National Scrapbook Day!

Happy Scrappin' Everyone!

As you already know I am still working on my preparations for the BIG Scrapbook show next week.  However, I can't let today go unnoticed can I?  NO WAY!

Here's a sneak peak at some pages from an album I gave my niece, Nicole, as a shower gift last fall.  It is using the Bridesmaid, Bride, & Groom specialty paper in the current catalog on page 158, as well as the Guest Book DSP found on page 166.  There are also some ribbons etc...and OK, yes, there are a few non-Stampin' Up! items too, but only because they don't make them...or they'd be even better!

Here's just a FEW pages of the album. 

 For her Wedding Dress/dressing photos

For her guests photos

...and the last page in her book.

There isn't a lot of color in this book....but my niece's dress was by Dior, her ceremony was in this historic church...Think Cathedral...and the reception was on the lake in the War Memorial (shown in a previous post). So...Classic and Elegant was my goal.  In person the gray, cream, & black combo is stunning - but it's hard to see the glossy designs in these photos. 

Check back during the Blog Tour next week, 5/6-8, to see the rest of the book, and the card I made for her reception gift, and a 'Tea Party' table setting & the Invitation for that too.

I may not post again before the blog tour...but afterward watch for me to post about the Mega Meet!  I hope to see you there....Remember, I am in booth 738!!

Hugs, Karie B.

Scrapbook Mega Meet - Novi

The Great Lakes Mega Meet

May 6 - 8, 2010

Rock Financial Showplace- Novi, MI

It's just One Week Away!  WOW!  I am getting pretty excited to see all of you again!  As you can see, often my booth is crazy busy, it's hectic . . . but oh so fun!!  I have been working like crazy for the last few weeks and I am right on schedule to be finished with all my preperations this weekend!  YEAH!

It's amazing to me to see these old photos and notice how much my booth changes every year.  I think this year you will quite surprised at how much I have to offer you.  I've been busy working on restocking my popular scrapbook kits.  They were a pretty hot item last year and with the new Color Renovation coming - I am making room for new ideas and new kits to come with the new Stampin' Up! colors - you'll see that some of my prices have been reduced  to reflect this.  I will also have a large Clearance Section on several items like Chipboard, etc.

 
My husband, Michael, will be there again to help with the Make & Takes!  He's looking forward to seeing all of you too.  Like last year, I have created a 12" x 12" two-page spread that coordinates with our 6" x 6" Make & Take.  The matching kit is just $5!!!  Last year we sold out of the matching kit on the first day (within hours actually).  Although I have made more kits this year, it is still a very limited supply.  If you want yours be sure to come to my booth early!

This year, Tina (in the photo with Michael & below with me) is unable to attend this year.  She will miss all of you so much!  Tina has participated in my booth every year since 2004, and she is also the one who was at the Crops both nights (We will not be at the crops this year). Although she hopes to be able to stop by, she will not be there full time. In her place at my booth will be my son, Adam.  Who knows nothing about scrapbooking, stamping, or crafts in general. However, he loves his mom and so offered to come and work the cash area for me.  So please be kind when he says something like, "I don't know...ask my mom"

I Have a few Specials for those of you who are going, and one for those who are not!

FIRST....In my zeal to get things done I sent my brochure flyer off to the printer via the internet, and when I got them back I noticed a few typos...nothing new I always find some AFTER the fact.  However, there are a few more then even I am willing to be OK with....YIKES! 

 <--------Brochure cover (Printed version is Black & White)

So....when you pick one up at the Mega Meet and take it home...give it a good read until you find one of the errors, email me with a find and I'll send you a FREE GIFT!  (There are several so you'll have no trouble finding one!)


SECOND ....The last photo below is from my booth from more than a few years back.  As you can see the booth is - well, a bit boring.  I'd like to think I have learned a little bit more each year on how to improve.  During these growing years many of you have stayed at my side and supported me and my business.  I want to reward you!  So.....

