The New January Class Schedule is Posted

Although there are still a few classes left in our 2 Stamping Friends December class list (and we have a couple of spots left, so check it out...) we thought we would share the news!

We know that it is a crazy-busy time of year, (for us too), so we wanted to get the January class and events list posted so you can fill in your New Year calendar as soon as you unwrap it... (c'mon, you know you will get a calendar again this year, right??).  Please take a minute to look over our class offerings and plan to attend - bring a friend who has never been to one of our classes before (you MUST rsvp that you are doing this), and get a bonus gift from us!  Click on the tab above this post on our blog!

Please note:  We often prepare for an extra person or two for our standard classes for the last-minute (got a babysitter in the nick of time) type participants, and are happy to do so...  We do, however, want to point out that we do not require that you pay in advance for our standard Stamp a Stack classes, but when we hear from you, we do add you into our prep count.  If it looks as though you are not going to make it after all (we will be sad and miss you a lot!), please let us know as soon as possible...  When we can keep our costs down, then we can keep your costs down!  A few of the other types of classes, such as the Carry Out Collection and Art Tray classes DO require advance notice, as we actually have to order supplies for you! If you plan on participating in one of these classes, please rsvp at your first convenience so that we have the supplies you need - (remember, we are ordering these from Stampin' Up!'s home office in Utah)!

As always, we are so very grateful to each of you for the fun and inspiration you bring to us each day!  Have a wonderful Holiday Season, and come see us soon!
Amanda & Beth

BRRRR... Baby it's cold out there!!

Winter in Chicago... well, what can we say?   Ice storms, snow accumulation, and our personal forecast favorite - "Wintery Mix"... sounds more like a party snack than the traffic nightmare that it really is...




Well, when it is cold out there, the heater is cranking in our craft studios!  We craft more when it is cold, right:?  We'll never know if we do this just so our fingers don't freeze!  This is the Art Tray that we designed for the 2 Stamping Friends winter Art Tray class that will be happening in January!

Wanna join us?  Go to the January Classes and Events page tab at the top of our page and coordinate the best date for you and your friends... (or come alone and make NEW friends - New year, right?)  RSVP for this fun class right away ... You will complete this tray in class - ready to add your own picture, and go home with extra supplies to make cards, scrapbook pages, or just play!! This tray is full of textures, Glimmer Paper, Rhinestones, crystal buttons (icy, right?) and Shimmer Paint... got mittens??  If you haven't ordered your more than adorable mitten punch yet, you need to do this... the mitten is NOT on the carry-over list for the next catalog, and the Holiday Catalog is only around until January 2nd!  Plan ahead for this class - when it fills, or when we run out of Art Trays, it is not possible for us to add more!! (Also, we have to order supplies in advance to ensure you have all the goodies you need to complete your tray!)

Going Fast!! Clearance Rack Blitz

Every once in awhile, Stampin' Up! does a really cool thing (okay, we really thing they do cool things all the time... but anyway), and today is one of those things...  Stampin' Up has started a Clearance Rack Blitz! 

What is that?  Glad you asked...  They have gone through their stock room, and pulled out a BUNCH of things that are retired (most of them are very recently retired), and added them to the "clearance rack", or Sale area of our websites...  When they do this - things LITERALLY  blow out, so get ready to shop...  Click on either link above to get shopping (Beth's website or Amanda's website).  We do have a few quick suggestions...  Be sure to check out the: Best valentine stamp set evah...item #125460, best reindeer stamp (Dasher) #116816, most requested embossing folder (Snowburst - many of you were just asking for this!!)#124096, best skin-toned cardstock (Blushing Bride - Beth and Amanda use this for their "faces" in all of their punch art - did you just take the class where we made the Santa???) #119796, and.... are you a 3-D gal??  Well, don't miss these great dies...  The Blossom Box #123127, the Box #2 die (lots of youtube videos on altering this box!!) #114518, and the Matchbox die #114890. 

PLEASE NOTE: If you chose to order any of the ink pads from the clearance rack, please note that these are the older models, NOT the newer firm foam ink pads...

