...Classic and Elegant was my goal. In person the gray, cream, & black combo is stunning - but it's hard to see the glossy designs in these photos.

Check back during the Blog Tour next week, 5/6-8, to see the rest of the book, and the card I made for her reception gift, and a 'Tea Party' table setting & the Invitation for that too.

I may not post again before the blog tour...but afterward watch for me to post about the Mega Meet! I hope to see you there....Remember, I am in booth 738!!

Hugs, Karie B.

Scrapbook Mega Meet - Novi

2010-04-27T23:58:00.002-04:00

The Great Lakes Mega Meet

May 6 - 8, 2010

Rock Financial Showplace- Novi, MI

It's just One Week Away! WOW! I am getting pretty excited to see all of you again! As you can see, often my booth is crazy busy, it's hectic . . . but oh so fun!! I have been working like crazy for the last few weeks and I am right on schedule to be finished with all my preperations this weekend! YEAH!

It's amazing to me to see these old photos and notice how much my booth changes every year. I think this year you will quite surprised at how much I have to offer you. I've been busy working on restocking my popular scrapbook kits. They were a pretty hot item last year and with the new Color Renovation coming - I am making room for new ideas and new kits to come with the new Stampin' Up! colors - you'll see that some of my prices have been reduced to reflect this. I will also have a large Clearance Section on several items like Chipboard, etc.

My husband, Michael, will be there again to help with the Make & Takes! He's looking forward to seeing all of you too. Like last year, I have created a 12" x 12" two-page spread that coordinates with our 6" x 6" Make & Take. The matching kit is just $5!!! Last year we sold out of the matching kit on the first day (within hours actually). Although I have made more kits this year, it is still a very limited supply. If you want yours be sure to come to my booth early!

This year, Tina (in the photo with Michael & below with me) is unable to attend this year. She will miss all of you so much! Tina has participated in my booth every year since 2004, and she is also the one who was at the Crops both nights (We will not be at the crops this year). Although she hopes to be able to stop by, she will not be there full time. In her place at my booth will be my son, Adam. Who knows nothing about scrapbooking, stamping, or crafts in general. However, he loves his mom and so offered to come and work the cash area for me. So please be kind when he says something like, "I don't know...ask my mom"

I Have a few Specials for those of you who are going, and one for those who are not!

FIRST....In my zeal to get things done I sent my brochure flyer off to the printer via the internet, and when I got them back I noticed a few typos...nothing new I always find some AFTER the fact. However, there are a few more then even I am willing to be OK with....YIKES!

<--------Brochure cover (Printed version is Black & White)

So....when you pick one up at the Mega Meet and take it home...give it a good read until you find one of the errors, email me with a find and I'll send you a FREE GIFT! (There are several so you'll have no trouble finding one!)

SECOND ....The last photo below is from my booth from more than a few years back. As you can see the booth is - well, a bit boring. I'd like to think I have learned a little bit more each year on how to improve. During these growing years many of you have stayed at my side and supported me and my business. I want to reward you! So.....

Print off the blurry picture below, print your name, email, & telephone number, then bring it to my booth I have created a gift to say THANK YOU! (Supplies are limited) My booth number is 738. I am on the far right isle as you enter the meet, on a corner just one isle before the Ice Cream/Popcorn vendor at the back. (I know you know where that is!!) If you are NOT going....Send me an email with this photo before May 8th, and I will mail you a gift!

FREE LOYALTY GIFT!

Name: _____________________________________

Email:______________________________________

Phone: _____________________________________

I can't wait to see all of you again! Hugs, Karie B.

Stampin' Up! Make & Take Samples

2010-04-26T12:00:00.000-04:00

As a Stampin' Up! demonstrator I often attend different training events. We spend a some of the time learning business related skills in class room settings, see some terrific demonstrations presented on stage, and at some up-close and personal booth style presentations. These are often taught by Stampin' Up! staff, or some very talented demonstrators.

But the best part of any Stampin' Up! event is the Make & Take sessions. Stampin' Up! supplies all the 'stuff' including the directions (beautifully printed by the way) and we sit with other demonstrators and make them. Between the laughter and catching up I, occasionally, manage to get mine done! Here are some samples of what I am talking about.

I hope you enjoyed these quick samples.

I am still working feveriously to prepare for the Great Lakes Mega Meet. Be sure to come see me in Booth #738! I am getting pretty excited!! Just a little over a week to go!

Remember, while I am there I will be posting during a Blog Tour again! So be sure to check here even when I am there! Hugs, Karie B

Greeting Card Swaps!

2010-04-22T23:59:00.003-04:00

As promised I am posting just a few samples created by my downline (The MemoryINKers Group) and me. We create projects and bring them to our monthly meetings to share with each other, or SWAP them. I hope you enjoy this small sampler of how great it is to be a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator and learn fun ideas from each other.

Wanna come to our next team meeting and learn more?

Email me at memoryINKers@att.net.

Card #1 I created by using the new stencil, Mostly Vintage, from the Summer Mini (available 5/1/10).

Card #2 Sue created using the Awash With Flowers stamp set - the April Sneak Peak Special!

