procrastistamper

Holiday Gift Giving Guide

procrastistamper@gmail.com (procrastistamper) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 23:22:00 +0000

Stampin' Up! has published a Holiday Gift Giving Guide to provide you with convenient gift ideas for kids, teens, neighbors, and more!

Click HERE, or on the image to the left, to download your Holiday Gift Giving Guide.

Through January 4, 2010, when you purchase $50 in product from the Holiday Gift Giving Guide, you'll get a BONUS GIFT of your choice of a FREE Décor Elements item up to $16.95 in value!

SHOP NOW in my ONLINE STORE!

To assist you in shopping from the Holiday Gift Giving Guide, I have prepared a Product List for Download, which lists all the items, their prices, where you can find them in catalogs, and some helpful notes on each product including coordinating colors. Together with the Holiday Gift Giving Guide, you should be ready

You can never get started shopping too early for the holidays, and especially purchasing supplies for handmade cards and gifts, but if you want to get the most bang for your buck, set your calendar to check out my ONLINE STORE November 23-30, to take advantage of AMAZING DISCOUNTS on select products during Stampin' Up!'s Online Extravaganza. What better way to shop while enjoying your Thanksgiving holiday, than online?

FREE Handmade Holidays, Party Planning, and Gift Giving Consultation!

Email me or call me now at 719-205-5957 for a free private consultation on handmade holiday cards and gifts! Let me help you put your shopping list together now, so you can get started right away. Are you having a holiday party and need some ideas for fast and fun favors? I can definitely help you there! I also have project ideas for gifts, from simple, to that one-of-a-kind keepsake for that special someone. And, I can help you put together gift packages of products that coordinate, if you are giving to someone crafty, but don't want to create a homemade gift yourself. Whatever your holiday crafting and gift giving needs, I've got them covered!

~Kimberley Morris
Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator
Colorado Springs, CO
procrastistamper@gmail.com
http://kimberley.stampinup.net

Spooky Sale (20% Off - 1 DAY ONLY)

procrastistamper@gmail.com (procrastistamper) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:52:00 +0000

In honor of Halloween, I am offering a ONE DAY ONLY 20% OFF SALE! You will receive a 20% rebate of the price on anything you order through my ONLINE STORE, through 11:50pm MST tonight!*

Click HERE for a pattern and simple directions for the Triangle Box and Square Box pictured above.

*Rebate is calculated on retail price paid, excludes shipping & handling.

~Kimberley Morris
Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator
Colorado Springs, CO
procrastistamper@gmail.com
http://kimberley.stampinup.net

October 2009 Tour de Freaks Blog Tour

procrastistamper@gmail.com (procrastistamper) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 03:01:00 +0000

Welcome to my blog entry on the October 2009 Tour de Freaks Blog Tour! This month's theme is Christmas Cards, and you should have just arrived from the blog of the talented Shona Watson.

I think my personal theme for this month is "non-traditional" holiday colors. I'm really enjoying using natural colors like Soft Suede, Sahara Sand, and Kraft.

[Remember: Click on any image to see it full-size!]

My first card is full of snowflakes, but there's nothing specifically Christmas-y about it, so you can send it even if you don't celebrate that holiday. It features the Serene Snowflakes stamp set and the Four the Holidays stamp set. To make the ribbon, I layered Very Vanilla Tafetta Ribbon over the solid side of the Soft Suede Polka Dot Ribbon. This is not a complicated card, but because of all the brads used on it, I probably would only make these for my very special card recipients!

This next card is made with the O Christmas Tree Popup Bigz XL Die, which you use with the Big Shot. It's really hard to get a picture to do it justice, but these cards are just spectacular to open up in person. Because of the numerous times through the Big Shot to get all the pieces you need, and to emboss the tree pieces, and cut out all the ornament pieces you need, I don't recommend making these in large multiples.

The next card was made with the Patterned Pines Hostess stamp set (available in the Holiday Mini Catalog) and the colors are Old Olive and Rich Razzleberry, with a Pale Plum layer. These colors coordinate with the Cottage Wall Designer Series Paper layer. There's a little bit of Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint around the edges of the Pale Plum layer, giving it a glittery look.

This last card is one that was created by a fellow demonstrator for a Susan G. Komen fundraising event I participated in earlier this month. I stamped some of it at the event, because I don't own this Yuletide Christmas stamp set--then I brought the pieces home and tried to remember what the card looked like! I added "snow" to the top of my card, using the Itty Bitty Backgrounds stamp set. This is a great card to make in multiples, because the stamping is easy and it goes together really fast.

Your next stop on the blog tour this month is Jan Tink's blog. Enjoy your Halloween, but don't forget to take notes along the blog tour so you can get a head start on your holiday cards. Before you know it, December will be here, and if you don't plan ahead, you'll find yourself too busy to enjoy the rewards of handmade holidays this year!

~Kimberley Morris
Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator
http://kimberley.stampinup.net
procrastistamper@gmail.com

Thanksgiving Turkey Nuggets (Hershey®)

procrastistamper@gmail.com (procrastistamper) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:09:00 +0000

In true procrastistamper style, I came up with this creation right before our Thanksgiving feast last year. So, there was no time to post them on my blog for them to be of any use to anyone else at that point. I'm lucky I remembered to take a picture of them. I completely forgot about these until someone asked about "turkey" project ideas.

These are super simple to make [click on any photo to see full size]:

1) Cut a strip of Designer Series Paper to at least 1"x3", wrap around Nugget, and adhere at bottom. (strip can be longer than 3", but that's a nice round number to cut from a 12"x12" sheet)

2) Punch out three coordinating tail feather layers with the Scallop Circle Punch.

3) Trim away the bottom 5 or so scallops from one of the punched pieces (see below).

4) Line up the trimmed piece on the next layer, leaving about 4 scallops showing.

5) Adhere those 2 pieces together after they are arranged the way you like, and trim off the 4 scallops flush with the top trimmed scallop punch (see below).

6) Line up those layers on a full punched scallop circle, and adhere as desired. (If any of the scallops from the full-size punched piece stick below the straight edge, trim them away, as shown below.)

7) Adhere the tail feather section to the back of the Nugget with a Mini Glue Dot.

8) Punch a 1" Circle out of neutral colored card stock or paper for the head, and decorate with googlie eyes. (or punch smaller white and black circles for eyes--but really, where's the fun in that???)

9) Cut a 1/2" square of beak-colored card stock or paper, score diagonally and fold in half. Adhere back of this folded square to the head, under the eyes.

10) Adhere head to front of Nugget with a Mini Glue Dot.

My turkeys from last year were made with retired Designer Series Paper, but the Autumn Traditions Designer Series Paper in the current catalog would be a perfect substitute. Matching colors for that package of paper include: Soft Suede, Elegant Eggplant, Ruby Red, More Mustard, and Always Artichoke. You can shop for these items anytime day or night, in my ONLINE STORE.

DESIGN IDEAS: Use the Trio Flower Punch to punch out a red flower to adhere under the beak as a "gobbler". These also make darling punch embellishments for place cards or napkin rings if you omit the Nugget, and glue the head directly onto the tail feather layers, for a 2D turkey. Make a coordinating set of one Nugget turkey, and one punched turkey place card, and a turkey-embellished napkin ring of Designer Series Paper for each setting at the table.

