More Christmas cards...

Are you ready for the next installment of Christmas Card ideas?? Well, too bad...because it is coming whether you are ready or not....hmmm, kind of like Christmas!

The first one is a card that was designed by a member of our team. I made it, but it was her idea. I love the glitter on the snow to make it pop a little more. Super cute!

The second one is the card that I made this year. I am really busy right now and I needed a card that didn't take a ton of time. This was the ticket! They are really quick and easy to put together and I did 3 variations of it....same layout and colors, just different patterns and paper. I will show you the other ones another time.

Christmas cards don't have to be difficult. And the cheesy ones you buy in bulk from the store are just that...cheesy. I like a little more fun and flare. :) As always, if you want me to make your cards...I will. Just call me, but soon!

Happy Stamping!

Martha

Christmas is here!

Holy Cow! Where did the year go right?? Christmas time is now upon us and that means that it is time to do the card exchanging.

What? You haven't done your Christmas cards this year yet??? Its okay, neither have I. I sat down today to figure them out though. I am going to post a few over the next few days so that you can get some inspiration for yourself.

The first card was one that I made for my mom to give to all the grandchildren for Christmas. She wanted plain and simple since the kids will just rip into them anyway.

The second is a card that my upline, Maxine, made last year and sent out. Warning....she admits this card took lots of time and a group effort by her coworkers. But, don't you just love the way it came out??

As always, if you feel like you can't do them and just want to sign them....let me know. I can make them for you and you can sign them and mail them. That way, people get a handmade card, but you don't have to put forth the time to do it. Call me for details.

Happy Stamping!

Martha

Happy Thanksgiving

I had a few minutes to myself this afternoon and I decided to make a quick Thanksgiving card to send off to my mom and sister (they are spending the holiday together in California at my sister's house).

The Gently Falling stamp set is in the Holiday mini. I used More Mustard, Pool Party, Soft Suede, and Early Expresso for the ink colors and with the Very Vanilla paper it gives it a nice warm touch. The scallop trim is from the Tastful Trim Die and the embossed portion is the Stripes Embossing Folder.

Hope you all enjoy the card that popped into my head today. I sure enjoyed making it. Now...off to the mail box it goes!

Happy Stamping!

Martha

Online Extravaganza is next week!

The annual Online Extravaganza from Stampin' Up! starts on Monday, November 21st. You won't want to miss this. It is like Black Friday for the Stampin' Up! world....on the Monday before Thanksgiving!

You will want to log on bright and early on Monday because everything is first come first serve and some items are only on sale for 24 hours. You can place you orders through my website at marthastamps.stampinup.net or you can email me or call me with your order and I will get it in asap for you.

Things to look forward to are: FREE digital downloads valued at $40 when you buy My Digital Studio Express, 60 percent off select Designer Fabrics, and 30 percent off an exclusive ribbon bundle! We can't tell you everything, so you need to log on and check it out yourself.

In addition, there will be two items on sale for 24 hours only (November 21, 12:01 AM - 11:59 PM [MT])....they won't even tell the demomstrators what theses items are yet, so it must be awesome!

The sale runs from November 21, 12:01 AM MT - November 23, 11:59 PM MT. Get your groove on for the the holiday shopping season on Monday through Wednesday of next week.

Happy Shopping!

Martha

Christmas Time is Coming Fast!

I really have to show you guys this awesome Advent Calendar that I made up. The idea to do an advent on a muffin tin is nothing new, but I guarantee you will NOT find anything like this out there.
It is a labor of love...takes tons of time and effort...but so worth it! I am so proud of it. I made the first one and took it to my upline, Max, to show it off and she loved it so much I ended up making her one too. Then, this great idea came (thank you mom!) to make one for my sister for Christmas too. So, this is the 3rd one that I have done in the last week or so.

If uses lots of punches, The Big Shot, lots of various dies, Holly Berry Bouquet DSP from the mini catalog right now, and some very fun stamps...ie the new 25 & Counting from the mini catalog that just screams "make and advent out of me!" So I did. :)

Hope you guys like it. If you need Christmas cards, Holiday cards, birthday, thank yous, or any other type of greeting or specialty item...shoot me an email and I will see what we can work out.

Happy Stamping!

Martha

Where did Fall go?

The title of this post is my every day thoughts now. Where on Earth did Fall go? I feel like we just started back to school and now we are half way through November. Where did October and November go to? Please come back. You are one of the best times of the year!

I guess I just have to suck it up and realize that time is done on my watch....wait, I don't even wear one. Sorry about the blog lapse. I will try harder. I have some really cute Holiday stuff to show you guys....if you are still out there in blog land reading.

Happy Stamping!

Martha

Its the hubby's birthday today!

He doesn't know I am posting this.... in fact, I haven't even given him the card yet, so don't say anything until tonight! lol He doesn't check this blog, so I think I am safe.

