Shoebox Stampers

I just don't have time...

and neither do I!  There's not enough time to do the things we need to, much less the things we want to do!  But I hear this a lot, so how do you make time for it?  Well first, you just have to make up your mind that you want to do it, say, stamping, for example, or scrapbooking.  Then find time: nap time, after the kids go to bed, as a reward for doing something else (like housework!).  Even 20 minutes can accomplish something!  I know, easier said than done, but if it's something that makes you happy, then you've gotta do it for you!

One of my favorites tips for getting things done is this: I keep my pictures in a photo box (our Forget me not boxes are great!), one for each child and one for the family.  I also have my scrapbook idea binder that I carry with me (you can see that idea here) so that I can pull out a group of pictures, pair it with a page idea, then save it for when I have time to finish it. 

I place the ideas in a craft keeper (above) after folding the page idea in half to hold the pictures.  I carry these supplies to gymnastics, soccer practice, family's houses, I think you get it. 

I hope this gives you an idea for getting more done in the same amount of time.  Good luck!

Wish shoe stampin' fun!

Have you seen this?

Soon after convention ended, there was a blog post by Paper Crafts magazine about our convention.  I kept meaning to include this, but so much goes on in the stampin' world that it completely slipped my mind!  So I wanted to bring your attention to this entry on the magazine's blog.

 

While there are lots of pictures of the convention set-up and stampin' faces, this entry showcases one of the things I missed most about not being able to attend convention: the samples!

 

There are several of these there and they are just amazing!  I copy them to a file on my hard drive and use them for ideas when I'm stuck, which seems to be quite often!  I hope you are inspired!  And if this gets you interested in joining Stampin' Up! as a demonstrator so you can attend convention next year, make sure to contact me for information!

Wish shoe stampin' fun!

Canon's loyalty program

Remember this past Saturday when I told you how my camera had died and that I might have some photographic issues (there were a few emotional issues as well, but that's a different post!)?  I called Canon about my camera, even though it's out of warranty, and inquired about my options.  The representative, Chris, told me that I could send it in for a free evaluation of the issue; Canon would inform me of the cost of the repair.  The other option was to trade it in for a refurbished model.  I spoke to my husband about it and looked into other cameras available, and decided to go with the refurb (I just love the rotating viewing screen, the picture quality, the size, the ease of uploading...).  So I started out with a Canon Powershot s2 IS...

 

and ended up with a Canon Powershot sx10 IS...

 

This camera retails for more than $350, but they traded for $209!  They didn't ask any questions about the broken camera, and they sent a postage paid label for sending the camera back!  I cannot wait to use it and show you the pics - there are some great features that I want to share with you.  Mainly, I just can't wait to get a great camera back in my hands!  If you have a Canon that has seen better days, just call their customer line at 800-828-4040.  Hopefully, you won't be without a camera for long.

Wish shoe stampin' fun!

Stampin' Up! in the news

Soon after our recent convention, an article appeared in the Deseret News from Salt Lake City about the special announcements and activities.  You can see the article here. 

 

This picture above shows the huge room where we do the make n takes.  It was one of my favorite events - besides getting new stamps, finding the goodies at lunch, trading ideas with others, learning new ideas, sharing suggestions...

 

This is another one of my favorite things - the endless idea boards!  There are so many submissions for contests and ideas that Stampin' Up! can color coordinate the boards beautifully! 

If, after reading the article by Carma Wadley and seeing the pictures by Michael Brandy, you think you might want to attend next year, by all means join!  Our current mini kit is perfect, or our standard kit, with an additional SIX ink pads and multi-colored package of paper, is even better for starting a business for fun or financial aid.  This could be the stimulus you need!

Wish shoe stampin' fun!

My blog-iversary has arrived...

which is great for you!  I have some great items that need new homes (retired and new or like new), and I want to share them with you!  All you need to do is answer the following questions correctly and you win a box of stuff!  So here goes:

1.  What is my favorite color (look here)?

2. How long have I been a Stampin' Up! demonstrator?  (See here for a hint)

3. When is my Christmas in July class?

4. What did my sister, Beth, do to earn a special gift? (Need a hint?)

5. What is my signature saying? (See end of any post)

6. What's your favorite recipe from my blog? (See this section for posts)

7. Who played for us after Award's Night at convention?  (This might help you.)

8. What is the name of my weekly Saturday posting?  (This section might get you started.)

9. What is my tagline?

10. What's your favorite post (or favorite post subject)?

11.  This is your chance for suggestions, requests, etc. 

You can leave your answers in the comments section, or you can email me your answers after telling me to look for it in the comments section (just in case you have a differing answer and you really want to win!).  Everyone who has correct answers will be entered in the drawing for the box of goodies.  Thanks and Good luck!

Wish shoe stampin' fun!

Even the spiders like zig zag stitches!

I know I should be sharing some new products with you, but I just couldn't resist this little guy when I was out mowing today! 

This is called a wasp spider, and, while I found it hanging in my tree, they are typically found in gardens.  I just couldn't pass up the zig zag, and thought I really need to do that on a card or page soon - after all, I only have five sewing machines. Plus, I just received the stamp set, Bugs & Kisses free (for Sale-a-bration, another perk for being a demo!) so I should do something with that too!

