Over the past few years, there has been enormous demand from demonstrators, as well as customers for a line of repositionable clear-mount rubber stamps. Starting with stamps in the 2010 Occasions Mini Catalog and the 2010 Sale-A-Bration Brochure, Stampin' Up! now offers our exclusive stamp art in both traditional wood-mount and the new clear-mount option. The sales period begins on January 5, 2010.

Our new clear-mount rubber stamps are the result of extensive research with the intent to maintain the very best image quality in the stamping industry, while at the same time offering the ease-of-use and storability inherent in repositionable clear-mount rubber stamps.

Clear-Mount Rubber Stamp Features:
-Nine different sizes of clear blocks available individually or as a discounted bundle.
-Blocks have ergonomic grooves on all four sides for easy grip and traditional wood-mount feel.
-Stamps and blocks are durable and easy to clean with your Stampin' Scrub and Stampin' Mist.
-Optional image labels on stamp backs let you decide if you want to see the image through the block or not.
-Tight die-cutting for easy image positioning.
-Large clear blocks can be used to create collages or spell words with alphabet sets.
-Stamps store easily in standard, DVD-type cases with artwork on front and spine, making organization easy.

I cannot wait to receive my preorder stamp sets and have fun creating some new things!

These are my two most recent tooth fairy pillows that I have come up with. I actually made them a month or so ago, but they definitely have been a big hit!

I am sorry that I have not posted in a long time. I have been having computer issues. =( It will not let me log in at all. =( I have been doing lots of crafty things but am unable to share them yet.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!!

I played around with the "Falling Leaves" set (p. 27) this evening and I really love it. I even had Sami helping out and stamped some of the leaves (no worries, no ink on the block Charlie LOL). I think it is such a great set. There is so much that can be done with it. Here is what we came up with:

It’s getting very close to the time when cardmakers around the world are starting to think about making Christmas cards. Some of us have already started making them, while others are busy gathering their supplies. One thing I’ve noticed is that while cardmakers love to send out handmade Christmas cards, they also want to make them ‘time efficient’ in order to be able to make lots of cards and spread the love around. Here are 10 Tips to make your Christmas cards faster:

1. Use a scrapbooking kit
Scrapbooking Kits are great for cardmaking because everything comes coordinated in one neat package. Choose a Christmas themed scrapbooking kit such as Stampin’ Up!’s “I Wish” kit and whip up 30 cards from the one kit in no time. (see photo at the end of this post)

2. Start with a card sketch
Like to make your cards individually rather than production line? You can start with a card sketch or two and base all your Christmas cards around that sketch while changing the colours of your cardstock and using a variety of rubber stamps. Having a couple of sketches to base all your Christmas cards on will speed up the process while still enjoying the creative process. Not great at making your own sketches? just find a card you like the look of from a magazine or a blog (like mine!) and copy the layout of the card to make your own.

3. Add Glitter
Even a simple Christmas card will attract attention with a bit of sparkle & shine. Use a glue pen to add glue to appropriate spots on your Christmas card then sprinkle on some sparkly glitter for extra pizazz in a hurry with no drying time.

4. Use punches
You can make a quick Christmas Tree for your card using punches. Try punching out some small star shapes out of some scrap patterned paper or metallic cardstock then arrange them into a triangle shape onto your card to form a Christmas tree. A bow made from some scrap ribbon can be placed at the bottom of the tree in place of a pot.


5. Use a Wheel Stamp
Wheel stamps are awesome for creating quick cards. A wheel stamp such as “Soft Holly” by Stampin’ Up! (page 33 of the catalogue) will give you a lovely quick background or secondary image for your Christmas cards. If you don’t mind doing production line, you can speed up the stamping by laying out all the cardstock pieces or card bases on your table and wheeling each one in turn. Use an ink cartridge in your wheel handle to stamp all your cards without reinking!

6. Use stamps with solid images.Unless you enjoy the relaxation of colouring in images, save those stamps that require lots of colouring for making Christmas cards for those select special people in your life. To make quick cards for everyone else that you’d like to share some Christmas spirit with, use stamps with solid images that do not require colouring.

7 . Use patterned paper
While making interesting backgrounds with a variety of techniques is huge fun, it does take some time. To speed up your Christmas card making, use patterned paper to add backgrounds or strips of scrap patterned paper for a fun background.

