Dear Aly, Q&A!

Happy Thursday, everyone! Today I'm busy preparing for tonight's Elements of Style Stamp-A-Stack – it's going to be a good turn out, I'm so excited about this new monthly offering! I hope you'll be able to join us for July's – more details coming soon!

I often receive questions from customers that are good questions for everyone to hear the response to. I want to start highlighting these questions here on my blog and also in my Customer Exclusive Newsletter – here is the first!

Dear Aly: "How do you get "unstuck" when you're designing a card and it's just not coming together right ?"

Dear Suzie Stamper: This is a great question, and I think a common struggle for stampers, or anyone in the pursuit of creativity. All I can say is the Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalog is my right hand man! That catalog is truly not just a catalog, but an amazing idea book. It is JAM PACKED with inspiration on every page – utilize it! What I like to do when I'm stuck is first pick out what stamp set I want to work with, then I flip through old catalogs (or sometimes the current one) and look for layouts. I look for layouts that have cardstock pieces that would work with the different images in the particular stamp set I want to use. Then, I flip through for a color combination I like and start re-creating! By the time you get done changing the colors, images and accessories – you couldn't recognize the card unless you had them held up next to one another.

For example… does this card look familiar? I posted it back in November, but that's not what I mean… I mean do you recognize it from anywhere else?

Pull out your 2009-2010 Catalog and I'll bet you start to recognize it pretty fast – it's the layout from the front cover! See how EASY it can be to get "unstuck" in your creating!?

Late Breaking News Released Today!!!

The latest group of digital downloads for My Digital Studio are now available!

I'm SO excited about these additions – even though these fabulous ribbons will be retiring (be sure to order the "real" versions while you still can – through June 30th only!) I'm thrilled to be able to continue using them in My Digital Studio! Here's a look at one of the 3 ribbons, the Narrow Polka Dot:

TO ORDER STAMPIN' UP! PRODUCTS ONLINE 24/7 CLICK HERE!

Don't Forget!

• To register for Stampin' Summer Bash!!! Click Here for more details!
  
• Can't come to the Bash? Order the Long Distance Kit! Click Here to View!

Stampin’ Summer Bash Event AND Long Distance Package!

TWO Dates/Locations to choose from, PLUS a Long Distance Option!

Wednesday July 7th
Open House: 4 pm – 9 pm
at Trinity Communion Church at 759 Winona Blvd, Rochester NY 14617

Non-Refundable Pre-Pay Deadline June 30th

OR

Wednesday July 21st
Open House: 4 pm – 9 pm
at Crosswinds Church, 3360 Middle Cheshire Rd, Canandaigua NY 14424

Non-Refundable Pre-Pay Deadline July 7th

The BRAND NEW 2010-2011 Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalog is arriving, and we want to share some of our wonderful new products with you!

Stop by and make FOUR projects using brand new stamp sets, papers and accessories – all HOT new items that you're sure to want the opportunity to try out!

There will be some other FUN things going on that you're sure to enjoy like FREE Giveaways, lots of yummy food and the opportunity to check out new products and ideas that are on display.

In addition, all participants will be able to bid in a Silent Auction filled with retired stamp sets and accessories that have been discounted and that are no longer available in the catalog! Cash or Check Only for Silent Auction Items.

And while you're at the Stampin' Summer Bash, you'll be able to pick up your FREE copy of the Brand New 2010-2011 Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalog – AND take $5 off any order you place that evening!

This event is set up in "Open House" style – that means that you are free to come and go at any time you want during those hours. However, we recommend arriving by 7:00 pm to allow enough time to finish your projects. The Silent Auction bidding will close at 7:30 pm.

Here are some highlights from last year's BASH!!!

Are you READY to join in on the fun for this year!?

You can register one of two ways, you can register right now online using a safe and secure checkout with your Credit Card ($1 Transaction Fee Applied). To do this, Click Here:

If you register online, be sure to include which session you're attending in the "Special Comments" Box. If you need to order SNAIL Adhesive (see specifics on Registration Form Below), Contact Me.

Or, you can send a Check/Money Order in the mail along with this Registration Form:

I'm also pleased to offer a LONG DISTANCE OPTION!!!!!!

