In this video, my friend Bonnie Thurber (from the Stampin' Up! Head Office) talks about Stampin' Up!'s clear-mount stamps and why you'll absolutely love them!




Happy stamping,

Labels: clear mount stamps, Video tutorial

# posted by Caroline @ 2:48 PM 0 comments links to this post

Here are 2 more of the cards we're making on Saturday & Monday's birthday cards classes (you can see yesterday's card here).

I love making the faux-vase from the Ornament punch, and paired with the pretty flowers from the "Thoughts & Prayers" set, you can't go wrong! If you click to enlarge the photo, you'll see some glitter on the flowers...needed a wee bit of bling to make me truly happy.

The colour combo used was Rose Red & Always Artichoke, plus the Thoroughly Modern Designer series paper. If you look closely, you'll see the tiniest bit of Bashful Blue under the vase, to create the illusion of shadow.




This So Saffron card plays with More Mustard and Chocolate Chip, and one of the beautiful flowers from the Embrace Life set.

I heat-embossed it with Gold, and watercoloured the inside with More Mustard and just the teeniest touch of Pumpkin Pie.

The sentiment is from Well Scripted, probably my favourite new word set from the Occasions mini catalogue!




I have spots left for all 3 times, so drop me a line if you'd like to RSVP to come play with us!


Happy stamping,

Labels: birthday card, classes

# posted by Caroline @ 2:13 PM 2 comments links to this post

This just in:

A big thanks to all who participated in Stampin' Up!'s Haitian relief efforts!

Worldwide, demonstrators sold 13,587 of the stamp sets that were set aside for Haitian relief. From each of those sales, Stampin′ Up! is donating $2 to the Red Cross’ American Red Cross’ Haiti Relief and Development Fund. That’s over $27,000 (US) donated to people who desperately need our help.

Once again, Stampin′ Up! customers and demonstrators have shown how they can make a difference in the lives of others. Way to go, stampers!

# posted by Caroline @ 1:09 PM 0 comments links to this post

Ahhh, there's always some sort of birthday going on around our family -- whether it's the kids going off to a party or Brent "needing one right now" for someone, I find myself making birthday cards right left and centre!



If you're at all like me, then you'll want to come to one of my Birthday Cards class where we'll make 5 different cards for you to have on hand!

COST: $29.95 for the class which will INCLUDE a “Sweet Birthday” stamp ($9.95, page 208)

• RSVP me for Saturday March 6 at 1pm
• RSVP me for Saturday March 6 at 3pm
• RSVP me for Monday March 8 at 1pm

Labels: birthday card, classes

# posted by Caroline @ 11:47 AM 0 comments links to this post

Save the date for 3 months from now:
Saturday June 5, 2010

Plan to come to our Spring Stampin' Palooza and enjoy a fun-filled all day extravaganza event where you'll learn new techniques and make projects to take home!

Early bird ticket prices will be available ONLY until March 15, 2010, and then the prices go up - so get yours now!

• *NEW* Our featured presenter is the one & only Ronda Wade from Laingsburg, MI! This top-ranked US demonstrator has been with Stampin' Up! almost 9 years, has been in the top 10 for 8 of those, and #1 for 3! Demonstrators, there is also a Friday night Business meeting with Ronda that you WON'T want to miss!
  
  
• You'll get a brand new stamp set from the Stampin' Up! Summer Occasions Mini Catalogue (TBA early-April). *NEW* Demonstrators can select a special ticket option that does not include the stamp set so that you can order it yourself!


• Fantastic Make & Takes: We will have 6 projects for you to make.


• Continental breakfast, lunch, afternoon ice cream sundae bar and beverages will be provided for you. I promise you won't go hungry!


• A goody bag at the door with everything you'll need to make the day a success including pen, notepad, photos & instructions for your make and takes AND a few other surprises thrown in!


• WOW & Technique demonstrations: We've got some great things to show you and you'll get to see them up close & personal and ask any questions.


• A six-week Stampin' Palooza ONLINE subscription with bonus projects, video, etc!


• SIZZIX BIG SHOT MACHINE GIVEAWAY: If you love cardmaking and scrapbooking, learn more about this fabulous die-cutting machine. One lucky person will win one for themselves!


• Cardfront Swapping (optional). You can get some great new ideas by participating in this cardfront swaps with other attendees.


• HUNDREDS of dollars in stamping-related prizes!


• Access to our sale table which will include retired stamping products and card kits.


• A FABULOUS DAY OUT with other crafters, doing what you love and having FUN!

Labels: Stampin' Palooza

# posted by Caroline @ 8:42 AM 0 comments links to this post

Spring is almost here and now you have three new digital downloads to help add new life to all your My Digital Studio projects!

