Flowerbug's Inkspot

Online Extravaganza

Stamin' Up has announced that their Online Extravaganza is coming next week! It's the annual sale to kick off the holiday shopping season and will begin Monday, November 21, 2011, and run through Wednesday, November 30, 2011. While this promotion is perfect for online orders during an especially busy time of year, you can also contact me to order for you.

I will be sharing the direct link on Monday so you can see exactly what is on sale then.  They are hinting that these items will be part of the sale:

• FREE digital downloads valued at $40 when you buy My Digital Studio Express
• 30 percent off an exclusive ribbon bundle
• 60 percent off select Designer Fabrics
• In addition, there will be two items on sale for 24 hours only (November 21, 12:01 AM - 11:59 PM [MT])

So make sure you check my blog for the link right away on Monday morning so you don't miss these one-day only specials.  

If you are a long distance customer you can order online on my website here. Or if you want me to order for you, call or e-mail me to add your order to one I will place as a group order.

And I am adding an additional incentive for you to place an order from me during this special: 

• If your order is over $50 I will give you any one of my Tutorials e-mailed to you free.  You can see all of them on the right side of my blog.
• If you order over $75 you'll get two FREE tutorials.
• And if your order is over $100 you'll get two free tutorials plus a stamp set FREE from me.  First orders gets first choice of any of these:

1. All Holidays wood mount
2. Autumn Days wood mount
3. Grateful Greetings wood mount
4. Many Merry Messages wood mount
5. Word Play wood mount
6. Holiday Happiness clear mount
7. Friends Never Fade clear mount
8. Hodgepodge Happiness clear mount
9. Funky Four clear mount
10. Tree Trimmings wood mount
11. Swirls & Curls Verses hostess clear mount
12. Four the Holidays wood mount
13. Snow Buddies wood mount
14. Love & Care hostess clear mount

I will mail your stamp set to you in early December after the sale is over free of charge.  Or if you are a local customer you can pick it up anytime.  

August Stamp a Stack cards

I thought I'd show you the 4 cards we're making at this week's Stamp a Stack class on Thursday.  I really enjoyed playing with some of my new stamp sets.  Lookie!

This gorgeous color combination was derived from our Color Coach - Lucky Limeade, Wisteria Wonder with Elegant Eggplant.  I just love it!  So fresh and pretty.

This stamp set isn't really new - it's the Level 2 Hostess set from the Summer mini catalog - Love & Care.  Did you know you can get this set when you're a hostess in clear mount for just $10.00?   I just LOVE the new hostess bennies! 

I inked the stamp with  markers and added the darker Eggplant marker to the petal tips before stamping. 

This combination is Razzleberry with Crumb Cake and Very Vanilla.  The background flourish is from the new stamp set called Creative Elements.  And the 'Thank You' is from 'Perfectly Penned'. 

And this unique birthday card is one I got in a swap at Convention from Ann Nahm.  I loved her set of candles and the use of the Blossom Petals punch for the candle flames.   

And last is this beauty.  This is another gorgeous color combination I found in my Color Coach - Night of Navy, Old Olive and Pretty in Pink.  Get your Color Coach out people!  It makes creating so much easier.

Do you see the gorgeous embossed oval frame?  This was achieved easily with our new Designer Frames embossing folder set.  I just sponged the dotted frame a bit with a pink sponge dauber.  And our large oval punch fits inside it perfectly. 

We're making 3 each of the 4 cards above at class.  12 cards total along with envelopes for just $18.

If you live locally and would like to attend this class on Thursday night, I have a few spots open at 6 pm.  You will need to RSVP by Tuesday evening. I am sorry for the late notice on this class!  

If you cannot attend class and still want to make these cards, e-mail me at lagreff at gmail.com by Tuesday evening and let me know.  I'll send you a PayPal invoice for the $18 plus priority shipping of $5.00 for a total of $23.00. 

***You will need to use your own stamps and ink but will receive everything else needed to complete your cards.  This includes pre-cut card stock, envelopes, ribbons and embellishments  You'll also receive instructions via e-mail that include finished photos of the cards.

Thanks for stopping by today!

Annual Stamping Rummage Sale

It's that time of year where my customers and friends get together to sell our excess stamping and scrapping stuff.  The flood is not going to stop this sale. This year there are over 40 of us selling crazy amounts of stamping and scrapping items!

I know it's hard for many of you long distance gals to see all of this when you cannot come and take advantage, but I am going to share some pics anyway.  Sorry if it's terribly frustrating for you!  I don't mean to tease you!!  But maybe this will inspire some of you to get together to have your own sale. 

