Yesterday evening I was at a Stampin' Up! event where demonstrators got a 'sneak peek' of what's in store for Sale-A-Bration; all I'm going to say at this point is boy do you all have something to look forward to, and I highly recommend you consider asking for a Stampin' Up! gift voucher from your nearest and dearest for Christmas (contact me for details!) and hold back some of your January Sales budget to take advantage, as you are not going to miss it!!

Today though I am back onto Christmas cards with another to share with you, having had a few days break. Well, it is now officially 'the season' I think! I used this week's sketch over at Addicted to CAS for my card today where the team are celebrating their second birthday - congratulations! - and which was designed with the theme over at Less is More in mind.

Now the theme this week is 'Jingle All the Way' and you would think that this card from earlier in the week might be a more appropriate fit, but the lovely ladies over at Less is More went on to say "we would like to see some reference to any of these things.... bells, reindeer, Santa, elves, stockings, presents, decorations, Christmas songs/music/instruments... in fact anything Christmassy!" and I immediately took this as the opportunity to bring my Dasher stamp out of retirement to create a card with a reindeer on it. Well, Christmas wouldn't be Christmas unless he made at least one appearance on a card this season, after all it's almost tradition! So here is my card:

I used Cherry Cobbler for my base and stamped my reindeer in Versamark on a piece of Baked Brown Sugar and heat embossed it in Early Espresso embossing powder to give it a lovely rich sheen. I matted this piece on a base of last year's Season of Style DSP stack, which I cut into pieces and mounted with mitred corners as the pattern was actually a chevron, but I wanted it to be diagonals going around the frame (I hope that makes sense when you look at the photograph, it just seems difficult to explain!)I then popped this piece onto my base using dimensionals, so that I could run a couple of loops of Baked Brown Sugar thick baker's twine around the base beneath it. I used my tiny hole punch to put a couple of semi-circle grooves in each side so that the twine would rest in them and stay in position - a useful tip if you're creating this type of card. To finish, I added my sentiment stamped from 'Endless Wishes' and a trio of candy dots to balance the main image.

I hope you like today's card and before I go would like to give a big shout out to Chrissie, Sarah and Anne over at Less is More, both for recognising this card in their top 3 of the recent one layer challenge but also for their tireless dedication to commenting on the cards in the LIM gallery and for their general helpfulness and constructiveness; I think my CAS style has improved a lot with their input, so I for one am grateful!

That's all from me today; I'm off out for lunch with a friend (a rare treat!) and then back to finish some work before the school run! Back tomorrow with another project; until then, happy stampin'!

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

Baked Brown Sugar Thick Baker's Twine	Brights Candy Dots	Regals Candy Dots	Neutrals Candy Dots	Cherry Cobbler Classic Stampin' Pad
Cherry Cobbler A4 Card Stock	Whisper White A4 Card Stock	Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad	Card Stock A4 Baked Brown Sugar	Embossing Buddy
Versamark Pad	Heat Tool - Uk Plug	Stampin' Emboss Powder Early Espresso

Today I have something very special that I've had to keep under wraps for a little while: the latest Stampin' Up! UK Stampissimo video has just been published and guess what? I am the starring demonstrator! I was so excited to be asked by Paula Gorry, Stampin' Up! UK Business Development Manager, to create a project for the latest video with the theme of 'Winter Treats' that once I had a copy of the Autumn-Winter seasonal catalogue in my hands, it didn't take me long to decide what I was going to use - the fabulous new Curvy Keepsake Box Thinlits Die. You can make all kinds of customised boxes with this die, but for the theme of 'Winter Treats' I knew I wanted to create a range of Christmas characters, with Rudolf the Red-nose Reindeer being the star of the show. It meant I could combine the box die with another of my favourite catalogue products that you've seen me use so many times on different projects - the Autumn Wooden Embellishments (LOVE these and one pot lasts an age!)

Here is the reindeer box that I demonstrate in the video - how cute is this?!

The project itself needed to be simple enough to demonstrate whilst chatting at the same time - the purpose of Stampin' Up!'s range of Stampissimo videos is to spread the word about Stampin' Up! to both crafters and non-crafters who may not have heard of Stampin' Up! and give them some insight into the products and the demonstrators who sell them. Whilst they are based around demonstrating and sharing a particular product or project, the informational nature of these videos mean they last longer than your average tutorial so you need to get comfy!

