Easy-Peasy, Shop in your Jammies

You haven't missed it!! If you braved the crowds this weekend, make it easy for yourself now--use my Online Ordering system and shop for Stampin' Up! products at a FABULOUS DISCOUNT!

You can check out the details, plus don't miss MY extra BONUS items--free Card Kits with your order of $50 or more, AND a chance to win a Hostess Stamp Set for ANY sized order!


To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!

Decor Elements: Why Wait Til After Thanksgiving?

Whoever said that Christmas decorations should come out after Thanksgiving obviously never visited my neighborhood!
Most of the houses already have their lights out, and several even have their Christmas trees decorated.

I have to admit that I'm not quite that on top of things, but the inspiration from my neighbors has at least inspired me to pull out my new Decor Elements and get a jump on a bit of my holiday decorating!

In this video I'll show you step-by-step how to apply the Small Vintage Ornaments Decor Elements. I used the White, to match my woodwork, but these cute elements also come in Real Red, Chocolate and Black.

Plus, you can get these Decor Elements at a discout:

• Choose them for FREE when you order $50 from the Holiday Gift Guide before December 30th
• Or get them in the Christmas Decor Element Bundle (#1, 2 or 3 depending on color) -- on sale at 40% off during the ONLINE EXTRAVAGANZA until Nov. 30th

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
Vintage Ornament Decor Elements (White): 117968 Decor Elements Applicator: 114285

Fun Turkey Table Touches

Only a couple of days left until Thanksgiving! I want to share a post from last year that you may have missed... and it's perfect for this week!

What's cuter than a Scallop Punch with googlie eyes? Why, a Scallop Punch Turkey with googlie eyes, of course!
These little turkeys were shared by Liz Orr at one of our Lovenstampful Stamp & Share events.

Want to make your own? Here's what you'll need:

• Cardstock: Close to Cocoa or Chocolate Chip, Ruby Red, Pumpkin Pie, Summer Sun, Green Galore, Not Quite Navy & Really Rust
• Punches: Scallop Circle, 3/4" Circle Punch, Large Oval, *Boho Blossoms Punch (just a little bit different from the punch in the photo)
• Other: Stampin' Dimensionals, Peppermint Patties & googlie eyes, of course!
  

These are so simple--just punch the pieces shown in the photo and sandwich a Peppermint Patty between the front and the back Scallop Punch pieces as shown. The head is attached with a Stampin' Dimensional.

Have fun with these! Can't wait to make them for my own Thanksgiving table!

Don't forget to check out the Online Extravaganza this week! Shop in my Online Store and click "Online Extravaganza" on the left side to browse the sale. Items and bundles are 30%-50% off!!


To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!

Online EXTRVAGANZA Kick-Off -- 30-50% off

Oh my gosh-- I expected this sale to be a good one, but the variety and huge discount of products on sale this weeks has WAY exceeded my expectations!!

The best way to see what's on sale is to visit my online ordering website and browse for yourself. There are over 35 bundles and items on sale!

Looking for Stocking Stuffers? Get them at close to half price!!
Try the Double-Stitched Ribbon Bundle--two colors for $10.74 instead of $17.90

Looking for a new stamper gift?
Don't miss the Ultimate Stamper's Starter Bundle!! Only $76 instead of $127!!!

• Best Wishes & More stamp set
• Eight Great Greetings stamp set
• On a Pedestal stamp set
• Earth Elements Stampin' Spots
• Earth Elements assorted card stock (8-1/2" x 11")
• Whisper White card stock (8-1/2" x 11")
• Old Olive 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon
• Flower Designer brads

This bundle is available ONLY while supplies last--don't miss out!!

Finally, don't forget that your purchases through my Online Ordering website from today until November 30th qualify for great BONUSES from me! Check here to see what extras you'll be earning with your order.

If you have any trouble with ordering online, just drop me an email or give me a call (217)586-7484. I'd be happy to help you with your holiday shopping!!

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!

Christmas is Coming: Don't Miss Monday!

Stampin' Up's ONLINE Extravaganza begins on MONDAY!!

The details are hush-hush and will be revealed on Monday, but you can bet there will be some terrific sales. So from November 23rd through 30th, you can visit my Online Store to see the great deals and place an order with the great discounts.

Plus, I'm making the deal even better! I'm offering some Online Extravaganza BONUSES of my own!! Just place an order in my Online Store between November 23 and 30th to qualify!

