Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

It is hard to believe that tomorrow is Christmas Day...this month has flown by....I hope everyone has a Blessed Christmas and a great New Year!!!

Occassional Mini Sneak Peak

 As you know I am going to be a guest designer on Dawn Rapsas' blog and I worked all day today creating this wonderful mini note book using the new Springtime Vintage DSP and the new seam binding ribbons....rose red, baja breeze and crumb cake.  I found the tutorial to make this book on Becky Robert's blog and it came together really well.  I love using Becky's tutorials...her directions are so easy to follow along and thank goodness for her pictures.  What's nice about this little book is that it can be used as a brag book or for notes or even for keeping your business cards in so when you run into someone who might be interested in hostessing a workshop, you just whip this cute little book out and hand her a business card. 
I just love the colors in this paper...I focused on rose red, not quite navy, baja breeze and crumb cake. 

I will be posting more pictures about this project when I put it on the YEBO website.  Go to the side bar on the right and click to join in this next round....I need all the support I can get.  This is my first ever as being a guest designer....

Filled With LOVE Promotion

Starting December 17, 2010-January 24, 2011, get a FREE package of Bitty Buttons--a $4.95 value--when you purchase the Filled with Love Bundle. Also included is the Filled with Love Stamp Set (your choice of clear or wood) and the exclusive Love Patterns Designer Series Paper!

 

Twas The Day Before My Stampin' Up!.....revisited!!!

I came across this picture today and wondered what it was all about.  It had a link to this wonderful blog.  Lorri Heiling is a fellow demonstrator and she wrote this wonderful poem which you have all read before but to a stamper, it's pure glee to read.  I loved it when I read it and I emailed her and asked if I could share the poem on my blog.  She emailed me back and said SURE!!! Go over and check it out and leave her a comment.  Enjoy!!!!!

Christmas Challenge with The Paper Players

One of the blogsites I love is The Paper Players .  They have a challenge every week and this week it's Christmas.  You can never have enough christmas card ideas and they give you a whole week to play.  I have been making cards to sell at a local store.  I have been loving the bells and boughs stamp set in the occasional mini.   Vintage seems to be in this year and I love the way this card came together.  I have been sticking with cherry cobbler and always artichoke.....these two colors look awesome together.  I started with a piece of cherry cobbler as my base. I added a piece of always artichoke to enhance the whisper white which is stamped the sentiment in cherry cobbler and the holly stamped in always artichoke.  I then used a cherry cobbler pen to color in the berries.  The ornament is from the contempo christmas stamp set  in cherry cobbler and punched out with the ornament punch.  I then took some dimensionals to pop up the ornament.  I have also love the new seam binding ribbon.  It is so easy to work with.  All the stamp sets and ribbon can be ordered from the occasional mini.  I am going to post my card on the paper players website....go check it out.     Happy Stamping!!!!!!

I'm A Guest Designer!!!!

I can't tell you how excited I am....Dawn Rapsas, a fellow SU! demonstrator, started UStamp with Dawn and Friends.  I have been a member for about a year and love the designers ideas.  With your membership you get tons of ideas and templates to create cards and projects throughout the year.  Dawn had posted to members that the team was looking for guest designers and to send her a link to her blog.  I thought why not try to see.  Well, I got an email back from Dawn saying that she loved my blog and if I wanted to be a designer.  WOW....what a priveledge and an honor!!!! 

I need to start creating and designing my project but I did want to share the news.  If you would like to become a member of UStamp with Dawn and Friends, click here to get started.  It is so worth it....also you get to meet new people.

As part of being a guest designer, I am going to go through my favorite blog sites that I follow and pick someone to get a FREE pass for this event coming up.  I will be announcing the winner tomorrow!

Hope I see you on UStamp!!!!

'Tis The Season

I have been a horrible blogger lately.  With a week off for Thanksgiving, I have been very slack at posting.  I was down at the beach with my family and we had such a great time.  My daughter turned 13 on Thanksgiving Day and her father surprised her with a trip to New York City.  I was so excited for her and so I forfeited my time with her so she could go to New York with her Dad.  I was sad that my daughter and son were not there to celebrate Thanksgiving with me but I couldn't say no to the trip.  I had some time while I was with my Mom and my sister to work on a few projects.  I had the great idea to give all of the Middle School teachers a cute box filled with gift tags.   My Mom  and sister were glad to help, but trying to finish 115 boxes by Friday is going to be a challenge.  I will post the finished product when I am done.

My next project was to create a Christmas card for my parents to send out.  I told my Mom that I could create on My Digital Studio and she said go for it.  I came up with this layout and she loved it.  They are sending out 600!!!!!  This is a tri-fold card which measures 12 x 9 1/4.   It's very simple and since I had to incorporate pictures of all 12 grandchildren I thought the ornaments would be perfect.  I'm pretty proud of myself for creating the card and I think the recipients will love it.

