MRI COMPLETE...

Wow!  Don't you just hate it when you're a klutz?

Today I had an MRI on my shoulder to figure out why I still hurt a lot 3 months after I fell down like a tree.  It DOES look like I'm going to have to have surgery.  Well, I'm NOT looking forward to that or physical therapy but I'm glad we're finally going to find out what's going on for sure. 

To that end, I won't be doing to much designing, Card Buffets, or Classes in the near future with the possible exception of a class on My Digital Studio (Digital papercrafting).  I am going to try to keep you up to date on everything else going on though. 

I also hope to get pictures of some of the cards I have for sale posted before too long.  All that's going to have to be subject to scheduling and pain level.

In the meantime, I hope you'll take advantage of my Online Mystery Hostess Party (see previous post) and I look forward to introducing the new Stampin' Up! catalog to you soon.

Marcia 

Online Mystery Hostess Party NOW through May 24, 2013

Hi Everyone. 

 

I just sent this message out to all my customers and wanted to be sure to post it here in case you're not on my list.  I hope you'll want to take advantage of this opportunity.  :>)

 

Marcia

 

 

Hi Crafty Folks,

I thought of something I thought would be fun (and potentially lucrative for someone!) this morning. With the "Retiring List" of stamps out, there are a number of you who would like to order a few sets. I'd love for one of you to be able to benefit if I receive several small to medium sized orders.

As most of you know, Stampin' Up! provides "Hostess Benefits" based on the sales at a party. What I've done is create an online party for those of you who would like to order retiring stamps sets or other items. If you go to my website ( www.playwithmarcia.stampinup.net ) and place an order, enter the Hostess Code 67TJMCWG. If our little group qualifies for Hostess Benefits through online orders by May 24th, I'll draw the name of one of the people who ordered to be our hostess.

If sales reach $150, our hostess will be able to choose $25 to spend on any current item or items.

If we reach $200, it's $30 free.

If we reach $250, it's $40 free.

If we reach $300, it's $50 free.

If we reach $400, it's $65 free and 1 item at 50% off.

If we reach $500, it's $80 free and 2 items 50% off.

If we reach $600, it's $100 free and 2 items 50% off.

If we reach $700, it's $115 free and 3 items 50% off.

If we reach $800, it's $130 free and 3 items 50% off.

If we reach $900, it's $145 free and 4 items 50% off.

If we reach $1000, it's $160 free PLUS an additional 15% of the amount over $1000, and 4 items 50% off.

Will it be YOU?

One word of caution here, though. If you wish to purchase retiring embellishments or accessories, I wouldn't wait to do that, they're disappearing fast. Unlike a regular workshop order, if you order using the hostess code, your order will be processed immediately. You don't have to wait for the party to "close" on May 24th. I'll contact our mystery hostess on the 24th or 25th to let her know how much she has to spend. She'll have until May 29th to let me know what she'd like for hostess benefits and any potential half-off items. We can settle up on any overages and I'll close the order.

Here are the links to the "retiring lists":

Retiring Stamps -- http://su-media.s3.amazonaws.com/media/lastChance/2013%20NA%20Retired%20List/Retired_List_stamps_en-US.pdf

FYI -- The ONLY two sets which are NOT retiring from the Seasonal Celebrations section (pages 10 - 29 --> Christmas, Snowmen, Penguins, Reindeer, Valentine's Day, Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Halloween, and Thanksgiving,) are "More Merry Messages" and "Words of Courage"!!!

Other Retiring items (including roller stamps) -- http://su-media.s3.amazonaws.com/media/lastChance/2013%20NA%20Retired%20List/Availability_en-US.pdf

I hope that makes sense to everyone. Let me know if you have any questions and happy shopping!

Don't forget to enter the Hostess Code - 67TJMCWG - for a chance to be the Mystery Hostess!

Thanks!

Marcia Yoshida

Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator

Call: (805) 479-8385

Email: mlycat@earthlink.net

Order 24/7: www.playwithmarcia.stampinup.net

My Blog: www.marciaplayswithpaper.blogspot.com

Card Buffet THIS Friday, April 19th, May be the last for a while. :>(

Hi Folks,

I've got good news and I've got bad news. 

Good:  There's a Card Buffet THIS Friday evening, 7 - Midnight
             351 S. "F" Street, Oxnard

             I'm offering a LOT of designs for you to make!!!  TWELVE in all! 

Bad:      This will probably be my last Card Buffet for at least a few months.  Some of you are aware
              that I fell over myself in January and hit the ground like a Giant Sequoia.  Unfortunately, the
              arm I'd hoped would get better hasn't.  I have an MRI scheduled for later this month and will
              find out about surgery in early May.  DRAT!   If you want to come play with me, NOW is
              the time to do it for a while.  Sorry about that. 
            
Good:    I intend to try to keep you up to date on all the new goodies and special deals Stampin' Up!
              comes up with during my recovery.  I just have to learn to use my mouse and type with my
              left hand.

