Ring in the New Year with Light the Sky Bundle by Stampin' Up!

Hi Everyone,

I'm am so excited for 2023 to be over! I'm ready for 2024 where I can begin to work on organization, self care, and of couse more creativity! Today I'm sharing the wonderful Light The Sky Bundle by Stampin' Up! This bundle is not retiring, but won't be available for a 10% discount after January 3rd. This very versitile bundle is something you need to treat yourself with. 

If you look at the 2 layouts that are above, my friend, Susan made the beautiful navy and gold one. I was inpired and decided to create mine using a different color idea. 

For my version, I decided to use a pop of color with Berry Burst. The designer paper I used was from the retired Celebrate Everything 12" x 12" Designer Series Paper. I love the black and white fireworks and the colorful black drop design. 

One of the great things about these dies is the different ways they die-cut pieces. Many don't die-cut out full pieces, but cut designs into the paper. I think you can use some of them for snowflakes as well. 

If you like this layout, you can create your own. There are so many designer papers to choose from too, so your creations can go on for so many occasions. Here are the measurements for my card.

• 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" Thick Basic White scored at 4 1/4"
• Berry Burst- 1 piece cut at 5 3/8" x 4 1/8"
• Berry Burst- 1 piece cut at 5 1/4"  4" (inside of card)
• Basic White 3 3/4" x 5" (Inside of card)
• 2 coordinating pieces of DSP (I used Celebrate Everything, but it's retired)
• One pattern each has 2 pieces. I will say DSP "A" and DSP "B"
• DSP "A" - 3" x 7/8" and 4" x 7/8" (top and bottom)
• DSP "B" - 4 1/4" x 7/8" and 3 1/4" x 7/8" (sides)
• Sentiment piece - 3 1/4" x 2" Center piece
• Scrap white for main firework to stamp and die-cut. 

Well there is just one more thing to remind you of. If you want to order this with a 10% discount, but sure to order by January 3rd. After that date, the 10% discount goes away and you have to order the products with their ouwn order numbers. 

I hope you like my project today. I wonder, are you more of a gold and navy person or a pop of color person. I'd love to hear from you. 

Happy Stampin',

Mary Blocher

Mary's Stampin' Café

 

Welcome 2024 with Fluffiest Friend's Specialty Class

 

Hi Everyone,

It's the perfect time to stop in on my blog today I'm sharing all about my first Specialty Class of the New Year. It's the Fluffiest Friends Specialty Class. What makes a class specialty? 

• Specialty Classes that I offer have In Person and To Go options
• Participants receive products such as 1/2 packages of Designer Series Papers, full embellishment packs, and more
• Four to five projects are included as well as a bonus project (mystery). This can be home decor' or packaging. 

My Specialty Classes are on the last Sunday of the month in my workshop room, and the To Go packets are mailed on Monday. A PDF tutorial is included. If you haven't seen the Fluffiest Friends Bundle in the Online Exclusives Products, you are missing out!

Here are the details for the Fluffiest Friends Specialty Class:

There is nothing better than getting a cozy feeling from a cute handmade card.  It's my first specialty class of the year with the Fluffiest Friends Bundle from the Online Exclusives products with Stampin' Up! This class includes the supplies you need (+ extra supplies). for four fabulous cards + one bonus mystery project. This can be a packaging idea or a home decor' DIY. 

**Participants who register and pay in December can choose a Level 1 Saleabration item in January.

• Class A option includes: $28 
• "In Person" in my workshop room on Sunday, January 28th at 1:00pm (PT)
• 1/2 package of the Bee Mine 12" x 12" DSP
• 1 package of the Hearts and Flowers Epoxy shapes
• 1 yard of the Sweet Sorbet Ribbon
• Supplies for 4 cards + one bonus mystery project 

• Class B Option includes: ($28 + $6.95 Shipping)
• Same supplies for option A
• "To Go" Option to complete projects at home with an included PDF Tutorial
• To Go kits will be mailed on Monday, January 29th
• Additional supplies you need to complete your projects at home are listed on my blog post

To reserve your seat or "To Go", simply fill out this form. Reminder that the In Person class is on Sunday, January 28th at 1:00 pm. I will ship "To Go" packets on Monday, January 29th. Deadline to register for this class is January 20th. Space is limited for In Person seating. 

A bonus gift is given if you reserve your seat or kit in December. Participants registering in December can choose a Level 1 Saleabration item in January!

