Creative Journals

My downline group has started using Creativity Journals for a quarterly meeting exercise.  I got the idea at Leadership - and loved it.  Each quarter we assign a creativity exercise, and my downline participates as they can.  So for the first assignment - we were asked to add creative quotes to our journal (10 of them) and to create a cover for our journals.  At the meeting we went around the room and shared some of the quotes that really inspired us.  There were some really terrific quotes.  Only two people so far, have shared how they decorated their journals - so I wanted to share those with you today.
The first is Heidi's -

 And the second is Kathy B's -

Aren't they great!! I have to get mine done - maybe I'll have chance to work on it this weekend.  Hopefully I'll get to post it soon.   Our next challenge is to make a monochromatic page in the journal using their least favorite color.  Will be fun to see what they come up with!!  Stamp away your day - see you soon!  ~Maureen

Parks and Rec Class

I'm doing a Monday night class for Parks and Rec and I'm going to share my cards from last week - the first is similar - but a bit simpler - to one I posted earlier from my club.  I just love the gray and pink together.

 Second we went bright - So fun and festive.

Finally a cute card using retired Sale-a-bration paper - I LOVED this paper - and hope we come back with some thing similar in the future.

 

The ladies liked them - hope you did too!  Stop back soon!  ~Maureen

Lovely Lilies

I don't know why, but every year my lilies bloom soooo late.  These Easter Lilies are just now full of bloom, but look how beautiful they are.

But the really amazing lilies are these Peace Lilies - aren't they beautiful.  I looked at the base of these and this fall plan to dig them up and break apart and replant - but it looks like there are a bunch of bulbs there.  But in the meantime - I'm enjoying as they are.

Here's a close-up - I counted over 20 blossoms - God's creation is so amazing to me - just can't get enough of it.

See you soon!!! Take time to smell the roses!  ~Maureen

Stamper's Club Hostess Gift

My hostesses for my Club are a wonderful group of ladies.   I love stamping with them every month.  June of this year is our new round of Stamper's Club and our first hostess was Jen B.  Thank you Jen!!  So for my club hostesses this year I decided to make a wipe off board for them to leave notes in their home.  I purchased colorful frames and some great Crayola white board markers - these markers write so bold and beautifully and match the brightness of the frames.  Each hostess will get decorated frame for their month.  To be able to see the writing better I used a piece of lined notebook paper under the glass.  Looks adorable, and gives you lines to keep your writing straight. 

Hope you enjoyed this project - stop back soon!! ~Maureen

COME JOIN THE FUN - be a Crazy Stamping Lady with me!

Time is running out on this AMAZING deal - and I don't want you to miss out - so here's the unbelieveable scoop!!

*Join Stampin' Up! in June and get a fully customizable (yup - you pick all the products you want) for just $99 plus tax (free S&H) (Full details here)

 *Plus - through June 30 ONLY - you'll get up to an additional $48 value in product from the Patio Party Suite in the new catalog (see flyer here)

*You want the Big Shot and Dies - get those; how about scrapbooking supplies - get those; maybe digital scrapping - okay - get those (See suggestions here)

*You'll be a part of my downline "The Crazy Stamping Ladies" and receive all the benefits of belonging to our group (see full information by clicking here)

*Join in June and you're invited to my "First Downline Appreciation Luncheon" on Saturday, July 7 from 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM.  We'll do a special project, have some wonderful food, and enjoy each other's company.  It'll be a great time for you to meet the group.

* Best part -  you don't have to buy another thing if you don't want to.  Consider this a test drive of what Stampin' Up! has to offer and you'll stay active and get all the benefits of the company and me through October without making another purchase.

So what do you think - wanna come join the FUN!! 

I'd LOVE to have you as part of my team.  You can sign up at www.stampingwithmaureen.stampinup.net click the "Join the Fun" button at the upper right and it will lead you through the process. 

Contact me if you have any questions. 