Now if this is cool, let me know.  If this just plain grosses you out, let me know that too and I won't put anymore up!  But I was just amazed at this (and the toad I caught, and the metallic blue mud dobbers that flew off as I neared, and...)

Wish shoe stampin' fun!

Please no rock 'n roll!

I just received a great video from Creating Keepsakes that gives lots of tips and techniques - I really enjoyed watching it!  However, I was, well, let's face it, appalled when Lisa Bearnson, the CEO and founder of the magazine, was demonstrating stamping!  Why, you ask?

Because she said to ROCK your stamp to get the best image!  No way!  What happens when you rock the stamp is that you can get the edges of the stamp that you don't want to see, to show up on your paper.  That is just the thing that makes me crazy!  If you want to get the perfect image, there are several steps to make you successful.  First, always make sure to ink the stamp up fully.  For line image stamps, that's easy.  But for bold stamps, make sure to twist the stamp on the ink pad, then stamp onto the ink pad to get the best coverage.  Next, when stamping, instead of rocking and/or rolling, just push firmly down on the stamp, rubbing over the block if you feel it necessary, then pull straight up.  That's it!  That will get you a perfect image just about every time!  If you have any questions about this, simply email me - I'd be glad to answer them!

Wish shoe stampin' fun!

Happy Memorial Day!

Did you know that the first Memorial Day was in 1868, dedicated to honoring the lives of Union soldiers who died trying to restore the country?  It's funny how that day seems to have become the unofficial start of the summer season - bar-b-quing, swimming, picnics, etc. 

If you are like me, you'll be spending time with family, enjoying their company, catching up on their lives, and kicking the summer off in style.  I hope you will also take time, even if just a moment of silence, to thank all those who have died in their efforts to save our freedom.  Go, America!

Wish shoe stampin' fun!

A new color wheel

While it's not really a color wheel, it is one of my best friends when I am stumped!  Sometimes I find myself using the same color combinations over and over, so I come to this website when I want something new.  It's simply called SU Color Combos and can be found here.  When you arrive at the site the top is completely empty and just waiting for your chosen colors.

From this screen, you can choose those colors you would like to use, as few as one, as many as four. 

For this one, I chose my three favorites, elegant eggplant, old olive, and pretty in pink.  Once I hit "search," this database will pull up various combinations that have those three colors.

As you can see, there are several options using these three colors as a jumping point.  Another thing you can do if you are very stumped is to click "surprise me."  Who knows what you might get!

This color combination is my kind of surprise, what with all those purples!  I just may have to play with this one!

 

This final feature is a great way to give back!  You can actually save your favorite color combinations so others can be inspired!  This combination I saved is actually one I used for this card (the second one) and for this card (the last one).  Can you just see the great uses for this tool?  If you play with it and find some great combinations, share them with me by leaving a comment!  Who knows who else you might inspire!

Wish shoe stampin' fun!

Happy Mother's Day!

I came across this great little bit of Mother's Day wisdom from my friend Anne, and just had to share it with you!  These are the best 25 reasons we each owe our Mothers:

25 REASONS I OWE MY MOTHER

1.     My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE.
 "If you're going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning."
 
2.     My mother taught me RELIGION.
 "You better pray that will come out of the carpet."
 
3.     My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL.
 "If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week!"
 
4.     My mother taught me LOGIC.
 "Because I said so, that's why."
 
5.     My mother taught me MORE LOGIC.
 "If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you're not going to the store with me."
 
6.     My mother taught me FORESIGHT.
 "Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident."
 
7.     My mother taught me IRONY.
 "Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry about."
 
8.     My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS.
 "Shut your mouth and eat your supper."
 
9.     My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM.
 "Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!"
 
10.   My mother taught me about STAMINA.
 "You'll sit there until all that spinach is gone."

11.   My mother taught me about WEATHER.
 "This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it."
 
12.   My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY.
 "If I told you once, I've told you a million times. Don't exaggerate!"
 
13.   My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE.
 "I brought you into this world, and I can take you out."
 
14.   My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION.
 "Stop acting like your father!"
 
15.   My mother taught me about ENVY.
 "There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't have wonderful parents like you do."
 
16.   My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION.
 "Just wait until we get home."
 
17.   My mother taught me about RECEIVING.
 "You are going to get it when you get home!"
 
18.   My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE.
 "If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to freeze that way."
 
19.   My mother taught me ESP.
 "Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you are cold?"
 
20.   My mother taught me HUMOR.
 "When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me."
 
21.   My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT.
 "If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up."
 
22.   My mother taught me GENETICS.
 "You're just like your father."
 
23.   My mother taught me about my ROOTS.
 "Shut that door behind you.  Do you think you were born in a barn?"
 
24.   My mother taught me WISDOM.
 "When you get to be my age, you'll understand."
 
25.   And my favorite: My mother taught me about JUSTICE.
 "One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like YOU!”

I can't tell you how many times I heard the last line, except ours was "I hope you have five just like you!" because that was how many of us there was.  All I remember thinking was, "There is no way I am having that many!!!" 

Here's to all the mothers - may we continue to teach our kids life lessons that will have them cracking up when they are grown!

Wish shoe stampin' fun!