If you haven't had scissors in hand, glitter in the air or projects in the making lately, use National Crafting Month as your motivation to get your creativity on. Did you know that recent studies have shown that "complex crafting is good for mental health?...One thought is that when we’re being creative, our brains release dopamine, a
natural anti-depressant. Creativity that takes concentration is a non-medicinal way of getting a feel-good high. Scientists are even beginning to study the link between engaging in creative activities and the ability to reduce the mild cognitive impairment associated with aging". Link to article here.
So, now you have no excuse to find the time to create & craft. It's good for you!
A simple way to Create
With the above scientific & beneficial thought in mind, I would like to entice you to begin by spending only 30 minutes a month creating. I bet you could find 30 minutes once a month (and if you can't, then you must find 30 minutes for your own sanity). The easiest way to spend this creative 30 minutes is to get yourself a
subscription to Paper Pumpkin. This monthly kit will be delivered right to your mailbox with everything you need to make the project. No going to the store - no deciding what to make or what supplies to buy. Everything is in the box for only $19.95/month (and that
includes shipping), or take advantage of the 3 month pre-paid subscription sale going on right now! Pay for 3 months and try it out. Nothing could be easier!
I have the two ways to subscribe listed here and it will only take you 2 minutes:
You will need to subscribe by the end of day on March 10
Teaser for April's kit: It was designed by Sara Douglas, CEO of Stampin' Up!.
Her style is “bold, vibrant, and artistic—with a little bit of sass”.
Did you (really) look at the back of the catalog??
Last summer, I received a phone call from the Stampin' Up! home office asking if they could quote me from a video I submitted to them and put it on the back of the 2017 Occasions Catalog. To say that I was completely filled with excitement is an understatement!!! Of course! I am humbled they chose my quote and believe that
many demonstrators feel the same way as I do. I would not have met so many of you if I didn't take a chance 10 years ago and purchase my Starter Kit.
I encourage each of you to consider purchasing your own Starter Kit and giving Stampin' Up! a try (if you don't like it or want to continue, then you
just stop). There are so many ways of being a Stampin' Up! family member: purchasing your own supplies at a 20-25% discount to creating with friends & family or their friends & family to hosting a class to selling your creations to making it an income based business or somewhere in-between.
I've said it over and over again and will
continue to say it over and over. I am so happy I joined! Stampin' Up! is for everyone no matter your creative ability (none to some). I promise you no one is going to force you to make a sale, but if you want to earn perks, benefits and an income, you can. Enjoy the discount, enjoy the people, enjoy the creativity and inspiration of others, if you want more the opportunity is there and I'm happy to share it with you.
If you want to chat, are curious, want to learn more, please reach out to me and I'll tell you want you want to know.
My Two Trend Predictions
I think ice cream is going to be the "it" thing this spring (and I'm thrilled with this delicious thought). Stampin' Up! has their Cool Treats Suite in the 2017 Occasions Catalog (p. 32 & 33) and I am starting to see ice cream in other markets as well (besides the supermarket).
Here's an advertisement from David's Tea & US Postage Forever Stamps
My other prediction is there is going to be a Succulent Craze, it's in the stores, garden centers and all over Pinterest. Stampin' Up! has both a Succulent Garden Product Suite (p. 20-21 Occasions catalog) and a Vertical Garden Project Kit (p. 22). Succulents are everywhere!
I made this one with the Window Box Thinlits & Succulent Garden suite:
I saw similar succulent displays in both HomeGoods & TJ Max today
So what does all this mean?? You can't go wrong with Stampin' Up!!! Their products and projects are on-trend.
It's almost time to say goodbye to some favorite colors
Every year we get to say hello to 5 new colors, but we also have to say goodbye to 5 more. My heart is heavy saying goodbye to 3 of these particular 5: Watermelon Wonder, Tip Top Taupe and Cucumber Crush. I have loved creating with you. If you love any of these 5 too, then you may want to consider stocking up on papers,
re-inkers, markers, embellishments before their official goodbye date of May 31. Retiring In Colors tend to sell out sooner than later.
In November, the Stitched Framelits were introduced and were welcomed with such enthusiasm that they sold out in a record breaking time. I love these Framelits because of their stitched detailed edge. Sometimes you just need a little something more to complete your project and I have found that these are that
something. You get 4 circles, 4 squares and 4 ovals AND they complement the other Layering Circles, Squares and Oval Framelits (straight shapes & scalloped shapes) that Stampin' Up! offers so they all can work together.
Shelli, Sara & Brandi talk about the magic of stamp to ink to paper.
Upcoming Classes
March
>Quick & Easy (but beautiful) Cards, Saturday March 11. You choose to come at 9:30 or noon. $25 for 6 cards. You choose your own sentiments: happy birthday, thank you, congrats to you or a happy hello. RSVP by noon Friday 3/10.
>Two Card Technique Tuesday, Tuesday, March 14 at 6:30 pm, $10, RSVP by noon Mon. 3/13.
>Open Studio, Saturday, March 25. Come anytime between 9 am – 4 pm, $5. Bring your own projects to work on and use my stamps, inks, punches and Big Shot. Card stock available for 40 cents a sheet. RSVP by Friday 3/24.
April
>Easter Cards & Treats, Thursday, April 6 at 10 am and Friday, April 7 at 10 am and 7 pm, $25. RSVP by noon Wed 4/5.
>Two Card Technique Tuesday, Tuesday, April 18 at 6:30 pm, $10, RSVP by noon Mon. 4/17.
>Dragonfly Dreams Class, Thursday, April 27 at 10 am and Friday, April 28 at 10 am and 7 pm, $25, RSVP by noon Wed 4/26. This class will feature the Dragonfly Dreams stamp set.
Be sure to watch me on YouTube!
I just posted a video on how to make a Two Window Shaker card and have another video on shaker cards to post later this week.
Be sure to subscribe to my channel to be notified of when
videos are posted:
Be sure to enjoy this great sale of free products!
Remember:
>earn a free product for every $50 in products purchased*
>potential to earn
an additional $25 in free products for hostess party
>choose ANY two stamp sets for free when purchasing the Starter Kit
Other benefits:
>Earn a seat at my Sale-a-Bration
Celebration Spring Event by ordering $150 of products, hosting a party or purchasing a Starter Kit (more details soon to follow)
*some of these SAB products are while supplies last, so order early!
