Inkin with Val

Here we are on the last day of the year 2007. I am sad yet excited... time goes by so quickly and every year seems to go even faster. As I reflect on the past year, I have to think of all my friends both on the internet and those I know in person. You are all special to me. Now as I look into the immediate future, I am thankful for all of you and looking forward to another (even though I know it will fly by once again) exciting year. The first week of January, even though it is still holidays, will bring the current stampers groups together. January 2, the new Stampin' Up! catalog will also come into effect. We all have been anxiously awaiting the news of lower prices due to the Canadian $ parity. We have been rewarded for our patience! The new catalog has lower prices. Yippeee! BUT WAIT!!! Stampin' Up! has lowered them even more due to the fact that when the catalog was produced, it was based on what the $ was valued at then. We have just received the news that the new prices ...

I hope everyone reading this is having a festive holiday season filled with warmth, friends & family, and lots of love. We have been celebrating since Sundayafternoon, and I am more than a little relieved to say that as of tomorrow, life will return to the normal routine...at least until New Years ;) Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Christmas & all that it brings...but after all that, I'm ready for a little bit of dull and quiet oh yeah...and work... Ok, the new Spring 2008 Catalog has arrived...call me to get your copy... But that's isn't even the real reason for this post ... Stampin' Up! made an amazing announcement earlier this week and for obvious reasons (see above) I haven't been able to share the news until now: THIS JUST IN: Due to the strong Canadian Dollar, Stampin' Up! has announced a price reduction! You will notice in the new catalogue that prices are already lower, but after another study, Stampin' Up! has decided to reduce them a furt...

Need to “Schedule” Some Time to Stamp? Hey, we’re ALL busy women, so why is it that the things we enjoy the most always seem to get left out of our busy schedules? It’s important to make time for YOU in between everything you do for your job & your family. Why not schedule one night a month for a fun night out with the girls to learn new Stampin' projects & techniques? Oh, did I mention you can save a bundle, too? It’s Easy to Do: Join my Stampers’ Club!! This group will meet monthly at my place (attendance is optional, of course) where you will get to make FREE projects that night. If your schedule won't allow you to make it to the classes, it's still worth joining the Club for all the other benefits you'll receive … without having to clean house or invite guests to host a workshop! Your monthly order commitment is only $37.50 of product per month for a 6 month period. Club members receive the new ““Spring-Summer Collection 2008” Idea Book & Catalogue on ...

Every year I am asked to do a "Christmas Craft" with the ESL students at our local college. Usually there are around 20 students but this year there is 40! Wow... a little nervous about this but it should work out. My plan is to have them create a "votive holder" and a Christmas card that they can either give to their host family or take/send home to their own families. Usually they want to keep it themselves though as they are very excited to have created something so cool with their own hands. This post shows this years votive holder which features the Hostess Set: Perfect Presentation. The cardstock is Wild Wasabi and Purely Pomegranate. Enjoy!

Last week I made my first attempt at in a "fair" style environment. It was a flop as far as selling my wares, but I did manage to make a few new friends and many have signed up for my newsletters. This is a good thing, it shows interest in what I am doing and gives me the will to continue. This posting includes one of the cards I had available for sale. I totally CASED the idea from another demo, especially the colours and use of the "Perfect Presentation" Hostess stamp set... however, I was never able to determine how her fold was done from a photo and she must not have received my request for more information so I just did my own thing... I finally received my "5 year" pin from Stampin' Up!, only about 8 months after the fact... but hey, they remembered. It is a cute pin, and I will wear it on my Stampin' Up! apron with all my other pins :)

Oh my goodness... there is a long list. Watch out!!!! (ITEMS IN BOLD ARE OUT OF STOCK ALREADY!!) Accessories Item #* *Product Description* 109198 Accents & Elements Borders & Blossoms 109199 Accents & Elements Little Reminders 2 109197 Accents & Elements Tagged 100700 Album Leather Post Black 8-1/2x11 105385 Album Linen Post Mellow Moss 8-1/2x11 104520 Album Linen Post Natural 8-1/2x11 104517 Album Linen Post Navy 8-1/2x11 105382 Album Linen Post Real Red 8-1/2x11 105392 Album Linen Ring Mellow Moss 8-1/2x11 104510 Album Linen Ring Natural 8-1/2x11 104513 Album Linen Ring Navy 8-1/2x11 105388 Album Linen Ring Real Red 8-1/2x11 105067 Boxes & Tags Pockets & Pieces Assortment I 105068 Boxes & Tags Pockets & Pieces Assortment II 108798 Boxes & Tags Tiny Takeout Confetti White 107246 Boxes & Tags Tiny Takeout Kraft 105747 Boxes Stamp & Supply Extra Large 105748 Boxes Stamp & Supply Extra Large Divided 105744 Boxes Stamp & Supply Extra Sma...