I promise to start posting the Christmas cards I have been making at the end of the week.

Stampin' Up!'s Online Spectacular

 Starting today, Stampin' Up! is offering great deals on products.....some of them up to 50% off!!!!!!  This is an ubelievable sale.....I have never seen this before....what's even better is that if you place an order of $150 or more you receive free shipping AND hostess benefits!!!!!!!!!  Wow....

Now is the time to get ready to start making your holiday cards and gifts and what better way to start is by saving on the products that will help you start creating!!!!!  

Need help getting started to create?   Why not take this opportunity to jump on board and take advantage of the 50% off starter kit....with the starter kit not only do you get the products you need to get started BUT you also get the techniques and ideas that will make your cards and gifts a snap!!!!  Stampin' Connection is the best way to find card and gift ideas for the holidays from other demonstrators and techniques galore!!!!!!!  The half off starter kit runs through November 30th.  Just think.....$310 worth of Stampin' Up! products and ideas AND up to 50% off of products.....I am going straight to the website to check out all the new deals.....I love being part of this family......get on board and you can join in my elation too!!!!!!!!

It's the Hap, Happiest Time of the Year!!!!!

 This is the most exciting time of the year for me....I love the holidays.....my house has been decorated since September with Halloween, converted November 1st to Thanksgiving and Thanksgiving weekend the Christmas decorating will commence.   But before I start decorating for Christmas, I need to start CREATING.  Remember that word?  In this economy, handmade gifts and cards are making a comeback.  Not that they have ever gone away, but it's getting back to connecting to the relationships that we hold dear in our hearts that are so important, especially this time of year. 

My passion for creating a gift or card for someone special in my life is that once I see that reaction on their face, it makes the work all the worthwhile.  When I tell people what my passion is, they say that it's because you are so creative.  Not true, I am given the tools to become creative and it makes me so proud of myself to know that I love what I do and love to share my passion.   Wouldn't you love to show the ones you love by creating a gift or card and seeing the great expressions on their faces when they see how much care you put into your creation........and to reward yourself by saying "I can do it.....and I love it!"  It just takes one class or workshop to get on the band wagon and better time to do it is right now.

 Wouldn't you love to create this house and have it on your mantle to show off?  Or have handmade decorations and ornaments on your tree like this one.....you may look at these projects and say that they are so difficult....but guess what?   They are so easy and I would love to help you.....Stampin' Up! has several promotions going on right now.....as I posted earlier that we have the holiday bundles promotion....we have bundles several products together to help you start creating for the Holidays.   And the best part is that we also have directions and ideas to help you create them.   The greatest thing that Stampin' Up! gives to their customers is to share what we love and they never leave you hanging.....directions and samples galore!!!!!!!

Today kicked off the 50% off the starter kit.....in my last post I explained in length what joining Stampin' Up! is all about.  If you have ever wanted to see what the buzz is all about in creating cards and gifts, now is the time to find out.  Everything that you see in the above picture is everything you will receive if you decide to join our passion.  The best part that not only will you receive everything you need to get started, you will also be connected with other people who love and share the same passion that you do.   Stampin' Up! demonstrators are connected to a wealth of information and instructions on how to create beautiful, yet simple cards and also handmade gifts that will having everyone buzzing.....I really suggest that you go onto the SU! website and see what we have to offer....also go onto my website and explore all what the company is offering right now for the holidays.....if after seeing everything still doesn't get you excited.....just come over to my house and make a card or gift with me.  If you have something in mind that you would like to see or do, my door is always open.....I would love for you to see what makes me so happy!!!!!!!

Can You Say 50% Off??!!

 I couldn't believe it when I went onto the Stampin' Up! website this morning to see if there were any new articles and BEHOLD there is the greatest promotion that will start on Monday, November 15 - November 30th.  This has never promoted since I have been a demonstrator for over 4 years.  LOOK at the picture above....see how much is in the basket?   That's what my order looked like when I first went to a workshop over 10 years ago.  Wouldn't you love to have all that for half the price?   What you see in that basket is worth $310......I know that's alot of money.   Well what if I told you that you can get all of that for just $87.50???????   I was floored when I read the article.....what a great idea.  When I joined the starter kit was over $200.  In July, the company decided that the price should be lowered to $175....NOW FOR 2 WEEKS ONLY  you can get it all for HALF the price.

Now I know you're saying to yourself.....I don't have time to hold classes, I'm not creative and I know I would get all the products and just let it sit there....

I too said those same things but once I started looking into it more, I realized that I could do it just because I know I have a passion for making people happy by giving them MY handmade cards and gifts........Play Santa to yourself or ask someone special to give you an early Christmas present!!!! 

