Personalized Journal Class

I am so excited to be adding a new venue for my Stampin' Up! business.  The Play Place USA on County Line Rd is allowing me to hold 2 classes a month there.  The best thing about it is for $10/kid, your child will be totally supervised while you have a relaxing craft night.

Please "like" Southern Inkerbelles on FB so you won't miss any invitations to this new venue.  Also, please check my calendar of events on my SU! webpage.   www.bethcrocker.stampinup.net

My first project is an adult only class.  We will be making personalized journals with a matching pen.  We will be using our new DSP called Beau Chateau.  Very French Countryside.  Please let me know if you need childcare and for how many and what ages.

This class will be $20.  Please go to my website to rsvp for this fun event. If you can't make it, I will send you the kit or I can make it for you for $25.  Still need to know by the rsvp date :)

Last Chance

Ok, you have 2 more days to take advantage of the $99 starter kit special.   It's normally $175 to join.  As I've told you before, if you've ever even thought about being a demo, this is the time.  Join this weekend and no commitment til Dec 31st!  If you have hesitations, please let me know.  I want to help ease your concerns about being a Southern Inkerbelle.  I am very motivated to be a strong upline and will help you every step of the way.

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Here is what is included in the starter kit.  Did you know you could swap out to customize this kit so you are excited about everything you get!

$99 Starter Kit + Free Project Kit!
During July, you can join the Stampin' Up! family as a demonstrator for only $99! This limited time Starter Kit—valued at $185—comes with the following high-quality products:

• Easy Events Clear-Mount Set*
• Pennant Parade Wood-Mount Set*
• Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad
• Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad
• Pumpkin Pie Classic Stampin' Pad
• Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad
• Brights 8-1/2" x 11" Assorted Card Stock
• Just Add Cake Designer Series Paper*
• Chocolate Chip 1/2" Scallop Dots Ribbon*
• Note Cards (20)
• Clear-Mount Block C
• Blender Pen (1)
• SNAIL Adhesive
• Business supplies

*Brand new to the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog!

BUT...did you know you will also get our beautiful Christmas Holiday Box kit.  Isn't this gorgeous?  It's only available through this promotion.  If you join, I get one too!  I would really like one :)

So, please email me with any questions you have about this promo.  Get excited about the promotion that starts on Monday.  Can't wait to show you the new holiday mini catalog...do you smell cookies.....?

Last Swap Card

Today's card was made by Stephanie Kokan.  My newest Inkerbelle.  I am so proud of you Stephanie and how you jumped right in and are doing AWESOME!!!  I love this card.

Supplies:

Stamp Set: Delicate Doilies, Curly Cute

Paper: Whisper White, Island Indigo

Ink: Lucky Limeade, Pool Party, Island Indigo

Tools: Modern Label punch

Originally I wasn't as big a fan of this set b/c it reminded me too much of my grandmother's doilies.  But, Stephanie, with this color combo, you have made a believer out of me.  THANKS!

DON'T FORGET!!!  Today is the last day to rsvp for my first Christmas Card Camp on August 14th.  Click here to see my post for this class!

Also here is the link to my post that taught how to mat the decorative label punch.  Apply this same technique to the modern label punch.

More Swap Cards!

Today's swap card is from another adoptee, Allison Nolan.  She's been doing SU! longer than any of us and she still loves it as much.

Supplies: 

Stamp Set: Pennant Parade

Paper: Very Vanilla, Cherry Cobbler, Lucky Limeade

Ink: Lucky Limeade, Soft Suede

Tools: Big Shot, pennant punch, word window punch, modern label punch and any embossing folder (this is not an SU! one, but we have several that would give this same look.  Have you seen our Hounds tooth embossing folder?)

Accessories: Gold star Brad (not-SU!), vanilla 1/4" grosgrain ribbon

Thanks for checking me out today!

More Swap Cards!

Today's swap card was given to me by one of my new adoptees.  I love to have as many people in my group as possible.  If a demo doesn't have a direct upline in their lives, I take them in like a stray puppy :)  I tried to get adopted and was left out on the curb...so I have a special place in my heart for these ladies and appreciate their wanting to be a part of our group!

Today's swap was made by Carol Edwards.  I forgot to take a picture of the inside and the envelope.  Both done very nicely.

Supplies:
Simply Soft (hostess set)
Paper: Wisteria Wonder, Pool Party, Calypso Coral, Whisper White (great use of our new In Colors!)
Ink: Lucky Limeade, Pool Party, Calypso Coral
Tools: Big Shot, perfect polka dots embossing folder, lace ribbon border punch (new)
Accessories: Basic rhinestones, dimensionals, blender pens

Thanks so much Carol.  You taught us so much Saturday and we appreciate all you brought to give us and show us!!