Cards #3 & #4 were both designed by Barb. Card #3 uses the new Smooch Spray from the Summer Mini. Card #4 uses the Extra Large Two-step Bird punch from the Occasions Mini, & SU Textured Impressions Folder, Perfect Polka Dots (also from the O-mini). I love them dots!

Card #5 & #6 are both by me. The first one uses the new Island Oasis DSP, and Bashful Blue, Whisper White, and the 'new' Pacific Point coming in July! The 2nd card was made with To The Nines Specialty DSP (IB&C) as the base. I love how thick it is, and having a printed design on the inside of a card! Too Cool!

This is just a quick sample, I wish I had a photo of the one that Julie - a very NEW demonstrator - shared with us last week. It was a shoebox Swap where we make it ourselves and mine didn't come out well enough to share. I will re-work it after the Mega Meet and try to get it posted with directions for you soon. You'll love it....tee hee...nothing like a little teaser huh?

Off to do more Great Lake Mega Meet prep! Hugs, Karie B.

EARTH DAY

2010-04-21T23:59:00.001-04:00

I can remember when Earth Day was a 'new' holiday. (Geez! Maybe I shouldn't admit that?). Back then it was a "hippy" movement and gawf'd at by the general public. Now, most people see the importance of recycling and using earth-friendly products. I am not going to try to convince you that I am an avid "Green" person, but I do try to do what is right whenever I can (or know how).

Today I thought I would share a few samples of projects made with some items from around the house.

The sample above is a card made by my husband, Michael. He found a magazine photo that reminded him of his sister, Sherry. They both took dance when they were younger and Sherry was quite the ballerina. He matted the photo in Chocolate Chip card stock, then used Basic Black card stock for the card base. He wrote inside with the SU White Gel Pen - works like a dream! He sent the off today. HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHERRY!

The two photos above show the front, and two of the inside pages (there are 10 total), of a scrapbook made with brown paper lunch bags. OK, so it's not 100% recycled - the bags were new, but quite a bit of the card stock and embellishments were 'left overs' from previous projects, negative parts from some chipboard, or the tail end of a ribbon originals set.

I hope you enjoyed these two projects! By The Way - I do offer the Paper Bag book as a class often, watch my schedule, or email/call me to put you on a waiting list...Can't wait? Then gather 4, or more, friends together and we will find a date just for your group!

Tomorrow I will post those samples from my Team Meeting I promised you last week. Be sure to check back! But right now I am off to work on more Great Lakes Mega Meet Preparation! Hugs, Karie B.

Saving The Memories

2010-04-19T12:26:00.001-04:00

On Saturday, April 17th, the Saving The Memories girls held another crop. Of course you know I was there with my Free Make & Take using the Awash With Flowers stamp set, the April SU Special Sneak Peak set. I used Yoyo Yellow card stock as the card base, Orchid Opulence as the mat, and of course, Whisper White. The inks are Yoyo Yellow, Orchid Opulence, Always Artichoke, and Sage Shadow, which is also the color of the ribbon. For the sentiment I had the Sincere Salutations stamp set so that everyone could pick the one they wanted on their card. I think everyone liked it - do you?

Actually, the big hit of the crop, at my table at least, was the sampler I had of the all the Stampin' Up! colors. I had my swatches of card stock divided by what was retiring in June, what was staying, what was coming back (previous In-Colors) and the 5 brand new colors. It was a good chance for everyone to see what they needed to stock up on or, at the very least, what re-inkers they wanted to get before it was too late. Many placed orders to pick up the Mega Meet in a few weeks. (PS, I'll be in booth # 738 (far right isle as you come into the event). I will have my sampler at this event as well if you want to see them in person!

Here's a few more photos from the Saving The Memories Crop.....

Kim & Diane (who run the crop!)

Winners: Jackie Filker won my drawing for a 12" x 12" textured CS assortment, and Sue Thorn (shown with Kim) won the Simple Scrappin' Kit & DSP assortment that I donated to the crops drawing table. Both winners also found coupons enclosed for a Free Class at the Stamp Sell-er (+ 1/2 off for a friend) and a Free Class for them and 5 of their friends!

A Table For Six

Starting in the back center with me (in the green) and going clockwise; Michele Kaufmann, Carol McMann, Diana Meyer, Denni Stephenson, Michele Cawley, & Daphne Hoeft. These girls were a blast! They dragged over extra chairs so they could all do the M&T together early in the day. What a great start to a fun filled day!

Shoppers reviewing my card display & Kits for sale

(The empty tables at the back are for eating only!

How great to not have to bring food over to where you are croppin' your memories!)

The Food at this crop is always excellent, just look at the line as that appears as soon as dinner was announced. This is only about 1/4 of it!

Don't forget - If You Need Anything that you'd

like to pick up at the Mega Meeting

....remember that I cannot do cash & carry on current items...

Place Your Order ASAP

So if you need some SNAIL, Glue Sticks, etc., you can place your order now and I can deliver it there, or ship it directly to your home! Please let me know ASAP so there is time for me to order it from Stampin' Up! I will have my ScrapINKits (scrapbook 2-pg spreads), Sophie Scrap (hand made accessories), & retired SU items available for immediate purchase, as well the current Idea Book & Catalog and a few Event Specials. Watch for updates on this coming soon!