You can get the details for how I made the box above and see lots of other boxes featured in the video itself, but I wanted to share with you some of the 'behind the scenes' photos from my day and give you a little insight into the fun that I had spending the day with Paula and Kelly in the studio, along with the now infamous 'Ben and Jerry' film crew of Ben and James, who do all of the filming for Stampin' Up!'s UK events and did such a fabulous job of recording the day and producing the final video.

This is what filming looks like from behind the scenes -  a real case of lights, camera, action! There are cameras that shoot from the front and from above in order to get a full range of shots and the necessary close-ups. When I shoot video tutorials at home I use an overhead camera, but I'm sitting at my desk. When you're standing up it is quite tricky because you have to be careful not to lean over your workspace, otherwise all the viewer sees is the top of your head! Sounds obvious, but I found out there is a real art to working with your arms outstretched and not leaning too far into your workspace.

Here are a couple of shots of Ben and James, the guys that produce the video - I struggle to tell them apart - they're twins! - but as you can see, one is slightly more camera-shy than the other:

They really are the nicest chaps you could wish to meet and I think they did a great job with the final edit, although I'll admit I'm biased!

This is my favourite photo of Paula and I on the day, taken mid-take once we were properly relaxed and into the swing of things - we really were having fun:

Lastly, here's one of us all post filming each displaying our favourite boxes, the chaps included. They decided the boxes were so easy to make, they might even have a go themselves at making some to grace their family festive table. At the UK training day at Telford earlier this year, the Stampin' Up! demonstrators were treated to a video of Ben and 'Jerry' making their first foray into crafting Stampin' Up! style, so this may well be their second!!

Also, note the festive pot plant on the edge of the desk and the Christmas tree in the video - Kelly and Paula did their best to make the studio look festive, which was quite tricky given that this was filmed some time ago when the sun was shining gloriously outside and it was not even remotely autumnal, let alone wintery! A big thank you the lovely Kelly Francis, who took all of the above pictures - she is an absolute star!

Here are some additional pictures of some of the finished boxes that feature in the video - this is Santa's helper, the mischievous elf: 

This is the man himself, Santa Claus - with his head!:

This one is Santa - without his head! Perfect if you are short on time or want something that's a little more adult-oriented:

Then we have the cutest snowman - check out his twirly carrot nose! 

Here they are altogether - one big happy Curvy Keepsake Box festive family:

I hope you found the 'behind the scenes' tour interesting - now here's the video that you've all been waiting for:

In summary, a truly great experience and yet another of the fantastic opportunities available to me as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator working with this amazing company that allows me to share what I love, be endlessly creative, manage and motivate a great team and have a job that totally fits around my family commitments and enables me to achieve the best work-life balance I've ever had.

If you're reading this and thinking that you would like to know more about the benefits of becoming a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, then do get in touch with me on 07773 421446  - I would love to have a no-obligation chat with you and tell you more.

If you would like to make Rudolf, the supplies list that links to my online store is below.

Back tomorrow with another project; until then, happy stampin'!

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

Curvy Keepsake Box Thinlits Dies	Big Shot Magnetic Platform	Big Shot Die-Cut Machine	Fuse Fast Adhesive
Autumn Wooden Elements	Chocolate Chip A4 Card Stock	Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker	Basic Black A4 Card Stock
Whisper White A4 Card Stock	Basic Pearls Jewel Accents	Stampin' Blendabilities™ Markers Cherry Cobbler Assortment	Stampin' Blendabilities™ Markers Skin Tone Assortment
Endless Wishes Photopolymer Stamp Set	1-3/4 Inch Circle Punch	Owl Punch	Tombow Multi-Purpose Adhesive

Well, Stampin' Up! 2014 Inspire Create Share Convention - what a blast! I had the best ever time and for those of you following my Facebook page you will have seen some of the photos of what I got up to. Here are some of my favourite pictures, along with the Convention highlights video:

This is me with (from left to right) Katie Adams, from the Stampin' Up! USA Home Office, and my fellow 'In a Nutshell' presenters: Kerry Timms, Pip Todman and Miriam van Eyden at our pre-Convention live theatre run through.

Me and the world famous Mannekin Pis - well, no visit to Brussels is complete without this photo, right?!

 My big moment - the start of the second of my presentations on 'Simple, Fun Experiences' - the highlight of my Convention for sure.

