New Product Look!

Don't you love to see NEW stuff before anyone else does?  That's one of the benefits of being a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator that I love.  We got the chance to view and preorder some fun new paper and a fabulous new stamp set that will be coming out in the new Idea Book & Catalog in July...

I decided to use all this new goodness for our March Stamp & Chat class!

The new stamp set is called Four Frames...which fits perfectly with the Designer Label Punch that is out now.  And the Designer Series Paper is TO DIE FOR!! The line is called Paisley Petals and it is very on trend right now with the whole vintage wallpaper look that is going around!

Want to see?

This one is my favorite, I think.  I love that the folded frames fit over the linen thread "clothesline".  Such a great look, huh?  This card screams Spring to me....which hopefully will get here at some point!

Here's a close up of another...this one using the Vintage Wallpaper Texture Plate....simple, but FABULOUS!

And lastly, we'll be making this 4X8 card as well.  Lots of punching going on tonight!  You can't see it very well, but we are also using a new favorite product of mine...SMOOCH SPRITZ....you've GOT to try this stuff!! It makes everything all shimmering and happy!

Well, I am certianly looking forward to stamping these cards along with my quests tonight!

If you missed Stamp and Chat this month....there's another one coming up April 28th! 

Contact me to register! 

Hope to see you soon!

GS PaperBag Albums!

Want to see what a Girl Scout Paperbag Album Class for 13 looks like?

Yes, this has been keeping me pretty busy these past few nights! Here's what each of the girls will be getting.. .

Makes ME want to take the class...and I'm the one teaching it!! 

If you know me well enough, I need to be organized at ALL times. Organization makes me happy. And this class is no exception, you see there are ALOT of parts to this album (10 pages in all). So to make it more efficient and more fun for the girls, I separated all the parts and pieces into individual bags (one for the cover, pages 1 & 2, 3 & 4, etc). More work for me....but that means more fun crafting for the girls and not trying to figure out what to do with all those pieces!!

Did you see the Stampin' Up! Snail Adhesive?? Yep, these lucky girls get to use the GOOD STUFF!

Might as well start them early!

Better Late Than Never!

Last week I showed you the Tuesday Trigger on the Moxie Fab World Blog ...each Tuesday there is a new inspiration picture that helps get our creative mojo going!

Well, it's Sunday....and I am FINALLY showing your the Trigger and my little take on it!  It's been one of those weeks! So, yes, better late than never...

Here is the inspiration photo this week:

This is a huge trend right now...the look of vintage button cards & buttons.  I love the cleanness of this image...you can almost feel the crisp linen napkins underneath your fingertips. Wouldn't you love to sit down to a table with this at your place setting?? I'd be trying to get a dinner invitation every week!

So, here is what I came up with...

I tried to go with the crisp and clean look....with a few buttons thrown in, of course!!.  I have to say, I am loving the River Rock card stock right now...it's my new kraft paper.  It's a great neutral....not to bright, not too dark...plus looks GREAT with just about everything.

There, I did it! Thanks for taking the time to take a peak at one of my creative endeavours this week! 

Another very packed week ahead.  I have a Stampin' Scout Class, March Stamp & Chat, and TWO workshops all before next Sunday rolls around. There's gonna be a whole lotta stampin' going on...and I LOVE it! 

Happy St. Patty's Day!

This is why I love card making and papercrafting. 

I received this card in the mail today from my Stampin' Up! upline, Aly.  As soon as I opened it, it brought a smile to my face. Why? Because someone took the time to make *ME* a card.  Yes, I am making cards all the time, coming up with ideas, classes, etc....but I still LOVE the feeling it gives me to actually receive a special card like this in the mail.

Don't ever underestimate what making and sending a homemade card to someone means. It's easy to facebook, text or email someone...take some time and create something special for someone you care about today...trust me, you'll be sure to spread some smiles!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day Everyone!

Need a Night Out?

I still have a few spots available for the

March Stamp & Chat!!

Thursday, March 24th
7-10pm

You will be creating SIX cards (two each of three designs)

with BRAND NEW, NEVER SEEN papers and stamps that will be in the upcoming

Idea Book & Catalog that is released in July!