And while we are talking about Ink Pads... Have you been considering Joining Our Team but just haven't pulled the trigger yet???  Well, now is the time...  The joining special where you receive a FULL COLOR FAMILY OF INK PADS ends on Sunday, 12/16/12! ( If you join our team this weekend, you can still make it to our fun Holiday Party on Sunday afternoon!!) Don't miss this great opportunity to get a jump start in the new year...    But this year isn't over yet!!  Click on the December classes and events tab above and check out our last few classes of the year...  Due to popular request, we did add a few classes between Christmas and New Years Eve - please pick one or all and RSVP right away!!

Shhhh.... Stamp a Stack Sneek Peek!

Here are two of the fun cards we will be making at our Holiday Stamp a Stack...  We have a couple of openings left, so if you would like to join us, please Email us right away!  We have class 12/10 at 7pm, or 12/11 at 10am. 

Remember, you will be making two each of four different designs!  (That is eight cards total!)...  By the way, need a gift card holder, well, this ornament card can be made as a regular card OR a gift card holder - we will teach you how! 

Do you have friends who would just love some fun Stampin' Up merchandise, or even a fun class with us?  We have Gift Certificates!  Just email us and we will get you all set up!  This is also a good hint to give to those Hubbies out there who can't keep track of what you may already own, but know what is good for them in terms of gifts for you!  Give them this blog address so that they can email us, and we will take good care of you!

Get the Ornamental Elegance Kit--While Supplies Last!

December 3, 2012 The ornament on the cover of our holiday catalog is such a hit that we are making it available to you and your customers--just in time to deck the halls with terrific trimmings you've made yourself! We've simplified this fun project so that you can quickly and easily achieve the same results. In addition to the kit, all you need is a glue gun, scissors, and adhesive. (Our Anywhere Glue Sticks [104045] are perfect for assembly.) Want greeting or place cards to go with those ornaments? The Ornament Keepsakes Stamp Set (W 128048 C 128051) gives you perfect coordination. Fancy a little sparkle and shine? Sprinkle on our Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter (102023)!   The Ornamental Elegance Kit (132832) is $14.95 and includes: Die-Cut Cardstock Elements Cherry Cobbler 3-1/2" Scalloped Tulle Ribbon Natural Linen Thread Vintage Faceted Designer Buttons  Large Pearl Basic Jewels Order these now so you will have plenty of time to make them for Christmas gifting--or for your family tree! Available while supplies last.

Online Extravaganza Sale and Monday Doorbusters!!

We all know this is the week to reflect on your blessings, and be grateful for all of those amazing people in your life...  we also know this is the beginning of the biggest shopping time of the year... Don't let it pass you by!!  Stampin' Up! is holding a 10 day Online Extravaganza, complete with deep discounts (we are talking up to 50% off on some great items), and even some "DOORBUSTERS"!!  Yay!!   This extravaganza begins Monday, November 19th and runs until Nov.28, and those first and last days are the Doorbuster Days!!  Check out our websites (above) for more details...  The Big news for Monday, is the Big Shot is on sale for only $79.96!  That is almost $20 off our normal price! Remember, this one is a doorbuster, and is only on sale on Monday!   Email us right away to get more details on this great sale!

We are demonstrators, are you??  If not, Monday is the time to JOIN OUR TEAM!!  In addition to all of the amazing deals that customers get from Nov. 18-28th, as a new demonstrator, you get those cool-i-o sale prices in your starter kit!!  Also, by joining our team by December 16th, you get to pick an entire color family of ink pads to call your own FOR FREE!!  We would love to talk to you more about some of the wonderful benefits of being part of our team!

One of the most incredible ways to begin your new business, or to maximizing your "crafting $$" (Stampin' Up welcomes demonstrators who are both business builders, as well as Hobby crafters - if you just want a discount, join our team and enjoy the savings), is to join right away and get these sale prices in your Starter Kit ($125 worth of YOUR CHOICE of merchandise for only $99) and get the sale prices to get more bang for your crafting buck.  You 'll get that whole family of ink pads (YAY!!), and you will get an additional 10% off your first order (placed within 45 days of signing up).....  Host a holiday kick off party to get your new business (or hobby) off the ground, and accumulate orders - or place one yourself ;) of $450 or more, and get an entire SECOND SET of ink pads for free - (as well as hostess dollars and a 1/2 priced item) - That would be a total of 20 free ink pads!!  Now that really IS "Ink-redible"!  Join our Team   and let us help you earn your ink!