Still not sure - if you live in my area plan to meet me next Saturday, June 30, 9:30 AM at the Starbucks in the Civic Center Plaza Simi Valley - coffee's on me and I'll be happy to take time to answer all your questions.  Please let me know if you plan to be there so I can bring enough materials.  You'll still have time to sign up that day for all of the above benefits.  No obligation - but - I'm looking forward to STAMPING WITH YOU!!!   ~Maureen

Open House Bright Gift

At each Open House I have I offer a little gift to the first 10 RSVP'rs who attend.  This year I made this cute little gift using our great Brights Collection buttons.  I had actually seen something similar done in more neutral tones with our antique buttons and loved the way it looked, but I wanted it to be brighter and more inviting, so came up with these.

Here's a close up - sorry it's a bit blurry.  It's a series of our "Brights" buttons adhered with glue dots to a cardstock strip.  The topper says "I LOVE being your Stampin' Up! Demonstrator" and that is certainly the truth. 

Thanks for checking - see you all soon!!! ~Maureen

Stampers Club June Club Technique

So this month we did the Grid Technique for Faux Tile - Here is our technique card.  What a great technique to show case the new SU diagonal scorepad. 

Here is a close up of the technique - the cardstock is scored, stamped and then lightly sponged with creamy caramel to make the score line's pop.  Looks just like tiles with grout. 

Here is the card we made using the technique - I know I saw this card on Monica Gale's blog - http://monicas-passions.blogspot.com/2012/05/stampinup-more-team-training-projects.html and just changed it up a little bit.  I made my score lines a bit closer together, added gems to my flowers, used a different punch for the sentiment - but other than that I just cased.  I love the fact that so many creative stampers are out there sharing their ideas and helping us all to make beautiful things.  Thanks Monica!!

Hope you enjoyed this - try and make your own project with this technique.  Email me your sample, and I'll be happy to post it on my blog.  Thanks for fluttering by ~~Maureen

June Stamp Camp

Today I'm going to share the three cards we made at last month's Cards Stamp Camp.  These were all asked for by our customers - baby, sympathy and wedding - so we did our best to accommodate.  The first card uses the new Chevron embossing folder and the adorable "Baby Prints" baby set.  Each guest got to make one pink and one blue card - so sweet.

The sympathy card featured the Love and Sympathy set - the green ribbon is our new in-color Gumball Green - I was afraid it might be to bright for a sympathy card, but when I put it all together I loved it.  The flower was done by markering directly on the stamp. 

 

The final card uses the Love & Laughter set - we used our new stamp pads to make this card and look at that amazing image.  All that fine print and it stamped perfectly clear.  The DSP is our Comfort Cafe packet, and the colors are also new in-colors - Summer Starfruit and Midnight Muse - LOVELY!!

Stop back soon to see what's new in my little corner of the world!! ~Maureen

WIN $100.00 FREE Stampin' Up! Product

Do you want to win your choice of

 $100.00* of FREE merchandise out

 of the new SU catalog? 

Here is how to do it!

 

Simply place an order through me of a minimum $50.00 in merchandise (before tax and shipping) or more between June 19-21,2012 and be entered in a drawing to win $100.00 of your choice of product out of the current Stampin' Up! catalog.   It gets even better.....everyone who orders at least $50 as stated above,  gets a free pack of Stampin’ Dimensionals - $100 order – gets 2 packs, etc.

Then for every ten qualifying orders I receive there will be a new drawing to win!  That’s like a one and ten chance of winning the $100’s of free merchandise!  All orders will be shipped to me and available for local pick up.  Out of area orders will be charged the additional shipping fee required to send your order to you.  There is no limit to the amount of entries you can make, for EVERY $50.00 you order you will be entered!  All orders must be placed and received by me via email no later then 12:00 midnight (PST) June 21, 2012.  

* The Fine Print:  Other offers and incentives such as free classes/clubs or shares may not be combined with this special.  No shipping and tax will be charged on the Free Merchandise if you win as long as you are in the area and can pick up.  If you are out of the area you will be charged the additional shipping fee required to send your merchandise to you.  All orders must be emailed to me directly at crazystampinglady@gmail.com .  Online orders are not eligible for drawing or free dimensionals.  If I receive under 10 initial orders, one name will still be drawn from those qualifying orders received, and the prize will be prorated – so if I get 5 orders only the prize will be $50; 7 orders - $70; up to the $100.  Have FUN shopping!!

