Oh no... this digital artwork has me in a tizzy!

Did you know that.... 

- Stampin' Up! has software for making cards, scrapbooks and calendars...

- The stamps and colors never retire... 

- You can use the software to "color" the stamps in any of our Stampin' Up! colors... even more than one color on each stamp...

- That you can try the software for FREE for 30 days...

- You can print to your own printer OR through our competitively-priced professional printing service...

- If you decide to buy it, the software ONLY costs $19.95...

- There are new digital downloads released EVERY Tuesday...

- There are FREE downloads available... that you can download without purchasing the software...

- That you can use the images you purchase IN the software, or, OUTSIDE of our software...

- You never lose artwork you purchase because you can download it again if you need to... (even if you switch between windows and mac)...

Stampin' Up! has SO many cool products, I try not to bomb your inbox with everything.... really, I do, but the wreath below got me in a tizzy.  How stinkin' cute is THAT?  I guess I NEED to buy it... good thing I'm a demo and get a discount on my orders or I would be seriously broke.  LOL.  I think I'll have to print the wreath, frame it and add some buttons or bling to it.... hmmmmm.... 

ABOUT TO BLOSSOM - Digital Kit

Convention - Other highlights

Another fun part of convention is making NEW friends!  I met Beth and Nicole in the Detroit airport.  We clicked right away and talked for 2 hours in the airport and an hour on the plane until we FINALLY broke down and went to sleep!   I met up with them again at my favorite restaurant in Salt Lake City, the Blue Lemon and spent another 2 hours with them in the airport on the way home.  We've exchanged a few emails since returning home and I can tell these are friends I will treasure knowing for many years. :)

I have to admit... I'm a creature of habit.  When I like a restaurant, I only go there.  When I like a dish, I only order that...  Here's my fav from Salt Lake City... a Pear Gorgonzola Salad from the Blue Lemon.  

Another highlight is hearing Shelli Gardner speak.  She's the CEO and co-founder of SU.  Shelli is a genuine and caring person and is always a delight to hear speak. :)

Craft room organization

I read a really cool article in Real Simple once about two organizing personalities.... one type is the type that needs everything put away out of sight.  The other type is the type that needs everything in sight.  Can you tell which personality I have?  What about you?  What is your organizing personality?

Convention - Friends!

The BEST part of convention is sharing the creative inspiration with good FRIENDS!  This was our first night together.  We had dinner at California Pizza Kitchen.  Pictured - Karrianne Goodwill, Maureen Ward, Jackie Miller, Michelle DeRidder and Heather Wilber.

Stampin' Up! Convention

One fun thing about convention is the creative clothing that people wear!  These ladies were nice enough to let me snap their picture.  :)

Design a Stampin' Up! stamp set!

We Want Your Ideas!

July 26, 2013

We've created a way for you to help us design and choose new stamp sets--In with You (beta program). The In with You program is currently open to anyone (demonstrators, customers, etc.) in the United States and Canada, including District of Columbia, APO/FPO, and Puerto Rico, but not Québec. So spread the word!

Once you join our In with You online community, you can submit your original artwork for stamp set challenges, vote and comment on other people's submissions, earn badges, and interact with others in the community. We will produce and sell one or more stamp sets from among the top-voted submissions in each challenge. Plus there are fabulous prizes for top designs.

Here's the scoop on the current challenge, which you'll also find on the In with You site in the left column under Current Campaign:

Contest dates: July 18-August 31, 2013

Submit ideas early so you have plenty of time to gather support for your work (you know--get your friends to vote for your design).

Contest theme: Illustrated Sayings, Plays on Words, Puns

Go ahead--wow us with your brilliance, make us laugh till we cry, show us just how witty you are. Send us one to five of your funniest, cleverest, and cutest illustrated puns, plays on words, or sayings.

Prizes*:
1st place: $200 US/$200 CAN Visa Gift Card
2nd place: $150 US/$150 CAN Visa Gift Card
3rd place: $100 US/$100 CAN Visa Gift Card
*Winners determined by number of votes.

Be sure to read the Submission Guidelines by clicking the link at the bottom of the page before submitting your designs.

Your images may be our next great stamp set! We can't wait to see your designs!