My dear, sweet husband, Jeremy turns 32 today. I know he will love this card. You know why? Because I love him and he loves me...and Batman. In fact, he IS Batman! ;) In high school he and his best friend had this running idea that he was Batman and his friend was Spiderman. Go figure.

I got the idea last year when this cutie little bat punch made its debut and I just didn't have the time to make it for him. (I am a bad wife I suppose.) I was sad to see the bat punch retire after just one year. It was awesome for halloween last year and I will use it in my own personal stuff for years to come.

So, Happy Birthday Jeremy! I love you. I hope the day is fantastic for you.

Love,

Martha

Sweets for the Sweet

I know you are going to be so disapointed when you see the cards we made at this week's class. When I first saw this stamp set in the catalog I was in L O V E. I finally got my hands on it and the cards just came to life. I could use it all day long.

The stamp set is called Sweets for the Sweet and it makes fabulous little cards for several occasions. Mine are all birthday cards since I send a lot of those and the gals at the class requested them as well.

I just love how they all turned out. Hopefully you love them as much as I do.

Happy Stamping!

Martha

Wanna see more??

I think the answer is almost always yes to this question....especially on a stamping blog right?? RIGHT! So, here are a few more cards that I made using the Tickets & Tags Simply Scrappin' kit.

There are only three more days (that includes today) to order the buy 3 get one FREE promotion on Designer Series Paper. It ends the 31st! You better hurry over to my website and place your order today, or call me and I can save a little shipping for you by combining it with other orders...but you have to come pick it up when it arrives at my house instead of yours. :)

Happy Stamping!

Martha

Delicate Doilies

This post is dedicated to the Delicate Doilies stamp set. I enjoy the stamps in this set because they can be used as a focal point and have the entire card set around doilies....OR, the images on them are large enough that they make great background stamps for some depth to projects.

The following samples are just a few of the cards that we will be making at the Delicate Doilies stamp Class that is happening NEXT Thursday, September 1. It is $10 to come and make 5 cards to take home, or you can take home the cards and the stamp set BOTH for $22.

I need to have your RSVP, if you want stamps included in your registration, by Sunday, August 28th. That is coming up soon. If you decide last minute that you want to come and make cards, you can do that RSVP up until Wednesday evening. Class is Thursday evening, 7pm, at my house.

Any questions, don't hesitate to ask. The more the merrier, so if you sign someone up that has never been to a class for me before you get a prize!

Happy Stamping!

Martha

Tickets & Tags Class

Well, I just finished up another great class. We ended up using the Tickets & Tags Simply Scrappin' kit and made 16 full sized cards to take home and plenty left over to make some more later.

I love the Simply Scrappin' kits this year! They are awesome!! Don't pass them up in the catalog because you aren't a scrapbooker. I use them both ways, to make cards and scrapbook. All the kits this year are geared to work work both ways....its a 2 for 1 people!!

The colors in the catalog don't really do them justice either. I had a hard time deciding which one to use for this class because I liked them all. I did order some other to make so really cool projects coming up soon (like a mini scrapbook using CD case holders...you will see).

I am only posting a few of the cards today. I might get some more of them on later posts. There were just too many to choose from. :)

The buy 3 get one FREE promotion on DSP is still going on, but it does end the 31st of August. This is a perfect time to stock up on some paper for the holidays and such. If you would like to combine orders to get cheaper shipping, just let me know and I can do that on my end rather than through my website store. Or, you can just go right to marthastamps.stampinup.net and place your order and get the buy 3 get one FREE promo there with regular shipping.

Happy Stamping!

Martha

B3G1 FREE on DSP!

This is great! Who couldn't use more of the great designer series paper from Stampin' Up!?? The best part is that if you want you can share the order with a friend and still qualify as long as you place a single order.

All you have to do is go to marthastamps.stampinup.net and place your order with me by August 31st and you automatically get to pick a 4th DSP stack for free!!

If you need help deciding what delictable papers you should purchase, ask my expertise! I can help and let you know what coordinates with what.

Happy Stamping!

Martha

Nature Walk Class

I loved this set the first time it showed up in the mini catalog last spring. I am exstatic that it made the big catalog this July. It was the first thing on my order for the new year.

This set is timeless and classic, beautiful and elegant. Can you tell I love it??? Don't miss out on coming to class to use this great set and to get your hands on it along with some great watercoloring techniques and more.

Class Info: Choose your option

Option 1: Come make 5 cards and learn new techniques for $10

Option 2: Come make 5 cards and take home a clear mount set of your own for $24.

Option 3: Kit in the Mail! Choose either option and I will send you all the paper and supplies along with directions to create the cards at home. Just add $3 for shipping to either option.

RSVP to me by Sunday if you want the stamp set included in registration. You can always RSVP by Wednesday if you just want to come and make cards. If you get a friend to sign up for any of the options you get a nice surprise!