Print off the blurry picture below, print your name, email, & telephone number, then bring it to my booth  I have created a gift to say THANK YOU! (Supplies are limited)  My booth number is 738.  I am on the far right isle as you enter the meet, on a corner just one isle before the Ice Cream/Popcorn vendor at the back.  (I know you know where that is!!)  If you are NOT going....Send me an email with this photo before May 8th, and I will mail you a gift!

FREE LOYALTY GIFT!

Name: _____________________________________

Email:______________________________________

Phone: _____________________________________

I can't wait to see all of you again!  Hugs, Karie B.

Stampin' Up! Make & Take Samples

As a Stampin' Up! demonstrator I often attend different training events.  We spend a some of the time learning business related skills in class room settings, see some terrific demonstrations presented on stage, and at some up-close and personal booth style presentations.  These are often taught by Stampin' Up! staff, or some very talented demonstrators.

But the best part of any Stampin' Up! event is the Make & Take sessions.  Stampin' Up! supplies all the 'stuff' including the directions (beautifully printed by the way) and we sit with other demonstrators and make them.  Between the laughter and catching up I, occasionally, manage to get mine done!  Here are some samples of what I am talking about.

I hope you enjoyed these quick samples.

I am still working feveriously to prepare for the Great Lakes Mega Meet.  Be sure to come see me in Booth #738!  I am getting pretty excited!!  Just a little over a week to go!

Remember, while I am there I will be posting during a Blog Tour again!  So be sure to check here even when I am there!      Hugs, Karie B

Greeting Card Swaps!

As promised I am posting just a few samples created by my downline (The MemoryINKers Group) and me.  We create projects and bring them to our monthly meetings to share with each other, or SWAP them.  I hope you enjoy this small sampler of how great it is to be a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator and learn fun ideas from each other.

Wanna come to our next team meeting and learn more? 

Email me at memoryINKers@att.net.

Card #1 I created by using the new stencil, Mostly Vintage, from the Summer Mini (available 5/1/10).

Card #2 Sue created using the Awash With Flowers stamp set - the April Sneak Peak Special!

Cards #3 & #4 were both designed by Barb.  Card #3 uses the new Smooch Spray from the Summer Mini.  Card #4 uses the Extra Large Two-step Bird punch from the Occasions Mini, & SU Textured Impressions Folder, Perfect Polka Dots (also from the O-mini). I love them dots!

Card #5 & #6 are both by me.  The first one uses the new Island Oasis DSP, and Bashful Blue, Whisper White, and the 'new' Pacific Point coming in July!  The 2nd card was made with To The Nines Specialty DSP (IB&C) as the base.  I love how thick it is, and having a printed design on the inside of a card!  Too Cool!

This is just a quick sample, I wish I had a photo of the one that Julie - a very NEW demonstrator - shared with us last week.  It was a shoebox Swap where we make it ourselves and mine didn't come out well enough to share. I will re-work it after the Mega Meet and try to get it posted with directions for you soon.  You'll love it....tee hee...nothing like a little teaser huh?

Off to do more Great Lake Mega Meet prep!  Hugs, Karie B.

EARTH DAY

I can remember when Earth Day was a 'new' holiday. (Geez!  Maybe I shouldn't admit that?).  Back then it was a "hippy" movement and gawf'd at by the general public.  Now, most people see the importance of recycling and using earth-friendly products.  I am not going to try to convince you that I am an avid "Green" person, but I do try to do what is right whenever I can (or know how).

Today I thought I would share a few samples of projects made with some items from around the house.

The sample above is a card made by my husband, Michael. He found a magazine photo that reminded him of his sister, Sherry.  They both took dance when they were younger and Sherry was quite the ballerina.  He matted the photo in Chocolate Chip card stock, then used Basic Black card stock for the card base.  He wrote inside with the SU White Gel Pen - works like a dream!  He sent the off today.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHERRY!

The two photos above show the front, and two of the inside pages (there are 10 total), of a scrapbook made with brown paper lunch bags.  OK, so it's not 100% recycled - the bags were new, but quite a bit of the card stock and embellishments were 'left overs' from previous projects, negative parts from some chipboard, or the tail end of a ribbon originals set.