November Class and Event list is ready!

classes

We just wanted to make sure you all knew that our November Class and Event list is now available!  The best way to see it all in one place, is to go to the November Classes and Events tab at the top of this page.  You are able to click on the "RSVP" word for the classes you are interested in and it will immediately send us an email to reserve your spot. We are excited to offer classes in some of our more popular formats!  The long awaited Christmas ornament class (from the cover of the Holiday catalog (on the right) is finally scheduled - but we expect these classes to fill quickly, so if you are interested, please RSVP right away.  We are also excited to offer the Carry Out Collection for November (although we are still running a few of the "perfect polka dots" collection classes, this is a carry over from last month).  The November collection features a great Designer Series Paper from our Annual catalog, called "Be of Good Cheer" and the 7/8" cotton ribbon from the Holiday Catalog - again, look for this under the November Classes and Events tab above. 

It is important that you RSVP for those classes as soon as you think a date will work for you, as we actually order a full set of items for each attendee, and you get to take the "left-overs" home!

If you ever see a class that you would love to take, but the time or date just didn't work for you, please be sure to drop us an email and let us know!  Often we have individuals contact us for these and we do try to find a time/date that we can re-run a class!  Also please remember, if you have 5 people who would like to take a class, we will schedule a private class for you, and host you at one of our homes, or even come to you!

events

If you would like to see some of these class projects in person, or if you just would like to come out and support us, we would love to see you at one of our many upcoming events.  Beth and I will be at a very special event on Wednesday, November 14 (from 5-8 at the Darien Sportsplex - upstairs), that benefits a non-profit organization that supports children with disabilities.  A percentage of all of our sales of our merchandise (and catalog orders) will go back to this amazing organization.... So please stop by and support us and the other vendors who will also be donation a percentage!  This upcoming weekend (Nov. 17 and 18) is also a busy one for us!  On Saturday we will be at the Dickens of a Holiday Craft show at the Darien Park District Community Center from 9am - 3pm, and on Sunday you can find us at the Holly Days Gift Bazaar at the Westmont Community Center from 9 am - 3pm...  Again, we will have projects and samples from upcoming classes there for you to see!

Our New Stampin' Trimmer!!

YAY!  It is here!  Our new Stampin' Trimmer is here - and it is GREAT!!  The amazing features are so many, that it would be better to SHOW you!  Watch this short video on the right to see all of these cool features!  (Scrapbookers - you won't want to miss this either!)

Holiday Stamp a Stack sneak preview

Hello, Holidays!  It certainly is beginning to smell like the holidays around here!  I was embossing tonight with the new Stampin' Up! Sugar and Spice scented embossing powder!  It smells like those yummy cinnamon almonds you get in the mall this time of year...  hard to walk past - that is for sure...

We've been prepping for our Holiday Stamp a Stack that will be running this week!  We got one of these ideas from a video from another demonstrator, and the other of these ideas from a couple of samples we saw on Stampin' Connection.  Stampin' Connection is a private website chock-full of ideas exclusively for Stampin' Up Demonstrators...  Have you ever thought about becoming a demonstrator?  Well, now is the time to jump if you have... in addition to access to the amazing Stampin' Connection website, you will get a bi-monthly magazine, discounts, specials, and sneak previews... This month you even get a whole color family of Ink Pads just for joining our team!  There is no obligation to continue, although I bet you will find it fun, so give us a try... you have nothing to lose, and a whole family of ink pads to gain...  Give us a try!!

Here is a sneak peek of two of the four cards that will be made in our Holiday Stamp a Stack running this week:

This class will be offered Tuesday at 10am, or Thursday at 7pm.  Just click on the day and time that you would like to attend, and you can send us the email to confirm!    Again, you will be making 2 each of 4 different designs, and go home with 8 cards and envelopes ready to send - all this for only $15!  Hope to see you this week!

Amanda and Beth

INK-redible Offer from Stampin' Up!

