I am Thankful

Things I am thankful for.....

1.  My family!  Our kids are growing up so fast!  I wish we could slow it down just a little, but I love the people they are becoming (most of the time:))

My parents are a big influence in my life.  I love them!  And, my husband, Doug, has been understanding and supportive of my stamping 'habit' for the last 13 years!  That's one special guy!

2.  My AWESOME stampin' friends!   There is nothing better than having friends over and making things most often for others.  :)  They are a great group of ladies and we all have different backgrounds, but the one thing we have in common is paper crafting!

Speaking of stampin' friends.........We recently had an assignment for our monthly club gathering.....INCHIES!!!!!  Have you seen these cute things before?  They are 1 1/2" square and  adorable!  You can gather them together and frame them or even use them on your cards or tags. 

We kept it simple, using black, white, and or gray with any stamp or embellishment.  They are all fantastic!  I can't wait to frame mine! 

Short post, but I just wanted to get this out to you!  It's been a while and I should....MUST do better!

Happy Holidays to you!

Happy Stampin'!

Denise

25th Anniversary

What a way to celebrate 25 years!  Check out this fantastic offer from Stampin' Up! for a limited time only!!  Go to my Demonstrator Business Website and see what SU! is offering.....now is the time!!  At least October 7th through October 21st!!
Promotions
Happy Stampin!

-Denise

I've missed you--- Undefined-ably!"

Any other educators out there?  I have been a teacher for over 20 years, but the beginning of the school year throws me for a loop every time!  It's like a crazy tornado that sprinkles bits of fun and more paperwork than I care to imagine!  I am happy to say we made it through the first progress report period without any casualties!! :)
With that being said, it is a rare occasion that I've been in my stamp room for crafting since I last posted..... :(  The laminator took over an entire table, the grade book and math papers are on another......you get the idea!
So, what have I been up to?  Well, I did find time over the weekend to CARVE my own stamp!  Have you heard of UNDEFINED from Stampin' Up?  It is what you've been waiting for!  This is your chance to make your OWN stamp!  You can make whatever you want and it is SUPER easy!  I made one and Leah made one for Tyler for a belated bday gift. (sweet!)
Here are the stamps:

         I love my Wildcats!  EMAW!!

 

You like?  Check out my online store and order your Undefined today! 

Photopolymer Stamps

Have you tried Stampin' Up!'s Photopolymer stamps yet?  Well, I have seen them around for a few months but didn't see what the big deal was about......until now!  What fun these little, sticky stamps are to use in your crafting!
Before we left for Convention, one of my downline, Erin, let me come over to play with her photopolymer stamps.  F-U-N!!!  Here is the card I made with her.....Thanks, Erin!!!

Super easy to use.  The stamps are very sticky, easy to position, and clean up so well!
This month for my club nights, we are going to try our hands at a similar, but different set.  The one I purchased (see all available sets here) is called Show & Tell 2.  See what I came up with:

another:

and another:

There are seven different Photopolymer stamp sets available from SU!  Check them out!  All sets run only $13.95 and you get a lot of stamps!
Go to my online store for more information!

Happy Stampin',

Denise

Paper Pumpkin Promotion!

I have talked about Paper Pumpkin before, but did you know they are running a promotion until August 31st?
During this promotion, you can get 2 months of Paper Pumpkin for only $10/month!  That's 50% off the regular price!!  You are welcome to skip a month, or keep the gifts coming each month!  You choose!!
Go to Paper Pumpkin and create a login.  From there you will be able to create an account and make sure to choose me, Denise Knowles, as your demonstrator! :)  Your first month's kit will be the introductory kit:

With this kit you will receive a bonus acrylic block (D) to use for all Paper Pumpkin kits!  Each kit will come with clear mount stamps, Stampin' Spots, and all paper and accessories needed to complete your project!  It's like a gift of creativity coming to you each month!  Some months you might make cards, other times it may be a board book, decorations...the possibilities are endless!  But, the best part is you don't have to come up with any ideas yourself!  You just take a few minutes to put it together!  Color pictures included!!
You can subscribe for yourself, a special friend or family member.....what a great gift this would make!  And, join now and use the promo code:  PUMPKINDEAL to get the special price for your first two months!
Here are some of the summer Pumpkins:

This cute little banners (above) for a cake topper, scrapbook page, or just to put in my craft table centerpiece!
And this adorable board book (below)!  

