Backin’ It Up & Number of Years Thank You Cards

 Current Events

• Too Cool Stampers Team Meeting—April 11.
  
• Stamper Sampler Class—"I'm Bringing Birthdays Back" Class. Date & details TBA.
  
• Stamp-of-the-Month Class—Returning in May.
  
• Sale-a-Bration Celebration Exclusive Event—April 24. Details TBA.
  
• "Last Thursdays" Monthly Class—April 28.  4 Cards for $10.
  

Current Specials

• Weekly Deals—New specials announced every Tuesday! 
• Clearance Rack—Discounted retired merchandise!
• Browse The 2015 Annual Catalog—See the latest products!
• Browse The Occasions Catalog—All-new stamps, papers & accents!

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Hi Stamping Friends, 

I really don't know what I was thinking.

For some reason, I thought that, after coming back from a 2-month unexpected hiatus and losing my dad, I could jump right into going full throttle with my stamping business. HA!  Apparently, life doesn't quite work that way, as much as I would like it to.  Everything is taking 4 times longer to achieve than normal, all because my brain doesn't want to run on all cylinders.  I should know better, since this is a bit of a déja vu from back in 2008 when I lost my mom.  I wish I could hurry up and get through the sadness, but the only thing to heal that is time. 

So, I've made an executive decision to back up a bit and go at a pace that feels a bit more comfortable.  Just for now.  I need to allow myself some time to grieve, without putting unrealistic expectations on myself and creating unneeded stress.  I know that is what's best for me, and ultimately best for my business in the long-term. 

Class Schedule Changes—I've decided to reschedule my April 14 Stamper Sampler class featuring the "I'm Bringing Birthdays Back" Stamp-a-Stack for a date to be determined.  I'm SO excited about this class as a theme, but I want to give it the attention (and marketing) it deserves!  I'll let you know as soon as it's back on the calendar!  

Also, I have decided to re-start my Stamp-of-the-Month class series in May. I had really wanted to jump in this month, but I decided that doing my taxes would have to take priority…heh. 

I apologize for any inconvenience or disappointment I may have caused by rescheduling these classes.  

Thank you so much for your understanding! 

Angie

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CASEd from Brenda Quintana at Qbee's Quest.

Number of Years Thank You Cards

I've been making a "few" Thank You cards this week for all kinds of reasons.  So many people to thank for all of their help and support and encouragement during this difficult time.  And, so many people to thank for continuing to support my business, even when it came to an abrupt halt!  You have all made me feel so very blessed!

My creativity has been completely absent, so I tried CASEing this pretty card from Brenda Quintana featuring the Number of Years stamp set.  The two-step stamping makes the bouquet super-quick to create, so it's perfect for stamping a stack, or two!  

Two-Step Bouquet—I started by stamping the leaves image from Number of Years three times across the upper half of a Whisper White card base.  I used Old Olive ink.  Next, I added the flowers, all separate stamps, in Calypso Coral, Island Indigo and Perfect Plum.  A fantastic floral in a flash!

Stella Sparkle—You can't see it in the photo, but each bloom as a little bit of clear Wink of Stella brushed on the top!  Oooohh!  Aahhh!

Background Accents—I added a 5-1/2" x 3/4" strip of Mossy Meadow Going Places Designer Series Paper Stack paper across the front just under the flowers.  Then, I wrapped Linen Thread around the card twice and tied into a simple knot.

Sweet Sentiment—I finished the card with a "thank you" greeting from the Rose Wonder stamp set.  Gosh, I sure LOVE that font!  It goes perfectly with the spring flowers!

Two Cool—My second version uses the same basic elements with just a few changes.  I used the same ink colors, but I stamped off once before stamping on the card for a lighter look.  I think I like it better with the less intense color!

I changed my DSP strip to one from the Pretty Petals DSP Stack instead, and wrapped it with Old Olive Baker's Twine.  I selected a different greeting from the Rose Wonder set.  What a beautiful sentiment for a thank you card!  

Complete Supplies List—"Clear" means a rubber stamp on a clear block. "Photopolymer" is see-thru.

• Stamps—Number of Years (photopolymer), Rose Wonder (photopolymer)
• Ink—Calypso Coral, Island Indigo, Old Olive & Perfect Plum Classic Ink Pads
• Paper—Going Places DSP Stack (card #1); Pretty Petals DSP Stack (card #2); Whisper White card stock
• Accessories—Linen Thread (card #1), Old Olive Baker's Twine (card #2), Wink of Stella Clear
• Tools—SNAIL

Until next time,

Angie