~Kimberley Morris
Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator
Colorado Springs, CO
http://kimberley.stampinup.net
procrastistamper@gmail.com

Little Boo Ghirardelli® Treat Holders

procrastistamper@gmail.com (procrastistamper) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 14:40:00 +0000

It's that time of year again, to make some treat holders for Ghirardelli® Chocolate Squares™. Really, you can make them anytime, but with Halloween coming up, there's no reason for kids to have all the fun. Give a treat for the sophisticated palate with these easy to make holders. [REMEMBER: click on any image to see it larger.]

Check out the original tutorial to create these treat holders HERE.

You can take these with you to hand out to the grownups handing out candy at each home when you go out door-to-door with your kids, or if you're staying home yourself, give these to the parents who are accompanying their kids, when they come to your door. The kids will thank you for keeping their parents' hands out of their trick-or-treat stash!

When you order the following items, you can GET SUPPLIES FOR EIGHT TREAT HOLDERS FREE! With the products below, you'll have everything you need to make your own treat holders, except the Ghirardelli® Chocolate Squares™.

Visit my ONLINE STORE to do your shopping. Be sure to email me to confirm a mailing address for your free treat holder supplies. Assembly notes will also be provided, via email. (You may get the 8 FREE treat holder supplies with any purchase of $50 or more from me this month, you just need to email me to request them.)

For those of you who have the rest of the supplies listed in the table above, or other similar product you'd like to use, to make the Little Boo Treat Holders, I have a kit of the cut, scored, and punched card stock pieces, as well as the ribbon you'll need, available for you to order below. You must order in multiples of 8, and Ordering is only open from October 12th through 19th, so get your supplies TODAY!

KIT CONTENTS: 8 treat holders (2 ea in 4 colors), cut, scored, and punched. Also included are 8 lengths of ribbon (2 ea in 4 colors) to tie each holder closed, 8 punched Scallop Circles and 8 layer rectangles (both 2 each in 4 colors). You will also receive a strip of Whisper White card stock approximately 1-1/2"x8-1/2", onto which you may stamp your image (Little Boo) before punching out.

You can also download the entire list of supplies needed to make your own treat holders HERE. If you look at the full supply list carefully, you'll notice that not all of the card stock from the 12"x12" In Color Textured Card Stock package is used. That's totally cool, because you can save those sheets to make the cute Simple Snowflake Treat Holders, shown below. Don't worry, if you don't want to buy all the supplies for those right now, I'll be offering another $50 special soon, where you can get supplies for 8 Simple Snowflake Treat Holders for FREE!

~Kimberley Morris
Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator
Colorado Springs, CO
http://kimberley.stampinup.net
procrastistamper@gmail.com

My Digital Studio - 50% Off!

procrastistamper@gmail.com (procrastistamper) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 14:01:00 +0000

This morning I want to share a couple of 5x7 cards I designed for a friend, who has two huge packages of 5x7 cards and envelopes sitting in her closet. I am so used to starting from a colored card base that it was challenging to figure out how to start with a white card base!

I happened to create a 5x7 card similar to the first one, using Stampin' Up!'s newly released My Digital Studio software. Since the software uses the fonts on my computer, I was able to create a flowing script greeting I don't have available in a stamp. I also used a stamp set I don't own, for a frame around the greeting, because that stamp set is included in My Digital Studio! I stamped the design first, then duplicated it digitally, but you can also use My Digital Studio to design your cards before stamping, which saves you from using your consumable supplies!

My Digital Studio is a digital paper crafting solution, with exclusive Stampin' Up! images and product. You can create cards, scrapbook pages, calendars, DVD interactive slide show albums, and even professionally printed book albums using the My Digital Studio print services. All professionally printed products color match Stampin' Up!'s exclusive colors (when you choose those colors in the program), and the embellishments are true size, so you can add elements to a printed item to make a hybrid creation with more depth and texture!

Through November 30, you can get your copy of My Digital Studio for 50% off the retail price with a $400 Workshop, as part of your Hostess Benefits. So, if you live in the Colorado Springs area, email me or give me a call today (719-205-5957) to book your Workshop! [Sorry, this benefit is only available for Workshop orders--it may not be redeemed on an online order.]

You may also shop my ONLINE STORE any time, using a debit or credit card. You can earn free stamp sets and merchandise, called Stampin' Rewards, when your order reaches $150. I also always send all my online customers a hand-stamped 'thank you' card, with a goodie package of items which coordinate with their order.

~Kimberley Morris
Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator
Colorado Springs, CO
http://kimberley.stampinup.net
procrastistamper@gmail.com

Coffin Box Tutorial (using Box #2 die)

procrastistamper@gmail.com (procrastistamper) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 20:40:00 +0000

You can make this darling (oops, I mean creepy!) box very easily with your Big Shot, the Box #2 Bigz XL die

Download the PDF pattern for the box lid for FREE HERE.

First, run some card stock through your Big Shot with the Box #2 die. You can use a piece of 5-1/2" x 11" card stock, so you can get away with using letter sized card stock, or you can go ahead and cut down from a 12" x 12" sheet if that's what you have. I think the Soft Suede textured card stock is great for this, and you can get 8-1/2" x 11" textured card stock in the In Color Textured Card Stock Assortment, if you don't want to buy full 12" x 12" sheets.

Stampin' Up! also has an awesome Woodgrain background stamp you can stamp over the surface of your card stock before you run it through the Big Shot if you'd like that effect! (the woodgrain image will stamp more clearly on smooth card stock than textured)

Once your box has been run through the Big Shot, you'll want to trim the box down a tad. I use the Tabletop Cutter and line up a straight edge of the box, with the edge of the silver cutting plate on my cutter. See the picture below for a visual. This takes about 5/8" off the height of the box, but this does not have to be exact. The main thing is to cut a straight line parallel to the top edge of your box. [Remember, as you go through this tutorial, click on any image to see it larger!]

TIMESAVER TIP: you can leave your Box #2 intact, and just assemble the box and proceed with cutting out the lid shape(s) and decorating, if you don't mind a taller coffin. I personally think the shorter version is a little more lifelike...or should I say, deathlike?

After you trim the box down, you'll be left with the box piece, and the lid part (see picture below).

Assemble the box part, then reattach the lid and side flaps. The easiest way to put the lid and side flaps on, is to cut the lid plus one side flap away from the rest of the lid. You adhere the lid and side flap inside the box. Then, adhere the remaining single side flap to the other side of the box. To make it fit well, you'll probably want to trim just a tad off the side flap. See the pictures below for a visual step-by-step.

TIMESAVER TIP: If you don't want to trim pieces of Sticky Strip to assemble your boxes, consider using SNAIL. Liberally cover both surfaces to be adhered, with SNAIL, and burnish pieces together firmly from the inside of the project with your Bone Folder. That way, the adhesive sticks to the adhesive, giving a stronger bond.

When the box is finished, set it aside and take up the coffin lid pattern sheet you downloaded from the link at the top of this post. The pattern is set up to print ON THE BACK of a full 8-1/2" x 11" sheet of Designer Series Paper or card stock, to give you 5 sets of layered lids for ease in making multiples. (If you print on two different colored or patterned sheets, you can alternate box lids and layers to get 10 coffin lids with contrasting layers--5 will have one sheet as the coffin lid, and on the other 5 that sheet will make the lid layer.) Or, you can just print out and trace one of each pattern onto card stock or chipboard to use as a template to trace around time and time again.

Either way you go, you'll need to cut out a coffin lid, and a coordinating smaller layer (if you want one). Because the sides of the lid are straight, you can trim them out with a straight edge cutter like the Paper Trimmer, or Tabletop Cutter, to get a very clean look.