Until Next Time! Hugs, Karie B.

Daughters Of The American Revolution

2010-04-16T12:59:00.001-04:00

This has been a hectic, but wonderful, week! Along with my on-going preparation for the Great Lakes Mega Meeting in a few weeks, I held my Stampin' Up! team monthly meeting for the MemoryINKers, then we received a gift of a FREE CAR from some friends (more details below), and yesterday evening I was able to attend an event that left me feeling inspired and proud to be an American!

Last fall I received an invitation to speak to the Louisa St. Clair Chapter of The Daughters Of The American Revolution. Naturally I had heard of them, but I didn't know that much about what this organization was all about. I can't do justice if I tried to explain it myself, but the link above can take you to their site. However, let me again state that I was proud that I was born in America, very impressed with the good works of this chapter, and with the ladies I meet last night. I found them all very kind and a few even told me they were excited about my presentation. I wish I could do a profile on each of them so you could meet them as well.

The meeting was held at The Grosse Pointe War Memorial on the shores of Lake St. Clair. This is a beautiful mansion that is a state and national historic sight. I had attended my niece's wedding here in October, but it was held in the 'wing' to the right of this photo past the trees and shrubbery. This time I went through that front door! What a beautiful place. The DAR meeting was held in the 'wing' to the left in the Artist room.

Here I am with the Chapter Regent, Grace Smith. The second picture is of my table-mates during the meeting and dinner (which was so delicious!). Then I snapped the 2nd & 3rd photos during my presentation to show how we tend to have photos of everything. So what do we do with them?

This shot is about half of the ladies in attendance.

I spoke mostly about the precautions we need to take with our photos, touched on organization, and of course scrapbooking. I think it went well, and I hope the ladies had a good time. The laughed at my jokes so that's a good sign. Below is a photo from my very first scrapbook. I created this book in early 1970's before there was much (if any) information on how to do it safely. Sadly, this is just a small sample of the memories that have been damaged.

Don't let this happen to your photos too! Sign up for one of my classes on scrapbooking, or attend one of my T.A.C.O. crops to meet with other 'crop-ers' as we save our memories safely!

P.S. Notice the little photo on the bottom right corner? That's a picture of MY FIRST KISS with Bobby Lucier. I wonder how he is doing.

Our "New" Car

I couldn't believe it when my husband, Michael, told me that some friends of our from church, Tyson & Darcy Scott, wanted to give us their car. Tyson was looking for a new one and stated that, rather than try to sell it, he felt strongly that he should give it to us. At the time he thought it was so that we could we have a second car again. Between the time we heard about this amazing gift and Tyson's new car arriving we found out that our car was unsafe to drive and could not be repaired (frame & engine mount issues). Had we not known about the upcoming blessing from the Scott family we would have been in high-panic mode as we tried to purchase another car. Instead we borrowed my mother-in-law's car for a while. Isn't it amazing how God works things out in perfect timing?

This isn't the best photo of my husband (light blue shirt) or Tyson, it was very sunny on Wednesday, but here they are with the title and the car. It's a black Toyota Corolla. Please remember the Scott family in your prayers and ask the Lord to pour out blessing for them and their young family! THANK YOU TYSON!!!

Oh....it is a stick shift and it has been a long time since I drove one of those. Today I toke my first trip in the car. I drove about 1/2 mile before I released I still had the emergency break on! OOPS! Happily I was able to catch on to the clutch & shift method without embarrassing myself . . . too much!

Next time I will post photos from projects made by team at team meeting.

Color Renovation

2010-04-07T14:14:00.002-04:00

I am so excited about an announcement made by Stampin' Up! yesterday! As you know color is a big deal with SU and so this new Renovation of our core colors is a BIG DEAL! I can't wait to show you the new collections....so here goes!

NEW COLORS WILL BE AVAILABLE

FOR PURCHASE JULY 1, 2010

I know this is hard to see so, let me type out what that top portion states, then I will break down the color collections for you with larger pictures of each below....keep reading!

Color Renovation: New Color Collections

At Stampin' Up! color is part of our identity. It's fundamental to your ability to create and be creative. That also means that it's important for you to be able to stay up-to-date with trends in color to keep both your artwork and your business fresh [remember this is for demonstrators right now] and exciting. That's why we've worked to present you with the Color Renovation-a refreshing, updated color palette!

The new color collection combine current colors with previous In Colors, and five new colors. These luscious collections give you new and vibrant choices, keeping your papercrafting passion original and exciting. Mix and match for your favorite combinations, and make the Color Renovation work for you!

OK, so that is the 'official' wording from Stampin' Up! to me, a demonstrator. Now what do I think personally?

Holy Guacamole Batman!

This is GREAT NEWS!

Sure, I am going to miss a few of my favorite retiring colors, but I am thrilled with the return of some beautiful previous In-Colors. Pink Pirouette is a favorite, and I was dreading the thought of loosing Soft Suede. I am THRILLED and happy with the changes. I hope you are excited for new options as well!

