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As we move into autumn in the Southern Hemisphere, and spring elsewhere, I have realised how fast this year is passing. Sale-a-Bration is over and the new Stampin' Up! 2024-25 Annual Catalogue will be released soon (start of May). It is full of new In-Colors, stamps, dies, patterned papers, and other crafty goodies. But before we welcome in the new, we sadly have to say goodbye to some of our favourite products, which are retiring -
noooo! If you would like me to be your Demonstrator (and you live in Australia), visit here to sign up for your complimentary copy of the new catalogue. The one suite of products that I do know is retiring is the 2022-24 In-Colors of Parakeet Party, Tahitian Tide, Orchid
Oasis, Starry Night, and Sweet Sorbet. If any of these colours are still on your wish list, now is the time to scoop up your favourites before they sell out in my Online Store. And on a very sad note, a fellow craft company, Close to My Heart, is ceasing operations at the end of June. There is
more below on this.
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New Online Exclusive Products!
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Stampin' Up! is spoiling us with their latest round of Online Exclusives. These products are only available from my Online Store. Alternatively, if you see something you like, I can still help you place your order as always. The latest release is perfect for
coffee lovers, flower lovers (magnolias and zinnias), fabulous sentiments, and so much more. Two new kits arrived as well. The Simply Zinnia Bundle was so popular, it quickly sold out, but it is expected to be back in stock the week of 25 March.
Check out all new products here
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Five of the easiest ways to step up your card making
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- Add layers and textures.
- Combine different stamp sets and dies.
- Use Stampin' Up! catalogues as books of inspiration. Combine different designs to make the project your own.
- Learn new techniques and design ideas. Facebook Lives, YouTube, Pinterest, and card making classes can be just the start.
- Step out of your comfort zone by using different colours, stamp sets, design features, and patterned papers.
Five of the easiest ways to step up your card making
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Your March Stampin' Up! Card Challenge, if you choose to accept it!
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Cardmaking can be simple - just stamps, paper and ink. It is lots of fun to create and share easy-to-make, inexpensive projects. And not only that, simple cards can also be stunning. To be honest, simple stamping is not a forte of mine. I struggle to keep a card super simple. Design becomes important in simple cards. This is the perfect challenge for me as well. I can’t wait to see your projects! March’s #SimpleStamping ChallengeTheme: Thinking of you Supplies: Stamps, ink, cardstock and Designer Series Paper (DSP) Remember to keep your project simple, share it on social media using #SimpleStamping, and most of all—have
fun. Christine Josti and I will be tackling some Simple Stamping for this month's joint Live, Stampin' Across the Globe, on 22 March at 10 am (date change due to Easter). It will be as much of a challenge for us as it is for you. P.S. Do you find it ironic how this article follows 'Five of the easiest ways to step-up your card making'? LOL!
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Today's top tip! How to stamp accurately on a curve.
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Stampin' Up! has lots of long, skinny stamp sentiments and they are perfect for stamping on a curve. But the challenge has always been how to line up your stamp with the curve. In my example on the right, I used a sentiment from the Sending Smiles Stamp Set, one of my favourite sentiment stamp sets. I secured one of the Deckled Circle Dies (an Online Exclusive, available from my Online Store) to a larger clear
block with some low-tack tape (I used some old washi tape). The stamp set was then lined up with the die. You would remove the die before stamping. If your photopolymer stamp is not sticking securely to your clear block, wash gently in some warm, soapy water - this will restore the 'cling'.
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This is what you have missed @ Ann'sPaperWorks Live |
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Do you like a surprise as much as I do? These projects are simple but with a WOW card design, where the pop-up surprise is inside. These cards deliver without any stress. What makes these projects even better is that you can use stamp sets, cardstock, Designer Series Papers (patterned paper) and inks from your own stash. Thanks to everyone who has shared with me their own versions of these cards. Love it!
My Latest free Live Online Class
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Upcoming in-person class on the Sunshine Coast |
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Sad News
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On a somber note, this month has brought the very sad news that a fellow craft company, Close to My Heart, is ceasing operations at the end of June. CTMH has been such a key contributor to memory keeping and creativity in the direct sales industry. This news has rocked my boat, as we are all part of the same big global crafting community. My heart goes out to all the Close to My Heart Makers, in
particular, as well as the wider CTMH community. Some of my friends are CTMH Makers and customers, which makes this personal. I can only imagine how tough this is for you. Stampin' Up! is working with Close to My Heart to help CTMH Makers and their community. But on a personal note, if there is anything I can do to help, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. I am thankful that Stampin' Up! has been
able to remain financially strong in a difficult economic environment. The changes Stampin' Up! has made recently, accompanied by quality products, strong leadership, and sound management principles, all mean that Stampin' Up! will be around for a long time yet.
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Your crafty co-conspirator Ann
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