Let the Holidays Begin!

HOLIDAY BREAK

I love this time of year! Though it might be busy and I tend to plan on doing WAY too much throughout the month - I love it all -- the holiday music, the snowy weather, the get togethers with family and friends and all of the special homemade goodies, ornaments, gift wrapping and presents!

PLUS this year my husband and I will be taking an extra long holiday as we are planning on going away to a sunny destination! I can't wait to hit the road and go from white to green! 

So this will be my last post for the year - but I will be back in the new year with some exciting news...

SALE-A-BRATION & OCCASIONS

Starting January 4th I will be posting some exciting details about a 

new Occasions catalogue that runs January 4- May 31AND 

an amazing SALE-A-BRATION catalogue with some great deals from January 4- March 31. 

so stay tuned....

SAVE-THE-DATE

I will be having a launch party January 27-29 - both online and in Kingston - it will be a great chance to see the new catalogue, play with the new products, see samples from upcoming classes and more!

You won't want to miss this... so save the date!

THANK YOU

And lastly I want to say a BIG thank you to all of my friends, family and customers for an amazing 2016. Its hard to imagine that I started my business with Stampin' Up! only in September. 

But it has been an amazing four months and I couldn't do it without YOU! 

So thank you all so much and I look forward to Creating and Sharing with all of you in the new year!

May you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Blessings ~ Amy

Creating for the holidays

Candy Cane Lane Designer Series Paper

I LOVE the Christmas paper - Candy Cane Lane by Stampin' Up! I may have purchased 3 or more packages of it! But I made a lot of fun projects out of...so I thought I would share with you a few of these...

Christmas WreathDoesn't this look amazing! It was so simple. I purchased a foam wreath from Michaels and a box of straight pins and used 7 sheets of the Candy Cane Lane paper. I also used my paper trimmer and bone folder and some red twine. I added a cute Christmas ball/bell for the middle (also from Michaels). So to put this together - I cute the strips of paper 0.5" x 12 - all 7 sheets of paper. And then I took each strip and held it in the middle and curled each end in using the bone folder. This took about 30 mins to do it all. Then using the straight pins I just started to attaching them (pins in the center of the strip) and just alternated the paper patterns. Oh and I also added the twine at the start before I added the paper. Plus the bonus is you only have to put papers on the front of the wreath - so leave the back empty - it sits flat against the door this way (and uses less paper). I will certainly be doing this again for other holidays...and maybe using different shapes of foam too! Christmas CardsI decided to do a variety of cards this year - all have been mailed so hopefully my friends and family have received them by now! I love getting Christmas cards (or any card) in the mail so I try to make a big pile of cards to send out mid month. With these two cards, I cut out the gingerbread houses from one of the papers. I used gold sequins (left over from my November Paper Pumpkin) and the stamps from Stitched With Cheer. Ink colours are Crumb Cake and Real Red. I also added some Wink of Stella (clear) on the front of the houses and some white glitter (from craft store) to the middle house using the Liquid glue. Super simple cards - but I love the look of them! Oh and its hard to tell in the picture but the card with three houses I also used gold thread behind the middle house and some stampin' dimensionals. And then with this card (my favourite!) I got the idea on Pinterest (best place - just plug in the name of the paper or stamp set and you will get so many ideas!). I again used the Candy Cane Lane paper and cut out the shapes - used real red, crumb cake and whisper white cardstock. I also used the red/white twine and used the "Wishing You a Sweet Season) stamp from Candy Cane Christmas stamp set. I used VersaMark ink and white embossing powder. Again a very simple card and easy to recreate over and over again. Christmas Candy CrackersI wanted to give candy's to a few friends - but package them up in some sort of creative way... and I came up with these Christmas Crackers through a video on youtube. They are really easy - you need the envelope punch board and score board - some paper and ribbon. I just used simple gift wrap ribbon that matched my paper. In this size (paper was 4.5" x 6.5") I was able to fit two of the Lindor chocolate balls. I also used the Candy Cane Christmas stamp set for the sentiment on top with real red ink. Would love to see your projects you created this Christmas - post your photos on FB and possible get a special gift from me!

December Paper Pumpkin 2016

Can you believe its almost time to say goodbye to 2016! And Stampin' Up! provided the perfect kit to help document your 2016 memories in the December Paper Pumpkin Kit, Another Great Year. 

This kit makes memory keeping easy and completely customizable. 

Included in the kit: patterned papers, window sheets, stickers, and washi tape to embellish your book. And, for the first time ever—they've included a rotary stamp and Basic Black Stampin’ Write® Marker to help you jot down and journal every moment! 