Cost in only $15.00 or FREE with a $25.00 order that night!

Come, Chat, Make some Cards you'll LOVE to give!

Please call or email me to register!

Decor Elements

Did you know that Stampin' Up! is about more than just stamps & paper? Now, they are FABULOUS stamps and papers...but they also do some fun home decor stuff too.  And, if you know me, I like the decorating thing just as much as I like the crafting thing...a perfect pairing!!

Stampin' Up! has a line called Decor Elements...it's vinyl letting & images for your walls, windows, craft projects, pretty much anything you want to stick it on! What I love about it...it's REMOVABLE. Where was this when I was renting???

Now, you've probably seen things like this other places...they are all over right now. But, can I just say...cheesy, cheesy, cheesy...garish colors, tacky imageryy. That is why I LOVE Stampin' Up!s line...it's upscale, on trend, and just gorgeous...and I'm pretty picky about what goes in my house!

Want to see them in action? Here we go...

This is on my wall in my family room where I have my little stampin' space.  I have carved out my own little nook where I can see the kids...but get my craft on whenever I have a free minute. This was also the kids craft space before I took it over...so this has always been a befitting definition to have on my wall right here.

Next is the kid's playroom.  This is, obviously, over the archway that leads into the dining room. All my kids love to look up there and start counting...so, I guess you could say that it's educational too! (yes, it's a long shot)

There are so many cute designs, labels for jars, chalkboard images, etc that I hope you at least check them out and maybe give them a try!! Click on the Decor Elements catalog link on the side of the screen and you can see the  entire line! 

Still not convinced or still don't get it??  Check out this video...

So..what do you think?

Join Me on Facebook!

I just started a Stamping With RaeAnn Fan Page on Facebook!

Click HERE to Join Me!

Please "Like" me

and I will be sure to share all sorts of project ideas, new classes and other fun Stampin' Up! goodness...on top of what you already get here on the blog! Woo Hoo!

I'd love to hear your comments, class ideas...

whatever you'd like to share!

Celebrate "U"

Here is a little project that I have been working on for my Girl Scout Class offerings.  I got a great response from my Brownie & Daisy classes, but have had some requests for "older girl" projects.  What a fun challenge.  I am used to working with my 8 years olds (who do a fantastic job crafting, by the way!) but to come up with something a little more challenging, a little something with more parts & pieces...well, I just enjoyed it!

I knew almost immediately what I was going to do, and that was a paperbag book (or you can call it a mini scrapbook if you'd like!)  Girls this age LOVE their friends...they love hanging out with them, going to the movies with them, taking tons of pictures with them...so why not do a craft where you can put all those pictures, ticket stubs, notes that were slipped in your locker, etc...

So, this is what I came up with...a Celebrate "U" paperbag album. 

 If you're wondering, YES it is made out of brown paper lunch bags...cute, huh?

What's fun about this project is that all the bags make for LOTS of little pockets and places for the girls to put all their "stuff".  Of course, I've also added some little tags that the girls can write little thoughts on or "journal" like you would in a regular scrapbook. 

I left blank spots on each page (10 pages in all) to put a pictures of them and their BFF's.  If you can't tell, there is a common theme in this book..."U".  I thought this was the perfect stamp set for a Girl Scout project...all about "U" (Just be U, Happy for U, Good for U, etc)

Here is one more sneak peak of one of my favorite pages in the book...

I think it's all the little tags and the blue rhinestone brad that does it for me!  And, the little button by the U...did I mention that I love buttons? :)

Well, if you want to see the other pages...you'll just have to contact me to set up a class date!  All the details will be under my "Stampin' Scouts" link at the top of my blog page!

 

A Little Bit of Bliss...

While I am getting ready for my upcoming workshops and private classes this month, I thought that I would share a little project video from Stampin' Up! with you!  This shows some ideas with one of the Sale-a-bration stamp sets that you can get for FREE this month, it's called "Bliss" 

Don't Forget...

Sale-a-bration ends at the end of the month..make sure you take advantage of getting your

FREE STAMPS!

Get Inspired!

