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...