The Stamping Siren

Sale A Bration!

I would so love to connect with you over Sale A Bration!  Give me a call or email and we'll book a fun stamping night for you and your friends.  Happy Stampng, Ev

Leadership Recap, Sale a Bration AND Open House!

Hi friends~  I haven't posted in awhile, time totally got away from me and I got completely wrapped up in the Leadership Conference in San Antonio last week!  My goodness, what a blast.  Would you believe I didn't even bring my camera.  It was a first, but I was determined to stop the insanity (or try it anyway) and fly by the seat of my pants this year.  Well, a little confession, I love my iphone so much and it takes relatively decent photos, so I figured if I was in a pinch...  I must say, it was an experience being with darn near 14,000 demonstrators (all furiously taking mad pictures trying to get them just right for their blogs, no doubt) and being the only one (felt like it) without a big cannon, but I have no regrets.  It was liberating.  Anyway, now I am on the mooch for good photos of Leadership LOL.

So what did we do?  I flew in a couple days early to meet up with Wichita Demo LeAnn Skinner, my pal from the summer when I did a (long) stint in Wichita with our Cessna Caravans.  We had a really fun time.  I started off by flying directly to Neward and a 12 hour layover in NEW YORK! Life it tough, I know, I had a blast ripping up and down the streets of Manhattan drinking starbucks to keep warm.  I had my make up done at Macy's, coffee at Trump Towers, coffee at Grand Central, lunch at Juniors, took in Times Square.... it was fun.  I hopped a shuttle and got back to Neward to catch my 4 1/2 hr flight to San Antonio where LeAnn and her BFF from high school Donna picked me up.  The next 2 days we cruised around, did the Riverwalk, ate some amazing Mexican food, shopped the BEST outlets I have ever seen (hellllloooo Coach, big sale, got one for me and Gracie her first one~she doesn't know yet tho)... what else?  We did a Shoe Box Swap with Sherrie Robinson, she hosts these every year and they are famous.  Epic, really, we make 25 cards and she swaps out our other 25 and we leave that evening with 50 completed cards.  It's a great way to meet other demonstrators, sit beside them stamping where you wouldn't normally get to. 

So Wednesday we checked in and got our bags (insert pic here if I had one). They are cute, using upcoming fabric from the new catalog from this summer! Speaking of which, they did announce they are changing the catalogs this summer.  I am so excited about the change, we are getting a new "core" catalog on June 1st (instead of July 1st) and 2 major "mini" catalogs, one in Aug and one in Jan.  Perfect!  Anyway, i am sure there will be much more information to come.  Umm, what else?  I learned (from another demo, at the shoebox) that if your clear blocks are not holding on to your stamps, warm the blocks up for a few minutes and then try.  It works like a charm.  I was so relieved about this tip, I was panicked that I sold a tonne of less than wonderful product.  (of course, I should have known better, it is Stampin Up after all). 

Thursday was packed with product demos, got some great tips from Dawn Griffith regarding blogging with your business (first and most important, post every day~oh no!), some great tips on vendor fairs, downline meetings and coaching.  I also sat in on Patsy Waggoner's class for Engaging Your Downline~ she rocked it!  It was so informative, passionate and inspiring.  She gave a great outline on ideas and I think it was by far the best part of Leadership!  We had some cute make n takes (which I was too busy visiting to do) and oh~ Manager's reception.  Stampin up rewards their managers with a dinner and activity every Leadership.  This year they hired a Japanese Troup to do a show (kind of like a tame version of Cirque De Soleil) and served appies before the show.  It was great, but like most shows of this caliber, you can't help but think "man, I have to get to the gym" lol.  It was great! We also got a stamp set that matched the fabric on our bags. 

So folks, that's it, in a nutshell.  I had such a fantastic time catching up with gals I have't seen in forever.  I chatted with Shelli Gardner too for a brief moment, got a (not so great quality) pic with her also.  She is so inspiring, she lives such a large life and I just love her to bits. 

On to some really exciting news for YOU~ I have co ordinated my Open House with the start of Sale A Bration just for you.... you are invited to come on over to make a cute make n take, check out my huge inventory of retired stamps (buy 2 and get the 3rd free!) and accessories, see some great swaps from Leadership AND all the new products from the Occasions Mini Catalog.  I have a tonne of old minis to give away, and I'm selling old Idea Books and Catalogs for just $2 (you know, the award winning idea books, these are great for inspiration and ideas).  There is a lot more to share, but come on over and check it all out.