FREE HOSTESS STAMP SET DRAWING:

• Place any sized order through my online store and be entered in my drawing for your choice of the Patterned Pines Level 1 hostess set or the Snow Buddies Level 2 hostess set
• I'll draw for one free stamp set for every 5 orders placed, so you have a great chance of winning
• Order $50 or more and you'll receive an extra drawing entry
• Winners will be emailed on 12/1 for their choice of set and stamps will be mailed on 12/3
  

FREE CARD KIT with $50 ORDER:

• Place an order of $50 or more online and receive a FREE kit (cardstock & embellishments & photo directions sheet) to make 4 Christmas cards at home!
• Pieces will be pre-cut, use the stamps and inks that you have at home to make this Dasher card
  
• Or add the Dasher (116816) and Merriment (115556) stamps to your order, and you'll be able to make the card as shown!
  

TWO FREE CARD KITS with $100 ORDER:

• Place an order of $100 or more online and you'll get the $50 card kit PLUS a second card kit to make 4 MORE Christmas cards
• Pieces will be pre-embossed and ready for you to stamp with images and ink you have at home
• OR add the Brocade Blue Classic Pad (101102) to your order so you'll have the ink to match the cardstock in your kit
  

Free card kits will be mailed 12/3

**Remember, these bonuses are only valid on orders placed through my Online Store (Meg Loven, Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator). If you have trouble with the online ordering system, send me an email and we can make other arrangements so you can still participate.


To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!

Simple and Sassy Christmas Candy

Do you need a quick idea for something to give out as a holiday gift? Maybe a quick candy packet for the mailman, UPS driver, Sunday School teacher...etc.?

I created this project for a Stampin' Up! workshop I did last month, and I wanted to share it with you here.


The supplies are simple: one ink color, one stamp pad and one punch. Plus everyone likes Hershey's kisses, right? Although I suppose you could substitute the candy for something else. Maybe some homemade fudge or cookies? (feel free to send me a sample if you do the fudge option ;-)

I do like the silver and red together, so I used the Real Red Classic Pad, the matching Real Red 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, and the silver candy coordinates with the touch of silver in the Silver Elastic Cord.

Combining two different ribbon types in a project is super-trendy, and adds a nice extra touch to this project. And of course you can't go wrong with the Ornament Punch to match the Delightful Decorations stamp set! (it's easily my favorite in the Holiday Mini Catalog)

Don't forget that the Delightful Decorations stamp set & Ornament Punch can only be ordered until the end of December 2009, and then they are gone when the Holiday Mini Catalog is over! Check out some other Holiday Mini Catalog ideas...


To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
Stamps: Delightful Decorations (116517)
Ink: Real Red (103133)
Paper: Whisper White (100730), Real Red (102482),
Accessories: Real Red 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon (109052), Silver Elastic Cord (109866), Small Cello Bag (103104), Ornament Punch (116794), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

Dasher: Not too late to sign up!

I know, we're getting close since the Dazzling Dasher class is tomorrow evening (Thursday, November 19th), but if you'd like to join us or purchase a "TO GO" kit, it's not too late!

Just visit my online sign-up website for details or to register for your kit or class.

You'll make a set of 8 cards plus a designer box to go with them. The card set makes a perfect gift, or use the cards yourself.

Cost is $25 for the class/kit and you can add the Dasher and Merriment stamps to your kit for $10 more (about 40% off the catalog price!)

Click here to learn more or sign up: http://dasher.eventbrite.com


To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!

Tapestry Snowflakes in Blue and Brown

Looking for a fun technique? This one has been around for awhile, but sometimes oldies are goodies :-) Besides, anything in blues and browns is gorgeous right now--oldie or not!

I created this card for my November Stamp Club, using the Tapestry Technique (see below for directions). The colors are Chocolate Chip for the background cardstock, Brocade Blue and Close to Cocoa for the technique layer, and the snowflakes are all stamped in Whisper White Craft Ink.

The Serene Snowflakes stamp set from the Holiday Mini Catalog was perfect for the 'mood' of this card, and it stamped beautifully in Whisper White ink.


The greeting is from the fabulous Level 1 Hostess Stamp Set, Holiday Best (choose it for free when you have a party, book party or personal order of at least $150!). The Christmas greeting perfectly matches the Ornament Punch from the Holiday Mini Catalog.