Items to note:

• While we encourage handwritten sayings, you may use fonts. If you use a font, please indicate which font you used.
• All sayings must be attributed to the correct source.
• Trademarked sayings may prevent us from creating your stamp.
• Some fonts carry special licensing agreements that may also prohibit us from creating your stamps.
• Please note that this is design challenge and only ideas submitted with imagery will qualify to win.

For more information, submission guidelines, terms and conditions, and to participate, go to http://inwithyou.ideascale.com.

Super Simple Ribbon and Washi Tape Storage!

I'm an organization geek.  I am always looking for a better way to organize EVERYTHING, especially my craft room.  :)  Here's my latest idea for storing Ribbon and Washi tape... using Washi tape!

I've always been bugged by ribbon storage.  As you can see, I like to store my ribbon and washi tape on its side so I can easily see it and access it, but they would always roll off my shelf.  Bummer.  I dislike the ribbon holders that hold the ribbon on a pole, because it is too hard to take off empty ribbon containers from the middle!

So, I strung some Washi tape across the shelves as a little "wall" to keep it from rolling.  Since the Washi tape is a lightly tacky and respositionable, the containers stick to it lightly and stay towards the front off the shelf.  My buttons and brads containers were a bit heavy and the tape sagged a bit in the middle, so I put a strip top-to-bottom to give it a little extra strength.

For my Washi tape, I chose to use the crumb cake tape from the Epic Day This and That Designer Washi tape selection.  I wanted a color that was subtle.  I think the Dafffodil Delight Gingham Washi tape would have pretty too.  What do you think - should I go bright and pretty or stay with subtle?

Washi tape is a fun, new crafting craze.  Here's a quick-and-easy card I created using the Gingham Garden Washi tape collection.  I used the colors in the tape in my card - Daffodil Delight, Melon Mambo and Island Indigo.  Since the tape is repositionable, you can pick it up and move it until you get it straight without worrying about ripping the card stock.  :)

Check it out in my online store and ship it directly to your door!

Item #	Description	Page	Price
130390	Birthday Cake - Wood Only	16	$8.95
115320	Card Stock - 8.5x11 - Melon Mambo (24 sheets)	143	$6.95
119683	Card Stock - 8.5x11 - BC Daffodil Delight (24 sheets)	143	$6.95
131259	Stampin' Write Markers Set - Brights Collection (10 sheets)	143	$28.95
100730	Card Stock - 8.5x11 - Whisper White (40 sheets)	145	$8.50
129314	Washi Tape, Gingham Garden (15 yds)	171	$4.95
131269	Washi Tape, Epic Day This and That (15 ft)	171	$4.95

Convention - Recognition and meeting Ronald McDonald

Thanks to my wonderful customers, my inspiring team members, and a lot of hard work, I earned recognition in two areas this year at convention - Leadership (based on team member promotions) and Sales (for reaching $100,000 in career sales).  Recognition came in several forms -- I received a free stamp set (always good), I marched on stage and I got to hang out in the Recognition Room where these pix where taken.  I really didn't hang there, as I wanted to be out where the action was, but I did bop in a few times for a diet code and some chocolate.  :)

The message on this board is hard to read.  It says "Thank you to my AMAZING customers and team members!  You changed my life and I LOVE you! Carolyn".   This is so true.  Prior to Stampin' Up! I was lonely and had a limited social life.  Now my life is blessed with the company of good friends and loaded with creative juice!

 This one says "I just wanted a discount.  Who knew it would turn into this???  100k - never even dreamed it".  So true!  I just wanted something fun in my life to do.  I figured if I had a workshop or two a quarter that I could make my minimums.  Also true, but since this company lets you run things the way you want to, I've done a bit more than that and LOVE every second!

The banners in the background say "Be the Difference".  Stampin' Up! as a company is dedicated to changing lives through showing people they can be more creative than they thought as well as through charitable efforts.  Nuturing women and showing them they can do things they didn't think they could - creatively and personally - is my personal mission.

This year, Sheri Stanton, Jessica Suhr and I are hosting the 2nd Annual Mc Crop, a fundraiser for our local Ronald McDonald house, on Saturday, October 5th.  Save the date!  The Ronald McDonald House is Stampin' Up!'s corporate charity and Ronald spoke to us at convention and made us all cry.  Afterward, we were able to pose with him for pictures.