I really love this set! Does it show? hahaha I hope you are enjoying these too. This is another of the cards we made with the class that included the Big on Christmas Set...

Here is another from our previous class, it is difficult to see but the Purely Pomegranite and Wild Wasabi are from the "In Colors" from the current catalog. Just a note, the current In colors will be staying until the July Catalog. Is anyone excited for the new catalog in January? I have mixed feelings, I find there are items in the current catalog that I would like yet, but still there will be so many cool new items in the new catalog. The preview mini is in my possesion so you would like a sneak peek you can look here or to see it for real, just drop by...We are not able to order from it yet, it is just a taste of what is to come! It is also a great time to have a peek at the Stampin' Up! website as the main page has a new look. There are some cute ideas for decorations and several samples to look at as well. I find it very refreshing and hope that our new and improved personal websites will be up and running soon too!

The last class I did, we used the Big On Christmas Stamp set. Here are a couple of the samples that the class made. Everyone enjoyed the class and I think that these are the favourites. Hopefully they will also inspire you. Thank you to my Downline Lori for help with the designs for the class. It is great to get together and share ideas. Be watching for our upcoming swap using the new stamp sets and paper that will be featured in the new catalog. You can view the preview Here.

Stamp Sets: December 1, 2007 through January 1, 2008Wheels & Accessories: December 10 until supplies run out Our first semiannual retired stamp set list is here just in time for the holidays! Purchase your favorite retiring sets as a gift to yourself or someone else on your list today before they're gone forever. Retiring Stamps Details The retired list includes stamp sets that will retire as of January 1, 2008. There is no limit to the number of retired stamps you can purchase. Retiring Wheels and Accessories Details retiring wheels and accessories list is available online beginning December 10. You can order items from this list through January 1, 2008 or until supplies run out. Dormant List Details: The dormant list posts December 1, 2007 and includes stamp sets from the Fall-Winter Collection 2007 that are not included in the upcoming Spring-Summer Collection 2008. These sets can be found online and are considered current Stampin' Up! product. Items from the Holiday Min...

Just in time for holiday gift giving, we're featuring five of our favourite crafting essentials. These items make ideal gifts, and best of all, they're perfectly priced for this season of giving! Paper Cutter, $34.95 Whether you have a passion for scrapbooking, card making, or paper crafts in general, this portable and lightweight cutter is a must. It cuts paper up to 12" wide and has easy-to-read grid lines. Use item number 104152 to order this. Big Flowers, $31.95 With eight fun images, this stamp set is great for year-round card making and scrapbooking. It also coordinates perfectly with our Circle punches and Little Flowers stamp set. This is item number 109405 when ordering. Home Again Simply Scrappin', $27.95 Simply Scrappin' kits make scrapbooking and card making easy and fast. Kits include Designer Series paper, coordinating card stock and self-adhesive die cuts, ensuring your project will coordinate perfectly while saving you time. Order this using item nu...

Stampin' Up!'s new promotion called Wrapping Up The Holidays starts today and is good through December 15th. Here is a list of what is available and the prices. Items from the current Holiday Mini Collection listed are the only Holiday Mini items extended while supplies last. All other Holiday Mini items will be available until November 30th. Check out the following or look at the online brochure here Orders may be placed on customer and workshop orders. This offer includes a variety of products designed to help simplify preparation for holiday gift giving with a number of timely offers. These are: Item Number Description Price 112409 Holiday Tag Bundle $5.50 110380 Tags for All Stamp Set* (20% off) $33.56 110264 Designer Gift cards* (30% off) $6.27 109862 Chocolate Chip satin ribbon* Buy 1, get 1 free!** 109863 Purely Pomegranate satin ribbon* Buy 1, get 1 free!** 112410 Tin 3-Pack $13.50 110147 Celebration wrapping paper* $24.95 110228 Hand Selected Accents & Elements (25...

Thought you might like to see another Christmas card offering for the upcoming classes. Hope you like it. This is a very versatile stamp set, I believe you could also create a masculine style birthday or all occasion card from it.

At long last... I will post the sample of what the gals did on club night... the card ones are easier to post since my samples of the scrapbooking nights don't have any photos on them yet. I better get them printed eh? anyways, this card is called a "Shadow box card" it is very simple to make yet very effective! It fits in a regular 4.25 x 5.5 envelope as well. Here also is Susan's page this month. She has not journaled on it as it is self explanitory.