I hope you enjoyed these two projects!  By The Way - I do offer the Paper Bag book as a class often, watch my schedule, or email/call me to put you on a waiting list...Can't wait?  Then gather 4, or more, friends together and we will find a date just for your group!

Tomorrow I will post those samples from my Team Meeting I promised you last week.  Be sure to check back!  But right now I am off to work on more Great Lakes Mega Meet Preparation!  Hugs, Karie B.

Saving The Memories

On Saturday, April 17th, the Saving The Memories girls held another crop.  Of course you know I was there with my Free Make & Take using the Awash With Flowers stamp set, the April SU Special Sneak Peak set.  I used Yoyo Yellow card stock as the card base, Orchid Opulence as the mat, and of course, Whisper White.  The inks are Yoyo Yellow, Orchid Opulence, Always Artichoke, and Sage Shadow, which is also the color of the ribbon.  For the sentiment I had the Sincere Salutations stamp set so that everyone could pick the one they wanted on their card.  I think everyone liked it - do you?

Actually, the big hit of the crop, at my table at least, was the sampler I had of the all the Stampin' Up! colors.  I had my swatches of card stock divided by what was retiring in June, what was staying, what was coming back (previous In-Colors) and the 5 brand new colors.  It was a good chance for everyone to see what they needed to stock up on or, at the very least, what re-inkers they wanted to get before it was too late.  Many placed orders to pick up the Mega Meet in a few weeks.  (PS, I'll be in booth # 738 (far right isle as you come into the event).  I will have my sampler at this event as well if you want to see them in person!

Here's a few more photos from the Saving The Memories Crop.....

Kim & Diane (who run the crop!)

Winners:  Jackie Filker won my drawing for a 12" x 12" textured CS assortment, and Sue Thorn (shown with Kim) won the Simple Scrappin' Kit & DSP assortment that I donated to the crops drawing table.  Both winners also found coupons enclosed for a Free Class at the Stamp Sell-er (+ 1/2 off for a friend) and a Free Class for them and 5 of their friends!  

A Table For Six

Starting in the back center with me (in the green) and going clockwise; Michele Kaufmann, Carol McMann, Diana Meyer, Denni Stephenson, Michele Cawley, & Daphne Hoeft.  These girls were a blast!  They dragged over extra chairs so they could all do the M&T together early in the day.  What a great start to a fun filled day!

Shoppers reviewing my card display & Kits for sale

(The empty tables at the back are for eating only!  

How great to not have to bring food over to where you are croppin' your memories!)

The Food at this crop is always excellent, just look at the line as that appears as soon as dinner was announced.  This is only about 1/4 of it!

Don't forget - If You Need Anything that you'd 

like to pick up at the Mega Meeting 

....remember that I cannot do cash & carry on current items... 

Place Your Order ASAP

So if you need some SNAIL, Glue Sticks, etc., you can place your order now and I can deliver it there, or ship it directly to your home!  Please let me know ASAP so there is time for me to order it from Stampin' Up!  I will have my ScrapINKits (scrapbook 2-pg spreads), Sophie Scrap (hand made accessories), & retired SU items available for immediate purchase, as well the current Idea Book & Catalog and a few Event Specials.  Watch for updates on this coming soon!

Until Next Time!        Hugs, Karie B.

Daughters Of The American Revolution

This has been a hectic, but wonderful, week!  Along with my on-going preparation for the Great Lakes Mega Meeting in a few weeks, I held my Stampin' Up! team monthly meeting for the MemoryINKers, then we received a gift of a FREE CAR from some friends (more details below), and yesterday evening I was able to attend an event that left me feeling inspired and proud to be an American!

