Start your Wishlists Today ~ Get Ready! Stampin'Up! Stock up Sale!

 

Absolutely the best Sale of the Year! Add to your Creative supplies.

 November 16-18 only, time to get some of those items off your wishlist!

Replenish you cardstock *10% off, 

Grab a couple of those Dies you've been eyeing! *20% off 

Add to your spectrum of colour with a new ink pad or two! - grab 'em for *15% off 

Take the weekend to take stock of your paper supplies. Check out the Annual Catalogue, for all the great dies that will be on Sale starting just after midnight, Monday night (technically, Nov 16!)

Watch my Live@9 MT each weeknight, this week for ideas of dies you should grab while on sale!

shop early for least delays and avoid any potential back orders! You can order through me, send me your list!  or directly online  in my store.

smiles,

Laurie

Sweet Little Stockings Suite has Pets and Patterns (and a whole lot more!)

 

In the July-December Holiday catalogue, Stampin'Up! has introduced a sweet suite indeed! 

This was one of my first sets I got. I couldn't resist when the puppy had the same markings as our sweet dog, Robie!  And versatile, too for other seasons and occasions! The presents can be used for birthdays all year, the sweet pets can be put in bouquets of  flowers ~ or amongst a pile of leaves!

 You'll find festive bright colours and patterns in felt, enamel dots, the patterned paper and ribbon. The stamps and dies complete the suite to send holiday cheer (and happiness all year!) 

I'll let Stampin'Up! share details from the full Suite with you in this video. Be sure to order yours today!

Sweet Stockings Bundle                    I want it all! Sweet Suite

 

smiles, 

Laurie

I've worked with the Designer series patterned paper, it's so cheery, perfect for the Christmas! Images can be cut out for focal points on your cards, and the wonderful patterns on the 'backsides' are beautiful and versatile. A good introduction to the bundle and more!

                                                                Designer Series Paper

Love of Leaves Stamp set and be sure to grab the dies to coordinate, they have the wonderful stitched lines to make these leaves really 'shazaam'!

and the dies from this bundle completes the card.

Mental Health Awareness Connecting with Creativity

 

October 10 is World Mental Health day.

The Day has created awareness. It has started conversations amongst average people in many areas of Mental Health, working to dispel the stigma of mental health and changing thinking patterns beyond outdated perceptions. As the understanding of mental health grows, funding increases resulting in assessment and treatment improving.

 Through the conversations, people are telling their stories, sharing their struggles. Others recognize they are not alone, there are others facing hard times. Stories of people that have faced hard times and made it through can be uplifting.

  

 Self care is important. Taking care of yourself is important to your Mental Health. 

Experts are saying practicing mindfulness can help you become aware of your thoughts and feelings. Mindfulness is giving your full attention to the present moment. There are many ways to incorporate mindfulness activities into your daily life. Breathing exercises, connecting with nature, hobbies or doing a creative activity are some suggested methods. 

I've always thought of stamping cards and crafting as my ‘happy hobby’, turns out I may have been on the right track. I enjoy sharing my creations and creative ideas with others. It seems to help with my feelings of isolation. 

Reaching out to others to help them discover the joy of stamping also makes me very happy!

smiles,

Laurie

Autumn Love of Leaves

I was out hiking yesterday in the Rocky Mountains, so stunningly pretty, right from the outset! Alberta may not have the Maple Reds, but we are blessed with the amazing Golds of poplars and larch amongst our evergreens! And our underbrush has lots of colours; the junipers with their beautiful blue berries, silver wolf willow and rosehips in ruby reds! I wanted to do something from nature's inspiration.

I had seen a couple cards last week while surfing that I wanted to pull some ideas from. The beautiful Fall colours from Katie's card below and the striking accent of black and white from Joy's card pulled together with my ideas with leaves created my latest Love of Leaves card.

