Last Chance

DON'T FORGET

Today is the last day to buy any of the retiring items from the catalog.  That includes tons of stamps, accessories and the decor elements.  These items will not be available after today!  So place your order through my site http://brittnysmith.stampinup.net  Remember to check the clearance rack as there are products there with a great discount.

But the exciting news is that starting tomorrow, June 1st, I will be able to show you the new catalog and all of the wonderful new products!  I am working on my very first video tutorial that will feature the catalog that I will hopefully have for you live tomorrow!  I'm excited about trying this new part of my business for those out there that are unable to attend my classes and parties.  We'll see how it goes.

Weekend

I didn't do any crafting this weekend.  My husband is going to school full time and working as a waiter.  We don't get many days that we get to do things as a family.  When we do, we try to take full advantage of those days.  He actually had Sunday and Monday off!  I wanted to start getting things ready for my open house, but I didn't want to waste this time with my husband and boys.  We had a great weekend with family and friends picnicking, playing and watching fireworks.  I was so happy that I didn't miss out on anything while crafting.  I am definitely itching to craft tonight though, especially after boys go to bed and I wait for Dave to get home from work.  I will hopefully have some more samples this week.

I hope everyone had a nice, long weekend and enjoyed the time with your family and friends.  Thank you to all those who are serving and have served in the past.  A BIG thank you goes out to my husband who served 9 years for our wonderful country.  I couldn't be prouder to call you my husband!

Here's a picture from the weekend of my boys having fun!

Don't Miss Out!

There's only ONE more week to get all of your items off the retired list that you have been thinking about getting.

Click HERE to see a list of the retiring stamps



Click HERE to see a list of retiring accessories. If you see an X in the last column, it means the item is sold out and NO LONGER AVAILABLE

Click HERE to see a list of the retiring decor elements.  There are currently no items unavailable but keep a look out the closer to May 31st you get for items to be sold out.

Place your order through my site www.brittnysmith.stampinup.net than click on products, "Shop Now."  Remember you have until Thursday, May 31st to place your order.  Make sure to check the discounted retiring products for some of those items at a great price.  Contact me with any questions or problems.

 

Birthday Card

This has to be one of my favorite birthday cards I have made in a LONG time.  I just love everything about it.  I love the colors to this, the layout, the flowers, the texture, etc.  I got my inspiration from Mary aka Muffin's Mama on Splitcoast Stampers.  I changed and added things that would fit my style and supplies.  I actually don't want to give it away.  Ever have that problem?  My solution is to make 2 than I can keep one for myself!!

Here are the supplies needed to make this card:

Card Stock: Rose Red
                     Daffodil Delight Designer Series Paper Patterns Pack
                     Early Espresso
                     Whisper White

Ink: Early Espresso Ink Pad
        Rose Red Marker
        Daffodil Delight Marker

Stamp Set: Bring on the Cake

Accessories: Basic Rhinestones
                      Chocolate Chip 1/2" Scallop Polka Ribbon
                      3/16" Brads - Brights Collection (Daffodil Delight)
        Tools: Big Shot
                   Square Lattice Textured Impressions Embossing Folder Die

Boho Blossoms Punch                    Paper Piercer                    Mat Pack          Adhesives: Snail                             Stampin' Dimensionals

Grape Cookies

Pinterest is the best because you can find SO many great ideas that you probably never would have known about or thought of yourself.  I saw a great recipe for jello cookies that will work great with our Sweet Pressed Cookie stamp sets on Pinterest and found the recipe courtesy of iheartnaptime.com here.

The best thing about these cookies other than the great color is that they actually taste like the flavor.  I tried grape since my husband is a fan of grape flavored everything and he was going to be the one testing them out the most!  I really wish you could jump into the computer to taste these cookies.  They are delicious!  I was so happy to find that they worked with the cookie stamps and they tasted good!

If you print out the recipe to use with Stampin' Up!'s Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps like I did, please note:

1. Omit the baking powder so the cookies don't rise during baking and ruin your stamped image.
2. The recipe calls for 4 different flavors but I wanted to try just one.  I added 4 Tbs. of the grape jello into the batter and saved the rest to roll the dough into.
3. The recipe mentions "you might need to add food coloring" but the color really doesn't pop until you DO add the food coloring.  I followed the box recommendations for purple to get the color that I liked.
4. Mix the rest of the grape jello mix with about 2 Tbs. of sugar than roll the dough balls in the sugar mix before putting onto cookie sheet.
5. Press your cookie stamp into the doughs.  The sugar "should" prevent the dough from sticking onto the cookie stamp.  If not, clean your stamp before pressing into next dough.  If you don't like how your stamp turns out on the cookie, just roll into ball and try again!