Directions:

1. Using Craft Ink, sponge with 2-3 colors over a piece of neutral cardstock.
   
2. Stamp over the top in Whisper White Craft Ink.
   
3. Pour Clear Embossing Powder over the whole cardstock; heat emboss.
   
4. If needed, add Versamark ink to the cardstock and layer more embossing powder.

Classic Pad version:

Sponge in Classic Ink, stamp with White Craft Ink, Heat Emboss, then add Versamark Ink to the card front and heat emboss with more Clear powder.

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
Stamps: Holiday Best (Level 1 hostess set--115364), Serene Snowflakes (115438)
Inks: Brocade Blue Classic Pad, Whisper White Craft Pad, Brocade Blue Craft Pad, Close to Cocoa Craft Pad, Bordering Blue Craft Pad, Versamark Pad
Paper: Naturals White, Brocade Blue, Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa,
Accessories: Heat Tool (100005), Crystal Clear Embossing Powder (109130), White Organza Ribbon (114319), Ornament Punch (116794)

Meg's Holiday Helper FREE Project Tutorials

Christmas is coming!! Are you finding yourself in a creative slump? Don't know what to make for everyone on your gift list?

Could you use some fabulous new project and gift ideas?

My Holiday Helper subscription can help you!

This month I'm offering 12 FREE Christmas Project tutorials to you. I'm excited to share these fabulous ideas, and I know you'll be thrilled to receive them.

Just click the picture or this link and you'll be taken to my Holiday Helper email sign-up page. Put in your full name and email address and you'll be all set!

The ideas will be sent directly to your email inbox, along with ideas for incorporating them into your holiday season.

Expect to receive 1 email each day, for 12 days.

Note that the Holiday Helper is separate from my email newsletter signup. If you'd also like to sign up for my regular email Stampin' Up-Date newsletter, you can use this link.

**If you received my Holiday Helper emails last year, you'll need to sign up again this year--don't miss out!

**Demonstrators, please email me directly for information on receiving tutorials instead of signing up with this form.


To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!

Stamping to Serve: Crisis Nursery

Last week I was excited to visit a local business--Amdocs, to help them with an annual service project. Each year the Crisis Nursery in Champaign, IL holds a Christmas Boutique. Parents can bring their kids to the boutique and wait while the kids shop for gifts for their parents. And the proceeds go to support the services that Crisis Nursery offers in the community.

The community is involved in the sale--some businesses donate items that kids can purchase, some help with other parts of the sale. Amdocs helps by decorating the gift bags that the purchased presents will be wrapped in for the kids to take home.

Remember when you were a kid? Wasn't it fun to have "surprise" gifts for your parents or siblings?

Well these gift bags were decorated using Stampin' Up! supplies, but the Amdocs employees who were able to help during short breaks during their days.

We used a variety of inks--especially the Whisper White Craft Pad, the Silver Encore Pad and a few dark Classic Pads in Real Red and Bravo Burgundy.

The stamps we used were from a variety of sets, including the Level 1 Hostess set, Patterned Pines, as well as snowflakes from the Berry Christmas set (Stamps in the Mail Club for November). The Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheels, especially Classic Stars, were also very popular--lots of great coverage in very little time!

Here's the stack of bags that we stamped in just under 2 hours... Amdocs had 750 bags to stamp, so we made a good dent in the total number with the stamping kick-off party!


To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!

Video Tutorial for Pop-Up Christmas Trees

Have you been looking at this Big Shot die and wondering how the tree fits together? Or maybe have you wondered if that cute tree was going to be tricky to assemble?

I'm happy to share my new O Christmas Tree Bigz XL Die Video Tutorial with you--and you can see for yourself how easy it is to put these elegant trees together. This video is part of my November Stamps in the Mail Club, and the Berry Christmas card is one of the November projects for that Club.



Don't forget, you can still sign up for the current round of my Stamps in the Mail Club, beginning in November!


To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
Stamps: Berry Christmas Accessories: Big Shot, O Christmas Tree Pop Up Bigz XL Die

A Stamping "Thank You" for Your Service

Veterans Day: A day to honor those who serve our country in the military, both at home and overseas.
My sincere and heartfelt gratitude to those who serve and to the families who send and support their loved ones.