They also provide an easy to follow guide.

And check out the easy to follow video - putting the kit together! 

They also are posting on their blog ideas for how to use the kit in a few different ways. 

Be sure to check that out tomorrow by clicking here.

PUTTING THE KIT TOGETHER

I'm not sure what I will be doing with my kit yet - but I'm looking forward to crafting over the holidays with it. I already use Project Life for my scrapbooking throughout the year - but I like the idea of either using it for a vacation trip we took in 2016 or maybe to tell the story of our new kitten...who seems to be getting bigger and bigger each day - Tibbie is now 9 months old....so we will see - but I will be sure to let you know. I would love to know what you do with yours - post a picture of your final project on FB and you might receive a fun gift from me :) 

PLUS Stampin' Up! will be announcing something special with this kit - 

so stayed tuned for tomorrows email if you subscribe to Paper Pumpkin!

Looking for the perfect last-minute gift?

Check out our prepaid subscriptions. Give the gift of creativity for 1, 3, 6, or 12 months. Simply click here to purchase and they email you a printable gift card and a subscription code. Merry Christmas!

Time for some catching up!

Ok its been awhile since I have posted and I have to apologize. First I bit off more than I should have for the month of November - starting up your own business takes a lot of work and I wanted to offer a lot of classes and do a lot of things. And I was doing ok until I had some health issues pop up and completely throw me off. Thankfully I was able to push through and completed all of my classes and only had to cancel one Open Studio evening.

AND I am VERY HAPPY to say that I'm now been given a clean bill of health and starting to gain back my energy! Praise God! I'm beyond thankful for everyone who was praying for me, for the support in sweet text msg's and emails and even some amazing home cooked meals!

So enough about me - on to something fun. I wanted to share with you what I did with the November Paper Pumpkin kit.

So if you haven't heard of Stampin' Up's Paper Pumpkin before - its an amazing kit that comes directly to your door each month. The kit includes all the supplies needed to make some amazing projects like cards, home decor, gift packaging and more. Plus every month, Stampin' Up provides a video that demonstrates how to assemble each kit.

So you can create the project as intended or if you're feeling the urge to get a little creative you can come up with your own designs. And thats what I did with this months kit.

So here is what the intended project:

The November box was a special holiday box - thats why its blue. So cute. And like I mentioned the box comes with the stamps, inks, adhesives - everything you need - to create 8 of these cards. 

Now the cards were smaller than I normally send for Christmas cards so I knew I wanted to try something different with supplies I had on hand. So I decided to create this:

I used the Dapper Denim cardstock (5.5x4.25) as the base, with a Dapper Denim envelope paper (5.25x4) along with a (5x3.75) piece of vellum that I used the snowflake stamp (included in kit) on in each of the corners. I then took the main part of the card and assembled as directed except first I used the Sponge Brayer tool (pictured above) to colour the background pieces in the dapper denim. 

I love the look of this so much! I used some stampin' deminsionals on the white cardstock to raise that area. I'm very happy with how this turned out. I really enjoyed using the brayer tool - very easy - if you are interested in seeing  a video with how to use this tool please let me know! 

So if you are a subscriber to Paper Pumpkin - your December kit should be arriving soon! I love how it's a surprise in our mailbox every month! Who doesn't love happy mail!

Interested in trying it out? Or possibly gifting to someone on your Christmas list?

CLICK here to find out more.

A Paper Pumpkin prepaid subscription is the perfect gift for all of your crafty friends! Choose from 1, 3, 6 or 12 months and a fully designed project kit will arrive each month at their door with stamps, ink and paper so they can skip to the fun part of crafting. Purchase a prepaid subscription today!

ONLINE EXTRAVAGANZA SALE - STARTS MONDAY!

On Monday, November 21st the Annual Online Extravaganza sale starts and it runs until November 28th.  There are awesome sales all week PLUS two 24 hours flash sale days (November 21 and November 28).

The sale will offer current products (including offerings from the Holiday catalogue) at up to 40% off the regular price. All products that are while supplies last have been noted in the Online Extravaganza deals list.

To see the full list of products click here.

READY TO ORDER? HERE IS HOW

EMAIL | If you are in the Kingston area you can email me (amy.grendel@gmail.com) your list and I'll add it to my order I'm sending in on November 22nd. Orders need to be sent to me by 12noon on the 22nd  to be included.  I will either need your credit card information or you can pay by e-transfer.  Payment must be received at the time of your order. If you want to take advantage of the 24 hour flash sales - you will need to place your order online or I can help you with that via email just let me know. 