My House, 712 Chartersville Road in Dieppe

10am-2pm

There is no cost, please bring as many gals with you as you can fit in  your car

If you can't make it, check out my online store~ you can view the Sale A Bration items, and with every $60 purchase you can get one for free. And when you order online, it comes right to you at your home. (with $200 orders or more, you DO get all the hostess benefits too).  I am also booking sale a bration workshops like crazy, there is so much free stuff flying around it's making my head spin wooohooooo! So call me or email or just come on over to book one for you and your friends.   Okay my friends, I apologize for the lack of photos, but I will be sifting through the bits I do have and be begging, borrowing and stealing some to share with you later I promise.  Take good care and if you live locally, drive safe, I hear we're in for some wicked freezing rain later today.  Ev

Stitched Stocking Cards & Stocking Punch Samples, and Merry Christmas!

Hey ladies! First off, Merry Christmas.  I hope each and every one of you got at least a glimpse of the the true meaning of the holiday season.  For our little family, we had a fondue Christmas Eve, no company this year but we got to hang out and everyone went to bed early!  Yes, Early!  I had an hour long bubble bath and crashed with a 9 hour sleep, can you believe that one?  Christmas morning we were up at 8:30~I think that's a first too, it just shows how very busy we all were and needed some serious down time.  We stayed snug in our jammies all day and played with new toys and ate junky food and laughed and just spent time together. It was nice.  Boxing day we headed to Scotch Lake to see Brent's parents and sister and brother in law, and we spent the night.  It was a very relaxing 4 days.  Hey, after that lil girl's Christmas Party of friday, we needed it!  Here is a picture of our Christmas Card this year.

I used the very beautiful Christmas Lodge stamp set out of the Holiday Mini catalog, with a twist... the airplane from the Sentimental Journey (retired) stamp set!  Brent and I were endorsed this year with a 5 week Boeing 757 course and I think this airplane looks a little like a 757.  (I know, we are a little different in this household, but it works lol).  I used Early Esspresso cardstock and ink, of course crumb cake cardstock as well.  Gracie did a lot of the glitter for me, which explains the over glittering... little girls love glitter.  sigh.  I ended up finishing off about 60 of them with the dazzling details and i love love love the result, it was a lot more subtle (well, what isn't more subtle than my girl's glittering job?) and easier to apply.  The drying was a bit of a challenge

but i laid them all out and left them overnight so there was minimal damage when it was all said and done.  If you are interested in the Christmas Lodge stamp set, head on over to my stampin up website to order it for yourself, we only have about another week before that Holiday Mini Catalog goes bye bye. 
Okay, so now, I promised you I would post pictures of LeeAnn Skinner's swap cards from the Stamping Siren's Set Sampler Swap.  So here they are

Stamp set: Christmas Lodge (123769)

Cardstock: Basic Gray  (121044)

Ink: basic Gray (109120)

Accessories: Well Worn DSP (122359), stocking punch (124095), basic black taffetta ribbon (119962), chantilly crochet trip (118480), Victoria crochet trip (118481) and dimensionals.

Stamp Set: stitched stockings (123784), sincere salutations (115068)

Cardstock: Cherry Cobbler (119685) crumb cake (120953)

Ink: cherry cobbler (119669), garden green (102272)

accessories: Christmas Lodge DSP (124002), stocking punch (124095), snowflake punch (119852), 3/8" quilted satin cherry cobbler ribbon (124105), cherry cobbler twine (123125)

Stamp Set: stitched stockings (123784), occasions alphabet (123598)

Cardstock: whisper white (100730), Marina Mist (119682), real red (102482), crumb cake (120953)

Ink: Marina Mist (119668), real red (103133)

accessories: snowburst and polka dot emboss folders (124096, 117335) 1/4" whisper white gros grain ribbon (109025), stocking punch (124095), oval punch (119855) and scallop oval punch (119856)

Stamp set: stitched stockings (123784), hand penned holidays (from the Holiday mini also 124312)

Cardstock: Crumb cake (120953), real red (102482)

Inks: early esspresso (119670), real red (103133) and garden green (102272)

Accessories: stocking punch (124095), cobbler twine (123125), scallop edge border punch (119882) and Christmas Lodge DSP (124002)

Stamp Set: Stitched stockings (123784), Petite Pairs (122497)

Cardstock: Cherry cobbler (119685), whisper white (100730)

Ink: cherry cobbler (119669)

Accessories: snowburst embossing folder (124096), 3/8" quilted cherry cobbler satin ribbon (124105), dotted scallop ribbon border punch (119275)

Stamp Set: stitched stockings (123874) - she created the "booty" by placing the top piece from the punch lower, thus making the stocking really short.  cool eh?