I am so excited to try these with all the different flavors of jello.  Next on my list is Strawberry since that is MY favorite!!

Boy Graduation Cap and Gown

My husband's cousin graduated from Slippery Rock last weekend and he asked me to make a card.  I have seen this done so many times and has been on my wish list for a long time.  I was so happy to get to make this card finally!  This is a boy graduation card, but I am going to make a girl one as a sample even though I don't have anyone to give it to.  They are so cute and want to show how it can be done for a girl as well.

I chose the colors because Slippery Rock is green and white.  Once I figured out what I wanted it to look like, this is a simple but neat graduation card that can be customized for whatever school colors.

Here are the supplies needed to make this card:

Card Stock: Basic Black
                    Garden Green
                    Whisper White

Ink: Garden Green

Stamp Set: Well Scripted (from 2010 Occasions catalog)

Accessories: White Baker's Twine
                      Old Olive 5/8" Satin Ribbon (retiring May 31st)
                      Silver Mini Brad (retiring)
          Adhesive: Snail
                           Stampin' Dimensionals

*Special Note: I don't like to use supplies that are not available to order because don't you just hate when you see something you want so bad and it's no longer available to order. So I try to avoid that feeling by using only current product. Unfortunately, I don't have a nice "congratulations" stamp like this from the retired stamp set so I just had to use it. I'm sorry if this makes anyone angry that you can't get this stamp anymore.

Mini Thank You Cards

A few months ago, my sister hosted a Stampin' Up! party.  I wanted to give the guests who placed an order that night a little thank you card.  I left it blank inside so they could use it again and had my sister place inside their bags with the rest of the order.

I was going through my pictures and realized that I hadn't written about these.  These are simple 3x3 note cards that I just had to share.  This was my first time making these small cards and have to say they are so cute and easy to make that I'm looking forward to making more.

I am sad that this stamp Triple Treat Flower is retiring since I had just gotten it free during Sale-a-bration.  I should have realized it was too good to be true ;)

Here are the supplies to make this card:

Card Stock: Tempting Turquoise
                    Rich Razzleberry
                     Pumpkin Pie

Stamp Sets: Triple Treat Flower (retiring May 31st)
                    Teeny Tiny Wishes

Ink: Tempting Turquoise
        Pumpkin Pie
        Versamark

Accessories: Brights Designer Buttons
                     Early Espresso Baker's Twine
        Punches: Fancy Flower
       Adhesive: Snail
                        Mini Glue Dots
                        Stampin' Dimensionals

Head to my store HERE to buy any/all of these supplies to make these cards.

Two More Weeks

You have 2 MORE WEEKS before the retired items are gone forever.  Don't miss out on any of the products you need to finish that scrapbook album, thank you cards or invitations you are working on.  It would be horrible if you ran out of that ribbon before you were finished.

Check out the retiring Stamp Sets HERE 
This list is very small.  I have created a Word document with print you can actually read, along with the pictures of the stamp set.  If you are interested email me at brittnycreates@gmail.com and I will forward it along to you.




The following lists are while supplies last so don't delay if you like any of these items.  Items with an X are already sold out so don't even think about ordering these items ;) (Man I guess I feel sassy today while writing this!)
             See the Decor Elements retiring list HERE

             See the Accessories retiring list HERE

After you have seen the lists and want to place your order before May 31st, you can do so by shopping at my online store HERE.  Orders will be shipped directly to your home.  Contact me with any more questions.

Corner Bookmark

Bookmark fits on corner of pages

One VERY nice perk about being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator is that we receive a monthly magazine called Stampin' Success.  There are always such great ideas that help run my business.

One month they featured bookmarks that I just had to try.  I love books and always need a cute bookmark to mark my page.  Plus what a better way to advertise my business than having this with me at all times!

I wanted to post this early, but one of my closest friends just had a birthday and wanted to surprise her with this handmade bookmark since she is a big reader too.  Hence the J on the bookmark.

Front of bookmark

Back of bookmark looking just as cute!

I just absolutely love these bookmarks.  They are very easy to make and can decorate however you would like.

If you would like to receive Stampin' Success magazine to learn such great techniques like this bookmark from Stampin' Up! than you need to join my team!  It's only $99 to get starter and you customize your kit with what you like and want to use most.  You will receive the magazine as well as many other perks of being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator!  I love what I do and would love to have you do the same with me!  Contact me to learn more or read more at www.brittnysmith.stampinup.net under "Join the Fun!"