One of my camera-shy downlines, Samantha, showing off her special pin to commemorate her milestone 10K Sales achievement - I'm so proud of her!

Pip, Miriam and I at the after-awards night party - looking altogether more relaxed with our presentations out of the way!

Goofing around with two of my fellow Passionettes, Netty Turner and Monica Gale, my Stampin' Up! Grandma!

This is the chocolatier in the window of the Godiva shop dipping strawberries in chocolate; Samantha and I shared a cone, because we convinced ourselves this was definitely one of our five a day!

This is me with one of my new Dutch Pinkie friends, Caroline van der Straaten - Samantha and I shared a hotel with 28 Pinkies and they are such a good bunch, really fun! So much so, I was made an honorary Pinkie - with team shirt and co-ordinating luggage!

Lastly, another team photo and the official Convention highlights video (look out for me!):

Doesn't that look like fun?! If you would like to join my team and I at next year's Convention, which will be held from 12-14 November 2015 in Brussels, what better time to get on board? There's just 3 days left until the current sign up deal that includes a free pack of Designer Series Paper each month for the next 6 months ends - CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE AND JOIN MY STAMPIN' UP! TEAM TODAY!

We are a fun, team with a mix of business and hobby demonstrators and I would love to welcome you to join us.

Back tomorrow with my Design Team card for this week's challenge over at Colour Me...! and a new set of Wednesday weekly deals. Until then, happy stampin'!

Today I have some very exciting news to share with you! From today for one week only, 22nd August-29th August, if you join Stampin' Up! you will receive an extra £20 worth of products of your choice with the standard £99 starter kit - that's £150 worth of products instead of the usual £130 and all for just £99 cost to you (and free postage!).

There are so many benefits to joining Stampin' Up! right now:

• You can pre-order new products before they are released to the general market - there's still the opportunity to get your hands on goodies from the new seasonal Autumn-Winter catalogue before it goes on general release to customers on 28th August
• An ongoing 20% discount on all product purchases
• Attendance at exclusive Stampin' Up! events, such as the Stampin' Up! European Convention to be held in Brussels this coming October - there's still time to register for this fantastic event! 

In addition, if you join my team you will also receive an exclusive welcome pack and demonstrator handbook to help you build your new Stampin' Up! business, along with a free copy of my exclusive Product Table Builder Software worth £35 that is a must for any blogger who wishes to maximise their online sales. Not to mention the FUN! We are a close-knit team that has members far and wide and in addition to our face-to-face get-togethers and training meets, we are also part of a vibrant online community of fellow Stampin' Up! demonstrators who are always on hand with advice, encouragement and support.

So whether you just want to be a hobby demonstrator and take advantage of quality Stampin' Up! products at permanently reduced prices, or whether you would like to earn an income doing something you love, please give me a call on 07773 421446 to talk about what joining my team can do for you - I would love to hear from you! of course if you've been 'on the fence' and the opportunity to get your hands on even more free goodies is for you, then click here to sign up today - I look forward to you joining my team!

Back later with today's creative post!

It's the 30th June - which sadly means the end of the 2013 annual catalogue and the Spring-Summer seasonal catalogue. So if you have anything that you would like to order today, you only have until 10pm to do so, so get in quick! It's also the last day of the 'Sign and Save' join Stampin' Up! for £50 promotion - details and sign up form in the box on the right hand side of my blog.

Me, I'm already thinking about the new! I've had my launch party for the new 2014-15 Stampin' Up! catalogue today and it was tremendous fun. I saw lots of my existing customers and got to meet some lovely new people too and I thought today I would leave you with a few photos of the day:

Thank you to everyone who attended and supported my Stampin' Up! business. Congratulations to Clare, Julie, Lorraine and Joy who were the lucky prize winners in today's raffle and to Barbara who won the door entry raffle prize - I will be in touch with you all in due course with your gifts.

Back tomorrow with lots of new catalogue loveliness - until then, happy stampin'!

I have been busy crafting all weekend and apart from dinner with friends yesterday evening, have done nothing else! I am just about to have a quiet 30 minutes before bed, so I just have a last minute reminder for you all that tomorrow is my new catalogue launch party - details below, hope to see you there!

Back tomorrow with lots of photos and a project or two for you. Until then, happy stampin'!