See ya tomorrow!

More Swap Cards!

Today's swap was given to me by Kimmy Parker.  She is my researcher.  She is a great blog hopper and shares all sorts of new ideas with me.  AND...another reason I love her is she brings me gifts all the time.  Thank you, Kimmy!  I appreciate all of it!

Supplies: 

Stamp Set: Happiest Birthday Wishes

Paper: Melon Mambo, Whisper White, Basic Black, Just Add Cake DSP

Ink: Lucky Limeade, Melon Mambo, Certainly Celery

Tools: Petite Pennants Builder punch, Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer punch (seeds), Scallop edge border punch

Accessories: dimensionals, multipurpose liquid glue, sponge daubers, snail adhesive

Card Tips: To create the 3 color watermelon, cut 1 extra pennant and place it on top the piece you want to sponge to make the same edge.

Thanks Kimmy!

More Swap Cards!

Today's swap was given to me by Dominique Cavanaugh.  Her style is very simple and elegant.  She's not into tons of layers and her simplicity is perfect! 

Supplies: (Correct me on any of this, Dom!)

Stamp Set: Ain't Love Grand (hostess)

Ink: Basic Black

Paper: Tempting Turquoise, So Saffron

Tools: Big Shot, Fancy Fan letter press, boho blossoms punch

Accessories: basic pearls!

See ya tomorrow for another swap!

Downline Meeting

One of the things I really love about Stampin' Up! is the relationships I have made with other demos!  I have 2 small children and getting out is not easy.  I make time for my SU! business and that means stamping with my friends!  Some of my closest friends have begun purely as stamp customers and blossomed into real friendships!

I was fortunate to have my downline over on Saturday afternoon for a few hours.  I wanted to do something special for my girls.  I can do that b/c my downline is still small.  I got everyone who was able to come a spiral bound catalog with tabs I picked up at convention.  I am so glad there was one left for me!  I think they liked it!  We also did a card swap, I shared the Holiday Mini that was introduced at convention and then I trained some of the girls on our DBWS and demo'd My Digital Studio. It was so fun!

This week I am going to post each of the swaps I got.  I'm always amazed how all of us have different styles and likes.  I love the diversity!  Of course if all this sounds great to you, don't forget you have 1 more week to join the Southern Inkerbelles for $99 with no commitment til Dec 31st.

I'll start with my swap

This card is taken directly from our Simply Sent line of cards.  All this came in one kit.  8 cards for $12.  It was quick, easy and lots of fun!  I love how it turned out!

This is our Great Day Simply Sent kit and the stamp set that coordinates with it is called It's your day.   It's found on page 192 of the catty!

Thanks for following my blog.  Even though I don't know who all reads this, it makes me feel very special to know there are a group of ladies out there who love this company and I feel I do know you :)

Inky hugs!

Tags til Christmas Card Class

I am so ready for all the fun holidays coming up.  Starting in August, I will be having 1 Christmas Class a month.  These will consist of mostly cards, but there will be a few fun 3D projects thrown in as well.

My first class will be my Tags till Christmas class.  We will make 2 of 4 designs and you will get to choose 1 coordinating punch.  Class fee is $30

This class is suitable for all levels of stamper.  Getting a head start on Christmas cards never hurt anyone :)

Please share this invitation with a friend.  I love to meet new people.  If you do bring a friend, I will have a special gift for you.

Please visit www.bethcrocker.stampinup.net, click on upcoming events to rsvp for this class by July 29th!

New Catalog Open House!

Please join me as we welcome our new SU! catalog into being! We will have games, prizes, make-n-takes, demonstrations, give aways (i.e., a spiral bound catalog!), sneak peeks at upcoming classes with the opportunity to sign up at a discount, a garage stamp sale and of course...food! We will have a drawing to receive hostess benefits for this order!

You have the chance to win free shipping and tax (20%) by doing the following:
5% off for rsvping by the 20th
5% for bringing a friend not on my list
5% for buying a catalog or bringing a copy you already have
5% for bringing your wishlist

We will be making 2 make n takes and here are the projects!