Island Floral Bookmark

We made these adorable bookmarks at my farewell party.  The retiring product is the Island Floral Sizzix Bigz Die.  I was sad to see this one on the retiring list since I had just bought it.  Here's how to make this bookmark:

Run the die through the Big Shot with the color you would like the flower and leaves to be.  I used 2011-2013 In colors - Colypso Coral and Lucky Limeade.  I punched Daffodil Delight DSP using the Fancy Flower punch.  I assembled the flower with snail adhesive.  I put the glimmer brad in the center of the flowers.  Finally, I attached a small strip of sticky strip on one of the leaves to attach the flower.

This is a really cute and simple bookmark that fits perfectly in any book.

If you would like to order any of these supplies you can do so at my Online Store.  The Island Floral Die will retire May 31st.

Butterfly Card

I had my party to celebrate the retiring products on Friday.  I wanted to show you the card the attendees made using A LOT of the retiring supplies.

The card is featuring one of my favorite stamp sets Flight of the Butterfly so I'm very sad that it's retiring.  I think I might just keep this one hidden when I try to sell all my other retired sets next month.

Supplies needed to make this card:

Card Stock: Whisper White

                     2011-2013 in colors - Wisteria Wonder, Lucky Limeade, Pool Party

Stamp Set: Flight of the Butterfly (retiring end of May)

                  Sweet Swirls standard wheel (retiring)

Ink: Pacific Point

       Versamark

        Old Olive

Accessories: 5/8" Satin Ribbon Old Olive (retiring)

                     Clear Rhinestone Brads (retiring)

          Tools: Crop-a-dile (retiring)

          Punches: Butterfly (retiring)

                          Eyelet Border (retiring)

          Adhesive: Snail

                           Stampin' Dimensionals

                          Mini Glue Dots

*Remember: You have until May 31st to get the retiring products.  Please note some of the accessories may not be available because they are while supplies last.  Head over to my Online Store to begin shopping now.

Thank You

My last post mentioned how I earned Stampin' Start all because of my wonderful customers.  I sent this card to thank them for helping me start my business with a bang!

It was blank inside so they could send it to one of their family or friends.  The "thanks" stamp is from a set that will be retiring at the end of the month.

Here's what I used to make this card:

Card Stock: Whisper White
                    2011-2013 In colors

Stamp Set: Elegant Thank You (retiring at end of May)

Ink: Basic Black

Accessories: 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon Basic Black (retiring)
                     Basic Rhinestones Jewel Accents
          Punch: Small Heart
         Adhesives: Snail

If you would like to order any of these supplies do so by shopping at my Online Store.  There are a bunch of retiring products that you want to check out before they are gone forever!

I Did It!

I just have to brag a little in this post because I'm very excited!

When you join Stampin' Up! they have a 6-month program to motivate you to grow your business from the beginning.  It's called Stampin' Start.  The goal is to reach $300 in sales each month for 6 months and recruit at least 1 person.  The program is broken into 2 periods totalling 3 months in each period.  If you achieve $300 in each month in either of the periods you are rewarded with 2 FREE stamp sets from any catalog!  Each recruit within your first six months is an additional stamp set FREE!  There are additional cash rewards if you achieve all of these goals in your first 6 months.

Well I unfortunately didn't achieve the sales goal my first 3 months, but I just got an email from Stampin' Up! stating that I achieved Stampin' Start for the second 3 months!!  That means I will get 2 FREE stamp sets!  I'm going to wait until the new catalog releases next month to order from.  I couldn't be happier that I achieved this goal.  It's a great start to my business and makes me want to grow it even more to earn even more FREE stuff from Stampin' Up! including trips.  I'm very jealous hearing about demonstrators just getting back from their FREE Disney trip for their achievements.  My big goal is to earn a trip one of these years.

I want to say a BIG thank you to everyone who made this possible for me.  Without you I wouldn't have achieved this goal so THANK YOU!  If you have placed an order with me either in person or online, look for a little thank you in the mail soon!