You will love these new ribbons, Designer Series papers, and 3-D box patterns, and they’ll make the perfect addition to your My Digital Studio library. Just order your digital downloads ONLINE... easy peasy!

121063	Satin Ribbon - Digital Download	$5.95
120171	Mini Project Boxes - Digital Download	$2.95
120172	Springs Shades Designer Series paper - Digital Download	$6.95

Happy stamping,

Labels: MDS Mondays, My Digital Studio

# posted by Caroline @ 11:59 AM 0 comments links to this post

Receive this fabulous tutorial by email FREE with ANY order placed with me or paid class attendance in March 2010!

With Vintage style all the rage, this tutorial will help show what creates the vintage feel, some great vintage techniques, tools of the trade and different vintage styles.

You'll enjoy the warmth, layers and texture of the four cards and coordinating vintage purse.

This set makes a beautiful and stylish gift you can give for a birthday, wedding shower, graduation or even as a treat for yourself!

In this 25 page tutorial, you will learn how to make:


• One Vintage Purse

• Four coordinating Vintage Cards

These projects feature the Vintage Vogue stamp set and Very Vintage Jumbo Stampin’ Around Wheel along with a fun assortment of tools perfect for creating the vintage feel. The projects combine warm soft colors, texture, layers and ribbon to create different types of vintage style.

If you want MORE though, there's even an alternate colour scheme for more project ideas!

Labels: Free tutorial, Vintage Vogue

# posted by Caroline @ 8:20 AM 0 comments links to this post

Want to get all my "Craftin' Caro" updates via Facebook? It's super easy... become a fan!

Here's my contest for you:

Add yourself as a fan by Friday March 5, 2010 and be entered in a draw to win a fabulous new Hostess set: the 8 piece "Picture This" set from the Occasions Mini catalogue.

Already a fan? No problem -- you'll be automatically entered in the draw on Saturday March 6th!Please note that while anyone can become a Fan for my Facebook page, this contest is open to Canadian residents only == thanks!

Labels: contest, facebook

# posted by Caroline @ 9:20 AM 0 comments links to this post

Do you want to learn how to make these 5 cards?
If you're in Canada, there's still time for you to place an order with me this month and receive a 22 page FREE tutorial that features the new Extra Large Two-Step Bird Punch and Sweet Pea Designer paper pack.

The 5 cards use the bird punch in both traditional and unique uses that will get your creative juices flowing! From serene reflections to silly clowns, this set covers the gamut so you can be ready for any occasion year-round.

In this tutorial you will learn to make:

* Five Cards
* One Belly Band for the card set

There's even a set of ALTERNATE card ideas included!



More about the tutorial...

Place your order now and receive this great .pdf tutorial to play with!

# posted by Caroline @ 2:31 PM 1 comments links to this post

I've had a few people ask if I'd be willing to also have a Monday afternoon class for the Sale-A-Bration 10 cards class that I'm hosting on Saturday... and the answer is YES!

If you can't make it to tomorrow's 1pm class, you can RSVP for Monday at 1pm instead. Just let me know and I'll save you a spot :)

FYI... if the idea for this first card is familiar, it's because I CASE'd it from Shelli's blog. It was one of the M&T's she made for a "Workshop of a Lifetime" she demo'd at.

I'm HUGELY excited to see Shelli when she comes to Markham next month and enjoy dinner with her -- I promise to take lots of pics!!







Happy stamping,

Labels: classes, Sale-A-Bration

# posted by Caroline @ 4:49 PM 1 comments links to this post

Hi everyone! Here's a sneak peek of one of the 10 cards we'll be making on Saturday for our Sale-A-Bration 10 cards class.

Hope you can join us!


Happy stamping,

Labels: classes, Sale-A-Bration

# posted by Caroline @ 11:56 AM 0 comments links to this post

I want to take a moment to thank everyone who came to craft in Toronto and attended this weekend's Stampin' Palooza events for helping make it a truly fabulous time.

I was thrilled to see so many smiling faces and really appreciated each of you who stopped to tell me what a great time they were having. It sure does the heart good! I look forward to sharing many wonderful pictures with you here on the blog over this next week.

Special thanks also go out to my amazing presenters who did such a good job: Linda Hansen, Blair Moch, Chanda McLean, Dina Anker, Lesley Poper, Michelle Sturgeon, Christyne Richardson and of course I can't forget my very own "Big Shot" Brent.

My incomparable helpers for both the day and behind-the-scene efforts can't be neglected either: Bernard from WPI Events, Brian Korson of Video Excellence, Christyne, her daughter Lauren, Michelle Surrette, Serena & Granny "Weezie". Thanks also to the very talented stampers who brought display boards and artwork to share. If I've managed to forget someone in these lists...please forgive me.

