Northwest Stamper

Tag: christmas cards

  • Stampin’ Up Convention 2015–Day 1

    Stampin’ Up Convention 2015–Day 1

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    What a busy but great first day here at Convention!  It was all about NEW and the NEW Holiday Catalog!  From the very first session as they revealed the upcoming catalog to fun throughout the day as we learned, stamped, and got new ideas based on some the great stuff coming out in September.

    So here is your daily recap!

    We started out by checking out the Convention Center and getting the CUTE convention bag this year.  I think it is my favorite yet!

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    As we were waiting in line, we spotted one of the staff in the blinky sparkly outfits which meant if we said hello and played his game (name the cardstock color) we won prizes!

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    Of course we rocked it… most of the gals got logo travel purses/badge holders – which they were really excited about, and a few of us got ribbon spools. WINNING!

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    And btw – doesn’t everyone look great in our team shirts?  This is our Fun n’ Crafty  crew representing at Convention! The bright blue clumps of people made it SOOO much easier to find each other Smile

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    Finally we were let in and we got to see main stage.  Seriously people, the décor is so fab this year!

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    They started out with the “Daily Share” which essentially was a 2 hour long new holiday catalog reveal party led by Bonnie Farley, Brian Piling, and Carrie Cudney

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    I will say though, one of my favorite little clips was of Brian aka “Quick and Easy” trying to go out on the streets with a Quick and Easy Card Project on a cart randomly asking people if they wanted to make a quick project with him.  I’ll say, that man has way more guts than me! Smile

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    Different this year was that most of the catalog reveal was showing a completed project or two as someone talked about their favorite new item in the catalog or how they would share the catalog with others.  So, mostly, lots of photo ops of cute new stuff.

    Like new stamps, red pom pom trim, new festive buttons…. 

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    New specialty designer papers, new word thinlit dies!!!

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    And even more dies!  Many of the new stamp sets in the catalog now have coordinating dies so you can easily cut out and create neat layered projects.

    There is also a new Precision Plate for the Big Shot that they say will help you eliminate the need for wax paper with your intricate dies.  GREAT concept!  I get to play with it today so I’ll keep you posted on what I discover after playing with it.

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    Who loves this die?!

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    And finally we got our copy of the holiday catalog too!

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    Here is a better picture, with the more important part in focus Winking smile

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    Then it was time to head to lunch, classes, and the Gathering Place where there were lots of samples and all the products in the Holiday Catalog on display for us to check out.

    Kicked off the party with the Interim CEO Sara Douglas

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    Even the décor for some of the Make & Takes put you in the festive spirit

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    PSST – Those deer are from some of our upcoming designer paper!  Love the vintage!

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    More vintage sneak peeks with this cute tag we made – check out the striped satin ribbon, the santa cut out from patterned paper, and the Pointsettia button!

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    Then it was back to the Gathering Place for more relaxing and checking out boards.

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    This is the stamp set and matching framelit that I HAVE TO HAVE!  This WILL be coming to my house in August when I can preorder it. Smile 

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    New kits were out…totally doing these shaker cards as a class!

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    And lots more:

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    Finally it was time to grab some dinner and then get gussied up for Awards Night and the Roaring 20’s after party.  Monica Van Tassel from our Fun n’ Crafty group was extra crafty and MADE us all feather headbands to wear.  How fun is that??

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    They kicked off the party with a neat dance show by some local dancers

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    Then Sara got things started recognizing so many demonstrators for their outstanding achievement this last year.  Let me just say, a lot of people had AMAZING years!

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    Then it was time to party!

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    They had food, a live band, and event dance lessons.  Of course, Mom, Beatie, and I had to arrive in style Smile

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    Then we headed back to our hotel where Liz had brought some wine so we had late night happy hour in her room.  So, more fun socializing and discussing our have-to-haves from the upcoming catalog and preorder!

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    All in all, a great day!  Make all the better by the wonderful people I was with!  Now off to get going for Day 2! 

    I’ll see you over on Facebook for more real time updates throughout the day!

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  • Rediscovered: Season of Style Quick Cards!

    Someone reminded me of this class I did a while back and that the Season of Style cards and Cherry Cobbler ribbon are both on the Year-End Blowout Sale for cheap!  So I thought I would offer to anyone who purchases the Season of Style cards from my online store, I’ll send you the tutorial for FREE for this set of 20 unique cards!

