Happy Friday everyone!  I'm afraid all my Spirited Snowmen crafting has issued in this crazy early winter storm warning!  I'm kind of looking forward to a snowy weekend.  Sadly, I've had to cancel my Sweet & Simple Class as well as the annual Stamping Bee Shoebox Swap and Christmas Party. Both events were scheduled for Sunday and that's when the snow is expected to fall.  Safety first!  I just hope everyone has enough crafting supplies to get them through thew storm!  I had some ladies stop by the house for adhesive last night.  If you need some, come on by!

Speaking of having to cancel the Sweet & Simple Class , I have 6 extra packet now. If you'd like one, click here to email me.  There are 8 (2 each of 4 designs) festive cards, perfect for Christmas, New Years, or birthdays.  You'll get everything you need, except the stamp set and adhesive.  Cost is only $20 and I'll include free shipping.   

All orders of $25 or more during the month of December will receive a free VIP Spirited Snowmen tutorial.  Watch the video to learn more.  Please use hostess code A47NSBVS for orders under $150. (Orders over $150 will also receive their own Stampin' Reward for free products. )

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Due to the impending winter storm,  my parents travel plans have changed from Tuesday to Saturday.  Guess who gets to drive them to the airport tomorrow morning!  That means, I'll have to postpone our Crafty Saturday and turn it into Crafty Sunday!  Join me on my Facebook Page, live at 9 am Sunday morning and learn all about the new Cling Stamps, as well as some helpful tips and tricks for using them.  Can't join me then?  That's ok, you can always catch the video replay

There is no snow like a Christmas snow.  I've lived in the South now for 13 year, and if memory serves me correctly, it's only snowed on Christmas one time.  Growing up in Spokane, and then living in New Jersey, we often had snow at Christmas.  Though it was inevitable that if you received a sled for Christmas, there would be no snow!  

I'm really happy with the Snowflake Showcase stamps and thinlets that are coming out on November 1. With not 1, but 2 stamp sets, there's something for everyone.  From the delicately detailed Snow is Glistening Stamp Set, or the more modern and floral Happiness Surrounds set, there's something to appeal to all crafters of all levels.  And check out all of the pieces included in the Snowfall Thinlets!  

Then Snowflake Showcase is available beginning on November 1. But you don't have to wait long to use it.  Sign up for my Sweet & Simple class on November 4 and make cards using both the Snow is Glistening and Happiness Surrounds Stamp Sets.  We'll make 8 cards, 2 each of 4 designs; 1 set to keep and 1 set to send!  My Sweet & Simple class is available either in person or "To Go".  To Go kits include everything you need to to make the cards, except stamps, ink, and adhesive.  The cost is Free with a minimum purchase, or $20 to cover the cost of supplies.  (To Go Classes add $7.10 priority shipping) Registration is due by November 1.   Bring a friend and you both receive 5 free cards from my collection. 

Base: Santa's Workshop Memories & More Cards & Envelopes, 4" x 6", cut down to 4" x 5 1/2"

1. Stamp sentiment and images in Versamark. 
2. Sprinkle with White Embossing Powder. 
3. Heat set until melted. 

For a full list of upcoming events, Click Here. 

Yesterday was my Making Christmas Bright Sweet & Simple Class.  We had so much fun!  I made homemade pumpkin bread (click here for recipe) and there was plenty of hot coffee, tea, or hot cocoa to help ward of a nice cool fall day.  We made 8 cards, 2 each of four designs, all using the Making Christmas Bright Bundle, which includes a fun stamp set and punch.  

It's always fun welcoming new faces to class, and yesterday was no exception.  And they came with a list of questions, everything from how do I know which Black Ink to use, what kind of classes and events do you have, and how do I join your team to get a great discount?   I'll be tacking some of these questions this week on the blog because it's good to get answers to questions you might have, too!

First, let's look at the difference in the classes I offer.  I offer a Sweet & Simple Class + a Monthly Card Club. Each of these focuses on just one stamp set.  My Sweet & Simple Class focuses on Stamping Basics, with maybe one special technique, while my Card Club might have more design elements or advanced techniques.  Both are offered in person in my studio or "To Go".  To Go kits are shipped priority mail and include everything but the stamps, bundles, or ink.  (Those are available for purchase as well). 