Cardstock: blushing bride (119796), chocolate chip (102128), whisper white (100730)

ink: blushing bride (119786)

accessories: white baker's twine (124262), stocking punch (124095), dotted scallop ribbon border punch (119275) and 2010-2012 in color patterns DSP (117158)

What a cute set sampler hey?  So there they are ladies.  Call me or email (ewood5803@rogers.com) asap to order your punch and stitched stockings set.  I'll ship to anywhere in Canada.  And I'll be posting my 10 for Men card class~ I held it today, but due to popular demand, I'll be scheduling another one or two in the New Year... who doesn't need 10 masculine hand stamped cards?  Have a great night, we'll chat soon, Ev

Stocking Punch NOT carried over to the Idea Book & Catalog:(

okay so you guys MUST know immediately what I am talking about!  The current Holiday Mini
features all kinds of great products... well, for me, the best seller is the Stocking Punch and Stitched Stockings, the coordinating stamp set.

Look familiar?  It's $22.95 and the item code is 124095.  Here is the matching stamp set

It's $33.95 and oh my goodness... item code 123782... I have a million cards and tags done with these! My bestie from Wichita, LeeAnn Skinner made a set sampler as part of our swap and I'll take some pictures to post here tomorrow.  If you girls don't have these yet, email me to order yours!  This is defineately a punch that I won't be selling off at my retired sale lol.  Have a wonderful day~ my BFF Joanne Perry is coming over for coffee, let's see if I can keep Dennis-er- William busy so we can have a good gab LOL   Ev 

Big Honkin' Stampin' Up! Sale~Clearance Rack Style

Wowzers, who doesn't love a great sale?  Stampin Up has uploaded over 200 items to their clearance rack for a 2 week sales blitz! 

You can click here to go to my Stampin' Up website, where you can order right then and there, AND get it delivered right to your home!  If you prefer, go ahead and email me directly, I am placing orders regularly.  The only thing is, these items are first come, first served.  So once they are gone, they are gone:(

On a happy note, I spent yesterday with some of the gals in my club, they made a banner using the stocking die... so cute! I'll post a photo later, I currently have mine hanging in front of my tv here in the stamp room, it looks really tacky lol!  I have my little helper helping today... Aisel our nanny is in the Phillipines for another 3 weeks so I have a lot of help these days lol.  thanks goodness for Mickey Mouse's Clubhouse and my ipad

oh he's such a little darlin'.  Even if Gramma nicknamed him Dennis!  Speaking of which, I'll post some pics from our visit to La Ronge soon.  Never a dull moment, and it's all good. So I am inputting clearance rack orders and trying to keep my helper out of the candy dish, paper rack and glue basket.  We'll chat soon my friends, Ev 

 

Free Shipping Continues~Heading to Saskatchewan for a (early) Christmas Visit

I am sure I am going to have trouble sleeping tonight, the kids and I leave tomorrow for an early Christmas visit to my home town, La Ronge, Sk!  Of course, being Peak (a term meaning Fed Ex is busier than ever with the Holiday Season and mechanics and pilots are working around the clock~aka no time off~) Brent has to stay behind and work :( but the kids and I are going to spend a week with my parents.  My little brother and his family live right next door, and they have a brand new baby boy that we get to meet for the first time.  Add to the excitement about a dozen aunts and uncles, too many cousins to count (all on my mom's side) and we are in for a great visit.  My nephew Anthoney is so riled up to see Grace, those two are like two peas in a pod, being that they are the same age. 

okay, so this is a Stampin' Up! blog you say, what does this have to do with Stampin' Up!?  Well, I just want you to know that you can reach me, email is best, while the FREE SHIPPING sale is on until December 10th!  Seriously, just send me an email and I'll make sure the order gets in.  Wishlists, same thing, just email me.  I'll post a couple pictures of our week~ so stay tuned!  Happy Stampin' and keep warm, Ev

What's your Stampin Up Wishlist Item this year?

Oh it's that time of year again, the time of year when we run around like chicken with our heads cut off, trying to find the perfect gift, making everyone happy and shuttling kids here and there and making potluck items and finding that perfect thing to wear to the Christmas party and UGH! ENOUGH!  Really, that's what I told myself this year.  Enough.  I am in a simplify kind of mode anyway, and never has it been so obvious as this Holiday Season.  So I am here to help take some of the strain off... I sell Stampin Up gift certificates, but did you know that I also have a wishlist that you can fill out and pass back to me?  Why not get something that you will use and like and actually want this year?  Seriously, I am so done with knick knacks and useless bobbly boops and such.  Stampin up supplies are so awesome~ we create things and actually spread the love, keep the cycle of giving going.  So without further ado, here is the wishlist:

Download Stampin up wishlist

I am offering FREE SHIPPING on your items when you get this wishlist filled out and returned to me by December 10th!  Don't be shy, I am not and I don't mind phoning your spouse to let them know how I can help... free shipping, gift wrapped items... oh yeah, I rock lol!  Hope to hear from you soon, Ev