There was an INK-redible offer posted by Stampin' Up! yesterday, and Beth and I wanted to let you know right away.  There are two different ways you can earn an entire color family of the amazing Stampin' Up! ink pads (that is 10 pads, at a $49.95 value!)!!  You can choose your favorites - Brights, Subtles, or Regals (neutrals  and In-Colors are not included). 

The first way, is to join the fun!  Beth and I would LOVE to have you join our team and enjoy the many benefits we love about being Stampin' Up demonstrators.  When you join between now and December 16, you will not only get the $125 worth of  YOUR CHOICE of fabulous merchandise and business supplies for just $99, but you will also get to pick your favorite color family and get ALL 10 of the ink pads! You also get benefits from Beth and I, such as $10 off each class we offer for a whole year to help you get inspired and learn all of the super-cool techniques!  (We also have a little gift for you...)

The second way, is to host a fun-filled qualifying stamping workshop with your friends.  What could be easier? Invite a bunch of crafty friends over (we can even do this at our houses), where they will learn a new technique, make a fun card and Holiday tag to take home with them, and enjoy a relaxing evening to browse the catalog and shop!  The holidays are getting closer, and Stampin' Up has some great gift-giving items, and fun packaging options!  Your friends were going to get together for a Holiday lunch and gift exchange anyway, why not shake it up a bit this year?

Please email Amanda or Beth right away for more details on both of these promotions!  Better still, get the best of both worlds... JOIN OUR TEAM and then host all of your friends for a "kick off the holidays" (and kick off your business) Open house, and earn TWO sets of ink pads!  Which colors do you love?

Thanks for stopping by our site!  We are very grateful to you for both your business and your friendships!

New Early November Class list is posted!

Be sure to check out our November class and event list!  This is really just the beginning of the wonderful things we have in store for you this November, but it is a start!  Be sure to check back regularly in order to make sure you don't miss a class!  Better still, sign up on the right side to follow us by email, and never miss a special class or sale again!

Click on the November Class and Event tab at the top of this page and RSVP for your favorite classes right away to reserve your spot!

One Day Stamp Sale! Save 15%!

Beth and I are working on a very fun November class schedule, but Stampin' Up posted an amazing one-day sale and we wanted to let you know!  This bonus was just too good NOT to post it on our blog!

On MONDAY, OCTOBER 29TH, Stampin' Up is offering 15% off on almost all of their stamps.  This includes single stamps and whole sets... as a matter of fact, the only things NOT included are the bundles (these usually include both stamps and dies, etc...),and the digital stamps...(that is a whole different promotion!).

It wouldn't be like Beth and I not to try to sweeten the pot for you, therefore, when you place a stamp order of at least $25 (before tax and shipping ) on Monday, October 29th, Beth and I will give you $5 OFF of a $25 order placed in November!! You were going to start your Christmas shopping soon anyway, right??  Well, get in on this bonus!  Buy for yourself in October, get a discount on your gift order in November...Email either Beth or Amanda to place your orders...  You are also welcome to place your orders directly through our websites above -  but when you place your orders though email with us we can usually save you some extra $$ on shipping by grouping orders...

While we are talking about holiday shopping... two other things we wanted to mention:
1) We will be selling many of our retired stamp sets beginning in November.   These stamps will be for sale for their original list prices, HOWEVER, when you purchase a retired set, you will get 1/2 of the sale price back toward a new order placed...( therefore, if you buy a set for $14.95, you will get a $7.47 credit toward an order placed in the current catalogs - both annual and Holiday).
2) Do you have a wish list of wonderful Stampin' Up! products as long as Santa's?  Tired of getting holiday sweaters??  Well, let us help... Simply give us a copy of your wish list, and a list of people who will be shopping for you this season who may want some suggestions, and we will contact them for you with a copy of your list... we will work with them to get you what you would REALLY like this year!

Leaf Wreath 3D class

Leaf Wreath

There is just something about Fall - leaves crunching, crisp, cool mornings, colorful carpeted woods...  We love this time of year, and are always excited to see the first color in the trees each year. The color and textures are the key to Autumn... and color and texture are sure present in our newest 3D class

And closer...

 We have used paper, stamps and ink (and yes - just a touch of bling) to make our fall wreath.  Now... door or table???  In any case,we would love to make one of these wreaths with you!  RSVP now for one of the classes listed under the October events tab at the top of the page! 