Last fall I received an invitation to speak to the Louisa St. Clair Chapter of The Daughters Of The American Revolution.  Naturally I had heard of them, but I didn't know that much about what this organization was all about. I can't do justice if I tried to explain it myself, but the link above can take you to their site.  However, let me again state that I was proud that I was born in America, very impressed with the good works of this chapter, and with the ladies I meet last night. I found them all very kind and a few even told me they were excited about my presentation.  I wish I could do a profile on each of them so you could meet them as well.

The meeting was held at The Grosse Pointe War Memorial  on the shores of Lake St. Clair.  This is a beautiful mansion that is a state and national historic sight. I had attended my niece's wedding here in October, but it was held in the 'wing' to the right of this photo past the trees and shrubbery.  This time I went through that front door!  What a beautiful place. The DAR meeting was held in the 'wing' to the left in the Artist room.

 Here I am with the Chapter Regent, Grace Smith. The second picture is of my table-mates during the meeting and dinner (which was so delicious!).  Then I snapped the 2nd & 3rd photos during my presentation to show how we tend to have photos of everything.  So what do we do with them?

This shot is about half of the ladies in attendance.

I spoke mostly about the precautions we need to take with our photos, touched on organization, and of course scrapbooking.  I think it went well, and I hope the ladies had a good time. The laughed at my jokes so that's a good sign.   Below is a photo from my very first scrapbook.  I created this book in early 1970's before there was much (if any) information on how to do it safely.  Sadly, this is just a small sample of the memories that have been damaged.

Don't let this happen to your photos too!  Sign up for one of my classes on scrapbooking, or attend one of my T.A.C.O. crops to meet with other 'crop-ers' as we save our memories safely!

P.S. Notice the little photo on the bottom right corner?  That's a picture of MY FIRST KISS with Bobby Lucier.  I wonder how he is doing.

Our "New" Car

I couldn't believe it when my husband, Michael, told me that some friends of our from church, Tyson & Darcy Scott, wanted to give us their car.  Tyson was looking for a new one and stated that, rather than try to sell it, he felt strongly that he should give it to us.  At the time he thought it was so that we could we have a second car again.  Between the time we heard about this amazing gift and Tyson's new car arriving we found out that our car was unsafe to drive and could not be repaired (frame & engine mount issues).  Had we not known about the upcoming blessing from the Scott family we would have been in high-panic mode as we tried to purchase another car.  Instead we borrowed my mother-in-law's car for a while.  Isn't it amazing how God works things out in perfect timing?

This isn't the best photo of my husband (light blue shirt) or Tyson, it was very sunny on Wednesday, but here they are with the title and the car.  It's a black Toyota Corolla. Please remember the Scott family in your prayers and ask the Lord to pour out blessing for them and their young family!  THANK YOU TYSON!!!

Oh....it is a stick shift and it has been a long time since I drove one of those.  Today I toke my first trip in the car.  I drove about 1/2 mile before I released I still had the emergency break on!  OOPS!  Happily I was able to catch on to the clutch & shift method without embarrassing myself . . . too much!

Next time I will post photos from projects made by team at team meeting. 

Color Renovation

I am so excited about an announcement made by Stampin' Up! yesterday!  As you know color is a big deal with SU and so this new Renovation of our core colors is a BIG DEAL!  I can't wait to show you the new collections....so here goes!

NEW COLORS WILL BE AVAILABLE 

FOR PURCHASE JULY 1, 2010 

 I know this is hard to see so, let me type out what that top portion states, then I will break down the color collections for you with larger pictures of each below....keep reading!

Color Renovation: New Color Collections

At Stampin' Up! color is part of our identity.  It's fundamental to your ability to create and be creative.  That also means that it's important for you to be able to stay up-to-date with trends in color to keep both your artwork and your business fresh [remember this is for demonstrators right now] and exciting.  That's why we've worked to present you with the Color Renovation-a refreshing, updated color palette!

The new color collection combine current colors with previous In Colors, and five new colors.  These luscious collections give you new and vibrant choices, keeping your papercrafting passion original and exciting. Mix and match for your favorite combinations, and make the Color Renovation work for you!

OK, so that is the 'official' wording from Stampin' Up! to me, a demonstrator.  Now what do I think personally?