Over the next few weeks I'll share more of convention.  It was a blast, inspiring, made me cry, gave me MORE energy and was a great time with great friends -- new and old.

5 minutes convention highlight video!

Check it out!

The GREAT SNAIL STOCK UP SALE is HERE!

Hi,

You've asked and I've listened... announcing the GREAT SNAIL STOCK UP SALE!   If you haven't used it, our SNAIL (Simple, Neat, Affordable, Inexpensive, Long-lasting) adhesive is the perfect adhesive for your paper crafting needs. 

Here's how it works....

- Let me know how many SNAIL REFILLS you would like to order.

- When I have 65 refills to order, I will place a bulk Workshop order for all of the SNAIL. 

- I am giving you a 20% discount on the SNAIL, plus I am using the Hostess dollars on the workshop to purchase additional SNAIL AND I am passing this savings on to you!

So, when I have a total of 65 SNAIL refills to order, your cost will be $3.88 per refill INCLUDING tax!!!  (If you pick up your order, shipping is INCLUDED.  Shipping is a minimum of $6.95 if you need the order mailed directly to you.  Contact me for more information.)

If you would like to participate in this offer, please email me at dobie.doodles@gmail.com the number of refills you would like by this Friday, July 26th. 

Thanks!

Flower Shop home decor!

Hi,

Here's what my friend Judy did with the flowers we made together!

Here's my version

Buy 3 Get 1 Free!

Offer Dates: July 1-31, 2013

Offer Details: Buy three packs of select Designer Series Paper and get one for free!

The Fine Print:

• These items don't qualify for the offer:
  • Designer Series Paper Stacks
  • Specialty Designer Series Paper
  • Designer Series Paper from the holiday catalog preorder
  • Designer Series Paper ordered through hostess benefits
• Orders may be placed on any type of order (demonstrator or online).
• No limits. Order six? You'll get two for free. Nine? You'll get three for free!
• Check out our Designer Series Papers in the annual catalog pages 151, 153, and 154.

Mixed Media Play Class!

Inspired by Convention last year I took a go at trying Mixed Media, or at least, my beginner level version of it.  Several people asked me to feature this project as a class!  So, here it is!

Monday, July 29th at 6:30 - Mixed Media Play!
Kindly RSVP by Thursday, July 25th.

Class fee: $15 includes all materials!

Epic Day Birthday Stamp-a-stack! Saturday, August 3rd

Reminder --- Stamp-a-stack is on Saturday!  Kindly RSVP by August 1st!

Aug 3  2:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Eastern )

Come make 12 cards (3 of each design) for only $20!  I do the cutting and prep work -- you do the stamping, embossing and assembly and lickety-split you have 12  cards done in a flash!  Cards feature "birthday" designs using the Epic Day This and That Designer Paper.  The colors in this paper are soft, soothing and beautiful.  (Once again, my pix don't do the color or cards justice.)

Choose your start time: Any time between 2:00 and 7:00 PM

Class fee: $20

Materials to bring:  adhesive.

Kindly RSVP by August, 1st and let me know what your preferred start time is! 

Flower Shop Decorative Vase Class -- Friday July 26th -- Open House format!

One of my customers was inspired by the vase on p. 95 of the Stampin' Up! catalog and asked me to figure out how to make this vase!

Using the Flower Shop stamp set and Blossom Punch, Coastal Cabana, Strawberry Slush and Crushed Curry card stock and ink, I whipped this beauty together yesterday.  The ribbon is the our 7/16" Trim ribbon.  It has a natural, earthy feel and is a dream to tie into a crisp bow!

I decided not to add a decorative tag to the vase because I liked the simplicity with the sand and natural ribbon.  What do you think?

Materials
Flower Shop and Stamp Set, Blossom Punch Bundle
Clear Block C
7/16" Trim
Whisper White Card Stock
Crushed Curry Card Stock
Coastal Cabana Card Stock
Crushed Curry Classic Ink
Coastal Cabana Classic Ink
Strawberry Slush Classic Ink
Dimensionals
Punch Pack

Try it on your own or attend my class on Friday, July 26th.  Open house format -- start any time between 3 PM and 7 PM.

