Mmmmm…How ’bout Some Blog Candy

How could I announce being named to the Splitcoaststampers Dirty Dozen Design Team without sharing a little blog candy? If you are like me, you can always use stamps, paper, and a few embellishments. So I have prepared a yummy selection of 50 six by six sheets of retired Stampin’ Up! Designer Series Paper, an unmounted Gifts of the Earth stamp set, and 4 yards of 1/2″ Striped Grosgrain Ribbon (one yard each of four colors). This little celebratory gift can be yours by simply leaving me a comment on any of the posts that I make between now and Friday, March 19, 10 PM CST. You could win all of the goodies pictured above! I will simply choose a random comment from all comments made during this time frame and announce the winner on Saturday. The winner will then have 24 hours to email me their mailing address.

Brady’s Adventures in Brazil

How is this for a view out of your hotel window? This is what Brady viewed from his hotel room in Salvadore, Brazil. He is spending spring break in Brazil as part of Western Illinois University’s select Symphonic Wind Ensemble. Western students will be able to perform and record with professional Afro-Brazilian musicians. In addition, they will be performing for and teaching underprivileged children for whom they will be leaving behind a quarter-ton of musical instruments. What a wonderful charitable, cultural and musical experience!

Have you thought about becoming an Independent Stampin’ Up! demonstrator?

There is still time to take advantage of Stampin’ Up!’s Sale-a-bration Starter Kit Special. For $169 plus tax, you can join my team, “The Schach Pack”. As a member of the Schach Pack, you can experience the SPA treatment! I will help you become a Schach Pack Artist! Let me use my award-winning teaching expertise to help you improve your stamping skills and improve your craft. I will personally help every member of The Schach Pack become the stamper and cardmaker he or she wants to be. Exclusive technique sheets, tip sheets and tutorials are being prepared just for this purpose. Plus, you will have access to an exclusive blog where we will share ideas, personal successes and friendship. Please CLICK HERE or visit the page at the top of this post, to read more about the Starter Kit special. And if you have any questions about joining The Schach Pack and the services that I offer my downline, please EMAIL ME. I will gladly help you customize your own Starter Kit. I would love to be your mentor.
Don’t forget to leave your comments in order to be eligible for my blog candy! Coming up later this week: Pals Paper Arts Sneak Peek and the Pals Paper Arts Challenge Card. Until next time…

A Dream Come True

Sometimes fate works in mysterious ways. On the day after my beloved Missy the Boxer crossed the Rainbow Bridge, I received an email message from Jenn Balcer at Splitcoaststampers asking me to call her. Since I did not know Jenn personally, I was curious as to why she would want me to call her. As incredible as it may sound, Jenn asked if I would be a member of the Splitcoaststampers Dirty Dozen Design Team. Of course, the first words out of my mouth were, “THE Dirty Dozen?” as if there were another. The next words were “Of course!” Can you believe it? I can’t!

So for the past month, I have been preparing projects for Splitcoaststampers Fan Club’s March Gallery, “All Creatures Great and Small”. You do have to be a Fan Club member to view this gallery. To read more about the Fan Club, please click HERE. However, at the end of three months, I will be able to begin posting my creations on The Stampin‘ Schach!

In terms of my stamping, all that I have ever wanted is for my work to be an inspiration for others. I know that it is not the most creative nor is it the best, as there are many stampers who are far more talented than me. I know that sometimes the margins are crooked, or that sometimes the images are smeared. But, it comes from my heart and I love sharing it with you. At a time when I so needed a distraction from the pain of losing my best friend, this opportunity arose. I am sure that Angel Missy is wiggling that Boxer butt in happiness for her mom! And so in honor of this occasion, I created a quick and simple thank you card for all of you who take the time out of your busy days to stop by and peruse my work.

The Stampin‘ Schach Tips:

  • When short on time, select “Wow” factors that are quick and easy! In this case I decided on a single focal point. Although I pulled out the Blender Pens and inks for this floral image from Asian Artistry, the image was simple enough that it was tinted in a matter of minutes. I used Regal Rose, Always Artichoke, and Soft Suede for the flower itself, while Sahara Sand provided the shadowing.

  • Quick and easy cards deserve bling, too! A Pink Circle Fire Brad and Regal Rose 1/4″ Grosgrain Ribbon are all that are needed on this tailored card.

  • Layer those labels! My favorite combination is the Modern Label Punch layered on top of the Designer Label for a different twist.