I actually don't have that much in the sale myself; I save quite a bit for hostess gifts and incentives.  So to beat you to the usual questions I get, no I am not selling any of my stamps or anyone else's online.  Sorry!  It would take more time than I have to organize that.

We always have tons of stamp sets and paper.  Here is a photo of the three 8' tables full of stamp sets - many piles are about 5 deep! 

Here are the same tables with a view of the other side.  You can see the boxes and bins of paper in the back on other tables.  The far left back corner is where the tools and accessories are.

There is even more on the other side but I couldn't get a good shot of the embellishments and storage items.

My customers are shopping tonight before we open for the city tomorrow.  They get first dibs at all of the goodies.

We also do a potluck for the people that help out at the sale.  I actually have a 'committee' that does most of the work running this sale each year.  Yup; I am terrible spoiled by my best buds!   

 

 

Schedule of events

I haven't had time to send a newsletter to my local or long distance customers lately so I thought I'd let you know the important events coming up.

June 22nd - Annual Hostess Appreciation party 5:30 pm

• This is for anyone who has hosted a workshop for me in the last year.  Be sure to attend - there's tons of benefits for you that night.

June 30th - Annual Open House 4-7 pm

• Come and get your new catalog!  Don't miss all of the specials, prizes, make & takes and great food.

August 5th & 6th - Annual Stampin' & Scrappin' Rummage Sale

• Amazing deals for anyone who does paper crafting. 
  
• The 5th is a pre-sale for my customers and downline.  The 6th is for the everyone else.  It's an incredible event that you do not want to miss if you are in the area. 

Spring Stamp a Stack

It's supposed to be spring now, but we're stuck at home with blocked roads due to the blizzard yesterday.

Here are the 6 cards we're doing at my Spring Stamp a Stack on April 2nd.  It should feel like spring by then! 

Classis colors of Razzleberry and White using the Build a Blossom and Blossoms punch and stamp set.

This beautiful Lovely as a Tree card uses Cherry Cobbler, Vanilla and Always Artichoke.  Cased from a swap I received by Linda Wiese.

Just Believe in Baja Breeze and Soft Suede.

A Create a Cupcake birthday card in Pretty & Pink, Pacific Point and Old Olive.

Nature Walk card in Crumb Cake, Vanilla, Early Espresso and Always Artichoke.  Cased from the talented Wendy Weixler.

Bright and happy Bold Blossoms card in Pear PIzzazz, Poppy Parade, Daffodil Delight and Turquoise.  Cased from Sara Cimbaro.

The Class will be held at the Brentmoor Assisited Living Facility on Saturday, April 2nd at either 10 am or 2 pm.  We're making two of each card for a total of 12 cards.  Cost is $17 pre-paid by March 29th.

If you'd like cards kit with the supplies cut out to make at home, the cost is $17.    Your kit will also include all of the die-cuts and texutred pieces but I cannot pre-stamp your images due to SU policy.  You'll receive the instrucions with photos sent via e-mail.

For long distance customers, shipping the cards kit is either first class for an additional $3 or Priority for $5.  Please contact me at lagreff at gmail dot com by March 31st.

PayPal is the preferred method for long distance customers. 

Chocolate Lovers Stamp Camp projects

Just thought I would show you what I have ready so far for the upcoming Chocolate Lovers Stamp Camp on February 5th here at my home.  Two times are available - 3:30 pm & 6 pm. 

We will be using the Valentine's Love you Much Bundle for a project or two, but the focus is on Chocolate - not Valentines.  We all love Chocolate right?
Every project will have either edible Chocolate or a hue of Chocolate on it.  Most of the other projects will be cards - unique & amazing, of course!

Here they are:
The Baha & Vanilla card is very soft & beautiful - the pearls & lace make it perfect for any romantic occasion.

The monogram box in front is a Nugget Box that holds 9 coordinating Chocolate nuggets inside.  So easy to do!

The square box with a flower belly band on it is an origami box that holds a pad of loose memo paper.  Very fun!


Please RSVP for this event by Monday, 1-26-09.  Cost is $15, but those who order the Love you Much bundle from me get it for 1/2 price! 

Check out the bundle here. 

Sneak Peak!

Now that the 'qcswappers' Sneak Peak swaps are in & received by us (they are so awesome girls!), I can show you a few of the cards I made using brand new stamps that will be in the new Spring/Summer catalog.  I only pre-ordered a few sets, but plan to splurge quite a bit when I get my hands on my own Catalog. 