I love being a part of this company and their are so many perks that they give us for being demonstrators.  Now with the starter kit being fully customizable for only $99 it's a great reason to join my team and be a part of a company who truly appreciates everything we do.  It's great to be a Stampin' Up! demonstrator and I would love for you to join my team and help you achieve Stampin' Start yourself!  Contact me to learn more or join through my website today www.brittnysmith.stampinup.net

Q & A

Q: Recently I saw a cute card with a small, patterned paper envelope on the front. How do you make those? A: Envelopes in a variety of sizes have become all the rage since the Diagonal Plate for the Simply Scored Scoring Tool was introduced recently. The Diagonal Plate makes creating envelopes a breeze – no more templates to trace and cut by hand! Hooray! Plus, envelopes are a great way to show off our beautiful double-sided Designer Series Paper without feeling guilty that we are covering up one of the patterns! While the Diagonal Plate comes with instructions and measurements to make four popular envelope sizes, one of my favorites is the small envelope for love notes! Here’s how you can make the 3-1/8” x 3-1/8” envelopes to hold 3” x 3” love notes: Step 1: Cut a 5” x 5” piece of Designer Series Paper or card stock. Place the Diagonal Plate on the Simply Scored Scoring Tool. Place the paper on the Diagonal Plate. Score the first side at 2-1/4”. Rotate the paper 1/4 turn or 90 degrees. Score at 2-1/4” again. Repeat until all four sides are scored. Step 2: Fold and crease all four score lines. Use a Bone Folder for crisp folds. Use Paper Snips or Square Punch to cut out the triangular scored sections. Step 3: Fold in two side flaps to create the sides of the mini envelope. Add SNAIL, Sticky Strip, or Multipurpose Liquid Glue to the very edge of the bottom flap. Fold that flap up over the side flaps and adhere. The envelope is now complete! You can add the envelope to the front of a card or a scrapbook page. Or use it to hand deliver a special little love note. You can use adhesive to close the top flap, tuck the flap inside the envelope, or use a button or brad and a bit of Baker’s Twine to create a fastener. Have fun discovering all of the fun envelopes and envelope projects you can create with the Diagonal Plate!
© CraftyPerson Production. Images © Stampin' Up! Note: This is part of my monthly newsletter that I send out to my subscribers.  If you would like the whole newsletter each month, leave me your email address in the left sidebar where it says to "subscribe to my newsletter."  You will begin to receive my newsletter the following month. 

Scrapbooking Class

In honor of May being National Scrapboooking month, my class this month will feature this mini album.

Whether you want to display favorite photos of your kiddos or recent vacation, you can do it in style with this versatile, staggered mini album. This bite-sized project is big on style! Your mini album is easy to store and display in its own stylish case. You’ll love how fast and easy it is to create this versatile project using the convenient and coordinated Country Club Simply Scrappin’ Kit!
Reserve your spot today and see how much fun you can have creating mini albums!

Contact me at brittnycreates@gmail.com to join the celebration or RSVP through my events tab at www.brittnysmith.stampinup.net

DATE: Saturday, May 19
TIME: 7pm-10pm
COST: $15
RSVP: by Friday, May 11th with paypal link or at My Site Here

Farwell Friday

It's that time of the year to say goodbye to LOTS of retiring products.  Stampin' Up! is preparing for the new catalog to come out next month so they need to make room for new and exciting things.

I know it will be hard to say goodbye so let's get together to celebrate while crafting, talking, eating and even a little drinking ;)

I will have light snacks to munch on along with some wine and pop to drink.  You will make and take home 1 card and a cute bookmark using retiring products.  There will be a door prize to win and each guest will go home with a little something special for attending.

Cost is FREE (No purchase necessary to attend) You are more than welcome to bring a snack and/or drink with you though.

RSVP by Wednesday, May 9th so I can have enough supplies and snacks for everyone.

Earn an extra entry into the door prize for every friend that you bring (Please make sure to RSVP how many friends you will be bringing so I can include them in our total)
Extra entry by bringing a snack and/or drink that night (You can include what you will bring on your RSVP)
Extra entry for placing a $25 order that night.
*Please note: No purchase is necessary to attend.  Just come enjoy a night of crafting with the great products while they last.

I will also have a special incentive if you book a party in June or July with me that night.  That is a great time to have a party to earn FREE product from the new catalog.

RSVP by calling 412-979-7830 or emailing me brittnycreates@gmail.com.  You can also RSVP through my demonstrator business website under the events tab  www.brittnysmith.stampinup.net

I look forward to celebrating with you!

Join My Team!

Stampin' Up! just made becoming a demonstrator even better!

With a price of just $99, the new, completely customizable Starter Kit can be as unique as your own creativity!  It's the perfect way to get your business off to a great start - your way.  The new Starter Kit comes with

• Up to $125 worth of exclusive Stampin' Up! products that YOU choose
• A business supplies pack (valued at $65) to help get your business started
• Kit ships for FREE!

The total kit is valued up to $190, but the Stampin' Up! opportunity can be priceless!

If you would like to learn more or get started now, click HERE to be taken to my website to join or read more about being a demonstrator.  You can also contact me with all of your concerns.  I will be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Stampin' Up! is a great company to be apart of and I'm glad that I can provide this to you!