Week 8 of the 12 Weeks of Christmas

I greatly apologize for the delay in posting week 8 of the 12 weeks of Christmas.  I have been experiencing downloading difficulties.  I am hoping to have these difficulties resolved by this week.  Thankfully we still have enough time to make it through the 12 weeks before Christmas arrives.  Thank you for your patience.

This week's project uses the Clear Tiny Treat boxes, designer paper and a few embellishments to create a WOW project to give to your friends and family.  I think this box would be a great addition to your dinner table this Christmas season as a gift for all of your guests to take home with them.   You can fill this fun box with treats or even a small gift.  Off the top of my head, besides food or candy treats,  I'm thinking jewelry, bath fizzies, a candle, a small toy...what would you put in it? 

I have listed the supplies used, paper sizes and score lines below, but be sure to click on the link below to watch step by step instructions on my You Tube video. 

Here's what I used to create this box:

• Clear tiny treat boxes (item #141699)
• Jute Twine (item #144625)
• Mini Ornaments (item #144626)
• Merry Little Christmas Designer Series Paper (item #144621)
• Green sprigs (item #144627)

How I created this box:

• Cut designer paper to 2" x 10"
• Score designer paper at 1", 2", 4", 6", 8" and 9"

 Watch my You Tube Video here for step by step instructions

I hope you enjoyed this project.  Stop back tomorrow to see what else I am creating.  Don't forget to sign up for notifications so you never miss a project.

Happy Stamping,

Debbie

Get Ready To Be Amazed

Introducing the Stampin' Up! Stamparatus

This past week, Stampin' Up! introduced a new tool called the Stamparatus.  And you're going to NEED it.  The Stamparatus will change the way you stamp, and once you have it, you will wonder how you every crafted without it. 

Here's what you can do with it:

• Make multiple stamped images with ease
• Consistently stamp crisp, clean images
• If you want a darker impression, apply more ink and restamp, no need to start over
• Make fewer mistakes, saving time and money
• Easily create 2 step, 3 step and 4 step stamped images using reversible plates
• Develop new and specialized stamping techniques with adjustable stamping plates and precision placement

Check out this You Tube Video that shows you exactly how the Stamparatus works:

 

https://youtu.be/3teCr7Xo4G8

 

Okay.  Now that you have watched the video, you're probably wondering How Do I Get One?

 

With the launch of this product, Stampin' Up! is trying out a new reservation system.  There are three reservation dates, and your product will ship during the designated shipping time.

 

Reservation Window                                  Available to Ship

 

November 16-30, 2017                                           Approximately  February 1, 2018

December 5-30, 2017                                             Approximately March 19, 2018

January 15-30, 2018                                               Approximately April 15, 2018

 

 

If you're like me, you probably have a lot of questions now that you have watched the video and you see the information about reserving your Stamparatus.  Here are the answers to some of the commonly asked questions.  However, if you don't see the answer you are looking for here, please feel free to contact me.

 

Q:  How do I reserve my Stamparatus?

A:  Normally you order Stampin' Up! products through the online store; in this case, you will click the RESERVE link on the Stamparatus page which will take you to the reservation page. 

 

Q:  What if I do not have a Stampin' Up! customer account?

A:  In order to reserve a Stamparatus, you must have a customer account.  To create one, click Create Account on the online store.

 

Q:  Why does it take so long for the Stamparatus to ship?

A:  We will place an order with the manufacturer based on how many reservations are made during any given reservation window.  Shipping dates depend on how long it takes the order to arrive in our warehouse after the tools have been manufactured.

 

Q:  Am I billed at the time I reserve the Stamparatus?

A:  No.  However, a credit card is required to reserve the product.

 

Q:  When will I be charged for the Stamparatus?

A:  When inventory arrives in the warehouse, we will add your reservation to a shopping cart.  We will then send you an email notifying you that your Stamparatus is ready.  Once you finalize payment and close your order, the system will charge your credit card

 

Q:  Will I be able to add other products to my Stamparatus reservation?

A:  No.  However, once your reservation is transferred to your shopping card, you wil then be able to add other items to your order.  Important note:  Please do not delete the Stamparatus from your order.  We will not be able to add it back and you will lose your reservation.

 

Q:  Will I be able to update my address and credit card information when I open my shipping bag to complete my order?

A:  Yes

 

Q.  What if I change my mind and want to cancel my reservation?

A:  You can cancel your reservation at any time

 

Q:  Will this tool be available in the 2018-2019 Annual Catalog?

A:  Yes, once the annual catalog ordering period begins, you will be able to order the Stamparatus as you would any other product.  Reservations will no longer be required, and there will be no limit on the number of tools you can order.