Designer Series Paper (DSP) is great for the smaller layer, and you can use the Stampin' Up! Perfect Details Texturz Plate with your Big Shot on either DSP or regular card stock, and rub some ink over the dry embossed pattern with a Stampin' Sponge, to give a regular piece of card stock some really fun depth!

Adhere the coffin lid to the box top, being careful to center the lid over the box. This is most easily done by lying the coffin lid flat on your workspace, FACE DOWN. Place adhesive of the back of the coffin lid, only the area where it will adhere to the box lid, as shown below. Then, put your adhesive on the top of box lid (you can open up the lid of the box to lie it flat on your workspace if that's easier). Close the box lid, and lower the closed box down onto the adhesive on the back of the coffin lid. ONLY VERY LIGHTLY touch the pieces together, to attach them just enough to hold the pieces in place so you can turn the box over to be sure the coffin lid is where you want it. If not, gently peel back and reposition the lid.

When all is positioned well, open the lid of the box and burnish the box lid down onto the coffin lid to adhere permanently. See picture below. I like to adhere the coffin lid to the box top first, before adding any layers onto the top of the coffin lid, because it makes the burnishing so much easier and more effective.

Mini Glue Dots and Stampin' Dimensionals are excellent adhesive choices for any layers you want to add to the lid, because they stick well without applying a lot of pressure, or burnishing.

The Modern Label Punch is used to make the handles on the side of the coffin. There are two on each side of the box, so you'll need 4 punched tags total. I like to stamp the tag from the Favorite Things stamp set, and then punch that out with the Modern Label Punch. You can adhere your handles with brads if you like that look, but Mini Glue Dots are just the right size for adhering the tags directly to the box.

TIMESAVER TIP: If you're making tons of these for a party, especially for children (who may not appreciate the extra effort!) consider leaving the handles off altogether. Or, use Designer Series Paper or stamped card stock to wrap around the coffin, as I've done below, using the Halloween Frights stamp set.

You can load these with whatever treats you want, but candy corn and pumpkins are pretty cute. You can also fit 8 Hershey® Nuggets in the coffin, as you can see below. Leave the Nuggets plain, or stamp return address labels seasonally to wrap around each individual Nugget. Designer Series Paper is also a simple, festive touch!

DESIGN NOTES: If you aren't into coffins or Halloween, you can still use the Box #2 Die to make cute treat boxes for other occasions. I'll show you later how you can make these boxes with Christmas Trees or ornaments on top, and you can use them again for Valentine's Day with hearts on top, and even make a bunny for the lid to use the box for Easter. The Box #2 Bigz XL Die is a must-have!!!

Order your spooky supplies online anytime with a debit or credit card at my ONLINE STORE!

Mention this Coffin Box Tutorial within 24 hours of your online order during the month of October 2009, and receive a FREE Stampin' Write Marker in the color of your choice! Please email me with any questions, or leave a comment and I will answer your question in a comment reply.

~Kimberley Morris
Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator
Colorado Springs, CO
http://kimberley.stampinup.net
procrastistamper@gmail.com

Serene Snowfall

procrastistamper@gmail.com (procrastistamper) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 13:47:00 +0000

I promised you a pattern yesterday for the little coffin box I posted on Sunday, and I haven't been able to get that quite finished to my satisfaction yet, so I wanted to share another card with you in the meantime.

It just snowed here in Colorado Springs for the first time yesterday...which is kind of deja vu because this year we had snow on Pike's Peak as late as July. Anyway, I really like these colors together--Soft Suede and Brocade Blue. The main stamp set is Serene Snowflakes, from the Holiday Mini Catalog, which is such a beautiful set, you just have to have it! The little tag is from the Christmas Punch Hostess Stamp Set, which you can get for FREE with a $300 Workshop.

Speaking of Hostess Benefits, if you have a Workshop of at least $250 from now through the end of November, you can get any product (except Hostess Sets and My Digital Studio) from the Holiday Mini Catalog for only $10 through the Sweet Rewards Hostess Promotion! [This promotion is only for Workshops, so you'll need to book and order through me...it is not available through online ordering.]

If you just bump your Workshop up to $300, you could get Serene Snowflakes for $10, plus the Christmas Punch Hostess Stamp Set for free, and then buy most of the rest of the supplies to make the snowflake card pictured above, as your holiday card...for FREE!!! This card is really simple to make, so it's a great card to make as a family project with kids.

There is also a $42 O Christmas Tree Pop-up Sizzix Die in the Holiday Mini Catalog that you can get for a STEAL with this promotion. I'll post a pop-up card soon that I made with that die, and if the picture of the card does it any justice, you will definitely NEED that die for your holiday cards! If you are in the Colorado Springs area, give me a call or text me at 719-205-5957, or drop me an email, to book your Workshop now...book early to get your date of choice.

We can have a workshop in your home, or in mine, or at your office during lunch, or down at the corner café on a lazy Sunday afternoon. We have a lot of options, and I'd love to stamp with you and your friends. Or, if you'd rather just pass the catalog around, and gather orders, that counts as a workshop, too. So, just contact me and let me know how I can help you earn your Sweet Rewards.

~Kimberley Morris

Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator
http://kimberley.stampinup.net
procrastistamper@gmail.com

Tour de Freaks Blog Tour

procrastistamper@gmail.com (procrastistamper) — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 02:59:00 +0000

Welcome to my stop on the September 2009 Control Freaks Blog Tour! You should have just come from the blog of Shona Watson.

This is my first month to participate, so please be kind. This month's theme is Halloween, Fall, and Thanksgiving. The leaves haven't started turning colors outside here in Colorado just yet, but that's okay with me, because I have no idea where the summer has gone. [Remember: click on any photo to see it larger.]

My first card was really hard to get a good picture of--it's kind of a dark card, and I used shimmer paint for moonlight. The only problem with that is, the shimmer paint kept reflecting the light off my lamp! I know I'm biased, but with that shimmer paint, it's really gorgeous in person.

There is a little surprise hiding in the grave marker...the grave marker is actually trimmed down from the Two Tags Bigz Die, with a Small Oval Punch layered at the top for the R.I.P. engraving.

This next project uses the Fancy Favor Bigz XL Die, and the Sweet Centers stamp set, with the Sweet Treat Cups.

I wanted to toss in this beautiful little stick candy favor, but I have to tell you that even though I stamped it, it was not my design idea. It's just so pretty, I had to share.

And this last little fella is a special treat box...a coffin made using the Box #2 XL Die, and a pattern I created for the top. Come back on Monday and I'll post the pattern and instructions for you--it's super simple. UPDATE: YOU CAN FIND THE COFFIN BOX PATTERN HERE.

Click the button to the left to go to the next stop on the Tour de Freaks Blog Tour...the blog of JAN TINK! Jan created a darling coffin treat box (on an older blog post, not on this tour) which inspired the one I made above.

Stamped Texture

procrastistamper@gmail.com (procrastistamper) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 21:55:00 +0000

Isn't that a pretty card? I can compliment it without being a braggart because I didn't design the original--I stole the idea from a demo friend of mine here in Colorado Springs! But there is one part of it that is original, and that is the Stamped Texture. [REMEMBER: Click on any image in the post to see it larger.]