It's fun to be inspired...and I am always looking for a good inspiration to pop up and to make me want to sit down and play with all my paper and stamp sets.  Today was one of those days!  Over at the Moxie Fab World Blog, they have something called "The Tuesday Trigger".  Basically, what that is, is a picture meant to stir up something creative in  you...and for you to make a papercraft inspired by that picture.

So, here is the Tuesday Trigger for this week...

It's worn and vintage, but it still has that freshness that comes from the flower bouquet.  It also has texture...you want to reach out and feel the rough chair or feel the soft petals of those flowers....(sigh) a look I love.

This is what I came up with...

I apologize that it's a little dark, but sometimes being creative means you wait until the kids are in bed!! haha.  So, back to the card...

I knew I wanted to use that soft Baja Breeze Blue...but I wanted that aged, paint-chipped-off look to come through..so I background stamped with the Bella Toile stamp using Soft Suede ink.  Then came the color...I HAD to use the orange (pumpkin pie) and the pink (rose red)...to me, that's where the freshness comes from.  I did get  literal with the chair stamp from the Have a Seat stamp set...but, to be honest, I've just been dying to use that set!!  And can you see how well the Decorative Label Punch frames out the chair?! The rumbled look of the ribbon helped me get that texture I was hoping to achieve. I also ran the rose red strip through the Big Shot with the Polka Dot Texture Plate.  And, of course, I love my buttons!!  What I love about the Big Buttons is that I can thread larger ribbon through the holes...LOVE IT!

The entire project was "shabby'd up" with a little soft suede ink to make it feel worn in and loved.

What would you have done with Target Tuesday?

Want to share? Email me your creative take on it and I will be happy to share my favorites!

I can't wait to see what the trigger is next week!

Camp Out!

Besides my life as Mom and Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, I am also Ally's Brownie Troop Leader! I can honestly say that I love it.  But let me tell you, it takes ALOT of work and ALOT of planning.  I am always amazed by the women with outside full time careers who take on that leadership role.  That is why I started offering Girl Scout Stampin' Classes and Badge Programs. I figured, since I was spending all this time coming up with craft ideas, service project ideas and ways to earn badges...that I might as well share not only my ideas....but my time!

One of the classes I am offering is the "Get Ready for Camp!" class. You see, every other year is a Camp Out year....and this is one of them!  For all of my girls, we will be camping overnight for the first time...I think I am almost excited as they are!  So, I came up with a cute idea for a craft for the girls to make to get ready for camp.  And it's one thing that I know for SURE we'll be doing...making SMORE'S over the campfire...

The Treat Bag has all the fixin's to make the perfect smore.  A leader can easily pass these out around the campfire and you can just imagine the smiles on the girl's faces!  Or how excited will the girls be to make this KNOWING that they'll be ripping it open over a toasty campfire in May!

I've also added a cute card that can be used as a thank you to that parent who helped the troop get ready for camp...or maybe one of the girls has a Birthday at campout! I love the images in this stamp set...bug spray ("Skeeter Spry it says on the can"), mosquito, sleeping bag, raccoon...and so much more!

If you're interested in me coming to teach this fun project to your girls...let me know! You can also find more info by clicking on the Stampin' Scouts page at the top of this page.. I will come to your meeting and you can sit back, relax and watch your girls have a great time!

Are you long distance, but still would LOVE to share this project with your Girl Scout or Boy Scout Troop? Email me...I'll be happy to give you a price that would include the entire pre-cut kit, stamp set & ink pads!  I promise, It's a set that you can use over and over again!


(I submitted this idea as a crafty little project idea HERE!!)

SNEAK PEAK ALERT!

Since I'm coming down off my "I'm going to the Martha Stewart Show" high (kinda), I thought that I would share a little sneak peak of the cards you'll be creating at the March Stamp & Chat!

You may not recognize the product we're using...Why? Because it's NEW PRODUCT from the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog that isn't even released yet!! 

Yes, you are going to be able to get your hot little hands on BRAND NEW, NEVER SEEN designer paper and a NEW stamp set! Woo Hoo!

I won't make you wait any longer...