Happy Stamping!

Martha

Pennant Parade stamp class

You missed out if you didn't come! Check out the great cards that we made and I think I might have even made Jeanne fall in love with a set that she didn't like when I first showed her the catalog. :)

Some of the designs are inspired by great friends who share their creations with others. Thanks to all who made this class a huge hit!

Don't forget... you only have a couple days left to score big time on a kit full of goodies for only $99. You get about $180 worth of stamp products and then business supplies on top of that if you want to make a go of a business for yourself, but as always, no obligation.

Happy Stamping!

Martha

Only a few short days left!!

For those of you who need a little visual on what you would get for your $99.... here you go! You get everything in the video! I totalled it all up and minus the business supplies you are getting about $180 worth of product with the free gift for signing up this month. The business supplies ar ea bonus if you want to make some money and do this as a cool business. I love mine! But, there is no obligation. Sign up for the goods and just ditch the business stuff if you want!

If you sign up between now and the 31st of July, you will also get to pick a stamp set from my stash of goodies.... did you want a hostess set and couldn't qualify for it??? Now is your chance! Plus lots of others to choose from.

Join the team today and enjoy all the benefits! Call, text, or email me your questions. You won't regret it!!!

Happy Stamping!

Martha

Convention Make and Takes

Wow! Has July been a busy month for everyone else too? It was insane for me! I can't believe it is over and I feel like it just started. Maybe I am going crazy...maybe I just had way too much fun. I had 2 extended family vacations (one for me and one for my husband), convention, and 2 major holidays all in one month.

Convention was awesome!!! You will be so jealous when you find out what kind of goods I walked away with. I just finished my make and take projects today since I am finally home. I love that everything is provided and I didn't have to purchase anything to finish the projects at home....and with step by step instructions and color pictures it was a snap!

This cute little box is for holding cards (or anything really). You can purchase the box (undecorated) in the upcoming Holiday Mini Catalog super cheap. It uses a mix of fabric and paper to decorate it as shown. The black and white pattern on the lid is one of the fabrics from the Timeless Portrait set (there is paper to match too, yeah!)

These 3 sweet cards were made using the Raining Flowers stamp set from the new catalog. I think it will be one of my favorites. I can already see samples in my head with a wide variety of colors.

There are only a few short days left for the fabulous sign up promotion. $99 for a starter kit that has a ton of product in it. Even if you don't want to be a demonstrator this is a great deal to save money on all the stuff you will probably buy anyway. There is no obligation to be a demo and no risk because if you don't want to make it a business you just don't, and there is no fees associated with stopping. It is lovely! Let me know if you want more info, but hurry because the deal ends on the 31st of July.

Happy Stamping!

Martha

Happy New Year!!!

Stampin' Up! style that is...but that is even better!!!

Who wants to see the new catalog??

I do! I do! Me! Me!

Here you go folks.... click the picture to view inside.

As always, you can order anything you see from the great new catalog from my online store HERE. Please make sure that my name shows as your demonstrator so that you get the appropriate discounts and shipping. It will save you money. :)

Happy Viewing!

Martha

Awesome Product Promo

HAPPY STAMPIN' UP! NEW YEAR!!!!!!

I am happy to announce that along withe new year comes a NEW "big" catalog, a NEW promotion for goodies, and brand NEW opportunities.

Stampin' Up! made an announcement last night that they are doing a $99 Starter Kit Bundle for the month of July. You get stamps from the new catalog, great paper, inks, and even new DSP. You won't want to miss out on this! It is well over $99 worth of stuff that you are probably going to buy anyway...so why not get it in a kit!!

Here is what you get:

Easy Events Stamp Set*

Pennant Parade Stamp Set*

Old Olive Ink

Real Red Ink

Pumpkin Pie Ink

Brights Assorted Card Stock

Whisper White Note Cards

Just Add Cake DSP*

Chocolate Chip 1/2" Scallop Dots Ribbon*

Blender Pen

Clear Block C

Snail

Business Supplies (but only if you want to make a business)

*brand new items in the new catalog

Go to my website and click on the Promotions tab at the top for more info.

Call me for more info. This is an amazing deal! And... if you have anything in the kit already, you can substitute it for something of the same value that you don't have! SWEET BEANS!!!

Happy Stamping!

Martha

Pennant Peek

This is a card I made for a swap with fellow demonstrators. It got 3rd in the swap voting too! Yeah me! It features the new pennant stamp set and matching punch that is coming in the new catalog July 1st! You will also see a oldie, but goodie stamp set for the background...Circle Circus.

Hope you enjoy it. Catalogs are just $5, so let me know how many you need.

Another promo going on right now...anyone that makes a $50 order before tax and shipping with me will get to pick a stamp set from my stash. This goes until I get back from Convention and is first come first serve as to what stamps are available.