At the team meeting where everyone was making this card, I was wandering around taking pictures, so I didn't get my card done. I finally pulled out the pieces to it this weekend and finished it. The white texture on white card stock is very elegant, but I just felt like I wanted to add something to it. The main ornament on the card is from a stamp set called Delightful Decorations. There is one little stamp in that set that I thought would make a cool background, but the card already had the background texture embossed into it. Then, I noticed that it just happened to be the same size as the flowers on the Petals-A-Plenty Embossing Folder that had already been used on the background layer...and I thought, Why not use both backgrounds?

You can probably already see where I'm going with this, but let me walk you through exactly what I did. First, I inked up the stamp (in Ruby Red for this card), and then I stamped the ink off, one time, onto scratch paper.

Then, without inking the stamp up again, I stamped it over one of the flowers on the card stock which had been run through the Big Shot in the Petals-A-Plenty Embossing Folder. You don't have to be precise. My only caution is that you shouldn't SMASH the stamp onto the embossed flower, or you'll lose some of the charm and subtlety you get when only part of the stamped image shows up.

Use the R.A.N. (Repeat As Necessary) Method to create the look you want. (I just made that up, it comes from a sweetie-ism. Blake often uses that phrase tongue-in-cheek when he's teaching my kids something. Usually it's in conjunction with something the kids are complaining they weren't able to perfect after doing only one time!)

You can stamp over all of the flowers, as I did on my card, or you can stamp in a pattern, like a checkerboard, or every other line of flowers. You can even alternate colors. It's just that easy! It sort of gives the card a stucco look, in my opinion. This would probably look very elegant when stamped in neutral colors like Sahara Sand or Creamy Caramel. And, you know you'll just have to try stamping over the top of these flowers with that gorgeous Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint! Oooh la la!!!

TIP: Save yourself time if you are adhering layers over the top, and don't bother stamping the pattern where your card stock layer is going to cover it.

Shop in my ONLINE STORE for these Stampin' Supplies: Delightful Decorations stamp set, Four the Holidays stamp set (greeting), Tree Trimmings stamp set (ornament hanger), Whisper White Card Stock, Ruby Red card stock and ink, Stampin' Sponge, Petals-A-Plenty Embossing Folder, Two-Way Glue Pen & Dazzling Diamonds Glitter (to accent the center of the ornament).

~Kimberley Morris
Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator
Colorado Springs, CO
http://kimberley.stampinup.net
procrastistamper@gmail.com

NEW - 2009 Holiday Mini Catalog!

procrastistamper@gmail.com (procrastistamper) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 15:03:00 +0000

Demonstrators have had the preview for this fabulous mini catalog, and the chance to preorder at a discount, for a few weeks now...and we've just been dying to show you what we all feel is undeniably the BEST MINI CATALOG EVER!

Click HERE to view, or right click to download, the Stampin' Up! 2009 Holiday Mini Catalog.

I would like to take you on a little tour of a few of my favorite products in the Holiday Mini Catalog, so please download it from the link above, or open the copy you received from me in the mail, and follow along...

HOSTESS SETS
Yes, the Holiday Mini Catalog features two exclusive Hostess Sets on pages 4 and 5! Pick Patterned Pines as a FREE Level 1 benefit, with at least $150 in Workshop sales. With at least $300 in Workshop sales, the Snow Buddies set can be yours as a Level 2 benefit, absolutely FREE!

SWEET TREATS
Turning to pages 6 and 7, you'll see an awesome new stamp set called Sweet Centers. It is designed for use with the new Sweet Treat Cups, which can hold candy, confetti, or whatever little sweet treat you'd like to share! When you use the stamp set with the cups, and pop out a 1-3/4" Circle Punch, you can create a hot air balloon, an ornament, a heart with a center, a treat-centered Halloween greeting, and even a flower with a treat center (by stamping petals and leaves around the treat cup). You can safely mail these specialty cards using the Sweet Treat Padded Envelopes.

HOLIDAY WINDOWS MOVERS & SHAPERS DIES
Featured at the top of page 7, these magnetic dies are used with the Movers & Shapers Curly Label Die. Four shapes are included in this set: an Elegant Label, a Dove, an Ornament, and a 1-3/4" Circle. The Circle is the perfect size to use with the Sweet Treat Cups, and the Ornament is just slightly larger than the new Ornament Punch (featured on p. 25) so it is perfect for layering.

GRATEFUL GREETINGS
The Grateful Greetings stamp set, on page 8, features 12 different sayings you can use throughout the holidays. There are greetings for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Valentine's Day.

PUMPKIN PATCH
If you aren't at all into a ghosty-witchy Halloween, you can still send festive greetings with the Pumpkin Patch stamp set, on page 9. This set features a circle and two ovals, which you can use as pumpkins, or stamp faces on them to create jack-o-lanterns, or use them as decorative ornaments in seasonal colors, or use the ovals and grass to make Easter eggs, or even use the shapes as BALLOONS! This may be one of the most versatile sets in the Holiday Mini Catalog for year-round use.

NIGHT & DAY SPECIALTY PAPER
Page 11 features Night & Day Specialty Designer Series Paper, in black & white patterns. There are 10 double-sided patterned paper sheets (2 ea. of 5 patterns), and 2 black polka-dot printed window sheets. These are great for so much more than just Halloween--for example, they are excellent for masculine cards or scrapbook pages, so stock up now!

AUTUMN A-PLENTY
The Autumn Splendor stamp set featured on pages 12-13 features 2 leaves, one leafy sprig, and a cute little double acorn stamp. Use this stamp set with the coordinating Autumn Meadows Designer Series Paper, and the Table Setting Bigz™ XL die to set the scene for a beautiful gathering. The Table Setting Bigz™ XL die features a spiral that, when wound, can be made into a pine cone or rose. Also make leaves (or candle flames!), place cards, napkin rings, and tags using the rest of the images on the die.

SCHEDULE IT!
With the Calendar Kit and coordinating Note to Self stamp set on page 14, create a personalized 2010 calendar for yourself, and a few for friends and family! The Calendar Kit includes a raw chipboard easel for display, which can be colored with Craft Ink, or covered with card stock, or patterned paper. Box your calendar up in a Magnetic Gift Box (see page 33) and tie with coordinating Chocolate Chip 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon from page 183 of the 2009 Idea Book & Catalog.

HAVE A BERRY CHRISTMAS
Check out all the coordinating product on pages 20-21...don't you just have to have it ALL? The Berry Christmas stamp set coordinates with the Merry Details Sizzlit die, and the Christmas Cocoa Specialty Designer Series Paper. The paper features metallic and flocked highlights! You'll get 12 sheets total: 2 each of 2 single-sided flocked papers, and 2 each of 4 couble-sided designs. Throw in the Petals-A-Plenty Embossing Folder to add the perfect depth to any project you create with this collection, and use the Merry Embosslit to run out quick and easy gift tags.

ORNAMENTALLY YOURS
Speaking of coordinating products, you'll have a ball with the Delightful Decorations stamp set and Ornament Punch on pages 24-25. If you don't want to stamp, pick up some Merry & Bright Rub-Ons to use instead. The Rub-Ons come in a package of 2 sheets, one with Silver images and one with Whisper White images. Either the Sparkle & Shine Jumbo Wheel, or the Sassy Sparkles Jumbo Wheel would make a great background for a coordinating seasonal card or scrapbook page.

SHIMMER and SHINE
You'll find some fun sparklies on page 27, with three Shimmer Paints, as well as Gold Elastic Cord, and Silver Elastic Cord. The Champagne Mist and Frost White paints are translucent, while the Platinum paint is opaque. The acid-free pigment based paints work great on paper, wood, and even fabric (if you heat set). Make sure you grab some Sponge Daubers from page 192 of the 2009 Idea Book & Catalog to use with the paints.