Kindly RSVP by Wednesday, July 24th.

Class fee: $22 includes all materials!

Purchase any of the materials used in this project from my online store, www.cdobie.stampinup.net, by July 31st and receive my Cupcake Craze Class tutorial emailed to you for free!

Summer Stamp-a-stack! This Friday - Open house format!

STAMP-A-STACK!July 12  3:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Eastern )

Come make 12 cards (3 of each design) for only $20!  I do the cutting and prep work -- you do the stamping, embossing and assembly and lickety-split you have 12  cards done in a flash!  Cards feature "birthday" and "all-occasion" designs!

Choose your start time: Any time between 3:00 and 7:00 PM

Class fee: $20

Materials to bring:  adhesive.

Kindly RSVP by Thursday, July 11th and let me know what your preferred start time is! 

June 2013 Paper Pumpkin Kit!

Cupcake Craze! Class OR Free tutorial with purchase!

Hi,

I am giving my Cupcake Craze tutorial away this month to anyone who makes a purchase from me.  See my online store: www.cdobie.stampinup.net

Cupcake Craze is also available as a class next Friday, June 21st!  Start your class anytime between 3 PM and 7 PM.  Class fee: 5 cards for $15. I will give you a to-go kit if you want to make additional cards - choose your design and let me know when you register which cards you want extra materials for.  ($2 additional per extra card)

RSVP by Wednesday, June 19th!

Hostess Club cards!

Here are the cards we are making at my hostess clubs this month! 

Colors - So Saffron, Crisp Cantelope, Strawberry Slush, Whisper White
Stamps - Label Love, Around Array
Punches - Artisan Label, 7/8" Scallop Circle, 1/2 Circle, flower from Itty Bitty Punch Pack
Bling - Rhinestone jewels

 

Colors - Crumb Cake, Sahara Sand, Wisteria Wonder, Elegant Eggplant, Pear Pizzaz, Lucky Limeade
Stamps - En Francais, Hello Doily, Stippled Blossoms, Bring on the Cake

I haven't mastered photography yet.  You'll have to trust me that they are even prettier in person. :)

Interested in joining a club?  Let me know!

All Occasion Stamp-a-stack! (and garage sale....)

I had fun playing with some of the new and returning colors!  My pix don't do the cards justice - the colors are soft and beautiful!

Come make 12 cards (3 of each design) for only $20!  I do the cutting and prep work -- you do the stamping, embossing and assembly and lickety-split you have 12 cards done in a flash!  Cards feature one birthday and two "all-occasion" designs.

Date - Friday, June 14th or Saturday, June 15th
Choose your day and start time:
Friday - 3:00 or 7:00 PM*
Saturday - 2:00 or 7:00 PM*


* Start times are flexible.  I know how important it is to have flexibility with our schedules.  I have no problem if you need to adjust your start time - just let me know!

My garage sale is running at the same time as the stamp-a-stack, so come play, come shop and come have a relaxing, good time!

Did you notice that I got this post out "early" or at least earlier?  LOL.



Class fee: $20

Materials to bring:  adhesive.

Kindly RSVP by Thursday, June 13th and let me know what your preferred start time is!

Who knew it would turn into this?

Hi friends!

When I signed up as a demonstrator a little less than 6 years ago, I was looking to get a discount on supplies for this new craft that intrigued me and, oh yes, to get out of the house and socialize a bit.   I didn't know how to stamp, didn't have a background in art, didn't know much about the company, but EVERYTHING WAS COLOR COORDINATED and I NEEDED to get my hands on these products!  I didn't want to pay full price.  So, I jumped in feet first and my journey has been amazing!

The doors to my house have been blessed with the most amazing women coming and going for years.  I have friends and acquaintances locally and across the country who have made my life richer for knowing them.  How cool is it that I surrounded by women who can talk incessantly about stamps, ink, paper, punches, framelits, catalogs, layouts, fancy folds and color combos for hours on end?  These women have shared with me more than their passion for creating.  They have shared pieces of their lives with me as they and their family members went through challenges big and small.  We've bonded over scraps of paper, tea, water and snacks, which my team members and hostesses graciously share with Tom and Sarah.  We've laughed at Cleo racing around the house with glee as she greeted her friends and hoped she didn't get TOO excited (you know what I'm talking about ladies).