I decided I am going to make a little Convention 2013 book using it.  I took A LOT of pictures at Convention, uploaded them all, now to narrow them down to fit in the book!  Maybe I'll need to add a few (hundred) more pages! :) 
P.S.  Just a little "truth..."  I actually put these two projects together TONIGHT!  I had them both on my "to do" list and well, I finally was able "to do" them!  Quick, easy, and fun!!!

So, visit Paper Pumpkin today!  Really, what do you have to loose?

Convention, here I come!

This year marks Stampin' Up's! 25th Anniversary.  There is excitement in the air, many demos anxiously awaiting the opening gatherings and ceremonies!!!  Swaps are being made, clothes being rolled tight to accommodate all those swaps---that's what's important, right? :)
This is what I have been holed up in my craft room working on the past few days.....yes, I said days, not weeks.  This is because I was visiting family in Ohio for a few weeks.  I did a lot of planning while I was up there so I could come home and get right to work.  It didn't hurt that the rest of my dear family went to various camps and left me to fend for myself.....in my stamp room.....coming up for air every few hours. :)

The photos above are for my 3D swap. :)  Saw an idea on Pinterest and LOVED it!

I would not have survived these past few days without my "addiction"........

Huge Diet Coke....LOTS of ice.  They know me well, there.  It's really sad going out of town and having to search for just the right fountain drink.  :)

Next up, my full card swaps for the HUGE group I am a part of!  I used some NEW things coming out in the future Holiday Catalog!!!  LOVE the catalog!  Wait until you see it....should be coming soon to a mailbox near you!  If you are not on my mailing list and would like to see one, let me know!  The Holiday Catalog goes "live" on August 1st!

And finally....packing, packing, packing!  My dad would be proud of the packer he has taught me to be!  It's like a puzzle, without the picture to help you!  I love putting the pieces all together to fit just the right way!

Erin and I are off to SLC tomorrow!  Wish us much luck with Prize Patrol, swapping, and just generally taking it all in and enjoying the excitement SU! has planned for us!

Maybe next year YOU will join me! Who knows?? :) 

Happy Stampin'!

-Denise

Convention 2013 bound and my SU! (hi)story.....

from a few weeks ago.....
Hello Friends!
I have had an exciting week!  This week was the start to Stampin' Up!'s registration for Convention 2013 to be held in Salt Lake City this coming July.  I am even more excited that ever because this is SU!'s 25th Anniversary year!  The excitement is brewing and the ladies that I am going with are all aflutter with excitedness! :) 
This is my 13th year as an Independent Demonstrator with this fabulous company.  I am so glad to be a part of this--I can't imagine my life without it! 
It all started in February of 2000 when my friend, Cheryl, asked me if I wanted to go to a stamp workshop after exercise class with her.  I had always loved to stamp and used my collection a lot in my classroom and to make cards and invitations for my friends and family.  But up until that point, I had never heard of Stampin' Up!. 
So, we get to the workshop and I get introduced to the demonstrator.  I'm thinking to myself, I will just get a fun stamp set (they only had sets back then) and I will be able to just go get an ink pad from the local craft store.  Surely, there all the same.....
I loved the demonstration and ordered the Hydrangea stamp set.  I decided I would go look at the craft store the next day to pick out my ink colors.  Little did I know that when you want specific shades of purple to use with your Hydrangea stamps......YOU COULDN'T FIND THEM IN A STORE!!!  By the time my stamp set was delivered to me, I had already known what my next purchase would be....yep, ink pads!
My friend, Cheryl, booked the next workshop at the school we were working at.  That day arrived and I was ready with my order.  I still hadn't used my stamps because I could not find the ink! ahhhhh!
The order was placed, loved the workshop and I was on the calendar for the next workshop, scheduled in April.
Before I even had a chance to get my attendee list together, I spoke with my demonstrator and asked what I would need to sign up. :)  With a little support from my friends, I bit the bullet and the rest is history!  If you attended my first workshop (there were about 30 people that attended!) I was more nervous than any first day of school! But, I made it through!  I cannot imagine my life without Stampin' Up!
Through this journey, I have made so many friendships I would have otherwise missed out on.
What is something you want to do?  What are you waiting for?

Retired Stamps and a Card Buffet

The end of the catalog year means it's time for my annual Retiring Stamps Card Buffet!  I LOVE the idea of the Card Buffet versus a traditional Stamp-A-Stack or Stamp Camp.  Just one of the reasons is the ease of choosing the cards you want to make and making however many of them you wish!   I usually have about 10 different cards available for my customers to make.  From those, they choose the number of cards and how many of each they want.  Usually I set the card number to 10 for a flat fee, then customers can add on making additional cards for an additional cost. 
I store my card choices in these shoebox containers and put a sample on the top of the box. 