3D CHRISTMAS TREE
Use the O Christmas Tree Bigz™ XL die, and Tree Decorations Sizzlit die to make sensational pop-up cards for the holidays! The trees also make darling stand-alone place settings or favors. You can decorate the tree however you like, and use it year round, as a Halloween, Easter, or Valentine's tree--just vary your color scheme and decorations. Regardless of how you use it, it's always gonna get a WOW!

UNDER $10
Going simple and inexpensive can also be stylish and trendy with any of the choices on pages 30-31 of the Holiday Mini Catalog, all of which are under $10 each! My favorite idea is to stamp the Bearing Gifts stamp on white card stock in black ink, and let the kids color the tags to keep on hand to put on gifts. This can keep them busy for HOURS, all for only $8.95...but really, moms know it's priceless! The stamp also makes a cute place card for holiday events, if you omit the "to" and "from", and stamp the remainder of the image at the corner of the place card. Do you participate in a yearly Toys for Tots drive? This image would be so perfect stamped on the corner of a Thank You card (again, omitting the "to" and "from") to be sent to volunteers and sponsors after the event.

SIMPLY ADORNED
The Simply Adorned Charms and Simply Adorned Chains are temporarily unavailable in order to resolve quality issues, so I'll save you the time (and the pining) and I'll feature them once they are available. I have to tell you, though, these are not only great on a necklace, they make awesome ornaments, or portrait holders for a 3D Family Tree Display. Both the charms, and the chains, are packaged in their own gift boxes--so they will make perfect last-minute gifts you can personalize yourself, especially with the images from the Charming stamp set on page 32.

BUILD-A-BEAR WORKSHOP
Pages 34-37 feature our new Build-A-Bear Workshop product line. There are stamp sets, patterned papers, and dies to cut out bears, bear clothing and accessories, and even a little baby bear and pawprint! If you have little ones at home, or you are looking to spend some fun quality time with grandkids, this collection would make an awesome family Christmas present. Purchase before Christmas to make holiday cards together, then, use the products to make cards, scrapbook pages, and other crafts year-round.

MY DIGITAL STUDIO
This digital art product will be available for order October 1st, but let me just say that you definitely want it! You can use Stampin' Up! images and products to make cards, scrapbook pages, albums, calendars and even BOOKS with the software and printing service. Even if you love the 3D "real life" craft, this product is still for you--coordinate Stampin' Up!'s exclusive colors, and layout all your elements to perfection on the screen before you ever stamp or punch your paper. As the purchase date comes closer, I'll tell you more and show you some samples. This product is so comprehensive and versatile, it will need a long blog post all on its own :-)

Get all of the available products in my ONLINE STORE, delivered direct to your door! Order now, and take care of all your holiday and gift-giving needs before the rush. Click Customer Login near the top right to log in or create a customer account.

~Kimberley Morris
Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
Colorado Springs, CO
procrastistamper@gmail.com
http://kimberley.stampinup.net

Last Day to Become a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator for only $85

procrastistamper@gmail.com (procrastistamper) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 17:00:00 +0000

You only have until 11:50pm MST tonight (August 31st) to get signed up to become a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator with the Mini Starter Kit for only $85! Don't miss this great opportunity--it doesn't come around very often.

Click HERE for all the details on the kit, and all the incentives offered!

Click HERE to JOIN NOW!
(Be sure to enter my Recruiter Authorization Password: newdemonstrator)

You will be getting in on the ground floor of three brand new product lines:

BUILD-A-BEAR WORKSHOP
Rubber stamps, Sizzix cutting dies, and patterned papers featuring Build-A-Bear Workshop bears, and their clothing and accessories.

SIMPLY ADORNED
A new line of charm jewelry, including 3 different sizes of charms whose artwork you can replace over and over again, and two matching chains, plus a special stamp set sized to work perfectly for creating your charm artwork!

MY DIGITAL STUDIO
While this won't be available September 1st, it will be very soon...this is a digital scrapbooking program, where you use Stampin' Up! art (including stamp sets and patterned paper) to make your creations. You will be able to use SU!'s print service to create albums (hard or soft bound books), cards, calendars, and more!

Don't wait to become a Demonstrator--you have nothing to lose, and everything to gain, because you automatically get 20% off ALL your purchases (except business supplies like order forms) from the day you join. Plus, you get the support of the Stampin' Up! Demonstrator web site, monthly design and business magazine, and hundreds and thousands of stamped samples, and product and technique videos and tutorials available only to Demonstrators.

There is no obligation to remain a Demonstrator after your initial quota period expires, you pay nothing, and you keep all the great supplies. And honestly, I offer all former members of my downline a permanent discount on purchases from me, in the event they can no longer remain a Demonstrator, so you'll always have that with me.

It's a heck of a deal, don't miss it! Please feel free to call me at 719-205-5957 with any questions you have before you sign up.

~Kimberley Morris
Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
http://kimberley.stampinup.net
procrastistamper@gmail.com

Dying Organza Ribbon (Sponge & Ink Pad)

procrastistamper@gmail.com (procrastistamper) — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 15:25:00 +0000

I received a question in email on how to die organza ribbon with a sponge and ink pad, as I'd mentioned I'd done in THIS POST, to tie on the card pictured below.

I will post written instructions below, but no pictures, for the sake of time. If you have questions then just shoot me an email, and I'll see about adding some pictures later to clear it up. But if you walk through this, you'll probably understand it.

Using a dry Stampin' Sponge, hold the ribbon flat on the surface of a Classic Ink pad, and pull the ribbon through on each side to color it. That's all there is to it, but here is the technical version:

Hold the end of the desired length of ribbon (the end closest to you) down with your left hand fingers so it is just starting to lie on the pad, flat. Then, hold a sponge in your right hand fingers, and press down on the ribbon to hold it on the ink pad. Then pull the ribbon with your left hand, so that the ribbon is sandwiched between the ink pad and sponge as you drag it. As you drag the ribbon across the pad, it gets stained with the ink. You need to press firmly enough with the sponge to keep the ribbon on the pad, but gently enough to allow you to pull the ribbon through.

I pull the ribbon through maybe 3-5 times on one side, then turn it over flat on the other side and pull it through a few times. You will usually want the same amount of color on both sides, so pull it through the same amount of times on each side. You can pull it through fewer times for a lighter color, and more times for a deeper color.

It's best to set out the ribbon to dry, like maybe overnight, but it mostly dries right after you do it. So, if you don't mind getting your fingers slightly inky, you can actually tie the ribbon on right away. Just be careful on light card stock because if the ribbon is still damp, it can drag some of the color off onto the lighter card stock as you are pulling on it to tie it.

If you want to use the stained ribbon right away but find it's still too damp for you to want to work with it, you can pinch the stained ribbon flat in some folded paper toweling, and pull the ribbon through to try to drag off some of the excess ink, to help it dry faster. Your ribbon may lighten up a bit using this method.

You can also quick dry your ribbon with a heat gun, but ribbons like organza, with high synthetic content, will melt and warp when they get too hot. The melting creates an interesting look, but it is hard to work with to tie a bow, so I suggest not trying that technique until after your bow or knot is tied. And beware of scorching the ribbon or the card itself...use a very light hand from farther away than you might suspect is necessary, with the heat constantly moving, until you get a feel for the crinkling/melting point of the fiber of your particular type of ribbon.