Here's the break down of the color collections (the photos are the best I can get right now)

BRIGHTS COLLECTION

NEUTRALS COLLECTION

(Crumb Cake is actually the new name of our Kraft card stock - so may have this one already!)

REGALS COLLECTION

SUBTLES COLLECTION

I hope you can see these over the web because they are BEAUTIFUL! I am loving them! I can't wait to see the new colors in person. WOHOO! Be sure to watch for an upcoming Preview Party...and start thinking of a date for you workshop in July when the new Idea Book & Catalog comes out, with the new core colors, and 5 new In-Colors (not pictured).

So...what's retiring?

30 of Stampin' Up!'s current core 48 colors will be retiring as of July 1st, or soon as supplies last. If one of your favorites is leaving you may want to stock up on Card Stock, Stampin' Write Markers, and considering buying a re-inker or two to refill the pads and markers in those colors.

Color Renovation: Fond Farewell

In case you can't read this picture here's a list of retiring colors

Pink Passion, Pixie Pink, Pale Plum, Orchid Opulence, Lovely Lilac, Lavender Lace, Almost Amethyst, Bordering Blue, Brocade Blue, Ballet Blue, Brilliant Blue, Taken With Teal, Glorious Green, Handsome Hunter, Sage Shadow, Mellow Moss, Green Galore, Gable Green, Barely Banana, Yoyo Yellow, Summer Sun, Apricot Appeal, Only Orange, Really Rust, Ruby Red, Cameo Coral, Blush Blossom, Creamy Caramel, Close to Cocoa, Going Gray.

Other Items You May Want To

Stock Up On...

Due to the fact that the above colors are going to be gone, it is extremely likely (never say never) that any matching accessories will also retire. Consider if you need any of the following:

Buttons

Corduroy Buttons

Ribbon (all styles)

Ribbon Originals

Brads

Rhinestone Brads

Bead Duos

Stampin' Glitter

Designer Series papers

Classic Ink Pads

Craft Ink Pads

Stampin' Around Wheel Ink Cartridges

Ink Refills (Classic & Craft)

Stampin' Write Markers

Mellow Moss 12" x 12" Album

Mellow Moss 6" x 6" Album

COLLECTORS

I know you're out there! People like me who have an uncontrollable NEED to own every single color of ink, card stock, etc. in the Stampin' Up! line. Fear Not! Stampin' Up! has a few package deals that will be available with the next Idea Book & Catalog to help you purchase replacement inks, card stock, Stampin' Write Markers, ...even Stampin' Pastels & Water Color Wonder Crayons!

WOHOO FOR SU!!

I will keep you posted over the next few days. I will have some of the new colors to show you at the Great Lakes Mega Meet....see you there!

Great Lakes Mega Meet Preperations

2010-04-07T13:01:00.000-04:00

I can't believe it's been so long since I posted. First - my appoligies! My laptop died for a few weeks, then it has been a mad dash to catch up on things and I am preparing for the Great Lakes Mega Meet at the same time!

Let me show what The Stamp Sell-er has looked like lately...

This is about Half of the retiring stamp sets I will have at the Great Lakes Mega Meet next month.

And then I sorted them a little more for this look....

OK, not that different, but really....it was a lot of work LOL

The Stamp Sell-er is still piled with items for the Mega Meet. I don't have my booth number yet, but as soon as I do I will post it to all of you. I know many of you attend this event every year and love it. I am looking forward to seeing you there. Michael will be helping at the Make & Take booth again!

See you there

May 6 - 8, 2010

Rock Financial Showplace

Novi, Michigan

Email me for more info or go to www.megameet.com

Stamp Of The Month Goes Stampless?

2010-03-07T12:16:00.000-05:00

It's True! This month the club is choosing a project, rather than a stamp set! We will be creating one of the fun On Board (chipboard) Books from the Occasions Mini Catalog, page 34. Never Fear! I have no doubt there will still be plenty of stampin' going on!! Below is only a part of what club members will receive ~

April Club Fee Just $25

You Will Receive The Following:

YOUR CHOICE OF CHIPBOARD BOOK SHAPE!

(from Occassions Mini Catalog page 34)

YOUR CHOICE OF TWO DIFFERENT RETIRED 6"x6" DSP PAPER PACKS

(Limited number, first come basis)

BLING!!! A variety of items, more than shown above!

Sweat Pea Stitched Felt flowers (partial package)

USE OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:

Ink Pads, Stamp Sets, Embossing Powders, Glitter, Big Shot & Dies

PLUS: Run loose in my 2 file Drawers FULL of Card Stock scraps,

Tie things together with my drawers full of retired Ribbons,

Nail down your design with retired Hardware, Buttons, etc . . .

AND . . .

FUN WITH FRIENDS!!!

Class Will Be Held Saturday, April 10, 2010 at 11 AM

So far everyone has chosen the scallop circle shape, but you can choose any of the three!

Heart Item # 117236 / Scallop Circle Item # 118306 / Bird Item # 117238

Join for just this month,

or subscribe to the club and receive bonus' and discounts!!

Email/call me ASAP to join in on the fun!

Prepayment Required via: Check, Cash, Credit, or Paypal (see link on the left!)

