Inkin with Val

Hello!! It has been a few years... I was busy going to school. Yes, I graduated from Grant MacEwan University in 2018 and have been working my little touchy off! Recently I have gotten back into my stamping stash. So exciting. I will post some photos shortly but also want to mention that in 2012 2013, I retired as a Stampin' UP! demonstrator. I will be posting a number of my stamp sets for sale and will update you when that happens. I have also delved into more crafting and actually pulled out my sewing machine/serger again. I bought myself a Cricut and have been busy trying to learn how to use it. SCARY!!! I hope to keep you up to date again.. feel free to ask if you have any questions. HAPPY CRAFTING! Val email me: val.lodder@live.ca

BIGGEST ONLINE SHOPPING EXTRAVAGANZA EVER. ..and not just for one day. It's Starts MONDAY - November 19th and runs through Wednesday, November 28th Click this:  Online Extravaganza   to view the ENTIRE LIST OF SALE ITEMS   Then Go Shopping HERE Don't forget the Clearance Rack, lots of DEEP Discounts!!! Let me know if you have any questions!!! Happy Stamping! Val

I had announced via my blog and Facebook page that I would no longer be a demo, I am happy to let you know that due to some last minute orders, I will remain active. THANK YOU!!! Happy Stampin' Val

Put some heart into your Valentines this year with the Love You Much Bundle. Containing all new products—a coordinating stamp set, Designer Series paper, and punch—the Love You Much Bundle has what you need to create the perfect Valentines, all at 20 percent off! Love You Much stamp set reg $30.95 Candy Lane Designer Series paper (Close to Cocoa, Pink Pirouette, Riding Hood Red, Very Vanilla) reg $11.95 ea Heart to Heart punch reg $19.95 Bundle Retail Value $62.85 (this is what you normally would pay) Love You Much Bundle (20% off; item 115405) $50.28 (with the 20% off!!!! WOW!!!) you can even order online! Go to my website , click on the shop now button and enter 115405 You can also view the flyer here.

Sizzix? you are wondering what is this? It is a personal Die Cut machine. A few years ago, Sizzix was all the rage. Since then, many other machines have come onto the market. I am sooooo excited!. For all of you who waited on buying the "ahem" cuttle mug...(sp I know) this is EVEN better! larger area, able to handle larger paper all dies and folders are compatible (different company's) create project for both scrapbooking and cardmaking The Big Shot works with ALL competitive dies, and the steel rule dies can cut through an impressive list of 50 different materials , including fabric, foil, and chipboard. It's important to note that there are different types of dies. Originals, Bigz, and Bigz XL dies. These steel ruled dies cut through virtually any material and multiple sheets of card stock and Designer Series paper. Sizzlets dies. These dies are small and detailed, often creating scored or perforated details. These dies cut through thin materials, and multiple sheet...

Here is a sneek peek at the coming year's "NEW IN COLORS!". These are not available until August 11th but you can start choosing which, if not all, the colors you would love to have!! The current 2007-2008 "IN COLORS" are only available until August 10th. So if you are wanting to stock up you only have a little over a month left before these wonderful colors are gone!! Contact me today if you are interested in purchasing the 2007-2008 "IN COLORS" and watch for samples made with the 2008-2009 "IN COLORS" to come in a few weeks!! Enjoy!!

The *NEW* Decor Elements are here! Starting July 1st you can order your very own set of Stampin' Up!'s *NEW* wall decor. Create a space just for you!! I have a set on order and will soon be putting it up in my stamping room. When I do, I will be sure to post a photo, better yet, stop by and check it out in person! Check under the tab on your right for a link to the brochure. Please let me know if I can help you in any way. Interested in hosting a show? I would love to come and share with your family and friends this wonderful new line!! Ask me how! Click here to go to the brochure. These are a great addition to Stampin' Up!'s product line and coordinate with many of their wonderful images!! Enjoy!!

When it comes to quality stamp sets, Stampin' Up! has been an industry leader for several years. Our original, exclusive stamps have earned the prestigious Creating Keepsakes Readers' Choice Award for best rubber stamps eight years in a row, and every year we work to make them even better! We're excited to announce that all new stamp sets in the Fall-Winter 2008 Idea Book & Catalog (including new hostess sets) will be die cut for your convenience! We know you enjoy the flexibility of custom mounting your stamps, and with these die-cut sets, all you'll need to do is pop, peel, and place before you begin stamping. Only our new stamps will be die cut; sets carried over from the last catalog and those on the dormant list will still require trimming. But, each new set will feature a die cut icon so you will have no problems identifying die-cut sets. Is this exciting or what?