~Kimberley Morris
Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator in Colorado Springs, CO
procrastistamper@gmail.com
http://kimberley.stampinup.net
SHOP MY ONLINE STORE

Tri-Fold Shutter Card Tutorial

procrastistamper@gmail.com (procrastistamper) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 16:57:00 +0000

Okay, so last weekend I told you I'd teach you how to make the Tri-Fold Shutter Card. It's really easy, just a few scores and folds and panels. [Remember: you can always click on any photo in my blog posts to see it full size!]

First, cut a piece of card stock to 10-1/2" x 5-1/2". In landscape orientation, score in from the left at 1-3/4" and at 3-1/2". Then score in from the right at 1-3/4" and at 3-1/2". (see picture below for visual)

You will now make a CUT 1-1/2" down from the top edge and 1-1/2" up from the bottom edge, and your cut line will run ONLY from the first score mark, to the last score mark, as shown below. You can do this with a Hobby Blade and straightedge, or use the Personal Paper Trimmer, as I did.

After that, it's just folding parts forward and back, in the manner that will facilitate the fold of the card. The first picture below is a bird's eye view of the card, and then there is a shot from the front, to give you an idea of what folds forward and what folds back.

Fold the card back to lie flat, and start embellishing panels. Designer Series Paper is great for this, but you can stamp coordinating card stock to layer, as well. My card has two end panels which are 5-1/4" x 1-1/2", two top and bottom panels which are 3-1/4" x 1-1/4". If you want to make four tiny panels instead of using punches where I have them, those areas would measure 1-1/2" x 1-1/4".

There are also three center panels, the middle one of which is 3-1/4" x 2-1/4", and the two outside ones are 2-1/2" x 2-1/4". You can layer onto any of those panels you choose, just trim your top layers to be about 1/8" less on each side than the panels underneath them. (see picture below for placment of all panels)

That's it--pretty easy, huh? As you master the cutting and scoring, work towards eliminating the score marks that the front and rear panels are covering. These quick 3D greetings add a simple WOW to any card-worthy occasion. Just be careful what you write inside, because they are so fun to display that you might find your sweet nothings shared in public! The picture below shows what my card looks like when it's folded closed, ready to be mailed, or given to the recipient.

STEP IT UP CARD: Connect two or more cards together to make a neat accordian-type album or extended card, by adhering a couple of the panels with a 3-1/4" x 5-1/4" piece of DSP or decorated card stock. TIP: To facilitate a continuous tri-fold look, every other tri-fold card should be flipped over before you connect it to the previous one, so don't start layering or embellishing until you have them laid out to ensure they are connected correctly. Otherwise, you'll find part of your design upside-down. (Score, cut, fold, lay out, then connect, and finally embellish to completion.)

SCRAPBOOKING IDEA: Place these on scrapbook pages, with a "pull" tab for 3D viewing (be sure you only adhere the very back panel of the card to the scrapbook page so you can open it up!). TIP: When adding two tri-fold cards to a page, flip one of the tri-fold cards over, so that each of them opens out the opposite direction from the center of the page.

Stampin' Supplies: Family Phrases stamp set, Favorite Things stamp set (label), Animal Stories stamp set, Very Vanilla card stock, Tall Tales Designer Series Paper (DSP), So Saffron (card stock, ink and buttons), Certainly Celery card stock and buttons, Kraft card stock, Close to Cocoa marker and ink pad, Modern Label Punch, Stampin' Sponge, Linen Thread, Mini Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals, Horizontal Slot Punch, 1/16" Hole Punch, Soft Subtles Brads (Certainly Celery, Apricot Appeal)

Order your Stampin' Supplies, for delivery directly to your door, from my ONLINE STORE. While you're shopping, don't forget to get your FREE BUTTONS through the Growing Up Promotion. And remember, the $85 Mini Starter Kit Offer ends in just 10 days (Aug 31st)...sign up and get your FREE IN COLOR MARKERS and FREE STAMP SET from me before it's too late!

~Kimberley Morris
Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator
Colorado Springs, CO
procrastistamper@gmail.com
http://kimberley.stampinup.net

Furry Friday

procrastistamper@gmail.com (procrastistamper) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 10:00:00 +0000

I know there are tons of other things to show you, but this little guy stole my heart! At Convention, after a demonstration of our new Build-A-Bear product line, the presenter showed us a darling little bear wearing a SU! apron. You'd have thought a new baby had just smiled its first smile with all the cooing and awwwwing going on. Yes, I admit, I was heartily participating in the noisefest. When we found out we could take one home with us, we raised the roof!

This little fella sports not only the logo apron, but also his very own stamp! It says: Life Without Stamps...UnBEARable! The stamp is on a little chain, so the bear can actually hold it in his little paw and stamp it himself. (Now you're making those high-pitched squeals that only dogs can hear, aren't you?) My bear is already itching to fill those pockets on his apron with mini swap cards to trade at next year's Convention!

On the bottom of one of his "feet", he displays the Stampin' Up! brand name. Yeah, I agree, it's too cute for words. And so is the new Build-A-Bear product line, which is coming out in September...we will have stamp sets, Sizzix dies, and Designer Series Paper that will keep you and your kids busy for hours.

Call me now at 719-205-5957 and be the first on the block to book your Build-A-Bear Stampin' Birthday Party in the Colorado Springs area. We can custom tailor your party to fit both your budget, and your kids' ages. You'll have complete control over the decorations and crafting. You'll only pay for what you want, and the sky is the limit. Go for a simple and fun Paper Bear Dolls experience, or let older kids stamp their art out! You can stop there, or choose to decorate to the nines with a Bear Birthday Banner, Bear Cupcake/Cake Decoration Picks, Bear Goodie Bags, and more.

Hurry and reserve your party time today--it will be an event your kids will never forget!

~Kimberley Morris
procrastistamper@gmail.com
http://kimberley.stampinup.net

Convention Homecoming

procrastistamper@gmail.com (procrastistamper) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 19:19:00 +0000

Wow! I got home from the Stampin' Up! 2009 Convention on Sunday night, and I'm still not upacked! It was jam-packed full of excitement, information, and creativity! I did very few swap cards (about 15 or so) to swap with some special friends. The card I made is shown below, though my original is just a little bit more embellished than the later cards, because I ran out of silver elastic cord! I think you'll want to click on this picture to see it in its full-size glory.

This is the first time I ever used the Shimmery White card stock, and I just love it! You pretty much have to see it in person to appreciate it, but it's like having a layer of superfine glitter all over the surface. My first draft of this swap card was made using this same stamp set and palette, but it had the phrase 'Merry Christmas' on it--stamped in Basic Black on Old Olive and trimmed close around it. The Peanut Gallery at home bemoaned the "non-traditional" colors, so I decided to stick with the Congratulations greeting which is included in the stamp set. Personally, I think these colors would be great for the holidays, but I can see how that might be a little too artsy-fartsy for some folks. Choose for yourself, then shop my ONLINE STORE to order your supplies and have them delivered right to your door!

Stampin' Supplies: Wedding Sweet stamp set, Itty Bitty Backgrounds stamp set (speckles), Shimmery White card stock, Rich Razzleberry card stock and marker, Soft Suede card stock and marker, Old Olive marker (and ink pad for dying ribbon), Old Olive Brad (from Earth Elements brad asst), Filigree Brads, Scallop Edge Punch, Modern Label Punch, Boho Blossoms Punch (for little flower under filigree brad), 1/16" Circle Punch, Stampin' Sponge, White Organza Ribbon (dyed Old Olive by dragging it thru ink pad while holding it down with sponge), Silver Elastic Cord.