Hope To See You at

The Stamp Sell-er Soon!

Hugs, Karie B.

Blooming Clip Board plus a Bonus idea!

2010-03-05T23:54:00.006-05:00

Today is the last day of the Going Green Blog Tour, however, be sure to come back to my blog often to see what's new, check out the links on the left, etc.....

My Redesigned Drawing Slip Clip Board

I use several of these small clip boards at many of my vendor events, like the Great Lakes Mega Meet coming up this May, the Farmington Hills Founders Festival in July, and many others. A few are starting to look sort of sad but they are still sturdy and I didn't want to purchase new ones, so here's what I've come up with to make them a bit nicer.

I used the the Bigz XL Die 'Stampin' Up! Flower Folds (Item #115970), Shades of Spring DSP (Occassions Mini Item #117160), Flower Designer Brads (Item 3112579), Anywhere Glue Sticks (Item #104045), a small 3" piece of elastic, some craft store felt, and a clear barrel pen.

To give it some support for the brad behind the 'clip' , I used an spare piece of chipboard, covered it with DSP, punched a hole in the center with the Crop-a-dile (Item #108362), and you can't see it, but there is 3/4" metal washer on the other side of the chipboard to keep it from tearing through. The Flower Designer Brad is put through the felt flower (cut with the Bigz Die) and through the hole in the 'clip' of the clipboard. I did use a Hobby Blade (Item # 102449) to put a slit through the flower layers for the brad. I don't think anyone will notice this side, but I know it's there!

I used the Crop-a-dile again to punch two holes through the clip board so I could add the elastic for my pen. The photo on the left is the back side, which I didn't decorate. The elastic was white, but I dyed it with a Stampin' Up! Reinker to match the DSP. The pen (shown in the first photo) has a piece of DSP inside the barrel so that it matches as well. Come see more of these redesigned clip boards, and enter a free drawing, at my booth at upcoming events this year.

BONUS PROJECT - Card Holder Clear Box

You will need some of the boxes that the wood-mount Stampin' Up! stamps come in. I know many of you are, or have already, unmounted all of your woods stamps so you can use our cool new clear blocks. Now you have an idea for the plastic cases they came in. I recently received a LOT of them from a customer/friend, Pat Schultz, because she has a new craft room with drawers and wanted to take the stamps out of the boxes (GASP!!!). But she did keep photo copies of the sets so she wouldn't be totally lost about what goes with which. Smart girl!

Above is everything I used to make my two boxes and the three cards I am going to show you, and some of the boxes from Pat....stacked inside each other - as you can see - she loves SU stamps! FYI - do you see a sneak pick of Stamp Set in that photo? Yep...there is one there that will be out in the Summer Mini! I earned it FREE through a Stampin' Up! Challenge after a Regional event I attended in AZ. I LOVE FREE STAMPS! Ask me how you can get some FREE STAMPS too! - or click the What's It Like To Be A Demonstrator button on the left (picture of me & my team's SU mascot)

Hers & His card holder clear boxes

Some of the His cards to match His Box.

I loved using the To The Nines DSP because it is specialty DSP so it's more like card stock, when folded the insides of the the two cards on the left are printed! So Cool! I kept the cards very simple to appeal more to a man, however, my husband said they were too plain for him - but if you know my husband that isn't a surprise!

I did this Going Green project first but changed my mind. Although I like them, they are not my favorite end result. That's why they are my Bonus Project, not a main project. I will more versions in the future, in the mean time, why not give it a try yourself. They'd be great Thank You Gifts for Teachers this year! I do recommend you use the next size up Stampin' Up! stamp box because this size holds the cards, but the envelopes are a bit too long for it....darn!

I HOPE YOU WILL BOOK-MARK MY BLOG SITE AND STOP BACK SOON TO SEE WHAT I DO NEXT!

Until then, enjoy the rest of the Going Green Blog Tour!
Hugs, Karie B.

~~Click the icon below to continue with today's tour . . . on to Jackie's Blog . . .~~
Tour Ended March 7, 2010 at 12:01 AM Thanks for joining us....more tours to come!

Scrapbook In A Box - Round Version

2010-03-04T23:59:00.006-05:00

WOW! I hope you took the tour yesterday....the ideas were sooooo cool. One of my favorites was Becky Jensen's make over of the Lindt Chocolate box....SO CUTE! It made me want to go buy some, of course part of that may have been a desire for the goodies that come in box! LOL

My idea for a Going Green project today is also from a box.....

I started with a Laughing Cow cheese wedge box, and some restaurant drink coasters (compliments of a waitress who gave us a bag of them at convention one year!). With them I made a round scrapbook book in a box!