Supplies for Flower Bookmark:

Stamp Set: Fabulous Phrases

Paper: Blushing Bride, Very Vanilla

Ink: Early Espresso

Ribbon: 5/8" early espresso satin ribbon

Tools: Big Shot, Fun Flowers Die, jewelry tag punch, glue gun, mat pack, paper piercing tool, 1/8" hole punch

Accessories, Rhinestone brads, sponge dauber

Supplies for Nugget Purse: 

Paper: Marina Mist, Soft Suede, Pink Pirouette, Beau Chateau DSP

Tools: Paper cutter with scoring blade, itty bitty shapes punch pack, boho blossoms punch, paper piercing tool

Accessories: Sticky Strip, silver brad

Ribbon: 1/4" white grosgrain

Dimensions for nugget purse: (Thanks to Mary Fish...I just copied these straight from her site)

• Cut Marina Mist to 1 1/2" x 4 1/2"
• Cut Beau Chateau Designer Series Paper to 1 1/4" x 4 1/2" and adhere to Marina Mist on one end or your paper bows.
• Score (from the top, meaning over the Designer Series Paper):  1 3/16", 2 3/16", 3 1/2" and 3 3/4"
• Use Bone Folder to set score lines.
• Add Sticky Strip to 1/4" wide area, between 3 1/2" and 3 3/4" score lines.
• Adhere 5" of Whisper White Grosgrain Ribbon to Sticky Strip.
• Fold to purse shape and use a Paper-Piercing Tool to create a hole and add a brad/punched flowers to "close" purse.
• Wrap Hershey's Nugget with 1" x 3" piece of Beau Chateau Designer Series Paper.  Or check out the new catalog stamp "It's a Wrap" (p. 59).  Adhere with Sticky Strip

I really hope you can make it to my open house.  I am so excited to be with everyone after taking a few months off!

Inky Hugs!!
Beth :)

Comin' Home with lots to share!!

Hey everyone!  I am back from UTAH!  My mom and I had a wonderful time!
After every convention I feel totally overwhelmed by all that I have learned.  A lot of it ends up being training information for me and my downline.  They are all ideas of how to make you as customers feel more special and keep you more informed.

I always want to come home with 1 idea that will help me meet new stampers.  Now that Katie is a big girl (14 mos.), I am ready to start doing workshops with you and your friends.  I will continue to offer 2 classes a month in my home, but in addition to that, I will be contacting many of you to see when I could do a workshop for you and your friends.

The workshop is different than the classes you are used to.  When I come to your house, there is no fee for anyone.  I will demonstrate several projects and allow you to make 1 or 2 make n takes.  It is a shorter class, but there is plenty of time for your guests to sit and look through the catty.  It's a MUCH less stressful environment especially for new stampers and it generally yields much bigger parties than doing a class which could be overwhelming and stressful to your guests.

So, start thinking about when you could have your friends over.  The workshop is for smaller groups too.  I would say 5-8 people.  Smaller than a usual class so you don't have to stress out about inviting every person you know.  All you would do is provide drinks and maybe a dessert.  No need to go overboard :)

This will benefit everyone! 

We have also revamped our hostess rewards program.  Instead of earning a hostess set of level 1, 2 or 3, plus some cash to spend in the catty, you will now get all money to spend in the catty.  There are still exclusive hostesses sets, and those sets are priced at a discount to help your hostess dollars go farther.  Also, when you reach a certain level of sales at your party, YOU will get to choose 1 item for 50% off.  Been eyeing the big shot???  or marvelous Markers???

Go ahead and find a date that works for you and we, together, will get you LOTS of free product!

Have a great Monday!

Memento Mall Purchases

Hello to my downline.  For those of you who don't know what that means, these are girls who have signed up under me or even 1 layer below that.  I am offering them the opportunity to buy special products from the memento mall here at convention. 

Downline.  B/c of my limited internet, please respond to this post by lunch tomorrow.  I'll go shopping after my classes tomorrow.  Here are the items available for purchase. Consider these for hostesses, door prizes or gifts for your downline :)

reusable tote bags $3.50

lucky limeade umbrellas $14.95

fabric tote $24.95 (much prettier in person)

lunchbox $17.95 and cup 11.95 if separate

logo banner $19.95

ribbon charms $5.95

collapsible trash cans for scraps ($5.95)  (this is on a table)

tabs for new catty.  ( I will be bringing home 1 for each of you)  Let me know if you want more

Ok, please let me know by lunch tomorrow.  Sorry for the late post.  I ran out of time on my hour wi-fi and had to find a starbucks somewhere :(

Hello From Convention!!

Hey everyone!!  I am having so much fun at convention in Salt Lake City.  I forgot how dry it is here so my eyes  hurt and my nose is so dry!!  But, I'm having fun.  Our theme this year is GROW and this is the picture of the main stage.  I am sharing a huge room with 5000 other demos from US and Canada!  It is such a rush!  This is how crazy these people are!

