This month Stampin’ Up! launched Paper Pumpkin, a monthly kit program.  Stampin’ Up! has done the designing, cutting, and measuring for us, and most projects can be completed in just 30 minutes.  The kits are described as being perfect for both beginners or seasoned stampers. 

Now, you have to understand that I taught science for 34 years…chemistry, physics, anatomy, and biology.  I was anxious to test both the time and the beginner statement for validity.  So I searched my home for a suitable subject.  Since none of the dogs have opposable thumbs, that left my husband.  He definitely fits the criteria of a beginning stamper.  So I sat him down at the dining room table, with only the directions contained with the kit, and left him to his own devices.  My final words were “Make this!” as I handed him the box.   Here is his card:

I was impressed with how straight he stamped the sentiment!  And he completed it in 14 minutes.  I will say that he was quite proud of himself, and wanted to stamp a second one.

To see what a seasoned stamper could do, I selected myself.  I did not want to overdo it, and I wanted to use only a few extra, inexpensive items.  Here is my version, which took less than 20 minutes.  How many differences do you see?

 

• The power of three!  I snipped the Old Olive Scallop Trim Sticker down to 3 scallops, and added Pearls.

• Feeling faint!  When it comes to Waterspots, stamp off the Waterspots once before stamping on the card.  And don’t be afraid to add a few more here and there.
• Snippets!  A snippet of Old Olive Striped Organdy Ribbon adds a little pizzazz to the Daffodil Delight Paper Banner Sticker.

• Paper capers! Half of a Paper Doily adds interest below the banner.  And the small part that was snipped off on the side graces the little pre-cut Old Olive Circle Sticker.

• Stamp out nudity! Say “No” to naked buttons! Add a little Baker’s Twine and form a bow.

I would love to have you join me each month as I host a Paper Pumpkin Party! If you select me as your demonstrator when you subscribe to Paper Pumpkin, I will provide you with instructions for creating your own inexpensive “stepped-up” version!
Sign up today by visiting www.mypaperpumpkin.com and click “Get It”.  Beginning in March,  a new project will arrive at your door each month.

Please Note:  If you are currently my customer OR if you would like to be, please be sure to choose me as your demonstrator (Ann Schach, zip code 52655) near the end of the subscription process.  Once you have completed your subscription order, please email me to let me know you have subscribed.  That way I can make certain that you receive instructions for your stepped-up version each month. 

If you have already subscribed, and did not add me as your demonstrator, but would like to, simply go to the My Paper Pumpkin website, sign in, and update your demonstrator to Ann Schach, 52655. 

I am so looking forward to receiving your email that you subscribed and selected me as your demo.  I can’t wait to share the stepped-up versions with you…and to see what you came up with, too! Until next time…

 

Extra supplies for the stepped-up version include:  Paper Doilies (129399, $2.95),  Basic Pearls (119247, $4.95), Whisper White Baker’s Twine (124262, $2.95), Old Olive 3/8″ Striped Organdy Ribbon (129291, $9.95)

Don’t you just love cute, little cards?  I must admit that I am a pushover for the “adorable factor”! And I think that today’s card, the third in my “Got Ten? Make Twenty” series, is a sweet lil’ thing.  Of course, part of its charm is that it can be made in the wink of an eye…and it is mailable!

(Edited on March 14th:  Still Addinktive is encouraging their readers to link up any projects that we have created using the Hearts a Flutter stamp set.  They are accepting either old or new projects.  Some challenges call this a ‘Linky Party’ or a ‘Product Blog Hop’ but they call it – Spot that Stamp Set.  I am linking the card below to their site.)

The Stampin’ Schach Design Tips:  A Card for the Busy Stamper
This finished card is 5″ wide x 3-1/2″ long, and uses Stampin’ Up!’s Note Cards.

• A trio of hearts! Hearts from Hearts a Flutter were inked in Pool Party and Primrose Petals and stamped onto Whisper White.  Cutting them out is a snap when you use the Hearts a Flutter Framelits. Ka-ching! Save money when you purchase the Hearts a Flutter Bundle!  And remember…good things come in threes!

• Banner alert! The “with Love” sentiment, from the Field Flowers set, was inked in Primrose Petals and stamped onto Whisper White.  Three pearls serve as an accent, and help to ground the sentiment banner.

• More Amore!  This gorgeous pattern, from the More Amore Specialty Designer Series Paper collection, coordinates with the Pool Party and Primrose Petals inks which were used to stamp the hearts and banners.  This gives the entire card a “pulled-together” look.

Today’s card is the third one in the “Got Ten?” series…cards designed for those times when time is at a premium.  The first card in the series was a Christmas card, followed by the second, a New Year’s card.  By the time the series is complete, you will have twenty quick and easy cards for a variety of occasions.

Take advantage of Sale-A-Bration by purchasing the key items needed to make today’s card:

Good things come to those who wait! Sale-A-Bration time is finally here! Between January 22nd and March 22nd, you’ll receive your choice of a FREE Sale-A-Bration product for every $50 you spend, before shipping and taxes.  Check this brochure to see what you can select.

And you can earn even more!

With a $150 (not including shipping and handling) order, you will also receive the following:

• A free pack of silver glimmer paper
• $25 in Hostess Dollars
• 3 FREE Sale-A-Bration items

With a $400 order you will receive:

• A free pack of silver glimmer paper
• A free product bundle (stamp set, ribbon, buttons, designer series paper)
• $65 in Hostess Dollars
• 50% off any full-priced item
• 8 FREE Sale-A-Bration items
• If you are placing your qualifying ($400+) order though my on-line store, please use the following numbers for the extras:
  Wood-Mount Hostess Bundle: 133316
  Clear-Mount Hostess Bundle: 133317
  Free Glimmer Paper: 133318

   

And, as always, you will be eligible for Shop with Schach Loyality points!

• Every $1 you spend with me (before shipping, handling, taxes) = 1 Shop with Schach point
• Redeem 500 points for ANY stamp set from any current catalog

There has never been a better time to join the Stampin’ Up! family.  If you join during Sale-A-Bration, you will receive:

• $156.50 worth of products and pay only $99 (FREE shipping)
• 20% product discount
• All the perks and benefits of being a member of the Schach Pack

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to email me at ann@thestampinschach.com. I am always here to help! 

Congrats to Muffy and Lexi

Lexi – Best Puppy and Grand Sweepstakes Winner at the Minnesota Boxer Club specialty show in St. Paul

Both Muffy and Lexi were victorious in Des Moines, IA Saturday, winning their classes.  They did a fabulous job, and showed their very best.  I could not have been prouder of my girls!

Finally, the girls and I are home to stay for a month before the next round of dog shows begin.  I can’t wait to pull out the stamps, make a few videos, and catch up on my emails and visits to your blogs.  Until next time…