Along with the Box & Coasters, you will need: Big Shot Bigz Dies; Stampin' Up Beautiful Butterflies (Item #114507) & Clear Circle (Item #114522). Pretties Kit (Item #109114), Grosgrain Ribbon 1/4" (IB&C pg. 183), Small & Regular Tag punches (Item #108264 & #105934), Hobby Blade (Item #102449), Stampin' Up! Designer Series Papers (DSP) - I used the Bashful Blue & Chocolate Chip Patterns DSP, and some adhesives; Sticky Strip (Item #104294), SNAIL Adhesive (Item #104332), and my favorite for this project, Anywhere Glue Stick (Item #104045)

If you use the Bigz Clear Circle Die it will likely fit your round coasters as it did for me. I lucked out that the coasters had a brown edge so it matched my design. For the side I cut a strip of DSP 3/4" wide by 12" plus another strip the same width but only about 4" long. It's easiest if you combine them into one long strip before adhering it to the side. I used two rows of Stick Strip, one on the bottom side, and one on the lid side. Then I added my 2/3" strip and cut down the center with a Hobby Blade. Take your time with this so not to tear at the DSP (mine did a little). The top was made with the two Bigz Dies, DSP, and the Warm Words stamp set (I used this set a few times on the pages as well)

ON THE INSIDE: The Grosgrain ribbon is used as a hinge and is sandwiched between two decorated coasters to give it strength. Here's how it looks when you open it, and both sides of the pages-on-ribbon.

Here's a few more angles of the finished box, and a few of the pages up close

I hope you enjoyed today's project! I had fun making this that I decided that it needs to be an ABC class project ASAP! So it is official the project for the next

ABC Class on Thursday, April 21st

at 6:30 PM. Email me for details Memoryinkers@att.net.

Hugs, Karie B.

~~Now...of to see what Jackie Bottomley is up to today....click the icon below~~

Tour Ended 3/7/10

Rhinstone Brad Jewel Box . . . worth a mint!

2010-03-03T22:00:00.005-05:00

Today is the first day of the Going Green Blog Tour. It is my first time to be involved in one of these tours and I admit to being a bit nervous. The idea behind this tour is to recycle an item, or idea, to create something fun and new. I have been wanting to try this idea for a long time I hope you like it!

The BEFORE and the AFTER

You will need:

1 metal tin, a variety of the round Rhinestone brads, Filigree Designer Brads, Sanding Block, Craft Ink to match your tin, Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Piercing Tool, Mat Pack, a hammer, and a nail.

First a light sanding of the top of the tin. Then cover it in Stampin' Up! Craft Ink (I used Real Red to match this particular tins red top) and Clear Embossing Powder. After you heat this be careful to let it cool. It will be hot and take a bit longer for the embossing to 'set'. I messed mine up a bit by touching it too soon - plus OUCH! it was hot!

Find the center of the lid with a ruler, or just eyeball it. Open the box and find a block of wood to support the lid and the foam piece from the Mat Pack bundle between the wood and the lid. Then create a starter hole using the Piercing Tool, then because you'll needed a larger hole use a fat nail (unknown technical name, I just got it from my husbands 'stash') and hammered that into the original hole. It is important to create that starter hole so you don't dent the lid with the nail. Once you have the first hole place your main brad on the lid. Mine uses both sizes of the Filigree Designer Brads and a red Rhinestone Brad.

Once the first brad is in place, place filigree brads around it and mark the center with a pencil. Then pierce those holes as you did with the first one. Continue this process until the lid is as filled as you want it to be. I found it easier to secure the main brads, then mark the next set of brads, and so on. Then when you can no longer fit any of the Filigree Designer Brads on the lid, you can fill in with Rhinestone Brads

When you are satisfied you can add fabric or felt to finish the inside of the tin. Then create a personalized designer charm using one of our beautiful Simply Adorned Charms and place it inside What a fun packaging idea for an Easter, Birthday, or Mother's Day gift! . . . or keep it for yourself!

Remember to check back here tomorrow to see my next project. Follow the link below to see what some of my other Stampin' Up! Demonstrator friends are doing for this tour. The next one is by Jackie Bottomley, who happens to be a member of my downline (theMemoryINKers team) and a good friend!!

Hugs, Karie B.

Tour Ended 3/7/10

Card to 12" Scrapbook Layout

2010-02-22T21:14:00.002-05:00

Make & Take Projects

On Saturday, 2/20/10, I was a vendor at the Saving The Memories Crop. Although I did have several of my Scrapbook Layouts, and some retired SU product available for purchase, my main 'job' at this event is share the fun of Stampin' Up! Guest could come to my table for a FREE MAKE & TAKE card, shown below.

FYI - The Dazzling Diamonds on the flower & bird were my husband Micheal's idea! He thought it needed a little 'bling' Gotta Love That Man!! Plus...he was right!! The bling really completed the look.

Below is a second option that I had available as a Make & Take of both pages for just $3.

Both projects were made using Apricot Appeal & Chocolate Chip card stock, Very Vintage Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel, Vintage Vogue stamp set, Extra Large Two-step Bird punch, & the Scallop Trim Corner & Border punches.

I love teaching new techniques and at this crop I have several 'regulars' who always come to my table and often bring projects from home to ask for some help. One of the girls, Patty, brought her Watercolor Crayons for a quick tutorial between the make & takes. You can't see her in the photo below, she's behind the camera, but that's the pile of stamps and stuff she brought to use with the crayons in the bottom right corner of the photo...Thanks Again Patty!