One of the bonuses of going to convention is all the free products we get.  This is what I got when I first came it and picked up my bag.  Since then I have gotten a free pack of holiday mini catties and a simply sent kit along with great ideas!! 

A great demo bag, a catalog in a beautiful binder with tabs and 4 stamp sets.  YEAH!!!!
Ok, I'm counting on you guys reading everything I write from convention b/c I am paying $6 an hour for the internet!!!  YIKES!!

I did want to share a few things while I am still on the clock.  I will get my whole hours worth of wi-fi!

Announcing the new Holiday Mini Catalog!  SU! chose to debut the holiday mini this year at convention!  I have the mini in my hot little hands right now.  Due to policy, I can't share pictures with you, but I can tell you what to expect.  I will have them out at my downline meeting, but the rest of you will have to wait til Sept 1st to see the goods!!  Here are a few BIG highlights!!
SU! has come out with their own Simply Scoring Pad!  It is super and even fancier than some you can get at craft stores.
A great holiday set that coordinates with one of my favorite sets, "It's a Wrap".  This set has holiday stamps to wrap as many hershey nuggets as possible!
Some designer fabric to die for along with DSP that will make you smile.
A new Letterpress plate along with Mica Flakes.  They are very shimmery snowflakes to add to your projects.
A die that cuts out christmas stockings, mini jingle bells and a new christmas embossing folder!
An adorable Christmas stocking build-a-punch 
AND...my favorite product from the Holiday Mini Catalog...
A set called 25 and counting.  If you can imagine, it is a set with 25 stamps in it to make an adorable Advent Calendar!  In addition to the stamps, they are offering a very interesting new die.  It's called Peekaboo Frames.  It has 5 cutouts that are windows with little doors that open up....in case you wanted to put some candy in something.
I can't wait to show you all these new products.
Sorry no pictures today...company policy. 
Hopefully I'll have more info tomorrow.
Don't forget to RSVP to my open house so you can earn 5% off your order!

Ok, next post will be for my downline only, but check it out and see what kind of benefits you get when you are a SU! demo!!

Luggage Tag

2 years ago I made the trip out to convention.  I couldn't believe how many brown suitcases there were.  So, I ran to Hancock today (50% off coupon) and tried to get some pleather or something a little hardier than cotton.  I ended up settling for vinyl.  I think that is what this is.  This is my luggage identification tag.  I think it'll look great with my chocolate suitcase.

Supplies: 

Red and White Vinyl(1/8yd each)

Tools: Big Shot (yep...cuts through vinyl!!) Flower Folds die, crop-a-dile ( can punch holes in leather)

Ribbon: 5/8" satin espresso

I have the reverse colors on the other side with a knot sticking out the back too.  So, when it flips around, there is no front or back.  I just hope that little chain holds this baby on!

I will be leaving Wed morning to drive to Atlanta to meet my mom to fly out to convention.  So, no post will be in your box on Wed morning.  I'll be posting throughout the day during convention.  I just checked to see if my camera will upload to my netbook and we are a go!  So, no photoshop to make the pics pretty, but I think you'll still love what I'll be sending you!!

If you are in my downline, I will be uploading pictures of things I can buy in the memento mall.  Please check this everyday so you don't miss anything.  I can get you whatever you'd like.  Last time I mailed a box home with all I got so don't hesitate!  Love you all and can't wait to see you on the 23rd!

Love my painter!

I have gotten to know our painter over the last year.  He is a great guy!  After each job, I have given him a card to share with his wife.  He really loves my cards.  Kinda funny for a big black guy :)  He asked me if I would make him some thank you cards to give his customers.  I said sure thing.  Then he said he wanted 50 of them.  Lucky for me, I know how to barter :)  I made cards for him and he is painting my bathroom.  Win/win for everyone!

I did something a little naughty.  I bought a product that we don't sell.  I knew we didn't sell an embossing folder that looked like a piece of wood, but I did a search and of course they are out there.  I got a woodgrain one and a brick one.  The plus to this is, you have to have the Big Shot!!!  You can get so many great products to use with it!

Anyway, here is the card I made for Russell.

I love embossing folders and I plan to use this one with our owl punch!  Add some leaves on the side and it's gonna be a beauty!  I wish we sold this!  So, I made this simple b/c I don't think a contractor wants a frilly, girly card.  So, pretty plain on the front and on the inside, but I think it is just what the doctor ordered!  Here's the inside.