By the way, I should be getting my boxes of new catalogs any day now & want to remind you local stampers to pop in at my Open House this Monday, Jan 19th from 4-8 pm to pick yours up.  We'll be using all new stamps on your Free make & takes that day.  I have to say, the projects are super cute!
I'll have door prizes, make & takes, boxes of free cards for you to choose from if you put in an order that day, fun food, & your new CATALOG!

Bring a new friend to receive your choice of 5 hand-made cards.

This card uses the new stamp set 'Just Buzzin' By.  It's so cute!  It has three different bee stamps along with a long stemmed flower, two sayings, a bee hive & a honey pot.

These colors are So Saffron, Pumpkin Pie, Black & Whisper White.
I colored in the images with ink & my Aqua-painter, which is my favorite way to color. 
Just a bit of 2-way glue & Dazzling Diamonds glitter on the wings of the bees adds the final touch. 

This set is called Petal Pizzaz.  One image fits our scalloped circle punch perfectly.

You know me & flowers - can't resist!  I didn't have any large solid flower images, so I ordered this one.  Yeah, I know - I have tons of flower stamp sets, but I really didn't have one like this!
I used Rose Red, Taken with Teal & white here.

The top note was cut out & then I cut off the pierced edge before placing it onto the main folded Taken with Teal card.  This leaves a nice border between the two white pieces.
I added a bit of paper piercing on each pointed corner & sponged the inside edges with Rose Red ink.
The words are from the Chit Chat rub-ons. 

Christmas Card Buffet

If you're still wondering how you'll get your Christmas cards done this year, I have another option for you. 
It's a Christmas Card Buffet!  It will be held on Friday night at 6 pm on December 5th.

How does it work?

You get to choose how many & which card or cards you'd like to make.  I would prefer you sign up in amounts of 5.  You could make 3 of one card & 2 of another.  Or even 2 of two different cards & 3 of the other two cards.  Or just 10 of the same card. 
Keeping it to even amounts of 5,10 or 15 etc helps with pricing.  

5 cards - $6.25
10 for $12.50
15 - $18.75
20 - $25

I've prepared 4 easy but beautiful cards.  Here are your options:

#1

Isn't this gorgeous?  The sparkle of the trees doesn't show up here, but it is very beautiful. 

Just let me know which cards you'd like & how many of each.  

#2

This classy card designed by Kristin Moore here is done in Mellow Moss & Pomegranate.  Yes, I am using some of my precious Pomegranate stock from last year. 
For those who aren't familiar with this color, it was current last year & retired in August this year to many people's dismay. 

 


#3

This one is so fun to make! A filmstrip look with a combo of Real Red, Bashful Blue, White & Black.

#4
This card is Pacific Point, white & Sahara Sand. The beautiful tree & greeting are embossed with white embossing powder. 

Please RSVP by November 26th with payment.  I may take late registration if I have enough supplies; just ask!

****Card Kits will be available for the same price plus shipping - available  before class only.

. 

Craft Sale - again!

Remember the Craft Sale I had at a local Retirement Center a few weeks back?  Well it didn't go over very well.  The purpose of the Sale was so the residents could shop for their families for Christmas without leaving the center.  Well most of them were NOT looking for Christmas gifts!  They said they usually give money if anything at all.  So, needless to say, I have most of my stock left yet!  But on the positive side, they did enjoy having us there & browsing!

 
So I am having a Craft Sale booth at a local Crafters Day tomorrow at the Dome in Minot.  If any of you locals want to stop by & shop, there will be other Vendors there also.

And if you are interested in coming as a crafter (most of us are Stampers or Scrapbookers), please contact Lisa at  lisa.eriksmoen@minotstateu.edu

It's $15 for all day; $20 to add the homemade soup & bread lunch.  Hours are from 9 am - 8 pm. 

Here are a few pictures of some of the items I will have for sale.


These are Desk Centers & Tile recipe or Photo holders.  Here's the original thread for more details:
http://flowerbug.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/10/craft-sale-items.html

And here is one more link to the details of the Craft Sale items:

http://flowerbug.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/10/more-craft-sale-items.html

Holiday Extravaganza!

Stampin' Up! is getting ready for their Holiday Extravaganza Sale.  It will run for just a very short time, from November 26 - December 1 only.  They are keeping all of the details of this sale a secret, even from us Demonstrators!  So if you're looking for a great deal on Stampin' Up! merchandise, keep a close watch on Wednesday, the 26th on my Blog or my SU Website for the Big Scoop!!

Gifts Buffet!