Yep, that's me in the blue shirt1 Behind me and the Make & Taker's you can see some of the other croppers. This location has great lighting, clean bathrooms (all of it is beautifully kept up) and Diane & Kim make sure the food is always great!! It's why I recommend to so many people. You can email Diane Alberts if you want more information on the Crops they have coming up. Her email is KDGDI@aol.com. Please tell her I sent you ~ maybe I'll get a discount on one of the next crops ~ OK, they already treat me pretty good, I guess that's more than enough, and it is a CHARITY CROP too!

Here's a few more photos of the croppers...yes, and other vendors too.

I'll be there in again in April with another FREE Make & Take project, a few cash & carry items. If you know you are attending and will need extra adhesives, card stock, ink, etc . . . be sure to let me know so we can place an order to be delivered to you before then, or if it's just a small item you can send payment direct to me and I will order the products then deliver them at the crop! Just be sure to give me two weeks so that the order arrives to me in time!

Can't Wait That Long? Remember that I am having a

T.A.C.O. Crop on March 27th

(Totally Awesome Crop Opportunity)

1 pm - 9 PM Just $5!

at The Stamp Sell-er

Email me today to sign up!

Hugs, Karie B.

ABC Class Projects

2010-02-18T20:29:00.000-05:00

Anything But Cards aka: ABC Class

I thought you'd like to see the February 17th class projects. We made Tile Coasters. Everyone had a wonderful time and found out how easy it is to make these fun projects. A few people made them with stamped images but the ones shown below were made with one of the Definitely Decorative stencils. They were a Big Hit ~ Thanks for the idea Jan Wakeland (my Stampin' Up! Upline) for teaching me this last summer at your house in PA!

Tomorrow I will be at the Saving The Memories Crop (Madison Hgts, MI) teaching a fun Make & Take project with an optional 2-page Scrapbook layout project! I will share that with you soon.

Until then, have a wonderful weekend!

Hugs, Karie B.

Valentine's Day Cards & Grandkids!

2010-02-15T15:39:00.001-05:00

I woke up on Valentine's Day morning to find surprises from my sweetheart, Micheal, around the house. Below is a card he made for me! I don't know how he sneaks into the Stamp Sell-er without me knowing it and gets into all my stuff! He 'doctors' everything he touches but the stamps he used are from a set that is not yet available (A little Sneak Peak). The set is called Elements of Style and will be out in the Summer Mini this May.

Obviously the stamps are actually a bit different from what you see here....he said he used the stamp box to make one a reverse image, did the huff technique, moved the head on the humming bird, and you can see he is a bit of an artist with all the swirls and the heart shape! I love it! You can't really tell but it's all on Pretty In Pink card stock which makes it even more soft and pretty! I am so lucky to have him as my Valentine!

Here's a Punched Bunny card that I CASE'd from several different demonstrators, I have no clue who first came up with this idea but I had to try it. This bunny will part of the next Thrill Me Thursday Class on March 25th!

My version uses the Scallop Oval punch (Item #114889) for the ears and feet, Large Oval punch (Item #107305) in center of those, then Scallop Circle punch (Item #109043) for face and body, 1 3/8" circle punch (Item #104401) in center. 1/8" circle for checks (Crop-a-dile Item #108362 the largest hole). The background is random stamps of Happy Easter from the Well Scripted in the Occasions Mini pg. 19 available in wood or clear-mount. Of course the card stock is Whisper White & Pretty In Pink....then of course the little fluffy tail is a 'pom' available at one of the big box craft stores.

Above are the fun treat boxes I made for our Granddaughters. The stamps are from the Occasions Mini set "Love Bandit" and the Big Shot's Matchbox die....the paper is actually a retired set from Stampin' Up!

Below is a scrapbook page I created using My Digital Studio (Item # 118108). You can see pictures of my oldest stepson's children, and a really funny picture of Michael 'fancied up' by Hailey...too funny! It was next to impossible to get any really nice photos of the girls, they are much happier being silly.

I hope you had as much LOVE in your life yesterday as Michael & I did with our little sweeties!
Hugs, Karie B.

Easter Card

2010-02-10T16:51:00.000-05:00

Here's something I put together for my team's SWAP this month.

Hope You Like It!

Snow Day!

2010-02-09T16:12:00.001-05:00

It's finally looking like winter here in Michigan. It's Beautiful! Also a great reason to snuggle up with my stamps and ink....it's the best exercise to warm my muscles and make me smile!

I was shown a fun idea using the wing from the new Two-step Bird punch and turning it into a sunflower. I punched up a version of my own....what do you think?

It is actually pretty simple, just takes a little time. I punched out a bunch of just the 'wings' from the Two-step Bird punch (item #117191 Occasions Mini) from a sheet out of the "Flock Together" DSP (Item #114018) then I dirtied them up a bit with a sponge, curled them for dimension before adding them to the circles. The bottom row is adhered to a 1 3/4" circle with the 'wings-petals' on top of it. Then another circle at 1 1/4" using 'wings-petals' cut from matching card stock (So Saffron). This is adhered to the bottom layer with Stampin' Dimensionals (item #104430). The last row is the DSP again adhered behind the image that I stamped onto So Saffron cs with the same color ink then cut out. That image, and the sentiment, is from the stamp set "Best Wishes & More" (Item #111602). Of course it needed Dazzling Diamonds glitter (Item #102023). The background is actually Whisper White (can't really tell in the photo) and the scallop mat from Gable Green cs cut with the NEW and FUN punches, Scallop Trim Border (from the Sale-a-bration so it's FREE), and the matching Scallop Trim Corner in the Occasions mini (Item #116670). I hope you like it!