Here are the photos of the Christmas classes that have already happened. I will be doing a catchup class where you can choose which designs you want to do. Please see my newsletter for the details on that.

Holiday Glitz Promotion October 1-while supplies last Make your holiday cards glitzy this year with a little help from the Holiday Glitz card kit. With our precut card stock and Designer Series paper, festive zigzag ribbon, and Rhinestone brads, spreading handmade holiday cheer has never been this easy! Each Holiday Glitz card kit makes 15 handmade cards and includes: Precut card stock and Designer Series paper (15) Whisper White Envelopes (15) Rhinestone brads (15) Real Red zigzag ribbon (15) Full-color instruction sheet (1) There are two ways to take advantage of this fantastic kit while supplies last: Purchase one of holiday stamp sets and get the Holiday Glitz card kit for the special price of $34.95, or Purchase the Holiday Glitz card kit for $39.95 with no additional purchase required.

Who knew that there was a day dedicated to making handmade cards! Join us in celebrating the creativity of hand-made cards and the personal connection they create between friends and family by attending a World Card Making Day event or work on your own projects at home! And as an added bonus, you'll can get 20 percent off any Simply Sent card kit purchased October 4 - October 8! (See is on page 14 of the current Catalog) Pre-order your kit during the special event time. Let me know in advance if you would like to purchase your Simply Sent Card Kit...(page 14 of the current catalog)

Good Morning everyone, Just thought you all might like to see what we did on Club night this past week. Everyone had their own ideas for what they wanted to use the card for, so every card turned out different. This is absolutely fantastic as it shows the "Artistic License" that each individual has when stamping. This is exactly what I want to see when you stamp with me. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind direct copying if you don't have any ideas right at the moment, the idea of my classes is to "SPARK" your creativity so even if you copy and take it home and then use the idea for another project, I have reached my objective :) Here then are my samples that everyone used for their own creativity. (I even copied one of the gal's for the Christmas Tree one... ;) Thanks Debbie!) This is one of the new sets this year and I think I am in love with it. I ordered it for the Stampin' Up! pre-view prior to the new catalog coming out, but have only used it ...

In July, I held an open house to introduce the new Stampin' Up! catalog. I offered refreshments, 3 boxes full of retired stamps to "garage sale" and a Make & Take to help get you all excited about the new products. One of the new great items in this catalog is the "Three for You" punch box. I featured it in these projects as the make and take... enjoy.

They also offer fundraising options so this may be of interest to those of you looking to raise funds for school or church groups. This service does work in Canada especially if you are located in a larger city. If this interests you, the link to sign up or get more info is: http://zerafone.com/greatlongdistance

Be sure to check my calendar for upcoming events. Scrapbooking club and Cardmaking clubs are staring this week and there is only a couple of spots left in each.

NOW: September 1-September 30, 2007 Spend $40 in regular priced merchandise and qualify to purchase one of each of the eight promotional stamp sets at 30 percent off! 105355 page: 26 Bitty Boos Too $17.47 109284 page: 29 Haunting Halloween $18.17 110211 page: 29 Halloween Hantee $18.17 107383 page: 30 Thoroughly Thankful $22.37 109373 page: 108 Autumn Fest $23.07 109421 page: 91 Elementary Essentials $27.27 110366 page: 17 Stem Silhouettes* $30.77 * Holiday Mini Collection Catalog To see the full colour flyer, Click Here

Canada only: Purchase the Starter Kit between August 10 and September 30, and you'll get to pick the family of your choice--colour family, that is--of Classic Stampin' Pads FREE. That's a $79.95 value! And our exclusive coordinating colour families (including the In Color collection) is designed so that every colour fits in. If you are ready to spread your wings and want to know more about becoming a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, email me or give me a call. 250-545-1072. I would love to chat with you on how you too can start a new career, pay for your hobby, make a bit of cash for Christmas or even discuss the tax benefits of having your own home business. Call me today!

Oh my goodness. I have spent hours looking at the new catalog! I am so excited about it. To be honest, at first I was having a few "stamping letdown" feelings. I was hoping for a few things that are not in there, but now that I have browsed a few more times, I am excited!!!!! Some of the things I like: Stamp sets: Calendar (pg 154) this is a background stamp that gives a blank calendar image. Very cool! and I certainly missed it on the first and second times through the catalog Calendar Cues (pg 154) goes with the calendar above... little reminder stamps such as an X for crossing off days, appt for when you need to put an appointment on the calendar, bDay well, I think this one is obvious, and more...just have to wait to see it! LOL All in the Family (pg83) This is absolutely adorable!!! you can create your entire family of stick people from this set. It includes heads, clothing different feet, a dog and a cat. There is also an accessory set that you can add on with balls, ba...