8. Go monochromatic
Gather your supplies in one colour that you’d like to use and add a neutral colour to make your Christmas cards elegant yet fast. Choose cardstock, ribbon and an inkpad in one colour, add white/vanilla/kraft plus some metal brads. Going monochromatic means you won’t have to keep cleaning your stamp to change ink colours and you will have all your supplies ready to go without having to think about colour schemes.

9. Wide Ribbons
Choose a wide ribbon and tie it around your card into a big bow. Wide ribbons add a bit of lavishness to your card and make a great focal point. And because they take up a lot of space, you only need to add a Christmas sentiment to complete your card.

10. Enlist some help
Have your children help you punch out some simple shapes that they can add to your card using Dimensionals (foam dots). Crafting with children is an excellent activity to share some special time together. If you don’t have children or they are much too young to help, then get together with a friend for a relaxing and social day of stamping. Making Christmas cards with a friend or a group of friends is a great way to socialise while sharing ideas and tools and gets those Christmas cards made in no time.

My Upline gave us a challenge. We were to CASE a card from the current catalog. I chose to CASE the card shown for "Look Who's Turning" on p. 72.

I posted some pictures last week of some badges that I had come up with. Last night, I stitched up a few more examples. Here they are:

Sami lost her first tooth on Wednesday. I swear that it was loose for over a month so she was pretty excited when it finally fell out. She was determined to stay up and meet the tooth fairy, catch her and then fly around with her. LOL She ended up staying up until almost 1 o'clock in the morning! She woke up the next morning at 7:50am and checked her tooth fairy pillow to see what the tooth fairy left her. She was very happy to find a toonie, which she carried in her pocket all day. =) Here is a picture of my toothless girl:

Check out the new items in the Holiday Mini Catalog! Just click on the image of the Catalog to the right and it will take you right to it. You can order from it until January 4, 2010. If you would like your own copy of the catlog, e-mail me at JodiStilwell@yahoo.com or leave me a comment and I'll send one to you. =)

A few months ago, I discovered an amazing scrapbook store in Fredericton called A Pile of Scrap. As part of their new endevor, they are going to be opening up an on-line shop. For their grand opening, they are offering 10% off your total bill!!! If you would like a chance to win a $10 gift certificate to the store, visit this link. If this on-line shop is anything like the actual store, it is going to rock!!!

This is a new project that I have been working on. Sami has been wanting me to make her a badge for the longest time and she wanted her age on it. I actually love how they turned out (sorry that the second and third pictures are blurry). I'm thinking of making some for my class for the students to have. I have a few more that I am working on that have different "things" in the center of the circle on the badge. I'll be posting them as I get them finished.

I make personalized pillows out of felt. I was contacted by a lady who is having a foreign exchange student coming next week. She asked if I could do a red pillow with white lettering and if I could put a maple leaf at the end. I think it turned out nicely! I think it will make a nice souvenir for him to take back home.

Here is a picture of a tic tac toe game that I have made. I'm selling them for $5. I think they would be perfect for tic tac toe lovers of any age. Great for gifts, as well as for travelling.

Set includes a game board and 12 game pieces (6 each X’s and O’s). Game board is made from 7-mesh plastic canvas and chunky yarn. Game board is a 7” square. Game pieces are also made from 7-mesh plastic canvas and 4-ply yarn. Game pieces are 1 ¾” x 1 ¾”.

I am planning on making a few more of these sets in various colors to let the students in my class use.

Here is a LO that I did of a picture of Sami from last year. When I saw her like this, I had to run in and get the camera b/c I thought it was the cutest thing ever.

When Roger first saw this movie preview, he has wanted to go see it. I found this a little strange b/c it isn't his typical style of movie. I have had the book for ages, but never picked it up until this past weekend. I just finished it this morning and I must say that I loved it! We are planning on going to the movies tonight to see if (we have a coupon for buy one admission, get one free). I'm hoping the movie will do the book justice.

I officially start back to school on Friday. Next week, I'll be in the classroom getting everything prepared for when the kiddies start on September 8th. I'm actually looking forward to getting back into the classroom. I absolutely love the beginning of a new schoolyear and a new set of children to teach. It is such an exciting time! Something that is making this year much more exciting is that my daughter is starting school this year. She is so excited and already has her outfit picked out and her bookbag packed for the first day. =) She has been wanting to pack her lunch for the longest time, but I keep telling her that it is too early yet. It isn't hard to tell that she is excited to get started. =)

Check out this amazingly generous blog candy!!! Steph is giving a randomly selected winner a $150.00 gift certificate to a scrapbook store of their choice!!! Isn't that amazing?!?!