My card uses the amazing Simply Elegant DSP (155761 includes copper, gold and silver foiling with Basic Black and Very Vanilla) I stamped the Love of Leaves on Very Vanilla cardstock using Cherry Cobbler, Crushed Curry I dressed up the project with the gorgeous gold textured brushed metallic specialty paper (156844) for a layer and die cutting a favourite wreath swirl of mine from the Sparkle of the Season bundle (156765) I love the colours of Fall. These stamps and dies for leaves are so stunning and simple to work with. You have all the variations you can dream up to create and customize your cards and projects, it really is a must have, why not get it ordered today. (153567 and 153452) smiles, Laurie

Peaceful Christmas Paper Pumpkin

https://www.paperpumpkin.com/en-ca/sign-up/?demoid=1000271

This looks fabulous for pulling together a group of Christmas cards in a fun session of crafting. It has 10 cards (2 designs/ 5 of each) and promising to coordinate with the beautiful Peaceful Place Suite. This is a beautiful calm bundle including beautiful papers with silver accents and Black and white images, snowy velvet sheets of paper etc. I'm excited. This is a great time to give Paper Pumpkin a try (maybe, again!) No commitment, you can suspend any single month or your whole account whenever you want. A whole lot of craftiness and happiness in a box! Let me know if you have questions! (subscribe early, just in case this one sells out by subscription deadline of October 10th !)

Sweet Farewell ~ Travelling images for Sailing Home Dies

I challenge myself each weeknight on my LIve@9 to create something. Using a variety of things to give me all my ideas through the year. I've rounding into my first full year of making ove 250 cards! I'm just adding the picture taking and blog posting to this. So I don't recall wha the exact starting point was for this card, but my love of this new Annual Catalogue stamp set, Sweet Farewell might have been all it took? I checked out the dies that go with Sailing Home stamps and they worked perfect with this very different image of sailboat! I thought I'd further twist things by using Fresh Freesia in the Maritimes mix of Blues and whites! Do you know which dies the shapes are from? A favourite group of dies of mine is the hint, I'll give you on that! Thank you for stopping by! I'm planning for continual content, stop by again to check it out. smiles, Laurie

Celebrating Rosh Hashanah with a Honey Bee card

Many Jewish Canadians will observe Rosh Hashanah, known as the New Year in the Jewish calendar, September 6-8, 2021. This is a time of family gatherings, shared meals and prayers among loved ones. A time to reflect on the past and make a fresh start for the New Year. Rosh Hashanah greeting cards are also sent. I created this special card to wish anyone celebrating, a "Happy New Year"! 

  L'shanah tovah (say “le- sha-NAH to-VAH”) 

 is how to say “Happy New Year” to someone who is observing the Jewish holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. 

Jewish Canadians traditionally eat challah bread, pomegranates, and apples dipped in honey on Rosh Hashanah. The challah bread, symbolizes the continuity of life. The apples that are dipped in honey symbolize sweetness and good health throughout the New Year. Pomegranates symbolize an abundance of goodness and happiness. People wish for blessings in the New Year as plentiful as the seeds of a pomegranate. I found several examples of cards using any of these symbols for these greeting cards.

  smiles,

 Laurie

Flowers of Friendship for my Mom's Birthday

To help celebrate Mom's birthday, I chose these pretty little flowers and added the spray of leaves from Forever Flourishing Dies. I get a feeling that these are kind of peeking out from a tree with the Bark Embossing folder...

One of my favourite fonts of the new catalogue is from the Sweet Ice Cream stamp set.

I put this card together 'just in time' in a special Live at a weird time over on my facebook Business page If you click, you can scroll and find a couple hundred videos you can peruse. I started doing Live@9 last fall each weeknight to connect with fellow stampers during this crazy year.
I've had so much fun sharing some stories as I create on the spur of the minute. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, it's all part of the process of creativity, though! : D

Most sad is my rural internet, but I am forever hopeful that we'll get connectivity one day!

Thank you for stopping by!