Happy Stamping!

Martha

Pocket Full Of Posies DSP Class

Here are some samples from the Pocket Full of Posies DSP class. You need to RSVP by this Saturday! The paper is wonderful. Check out my website for more details and to RSVP that way. Or you can call or email me your registration info.

Remember.... there are 2 options to this class.

Option 1: Make 5 cards and take them home $10

Option 2: Make 5 cards AND take home a package of the Pocket full of Posies DSP $16

Option 3: Kit by Mail. I put everything in a package with instructions for the 5 cards and you choose either option above and just add $3 for shipping.

Sounds like a plan to me! Can't wait to see you all there. Come check out the new catalog too!

Happy Stamping!

Martha

New Catalog Ribbon Share

If you are like me, you think that a cute piece of ribbon makes a card stand out. If you are also like me, you cannot afford to buy ribbon in every color in every type. I have a solution to our problems!! I have put together a ribbon share. Here are the details:

I will place an order July 1st for all the ribbon so that we can get it in time for our new workshops and such. I will measure, cut, package, and mail each of the shares from my homes...which is pet free and smoke free.

There are several groups to choose from. Each group is a single type of ribbon, but will include some of each color of that type....you know, because some people love one type of ribbon and despise another. No one wants to end up with a type of ribbon they will never use right? The 10 yards spools you will get 2 yards of each color. For the 15 yards spools you will get 3 yards of each color.

The price next to each group includes tax and shipping to anywhere in the US. I accept Paypal for this share, so when you are ready to sign up please make sure I have your email address to send you a Paypal invoice to for the groups you sign up for....or if you are local you can just drop me the money via check or cash.

3/8" Ruffled In Color Ribbon, 2 yards each: $10, 5 NEW in colors

1/2" Stitched Poly In Color Ribbon, 3 yards each: $9, 5 returning In Colors

3/8" Taffeta Ribbon, 2 yards each: $14 10 colors

5/8" Satin Ribbon, 3 yards each: $18 10 colors

1/2" Scallop Dots Ribbon, 2 yards each: $16 10 colors

1/8" Taffeta Ribbon, 2 yards each: $12 10 colors

Feel free to email me if you have any questions or concerns. Thanks you guys!

Happy stamping!

Martha

No Wrapping Paper...No Problem!

So I have a birthday gift for my Mother in Law and I can't find anything except Christmas wrapping around for some reason. I could go buy some, but going out just for wrapping paper is silly...especially when your face looks like Will Smith's from Hitch after he eats seafood on his date. Yes, the left side of my face is massively swollen due to an infection of some sort. Good news is that it doesn't hurt anymore, but the swelling hasn't gone down yet.

Sorry, back to wrapping paper... I don't want to leave the house so I pulled out a white lunch sack since we have a stack leftover from school this year and started stamping away!

You get a sneak peek at a Brand New stamp set coming in the new catalog starting July 1st. Don't you love those doilies?!?! There is also paper to match, but not in the colors that I stamped. The 4 colors you see on the bag are ANOTHER sneak peek of some of the new In Colors. I LOVE the colors this year. Last year's were okay, and remember we keep them for 2 years now, but this year's colors are deliciously yummy. The last in color is a deep blue that isn't on the bag.

Wouldn't this be great for your kids to take to a birthday party? They can just stamp whatever they want on it and it is adorable and so personal. So, don't waste money on wrapping paper.... use what you have around the house. Hope you like it, and I hope that she likes the gift and packaging too.

Happy stamping!

Martha

Stamp to the Max Annual Party!

This was awesome! You won't want to miss it next year. We had tons of fun doing make and takes, demonstrations, motivational messages, games, swaps, and prizes.

Here is the swap that I created for the meeting. It uses a new stamp set and punch coming out in the brand new catalog available July 1st and is called Pennant Parade...love it!

The following samples are just a couple of the ones that we did for our make and takes. It uses one of my favorite stamp sets (yes, it did make the big catalog for next year!) called Fabulous Florets. The last few classes I did were using that stamp set and coordinating paper, Beyond the Garden. I will post more of those samples later.

We played a How Well Do You Know Your Colors game...and I took second. All 45 current cardstock colors were put out on a table and you had to list them with the coordinating numbers on your paper. I got them all right and it was a fast draw color showdown with the 6 that got 100%. Dang Jason for beating me! I so had him and he came from behind. I still got a prize, so that was awesome. I also won another prize for having my swap card being voted in the top 3. So, that made my week. :)

The food was wonderful and Max did an amazing job for us. I know it was a ton of work for her...but we really appreciated all the effort that goes in to a major event like that. It is an annual thing, so get excited to attend next year!

If you want to join my team to be able to go to amazing events like this one... its easy! Email for more info or go to my website and click the "Start Your Own Business" tab at the top for lots of information.

Happy Stamping!

Martha