Trip to Prescott

A couple weeks ago I took a trip to Prescott, AZ with my hubby, Paul.  We're looking at possibly retiring eventually in that area.  It is so beautiful - the weather is great - wonderful small town atmosphere - and some of the friendliest people around.  Here is a view from the balcony of our hotel room - look at all the green!

Here is the courthouse in the center of town - it is truly the hub!  Almost every evening and summer; and weekend evenings the rest of the year - there is some sort or program or concert going on.  It is so nice - families everywhere playing, relaxing and just enjoying the evening.

 Here's another view of the courtyard area.

We had an amazing dinner at Prescott Brewery - I opted for two appetizers and they were huge - Nachos on the left and fried dill pickles on the right - yum!!

Had to wash it down with some of the best beer I have ever had. I am not a beer lover at all - but this is their "pale ale" and it is mild, smooth and leaves and amazing taste of hops on your taste buds.  I really enjoyed it.

And here's what hubby got - their blue cheese, peppercorn burger.  It was huge and tastes soooo good.  I had one last year and LOVED it.  If you ever get a chance to go to Prescott, check it out - I am sure you will not be disappointed.

Bye for now!  ~Maureen

Open House Make and Takes

Below are the three FREE make and takes that customers attending our Open House a couple weeks ago got to make.  They focused on new products and I think our customers really like them.  The first was this note card using the NEW "Make a Cake" set, NEW "Patio Party" DSP, and the NEW In-colors - "Midnight Muse", "Primrose Petals" and "Summer Starfruit".

The second project was this elegant gift tag (or could also be used as a bookmark) - it features the NEW set "Everything Eleanor" that we received at Leadership earlier this year. It's a collage of some of the wonderful images with the flower popped up, and it uses coordinating "Comfort Cafe" DSP and "Comfort Cafe" fabric.  So cute!

Finally, everyone who came got to make this cute little page marker for their new catalogs - they punched out and mounted 5 little hears -one of each of the new "In-colors" and  mounted them in the appropriate square.  This helps them see the true colors of this new product. 

 All in all - it was a great day - lots of fun - lots of prizes!! Can't wait till our next one.  Stop back soon!  ~Maureen

Successful Open House...

Last week Heidi and I hosted our Annual New Catalog Open House.  At this event we introduce the new catalog - as well as have a huge discontinued merchandise sale.  This year we had soooo much to sell that I think we really should have posted this sign.  What a great day it was - with tons of our customers stopping in to enjoy the day with us. 

Here are some of the accessories and full ribbon rolls we had for sale -

 Punches, tools and cardstock sales -

And some, yes, just some of the stamp sets we had for sale.  Even though we sold a bunch, there is still a lot left, so I'll be leaving it out for customers to come by for the next couple weeks.

I'll share more about our Open House of the next couple days - so stop on back!! ~Maureen

Secret Sisters - III

Today I'm sharing the great gift Heidi got from her Secret Sister.  Look at this adorable pin-cushion in a frame - and it's make with our Stampin' Up!! Fabric.  How great is that!!  I've seen several pin-cushions made similar to this on the web - but I've got to say this is my fav.  Note the cute red/white stick pins, and the adorable little fabric flower at the bottom. 

Several Secret Sister gifts didn't make it to the meeting this month (such a busy time of year) but as people drop them off I'll be sure to share them with you.  Stop back soon!!  ~Maureen

Secret Sisters - II

Okay - today I'm sharing Julie's Secret Sister gift, and again I'm apologizing for the blurry picture.  This was taken the same day as the other bad ones, when I had my camera on the wrong setting.  Julie got a bunch of great goodies from her Secret Sis, and I hope you can see them all - the bright butterfly card, a cute patriotic necklace, a couple different post-it notes and the adorable red shoe tape dispenser.  Very cute!!  

Hopefully that is my last bad picture for awhile, but I'm making no promises!  See you all soon. ~Maureen

Product Sampler Shares

2012-2013 NEW Product Share Offerings!

What better way to experience the 2012-2013 Stampin' Up! Annual Catalog's new Designer Series Paper, Ribbon and Embellishments, than sharing the cost with others?