Take a look at our 4 Name Badge Contest winners: Caroline with her flower pot, mom & daughter pair Michelle & Barbara, and Julie with her MDS badge. I can't wait to post the Badge Parade participants as well, since they were all soooooo cute!

But the FUN hasn't ended as we want to keep the party going, and there's still time for you to get involved as Stampin' Palooza ONLINE goes live this Friday!

Over the next 6 weeks, 'Palooza Peeps will get access to hundreds of wonderful display board samples and photos posted, exclusive videos, six bonus project tutorials using the featured "With All My Heart" set, stamping challenges and MORE.

For those of you who missed out on the weekend's festivities but still want to be included, I'll be posting more information about how you can order the "Palooza-TO-GO" kits. So stay tuned!

Labels: Stampin' Palooza

# posted by Caroline @ 11:42 AM 1 comments links to this post

The excitement's been building for a while now and this is when all the hard work and prep time will pay off: a fabulous day of stamping, great presentations, tons of prizes, food and fun.

YES, IT'S STAMPIN' PALOOZA TIME!

If your plans for the weekend have fallen through, I still have supplies for a few more people to join us at this weekend’s events... we have lots of space and loads of food :)

And for all of you out-of-towners, the driving weather is looking great! And of course, we have our worry-free winter weather guarantee – just in case the weather guy is wrong…

With 3 cards and 3 projects, here is another sneak peak at some of what you'll be making on Saturday: a Fancy Favour treat box, a Hearts Cup card plus a 12 page "Me" chipboard scallop circle mini-scrapbook album.

Hope you can join us!

Labels: Stampin' Palooza

# posted by Caroline @ 9:45 AM 0 comments links to this post

In case you missed out on a couple of favourites offered in our last Holiday Mini catalogue, Stampin' Up! has chosen to carryover several products so you can still get them now.

This list of products (shown below) is available for purchase both through myself, as well as through Online Ordering. In addition, these products will be available in the next Idea Book & Catalogue!

Labels: Big Shot, Holiday Mini Catalogue

# posted by Caroline @ 9:12 AM 0 comments links to this post

If you are a Stampin' Up! demonstrator in Toronto, the GTA, or anywhere else in Southern Ontario, be sure to join us this Friday evening for an evening of business & life motivation, stamping and FUN!

Our guest speaker is the one and only Linda Hansen from Salt Lake City, Utah, who is returning once more to Toronto to be with us!

Linda has been a motivational speaker, corporate trainer, vocal coach, singer, and stamper for the past 35 years. She was hired as the first demonstrator trainer at Stampin' Up! where she worked for nine years, and is currently helping demonstrators achieve balance in their lives, while sharing her love of stamping.

On Friday evening, both Linda and myself will be speaking to demonstrators.

You will also enjoy new display boards with current samples, over $100 in door prizes, refreshments and 2 stamp projects using the new Occasions mini "With All My Heart" stamp set.

We are also accepting food bank donations and cards for the Toronto Ronald McDonald House location, in the hope of giving something back to our community!

DATE: Friday February 19, 2010

TIME: 7:00 – 9:30 pm (doors open at 6:45)

LOCATION: Royal Canadian Legion Hall, 9 Dawes Road, Toronto (INFO HERE)

PRICE: $20 per demonstrator, special $10 price for "Canadians, INK!" team members

BRING: Your stamping kit of scissors, adhesive & bone folder; your camera; a smile!

Labels: Demonstrators, Stampin' Palooza

# posted by Caroline @ 5:56 AM 0 comments links to this post

Thank you, Alexandre Bilodeau!

If you're a Canadian blog reader here, you already know that Bilodeau won the gold medal in men's moguls this weekend.

This win marks the first time a Canadian athlete has captured the top Olympic prize at a Canadian game, and cheers erupted from sea to shining sea! It was a spectacular sight to see, as was the medal ceremony last night.

Ahhh... who says Canadians aren't patriotic?!!

To help celebrate, I'm offering free shipping on all new Stampin' Up! orders placed with me this week only (Tuesday Feb 16 - Monday Feb 22). Orders over $60 can be shipped direct to you, under $60 they must be picked up at my studio.

The excitement will continue as the Olympics do, and in the meantime, congratulations also go out to Jennifer Heil for her silver in Ladies Moguls, Snowboarder Mike Robertson with another silver medal in Men's SBX, and Kristina Groves for her bronze in the Ladies 3000m speed skating.

GO TEAM CANADA!

# posted by Caroline @ 8:53 AM 0 comments links to this post

Tired of the traditional Red & Pink colour schemes one usually associates with Valentine's day? Look no more!

This lovely combo of Bashful Blue, Certainly Celery and Regal Rose might just do the trick if you are looking for a softer palette to work with (using Always stamp set).

Happy stamping,

Labels: Valentine's

# posted by Caroline @ 9:26 AM 3 comments links to this post