Live long distance? Unable to attend? No worries!!! You can purchase the Long Distance Option and receive your four COMPLETED projects, a NEW CATALOG and a $5 Gift Certificate all delivered directly to your door!!! Use the Buy Now Link Below to receive this Long Distance Goodie Package!

TO ORDER STAMPIN' UP! PRODUCTS ONLINE 24/7 CLICK HERE!

Don't Forget!

• To check out my PDF File SALE Spot!! Both Demonstrators AND Customers!!! Click Here to View!
• To check out the Last Chance Stamp Set List! Click Here to View!
  
• To check out the Last Chance Accessories List! Click Here to View!
  
• To check out the Last Chance Decor Elements List! Click Here to View!
  
• To purchase the Mini Starter Kit for just $99! Click Here for Kit Contents. Click Here to learn more about The Heartfelt Stampers Team.

Team Time Recap and Project Highlights!

Last night was The Heartfelt Stamper's June Team Time! Team Members get together the First Thursday of every month for a fun night of stamping, sharing and fellowship. Last night was no exception to the general rule of thumb… that we ALWAYS have a BLAST!!!

Christine taught us how to make pansies out of the butterfly punch and reinkers (we have someone lead us in making a card every month), Amy shared her enthusiasm for the Decor Element line and how she's marketing it, Laura brought yummy snacks, there were some excellent SWAPs, we did the newest page for our technique ring (we make 1 new page every month!) and made an adorable graduation cap gift card holder (was also do a 3-D project every month!). We also DROOLED over the new catalog and geared up for some exciting events that we have coming up!

Here is Christine presenting her technique and card…

Here is a little peak at the card she taught (full samples of the projects is an attendee perk!)

And then there's dear, sweet, Amy… she presented and I was so engrossed in listening to all that she had to say that I forgot to take a photo of her presenting! She thought she was off the hook… then this photo got snapped… I love it because it shows her true, sassy, lovable side!

Here's the SWAP that Amy made – with the perfect sentiment because she really IS marvelous!

I hope you'll considering joining our Team and joining us for the next one!
 

Do you live long distance? No worries! I send a goodie package to all of my 1st Level Long Distance Team Members that are unable to attend Team Times so that they don't miss out!

Our NEXT Team Event is STAMP FEST!!!! Every January and July we have an all day Stamp Fest for Team Members. It's a fun filled day of stamping with a little Demonstrator Training mixed in. It's a fabulous environment enjoyed by all! Our last one focused on fabric, this one will be gearing us up for workshops and classes in the new catalog year!

Here are the details:

July 10th from 10 am – 5 pm at Aly's Stamping Studio

• Make a 4 card and holder set featuring a brand new line from the new catalog.
• Make a File Folder notebook to coordinate, also featuring the same new line.
• Make 6 Quick and Easy Cards.
• Create 3 cards featuring new Simply Sent Kits.
• Enjoy a lunch that you pack and bring along, or order out from an area restaurant that delivers.
• While we're eating lunch, we'll enjoy a DVD Regional Presentation.
• Receive a segment of training utilizing Belinda Ellsworth material.
• Make the 5th Technique page (or 1st if it's your first time with us!) for your ring!

Registration & Pre-Payment Deadline: July 1st at Noon, Cost: $28

We would love to have you join us! You'll just have to join the Heartfelt Stamper's Team first. However, it's never been easier!!!! Stampin' Up! has a FABULOUS promotion going on where you can join by purchasing a MINI Stater Kit for just $99!!!!

For more information on "The Heartfelt Stamper's Team" – what we're all about and what makes us unique – Click Here!

For more information on the $99 Starter Kit, Click Here!

UPDATED LAST CHANCE ACCESSORY LIST: More items have SOLD OUT!!!! Click Here to download an updated copy of the Last Chance Accessory List before placing your order.

The Rest of Spring Retreat

I thought I had shared just about all of the photos that I had… but as I was cleaning up my files I stumbled on some more! So here is the final batch of photos from our Spring Retreat Weekend of Fun and Stamping!