Letters to Santa Scrapbook Pages

Joanne, Aisel and I spent last night Stamping it up and came up with some cute pages using the Letters to Santa DSP.  We had some inspiration from our sister stamper France too, so thanks France!

each class attendee gets a half package of Letters to Santa DSP~ we are using some of it in the class, but don't worry, you'll have plenty left to make some cute pages or cards once you get home.

look at those elf's feet!  Thanks to Catherine Pooler, I saw a card she did with the feet on the front:) 

So if you'd like to attend, I am having the class 3 times:

Friday November 25th 10 am-noon my house, 712 Chartersville Road in Dieppe

friday November 25th 7-9pm my house, 712 Chartersville Road in Dieppe

Tuesday December 20th 7-9pm in Notre Dame

let me know, I have a few openings left in the morning class.

So it's been a little crazy crazy at the Taylor/Wood residence.  I spend a fair bit of time in the old bed this week with strep throat, thank goodness for Aisel, having her as our nanny has saved us in so many ways!  I was able to hibernate for a couple days and thankfully nobody else seemed to get sick.  We are on the 24th day of November, and I have participated in, co ordinated or attended 17 stampin up events.  whooooaaa Nelly! I'm surprised I only got strep throat.  I think I'd better cool my jets a little.  Naaaahhhh!  hahhaha. I love what I do, and all the cool people I get to meet.  So bring it on, that's what I say.  Looking forward to stamping with ya, Ev

Stampin Up!s Online Extravaganza

Check this out girls!  There are some awesome deals, the first one that stood out in my mind was the Many Merry Messages!  It's half price!  It's $21.48!  I don't know about you, but I've been using that one for the last 4-6 weeks, and so have my customers, at all the Christmas Card Classes.  Anyway, check it out.  I'll be placing orders all week, or you can order by clicking here and get your order shipped directly to you.

I hope all is well with you~ here at the Taylor residence, we have been going non stop.  William is a typical 21 month old, curious about everything and into it all too!  Gracie has been busy with both her Cheerleading groups, Brent's been working like crazy and I've been Stampin er up almost every day! I love it.  The kids and I are planning to see my parents in La Ronge, Saskatchewan the second week in December, so I am looking forward to that.  Other than that, it's business as usual.  So come on over and take in a class:)  I'd love to have a coffee and catch up with ya.  Chat soon, Ev

Christmas Stamp Camp

here are the lovelies.  I had fun creating them in Wichita with fellow demonstrator LeAnn Skinner.  It took a solid week of laughing, watching t.v. and dinners out and oh yeah, stamping too:) but we did it.  So I will be having a few more classes.  The cost is $35 and includes 15 ultra smooth whisper white envelopes too.  If you would like to host a stamp camp with your buddies, call me and we can book an evening for a private gathering. Here are some of the upcoming classes:

Friday November 11 6:30-9pm

Monday November 14 6:30-9pm

Friday November 18th 6:30-9pm

Wednesday November 30th 10am-noon

Wednesday November 30th 6:30-9pm

Friday December 2nd 6:30-9pm

Please remember, there are a few days left girls, if you would like to join my team, stampin up is offering a free big shot until friday November 11 to new recruits!  Call me for more information, I'd be glad to sit down and chat about why it's so much fun to be a demonstrator. 

Here is another class that I am excited about~ these are the projects that were included as the make n take for the Holly Berry Bouquet Fall Crop.  Participants received the co ordinating stamp set, half package of Holly Berry Bouquet DSP, wasabi, esspresso and cherry cobbler markers, quilted ribbon and even more goodies!  ANYWAY, here are the projects I am offering as a class to all of you:

Tuesday November 15th 7-9pm

My Stamp Room 712 Chartersville Road in Dieppe

Cost is $25 and includes all your supplies, envelopes and half pkg Holly Berry Bouquet DSP.  I have 6 spots, so email me or call to book yours.
You can also see other events going on my going to www.thestampingsiren.stampinup.net and clicking my event calendar.  I am so glad to be back and stamping, can you tell lol!?   

In all seriousness though, I am so blessed to be surrounded by a team of girls who are so positive and funny and talented and smart.  The Stampin Sirens are a lot of fun, we had a blast making the 15 Christmas Card Stamp a Stack last friday night!  I had meant to take a couple of pictures, but of course I was to busy chatting.  On the home front, things are going great!  It's overwhelming to think of not working my "regular job" but I am settling in doing chores and driving kids to events and cooking again!  (enough hotels already!)  I am so appreciative of my little family and am loving the fact that my suitcase is all the way downstairs, in the utility room, not at the foot of my bed half packed and ready to go.  So the half cooked supper awaits, I'd better go before it burns.  Chat soon, Ev