    Season of Style Designer Tags Card Set
    20 Cards Quick!
    Free instructions when you get these items from the clearance rack or $3.95 for just the instructions

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    or just get the photos and basic instructions for all 20 cards emailed to you for only $3.95:




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  • Weekly Deals and Reminders!

    Oh my goodness, did you realize we have just over a week until Christmas!?  I keep forgetting as I try to get my Christmas cards finished and in the mail (thank goodness for last month’s Paper Pumpkin kit to give me a few extra Christmas cards quick!)

    It also means we are at the end of our guaranteed delivery by Christmas window!  TODAY is the last day to place an order and be sure to receive it before Christmas!  So if you were planning on getting any more gifts that require shipping, make sure you get shopping today! Smile   There are lots of great deals and here are a few ways you can get great gifts and save big at the same time!

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    This sale is going on now and items are while supplies last – and we are seeing a lot of things selling out.  So check it out and maybe check a few more things off your shopping list!  Here are a few ideas for you:

    For the scrapbooker or someone who just wants to get their holiday photos in an album before NEXT holiday season!  This is what I used for my December album last year, only I didn’t get the crazy deal you can get this year Smile

    Year end closeout Christmas Album

    See these in the Year End Closeouts

    Or if you just want some stocking stuffers or fun gifts for people who want to be crafty but don’t have a ton of supplies — or, gift idea— get these card kits, and stamp them up yourself and then give them away as a pre-made card set!  Perfect for relatives who love sending handmade cards but aren’t as inclined to make them themselves.

    year end closeout kits

    See these in the Year End Closeouts

    And then on top of that, they’ve come out with new weekly deals this week.

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    All of these are 25% off and there is some fun stuff… for example, check out these projects by Patty Bennett which made me love the Ticket Duo Builder Punch just a little bit more!

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    Or the fact that the Vintage Faceted Buttons are so CUTE as the centers of flowers!

    Shop the Weekly Deals Here

     

     

     

    Don’t Forget!  Gift with Purchase right now!

    Shop online and use the hostess code XMUM7PJZ and I’ll get them in the mail to you ASAP or you can purchase a set or just the instructions.  Check out this post for more details.

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  • Holiday Card Class part 1–Dasher and Northern Flurries

    This last weekend I held my first Holiday Card stamp-a-stack of the season.  In an attempt to get a jump of making all your holiday cards this year, I put together a class for folks to make 12 cards – 3 each of 4 different designs.  It was an interesting challenge for me to put together cards that were fun and yet didn’t take a ton of time to make each one.  In the end, I love how these turned out.  Here are the first two we did:

    Shimmery Dasher

    This card was the simplest of all the cards we did.  It used one of my favorite patterns from the Deck the Halls DSP from the Holiday mini directly on Crumb Cake cardstock.  Then we stamped the A La Carte stamp – Dasher – on a piece of Whisper White and matted that with Chocolate Chip cardstock.

    The part where it gets a little extra fun thrown in is on his antlers.  For this we added a bit of Frost White Shimmer Paint.  To get this effect, you ink up your stamp with Chocolate Chip ink and then before stamping, use a sponge dauber to dab shimmer paint directly onto the antlers – on top of the Chocolate Chip ink.  Now stamp and see the the shimmer.

     

    Vellum Northern Flurries

    This card was inspired by a card I received at the Portland Regionals created by Jenn Lindamood.  I tweaked it a little bit and really love how this looks in person. 

    We embossed Cardstock Vellum using the Northern Flurries embossing folder from the Holiday Mini.  Before adhering the embossed piece to the Night of Navy base with silver brads, we stamped on Whisper White cardstock, snowflakes from the Northern Hearts hostess set in Bashful Blue and then stamped the sentiment from Many Merry Messages in Night of Navy.  Punch that out with the designer label punch and glue down to your card base.  Now attach your Vellum and you have a quick and pretty holiday card!

    Tomorrow I’ll share the other two cards we made in this class. 

    Get the kit

    If you want to make these cards yourself, I am offering the entire class as a Holiday Card Class to Go kit giving you the full color instructions, pre-cut supplies, and envelopes for 12 total cards for only $25 plus shipping

    or attend my second Holiday Stamp-a-Stack session on November 20th if you are in the Bay Area.

    Contact me at jennifer@nwstamper.com to reserve your space or your card kit!