  • Coordinate texture and paper! Polka Dotted Sweet Pea Designer Series Paper looks great paired with Whisper White paper that has been zipped through the Big Shot with Stampin‘ Up!’s Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder.
Sometimes you need a card in a hurry. In my case, this is my “go to” layout. Even if you do not possess this stamp set, there are a multitude of others that can be substituted. How easy it is to switch out the sentiments, too!
New to stamping? Or have you stamped before and just need help developing your artistic potential? I am here to give you the SPA (Schach Pack Artist) treatment! Become a member of the Schach Pack, my downline group, and I will personally mentor you. For more information, please visit the “Join the Schach Pack” page under the header at the top of this post. By becoming an independent Stampin‘ Up! demonstrator and member of my team, you will receive tip sheets and tutorials which are currently being developed by myself and members of my downline. AND you will be able to whittle down that “Wish List” with your demonstrator discount! Email me if you have questions.
Coming Up this Week:
  • Blog Candy Information: How could I celebrate being named to the Dirty Dozen without a little candy? I will have photos and information later this week.

  • The latest Pals Paper Arts Challenge card on Thursday: But have you played yet this week? It is a fun color challenge! Click here for details.

  • An update on Brady’s trip to Brazil
So as you can see, it will be a busy week here at The Stampin‘ Schach! As always, please leave me a comment and let me know what you think of today’s card. And if you have any questions about the cards that I create or the techniques that you use, please do not hesitate to email me. Until next time…

Stamp Sets: Asian Artistry (114399—Hostess Level 2), Three Little Words (113254); Inks: Sahara Sand (105208), Always Artichoke (105219), Regal Rose (105211), Soft Suede (115657), Basic Brown (104315); Designer Series Paper: Sweet Pea (117161—Occasions Mini); Card Stock: Whisper White (100730), Rose Red(102544), Always Artichoke (105119); Tools: Big Shot (113439), Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder (117335—Occasions Mini), Modern Label Punch (116630), Designer Label Punch (107590); Glitz and Glam: Circle Fire Brads (109110), Regal Rose 1/4″ Grosgrain Ribbon (109056)

Go Green Challenge for the PPA

Can you believe that it is Thursday already? Of course we all know what this means…It’s time to play @ PPA! This week we are hosting a “Go Green” color challenge encouraging you to use Garden Green, Certainly Celery, and Kraft. Of course, if you do not have these colors available, feel free to substitute similar hues. At first I was not thrilled with this color combination, but you know what? After using it on this card, I like it! So, why not join us this week in the Pals Paper Arts challenge? Try it…you’ll like it!

The Stampin‘ Schach Tips:

  • It’s hip to be square! And when you do decide to make a square card, remember to cut the card base at 5-1/4″. This way it will slip nicely into Stampin‘ Up!’s Medium Square Envelopes.

  • Make your own Designer Series Paper! Small stamps, such as the “Shamrock” image from the Holiday Blitz stamp set work perfectly. Just randomly stamp and in minutes you have created a thematic paper.

  • Even simple cards deserve their bling! A green Circle Ice Brad fits comfortably into the “O” of GO, without being pretentious.

  • For your finishing touch, a simple knotted bow created from Certainly Celery Grosgrain Ribbon, does the trick!

Once I got over my initial grumbling about how I could not possibly ever make a card using these colors, and settled down to face the challenge at hand, the card seemed to make itself. I like it when a card comes together like that!

Bon Voyage, Brady!

My son, Brady, departs tomorrow for Brazil. He will be playing trumpet in a select wind ensemble from Western Illinois University. The ensemble will be giving concerts and presenting refurbished musical instruments to underprivileged children. Although I will miss not having him home during his spring break, he is engaging in a noble cause. Of course, you know how moms are…I am already worried about him. Please keep him in your thoughts over the next ten days

As always, I am looking forward to the cards that you create for the PPA challenge. There is so much talent and creativity! Now, scurry along and start making those “Go Green” cards. But before you go, leave me a comment and let me know what you think about today’s endeavor. And remember, you can always email me if you have questions about the cards that I create or the techniques that I use! Until next time…

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Stamp Sets: Go Green (117074), Holiday Blitz (114982); Paper: Whisper White (100730), Garden Green (102584), Certainly Celery (105125), Kraft (102125); Ink: Garden Green (102272); Tools: Scallop Trim Border Punch (118402); Glitz and Glam: Certainly Celery 5/8″ Grosgrain Ribbon (109050), Circle Ice Brads (109111)