SO EXCITED!!!

It's June! And the calendar is full! I've been busy sorting, cleaning and packing all of my stuff at school, because this is my last month! That's right! I'm retiring from teaching - but only in classrooms. This will give me more time to focus on stamping, Stampin' Up! and making cards for pleasure and for sale. I'm finding it to be a very strange feeling and watching day by day as my office becomes emptier and emptier. I'm doing my very best to "pitch" or "pass" and not to "pack" too much to bring home!
June is bringing some super stamping news from Stampin' Up! They have a super promotion called Summer Fun. There are three parts to this campaign:
1. Hostess Bonus Promotion
Does an extra $25 or $50 to spend on products interest you? In addition to the regular hostess benefits, if sales reach $330 or $525, hostesses can earn more spending money!
2. Last Chance Products
It's time to say goodbye to some old favourites. Stamp sets, decor elements and accessories are all being "retired" to make room for some exciting new products. Check out the lists of stamp sets and decorative items at http://www.stampinup.com/ca/enc/14151.asp to make sure you don't miss out on something you want. I will email each of the club members a list of retiring accessories (this includes designer series papers, in-colour products, ribbons, buttons, tools and many more items). While SU will guarantee to have the stamp sets available until June 30th, the accessories are "while supplies last". Many items are already out of stock.
3. Country Living Summer Cookout Kit
From June 15 until August 31 (or while supplies last) you can purchase a "picnic" kit and subscribe to the magazine at a reduced rate. Read all the details at http://www.stampinup.com/ca/enc/14149.asp

One of the best perks to being a demonstrator is the terrific website that Stampin' Up! has just for demonstrators. And June 1 was a very exciting day for all of us, because the Sneak Peak of the new catalogue was posted! We only get to see a few things: a few new stamp sets, some new Definitely Decorative items....but best of all the new in-colours!!!! You can see these new colours in the July/August issue of Paper Crafts magazine (I haven't picked one up yet, but soon!) Razzleberry, Soft Suede, Crushed Curry, Dusty Durango, Bermuda Bay and Melon Mambo....all gorgeous!

At our next meeting, on June 19, be sure to wear something old! We are going to be stamping with bleach!!! It is a really fun and effective technique, but can be hard on your clothes (please don't ask how I know this!). Please bring your own adhesive and if you have the Crafter's Tool Kit (a retiring accessory) or the Mat Pack bring it along, too! If you have markers, please bring them too!

I'm back!

Finally, I've gotten back to using this blog to keep you informed of up-coming workshops, classes, and lists of helpful information.
I must say that I have thoroughly enjoyed becoming a Stampin' Up! demonstrator. It has been a busy year and one that has brought it's share of emotional ups-and-downs. I am looking forward to continuing as your creative coach and sharing all of our triumphs and our "happy accidents"!
I would love to hear from each of you about the ways in which the club needs to operate. What are the products you would like to see featured? How often are you interested in meeting? How much are you willing to spend at each meeting? (Remember, to make it worth while, a minimum workshop order of $200 is needed to provide each person with hostess benefits.) Is anyone intestered in a marker club, a big shot club or a punch club?
I've up-dated the 50-50-50 board with all the names of people who have spent $50 or more during the months of January - April. So far, there are 29 names on the board!!! I will also keep the list on the left of this page up-dated so that you can see how many times you will be entered for the $50 gift certificate!
See you on Friday!

Changes are coming!

That's right. You heard correctly. Tricia - with 3 kids, 3 other careers, a husband, sports and her many other activities - has decided that something has to go. She will be retiring as a stampin' up demonstrator after our July meeting. Have no fear! Your Stampin' Up products will still be available for you from your new demonstrator - Judy! She's taking the plunge and hopes to give you the same great support and inspiration that Tricia has for the past 3 years. If you want any techniques or products featured in upcoming meetings or ideas to improve the way the club runs, please email Judy at istampforfun@gmail.com Stay tuned for up-coming changes and thanks for your support!

We did it!

The Dahlia fold looks impressive - but it's surprisingly easy!

Check out the complete tutorial at SplitCoast Stampers:

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/tutorials/dahlia_fold/

A Versatile Set!

Thanks, Andrea, for sharing your set and all the wonderful ideas!

Fun on Friday Night

Tricia's stampers meet once a month. Big Things are happening with our club members. We want to welcome Megan Alexandra to our group. She hopefully will be accompanying her mother Melissa to our April meeting. With babies arriving over the next few months, Tricia finds it appropriate to make a baby card this month. Please join us with Amy as the acting hostess.

Advice from YOU!

Got any tips? Something you've tried? Need a solution? Click the comment button below to share your great ideas or to ask a question.