Carry Out Collection Workshops

2 Stamping Friends has a new class style!  Each month, we will create projects designed around common elements, helping you see more possibilities for your Stampin' Up! supplies.  This first month, we have designed 4 different cards, and a special portfolio in which to keep them, (or gift them to someone special).  For October, we have chosen the Polka Dot Parade Designer Series Paper and the Brights Collection of Glimmer Brads.  All 5 designs will use these items, and give you many ideas of other things you can do with them.  Here are the projects you will make:

This class requires you to prepay, as we will be ordering an entire pack of paper and a whole pack of brads per attendee.  You will go home with all of your left-overs to keep the creativity flowing!   Class fee:  $25. This class is offered two times this month, and you can click on the date/time you prefer to send an email and reserve your spot and order your kit, October 14, at 3:30pm, or October 29th at 10 AM.

 If you don't live in the Chicago area, don't feel left out!  You can still "take" this class.  $35 includes shipping, and you will receive the Designer Series Paper pack, the package of Brights Glimmer Brads, all solid card stock pieces, all die cut pieces, ribbon, baker's twine, and and written directions.  Per Stampin' Up!'s policy, no stamped images will be included in your kit, however, a list of Stamp sets used will be emailed to you once your purchase has been confirmed.   If you are interested in this kit, please click here.  In the subject line of the email, please write "Carry Out October".  You will be emailed an invoice, and will be able to pay via PayPal.

Halloween Stamp A Stack

Are you scared?  Halloween is right around the corner!  Have you sent cards?  Have you made spooky treats??

If you aren't registered for our upcoming Halloween Stamp a Stack, please take a peek below!  These are two of the four designs you will make (2 each of the 4 designs), and you will go home with envelopes and be ready to drop in the mail!  (Not to give too much away, but a super cute "waterfall" card will also be made - wanna learn this technique??)

There are two sessions of this class - sure to fit your schedule...  Wednesday, 10/10 at 7pm, or Friday, 10/12 at 10am.  Click on the time that works best for you and send us a note right away to reserve your spot!

Thanks for "creeping" by!

Art Tray Classes

What a fun way to expand your hobby!  Papercrafting can be more than just cardmaking and scrapbooking (not that there is anything wrong with those).  It is art!  We have a new class directed at this very pursuit!  In this class we will be filling wooden printer's trays with seasonal paper arts.  This class will be offered 4-6 different times this upcoming year, beginning with Halloween!  See the picture here:

The next class will offer you the option of a snowman/winter theme, or a Christmas theme.  You choose!  In each class, you will  have all of the elements needed to complete your tray, with plenty of extra supplies to take home with you and create more fun!  Your initial class fee will be $45, and will include your tray.  Each subsequent seasonal class will be $20 - $30, depending on the supplies we use!  We have an extremely limited number of trays available to us, therefore, if you are interested in this class, please contact us right away to reserve your spot.  If you have a group of 5 friends, we will even come to you!

Special - For October Only

Stampin' Up! has just announced a fun new special for October only.  Get a head start on your Christmas card, and save a "bundle"!  Get a FREE Festive Paper Piercing Pack when you buy the Ornament Keepsakes Stamp Set and the Candlelight Christmas Specialty Designer Series Paper.  Contact Amanda or Beth to place your orders now!

The October Event and Class schedule has been posted!

We have posted our Class and Event schedule for October.  Go to the October tab at the top of the page to see what we have so far.  We have had several sold out classes lately, so if you see a class that you would like to attend, please click the RSVP link and shoot us an email with the class date and time so we can reserve your space! Another thing to consider is a private class.  If you haveat least 5 attendees, we would be willing to come to you - this is a great Girls Night Out time.  As Beth and I are also attending several vendor events this month, dates are incredibly limited, so if you would like to host a private class, at our place or yours, please contact us right away.

 It is also not too late to join our team and get the free "tool kit" pictured below to help you get started!  this special is being offered only through Amanda and Beth, not through Stampin' Up! corporate, and is only for the month of September-  so hurry!  We would love for you to join us - we are a bit crazy, but it is more fun that way!