When you register for my Specialty Classes with the To Go option, you will need to have some supplies at home to complete the projects. I have a list below of the products I will be using that you will need to supply. If you don't want the Fluffiest Friends Bundle, you may have a substitute set you can use. I will die-cut out any builder dies we will be using like the bee hive and branches. 

Thanks again for stopping in. I've shared a few of the fun projects we are making, but I won't spoil all the fun. You might see another project soon on my YouTube Channel or Facebook Page. I hope that you fill out the registration form for my first Specialty Class in January.

Happy Stampin',

Mary Blocher

Mary's Stampin' Café

These supplies are listed as suggestions. If you prefer to use a different stamp set or coloring tools, that's just fine. I included a complete set of markers and blocks. You don't need full sets, but I wanted to be sure that you know to have coloring tools and blocks for your stamps. I also think having the complete sets are great for future stamping. The Stampin' Up! clear blocks are the best! They are thick with notches for your fingers, so you don't get ink on them.

A Stunning Christmas Card Inspired by an Ornament

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for stopping in today. One of my favorite things during the lead up to the holidays is to shop for some vintage or antique ornaments. I just love the quality and beauty of them. When I found the two Nativity ornaments recently, I just had to get home and create. I was so inspired because Stampin' Up! has the Night Divine suite or products that can create just stunning cards and gifts. 

The Night Divine stamp set and dies are both retiring. The dies are currentlyy 10% off as well. You can still purchase as a bundle and get 10% off. The Oh Holy Night DSP is also retiring, but has no discount. I think the DSP is just beautiful and so fitting with the dies. 

What I really like about my card is the focal point of the scene of the manger against that beautiful starry night! The adhesive-backed sparkle gems add the perfect touch. 

I mentioned that the Night Divine products are part of the Last Chance Products happening now. All are available while supplies last. Not every retiring product is at a discount, but be sure to shop before they are gone! 

Did you know that when you order through me (using the hostess code), you will be in for a chance to win MYSTERY HOSTESS Rewords. For every $25 you spend (before shipping and tax), you will be entered in the drawing. Mystery Hostess will only be awarded if a minimum $150 in orders are attached to the Hostess Code. This is also for United States ordrs only. Shop with my link or attach the Host Code #YYN2SUW4 at checkout. 

I hope you enjoyed my card today. I was wondering, what kinds of ornaments do you put on your tree? Have any collections? I'd love to hear from you. 

Happy Stampin',

Mary Blocher

Mary's Stampin' Café

Last Chance Awesome 35% More or 35% Less in a Starter Kit (My ideas)

Hi Everyone,

So if you haven't thought about what you would put in your starter kit, or which deal to take, I've got ideas for you. I was thinking that picking a theme or technique is the best way to put your starter kit together if you have a bit of cardmaking things, but are ready for more. Both of my ideas are around coloring. Stampin' Up! has fabulous coloring tools, so you'll want them all. 

35% More product with your Starter Kit (spend $99 and get $168.75 worth of product)

• Choose 10 Stampin' Blends Combo packs ($160.00)
• Add the Color Lifter ($5.00)

This adds to $165. You cannot exceed the $168.75, so you might have to let the few dollars go. What I love about the Stampin' Blends is that you get varying degrees of colors. Blends are smooth and are easy to use when you have outline images that are larger. Florals are perfect for Stampin' Blends. Ready to join with this special?

Get 35% OFF the cost of your Starter Kit ($125 worth of product for $64.35)

• Watercolor Pencil Assortment #1 ($16.00)
• Watercolor Pencil Assortment #2 ($12.50)
• Blender Pens ($13.00)

This is where the fun begins. You will have $83.50 left to spend. I would focus on 3 stamp sets that are perfect for watercoloring. I like to use my watercolor pencils when I have smaller areas to color. Some stamp sets I would suggest are:

• Bird's Eye View ($20)
• Berry Harvest Background Stamp ($20)
• Fruitful Blessings ($24)
• In the Moment ($26)
• Silly Goose ($25)
• Everlasting Beauty ($26)
• Coffee with Friends ($25)
• Festive and Fun ($26)
• Gifts of Giving ($24)

Again, depending on what you choose, you cannot exceed the $125 amount. Maybe choose 3 sets and then an embellishment or paper pack. Ready to join my team?