Just a quick thanks on the inside with his business card attached with 1 gluedot for easy removal straight to the address book.  Also took the time to emboss the flap of every envelope.  I hope he loves it!  In addition to getting the bathroom painted, I also have all my info on the back of each card.  That's free advertisement to 50 people I didn't otherwise know! Yea for me!  Maybe I'll get one new customer from it?

Gotta start getting the house ready for me to be gone for a few days to convention.  Boy...it's more work than being here!  Can't wait to get on that plane and just relax for 4 hours on the way out to Salt Lake!  I am sad that I will miss the Harry Potter opening though :)

Mom's birthday Card

Here is the card I made for my mom's birthday last week.  I couldn't post it til today b/c she was on vacation and just got it.  Couldn't let her see her own card before she held it in her hands.  Happy Birthday Mama!  Just can't help but go back to my favorites while I am waiting for all the new stuff to arrive!

Supplies:

Stamp Set: Nature Walk, Bring on the Cake

Paper: Daffodil Delight, Whisper White

Ink: Early Espresso, Old Olive & Daffodil Delight markers

Tools: Big Shot, Framed Tulips embossing folder, sponge dauber

Ribbon: 1/8" daffodil delight 

Accessories: dimensionals, sticky strip

My new catalog TOP 10!

Well, hopefully you have gotten a chance to dive into the new catty.  Either with your hard copy or through my blog.  I have a wishlist 2 miles long, but I wanted to share with you my top 10 new products!  I'll be getting my order on Monday so when I get back from convention, I'll be sharing lots of new things with you!

#10 Clear Block Cleaning Cloth- If you remember an emergency post I did a month ago or so, if you wash your blocks with a mild detergent (dawn), your clear stamps will stick VERY well!  Maybe this will take the place of that.

#9 Clear-Mount Cling Foam- I am not exactly sure if this foam is to convert existing wood stamps or only ones that haven't been assembled yet.  I'm sure I'll do a video on this as soon as I figure it out.  I'd love to convert all my wood stamps.  We'll see if I get lucky!  We also sell clear stamp set cases so I would have a box to put them in.

#8 Our new In Colors- they are Island Indigo, Pool Party, Lucky Limeade, Wisteria Wonder and Calypso Coral.  This picture is of cards you buy to add to your color coach.  It's a must for me b/c I am color challenged :)

#7 Ruffled Ribbon- This ribbon is exclusive to the new in colors.  I really like it along with the scalloped ribbon I'm sure you'll be seeing more of :)

#6 Kidoodles

#5 Beau Chateau Fabric - the colors that go with this are Pink Pirouette, Marina Mist, Soft Suede and VeryVanilla.  Just simple.

#4 Houndstooth Embossing Folder

#3 Nursery Time

#2 It's a  Wrap - These little strips are cut out and then wrapped around Hershey Nuggets and put into our Bitty Box made with the big shot.  This will be one of my first camps of the new catty!

and # 1.... Button Buddies - I am very excited about this set. Each stamp has a place for one of our coordinating buttons.  This will also be one of my first camps so you can look forward to getting this set very shortly when you come to my house for camp :)

I know you are asking yourself....

Beth, where can I get a copy of My Digital Studio to put on my computer at home!!??

Click here to go directly to my SU! webpage to see all the great products you can buy for a fraction of the price!

Here is the full version of MDS for $79.95.

Use the same great artwork, colors, and accessory images found in our current product line to create personalized digital projects. The options are endless: create photo albums, calendars, and greeting cards using My Digital Studio. Once you've created your personalized gift or heirloom, have it printed in our high-quality print facility and delivered to your door or print it at home.

Here is the express version for $39.95 to get you started and then you can build your program with only what you want!

This downloadable version comes with the full software and fresh, minimal digital content using Stampin’ Up!’s artwork, designs, and colors! Windows and Mac compatible.

Includes over $50 worth of content:
• 12 Designer Series paper patterns
• One 9-piece stamp brush set
• 81 embellishments
• 26 punches
• Five designer templates (24-page 11" x 8-1/2" photobook, 7" x 5" postcard, 5" x 7" postcard, 4-1/4" x 5-1/2" greeting card, 4" x 9-1/4" trifold card)

Here is our stamp set, "Aviary".  This is the image you will see on my website if you'd like to buy this digital version of this set.

This is what the DSP looks like when you buy is digitally!  Aren't those beautiful papers??

Ok, thanks to all of you who aren't interested at all in Digital Crafting for following my blog this week.  I hope if you have thought about it at all, this week may have convinced you that you have to have it!  At least the starter version.  If you are in town, I would be happy to give you a personal lesson on how to use the software.

Have a great weekend and get excited about "Sunny Days keepin' the Clouds Away" next week!