We had a "Game Night" one night where everyone was given these darling little bags:

Inside was a deck of cards wrapped in DSP and a bunch of Poker Chips! The Chips all had a given value and we had a ton of games set up where everyone was to bet their chips on winning the games:

And at the end of Game Night, there was a HUGE table of prizes that they could cash in their chips for!

Another fun thing that I did for all of the participants was sneak up to the rooms while they were doing their last stamping class of the night and left them pillow gifts both nights. The first night's Pillow Gift was a Notebook and a Pencil that had "Heartfelt Stamper's" Engraved in it.

The second pillow gift was an invitation to our Sweet Pea Tea the next morning and a "Grow Kit":

A shot of the place settings from the Sweet Pea Tea:

Ladies Stamping!

And More Stamping!

And a Group Shot of most of the Attendees!

Click Here for more information about our Retreat Weekends and how you can join us for the next one!

TO ORDER STAMPIN' UP! PRODUCTS ONLINE 24/7 CLICK HERE!

Don't Forget!

• To check out the NEW Aly Stamps Boutique! Click Here to View!
  
• To register for the June Scrapbooking Class, "It's a Journey"!! Click Here for more details!!
  
• To register for the June Card Making Class, "Cards for Him"!! Click Here for more details!!
  
• To order from the Clearance Rack Today!!! Click Here to get started!!
  
• To join the Stampin' Up! Family and receive two FREE Technique DVDs! Click Here for more details! Contact Me to get started today!
  
• To order your favorite Retiring Stampin' Up! Colors before they are gone forever! Click Here for more details!
  
• To place a qualifying order to receive FREE Designer Brads! Click Here for more details!

Elements of Style… Wonderful Color Combo!

I'm just in LOVE with this color combination… I was playing around with color and had Elegant Eggplant and Rich Razzleberry in my hand to decide which of the 2 purples to use and decided that I liked them TOGETHER and not to pick one! Then I had Certainly Celery and Old Olive in my hand to decide which green to put with them and OOOOOH it was EYE CANDY!!!! So this color combo was a result of not being able to make any decisions…! For once a lack of decision making was a GOOD thing!

This month, I'm trying something NEW & EXCITING with my Card Kit of the Month Program. You can still purchase the Card Kit of the Month (receive PRE-CUT project supplies delivered right to your door!). But I'm also adding 2 new options for the set of cards…

1. Attend an Elements of Style Stamp-A-Stack at my Stamping Studio! You'll receive cut supplies for 12 cards and can make 6 of each of the 2 featured designs, or use some of the cut pieces to make the alternative designs featured in the instruction booklet that Stamp-A-Stack attendees will receive. By attending the Stamp-A-Stack, you won't have to purchase the stamp set, inks or other supplies needed – you'll have full use of all of mine, PLUS my help and personal instruction! One of the great things about Stamp-A-Stacks is that you can make MORE cards because you're repeating designs. And since you're repeating designs, you have more cards to GIVE AND SEND because you don't hoard them (yes… we all know you have a hard time sending your only copies of cards!). Stamp-A-Stack participants receive the featured accessory (this month is Mini Vintage Tags) with their registration.
2. Purchase the featured cards completed in my boutique! By going this route, all of the work is done for you. All you have to do is send the cards! No need to have any of the supplies or go anywhere – handmade card making couldn't be easier!

Here's a look at the featured cards for May:

For Card Kit of the Month Details – Click Here.

For Stamp-A-Stack Details – Click Here.

For Boutique Details – Click Here.

Stampin' Up! Demonstrators – Purchase a PDF File Pack Here.

TO ORDER STAMPIN' UP! PRODUCTS ONLINE 24/7 CLICK HERE!

Don't Forget!

• To check out the NEW Aly Stamps Boutique! Click Here to View!
  
• To register for the June Scrapbooking Class, "It's a Journey"!! Click Here for more details!!
  
• To register for the June Card Making Class, "Cards for Him"!! Click Here for more details!!
  
• To order from the Clearance Rack Today!!! Click Here to get started!!
  
• To join the Stampin' Up! Family and receive two FREE Technique DVDs! Click Here for more details! Contact Me to get started today!
  