ONLINE STORE | you can place your own order online. Click here to go to my Online Shop (click on the SHOP NOW tab). This order will be sent to you directly so you don't need to worry about when I will be delivering it, etc. Plus if there is something you really want to make sure to receive - this is the best way to guarantee that you get it! Make sure my name is showing in the top right hand corner so I can thank you for your order and don't click the No Contact box or I'll never know who you are and that would be sad. If you have any questions about how to place an order online or if you need help please don't hesitate to email/phone me - I would be happy to help you out. 

HERE ARE SOME SHOPPING TIPS!• Download a copy of the product list and make a wish list (make sure to pay attention to the Nov 21 and 28 Flash sale items - these items on page one and the top of two are only available on those days. • If there is something that really catches your eye, don't delay - items are only available while supplies last! • Let loved ones know of the sale in case they would like to take advantage of sale items to put under the tree with you. You can send me your wish list and their email and I can help you out with that as well! • Make sure to look at the clearance rack as well - you can add those items to your order. Plus if you need something from either the Annual Catalogue or the Holiday Catalogue now is a great time to add on to your order. • Check out the Stitched from the Heart sale - these stamps are currently still on at 25% off 
PRODUCT HIGHLIGHT 

There are so many great products on this list - including 40% off the Stitched with Cheer Project Kit. I have done this class twice and will do it two more times before the year is out and everyone has LOVED their cards. I certainly can't wait to put a few of these in the mail for loved ones! To complete the kit you will need the Stitched with Cheer stamp set, inks (black and emerald envy and adhesive. But they are so easy to put together and look amazing! 

I can't wait to start putting together my Hello December album and bonus - the Hello December Card Collection and Accessory Pack are 30% off! If you haven't decided how to document the holiday season - these make it super simple. Plus you can use the extra cards leftover as Christmas tags on gifts and for the front of Christmas cards. 
There are several Paper Pumpkin kits and refills on the list as well. And don't forget to have a look a the embossing folders and die sets!
And once you have your new products don't forget to head on over to Pinterest - type in the name of your stamp set, die set or punch and you will get A LOT of inspiration! 

CHRISTMAS, CLASSES, DEALS & MORE

Hi everyone,

I've been a little behind on my weekly posting - but I'm happy to say that my basement is now ready to host my first class tonight! Seven ladies will be doing the Stitched With Cheer card class - looking forward to it! I've also been busy putting together some new items to show at the Open House this weekend (details below) and I will post those next week.

UPCOMING CLASSES | Are you interested in joining me for a class? I have included all classes on my EVENTS tab - have a look and see if any of them interest you. Plus I have a few CROP NIGHTS coming up in November that you might want to take advantage of!

 

PLACING AN ORDER? A few of you have been asking when I will be putting in my next Stampin' Up! order and if you can add some items to save on shipping - and the answer is yes and my next three scheduled orders are for Oct 31, Nov 5th and Dec 8th. If you want to order something for yourself, or as a gift you can email me your order by either of those dates to ensure it arrives before Christmas. You are welcome to also enter an order online through my online store as well.

FREE PAPER DEAL | There is still time to get your order in to take advantage of the great Designer Series Paper Sale. Order three packages of $14.50 paper and get one FREE! Great time to stock up on your Christmas papers or split with a friend and get a variety of different designs! Deal ends Oct 31 - don't miss out!

BROCKVILLE OPEN HOUSE |  If you are in the Athens/Brockville area we would love to have you join us on Sunday, October 30th between 2-4pm at 772 Tupper Street, Brockville for an OPEN HOUSE. This is a great chance to see the latest products and catalogues from Stampin' Up!, try out some of the products by making a card, enjoy some yummy treats, see class projects in person and place orders. PLUS you'll have a chance to win some free stuff! Stop in and say hi, bring a friend!


CHRISTMAS GIFT GIVING & RECEIVING | Its less then 2 months away from Christmas and the snow we received yesterday (though now all gone) helped get me in the mood for Christmas shopping and crafting! Are you ready for Christmas? Do you have a crafty friend who would love to receive a monthly kit (Paper Pumpkin) in the mail? Or an All-Inclusive Kit? Or would you like to put together a fun set of cards to give to someone? Stampin' Up! has some great ideas for all your gift giving needs.

OR are you the crafter and would love to have some Stampin' Up! product under the tree? Fill out the Christmas Wish List and either send out to family and friends or send to me to send to your family and friends.