During the holidays, I also offer a Christmas Card Club. For five months, August through December, it also meets on the last Saturday of the month at 2 pm.  We make 12 cards, 3 each of 4 designs and it includes $25 in product along with everything you need to make the cards.  Available in person or To Go, it's only $35 (plus priority shipping).  If you stay in club all 5 months, there is a free stamp set waiting for you, too!  And as an added bonus, when you join both the monthly card club and Christmas card club, each month there is a special free gift.  Last month, dual club members received the cool new Take Your Pick Tool, and this month, they'll each get a Red Distressed Card Tin. 

Registration for both clubs closes on the 15th of the month.  That means, today is the last day to register for both theSincerely Santa Monthly Club and Timeless Tidings Christmas Card Club.  There's still time.  If you want to register today, simply email me and tell me which you prefer, and if you will attend in person or have me ship your kit to go. 

This is one of the cards from my Sweet & Simple Class yesterday.

Base: Whisper White Thick Cardstock, 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"
Layer 1: Call Me Clover, 5 1/8" x 3 7/8"
Layer 2: Whisper White, 5" x 3 3/4"

• Stamp image in Tuxedo Black Memento Ink 3 times on layer 2.
• Color bulbs with Stampin' Write Markers in Real Red, Pacific Point, and Crushed Curry.
• Stamp sentiment in Call me Clover. 
• Adhere Layers 1 & 2.  Wrap with Call Me Clover 1/8" Grossgrain Ribbon and tie a not.  Adhere to base. 

What's so WOW about kits?  Let me give you four reasons I think these Sincerely Santa Gift Tags are worthy of a WOW label.

First of all, the photos don't do them justice.  You have to see them in person to really believe how beautiful these Sincerely Santa Gift Tags are. There are accents of gold and silver foil. delicate and lacy silver and white snowflakes and doilies, and little  silver bells that really jingle.

Next, they are in traditional Real Red and Garden Green colors.  Even if you aren't a traditional Christmas color person, there is something special and nostalgic about red and green. 

Third, the Sincerely Santa Gift Tags kit makes 30 tags!  You make 6 each of 5 designs.  Too many?  You can make Christmas cards with them.  Or, in my case, not enough?  Buy two kits and have plenty for your holiday gift giving. 

And finally, there's the adorable and functional Garden Green & white candy cane striped tin.  Use it to store the tags after they're made, and then use the tin for a gift.  Or keep it yourself to display year after year. 

But don't just take my word for it.  Take a look at these pretty tags in this Stampin' Up! video. 

The kits themselves make great gifts for family and friends.   Or host a Girl's Night or Mom & Me Sincerely Santa Tag Class.  I'll bring the kits, my stamp set, and ink.  Fun, Food, laughter, and holiday crafting.  Sounds like a fun night to me!  Contact me to schedule your Sincerely Santa Tag Class today. 

Throughout September, when you place a $25 order or more with me, you'll receive a free Falling For Leaves 4-Card tutorial.  Add my tutorials this week, and you've got at least 8 tutorials to use.  Simply use host code: FEWRM9FD and I'll send you your tutorial right away. ​
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October 2018

• October 12 - Private Sincerely Santa Kit Night
• October 14 - 2nd Sunday Sweet & Simple Cards 2 pm; RSVP by 10/10 | Stamping Bee Team Meeting 5 pm RSVP by 10/10
• October 27-28 - Card Club at my Studio Or TO GO! (Last Friday of the month at 7 pm or Last Saturday of the month at 10 am) (Must subscribe the 15th of the month).    #craftwhenyouwant
• October 28 - Christmas Card Club  2 pm! (or 7 pm!)  (Or get yours to go!)

November 2018

• November 4- 2nd Sunday Sweet & Simple Cards - Due to Stampin' Up! 30th Anniversary Event in Orlando, this has been moved to the 1st Sunday in November.  2 pm; RSVP by 11/2 Stamping Bee Team Meeting 5 pm RSVP by 11/2
• November 23 - 24 - Card Club at my Studio Or TO GO! (Last Friday of the month at 7 pm or Last Saturday of the month at 10 am) (Must subscribe the 15th of the month).    #craftwhenyouwant
• November 24 - Christmas Card Club  2 pm! (or 7 pm!)  (Or get yours to go!)

December 2018

• December 9- 2nd Sunday Sweet & Simple Cards 2 pm; RSVP by 11/5| Stamping Bee Team Meeting 5 pm RSVP by 11/5
• December 15- Christmas Card Club  2 pm! (or 7 pm!)  (Or get yours to go!)  (These cards will get you through the New Year - don't worry!)
• December 28-29- Card Club at my Studio Or TO GO! (Last Friday of the month at 7 pm or Last Saturday of the month at 10 am) (Must subscribe the 15th of the month).    #craftwhenyouwant
• December 30 - 4th annual New Year's Stampin' Bingo!!  It's the biggest party of the year!