I'll be posting more swap cards and ideas from Convention over the next few weeks and months. I had a great time, and can't wait to show you the Stampin' Up! Build-A-Bear I brought home!!! It's really taking a lot of willpower trying to pace myself.

Don't forget, there is an $85 STARTER KIT SPECIAL going on through the end of August. If you want to hear all about Convention, and learn all the nifty tips, techniques, and tricks I brought home with me, then use my Recruiter Authorization Password (newdemonstrator) and go SIGN UP RIGHT NOW! You will have access to my Convention Notes, plus I'll be sharing my Convention experience through downline training all year long.

~Kimberley Morris
procrastistamper@gmail.com
http://kimberley.stampinup.net

Video: Applying Décor Elements

procrastistamper@gmail.com (procrastistamper) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 21:02:00 +0000

Today I want to post a video, showing how easy it is to apply our decorative vinyl images, which are called Décor Elements. There is a SPECIAL going on right now, where you can order a Décor Elements Growth Chart and receive a FREE applicator tool.

This Growth Chart is currently only available through this special offer, which expires on September 30th, so you'll want to run to my ONLINE STORE and get yours ordered right away!

Enjoy the video, and please drop me an email, or call me at 719-205-5957 with any questions you may have.

~Kimberley Morris
Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator
procrastistamper@gmail.com
http://kimberley.stampinup.net

Exclusive Growth Chart & FREE Applicator

procrastistamper@gmail.com (procrastistamper) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 16:17:00 +0000

Through September 30th, purchase the Décor Elements exclusive Growth Chart, and receive an applicator tool FREE!

GROWTH CHART $24.95 (item# 117519)

This darling growth chart is guaranteed to be available only through September 30th (any future availability will be announced at a later date).

The decorative vinyl wall cling Growth Chart features a tree with measurements printed along the trunk, marked every 1/2 inch on one side, and every 1/2 centimeter on the other. The colors on the Growth Chart are Old Olive, Taken with Teal, and Chocolate Chip. As with all of our Décor Elements, the vinyl goes on easily, and can be removed without marring even painted surfaces.

Create scrapbooking moments by taking photos of your children's height over the months and years. Gift a Growth Chart to your child's school nurse, daycare, pediatrician's office, and don't forget grandma's house!

Enter my ONLINE STORE now, and search for the term 'growth' (without the quotes) to order your Growth Chart today.

~Kimberley Morris
Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator
procrastistamper@gmail.com
http://kimberley.stampinup.net

FREE Designer Series Buttons

procrastistamper@gmail.com (procrastistamper) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 15:20:00 +0000

During the month of August, when you spend $35 on stamp sets from the Growing Up section of the 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog (pages 74-90), choose a package of Designer Series Buttons absolutely FREE! There are three packages of color assortments to choose from: Playground, Sherbet, and Button Latte.

To see all the qualifying stamp sets, check out the Growing Up section
in my ONLINE STORE.

There are tons of great sets to choose from, like Animal Stories, Sock Monkey, and the All In The Family stick figures set, with its coordinating accessories sets. You'll also find plenty of sporting sets, including football, soccer, basketball, baseball, tennis and even surfing! Skateboarding, snowboarding and even dirt biking are featured in other stamp sets. If your teenager is a guitar hero, we've got a stamp for that, too! And for the little ones, check out the Pirate Time and Princess Time stamp sets. We've even got bugs, bears, aliens, robots, and an adorable pony that can be made into a unicorn or pegasus! And the Teacher's Pet stamp set would make a wonderful new school year gift for your child's teacher.

~Kimberley Morris
Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator
procrastistamper@gmail.com
http://kimberley.stampinup.net

Personalized Stamps - 15% OFF thru July 31st!

procrastistamper@gmail.com (procrastistamper) — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 05:55:00 +0000

NOTE: This post will be stuck to the top of my blog until about midnight on July 31st, so please scroll down if you'd like to see the most recent entry in the meantime!

Get a personalized return address stamp, a personalized Handstamped By stamp, a Princess or Pirate stamp for a child's birthday, a wedding stamp with the bride and groom's names, a wedding date stamp, or just a big one-line stamp with your name (or make it two lines with your name and phone number). The big name stamp makes a great gift for children, especially those with unique names!

If you have your own home based business, like Pampered Chef, Longaberger, PartyLite, Meleleuca, Mary Kay, Lia Sophia, Avon, Lemongrass Spa, Princess House, Tastefully Simple, Herbalife, Young Living, or Creative Memories, these stamps are great to use for placing your contact information on your catalogs and publications.

Click HERE to view the full-size PDF for ordering information.

You will NOT find these stamp choices in my ONLINE STORE, you must email me with your order for personalized stamps. I must be able to see all the writing and spaces, along with any capitalization. Please download the full-size PDF above for details on the maximum number of characters (counting spaces, capitals count as 2 spaces) for any personalized stamp.

If you need ink for your personalized stamp, I recommend StazOn Jet Black permanent ink (Item 101406, $7.95) because it is waterproof and can be used on paper and card stock, as well as on nonporous surfaces such as plastic. I always recommend the purchase of a reinker with any ink pad, so be sure to add the Jet Black Refill (Item 102566, $4.95) to your order.

ACT NOW AND GET 15% OFF YOUR ORDER! OFFER GOOD THROUGH JULY 31ST ON ANY ORDER YOU PLACE THROUGH ME!

As I mentioned previously, you'll need to EMAIL ME WITH YOUR PERSONALIZED STAMP ORDER. The order will need to be placed on a debit/credit card, so please include a good contact phone number in your order email. You will be billed the full amount of the order, with a rebate check to follow in 2-3 weeks for the 15% discount.

DETAILS: Discount is calculated on Merchandise Total only, all shipping and tax must be paid by customer. Personalized Stamp orders placed for this special will be delivered to me first--I will mount them, and then mail them to you via US Postal mail, with a minimum shipping fee of $2.50. Priority Mail service is available for a $5 fee (for each flat rate envelope required for order shipment), Delivery Confirmation is free, and Postal Insurance is available at cost, upon request. All orders and payment for orders must be finalized and available for process no later than July 31st at 10pm MST, and demonstrator shall not be liable for discounts on orders which do not meet the deadline.

~Kimberley Morris
Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator

procrastistamper@gmail.com
http://kimberley.stampinup.net

Deal of the Week #5 (July 27-31 ONLY)

procrastistamper@gmail.com (procrastistamper) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 14:30:00 +0000

Every week in July, Stampin' Up! is offering a sizzlin' hot Summer Fun Deal of the Week. There are no limits, and there is no minimum purchase required!

This week's Deal of the Week is the
HEART TO HEART PUNCH

Get your Heart to Heart Punch for only $10.99 this week!
(regularly priced at $15.95)

The Heart to Heart Punch will cut out 3 hearts at one time! Use it with the Love You Much stamp set (pictured below, not at actual size) for quick die-cut projects. The Scallop Circle Punch (Item 109043, $15.95) also coordinates with the Love You Much stamp set, so you may want to add that to your order!

BONUS: GET 15% OFF THE MERCHANDISE TOTAL OF ANY ORDER YOU PLACE WITH ME THROUGH JULY 31st!*

Yes, that means you get 15% off the $10.99 price of the Heart to Heart Punch, as well as anything else you add to your order! Order now, to get your punches and coordinating stamp set, and any other new products you'd like, before this SIZZLIN' HOT DEAL is over!