Good:  I'm seriously considering teaching a class to introduce Stampin' Up!'s wonderful digital
            papercrafting program, My Digital Studio, to those of you haven't already met and fallen in
            love with it.  More on that as I work out logistics. 

Good:    The new catalog comes out soon with lots of exciting new goodies.  Please let me know if
               you'd like a copy and we'll figure out how to get one to you.  I get the feeling my
              Sweetheart's Honey Do List is going to be REALLY long during this process.

Good:  If you're desperate for hand-made cards while I'm unable to do classes, you can always make
            an appointment to come look through and purchase ones I already have made.  I have a few
            hundred available at any given time and sell the vast majority of them for $3.00 apiece,
            including envelope.  By the way, you can do this or a design consultation ANY time.  Just let
            me know and we'll set up a time.

Good & Bad:  The "retiring stamp list" is due out on the 24th.  For those of you new to Stampin' Up!,
                        that's the list of stamp sets which will no longer be available after the supplies are
                        depleted or the new catalog begins (June 1st).  The "retiring supplies list" will also be
                        coming out soon.  Once these are gone they're gone!  If something you love is on
                        either list, I do suggest you move quickly to purchase it.  While I'm racked up, you can
                        still order on my website 24/7  www.playwithmarcia.stampinup.net and I'll be happy
                        to answer questions by phone.  (805) 479-8385

Good (I hope):  The following are the designs available for Friday night.  Come out and make one or
                          seventeen.   The last four are leftovers from my class last Sunday, and the other 8 are
                          new ones.

                          Bring your SNAIL (double-sided tape) and pay $1.50 for standard cards with
                          envelopes.  Pay $2.00 per card if you forget your SNAIL or you can purchase one for
                          $7.00 (refills are $4.50).
  
                          Notecards ( 3" x 3") with envelopes are $1.00 with your SNAIL or $1.50 with
                          mine.                    

                          Come any time between 7 and Midnight and stay as long or as briefly as you like. 
                          Make one of each you like or make 5 of one design.  It's all up to you! 

                          Please let me know if you intend to come so space can be allocated for you.  Thanks!

 

 

Here are the designs:

 

These first two notecards are CASEd from a gorgeous design by Susan Haddad.  It uses Natural Composition Specialty Paper ( the glossy embossed look is built right in with no extra effort on your part) and the stamp set, Papillon Potpourri, to make charming and simple little notes.  I added  Crumb Cake Taffeta Ribbon and Basic Pearls to the second.  Super simple.  Super quick.  Super pretty, I think.

 

 

For these next two notecards, I pulled out my Button Buddies stamp set.  This is SUCh a good set for making quick, easy, cards using our embellishments which are designed to fit them perfectly.  For the first card, I used our In-Color Dahlias with one Mini Glue Dot to hold each in place.   For the second, one of the Designer Series Buttons did the trick to make it dimensional and cute.  This is one of those stamp sets I wasn't too sure about at first but have grown to absolutely love.

This handsome card, CASEd from Justin Krieger ( a MALE demonstrator with some great designs), would make a great Father's Day card but it'll work for a birthday too.  The bowtie stamp is part of a set called Dapper Dad, which also includes a wristwatch and a very classy men's shoe.  I used half a sheet from the Print Poetry Designer Series Paper Stack (4 each of 12 double-sided designs, cut to 4 1/2 x 6 1/2 -- perfect for matting pictures for scrapbooking too!).  I stamped the "happy Birthday" from the A Word for You stamp set and used glue dots for the two Designer Buttons from the Neutrals Collection.   Hmmm, who could you send this one to?

I've had the Pinwheel sizzlets die (used with our amazing Big Shot die-cut Machine -- it embosses too!) for quite a while but the Spring has just demanded I use it.  The big shot and sizzlet cut the paper for me.  All I had to do is fold up the flaps and finish off the perfect little pinwheels with a SIlve Mini Brad.  The "sticks" are Baker's Twine and I used the Bitty Butterfly punch with some Basic Rhinestones to make a Spring card to brighten anyone's day.

 

This one actually kinda shocks me!  It's extremely simple because I meant it mainly as a chance for you to try out Stampin' Up!'s new photopolymer stamps!  Didn't see THAT coming, did you?!?  Stampin' Up! has searched for years for a photopolymer they felt would live up to the quality of our rubber stamps.  This comes from the first set, "Designer Typeset," which is currently being test marketed to see if this is a direction Stampin' Up! should go.  If you decide to make this one, please be sure to tell me what you think of the stamps after you use them.  Thanks!

 

In my efforts to go outside my own comfort zone, I broke down and bought some of the Soda Pop Tops and Tea Lace Paper Doilies from the Spring Catalog.  I paired them with the Fabulous Florets stamp set and the Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch.   Some of you may remember the startling effect of using this stamp set with the bright embossing powders on Basic Black cardstock.  Loved that card!