Here is a 'thank you' card that I created using the My Digital Studio program from Stampin' Up!. In addition to using the card as an image on a blog or website, these cards can be printed at home, or through the Stampin' Up! Professional Printing service. All the elements I used are included in the original My Digital Studio package.


And the inside:
Thank you to all who serve and who have served in years past!


To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
My Digital Studio: 118008 (includes FREE Decor Element if ordered in November or December -- choose from $16.95 or less)
Digital Elements:
Digital Stamps: Holiday Blitz stamp set (stars--Whisper White with Drop Shadow; Thank You--Night of Navy), For All You Do stamp set (greeting -- Whisper White)
Digital Paper: Night of Navy Cardstock, Real Red Dotted Stripe Designer Series Paper,
Digital Embellishments: Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon, Hodgepodge Hardware Silver Frame & Brads

Scallop Square Pivot Card: I think I mentioned that you need this die?

Last week I showed you a fold-out card with the Scallop Square Die as a base. Here's another fun way to use the Scallop Square Die: as part of a Pivot Card.

This card uses the Kissing Technique, and as I mention in the video, there is NO INAPPROPRIATE CONTENT in this tutorial. If you found my blog by Googling "kissing tutorials", I think you're going to be disappointed. ;-)

The Medallion stamp (115223) here was the most popular stamp set ordered from the Stampin' Up! catalog this fall. And it goes perfectly with the Supernova Glitter colors...but then I think everything goes with Glitter!

If you'd like to get your own Scallop Square Clear Die for the Big Shot, you can still sign up for my November Big Shot Die of the Month Club--I'm extending the sign-up deadline until November 13th--get details or sign up online!




To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
Stamps: Polka Dot (109276), Medallion (115223) or Sanded (109294)
Ink: Pretty in Pink, Melon Mambo
Paper: Pretty in Pink, Melon Mambo, Whisper White
Accessories: Big Shot (113439), Scallop Square Clear Die (115950), Sticky Strip (104294), Fine Supernova Glitter Stack (114287), Clear Rhinestone Brads (113144)

FREE Stamp Set of the Month Winner is...

For October, the lucky FREE Stamp Set of the Month winner will receive the Limited Edition (and retired) Goody Goody Gumdrops stamp set. This was a Level 3 Hostess Stamp Set, available to those who hosted a Stampin' Up! party that totaled $500 or more.

I assigned everyone a number and had Random.org choose the winner.
And the winner is....
Susan W.! Congrats, Susan!

Good news! You can still enter for my November drawing! Just place an order through my online ordering system. You get an entry for each online order you place through my website during a month. For November, I'll be giving away the Level 3 Retired Hostess Set: Older & Wiser!


To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!

Taste of Home Cooking Show: See You There!

If you're going to be at the Taste of Home Show in Rantoul, Illinois tomorrow, I'll see you there!

Be sure to stop by and visit my booth. I have a special My Digital Studio sample for you :-)


To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!

Paper Bag Books: Thankful Journal

I'm excited to be offering this project as a free class at our local Mahomet Community Library next week! So if you live in Mahomet, and there are still spots left, you can sign your kids (hee hee, or yourself) up to join us!


Since we're so close to Thanksgiving, I thought it would be nice to create a "thankful" journal. On each page of the book, I recorded something that is a blessing in my life this year. I'll keep the journal handy this fall, and then store it with my fall decorations when they are put away to make room for Christmas. Next year when I pull my fall decorations out of storage, I can flip back and be thankful all over again for my happy thoughts from last year.

Here is the quick "how to", in case you live nowhere near Mahomet, and you want to try this one yourself at home.

Start with 2 (or more) paper bags. Fold them in half and alternate so the openings are on the left/right sides. Use a strong punch like the Crop-A-Dile to punch through all layers of the bags at one time. Use ribbon or another fastener to bind the pages together.

The page sizes will depend on the size of your paper bags--you can make these books with huge grocery bags, if you want!

Decorate each page, plus add an extra insert page for each of the open bag ends. For my pages, I used all Earth Elements cardstock colors from Stampin' Up!. By sticking with a color family, I knew that everything would mix and match well.

The leaves on the pages are die-cut with my Big Shot Leaves #2 die, and the stamps were from the Autumn Harvest and True Friend stamp sets.