• To order your favorite Retiring Stampin' Up! Colors before they are gone forever! Click Here for more details!
  
• To place a qualifying order to receive FREE Designer Brads! Click Here for more details!

New Video: Scrapbooking and Dying Pretties Flowers!

May is National Scrapbooking Month! And in this video I'm going to do something I never do and share with you the scrapbook layouts we completed at our May Scrapbooking Class. This video also shows you how to dye Pretties Flowers in 2 different ways – enjoy!

ALY'S HELPFUL HINTS:

We have a BLAST at our Monthly Scrapbooking Classes! And you don't even have to scrapbook at home to attend! Come to this class every month for a year, and at the end of the year you'll have 48 pages!! I know that's more than I EVER complete on my own – Scrapbooking Class has been a wonderful  way for me to keep up with family events and keep my precious memories is an album.

We usually meet the 2nd Friday of every month, but in June we're meeting the 3rd Friday to make room for a "Cards for Him" Class that needs to take place enough in advance for Father's Day. For more details on Scrapbooking Class, Click Here! June's theme is "It's a Journey!"

TO ORDER STAMPIN' UP! PRODUCTS ONLINE 24/7 CLICK HERE!

Don't Forget!

• To check out the NEW Aly Stamps Boutique! Click Here to View!
  
• To register for the June Scrapbooking Class, "It's a Journey"!! Click Here for more details!!
  
• To register for the June Card Making Class, "Cards for Him"!! Click Here for more details!!
  
• To order from the Clearance Rack Today!!! Click Here to get started!!
  
• To join the Stampin' Up! Family and receive two FREE Technique DVDs! Click Here for more details! Contact Me to get started today!
  
• To order your favorite Retiring Stampin' Up! Colors before they are gone forever! Click Here for more details!
  
• To place a qualifying order to receive FREE Designer Brads! Click Here for more details!

Button Latte Circus

My goal for this card was to use these 2 buttons from the Button Latte Designer Button Pack in a unique way. Here's what I came up with!

ALY'S HELPFUL HINTS:

• The white flower button in the middle of the scallop image is jazzed up by punching out a Bermuda Bay circle from the Crop-A-Dile, attaching it with a Mini Glue Dot, and lacquering the top with Crystal Effects!
• The brown flower button on the lower right hand corner got it's attitude by slicing off a thin piece of White Cardstock and tying it through the button – no ribbon needed!
• Adding punched out images – textured punch outs over top of solid in the same tone – is a great way to add some sass, as shown here with the circle background!
• HURRY!!! The Bermuda Bay color is going to be retiring in just a few short weeks!!! Order while you still can using my Online Ordering link below or in the right hand sidebar!
  

WHAT TO ORDER:

Circle Circus Stamp Set (115778), Real Red Cardstock (102482), Bold Bright Textured Cardstock – Real Red (108698), Real Red Classic Ink (103133), So Saffron Cardstock (105118), So Saffron Classic Ink (105213), Whisper White Cardstock (100730), Bermuda Bay Cardstock (115317), Bermuda Bay Classic Ink (115655), Bermuda Bay Polka Dot Ribbon (115610), So Saffron Patterns DSP (112152), Button Latte Designer Buttons (114333), Scallop Circle Punch (109043), 3/4" Circle Punch (107217), 1" Circle Punch (109046), Crop-A-Dile (108362), Mini Glue Dot (103683) and Crystal Effects (101055)

TO ORDER STAMPIN' UP! PRODUCTS ONLINE 24/7 CLICK HERE!

Don't Forget!

• To register for the June Scrapbooking Class, "It's a Journey"!! Click Here for more details!!
  
• To register for the June Card Making Class, "Cards for Him"!! Click Here for more details!!
  
• To order from the Clearance Rack Today!!! Click Here to get started!!
  
• To join the Stampin' Up! Family and receive two FREE Technique DVDs! Click Here for more details! Contact Me to get started today!
  
• To order your favorite Retiring Stampin' Up! Colors before they are gone forever! Click Here for more details!
  
• To place a qualifying order to receive FREE Designer Brads! Click Here for more details!