Last week I hit a personal goal and milestone with my Stampin' Up! business.... I met my goal of $100,000 in career sales.  Somewhere along the way, my discount turned into a business that I run during my non-work, non-wife, non-mother hours.  I've been blessed that I have been able to attend seven Stampin' Up! events in Hamilton (Ontario, Canada), Phoenix, Nashville, Orlando and three events in Salt Lake City, paid in full with my business earnings, where I've exchanged approximately 1100 swaps and met even more amazing ladies. This summer I am fortunate enough to be returning to Salt Lake for my eighth event with five of my friends!  I am so JAZZED to be going!  I've also been able to furnish and stock my craft room with gobs of Stampin' Up! COLOR COORDINATED products and purchase some 'extras' for the family.

I signed up for the discount and a social life.... who knew it would turn into this?
  

To the women who have shared my journey and have blessed my life, THANK YOU!  THANK YOU!  THANK YOU!

Birthday Stamp-a-stack this Friday 3:00 or 7:00!

HI there,

Sarah got pneumonia so I moved last week's class to this week!

For Friday's Stamp-a-stack I have three birthday cards!  Come make 4 of each design -- 12 cards for $20!

RSVP by tomorrow night!

Scrappy Wall Hanging Class - RSVP by Friday or order a kit TO GO

Sorry for the short notice, I'm still running behind from when I hurt my back.  I seemed to have lost a month of my life to the couch.  I was officially cleared by my physical therapist to return to the gym this week!  WOOHOO!  I have a group of ladies that I work out with on Wednesday nights.  Our trainer refers to us as CREW, because we are all hard-core (from an enthusiasm standpoint at least). :)  We laugh and tease each other to work harder... can't wait!

Scrappy Wall Hanging Class

This Scrappy Wall Hanging features a decorative panel with an inspiring saying, a panel with a tear-off calendar and a panel with post-it notes.  This project makes a great Mother's Day gift!  Class includes a full pack of Tea for Two Designer Series Paper ($10.95) and the Artisan Embellishments Kit ($9.95) from the Spring Catalog.

Thursday, May 9th - 7 PM, OR, 

Friday May 10th - 3 PM-ish (yes, you can come a later if you need to - no worries)

Class Fee:  $25 - includes $24.83 in Stampin' Up! product, $6 in chipboard and a FREE tear-off calendar!

BECAUSE I AM RUNNING BEHIND.... if you want to attend the class (in person), you need to RSVP by THIS FRIDAY at 3:00.  (Sorry!)

If you would like a TO-GO Kit, you have until May 30th to let me know!

Yes, the brown smudge on Tom's shirt is Early Espresso ink!  That's how you know it was home-made!  LOL. :)  And yes, it was a coincidence that my old sweatshirt matches the paper.  Honest!

Tea Party Artisan Class -- this teapot is amazing!

Join me for a tea party!  Come sip a variety of teas and make this adorable teapot!  When the lid comes off, the teapot opens to a BIG surprise!

This project is an advanced project and involves hand-cutting several pieces. This class is used with permission and was adapted based on the design and tutorial by Tanya Bell.

Class: Friday, May 3rd 3:00 or 7:00 PM
Class fee: $15

This class includes all material, a copy of the written tutorial, and some of the pieces pre-cut for you!  Kindly RSVP by Wednesday, May 1st.

Spring Artisan Class - Friday, April 26th

With Spring (eventually) coming, we in upstate New York start dreaming of warm, sunny days and beautiful flowers.  This Artisan class brings a touch of spring for those of us yearning for nicer weather.
 
 Come make a beautiful frame and coordinating card!  The top of the card pulls out to show your greeting!  This card requires NO hand-cutting as our new Secret Garden framelits cut the flowers with a quick roll through the Big Shot!
 
Friday, April 26th - 3:00 or 7:00 PM
Kindly RSVP by Wednesday, April 24th
Class Fee: $12, includes all materials except adhesive AND includes a blender pen!