We finally were able to see the latest Harry Potter movie today. I have been looking forward to seeing this ever since it came out, but I'm sad to report that it wasn't the greatest. =( I guess I was just expecting a whole lot more! It just seemed boring compared to the rest. We did find out more about some of the characters though, so I guess it wasn't a complete loss afterall. I don't regret going to see it b/c I do love Harry Potter and look forward to the next installment. =)

We are up in Woodstock right now, visiting friends. Today, we went to Jellystone Park and had a blast! It was Samantha's first time on a water slide and she was so excited. She was too afraid to go on her own, so she went on my lap or on a friend's lap. We would take occasional breaks and hang out in the pool. We all had a lot of fun!!! When I get back home I'll post pictures of the outing. =)

I came across some amazing blog candy today on Susana's
Bev's and Denise's blogs ! Go check it out and leave a comment. You never know, you might just win!!! =)

One of the most exciting new things that will be in the holiday mini catalog is a new partnership with the Build a Bear company. Starting on September 1, there will be special stamp sets and dies for the Big Shot die cutting system that will let you make the cutest projects.

Sami and I went to the movies this afternoon and saw G-Force in 3D. I know that it has gotten some bad reviews, but Sami loved it and I found it pretty funny! We give it 2 thumbs up!!!

Here is a picture of my crafty girl while up at my Mom's yesterday. I have been doing some craftiness using plastic canvas and she wanted to give it a try.

Today, I am celebrating my sixth wedding anniversary with my wonderful husband!

For the month of August, spend $45 on stamp sets from the "Growing Up" section of the 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalogue (pages 74-90) and receive a FREE package of Designer buttons (page 181) --a $10.95 value! Eligible buttons are listed below.

Things in the Craft Den have been very busy the past few weeks. I have not been working on making cards or scrapbooking, which I have been really missing lately. I have been doing more felt creations and coming up with new ideas. One of my older creations that has really been selling lots lately have been my felt cookies, with sprinkles on top. They have been selling to not only parents and daycares for play time, but also to teachers to incorporate into their teaching. Teachers are using them for teaching colors and for addition and subtration tools. Selling these to teachers got to to thinking and I have many ideas in the making and cannot wait to show you all. I will soon be a teacher myself so I will be making lots that I can use in the classroom. I hope that others will find that they will be useful too.

The final "Deal of the Week" is the Heart to Heart Punch (p.187). It is regular $22.95, but until Sunday, you can get it for 30% off, which works out to be $15.99. It coordinates with the stamp set "Love You Much" (p.44).

If interested in purchasing either, please let me know! =)

I had a sneak peek of the new "Holiday Mini Catalog" and let's just say that I will be adding a lot of things from in on my Wish List. I think that my regular customers will be very pleased with what is in it. =) I will be mailing to my "Florenceville Ladies and Man" as soon as they become available. If anyone else would like a copy, just let me know. =) August is going to be a very exciting month b/c Stampin' Up has some amazing promotions. I cannot wait to let everyone know what they are. =)

I know it is a little late, but here is July's Card Kit. I was in school all month and finished classes yesterday. =) When I first saw the stamp set Always in the catalog, I did not really care for it. I eventually bought it and it sat on my shelf for months. I finally assembled it this week and started to play with it and guess what? I actually really love this set. =) It has so many possibilities. Always is shown on page 54 of the catalog.

You will receive enough to make12 cards in total, including envelopes. You will receive the 4 cards completed, as shown in the pictures above. This will give you examples to go by.

Cost of the card kit will be $15. You can send me a cheque or payment can be made through PayPal. Once payment is received, I will mail out your kit. Please leave a comment or e-mail me at JodiStilwell@yahoo.com

Here's a LO that I finished last night of a picture I took of Sami last summer. She really wanted to put her own sunscreen on. LOL

Is anyone interested in joining a marker club??? My upline Chelle has been kind enough to let me go in on this with her so my customers can benefit as well. Isn't she great?? =)

Anyone who has been to my workshops knows how much I absolutely love my SU markers. I love that there are two tips, that they coordinate with the papers & inks, and that for a much smaller investment, I get more the complete color line that Stampin' Up offers.