You'll have to wait for all the fun details until the night of Stamp & Chat (March 24th), but I think that you are going to LOVE, love, love the new items to play with!

And, remember, you won't just be making these two cards...you'll be making TWO EACH of these cards plus ONE MORE that I am keeping under wraps until class night!

You WILL WANT to find that friend that never stamped with me before...then you get to make THREE each of all these great cards!

What more can I say...

Register before my tables fill up!

I'm Going to See Martha!!

Please excuse me as I take a small break from "Stamp Chat" as I am bubbling over with excitement...I just found out that I got tickets to see the Martha Stewart Show in NYC on March 30th.  My husband goes every month for work and this time I've decided to tag-along! This has been a dream for me...to see that fabulous studio, to see the one-and-only Martha Stewart up close and personal...

If you could see me now, I am just beaming with JOY!!

Now, some of you may think I'm a little nuts.  As a Stay at Home Mom, who is trying to build a home based business, she epitomizes the strength women can have and the businesses that they can build from the things that are most important to many of us...our home, our hobbies, our family.

Martha Stewart is THE role model for homemakers, crafters, gardeners....I could go on. I tend to look to those more successful than I to learn and to grow...she is the ultimate mentor and guide. Now, do I aspire to be a little abrasive and condescending at times (sorry, Martha) NO.  But there is a lot you can learn from someone who started out just like a lot of us....selling a few cards (or pies in Martha's case) and then growing to sizes that are almost unthinkable.

So, it looks like I can bring a camera and take pictures before and after the show is taped...so hopefully I will be able to show you some fun pictures when I get back!  So much to look forward to...I hope you'll join me in the excitement!

I promise to give LOTS of details! Woo Hoo!

Introducing...Stamp & Chat!

I'm super excited to announce a new format in stamping starting this month! 

It's called Stamp & Chat!

The one thing I always hear when I hold classes or am at a workshop is that the women like the socialization and fun just as much as they like the stamping!  And that is exactly the reason why I love being a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator! I know that I'll get the chance several times a month to have some great time with some great ladies!  Many times there are women around the stamping table who have never met each other before...but by the end of the evening, they are friends. I LOVE that!

So, what is Stamp & Chat?

Stamp and Chat is going to be a more casual, stamp at your own pace class where you will go station to station to complete your cards.  Don't have a lot of time? Feel free to say hi, stamp and leave! Want a more slow paced, casual evening so you can just relax chat and meet up with new and old friends? You can do that too!!  There will be three stations set up, each with a different card design. You will be creating TWO of each of the THREE designs. This is a PERFECT class to refill your card stash basket or start one!

This will be a monthly class...held at the end(ish) of the month on Thursday evenings from 7:00-pm10:00pm. Come early, come late....just leave yourself enough time to finish your cards!  And here is the best part...the cost of Stamp & Chat is $15.00 for all 6 cards....HOWEVER, if you place an order of $25.00 (before shipping and taxes) that night, your cards are FREE! How cool is that? 

And what another great incentive?  Bring a friends who has NEVER stamped with me before...and you can make another set of three cards for FREE!

What do you think??  

This is a fantastic class for beginning stampers or those of you who don't need my step-by-step directions every inch of the way.  New? I will be happy to move station to station with you and show you the ropes one-one-one or with your friends. Don't need me? That's fine, I'll just be there to chat and catch up with you and answer any questions you may have! (Directions for each card are at each station)

So, consider this your formal invitation....I hope to see you March 24th!!  Please let you know you are coming AT LEAST one week in advance!! Space will be limited!!

Spring Stamp & Chat Dates

(Mark Your Calendar!)

March 24th

April 28th

May 26th

Give me a call or email me to register!!

Cheers To You!

This weekend I am working on the projects for a private class that I have coming up this month. Here is one of the cards the ladies will be creating...

Can you tell that it's a Girls Night Out Class? Ha Ha. 

This is the Cheers To You stamp set...a great "go to" set for upcoming summer parties, invites, birthdays...you name it!  This card uses the In Color Patterns Designer Series Paper Pack, Pear Pizzazz stitiched-poly ribbon and (my favorite!) a hint of Dazzling Diamonds to bling out the cherry and olive.  