I also offer gift wrapping and gift certificates! Email me at amy.grendel@gmail.com for more information.

A Peak At My Christmas Albums

Well I had hoped to get this up earlier but we have been busy around here with work and getting our basement finished - I'm so excited to soon have a dedicated place for classes and workshops! 

As I mentioned last week - I am VERY excited to be able to offer a HELLO DECEMBER kit through Stampin' Up! I love to document our holidays - especially Christmas - there are so many traditions and its such a busy month its easy to have something to take a photo of each day.  

I made a video showing you my past Christmas albums. Now its a 14 min video (yikes!) so feel free to skim through it. My main reason to show you these is so that you can see what kind of things I documented. In the beginning it was mostly a way to document our traditions, but then I stumbled on Ali Edwards December Daily and was hooked to document each day of the month leading up to the 25th. These are great albums I bring out during the holidays to look through and share with family. I hope you will enjoy a peak into my albums: 

Some years I have planned my album ahead of time, selecting products and method (size of album, page protectors, etc.), before the month so that I could put the bones of the album together before December. What I like about this is that it keeps the process simple - once the month starts I just take my photos and keep track of my journalling. Then I either work at it each day or put it all together once the holiday is done. In other years I have waited until the end of the holiday before assembling the album. 

If I do put the album together before hand I try to keep it fairly simple so that in case the photos from a certain day don't go with what I have planned I can move things around. Which is why I love using the Project Life pocket pages. 

Once the album has been laid out, most of the work has been done. Then you just need to add your photos and journaling as you celebrate the season. Hello December is such a fun tradition to begin, and it enhances the holidays as you share and enjoy memories.

When I first heard about December Daily/Hello December a few years ago, I was worried that my life was just not that exciting, what could I document EACH day. But looking back I realize that some of my favourite memories documented are the every day moments - I like those mixed throughout the holiday events! You could also use days where you don't have anything planned to highlight something you love about the season—like the Christmas CD playing in your car or the holiday mail you received from a friend or that yummy treat that only comes at Christmas time.

Here are a few photo prompts to help your creativity flow. Please leave a comment below if you have a suggestion to add to the list!

                        Advent calendar

                        Christmas traditions

                        Letter to Santa/Visit to Santa

                        Shopping list

                        Family activities

                        Christmas tree

                        Christmas lights

                        Baking holiday treats

                        Wrapping gifts

                        Christmas carols

                        Craft or DIY

                        Mailing of handmade cards

                        To-do list

                        The weather outside or temperature

                        Colours of Christmas

                        Visitors

                        Food prep or menu planning

                        Elf on the Shelf

                        Yummy December treats

                        Family photos

                        Decorations

                        Parties

                        Hanging the stocking

                        Memories from childhood

                        Favorite movies

                        Gingerbread

                        Wise words about the season

                        School activities

                        Mail or gifts arriving in the post

                        City decorations

                        Church celebrations

                        Gifts being opened

                        Exchanging gifts

                        Store displays

                        Shopping (seeing presents before they’re wrapped)

                        Compare a moment from last Christmas to one from this Christmas

                        Before and after; for example, before-and-after pictures of the kitchen during     

                           Christmas cooking and baking

                        Trying something new

                        What CD is playing in the car

                        Cleaning up

                        Travel

If you are interested in putting together your own Hello December album - there is still time to get your order in! 

Hello December Starter Kit | Cost $60 + tax | Includes two of the 6"x8" Project Life Photo Pocket Pages (you decide which packs), the Hello December Card Collection and the Hello December Accessory Pack. PLUS Bonus Die Cuts and Embellishments

Hello December Full Kit | Cost $75 + tax | Includes the Emerald Envy 6" x 8" Project Life Album, two of the 6"x8" Project Life Photo Pocket Pages (you decide which packs), the Hello December Card Collection and the Hello December Accessory Pack. PLUS Bonus Die Cuts and Embellishments

PLUS if you purchase the starter kit or the full kit you have FREE access to the CROP NIGHT on Friday, November 25th. You can come anytime between 6pm and 9pm and use my assorted stamps, adhesive and papers to put together your album.

If you would like to purchase your own supplies or just some of the supplies and put together your own kit - you are more than welcome to still join us for the CROP NIGHT - the cost is $15 or FREE with a $25 order. 

Please sign up by November 5th to make sure your bundle/products arrive on time!

For more details or to order your kit/supplies please contact me at

amy.grendel@gmail.com or 613-888-0589.