I highly encourage you to place your order through my ONLINE STORE, to ensure you finalize your purchase prior to the ordering deadline of 11:50pm MST on July 31st! However, you may also call me at 719-205-5957 or drop me an email to get your order placed.

*Online Orders will receive their 15% off in the form of a rebate check, approx 2 weeks after purchase.

~Kimberley Morris
Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
http://kimberley.stampinup.net

Super Sample Sunday

procrastistamper@gmail.com (procrastistamper) — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 20:37:00 +0000

Today I'll finish showing you the samples I made at the shoebox swap last Monday night. These are all really awesome cards, but sometimes I kind of screw something up, and end up changing the card a little when I get home...so if you see a card you designed and it's different, that's why!

[Remember: you can click on any picture to see it full screen, and you can middle click to see it full screen in a new tab.]

(The card above is a monochromatic Rich Razzleberry card, made with the Level 3 Hostess Set called Kind & Caring Thoughts. The large beads from the Silver Bead Duo are used as accents on the foliage. A Blender Pen was used over the words in the greeting to soften them up and make them look sort of shadowy.)

(The card above was made with the Bella Toile background stamp, and a saying from the Kind & Caring Hostess Set. Soft Suede card stock and ribbon ground the Whisper White and Rich Razzleberry. The Oval Scallop Punch tag is finished with Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder.)

(The card above was made using the Medallion background stamp, a frame from the Gallery stamp set, and a Level 1 Hostess Set called Holiday Best. The Finial Press Embossing Folder adds depth to the horizontal strip across the card, as well as serving as a punched embellishment at the top left to retain balance with the slightly off-center focal image.)

(The 4"x4" flower card above was made with the Fresh-Cut Notes, Razzleberry Lemonade Designer Series Paper, a small stamp from the Circle Circus stamp set, a saying from the Level 3 Hostess Set called The More The Merrier, and three punches--the Five Petal Punch, the Boho Blossoms Punch, and the Scallop Edge Punch. The 3"x3" card was made using the Autumn Days stamp set, and features bleach stamping with the foliage sprig image. The word 'dream' is from the phrase "it's good to dream" from the Razzle Dazzle stamp set--the rest of the phrase was simply omitted.)

(I love Halloween, so the card above was my second favorite of all the cards, made with the From the Crypt and Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp sets, the Finial Press Embossing Folder, Nouveau Chic Designer Series Paper, and the Stampin' Up! Lattice Bigz Die.)

(The card above was probably everyone's overall favorite from the swap--it is so elegant and yet at the same time earthy. Supplies include the Everything Nice stamp set, Bella Bleu Designer Series Paper, Stampin' Up! Backgrounds I Texturz Plate, and that nifty Jumbo White Grommet with the tiny knot of Kraft Tafetta Ribbon on it, which stands out from the Very Vanilla background of the card and reminds you of a ring.)

There's so much to see in the new catalog, and through July 31st I am offering a personal 15% OFF SALE* on all your purchases! So, go browse through my ONLINE STORE and buy the products you can't live without for another day--before you have to pay full price again!

*Discount is calculated using merchandise total, customer pays full shipping and tax, online orders receive discount in the form of a rebate check 2-3 weeks after purchase.)

~Kimberley Morris
Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator
procrastistamper@gmail.com
http://kimberley.stampinup.net

Floral Friday

procrastistamper@gmail.com (procrastistamper) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 15:41:00 +0000

I thought I'd add another quick post today, of a few more shoebox swap cards--these all happen to be flower themed. If you know me, you know I'm sort of florally retarded, and have a brown (okay, Soft Suede) thumb. However, since these cards were designed by other demonstrators, I figured they're safe for display ;-)

(The card above features Razzleberry Lemonade Designer Series Paper, which coordinates with the Razzle Dazzle stamp set--which stamp set happens to be used on the card below! The felt flowers were die cut with the Big Shot and the Flower Layers #3 Originals Die.)

(This is a 4"x4" card, using the Razzle Dazzle stamp set inked up with markers, and a double die cut of the Top Note Die. The card stock is placed through once and cut, then the cut piece is placed on the die again, after a quarter turn, and you get the 4 cornered look.)

(The card above features Pink Flamingo Designer Series Paper, and the Circle Circus and One of a Kind stamp sets. Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder gives two of the stamped images shimmer, and the Crimper adds a layer of texture and depth.)

As always, you can purchase any of these supplies in my ONLINE STORE at any time! And don't forget, I am offering 15% OFF any orders you place through me, through July 31st. (Online orders will receive their 15% discount in the form of a rebate check 2-3 weeks after purchase.)

You are welcome to email me, or call me at 719-205-5957 if you have any questions, need some help finding what you want, or if you'd like me to place your order for you.

~Kimberley Morris
Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator
http://kimberley.stampinup.net

Elegant Bouquet Embossing Folder

procrastistamper@gmail.com (procrastistamper) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 21:16:00 +0000

Ever have one of those days? Of course you have! I had one last week, and it's taken me a while to recover. I'm getting back on track now, and wanted to share a quick card. When I say 'quick', I mean I took out my new supplies, assembled stamps, used brand new product for the first time, came up with a new technique (new to me at least), designed the card, and then ran pieces through my Big Shot and cut up enough card stock for 14 more people to make this card...in less than 2 hours. So, if you're making this at home, with my card for a cheat sheet, I can't imagine it would take you more than about 5 minutes to get this done!

My color inspiration came from a Bed Bath & Beyond circular that was lying on my desk. I used Bermuda Bay, Melon Mambo, Green Galore, and Whisper White. Another couple of colors I saw used with this combo in the circular were Basic Black, and Night of Navy, so you may want to give those a try, too!

The only real trick to this card is using Sponge Daubers to color the raised dry embossed floral and flourish details. You'll want to dab your Sponge Dauber in your ink pad, then dab the color off until it's almost not there. You can do this on a paper towel, or just scratch paper. Then you pounce over the raised area where you want the color, twisting your dauber ever so slightly as you make contact with the card stock. Try to dab lightly, so most of your contact is made on the raised part. The trick is to keep the color LIGHT on your dauber, so that you can build up the color. You can always add more, you just can't take color off. Practice on scrap pieces of dry embossed card stock first.

Have a blast with this crisp, cool summer color combo. And don't forget: I'M OFFERING 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE MERCHANDISE TOTAL through July 31st, so check out the Stampin' Supplies list below, and then hop on over to my ONLINE STORE to get what you need! Remember, Styled Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware is on sale this week, and you can get 15% off the already discounted price with my sale. (Online orders will receive their 15% off in the form of a rebate check, 2-3 weeks after purchase.)

Stampin' Supplies: Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set, Favorite Things stamp set (optional, for tag), Bermuda Bay card stock and ink pad, Melon Mambo ink pad and Polka Dotted Grosgrain Ribbon, Green Galore card stock and ink pad, Whisper White card stock, Elegant Bouquet Embossing Folder, Modern Label Punch, Sponge Daubers. [Dress It Up: The punched tag looks ultra cute with one 3/16" brad on each side. Consider purchasing the Vintage Brads assortment, to have a number of coordinating neutral choices. And, you can add even more bling by dotting the centers of your flowers with Two-Way Glue, and pouring on just a bit of Dazzling Diamonds Glitter!]

~Kimberley Morris
Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator
procrastistamper@gmail.com
http://kimberley.stampinup.net

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