  • Simple holiday cards with a side of bling

    Well, December is finally here and like usual I suddenly realize that I need to get my Christmas cards put together and my mailing list organized.  Thankfully I was running a technique night this last Tuesday and so we created three fun holiday cards.  The actual card designs aren’t too complicated as the focus was more on some fun techniques to add some bling to your cards.  These cards were tons of fun to make and look much better in person than in the photos. 🙂

    Technique 1 – Stained Glass Window

    For this card, the bling came in the form of sparkle on a colored window sheet image.  To do this, start by stamping your preferred image onto a window sheet using Staz-on ink.  Squeeze some crystal effects onto a piece of plastic or some waxy paper (I like using the backing that is left behind when you peel off the sticker labels for your stamp sets).  Add a drop or two of reinker dye and some dazzling diamonds glitter.  Mix together and apply to your stamped image with a paintbrush.  Once that has dried, attach your window sheet (ink side down) to your card front using brads or your favorite adhesive (just note that if you use adhesive it will show through unless you cover it up with another card element.

    Stamps: Christmas Classics
    Inks:  Staz-on black, Soft Suede classic ink, Old Olive reinker
    Paper: Soft Suede CS, Whisper White CS, Merry Moments DSP
    Accessories:  Gold brads, Scallop edge punch, paper piercier and mat pack, Crystal Effects, Dazzling Diamonds glitter, Close to Cocoa marker (to color in the trunk)

    Technique 2 – Brayer Resist

    I had been seeing some fabulous samples using the new Bride specialty DSP.  If you haven’t seen the paper before, it is a white (or black or ivory) paper with either stripes or the swirly pattern in shiny foil of the same color.  While this is pretty and elegant on its own, it is also perfect for coloring because the shiny part resists ink.  So, for this card, we inked up our brayer and rolled it over the paper to create the design on the bottom half of the card.  It can take a few rolls to get the color coated evenly but gives you tons of options with only one package of paper and a few ink pads.

    Stamps: Sweet Season, Sincere Salutations
    Inks: Night of Navy classic ink
    Paper:  Bridesmaid DSP, Whisper White CS, Bashful Blue CS
    Accessories:  Organza ribbon, Scallop circle punch, brayer, Frost Crystal brads, paper piercer, Stampin dimentionals

    Technique 3 – Shimmer Paints

    So, this is the hardest effect to see in a photo but adds a subtle shine to your projects.  It is also the easist and fastest technique of all.  Ink up your image (don’t you just love the Dasher stamp from the under $10 section of the catty??) and set the stamp aside BEFORE you stamp.  Next, take your shimmer paint container and shake it up.  Open it up and set the lid in front of you.  Now, you should be able to take a sponge dauber and pick up the shimmer paint from the inside of the paint container lid.  Sponge the paint on top of your inked stamp (in my case I just sponged over the antlers).  NOW, stamp your image onto your paper.  You will see the color come through but with a shimmery effect where you applied the paint.  I then used the dauber which had some ink and some shimmer paint left on it from daubing the stamp rubber and used that to distress the edge of my square paper.  It gave it a really nice shimmery brown all around the edge.

    Stamps:  Dasher
    Inks: Chocolate Chip classic
    Paper:  Merry Moments DSP, Real Red CS, Chocolate Chip CS, Very Vanilla CS
    Accessories:  Sponge Dauber, Frost Shimmer Paint, Chocolate Chip 5/8″ ribbon

  • Swap card overload!

    So, I showed you a couple posts ago about the cool gifts I was given and projects I made at the group meeting on Saturday. I also mentioned that I participated in a card swap. The other ladies made such awesome cards that I had to share!

    All the cards I got at the end of the swap plus mine.
    All the cards I got at the end of the swap plus mine.

    And here are a few of my favorites!

    Super cute card my upline Denise Rolak made. Isn't she talented?
    Super cute card my upline Denise Rolak made. Isn't she talented?
    Super creative use of the Twill tape ribbon. Love it!
    Super creative use of the Twill tape ribbon made by Connie Swan. Love it!
    One of my favorite stamp sets because it is so elegant. Plus the colors are great and the glitter is a neat touch!
    One of my favorite stamp sets because it is so elegant. Plus the colors are great and the glitter is a neat touch! Created by Leilani Landis.
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    What a cool idea for a card! Plus it make me think of my friend Kally. 🙂 Created by Janie Bracht.

