Christmas Cards & Cookies Class

Friday, November 9 from 6:00-8:00pm.

My home in Greenville

You will be in the holiday spirit after making some fun and beautiful Christmas cards... In fact, they are so awesome I can't decide which ones to make... here's a sneak peek of just a few:

This card features our Fun & Fast Notes set, as well as our Soft Sky Designer Series Paper. The Word Window Punch works perfectly with the greetings in this set.

By far my FAVORITE... this card features the Lovely As A Tree stamp set (a MUST have!) And the techniques used are masking, and heat & stick w/ dazzling diamonds glitter. A real WOW card that will impress everyone you send it to. Don't you love the new double stitched ribbon in the new in-colors???

This Season of Joy set it so versatile! It is featured in the Holiday Mini Catalog and has been a favorite of many of my customers. And after you use it, I think it will be a favorite of yours too! The background paper is from the Wintergreen Designer Series Paper pack. Top it off with a rhinestone brad! So pretty!!!!

Aren't these guys just the cutest??? The snowman is from the Punch Pals Stamp Set and is only one of many stamps designed to coordinate with several of our punches! The new scallop punch is used with the Dashes Designer Series Paper to create the perfect accent.

Cost for the class is $10 or a minimum $15 order. Order the supplies you need for your Christmas cards and have them in plenty of time to mail before the holiday. Choose one of the cards you make at the class, a sample from the displays, or design your own (I can help!)

EMAIL ME to RSVP. Space is limited.... Please bring your own adhesive.

PUTTING YOUR PERSONAL “STAMP” ON THE HOLIDAYS

I promise, holiday card making doesn’t have to be a huge production…with a little planning you can add your personal touch to the holidays and show all those around you just how much you care. Here is a basic timeline to help make the process easier, whether you’re making 10 cards or 100 (keep in mind this could also apply to invitations for parties, weddings & showers!)

Things to Consider:

• Keep it simple! The more cards you want to make the easier they should be. Adding one extra step when you’re making 5 cards is no biggie…but when you’re making 50, it adds hours to the process! Try to keep each card to less then 7 steps.

• Don’t fret that your cards are too simple…get the basic design done and leave a minor embellishment to add if time permits….try not to sweat the small stuff!

• Work assembly-line style, do all the cutting, then all the punching, all the coloring, then all the gluing, etc. This not only speeds the process but breaks it into smaller, more manageable chunks.

• Don’t wait for huge chunks of free time to work on this project (it may never come along!) Simply gather all the supplies in one area or in one container (to avoid search & rescue missions) and be ready to go on a moments notice. You can accomplish quite a bit in the 15 minutes it takes for water to boil or while your on hold with the insurance company! Watching T.V. is another ideal time to sit and work on a portion of your cards….little by little you can get them done!

• Finally, remember that every card doesn’t have to be identical. Just as each of your friends is unique, so should their card be….a unique reflection of your heartfelt feelings for them.

6-8 Weeks Prior to the Event:

• Make a card list (or two! Some crafters make cards only for family members or close friends to cut down on the work load)

• Decide on a basic design (including size, color, and sentiment…I’m always happy to help with this stage, check out my website for class times or call to set-up a one-on-one session)

• Compare your supplies on hand to your list of supplies needed

• Make a list of supplies to purchase and contact your friendly Stampin’ Up!® Demonstrator. Don’t forget extra adhesive…now is not the time to run out!

4-5 Weeks Prior:

• Purchase supplies including envelopes, address labels and postage

• Arrange supplies in one area or container so everything can be accessed quickly and easily as time permits

• Start creating your cards, working assembly-line style

• Address and stamp envelopes (you can save time here by using the computer)

2-3 Weeks Prior:

• Finish creating cards (now is the time to add those additional embellishments to certain cards to personalize them)

• Double check these against your original list as you slip your cards into the envelopes

• Mail your cards & RELAX!

Managers Retreat On Lake Michigan

This is the event I look forward to every fall.... Manager's retreat! I have met some wonderful ladies through this business and have made some fantastic friends. We gathered together from three states to share ideas, business tips, and friendship! These are the ladies I spent the weekend with... We started off with a shoebox swap, and stayed up early into the morning hours (after the dash to Walmart for some cool things we learned from each other!) Next morning we were up bright and early doing a technique swap, product demos (eating and munching for strength) and sharing business ideas. It's so much to pack into 2 days, but it's so much fun! I can't wait until next year.