Which deal is right for you? It all depends on where your are in your crafting journey and what you'd like to focus on next. Let me know if you like my ideas and would like some tips and tricks on using these coloring tools. You can get more details on my website, but hurry! This deal ends soon.

Thanks for stopping by and seeing what I would put into a starter kit.

Happy Stampin',

Mary Blocher

Mary's Stampin' Café

Celebrating 35 Years with a Choice of a Joining Special

 

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for stopping in. This month is a very special month for all of us who love to craft! Stampin' Up is Celebrating 35 years in business and want to celebrate by having a joining special that fits all your needs. Read on for two fabulous specials. 

Option 1: Get 35% OFF the normal cost of a Stampin’ Up! Starter Kit. Those who select this option will receive $125 USD worth of product for only $64.35.

Option 2: Get 35% MORE product with their Starter Kit. Those who select this option will receive $168.75 worth of product by spending $99.

You also receive FREE shipping as well as some business supplies.

One of the perks of being a Stampin' UP! Demonstrator is that you get to pre-order a month ahead of releases. This includes the pre-order that is happening now for some new and fabulous Online Exclusives. 

It gets better! Those who sign up for a Starter Kit during this offer will also be automatically registered for FREE* to the virtual OnStage event on 11 November. That's a $77 value!

• Those who sign up for this offer have the opportunity to watch the event independently, gathered together with other demonstrators, or with their Team Leader.
• 
  
• Demonstrators who join during this promotion will be automatically added to the OnStage attendees; they do not need to register separately.
• 
  
• Demonstrators who join during this promotion will also receive an email with all the information about this event.

There are so many benefits to being a Stampin' UP! demonstrator. I really enjoy the flexibility to take advantage of the benefits that work for me and my busy life. Here are many of the benefits when you join Stampin' Up! and my Café Team.

DEMONSTRATOR BENEFITS

• Get 20%–25% off all Stampin’ Up! products.
• No “Selling” necessary…. unless you want to
• Earn additional income based on your sales and recruiting–just how much extra income is up to you.
• Set your own schedule and put in as much (or as little) time as you’d like.
• Get support through online training resources, a quarterly magazine, events, and a demonstrator-only online community with thousands of project ideas.
• Access to regular promotions, giving you an opportunity to contact customers.
• Opportunity to earn incentive trips.
• Chance to learn creative tips and techniques, share ideas, and meet new friends who love paper crafting as much as you do!

My Café Team Members also have Free local Saturday Stamp & Chat in my workshop room, quartery gatherings with new product projects and stamping gifts (sent to team members out of area as well), and monthly virtual meetings to support your needs. 

It's that perfect time to join and treat yourself before the holidays. Which starter kit will you choose? Maybe you are an avid stamper and just need that perfect coordinated products for your holiday cards. 

The Merriest Trees Bundle #162048 and the Walk in the Forest 12" x 12" Designer series paper #162377 is the perfect combintation for stunning holiday cards.

Maybe you are like me and want to shop more with the 35% more products. I have lots of wonderful products, but Stampin' Up! has so many wonderful products. There are so many ways to shop as well. From Paper Pumpkin, Kits Collection, Online Exclusives, to the various publications through the year, shopping is easy!

Whichever kit you decide to join with, you will also be part of a wonderful community of crafters. Ready to shop and join? Have any questions? Be sure to reach out if I can assist you in anyway. I would love to have you as part of my Stampin' Café Team. 

Happy Stampin',

Mary Blocher

Mary's Stampin' Café

3 Cards with the Stack, Slice, and Shuffle Technique

 

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for stopping in today. I am feeling a little holiday spirit with the cold and crisp Pacific Northwest weather. I decided to create with the Beary Cute Bundle and Beary Christmas Designer Series Paper. 

Stampin' Up! Designer Series Papers are so stunning! You cannot pass up on all the beautiful designs, but sometimes simply adding a layer of the DSP can become a bit routine. 

I searched on Pinterest the Stack, Slice, and Shuffle technique with three pieces of DSP and decided to create with the Beary Christmas DSP. I'm sharing a template from Stamp with Suzie. There are so many Stack, Slice and Shuffle template options, so you could create your own as well. 

To make your holiday cards quick and easy, allow your sentiment to be the focal point of your card. The DSP has done all the work for you, so that larger sentiment is perfect. 

One of the things I love about the Beary Christmas DSP is that there are so many wonderful bears and other animals that you can fussy cut. One of the bears even coordinates with the Bear punch. I couldn't resist fussy cutting a Mom and baby bear for this card.