If there are any special tips or directions, I add that to the top as well.  In addition, I list the stamp sets, paper and colors used.
As you can see from these pictures....it's a fun time for everyone!!!

I try to hold a Card Buffet at least 3 times a year.  These are one of my favorite events to hold!  Everything is laid out and I am able to help my customers as needed!
Next time, I hope you will be able to make it! :)

Happy Stampin'!
-Denise

Today's the BIG day for the NEW Stampin' Up! 2013-1024 Catalog!  It goes live at 2PM this afternoon!  Visit my online store to order this afternoon!!  I LOVE this catalog!  Check out the cover here:

don't you love it!!?? :)

Check out my online store anytime after 2PM today and get your first taste of what SU! has in sotre for us this year.  It's only the beginning!  

My Online Store 

Happy Stampin'!

-Denise

My Paper Pumpkin...April....May is in the mail!!

Have you heard about My Paper Pumpkin from Stampin' Up!?  It's like a birthday gift delivered  right to your door EVERY MONTH! 
Here are my April cards:

Seriously!  Don't you love them!!??  Everything you need comes wrapped in a cute box!  You even get some never-before-seen clear mount stamps to complete your cards.  Ink, cardstock, embellishments....you just need some adhesive. :) 
I just got notification that my May box is in the mail!  Can't wait to see what I get to make this month!  Pictures to come!!
So, what are you waiting for?  Visit https://mypaperpumpkin.com?demoid=27545 to join!
That will link you up with my demo info.  
Contact me for more information!

Happy Stampin'
-Denise
 

My Paper Pumpkin

Want it to feel like Christmas once a month?  Well, have I got the perfect thing for you! "My Paper Pumpkin" will arrive to your home every month....kind of like a magazine subscription.  The best part is, you can choose which months you'd like to receive your package.  Look at what your first "gift" will look like:

Isn't it so cute....wrapped up so nice. :)  

Everything you need to make 4 of the cutest cards!  Directions are included.  All you need is your favorite adhesive!  You can copy the cards direct from the directions or go out on a limb and create your own!  EASY!!  

What will your creations look like?

Go to 

www.mypaperpumpkin.com

for more information.  The first box you receive will look just like the one above.  It has an extra piece to it...one acrylic block that you will use for all future stamps that come in the different kits.  Each future month will be a surprise!  I am so excited to have this little something come visit me each month!  I will continue to post as they arrive. :) 

If you don't already have your own SU! demonstrator, be sure to choose me when prompted on the website.

Thanks for stopping by!

-Denise 

Spirelli Technique

Did you have a Spirograph when you were younger?  I LOVED my spirograph!  The cool lines and designs you could make.....ahhhhh......
Well, wouldn't you know, there's a technique out there called Spirelli and that's just what it reminds me of!  Once I started making the little spirals, I couldn't stop!  Just wait....you'll be addicted to them, too!
First off, let me show you the examples:

How fun is that??!!  I used a scallop circle punch and Baker's Twine.  Any size scallop circle will work and just pick your twine of choice!
Then, it's off to the races and for being so tired last night, I really got a burst of energy when the creative juices and Pinterest searching began!  Here are some of the samples I made:

Daydream Medallions, Elegant Eggplant, Whisper White

Whisteria Wonder, Elegant Eggplant, Daydream Medallions, Basic Pearl Jewels, Scallop Oval and Circle Punches

 Those were the first two I made because (of course) I had Wisteria Wonder Baker's Twine!  :)
Then, I got a little creative and tried the technique with Linen Thread....can you say YES??!!

Love it!  Because I will be using the Print Poetry DSP Stack with my April Stamp Clubbers to make this card and technique, I love the look from the Linen Thread!  What do you think?

Thanks for stopping by!

-Denise

Hostess Code

Have you heard about the new tool from Stampin' Up!?  They have now added a Hostess Code for all workshop orders!  YAY!!!  This means when you host a workshop, your friends and families near and far can order through me online and link it to your workshop order!  You will get to earn greater benefits because their orders will combine with the traditional gathered orders.  I am so excited for this!  Best of all, those online orders will be shipped directly to the person ordering!  You do not have to worry about getting the order to them when yours arrives to you!
Online orders can be current items in the catalogs, clearance rack items, and digital downloads!  EVERYTHING is included! :)
So, to jump start the celebration of the HOSTESS CODE....I am placing a workshop order this week!  If you would like to order and link it to my workshop, please use the code HJ9X43KM.  I will close this order at 9PM on Tuesday (3/26) at 9PM.  ANYONE can take advantage of this!  Also, if you place an order you'll get a little goodie from me! :)

Take advantage of all the new items and clearance items available!