 

This bright birthday card uses the new Honeycomb embossing folder and our some of our polka dot Designer Series Paper with a stamp set you can earn when you host your own party. Ask me about that!  Even if I'm down you can still do a Catalog Party.  I'll be happy to answer questions about that.

 

This simple card expresses a simple wish for someone's wellbeing. I used the stamp sets, "Serene SIlhouettes," and "So Sorry," to do so.


 

This "thinking of you card" is just the thing to brighten someone's day. I used the "Cloudy Day" embossing folder, "Rain or Shine" stamp set, and "Sunshine and Sprinkles" Designer Series Paper. This one is a bit of work but well worth it.

I was looking for an idea for a more masculine "thank you" card and came up with this. I think the colors, simplicity, and strong lines make it work. Tell me what you think. It uses the Designer Series Paper, "Parker's Patterns" and a bit of "Early Espresso Baker's Twine" to round it out.

Give me a heads up if you plan to come on Friday. 

Thanks!

Marcia

In case you don't get my emails...

Hi Crafty Folks,

My apologies for sending out a second email this week but I found out that Stampin' Up! is offering FREE REGULAR SHIPPING this weekend and wanted to be sure you knew. I realize that, even though Stampin' Up!'s shipping rates are well withing industry standard, sometimes the addition of shipping costs make people's eyes bug out a bit and make our products seem a little out of reach. This weekend is a chance to bypass those charges. Order on my website www.playwithmarcia.stampinup.net anytime between Saturday, April 6th at Midnight and MONDAY, April 8th at 10:50pm (the company's an hour ahead of most of us).

You might want to take advantage of this chance to stock up on retiring colors you love. Stampin' Up! has announced a reboot of our color palette to stay current with today's styles. Some of our colors are "Retiring" (not going to be sold anymore) and stock of papers, ink, ribbons, etc, in these colors will be gone soon. There will be one brand new color in our neutral palette, "Smoky Slate". Most of the colors replacing retirees will be "In-Colors" which are returning.

The retiring colors are:

Regal Rose

Pretty in Pink

Bashful Blue

Certainly Celery

Baja Breeze

Riding Hood Red

Bravo Burgundy

Not Quite Navy

More Mustard

River Rock Get'em while you can!

Our new color groupings will be:

Brights:

Melon Mambo

Daffodil Delight

Real Red

Rich Razzleberry

Tempting Turquoise

Pumpkin Pie

Burmuda Bay*

Pacific Point

Tangerine Tango

Old Olive

Subtles:

Pink Pirouette

Calypso Coral*

So Saffron

Wisteria Wonder*

Wild Wasabi

Pear Pizzazz*

Soft Sky*

Pool Party*

Blushing Bride*

Marina Mist

Regals:

Cherry Cobbler

Crushed Curry*

Night of Navy

Cajun Craze

Rose Red

Elegant Eggplant

Always Artichoke

Perfect Plum

Garden Green

Island Indigo*

Neutrals:

Whisper White

Very Vanilla

Crumb Cake

Early Espresso

Sahara Sand

Soft Suede

Chocolate Chip

Basic Gray

Basic Black

Smoky Slate^^

* indicates returning In Color being added to the palette

^^ indicates new color

My class for April 14th still has spaces available. Please let me know by THIS Sunday, the 7th. See the samples on my blog: www.marciaplayswithaper.blogspot.com and let me know if you'd like to come out to the Card Buffet on the 19th. Pictures for that will be posted next week.

Thanks and please let me know it there's anything I can help you with.

Marcia Yoshida

Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator

Phone: (805) 479-8385

email: mlycat@earthlink.net

website: www.playwithmarcia.stampinup.net

blog: www.marciaplayswithpaper.blogspot.com

Scrapbooking in a unusual way

I love and appreciate a beautiful scrapbooking page but some pictures require something simpler.

 

Our son was born 6 1/2 weeks early at 3 pounds 7 ounces.  We brought him home at 2 1/2 weeks (a full month BEFORE his due date!) and my sweet husband came up with a stroke of genius.  On his due date, we created a backdrop with an old white sheet, placed him on an oak chair with a yardstick and shot away with the cameras.  We've made it  tradition to take his picture in the same chair every year on or close to his birthday.  As tempting as it was to make those first pictures (taken on his due date) "cute," I decided to scrap all his "Chair Pictures" on plain black cardstock.  I've used a variety of ways to lay the pictures out (we take a few hundred every year), sometimes cutting our son's image out, sometimes laying out a series of photos to convey the motion he was making in that moment, but always on plain black cardstock. 

 

Whenever I scrapbook, I ask myself, "What do I want to convey?"  For these pictures, the answer is, "his essence," so I don't want to fancy that up. 

 

 

To me, this is what my boy looks like at nine years old:  slightly silly; all feet and big, expressive eyes; not caring a whit that his hair is messy and he has a hole in his jeans.  

I just don't want to mess with that.