This 3rd card might be my favorite! I love the pop of red from the gift that's ready to be given. I can't wait to have the DSP, Scissor, and a drink while I fussy cut all the bears, trees, and animals, so I can have lots to create many more of these Stack, Slice, and Shuffle Cards. 

Thanks again for stopping in. If you try this technique, I'd love to see what you create. Which of these three cards was your favorite?

Happy Stampin',

Mary Blocher

Mary's Stampin' Café

Stampin' Saturday, Create a Faux Quilt Square Card that Says Boo!

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for stopping in. Today I'm sharing some cardmaking inspiration on my Saturday Stampin'. I see so many creative projects and the Celebration New Year's card created by my friend, Susan really caught my eye. 

Susan's stunning card uses the Shining Brightly 12" x 12" Specialty Designer paper and the Light the Sky Bundle both found in the September-December 2023 Mini Catalog. There are so many wonderful products in this year's mini.

The layout of Susan's card reminds me of quilting, so I'm calling it the Faux Quilt Square card (even though it's not a square). This is created by using strips of the DSP to outline the central focus. I decided since I was created Halloween and fall cards recently, I would create a card using the Them Bones 12" x 12" Designer Series paper and a few other goodies from the mini catalog as well. 

Them Bones DSP is such a wonderful package of paper! There are so many great designs and the pages the have the image cards is wonderful! You can simply cut apart these cards and use them for a layer or in the center as I did on my card.

The added die-cut bats, ghost, and skeleton dog really made this card Boo!

To make this Faux Quilt Square card, you simply need some of your wonderful designer series papers, sentiments, and a paper trimmer. 

To Make This card layout: 

• 1" x 2 5/8" (x2) DSP 
• 1" x 3 7/8" (x2) DSP
• 4" x 5 1/4" (layer on Base)
• 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" (Base)

When you create this card, everyone you create will look so different depending on what DSP you decide to use. I'd love to see what you create, so do share. You can find more details on my video if you would like to see the card in action. 

Thanks again for stopping in. I've listed the products I used for my Stampin' Saturday inspiration. You can click to purchase any of these from my online store. 

Happy Stampin'

Mary Blocher

Mary's Stampin' Café

Stampin' Saturday - Create a Beautiful Gratitude Journal Plus a Card to Match

Hi Everyone,

It is a crisp, fall morning and I'm so glad to do my Stampin' Saturday post with 2 great fall projects. I have a quick gratitude journal and a coordinating card to go along with it. The Autumn Leaves Bundle from the September-December 2023 Mini Catalog is so wonderful. I am so obsessed with the leaves that I can stamp and die cut as well as the dies that you die cut with colored cardstock for all sorts of wonderful cardmaking.

To make the gratitude journal, I picked up these already made small notebooks at the local craft store. They have 32 blank pages and a beautiful fall plaid front that's perfect for my journals. The black chalk label is also from the craft store. I love to look for things I can use to create quick crafting when I am making a lot of one project. 

About every three pages, I stamped one of the beautiful leaf images, so the fall feeling continues through the book. With the pages being blank, it is easy to simply jot down some thoughts about gratitude, but you can also list tasks or sketch out some cardmaking ideas. 

Because these journals were store bought, I wanted to share a way that you can create at home with the craft supplies you already have. I wanted to share a card that almost matches the front of the gratitude journal with all Stampin' Up! products.

For this card, I used the Sketched Plaid background stamp to mimic the plaid background on the journal. I then added some more texture using one of the stamps from the Gorgeously Made Stamp set with Crushed Curry. I also used Basic Black cardstock to die cut out the label from the Autumn Leaves dies and heat embossed with White embossing powder. I decided to add a bit more bling on the card by adding the Oxidized Copper veins on the leaf and an additional leaf.

I hope you enjoyed my projects today. It's fun to see what crafting things are at local craft stores and to think about how you can create similar projects with your Stampin' Up! supplies at home. You can check out my video for more details on these projects. 

I also have listed out all the supplies I used for my card project as well. when you shop with me in September, using the Host Code listed on my blog or clicking the shop with me link, 20% off all sales will go the a local Autism Advocacy Network as part of September "Give Back". 

Thanks again for stopping in, and be sure to give gratitude daily for all the blessings around you. 

Happy Stampin',

Mary Blocher

Mary's Stampin' Café