Go to my online store at www.deniseknowles.stampinup.net to place your order today!!

Thanks for stopping by!  Don't forget to subscribe to this blog on the right of the screen.  That way you can get immediate updates as the post!
Tell your friends!!

-Denise

Waiting at the airport.......

New from the week:  Wednesday evening........Congratulations to my dad for 33 years working for the same company!  He is finally retiring and ready to create havoc at home for my mom! :).
Tyler, leah, and I are waiting at the Charlotte Airport for our flight to Cleveland to help Papa celebrate!  I wanted to share a few pics of our wait.....
Friday.....My dad's party was last night!  What a fun time for him and all of us! :)  It was so nice to hear how valuable he has been for the company.  My dad has always been my hero!  It's nice to know others think so highly of him, too!  This coming week is his last week of work....:)
I will be posting pictures when I am back at home. 
Thanks for stopping by!  Back on track this week!!

-Denise

Quilt Card

Do you love the look of quilting?  Well, this card is just for you!  When I was home in Ohio over Christmas, my I was able to meet up with some of my good friends/downline/sideline for a shoebox swap--did I
mention it was in the middle of a blizzard???  That story is for another time!  Cindy brought this beautiful card for us to make.

I ALWAYS love Cindy's cards!  :)  We decided to use supplies from the Holiday Catalog.
So, since we are now on to the Spring Catalog and Sale-A-Bration, I tweaked the card a bit and came up with this one (notice the color choice :))

I used Sycamore Street DSP, and the "never before seen" stamp from the January 25th Anniversary stamp set called Best of Birthdays.  Both items can be found here at my website and online ordering hot spot!
After making the card above, I saw sitting on my table, the Ribbon and Button pack that coordinates with Sycamore Street DSP.  I HAD to use them!!  So, I came up with this creation.

This month for my stamp clubs we will be venturing into the "quilting world" by way of paper and punches!  Contact me if you'd like directions, or better yet, if you're in NC.....stop by this Thursday night or Saturday morning!  I'd love for you to join me!
Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stampin'!
-Denise

Have Punches, Will Create!

Do you LOVE Stampin' Up's punches?  Have you ever tried them?  Well, for my stamp clubs this month we kicked it up a notch and worked on thinking outside the box when layering punched images.  Thanks to a fellow blogger, Kim Singdahlsen, we used her idea and created our own layered looks with just about every single punch I own!

I am usually the sort of layering fool that loves when everything matches.  Same shape, but in different sizes.  Well, each punch is like new again when you pair it up with a completely different punch! 
I used all 2011-2013 In Colors to showcase the layouts....LOVE these colors! 
Here is the card we made.  CASE'd!

It showcases the Elegant Bouquet Embossing Folder, Tasteful Trim Bigz XL, and PUNCHES!!  I used the Butterfly, Bitty Butterfly, Decorative Label, Scalloped Oval, Large Oval, and Modern Label punches.
Thanks for stopping by! 

Denise

Pop-Up Posies and Elegant Lines Embossing Folder

Do you love to give gifts?  Have you seen these adorable tags from Stampin' Up!?  They are from a kit called Pop-Up Posies Designer Kit.  Only $12.95 and it includes the stamp, too!  I have had my customers make these at several parties and everyone loves how easy they are to make!  The kit includes everything you need to make 9 (or more if you share the wealth!) tags ready to give with your gift.

My friend, and downline, Erin made this adorable card for her Open House a few weeks ago.  I LOVE SU's BIG SHOT and the embossing folders are one of my favorites to use! 
Yesterday morning, I had a stamp party and I decided to CASE Erin's card. :)  This is my version:

As you will soon find out, my favorite color is PURPLE!  I love everything purple!  Wisteria Wonder is one of the 2011-2013 In Colors.  Love it!  These cards also use several punches and the Crochet Trim I used is such a beautiful ribbon. 


Pop-Up Posies Designer Kit #131395
Elegant Lines Embossing Folder #119277
Visit my website to order these items and more!  www.deniseknowles.stampinup.net

Thanks for stopping by!
Happy Stampin'!

Denise

Happy Stampin'!

Happy Stampin', friends!  Welcome to the first post of my blog!  I am looking forward to sharing what I've learned being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator for 13 years and counting!  I love what I do!  Please feel free to comment on anything you like!