Smiles,

Laurie

Facebook link to Live https://fb.watch/7XZyQWFUxJ/

 

Fancy Fold Blossom Card

 

I have been busy working with this paper for a bit now, and it isn't getting old! Both sides of every sheet is just wonderful. (and a little versatile with a couple different colours and patterns that might not be expected in the pack) This little fancy fold really makes for a showcasing of the focal image you'd choose. Chose the blossoms over a Peach image today. I go through the steps https://fb.watch/82Jq9novSC/ in my Live@9 over on my facebook page thanks for stopping by! smiles, Laurie

Posting some Christmas in July Ideas _ Inspiration needing a twist

So the product is from last year, but shifting boxes today, I found a few cards I loved putting together on the Live@9 's. I'm going to pull these into some new Livecasts this Fall, using the ideas with new product. Watch for them! Thanks Smiles, Laurie

Today is International Non-Binary People's Day

 International Non-Binary People's Day is observed annually.

I made this card to celebrate a friend on this day. I had not known there were many multiple Pride flags and meanings behind all the colours. A search online to help make a nice card enlightened me to the idea of using these colours.

Non-Binary is an umbrella term for people who don't identify with the binary categories of male or female.   I hadn't heard a lot about non-binary people.  Nonbinary includes people who may identify as having two or more genders, moving between genders (gender fluidity), or not identifying with any gender. We are becoming more accustomed to the idea of transgender people, maybe it’s easier to explain the idea of feeling more attuned to the ‘opposite gender’.  Non-binary brings in the understanding that gender identity is a spectrum.

It isn’t hard to be supportive and respectful of non-binary people, even if we are just started to learn about them. Being supportive and respectful of nonbinary people can be as simple as showing respect for someone’s identity by following their lead and using the pronouns they’ve asked you to. You don’t have to understand what it means for someone to be non-binary to respect them.  Saying something like, "I use the pronoun she/her, what pronouns do you use?"    It's like asking, "my name is Laurie, what's yours?" 

Non-binary gender acknowledges and celebrates individuality. Sending a card letting someone know you see them can really put a smile on their face.  By learning more about and celebrating other people’s differences we can create safer environments. We each do make a difference!

Dragon Boat Festivals ~ watch for them this summer across Canada.

 Imagine my little fissure of excitement when I saw the Google Doodle this morning! 

I recently wrote an  article about Dragon Boat Races for a publication for Canadian demonstrators. I've been learning and writing about Diverse celebrations here in Canada.
For this article, I created little 'sour cream' containers made into simple replications of the zongzi rice dumplings. Just like the ones rowing the boat on the Google Doodle! : )

Dragon Boat Festival has been celebrated for 2,500 years, and there are several legends about its origin. The most popular one is that the holiday honours Qu Yuan, an ancient Chinese patriot poet and loyal politician who drowned in the Miluo River on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar. Qu Yuan was so loved that people quickly paddled boats on the river to rescue/recover him. As they raced along the river, they beat drums to ward off evil spirits. They threw zongzi (sticky rice wrapped in bamboo) to keep the fish well fed and away from Qu Yuan’s body. Although celebrated in China on the fifth day of the fifth month, on the Georgian calendar, Duanwu is celebrated on June 14 this year. Festivals take place across Canada on several different weekends throughout the summer. After cancellations last year, planning committees are still hopeful to run versions of the event this year working with their provincial health authorities for guidelines.

 Creating paper boats, hanging lanterns, and making fun little Zongzi characters are a few ways for families to teach their kids about the tradition, create some excitement, and anticipate the fun. Largely a water event, with outdoor activities, you can incorporate decorating with Stampin’ Up! projects as a way for your customers to celebrate, and spruce up a picnic event.

Watch for the races in your area. It has always been a fun event to watch. (or join your corporate team!)

It is common for teams to have anywhere from 18 to 20 paddlers. The leader sits in the front with a drum and the steerer sits in the back. The drummer’s beats encourage the rowers and to keep their pace and time throughout the race. It is believed that the winning team will enjoy a year of luck and prosperity.

Smiles,

Laurie

Last Chance January-June Catalog Retiring List

 

Stock up on some of your favorite products before they’re gone for good! Save up to 50% on essential craft supplies.(there is twine, patterned papers, card kits on sale). 

Click HERE to view the PDF of the LAST CHANCE retiring items from the January -June 2021 Mini Catalog.