By signing up you not only get the products but you also will get..................................
*You can choose between the standard starter kit or the digital starter kit.
*Dec. 1st - demonstrators get to preorder from our new Occassions Mini catalog and Sale-A-Bration catalog, you can save 30% or more on all new stamps, ribbon flowers, pom pom trim and red glitter paper, new sizzex dies, new fabrics and so much more.
*Access to our Stampin' Connection - our exclusive demonstrator online forum with over 120,000 searchable card and project samples and hundreds of technique videos. ( I love this website and it's where I get most of my ideas!)
*Why not? NO required starter parties, you can simply take advantage of a great deal and walk away or just submit $300 in sales each quarter (that's every 3 months)....your purchases count at full retail even though you get 20-40% discount on them.
*You can be your own hostess and get all the hostess benefits and still also get your 20-40% discount.......YOU DON'T HAVE TO HOST CLASSES TO FULFILL YOUR PASSION TO CREATE....TAKE IT FROM ME.....I have a class when I want to and I make cards and sell them.
*You will have me to help you with all you want to do to create or have a class.....

So if you would like to join and have questions, just email me or call....
I suggest you go onto my SU! website and browse around....come Monday you decide to join....just go onto my website and click on the join icon.  You will need to have my password to sign up.....castellini. 

I would love to hear from you....come see how much fun I'm having....

A HUGE THANK YOU!!!!

I want to give a HUGE thank you to all of my followers and customers for your continued support in helping me promote my business....I appreciate all of your comments and know that I read them all.  Since the creation of my blog, I have had over 2,200 visits.....I was floored when I looked at my stats.  I have been wanting to showcase this stamp set french foliage (p. 14 of the holiday mini catalog) for a while now.   The leaf images are so life like, it looks like you made an imprint from an actual leaf.  The watermark images lend that added vintage touch to the card.  The base of the card is old olive CS.  The leaf and watermark images were stamped on very vanilla cardstock.  The colors used were cajun craze, so saffron, old olive and elegant eggplant.  To add some depth to the card I used the square lattice EB folder and ran a piece of so saffron through the big shot.  The layer of cajun craze that is under the so saffron was run through the crimper and sponged with early espresso ink.  One of the new products I have grown to love is the distressing essentials kit (118762 for $19.95).  It comes with all of the tools, from files to distressing ink, to give your projects that aged look.  I love how distressing the paper softens the card.  Just remember, the simpliest techniques go the longest way.  The thanks sentiment comes from the thank you kindly stamp set (p.158 in the IBC...idea book and catalog...111700).  It was stamped on the new specialty  Autumn Spice DSP (p.13 in the holiday mini....120808).  The great aspect of this paper is that it is textured and heavy weight so it can be used to make 3D projects and gifts...

I am getting ready to get my Christmas stamp a stack card classes ready and will be posting in the next few days what I will be offering as Holiday classes....this is a great time of year before the Holidays really kick in to get organized with cards to send and gifts to make for coworkers, teachers, neighbors, friends and family.  Keep checking in to see what classes will fit into your schedule.  Again, thank you for your continued support!!!!!

Another Purse......

 Since I have had this purse template, I just love making these adorable purse sets.  The purse can hold up to 6 cards with envelopes.  The front pocket of the purse could be used for small gift tags or cards.  Cherry Cobbler is my most favorite color right now.  I tend to pick a piece up everytime I make a card.  The designer paper is called Love Letter.  When I first ordered it, I had no idea what to do with it since black and red aren't really in my color schemes.  I definitely had to think outside of the box.  Once I started putting the purse together (you can purchase the template on Becky Robert's blog), I really liked how the DSP looked.  Using the cherry cobbler seam binding ribbon and the vintage brads gives the cards that extra special touch.  I loved the vintage feel of each card and would definitely use this designer paper more often.  Thanks for stopping by!

Need Last Minute Halloween Ideas??

 I just came across the greatest blog ever!!!!   A fellow demonstrator Diana Ball-Seitz has some AMAZING Halloween treat ideas and great Halloween decorations.....you definitely need to check out her blog, Stamping Moon.   You will not be dissappointed....I am definitely subscribing to her blog and following it.  I just love getting ideas from other talented demonstrators since I tend to not have the greatest creative gene!!!!  Enjoy her website and I hope she can inspire you as much as she has inspired me!

Cards For Sale

I had stated in an earlier post that I have been making cards to sell in a local gift shop.  I am so excited that they are doing extremely well.  What's nice about selling the cards is that it gets your name out and as long as you have the SU! logo on your card, you can sell them.  The card to left is using the watercolor trio stamp set.  I colored the stamp using the pear pizzaz and concord crush markers.  The pear pizzaz poly twill ribbon adds that special touch on this clean and simple card.  

This next card was using the fifth avenue floral stamp set and on the lily I added some dazzling diamonds glitter.  This is again a very simple and clean card and theglitter adds the special touch.  