I truly love Christmas time & also have always enjoyed giving home made gifts.  In keeping with the Holiday spirit, I have an amazing gift making class ready for you on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, November 30th at my home in Minot, ND. 

It's a Holiday Gift Buffet!  You get to choose which projects & how many you want to make!  Here are your options:

1.  Countdown to Christmas

Isn't this just gorgeous?  I got the idea from Ali Manning here  

It is made from our large Chipboard book basics & measures approximately 9" square; full of color & sparkles.   

It has Felt Flurries snowflakes, beautiful gems from the Pretties kit & there is a pocket of extra magnetic numbers on the back to keep the countdown going from December 1st until Christmas.

Cost is $12.00 paid in advance by November 18th please.

2.  Holiday Fun Gift Packs

This choice includes all 3 of these cute treats.  One is Snowman Soup, including the clever little poem that goes along with the cocoa, marshmallows & candy inside.
The second is Magic Reindeer Food - this also has a cute poem perfect for little children who are waiting anxiously for Santa & his reindeer.
The last one is Rudolf's 'Spares' - extra little red, shiny noses.

These are perfect to give to your secret Santa or to add to someone's package this year. 
After class, I'll send you the Poems so you can make more of these treat bags later at home.
Cost is just $5 for all three.  Please RSVP with payment by November 18th please.

3.  Star Photo Books

You'll have your choice of colors & themes when you choose to create this book.  One is done in Red & Kraft card stock - it could even be a Holiday Album!
The other is done in the beautiful combo of Chocolate & Baha Breeze.
School photos fit inside these wonderfully.

Please indicate which color you'd like to make. 

And, if you'd like a specific color not shown here, check with me - I might be able to work it out for you!

You'll receive the easy pattern to create more after class. 

Cost for each Star Album is $6.00 payable with RSVP by November 18th please. 

4.  'Pamper Her' in a Box

This is a good sized tin that has quite a few goodies inside that are perfect to pamper a special female in your life. 
This would make an very unique gift for someone who needs a bit of pampering.

I had a lot of fun putting this together.  I found all sorts of things to put inside. 

It contains items such as a Pedicure kit, a pumice stone & lip balm. 
We'll also include a matching gift card that fits inside. 

Cost for this 'Pamper Her box' is only $8.00! 

5.  Hidden Hinge Gift Card holder & Ornament Gift Card

These are so neat!  The lid of the 'box' lifts up from one corner to reveal either money or a gift card inside!!  *See the next picture below. 

There isn't a brad or any prongs showing in the back of this card - it is hidden inside the 'package.'  You choose which color you want to make.  You'll receive the pattern via e-mail after class so you can make more later. 

Also included in this class is the Ornament gift card holder below. 

This beautiful gift card holder doubles as an ornament that you can hang on your tree later. 

Cost for these two gift card holders is just $5.00 payable by November 18th.

 

6.  Holiday Tic Tac Toe game

Wouldn't this be a fun game to give to that special child in your life?  And it is quick & easy to make too.  It will include a handy stamped canvas bag for storage also.

Cost is $7.00 paid in advance by November 18th.

For those of you who would like these class kits mailed to you, please e-mail me at lagreff at gmail dot com before November 18th please.  Shipping will depend on how many & which kits you'd like. 

The Next Stamp a Stack cards

I recently received a flyer from Archiver's advertising their Holiday classes.  I was amazed to see they are asking $15 for just 4 cards at these classes!  And they aren't very involved cards either - each has maybe two layers with a bit of ribbon or brads on it - pretty basic, but nice cards. 

Well, if you live locally & want a good deal, consider coming to one of my Stamp a Stacks.  You'll get 12 very beautiful & unique cards for just $15.  Probably should ask more, but I'll stick by this price for now. 

****I do have a few spots open for next Saturday's SAS (Stamp a Stack) on November 8th also.  Check this post for pictures of the 4 different cards we're doing that day.  I'll take registration until I'm full or up 'til Wednesday, November 5th.

Here are the cards we'll be doing on Saturday, November 22nd.  It's hard to see the sparkle, shimmer & shine on these cards, but there is either glitter or embossing on each of them.

 

Many of these cards were cased from other very talented stampers:
Let it Snow-flake card - www.Queensscene.blogspot.com
Seasons Greetings snowflake card - tankgirl here

Keep an eye out for the cards for my final Christmas Stamp a Stack on Friday, December 5th. 
Remember that if you attend all three SAS sessions, the last one is only $10!!  Now that's a good deal! 

Christmas Stamp a Stack

It might seem a bit early, but it really isn't.  This is the perfect time to get started If you'd like to get your Christmas Cards done before the busyness of the Season starts. 