(the pdf will not be updated. But you can always check out the shop online to see if what you want is still available.)

*Things to Remember:

• Dates: June 1- June 30 2021 (or while supplies last).
• Only select items will be discounted. But there are some great deals!
• No minimum purchase is required.
• Retiring items are available while supplies last.
• Exclusions apply: Carryover items and some retiring items will not be discounted.

What are you waiting for? Start shopping! After all, this selection of Last Chance Products is only available while supplies last.

I've found a few things I'm ordering today if you want to add your order in!

smiles,

Laurie

Sweet Ice Cream Birthday Wishes

I loved putting this cheery card together! Using three of the new In Colors made coordination easy.
My two very favourite ones are the fabulous Polished Pink and the Cinnamon Cider.

Do you have favourites, yet?

I did this fun fold fancy card on my Live@9 over on my Facebook page 

I go Live@9 MT each week night, pulling together cards created from inspiration garnered minutes ahead, so the Lives are very impromptu! (add some bad internet connectivity to the mix and it's a little chaotic! enticed yet to check it out?! : / There is usually laughter, though!)

I really love the way this card works and comes together pretty simply! 

Cutting away a couple panels from the front of the card, straight up and then off the top gives it just a little WOW. I added a layer of DSP (patterned paper) across the entire 'inside' of the card, with a sentiment block that is hidden when the card is closed. I tied some of the beautiful ribbon around the center panel, and extended the size of the front of the card back out with a horizontal panel. 

I am offering a Ribbon Share for $11. 

10 yards, 2 yards each of the 5 In Colors Open Weave ribbon.

$13 and I will pop it in the mail to you anywhere in Canada!

thank you for stopping by!

Smiles,

Laurie

 

United Through Creativity around the world with Stampin'Up! -Free Download

 

Click here to go to my shop. Click the banner to download for FREE

Stampin'Up! released these digital images today for the world to download FREE. 

I'll be working with them, sharing some style ideas, hope you'll pop back here to check them out. 
Join me on my my facebook page for more ideas for these and all the Stampin'Up! items found in our catalogues! 
I have fun creating each weeknight Live@9 (ish! if you watch you'll find out soon enough it's often closer to 9:15pm MT when I'm getting started! ) I'd love for you to join me!

smiles,

Laurie

Eating ice cream — Syttende Mai

May 17th is Syttende Mai, Norway's Independence day. Celebrations include festivals, parades, eating and is one day where the kids get to eat pretty much as many ice creams as they want. They do this even if the weather is sleeting in Norway. My Mom holds up her heritage well in this department, she loves her icecream, enjoying it all the year through, sometimes instead of a meal!

I decided to work with the wonderful Sweet Ice Cream set from the Jan-June catalogue. A set that I am quite happy to see crossover to the new Annual Catalogue! Between the 'sweet' images and the fabulous font on the sentiments, I've fallen in Love. The possibilities and versatility of the set is great!

so to all the Norwegians, this Cone is for you!

smiles, Laurie

Pop Up Book card for World Book Day

 Hello!

In my nightly Live, I created, for the first time this sweet little surprise inside card!
The scoring and cutting to create this little pop up are surprisingly simple, I had great success the first time and under the camera! I used a fabulous sketch by New Zealand demo, Patrice Halliday-Larsen.

The scoring and cutting image was wonderful, I scored the first two lines 1 inch from both the edges and between 1" and 4 1/2", then cut between those lines then put in the rest of the scores and it seemed to have all the easy markers for lining up.

(the adhesive tape goes along the highlighted areas, after you finagle the folds along the score lines)

The dimensions for decorating the little book include two small strips used along the half inch strip to act as a nice accent to the 'book page' edges.