Below shows just one quick sample idea for the new On Board Books from the Occasions mini (page 34). I am just getting started on this book and just had to share this page with you!

The last one is a card from Stamp Of The Month a few months back. Did you know that Stamp Of The Month has had a Price Drop? From $35 to $25 per month! WOW! Ask me for details on this awesome club!

Enjoy the Snow Day if you are in Michigan, or any of the surrounding snow areas!
Hugs, Karie B.

Catching up....

2010-02-05T00:41:00.002-05:00

I FINALLY FIXED IT!

I don't know why it took me so long to figure it out, but I finally fixed it! I now have the www.memoryinkers.com website linking to this blog. I am sure it would seem simple to some of you, but to me it was a real trail and error. I am very happy that I was able to figure it out for myself and not have to pay someone to do it for me...although I admit I was about a week away from that! I hope you will enjoy your visit, and come back often!

STAMP OF THE MONTH Club
MARCH, 2010

Here's a snippet photo of what you have to look forward to for next month's Stamp Of The Month (SOTM) Club. For just $25 you will receive the With All My Heart stamp set (item #118623 *clear-mount), all the materials to complete the monthly projects (5 this month...but I am thinking of adding a 6th, I just can't help myself) and the free club meeting where you can use all my tools, inks, etc...to complete your projects. PLUS FULL COLOR DIRECTIONS FOR ALL PROJECTS! Email me before the 15th of February for reserve your kit! Shipping Not Included in club kit fee.

*Wood-mount version available for an additional $4.66

On Saturday, January 30th, Open House

Guests were able to try some new Stampin' Up! products while creating two Make & Take projects. Many purchased my retired stamp sets, and misc. retired products, but I have to say that the most popular item had to be the completed cards and card-front samples. Below is a photo of what was left after the sale (Sorry, forgot to take before photos...oops!)

The front table had a few items on display, a place to look through the catalog and place orders, a file of my class, club options, and even a place for one of the M&T's (That table was busy!) the table in the back right of this photo has what's left of my retired stamps...not much! If you missed this Open House, watch for future dates...I will do again!

CLEAR-MOUNT AND WOOD-MOUNT STAMPING

Above is a shot of some of the Occasions Mini stamp sets showing both options, clear-mount or wood mount. Everyone loved the chance to try both options.

You can see the from the photo on the below I had a competitors acrylic block available to try right next to one of Stampin' Up!'s blocks. The competitor's is shallow and not as easy to hold on to. SU's has the wonderful smooth ridges all the way around. It's kind of hard to see, but when you attend a class or book your workshop I will be happy to show you the difference in person!

I will continue working on my blog and hope to have more and more updates on a weekly basis, if not more frequent. Until next time...Hugs, Karie B.

Welcome Neighbor Challenge

2010-02-02T18:49:00.000-05:00

My upline often sends us a challenge to keep us on our toes. This week she asked that we do something with the addorable Welcome Neighbor DSP from the Sale-a-bration mini. Here's two of my submissions to her.
This first one is made with ALL DSP, Card stock, & some ribbon...no stamps!

I admit, it's my favorite! The card base is made with Old Olive cs, layered with 4: x 5.25" DSP. The house is a bit tricky since I didn't measure it while I was making it....just sort of winged it. I will give you the measurements of the DSP and then know that each piece is matted about 1/8" in Old Olive, then the whole 'house' is matted in Pretty In Pink. Here's what I did. * Main House 2.5" x 2.75" * Roof 3" x 1.25" (at peak) * Door 1" x 2" * Window 7/8" square Chimney 1/2" by 1.5". I matted the roof AFTER I cut the trim with the Pinking Hearts Boarder punch, then just cut it out by hand. The ribbon is 5/8" grosgrain in Old Olive.

The Dear Father card is my 2nd submission for the Welcome Neighbor DSP challenge. It's pretty simply, Pumpkin Pie CS, torn DSP, the image is matted in Old Olive...and the tree is from Lovely As A Tree (a long time favorite of many of my customers...me too!) I inked the tree with brown Stazon ink then colored the tree by using my blender pen and markers.

The Love You Much card is what I had as the Make & Take for my January Hostess Workshops. Real Red cs, Whisper White CS trimmed with the Scallop Trim Boarder from the SAB mini & Corner & stamp are from the Occasions mini. Red Gingham ribbon...and the heart, now that was the fun part. It's cut free hand from the 12" Sticky Paper (IB&C) and then DSP cut into tiny pieces to create the 'mosaic' on top. Afterward the hole thing is covered in Silver embossing powder and ...well, embossed of course. The heart is adhered with Stampin' Dimensionals. It was a big hit at all the workshops! I learned this idea while attending the Stampin' Up! Regional event while in Phoenix, AZ. I love being a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator. We get the greatest ideas!!!