  • Do it yourself card kit – Holiday edition

    Ok, so in my last couple posts, I’ve shown a bunch of different designs 5 of which be the set we do at the Holiday Stamp-a-Stack this saturday (space still available, email me to join!).  I’ve also mentioned offering a card kit for those folks who can’t attend the workshop this weekend since I know lots of folks are busy or live further away. 

    After reviewing the cards we are doing at the workshop, I realized that one of the cards (the Seasons Greetings glittery trees) is a bit hard to do in a kit unless you have some specific supplies at home already.  So, I’m changing up a little the designs for the kit.  The following are the default cards for the DIY kit.  However, if you have a favorite card that isn’t in the set, just let me know and we can look at swapping it in.

    Kit includes: precut paper, envelopes, accessories, and instructions.  Cost – $20 plus free shipping.

     

     

     

    Email me at stampingwithjennifer@gmail.com to order your kit today!

  • Holiday Stamp-a-Stack Sneak Peak – Part 2

    I told you I had more sketches than necessarily for the Holiday Stamp-a-Stack this Saturday but I decided to make them up anyway.  Unfortunately I spent way to much time last night trying to figure out how to make one of my sketches work (it never did end up working) so I only got through four more cards.  However, I think I’ve made up some cool designs so between yesterday’s cards and today’s cards I think I will have my 5 cards picked out.

    Here is what I made last night:

          

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Some notes about the cards.  The snowman card has the front punch through to the inside where the snowman stamp is glued down. And the trees in the Seasons Greetings card are glittery (I thought it made a fun winter wonderland motif 🙂 )

    Just a reminder, please RSVP if you want to come to the workshop or contact me to let me know if you want a card kit.  The current plan for the 5 card designs are the 3 from yesterday, happy holidays above and seasons greetings above.  Leave me a comment if you want to vote for a different set of designs!

  • Sneak Peek at the Holiday Stamp-a-Stack

    So, Saturday is the holiday stamp-a-stack and I have been working on creating samples for some of my sketches. Last night, I was planning on getting them all done, but then I remembered I needed to finish glueing together the cardfronts for a card swap I’m in, so while I got all 11 of those cards done, I only got 3.5 cards done for the workshop on Saturday.

    There is still room in the group on Saturday, let me know if you would like to join us. I will also make card kits available if you cannot attend in person but want the supplies to make them on your own. Cost for the kits is the same as the class – you get all envelopes, precut supplies, and instructions for creating all the cards plus free shipping!

    I’m still finalizing the set of cards we will be making but here are 3 very likely candidates.

     

      Check the calendar for more upcoming stamping events!

  • Upcoming Classes and Events

    Now that I’m a bit more settled after my move to Portland, I’m starting up some classes and events.  These events are a great way to unleash your creativity and learn a new technique or two.  I hope you can join me!

    Holiday Stamp-a-Stack – October 25th
    Ease some of the stress of the holidays by getting your holiday cards done early.  Provide a personal touch by making the cards yourself with our holiday stamp-a-stack.  We will be making 20 cards – 4 each of 5 different designs.  By the end of the afternoon, you will have a great set of cards and all you will need is the stamp.  All supplies will be provided.  RSVP required. 

    Technique Tuesdays – November 4th
    The first tuesday of each month, I will be offering a technique class.  We will focus on learning a new technique and creating a couple small projects using this technique.  These evenings will offer you a chance to take a bit more time to experiment with different tools and techniques without feeling the pressure to get lots done.  I will announce the technique for the next class at the end of the month prior.  So, later this month I’ll announce the featured technique for November. 

    Thank You Note Stamp-a-Stack – November 22th
    During the whirlwind time of the holidays, lots of presents are exchanged which means thank you notes are in order.  Be prepared before it all begins with a stack of handmade thank you cards.  We will be making 16 cards – 4 each of 4 different designs.  All supplies will be provided. RSVP required.

    As always, I’m happy to schedule a workshop for you and your friends.  I am also considering scheduling a holiday decor class or a holiday gift class.  With the holiday decor class, we would be making ornaments and other decorations for around your home.  With the holiday gift class, we would be making crafty items to give as gifts such as exploding photo boxes, gift bags and boxes, decorated frames, etc.  If you are interested in participating in either of these holiday classes, let me know and if there is enough interest I will schedule a class.

    Check out my calendar online for all the details!