Holy Guacamole Batman!

This is GREAT NEWS!

Sure, I am going to miss a few of my favorite retiring colors, but I am thrilled with the return of some beautiful previous In-Colors.  Pink Pirouette is a favorite, and I was dreading the thought of loosing Soft Suede.  I am THRILLED and happy with the changes.  I hope you are excited for new options as well!

Here's the break down of the color collections (the photos are the best I can get right now)

BRIGHTS COLLECTION

NEUTRALS COLLECTION

(Crumb Cake is actually the new name of our Kraft card stock - so may have this one already!)

REGALS COLLECTION

 

SUBTLES COLLECTION 

I hope you can see these over the web because they are BEAUTIFUL!  I am loving them!  I can't wait to see the new colors in person.  WOHOO!  Be sure to watch for an upcoming Preview Party...and start thinking of a date for you workshop in July when the new Idea Book & Catalog comes out, with the new core colors, and 5 new In-Colors (not pictured).

So...what's retiring?  

30 of Stampin' Up!'s current core 48 colors will be retiring as of July 1st, or soon as supplies last.  If one of your favorites is leaving you may want to stock up on Card Stock, Stampin' Write Markers, and considering buying a re-inker or two to refill the pads and markers in those colors.

Color Renovation: Fond Farewell

In case you can't read this picture here's a list of retiring colors

Pink Passion, Pixie Pink, Pale Plum, Orchid Opulence, Lovely Lilac, Lavender Lace, Almost Amethyst, Bordering Blue, Brocade Blue, Ballet Blue, Brilliant Blue, Taken With Teal, Glorious Green, Handsome Hunter, Sage Shadow, Mellow Moss, Green Galore, Gable Green, Barely Banana, Yoyo Yellow, Summer Sun, Apricot Appeal, Only Orange, Really Rust, Ruby Red, Cameo Coral, Blush Blossom, Creamy Caramel, Close to Cocoa, Going Gray.

Other Items You May Want To

Stock Up On...

Due to the fact that the above colors are going to be gone, it is extremely likely (never say never) that any matching accessories will also retire.  Consider if you need any of the following:

Buttons

Corduroy Buttons

Ribbon  (all styles)

Ribbon Originals

Brads

Rhinestone Brads

Bead Duos

Stampin' Glitter

Designer Series papers

Classic Ink Pads

Craft Ink Pads

Stampin' Around Wheel Ink Cartridges

Ink Refills (Classic & Craft)

Stampin' Write Markers

Mellow Moss 12" x 12" Album

Mellow Moss 6" x 6" Album

COLLECTORS

I know you're out there!  People like me who have an uncontrollable NEED to own every single color of ink, card stock, etc. in the Stampin' Up! line.  Fear Not!  Stampin' Up! has a few package deals that will be available with the next Idea Book & Catalog to help you purchase replacement inks, card stock, Stampin' Write Markers, ...even Stampin' Pastels & Water Color Wonder Crayons!

WOHOO FOR SU!!

I will keep you posted over the next few days.  I will have some of the new colors to show you at the Great Lakes Mega Meet....see you there!

Great Lakes Mega Meet Preperations

I can't believe it's been so long since I posted.  First - my appoligies!  My laptop died for a few weeks, then it has been a mad dash to catch up on things and I am preparing for the Great Lakes Mega Meet at the same time! 


Let me show what The Stamp Sell-er has looked like lately...

 

 This is about Half of the retiring stamp sets I will have at the Great Lakes Mega Meet next month.

And then I sorted them a little more for this look....

OK, not that different, but really....it was a lot of work LOL

The Stamp Sell-er is still piled with items for the Mega Meet.  I don't have my booth number yet, but as soon as I do I will post it to all of you.  I know many of you attend this event every year and love it.  I am looking forward to seeing you there.  Michael will be helping at the Make & Take booth again!  

See you there

May 6 - 8, 2010

Rock Financial Showplace

Novi, Michigan

 Email me for more info or go to www.megameet.com