Just looking at this card makes me long to float in my pool with a cool drink in my hand.....sigh.

Well, here's to summer getting here SOON!

Cheers, everyone!

Hostess Appreciation!

As a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, I REALLY appreciate my hostesses.  And by "Hostesses" I mean ANYONE who books a workshop, private class or "Stampin' Scouts" Class with me. Without you, I'd be sitting here stamping by myself!!

So, to thank my hostesses who have booked with me during Sale-a-bration (Jan 25-March 31st) I am offering a FREE Purse & Card Class! Check out how CUTE this set is...

Do you LOVE it?!?

I saw this on Ronda Wade's (Stampin' Up! Top Demonstrator & Trainer) Blog and I KNEW that I HAD to make one myself and share it with you...because that's what stamping is all about, right?

Now, I still have a FEW dates left in March (not many, so contact me SOON!) if you'd like to join my other Hostesses and have a FREE fun night of purse & card making!! 

My Hostess Appreciation class is scheduled for Thursday, April 14th from at 7:00pm.

BUT WAIT!!!

Because I want to share this great project with EVERYONE....I am also offering a "Class With Benefits" on Friday, April 22nd at 7:00pm. You will create this purse, plus TWO each of all three cards...and the best part?? Included in the Class Fee is a FULL PACK OF SPRINGTIME VINTAGE DESIGNER SERIES PAPER...and you will have LOTS of leftovers to take home and make even more adorable cards and projects!  The Cost of the Class is $20.00 and you MUST preregister by April 9th to ensure I get your order in for the paper!

See...a class with BENEFITS!

March Card Kit of the Month!

Hello Friends! Sorry I haven't posted in a few days...to sum it all up, It's just been crazy busy! This weekend I am working on a TON of projects, cards and a NEW Stamping Event that I can't wait to share with you! You have a whole lot of new blog posts coming...

But for now, I'll leave you with this.  Easter is right around the corner and NOW is the time to start creating those Easter/Spring Cards! This is a GREAT way to take a class while sitting in your jammies in your own home! Let me know if you have any questions...and remember...keep checking back..LOTS of new stuff on the horizon!

Card Kit of the Month – March

Featured Set: “Easter Blossoms” 

Featured Accessory: Vintage Flower Adornments

Card Kits are the Stamping Classes that come right to your door! You’ll receive the supplies to create SIX of EACH design shown here – that means all of the consumable supplies that you need to create 12 cards total. You will also receive 2 additional full color photographs of “alternative” cards that you can make with the combined contents of the kit! In addition, you’ll receive detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to complete each of the 4 designs. This month’s card kit items are listed below, and the price of the Card Kit is just $20 – that’s less than $1.70 per card!!

Card Kit Order Deadline is March 10^th

You will receive your kits at the end of the month.

Special Offer for March! Purchase the Card Kit and receive the, featured stamp set “Easter Blossoms” and the Featured Accessory, “Vintage Flower Adornments” at 20% off!

The Card Kit ($20) Includes:

• Cut Cardstock Pieces
• Cut Seam Binding Pieces
• 12 – Die Cut Ovals
• 12 – Very Vanilla Medium Envelopes
• Step by Step Instructions to complete 4 different card designs using the kit pieces

Add-on Products:

• Baja Breeze Classic Ink ($5.95)
• Early Espresso Classic Ink ($5.95)
• Rose Red Classic Ink ($5.95)
• Stamping Sponge ($3.50)
• Easter Blossoms Stamp Set: Wood - ($25.95) $20.76 Clear - ($1895) $15.16 with the purchase of the Card Kit.
• Vintage Flower Adornments ($5.95) $4.76 with the purchase of the Card Kit.

Other Optional Purchases:

• Stampin’ Dimensionals ($3.95)
• SNAIL Adhesive ($6.95)
• Bone Folder ($6.95)
• Paper Snips ($9.95)
• Mini Glue Dots ($4.95)

Please Note: I am glad to ship kits directly to you! There is a $3.50 shipping charge.

Contact me to order your Card Kit Today!