 

Q:  Once the stamparatus is added to my shopping cart, how long will it stay there?

A:  Indefinitely.  As with all products, it will be subject to temporary interruptions in availability depending on demand.

 

Q:  How many stamp placement tools can I order per reservation?

A:  For customers, there is a limit of 1 per reservation window

 

Q:  How did Stampin' Up! come up with the name Stamparatus?

A:  We combined two words that speak to the end use of the tool as well as Stampin' Up! branding.

 

Stamp:  To impress a pattern or mark on a surface, object, or document using an engraved or inked block or die or other instrument.

 

Apparatus:  The technical equipment or machinery needed for a particular activity or purpose

 

Stamp + Apparatus = Stamparatus

 

Whew!  That's a lot of information.  If you have further questions, please feel free to contact me.

 

Don't forget to make your reservation starting November 16th, 2017  (as quantities per reservation are limited).  Visit my site By clicking here

 

Happy Stamping,

 

Debbie

Week 7 of the 12 Weeks of Christmas

Have you been in the stores since Halloween has passed?  Have you heard it?   I'm talking about the sounds of Christmas music coming from the speakers of your favorite stores.  And I have already started seeing Christmas ads on tv, too.  With only 48 days until Christmas, no, that's not a typo,  stores are starting early to cash in on holiday sales.  And while I believe that November should be for Thanksgiving and being thankful, I also believe that if we don't start preparing for Christmas now, we will pay later by being stressed and unprepared.  So I have prepared a few time saving holiday tips for you to help relieve some stress for you during the upcoming holidays. 

1. Plan as many of your holiday dates as you can today. Get them on the calendar now. 
2. Each week while you are grocery shopping, pick up at least 1 extra gift card.  If you started this week, you could have 5 gift cards by Christmas.  Better yet, next year, starting in January, purchase just 1 extra gift card per month.  By December, you will have 12 cards, and your budget won't feel the crunch as much as it would if you bought them all at once.
3. Stock up on wrapping essentials now.  This includes wrapping paper, tape, ribbons, gift tags, bows and bags.  Make a list of gifts you have purchased for each individual and wrap them as you purchase them so that you aren't spending hours and hours wrapping the week before Christmas. As a side note to the wrapping tip, and I do not benefit in any way from this, Hobby Lobby has fabulous wrapping paper.  It is very thick and has lines and squares on the back.  Their paper is usually on the shelf by July, and is priced at 50% off. 
4. Need stocking stuffers?  Check out the dollar stores in your area.  They sometimes receive items that have been discontinued from the regular stores like toothbrushes, make up and make up brushes that are not expired, just remodeled for a new year.  They have so many fun things like school supplies, candies, candles and pot holders.   
5. Make a list of everyone you want to buy a gift for and keep it in your purse or on your phone under the Notes feature.  This way you can continuously update your list as you make purchases. 
6. Address the envelopes for your Christmas cards early.  Make it a task to sign a certain number of cards each week to get them all done and in the mail without staying up all night. 
7. Buy postage early.  Don't get caught standing in line to purchase stamps for your cards.  Did you know that you can purchase stamps directly through USPS.com and they will be delivered directly to your mailbox.  You also have a bigger variety of stamps to choose from online. 
8. Making cookies and other baked goods for the holidays?  Stock up now on baking essentials like flour, sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, butter and vanilla.  Many stores will have sales on these items.  Stock up each week as you see them on sale. 
9. Need a quick centerpiece for your Christmas gathering?  Fill clear jars and bowls with candy.  Everyone loves candy and during the holidays you will usually find it decorated in festive holiday colors.
10. After thanksgiving dinner, check out the Black Friday ads and devise a plan.  Did you know that several stores will also offer these same prices online during Black Friday?  And many places offer free shipping with a minimum order.  Make a plan! 
11. Don't forget about Cyber Monday.  More great deals to be found.  It use to be that waiting until the last minute yielded the best prices.  I think this has changed over the years, and the best deals are well before Christmas. 
12. Use your good tableware.  Don't wait for that "special occasion".  Make the holidays, and every day, a special occasion in your life. 
13. And last but not least, don't sweat the small stuff.  Relax and enjoy the holidays with your friends and family.  Make memories. Take pictures. Laugh and enjoy!

Do you have a useful tip that I have forgotten?  Leave a comment below so that we can all work towards a stress free holiday.

Happy Stamping,

Debbie

Coming tomorrow...Week 7 of 12 Weeks of Christmas

I hope that you have been enjoying the 12 Weeks of Christmas Series.  Check back tomorrow for week 7 and more gift giving ideas for the Christmas holiday.