Put down the phone, turn off the computer, and break free from the 'e'! Remember when you got letters in your mailbox instead of your inbox? On June 25, 2008, Stampin' Up! is taking the day to unplug and unwind, and reconnect on a personal level with friends and loved ones through handmade cards. I invite you to eScape with me throughout the month of June! Purchase eScape Bundle Take advantage of the 25 percent discount by purchasing the eScape bundle and have convenient home delivery. (click on products to view in our online catalogue) Circle of Friendship stamp set p. 143$22.95 Love Notes assortment p. 167 $11.50 Rose Red Classic Stampin' Pad p. 165 $6.75 Very Vanilla 5/8" grosgrain ribbon p. 191 $10.50 Total (non-bundled) $51.70 eBundle Price..... $36.00 Reconnect with your "wireless network" by attending an eScape event or hosting one of your own with your friends. Download the brochure here!

I have been working on offering a few classes in the next couple of months. I hope you will enjoy them. The first one will feature one of the "Occasions Mini" stamp sets, "Tart & Tangy". Here are a couple of the cards we will be making.

While the release of the new catalog is still a couple of months away, Stampin' Up! is offering us a sneak peek of two great products to come. The Fresh Cut stamp set is a design that is versatile and stylish. All the stamps are die cut! This feature helps save you time and gets you stamping perfectly every time. In addition, the Fresh-Cut Notes are like no other precut cards we've ever offered. The notes package includes 15-4" x 4" laser-cut note cards with envelopes. The pair complements each other perfectly for a one-of-a-kind gift card or an exceptional hand-delivered thank-you card. For a limited time when you purchase the brand new, die-cut Fresh Cuts stamp set, add on the coordinating Fresh-Cut Notes for only $5.95! View More Details

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 "Fall/Winter Idea Book & Catalogue" on their first night...

Ok, I am so thrilled to be a Grandma! Addison (see previous post) is so adorable and gives me much "Love and Happiness" that I have to share some "LOVE and HAPPINESS" with you. Here's how it will work: Leave a comment with this posting about anything, especially "baby" or "baby & stamping" related. Leave me a link as well if you have some online samples. We will leave this for one week, and on Friday Feb 29 (leap year too ;) I will make a random drawing and announce the winner. What will you win? You will receive from me, the "Love and Happiness" rubons shown with this posting. These are great for both Stamping and Scrapbooking as they are acid free and scrapbook safe. The package includes 4 sheets, Black, White, Old Olive and Chocolate Chip...in the images shown. You can use Rub ons on paper and most nonporous surfaces including glass, photos, clipboards, candles and more. (check the photo here for a sample) The only limit wil...

A friend had a baby girl so I had an excuse to work with the pink colours for this card. Again it features the retired "Bundle of Joy" and I also used my cuttlebut for the textured hearts. The base of the card is Regal Rose and the accent is Pretty in Pink. Someone asked how I am getting my "watermark" on my photos. I am creating it each time I edit my photos so I am not really using a "watermark" as such. Difficult to explain because I don't really know what I am doing. I use Photoshop CS2...

Today is our Japanese student's birthday. We had a great celebration with her and a guest, including some major "baby" time where everyone got to hold Addison. She loved her gifts and was especially thankful for a home-made card. I can't say this is my own design as I copied it from a sample received in a swap when this set was in the mini catalog. But I have added a few of my own touches. Enjoy!

Yup you guessed it! Another Scallopped edge! This one shows the use of the Pretty in Pink sample I created using the corner rounder punch. I love how Close to Cocoa and Pretty in Pink look together. I also used one of the new sets from the Current Spring and Summer 2008 catalog, A Beautiful Thing . This project will be tonight's Stamper's Club Project. If you are interested in joining a Stamper's Club, let me know as I have a few other gals ready to join. Have you received your new catalog yet? If you are in my local vicinity, feel free to ask for one, I have a few ready for your viewing pleasures! Addition: My customers have asked me to post the colours I use in my cards so I will start doing this now. This card uses "Close to Cocoa" for the base, "Pretty in Pink" for the next layer and the flowers, "Chocolate Chip" for the scallops and Ruby Red brads for the flower centers as well as "Chocolate Chip" 5/8" ribbon for accessory...

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!

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 ;)

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...