Here are the cards we're making at my first stamp a stack.  Aren't they gorgeous??  And they are much prettier in person too.   Oh.... you'll impress the family & friends with these!

You'll make 3 of each of these 4 beautiful cards at my house on Saturday, November 8th.  Class starts at 10 am & should only last a few hours.  You'll get 12 cards done!  All for just $15.  Please RSVP with payment by Wednesday, October 29th.  

I will be offering two more of these high quality Stamp a Stacks (SAS's) - every 2 weeks during November & December.  The other two are on November 22nd & December 5th.  If you sign up & take all 3 sessions, the last one is only $10!

Curly Label Punch Bundle

Like I do every year for the current Punch box, I am offering a discounted class for everyone who orders the Curly Label Punch Bundle from me.  I'll show you some unique ways to use your bundle.  This is a great set!



The class will be on Thursday, November 6th at either 3:30 pm or 6:30 pm here at my home. 
We'll be making 5 projects & the class fee is only $5.00. 
So if you'd like to attend, let me know to get it ordered for you before the class date. 

***For you long-distance customers, I will send you your Bundle along with your class supplies kit for just $4 more. E-mail me at lagreff @ gmail dot com for more info. 

Here's one of the cards we're doing.

I've made a buckle out of the label punch on this one.  Neat huh? 
Just an example of what kind of ideas you'll learn at class. 

Stamps - Happy Everything & the Happiness Always hostess set Level 3
Card Stock - Kiwi Kiss, Chocolate, Tangerine, Vanilla
Ink - same as above
Accessories - EE eyelets, Crop-s-Dile, Curly Label punch, chocolate double-stitched ribbon, Curly Label Punch, Horizontal slot punch, Chocolate Chip marker

A Big Day at the Vegas!

No, not Las Vegas, Nevada!  But our local Vegas Hotel right here in Minot, ND.

Plan a whole day to have fun with Mary & I on October 12th.  From 10:30 am - 6 pm, we'll offer you classes, games & a retired stamp set sale.  And if you want to just stop in or come to do your own thing, let me know to save you a spot at a table.

Yes, I am finally selling my retired stamp sets.  And so is Mary - so we should have a good selection for you to choose from.  Just so it's all fair - there will be no early sales, sneak peeks or selections before 10:30 that day.  Sorry gals! 

Here is just one of the classes I'm offering that day: 

20 Christmas cards from the 'I Wish' Simply Scrappin' kit.

Get a head start on Christmas to make 20 beautiful cards using 1/2 of the Simply Scrappin' kit 'I Wish'. 
I'll cut out everything for you so all you have to do is stamp a few things & assemble.  You can also add inside greetings & stamp the envelopes provided to match.

  Cost is $28 payable by October 1st. 

Choose from either the 11 am or 2:30 pm class that day.  It shouldn't take long since we kept the stamping to a minimum on these cards. 

I've added the card stock for the 20 card bases & you'll also receive what's left of your kit to make even more Christmas cards later at home.

And one of the best things about this class is the many different ideas you'll get to make more cards later.  We used quite a few different styles & layouts on these cards so even tho you may not have or order another Simply Scrappin' kit, you can create more using the stamps & supplies you may already have at home. 

Curly Label Punch Bundle

You know that every year I do a class featuring the current Punch Box.  Well we don't have a Punch Box this year...... so I'll be doing my special class featuring the Curly Label Punch Bundle.  Check it out on page 189 of the Fall/Winter Catalog. 
This punch will be really fun to work with. 

Here's a sample of one of the ideas you can use this punch for.

The new wide stitched ribbon is just perfect for this buckle.
what a fun way to finish off a card.

I used Kiwi Kiss, Tangerine Tango & Chocolate Chip - one of the combo's from August's color combo choices.
This stamp set is a Level 3 Hostess set called Happiness Always.  Isn't it awesome?  I didn't work too hard to make the 2-step stamps line up - I prefer the imperfect look to some of these double time stamps.  The neat thing about the 2-step stamps in this set is they are jumbles of letters - cool huh? 
The 'happy days' stamps are from the Happy Everything set.  This card may or may not be included in the class - we'll see what the competition looks like after I've finished the projects.

Anyway, I will be offering a special class for everyone who purchases this bundle from me anytime between now until the end of October.  I usually come up with some clever ways to use either the stamps or punch included in the package.
You will be able to attend the class for just $5 dollars!! 
I haven't set the date yet, but it will be either around the end of October or very early in November.  If I have enough people, I'll hold 2 sessions to accommodate everyone's schedules.