Happy Stamping,

Debbie

Stampin' Up! Colorful Seasons

In the springtime in Michigan, you will see beautiful flowers blooming with bright pink and white blooms.  Besides welcoming the robins home, and the daffodils and tulips popping out of the ground,  the cherry blossoms are one of the sure signs that spring has arrived.   It's a good thing.

I was pleasantly surprised a few weeks ago to find trees along the side of the road here in Florida, blooming with very similar pink and white flowers.  And, just like the cherry tree blossoms, the Florida tree flowers didn't last long either. But it was nice to see them while they lasted. 

I kept today's card fairly simple, as the beauty of the flowers speaks for itself. 

Here's what I used to create this card:

• Powder Pink cardstock cut at 5 1/2" x 8 1/2"
• whisper white cardstock cut at 4" x 5 1/4"
• colorful seasons bundle (item #145348)
• powder pink cardstock pieces to cut the flowers
• melon mambo ink
• espresso cardstock to cut the tree
• expresso ink

Here's how I created the card:

• fold card base in half
• cut tree branch with framelits using espresso cardstock
• cut several pink flowers
• using melon mambo ink and a sponge dauber, sponge ink into the center of the flowers
• stamp greeting in lower right corner of the whisper white piece using espresso ink
• attach the tree branch to the front of the card as shown, using tombo glue
• attach the flower pieces to the branch
• stamp flowers onto the white cardstock to fill in the branch
• attach the 4" x 5 1/4" whisper white piece to the front of the card base

I hope that you enjoyed the simplicity of today's card.  Join me on Monday when I will be sharing Week 7 of the 12 Weeks of Christmas and another great idea for gift giving during the holidays.

If you need supplies for this, or any other project, I hope that you will visit my store by clicking here.

Happy Stamping,

Debbie

Twelve Weeks of Christmas, Week 6

Today I am sharing Week 6 of the Twelve Weeks of Christmas, with a fun do it yourself Christmas gift idea.   I think handmade gifts are the best. Whether it's homemade cookies or candies, jams, jellies or a wonderful hand sewn or crafted item, these gifts always tell me that someone took a little extra time thinking of me.   What's your favorite handmade item you have ever received?

The project I'm sharing today is a lemon sugar scrub.  Who on your shopping list wouldn't like to pamper themselves with a yummy smelling sugar scrub that leaves your skin feeling soft and clean?  I created a lemon sugar scrub, but you can really alter this recipe with any essential oil scent. 

I started with 2 oz. mason jars.  You can also choose larger jars, such as 4 oz. or 8 oz. 

 



Ingredients

1 cup white sugar
1/4 cup oil (almond, jojoba, grapeseed. liquid coconut or olive will work)
15 drops of lemon essential oil

Add all ingredients to a glass mixing bowl and blend well with a spoon.  Using a small spoon, scoop mixture into the jars.   The sugar scrub will settle in the jars.  I recommend filling the jars, putting the lid on then gently tapping the bottom so that the scrub settles. Add more if needed. 

As an added bonus, you will need to test the sugar scrub out, because all good chefs test their recipes, right?   You're going to LOVE how soft your hands feel, and how lemony fresh they smell. 

I used yellow polka dot paper and punched a circle to cover the top of my lid.  I used Daffodil Delight ink to stamp the lemons. 

The  Stampin' Up! Lemon Zest Clear Mount Bundle (Item #145360)  works perfectly to decorate the jars.   

There are two tags attached, both punched with the lemon punch. I created the wording in Word on my computer.   You will have to see what margins work best on your computer. I created columns then spaced them out to get as many directions as I could on each sheet of paper,  without them overlapping each other.

Tag #1 says Lemon Sugar Scrub.  On the backside, I list the ingredients, just in case someone has allergies.

Tag #2 says "apply a small amount of scrub to your hands and rub it in, then rinse.  The sugar will exfoliate your skin and the oil will leave your hands feeling soft". 

Packaging the Sugar Scrub

To package the sugar scrub, I attached a small wooden spoon, found at Michaels craft store, to the side of the jar, using glue dots.  I placed the jar into a gusseted 3" x 6" cellophane bag, (item #141704). Gather the top and tie with ribbon.   Punch a hole in the top of each tag using a 1/8" handheld punch, and attach using whisper white bakers twine. 

Are you already thinking of who you can give this gift to?  I know that whoever you give it to will enjoy it!

I hope you enjoyed this project.  If you need supplies to create this or any other project, please visit my store HERE and use hostess code 2JZPRHSB at checkout. 

Happy Stamping,

Debbie