That's exactly what a product share is. As you reserve your share, I will save a spot for you. When a share fills up, then I order the product. It's then split it up between the share participants and I put it out for you or send it to you if requested (for an additional shipping cost).

To reserve a spot in my Product Shares, please EMAIL ME directly at crazystampinglady@gmail.com  For multiple shares - contact me for a shipping quote (I am happy to combine to save you money!)

I accept all forms of Payment. We can discuss your preferred method when you reserve your share!

NOTE: SU Demonstrators are welcome to order! 

Its a great way to get a sampling to use in YOUR business!

To see all the items check out my website at :  www.stampingwithmaureen.stampinup.net 

NEW 2012-2013 Designer Series PAPER SHARE:

$24.00 (+6.00 shipping if not a local pickup)

This share includes *(84) 6x6 pieces of paper including:
12 Designer Series Papers
2 Specialty Designer Series Papers 

(Check out the catalog above to see all images.)

______________________________________________________________________________

RIBBON SHARES:

1) NEW 3/8” Stitched Satin RIBBON SHARE: $13.00  

(+$2.50 shipping if not a local pickup)
This share includes approx. 2 yards of each 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon in the FIVE Brand NEW In colors: Midnight Muse, Primrose Petals, Summer Starfruit, Raspberry Ripple and Gumball Green 

2) NEW 1/4" Stitched Grosgrain RIBBON SHARE: $14.00 

(+$2.50 shipping if not a local pickup)
This share includes approx. 2 yards of each Brand NEW 1/4" Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon in 10 colors: Basic Gray, Daffodil Delight, Early Espresso, Night of Navy, Pacific Point, Pretty in Pink, Real Red, Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White, Wild Wasabi

All ribbon shares are wrapped around cardboard to ensure wrinkle free ribbon. In addition...all shares are protected by cello bag packaging, ensuring safe and dry delivery!

____________________________________________________________________________

NEW Goodie Pack Embellishments SHARE:

$10.00 (+$2.50 shipping if not a local pickup)

 This 22 piece share includes three different Brand NEW Embellishments.
10 In Color Dahlias (2 of each color)
6 Naturals Designer Buttons (2 of each design)
6 Vintage Faceted Designer Buttons (2 of each design)

 ____________________________________________________________________________

FINALLY the - 

"I Want it All" Bundle:

$55.00 (+6.00 shipping if not a local pickup)
(save $6 over individual bundles)

This Bundle includes all four shares:
1/4" Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon Share
3/8 Stitched Satin Ribbon Share
Designer Series Paper Share
Goodie Embellishment Share

(PLUS a BONUS of 1/2 sheet each of the new In-color card stocks.)

I'm waiting to hear from you - check out the catalog by clicking on it on my sidebar - leave me a message what you think of it - and let me know if you'd like a catalog or one of my new shares!! I look forward to hearing from you - crazystampinglady@gmail.com

 

*note if you received this special as an email there was a typo and it stated 94 sheets of 6x6 paper, it is really 84 sheets.  You are still getting all of the types of paper listed. 

Secret Sisters - I

So at our Quarterly Meetings we exchange Secret Sister gifts - so I'll be sharing a few of those over the next days - the first one is MINE - woo hoo!! I received this lovely gift.  My Secret Sister certainly knows me -

I am a coffee-holic and that's putting it mildly :)  I received the amazing MUG planter - it is huge and filled with a beautiful begonia plant.  You can get an idea of the size when you compare it to the handle on the mug to the right of the picture.  It came in this adorable stamped bag.  I love the way she mimicked the polk-dots on the cup and used the spotlighting technique on the bag - really adorable.  Thank you so very much Secret Sis!!!
~Maureen

Day 2 of cruddy pictures (LOL)

I can't believe my pictures from my downline meeting Saturday are sooooo blurry.  I some how changed the settings - and didn't know it till after the fact - sorry.  I wish they were crisper - because these two cards were amazing.  Our challenge this month was your best Patriotic card and we had two entries - the first one was Heidi's - simply gorgeous and it won by one vote -

The second was Annette's and equally great - and the best part was since we give a winning prize - and then draw for a prize from the rest who entered - each lady got a prize!  Woo Hoo!!

Thanks for stopping by - come back soon!! -Maureen