Last weekend I was honored to be a guest teacher at my friend, Selene Kempton's, retreat up in Massachusetts.  It's always fun going up there and sharing my passion for paper crafting.  This is the third time I've done this, and it's wonderful to reconnect with friends I've made, and make new ones along the way.  

I loved having a Christmas in August theme, too!  It was so much fun combining the Stylish Christmas Stamp Set and Under the Mistletoe Designer Series paper for a 12-card Stamp-a-Stack.  I was thankful I'd chosen Sweet & Simple designs, since the electricity went out during my 2nd class!  Thank goodness for resourcefulness and iPhones.  With a few strategically placed flashlights, we were back stamping, albeit in the dark.

I came home with THREE remaining packets.  Each packet includes:

• All materials pre-cut for12 cards  (3 each of 4 designs);
• 1/2 pack Under the Mistletoe Designer Series Paper; 
• 1 bolt of Whisper White Classic Weave Ribbon;
• 1 pack of Metallic Pearls;
• 1 sheet of dimensionals; 
• 12 envelopes
• Full color PDF tutorial 

The cost for each packet is $43, with free priority shipping.  You can also add the Stylish Christmas Stamp Set for an additional $25.  ​Click the button below to receive your packet.  (Limited supplies only; limited to stock on hand). 

Base: Real Red, 11" x 4 1/4", scored at 5 1/2"
Layer 1:  Basic Black, 5 1/8" x 3 7/8"
Layer 2:  Under the Mistletoe Designer Series Paper, 5" x 3 3/4"
Layer 3: Vellum, 5" x 3 3/4"
Layer 4: Under the Mistletoe Designer Series Paper, Starburst Punch
Layer 5: Whisper White 2" Circle Punch

1. Adhere layers 1 & 2.  
2. Add Vellum by laying down a strip of Snail right where the ribbon will be.  This will hide the adhesive from under the transparent vellum.  (Vellum is not heavy, and this little strip of adhesive will be enough).
3. Wrap layers with Real Red 3/8" Cotton ribbon, and tie a knot. 
4. Stamp sentiment in Real Red onto Layer 4.  Adhere to Layer 5 and add to card with dimensionals. 
5. Add three Red Rhinestones.

August 2018 - 

• August 24th - 25th - Card Club at my Studio Or TO GO! (Last Friday of the month at 7 pm or Last Saturday of the month at 10 am) (Must subscribe the 15th of the month).    #craftwhenyouwant
• August 25th - Christmas Card Club begins at 2 pm! (or 7 pm!) (Or get yours to go!)

September 2018 - 

• September 4 - Holiday Product Share Registration Due!
• September 9 - 2nd Sunday Sweet & Simple Cards 2 pm; RSVP by 9/6 | Stamping Bee Team Meeting 5 pm RSVP by 9/6
• September 15-16 - Creative Connection ONLINE - Holiday Catalog 16-Make-n-Take Event.  
• September 21-23 - Stamping in the Mountains Weekend Retreat
• September 28-29 - Card Club at my Studio Or TO GO! (Last Friday of the month at 7 pm or Last Saturday of the month at 10 am) (Must subscribe the 15th of the month).    #craftwhenyouwant
• September 29th - Christmas Card Club  2 pm! (or 7 pm!)  (Or get yours to go!)

October 2018

• October 14 - 2nd Sunday Sweet & Simple Cards 2 pm; RSVP by 10/10 | Stamping Bee Team Meeting 5 pm RSVP by 10/10
• October 27-28 - Card Club at my Studio Or TO GO! (Last Friday of the month at 7 pm or Last Saturday of the month at 10 am) (Must subscribe the 15th of the month).    #craftwhenyouwant
• October 28 - Christmas Card Club  2 pm! (or 7 pm!)  (Or get yours to go!)

November 2018

• November 11- 2nd Sunday Sweet & Simple Cards 2 pm; RSVP by 11/5| Stamping Bee Team Meeting 5 pm RSVP by 11/5
• November 23 - 24 - Card Club at my Studio Or TO GO! (Last Friday of the month at 7 pm or Last Saturday of the month at 10 am) (Must subscribe the 15th of the month).    #craftwhenyouwant
• November 24 - Christmas Card Club  2 pm! (or 7 pm!)  (Or get yours to go!)