Specials - But Hurry!

Joining us is fun, but Let us Sweeten the deal!

This photo shows you how we can sweeten the deal for you.  If you join our team this month, we will treat you to a free "tool kit" to get you started.  We know you are going to want to focus on the more "glamorous" items (Big Shot, stamps, and ribbons) in your starter kit, but we want you to be able to hit the ground running.  Here is what we have for you:

• A Stampin' Up! Bone Folder
• A piercing mat
• A piercing tool
• A pack of Stampin' Dimensionals
• and Multipurpose liquid glue 

This is a total value of $23.75!  This offer is only good when you join our team.  We are offering the free tool kit through the end of September, but why wait,  Join TODAY!  You won't find a better deal!

Can't tempt you to join us yet?

If we can't tempt you to join the team, we hope we can still treat you to a free roll of ribbon this month!  Place an order of $40 or more and get a free spool of the fabulous Stitched Satin Ribbon in your choice of the hot new In-Colors.  Get an additional roll with each $40 of merchandise!  Contact us today!  This ribbon is a beautiful accent on a card or scrapbook page, but you won't believe how beautifully it ties!  It creates a smooth, soft, yet full bodied bow.

No one dies their merchandise to coordinate quite like Stampin' Up!  Join us for a Stamp a Stack this month and see some of the wonderful ways we can use this coordinating ribbon!

It's Back to SPOOL Time!

And so it is...  No, we don't mean school, we mean SPOOL!  With every $40 you spend right now in a Stampin' Up order, you receive a FREE spool of our new satin stitched ribbon in all of the new In Colors: Gumball Green, Midnight Muse, Primrose Pink, Raspberry Ripple, and Summer Starfruit!  You get to choose the color you like best!

If you are thinking about making your own Christmas cards this year, then now is a great time to plan ahead!  Stock up on your cardstock, stamps, and envelopes, pick up some of our new Snow Festival Designer Series Paper, and get your coordinating Gumball Green and Primrose Petals satin stitched ribbon FREE!

To get started, Click Here, or call or email us, and we will help you plan your projects to maximize your supplies! 

All the Treats without the Tricks! But HURRY!

Are you a fan of Halloween and all the treats it brings?  Would you like to choose $125 in Stampin'Up! products for only $99, and get FREE shipping?  Well you can get that and much, much more when you grab this special offer from Stampin'Up!  On top of the $125 in products that you choose when you customize your new demonstrator kit, you'll get a FREE bonus kit filled with products valued at $60.  You can even try out being a demonstrator without any obligation to purchase anything more before December 31st!   Plus, join our team now and we have an extra little treat :)  We will hold a free workshop just for you!  This will be a time set aside for you to make your Spooktacular Halloween project and we have a bonus project too! 

As a Stampin'Up! demonstrator, you will receive a discount on your purchases, access to the Stampin'Up! demonstrator-only website filled with inspiration and connections to other demonstrators, a monthly magazine mailed to demonstrators only, and lots of monthly team meetings, where we gather to create projects and to share lots of stamping fun.  But don't put off joining any longer because when the clock strikes midnight on August 31st, this deal will magically disappear.  Simply CLICK HERE, or email one of us today!

No need to be scared - you'll love this sweet deal   :)
Amanda and Beth

Stamp a Stack added!

 

 

Stamp a Stack  AUG 28  10:00 AM - 12:30 PM (Central) RSVP to this class right now!

 

Beat the heat and enjoy a morning of creative fun at this Stamp-A-Stack!  These 4 card designs will be the same as were done during the 8/21 evening class, but are new to morning students, so come make more fun designs using some favorite products from the 2012-2013 catalog.  RSVP today!  $15 includes everything you need to take home your 8 finished cards, including envelopes.

 

The cards on the left use a fun new technique AND the new Stamp of the month...  Need more info on Stamp of the Month, give us a call!

 

 The cards on the right are fun cards inspired by Amanda's recent trip to the Stampin' Up Convention.  We "swapped" some of our designs for those of other creative demonstrators, and will be bringing you fresh ideas from those crafty folks throughout the year!

Please RSVP for this class no later than noon on Monday, 8/27th so that we can ensure proper supplies for your cards!