To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
Stamps: Autumn Harvest (110372), True Friend (110378)
Ink: Not Quite Navy, Ruby Red, Old Olive, Summer Sun, Pumpkin Pie
Cardstock: Not Quite Navy, Ruby Red, Old Olive, Summer Sun, Pumpkin Pie
Accessories: Crop-A-Dile, Big Shot, Leaves #2 Big Shot Die, Scallop Circle Punch, Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon in Crushed Curry, Dusty Durango and Soft Suede

Scallop Square Train Fold-out: Why You Need This Die

I'm always looking for cute 'kid' stamping ideas, and the Choo Choo stamp set absolutely fits that description! The Scallop Square card below is one I created for a little boy birthday, and what little boy doesn't love trains? Honestly, what stamper, after playing with this cute set, won't also love trains? ;-)


The colors are Not Quite Navy (one of my 'sleeper' favorites), Certainly Celery and Bashful Blue. I incorporated quite a few accessories into this card: the Large and Small Tag Punches, the My Way Punch for the arrows, and the die-cut number 3 comes from the Go Go Boots Big Shot Alphabet.

The card inside actually folds out in 3 panels. The fold-out is made from two pieces of 4-1/4 x 8-1/2" cardstock, each folded in half. Just attach one piece to the back of the Scallop Square diecut piece, then turn the fold the opposite direction on the 2nd cardstock piece and attach it inside the first white cardstock piece, so the center panels overlap.

I love how the Right On Track Stampin' Around Wheel extends the length of the card. If you needed a card for lots of signatures (like an office party, group baby shower gift, etc.) this would be a perfect solution--just add as many cardstock panels as you need!


But the coolest part of this card is the Clear Scallop Square Big Shot die used for the background. Since the Scallop Square Die is clear, you can SEE what you're cutting before you cut it! And with the front of this card having strips of cardstock, you have to place those strips before you die-cut your Scallop Square, so that they fit on the card front in the right spot. Since you can see through the die, you can line up your strips where you want on the die, and have the perfect fit every time :-)

Of course, if you're excited about the Clear Scallop Square die, you can order it online through my website any time. OR you can sign up for my Big Shot Die of the Month Club before November 10th, and get this die, plus ready-to-stamp card ideas and supplies!


To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
Stamps: Choo Choo (113982), Right on Track Stampin Around Wheel (113838), On Your Birthday (111664)
Ink: Not Quite Navy, Certainly Celery, Bashful Blue
Paper: Not Quite Navy, Certainly Celery, Bashful Blue, Whisper White
Accessories: Big Shot (113439), Scallop Square Die (115950), Tag Punch (Large--105943), Small Tag Punch (108264), Certainly Celery 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon (109031), My Way Punch (arrows -- 110709), Go Go Boots Alphabet (#3 -- 113450)

Unique Ribbon Accent: Flippy Folds

Flippy...what? Who came up with that post title anyway? Oh wait, yeah, that was me. But really, what do YOU think this ribbon looks like? It's kind of flippy, and it's definitely folded... right? Back me up here?

I saw this gathered ribbon technique on a card that graced the cover of our monthly Stampin' Success demonstrator magazine. I just knew I had to try it! But I tweaked just a tiny bit--instead of gathering the ribbon across the entire card front, I only did a couple of folds.

I know you're wondering why... right? Aren't you? Well, I'm glad you asked. One of my pet peeves is cards that flop apart in the mail, so that they don't look as gorgeous coming OUT of the envelope as I like to think they were when I put them IN the envelope. So when I looked at that gathered ribbon, I saw a ribbon disaster waiting to happen. Yes, yards of ribbon (a slight exaggeration, maybe) piling out of an envelope, coming completely unstuck from their formerly graceful gathers on the card.

So in this sample, which happens to be one of the cards you will make in the first month of my new Stamps in the Mail Club Round (check for details here!), I used the Clear Rhinestone Brad to jab through all the layers of the ribbon, ensuring that no Flippy Folds of ribbon could escape from the gather.

Check out the "how to" video:

And like I mentioned, if you're excited to make this card for yourself, you can still sign up for the new Stamps in the Mail Club Round, beginning in November!


To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
Stamps: Berry Christmas
Ink: Garden Green, Real Red
Paper: Soft Suede, Real Red, Whisper White
Accessories: Big Shot (113439), Petals-A-Plenty Impressions Folder, Clear Rhinestone Brads, Real Red 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Scallop Border Punch