The markers retail for $45.95/12 ($179.95 for all 48), and when you buy the full set from SU, you get a handy carrying case for them. For $50 each month for 4 months (includes tax & shipping... or we can spread it out and have the class run over 8 months, up to the participants), you would get one set of 12 markers, and after the run of the club, you would have all the markers, and the carrying case (one person will get it each month of the club). In addition, hostess benefits will rotate from month to month, so that each person will get at least a level 1 stamp set and $20 of free SU product of their choice. And, as my thank you, each person who participates will receive a pack of the 2009-10 In Color markers at no cost to you!

To recap. For $50/month for 4 months, you get:

48 standard color markers
convenient carrying case
FREE level 1 hostess stamp set
$20 FREE SU merchandise of your choice
6 current In Color markers as my gift to you
Each club will contain 4 members, and as soon as the club is filled, I will place the order. Please leave a comment or email me at JodiStilwell@yahoo.com to join. (Canadians only - sorry!)

For a limited-time (from now until August 31), you can become a SU demo for just $105!! The Mini Starter Kit contains many of the items you need to get started in your new business, including:

For All You Do stamp set
In Color Classic Stampin' Pads (all 6 colors)
Whisper White card stock (8-1/2" x 11")
In Color assorted card stock (8-1/2" x 11")(all 6 colors)
Business forms and tools

What a GREAT way to join the Stampin' Up! family. I'd love to have you as a part of my team!!

Remember, there are tons of benefits of being a demo - being your own boss, the 20% product discount, preorder privileges, sneak peeks, incentive programs....

If you have any questions or are interested in being a part of my team, please leave a comment or send me an e-mail at JodiStilwell@yahoo.com

This week's "Deal of the Week" is Styled Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware. Have you seen everything that is included in this? Check out page 178 in the catalog. There are 200 pieces in this kit!!! This kit normally retails for $41.95 and is now on sale for only $26.99! This special is good through July 26th.

If you're interested in ordering, you can leave a comment or email me to place your order.

This week's "Deal of the Week" is Ice Square Rhinestone Brads (page 179 for $10.99. It is regularly $15.95, so it is a great buy!!!


You will receive:

■ Square brads: Approximately 80 per package (4 colors in 2 sizes)
■ Ice assortment (Lilac, Light Blue, Turquoise, and Green) coordinates with Stampin’ Up!'s exclusive colors.


Brads are a fun addition to any project, and these Rhinestone brads add extra fun and sparkle. Rhinestone brads coordinate with Stampin’ Up!’s exclusive colors, so there's no need to guess about what colors to use your brads with.

Here's a closeup to get a good look at the colors you will receive:


If you are interested in having this, leave me a comment or send me an e-mail at JodiStilwell@yahoo.com

The Big Shot Doctor's Bag is this week's "Deal of the Week". It is sale for $72.99, which is almost 25% off! What a great buy!!! If you own the Big Shot, this is the deal just for you!

Do you like to have your card stock pre-cut for you? Do you like to have a design already planned so all you have to do is color and assemble? If you answered yes to either or both of these questions, my card kits are for you!

I will be having two card kits for sale per month. One will be a stamp set from the current catalog and one will be a christmas set. Christmas is now less then 6 months away so in order to get all the cards ready that you will need, no better time to start then now.

My monthly card kits will include all the pre-cut card stock and the envelopes to go with each card.

The July Christmas Card Kit uses the “Big on Christmas” set shown on page 40 of the current catalog. You will receive 12 cards in total, including envelopes. You will receive 3 cards that will be completed. This will give you an example to go by.

Cost of the card kit will be $15. You can send me a cheque or payment can be made through PayPal. Once payment is received, I will mail out your kit.

Our trip to PEI went quite well, considering it rained every day except two. GRRR!! I am so sick of rain. It is even raining today. At least tomorrow will be sunny. I cannot wait! We are planning a BBQ tomorrow and lots of outside time. LOL Anyway, here are some pictures from our trip:

Sami couldn't wait to go in the water at the beach, but soon realized that it is still too cold. LOL


Sami posing with the sandcastle we made.


Playing at a park in Hunter River.


Sami and her cousin, Evan. They do not look very impressed in the picture, but they had a blast playing together. It was the first time they have been together.


Sami thought this hat was hilarious and wanted her picture taken with it.


We went everywhere looking for a candy apple and were finally able to find one. Thank god!!!


All ready for the Canada Day Parade to start in North Rustico.


This is after the Canada Day parade in North Rustico. We took a walk along the waterfront.


What's a trip to PEI w/o something about Anne! LOL