I love this next card using the circle circus stamp set.  This card is used with the new in colors....pear pizzaz, concord crush, peach parfait, poppy parade and blushing bride.  There is no rhyme or reason to this card, just random stamping of the circle stamps and a simple sentiment.  This last card is a little busy for my taste but I liked the lay out of the card.  Using the greenhouse DSP I was able to compliment the card with the friends never fade stamp set.  Using pear pizzaz, daffidol delight, poppy parade and pumpkin pie ink pads I stamped the scalloped squares and adhered them to the marina mist cardstock. 

New Holiday Bundles!!!!

 Today launches the first day of the holiday bundles sale.  Below you will find what SU! is offering at 20% to get you started on making the perfect handmade gift for your friends and loved ones.  From now until December 16th you can save 20% on bundles products that make wonderful gifts.  Go to the customer page of the Stampin' UP! website and click on the above picture to get instructions on how to make these gifts and start saving today!!!!!  I will be posting Christmas ideas as well in the coming weeks using these bundles.

Purse-enly Yours

 So I've been a little MIA lately.  I was in Cincinnati last week to support the Reds in the playoffs against the Philadelphia Phillies.  What an experience!!!!!  There are some SERIOUS fans, and I'm not saying that lightly.  The first two games were in Philly and one in Cincinnati.  We only played 3 due to being swept.  I must say that I am glad that our season is over but I just wanted to win 1 game against the Phillies.  The Reds will bounce back and we will be in the playoffs again next season.  ANYWAY..........

I have been making cards and gift sets to sell a local specialty store "LisaLisa's Gift Closet."  I went the other day to see how my cards were selling.  I am so excited....they are selling and I need to make more.  I will be concentrating on gift sets like this one. 

As a demonstrator, I am able to look for ideas from other demonstrators and Becky Roberts is one of them.  Becky sells the purse templates on her website.  This purse is really easy to make.  Becky's instructions are wonderful.  You can design the purse any way you want.  The purse can hold 4-6 standard (5 1/2 x 4 1/4) cards and envelopes.  I thought about putting little gift cards and envelopes in the pocket.  I used the Lap of Luxury DSP as the backdrop for the purse and the cards.  I stamped some of the images from the Growing Green stamp set and watercolored them.  I love being able to use the watercolor crayons or pencils and my blender pen to watercolor the images.  As you can see, the fine lined images work best for watercoloring.  Instead of using our watercolor paper I used the other side of a piece of shimmery cardstock.  You will need to use a heavier piece of cardstock or watercolor paper so when you are blending the color, the paper will not ball up.  I have posted the cards that will be in the purse.  You can click on each picture to get a closer look.   

More products in the Clearance Rack

 Now is a great time to check out all the clearance items....Stampin' UP! has just added more products to the clearance rack.  With the holidays coming up, it's a great time to stock up on products. 

I know that my posting has been lacking lately.  I have been very busy with traveling to see baseball.  For the first time in 15 years the Cincinnati Reds, my hometown, won the central division title!!!!!!!!!  I will be traveling to Philadelphia to see the Reds play on Wednesday and Friday.  It's a very exciting time for the city and my family.  Once things settle down I will be posting again. 

Tote-Ally Awesome Opportunity

We have a great opportunity going on right now to become a demonstrator....when I went to convention this past July, Stampin' Up! always sets up a Momento Mall for demonstrators to buy items that are only sold at convention.  One of the items for sale was this AWESOME craft tote.  It is made with the Greenhouse Gala Designer Paper Series print.  I love toting this around with all of my products to show it off.  The colors are so vibrant and it holds alot.  What you see in this picture is everything that you can receive when you sign up to become part of the Stampin' Up! family.   Now I know by now you are asking yourself....."why would I ever want to sign up....I have no time, I have a full time job, I'm too busy".....or just fill in your answer. 

I too asked myself the same thing before I signed up.....I have been using SU! products for over 10 years and 3 years ago after buying over $100 of products every month or so (when I would go to workshops and classes), I decided that I wanted to get 20% off my orders and I wanted to be connected to a wonderful company that cares about their demonstrators and gives great ideas for projects and for growing your business.  Now I am what you call a "hobby" demo....I love making cards and projects to sell and show.  If I want to have a class, I have a class.  If someone wants to hostess a class, I'm all for it.   BUT....what I won't do is force myself down anyone's throat.  I love sharing my passion......

If you're like me, then this would be a great opportunity for you!!!!!!!!     If you sign up from now until October 18th you will receive this great tote for FREE.....And the best part is that you get a ton of products for $175.....I'm not going to tell you what I paid when I signed up but I've never regretted becoming a demonstrator!!!!  Check out my SU! website and see what we have to offer!!!!!  There has never been a better time to join the Stampin' UP! family.