Here are a few more samples I was able to take photos of at Regionals in Vancouver. Some of these cards are from swaps that were done by fellow demonstrators and some are from the dispay boards that were located in various areas of the Venue. I hope you enjoy them!

The Stamp set used in the following samples is the Set we were given at the Regional Seminar. "Double-Line Doodles. The samples are from the various display boards that were both outside the ballroom and along the back wall of the ballroom. This is a New Set that will be in the New catalog that will be released July 1, 2007 . Watch for my upcoming annoucement as to when I will be holding my anual "New Catalog Patio Tea"...Yes, you will be able to get your new catalog...sign up for Clubs and Classes at that time!

A couple more... These are some of the great swaps that people had. This set can be found in the Spring mini 2007 catalog. Hurry, this catalog is finished at the end of June.

I went to the Stampin' Up! regionals in Vancouver at the end of April. My next few posts are going to be of my favourite samples I saw, either from swaps or from the sample boards. I may even share a few from my downline Kerry, I was in her stamp room and just kept taking photos ;) since the last couple featured Doodle This or That, I thought I would add a few more to the repitoire.

I made a card for my daughter's birthday. She turned 20 while we were in Hawaii and I needed to get a package put together for her before we left. It was a big deal, the first time we were not going to be around for her birthday. So, I got busy and started creating. This is what I came up with. I showed my husband and he gently reminded me that Son #1's girlfriend was also having a birthday and maybe I should make another. hmmm what to do... Ok, this card is for the girlfriend. I will make another. My daughter always loved purple when she was growing up, I think I will start with that. Did I mention it was about 11pm the night before we left for Hawaii? yah...nothing like the last minute to stamp some cards... BUT! this is what I came up. I just love it. Let me know what YOU think ;)

Its HUGE this year and very sad in many ways .. So many favorites saying bye bye ~ 233 sets on the list with 45 wheels . You have until June 30th to get any of the retired sets .. Say Goodbye! The Retired List is Here! It's time to say goodbye to some old favorites while Stampin' Up! makes room in our new catalogue for hundreds of new stamps and accessories. If you've been holding off on getting those stamps on your wish list, now might be your last chance to get them before they're gone forever. One thing I want to mention... if you are wanting a wheel on the list, it needs to be ordered immediately. The wheels are on a "first come first serve" basis and when they are gone, they are gone!!!

I have to attend a shower tonight so I got myself busy and made 2 cards for 2 brides to be. The first wedding is taking place this coming Friday, and the second on the 2nd weekend in April. I saw on someone else's blog recently, (i am sorry, I can't remember where as I read too many) a challenge to create a card with no cardstock layers. These are 2 that I came up with. The Wedding this Friday(also my anniversary), the colours are pink and black so I took those colours into consideration when I chose my inks. What do you think? Have you challenged yourself to stamp with only ink and a base Card? Give it a try and see what you can come up with. The second card using this challenge is not with any specific colour theme for the wedding, I didn't know what the colours are so I just used my imagination. Besides, this colour went well with the wrapping paper my daughter got and wrapped the gift in. Both these cards use the shape from "Sweet Shapes" for the base, and the...

This scarf class has been in my mind for quite some time. I went in on a bulk scarf buy over a year ago, but have never done anything with it. The scarves are 100% silk. I washed them in the sink with water and "gasline antifreeze" which I bought at Walmart. I hung them out on the clothesline (yes, it was a dry but windy day) and they dried very quickly. I then ironed some of them. I tried 2 different ones, one ironed and one not ironed. I also tried one with first dying the scarf with inks in order to get a coloured base. Next step is what my group did. They chose their colour schemes and stamp sets and then got busy with creating their designs. It is important to use craft ink as it is meant for fabric stamping. I also recommend using a background stamp in order to get a "base" on your scarft. After the designs are finished, the scarves need to be "heatset". I had the iron ready in the kitchen with "no steam" and set on the "silk" se...

My friend (and member of my stamping club) Joyce, created this quilt for her oldest daughter. I just had to take a photo of it. I am in awe of what a quilter can do and what intricate patterns can be created. The colours chosen go so well together, and as I understand, this is to be a wall hanging quilt. The outer edge still needs be finished but I am sure it will be done shortly. The stitching (a local gentleman did this) is just so cool too, that I just had to take a close up of that. I am so jealous that I can't do this. It is the one craft I have never tried, although I have attempted paper quilting it really never turns out with the same effect as with fabric. Please feel free to leave comments here, Joyce does read this and would love to hear what you have to say.