Cutting Instructions

Base Card
–  8-1/2″x 5-1/2 ” , scored in half

Whisper White Card
–  8″ x 5-1/2″ inside of card (cut and scored as above)

2 Panels
–  3-1/4′  x 2-3/16″ (x2) book page inside card (I used DSP for these, you might use cardstock with  stamped images)

Mat for panels and Book edge
–  3- 3/8″ x 2-5/16″ (x2) mat for book page
–  3-1/2″ x 1/2″ (x2) side strip of book

I transferred my Live onto my youtube channel, you can watch it HERE

I'll have my completed card photographed and posted soon! I used Snail Mail DSP  ~ it even has lines, or a page of squiggles to use!

pop back over, please 

smiles,

Laurie

Celebrating Ramadan

 

 I am excited to share a couple card and décor ideas to celebrate upcoming Muslim celebrations. 

Ramadan begins on April 12. This is determined by the Islamic lunar calendar. It ends approximately May 11 this year; the ending is called on the crescent moon's sighting,  which can vary in different countries. This smiling moon marks the end of a very special month of prayer, fasting, and charity, pillars of the Islamic faith. Ramadan is meant to be challenging; fasting allows Muslims to practice self-control, helps them with their spiritual devotion, and develops a kinship with Muslims worldwide. Families wake early to share a meal, sohour, before sunrise and after sunset, break the fast with a meal called iftar. Small children don't fast. To help them connect and keep them interested in this special month, you could help parents with crafting ideas to add to the daily activities many families do. Families can use a Ramadan calendar to mark the days. 

Much like our recent advent calendar kit, they can be decorated and hold small treats. I found several ideas online that could be made and decorated with our paper or envelopes and could include printables, listing small activities or good deeds. These calendars mark the days and also countdown to the Blessed Feast or Festival of Breaking Fast, called Eid al-Fitr.

 Eid al-Fitr is a big celebration marking the end of Ramadan, starting at sundown on May 12 and ending at sundown on May 13. The Festivals traditionally are large community events, welcoming everyone to celebrate, not just Islamics. The more, the merrier to enjoy the reward of the hard work of Ramadan. There is music, games, food and plenty of sweets! Eid Mubarak is a popular expression to congratulate each other for celebrating the holy month. This is a good greeting for cards to use for banners and other décor. Gifts are given, often money and gift cards. Gift boxes of chocolates, too. Ideas for dressing up gift card holders, small boxes, and money envelopes would be helpful for your customers. Help celebrate this month of Blessing and prepare for the festivities of Eid al-Fitr. 

smiles, Laurie

Want a new little twist for using Darling Donkeys stamps? This Split Panel is the trick.

 It's a lovely sunny Family Day in Alberta! Hope this day finds you finds you enjoying some time with your loved ones. As I'm writing this, I'm realizing, maybe we better make a conscious effort to do a little something extra ourselves : D 
Out here on the farm we are pretty lucky to have some easy rhythm of hanging with family, doing some chores, watching some tv and enjoying meals together as we go through our days with the continuing pandemic. I love an excuse to play up special days and we have had a run of mini celebrations over the weekend! 
Lunar New Year was on Friday, Feb 12 this year and Valentine's was Sunday. Now today is Family Day, and with the warmer weather (make no mistake, it's still -23 C out there), we headed out for a bit of a walk together. I have plans for supper of one of my favourite meals from Hello Fresh recipes. A Turkish Pork dish with rice and pickled slaw!
 I'm trying to catch up on posting photos of the cards I've been creating on facebook Lives each weeknight @Nine since September. (please head over to my business page to peruse the saved videos and find some inspiration to get creating for yourself! Hit the notifications to get reminders for upcoming Lives!) 
This card uses the Darling Donkeys earned with $60 of sales (until Feb 28) One of my favourite items you can choose when you make a purchase during this year's Sale-a-Bration. The paper is Designer Series Paper pack from the Jan to June mini catalogue, Hydrangea Hill. It is absolutely more stunning in real life than you can believe! Colouring the Donkey with the smooth Blends in Smokey Slate and edging the whole image with Pool Party. You can order all these things online or touch base with me to help you complete your order.

I made a fun little split panel card utilizing the 'cutaway' piece to hold the edge piece back on, creating a peek-a-boo into the inside of the card's sentiment!

thanks for stopping by,

smiles,

Laurie