Another Monday and the start of a new week! Lots going on in the coming weeks as far as Stampin' Up! is concerned:

• Only 2 more weeks to purchase items from this year's retiring stamps and accessories lists - lots of items have already sold out, but you can find those items still in stock here:

Retiring stamps & Retiring Accessories

• Join Stampin' Up! for just £50 - there are 2 more weeks left of the current 'sign up and save' recruitment promotion, where you can join Stampin' Up! for just £50 and choose a starter kit valued at £55. Read all about it here, give me a call if you'd like to chat to me about joining my team or if your decision is already made sign up here.

The biggest news of all today though is that I've finalised the details for my launch party for the new Stampin' Up! 2014 Annual Catalogue - here it is:

This is the first time that I've held a 'big bash' to launch the new catalogue and I'm very excited about it! I'm keen to spread the word locally about the benefits of Stampin' Up! and to meet more fellow experienced and would-be crafters and this will be a great opportunity for people to come along and see what Stampin' Up! is all about and learn more about hosting a party, my local card and papercrafting project classes and touch and feel lots of new product, including the new Project Life product set for scrapbookers and memory-keeping on the go.

New catalogues will be available for customers to take away on the day and there will be lots of offers and incentives for orders placed and parties booked on the day, as well as a raffle, a make and take project and lots of great new product and inspirational displays. If you live in or around Northampton, I would love you to join me.

If you're not local to me, but would like a new catalogue please call or email me with your details and I would be happy to pop one in the post to you in advance of the catalogue launch.

I will be providing lots of updates and 'sneak peeks' here and on my Facebook page over the next couple of weeks, so do stay tuned to join in the excitement of the build up to my new Stampin' Up! 2014 catalogue launch party.

Back shortly with today's creative post - until then, get the 30th June 2-6pm marked down in your diaries!

Apologies for no blog post yesterday - and only a late and quick one today! - but yesterday was a big day for me! I know I shared with you that I was attending the Stampin' Up! UK Regional event at the Telford International Centre yesterday, but what I didn't share was that I was actually one of the demonstrators presenting!! I had the honour of presenting a 10 minute WOW technique using one of the new stamp sets from the forthcoming new annual catalogue due out on 1st July but had been sworn to secrecy.

Unfortunately I can't share any of the presentation details or project pictures with you until the 30th May when the new catalogue moves into pre-order for us lucky SU! demos (you needed to be in the room yesterday to get the scoop on that I'm afraid!) but thought I would share a few photos from the day of my big moment. I didn't actually present until 3.30pm, so had most of the day to enjoy (or should that be get nervous?!) before heading on stage. So here I am with two other SU! demonstrators from my extended team, Vicky Wragg and Michelle Bryant, getting ready to start my technique slot:

Here's me talking through my demonstration:

And here it is live on the big screen: 

Lastly, for those of you who saw my Facebook post on Friday - here are those nails , still looking good!

Thank you to my lovely downline team members Samantha and Helen and my ultimate upline Monica Gale for these photographs (well, you just can't take photos of yourself can you?!) I may have a few more to add in due course.

I will be sharing the technique that I demonstrated and lots of the samples I made in due course, so if you couldn't attend the Telford event and would still like a sneak peek, do pop back from the 30th May to find out more - only 12 days to go!

Lastly, it wouldn't be a blog post without a creative share - so here's a photo of the lovely thank you card made using My Digital Studio that I received from Charlotte Harding, European Training and Events Facilitator and Paula Gorry, Stampin' Up! UK Business Development Manager, to thank me for sharing my creative skills and ideas at yesterday's event: 

A bright combination of Retro Fresh, washi tape and hexagons - what a lovely gesture. After all, I was sharing something I loved!

I had a super fun day with my downlines Samantha and Helen and amanged to catch up with lots of members of my extended team. As demonstrators, these events are such a great opportunity to meet new people, but also gain lots of ideas, tips and inspiration for ways in which you can build your Stampin' Up! business. Not to mention the 'sneak peeks' and new product information - there is so much fun coming your way, believe me!

If you would like to get ahead of the curve and be part of my stampin' Up! team, watch this space for some new and exciting information about joining Stampin' Up! within the next week or so - trust me, you won't want to miss it!

Lastly, I want to share this great group photo that we took of the wider team at the end of the day - it shows just how much fun was had by all!

Normal blog service should resume tomorrow; until then, happy stampin'!