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I am in the process of cleaning out my office so that I have room for my next great adventure!!!!

I will be having a HUGE sale at my house this Wednesday night at 7pm. If you are local, I hope that you will be able to come!!! I want another chance to hang out with my sweet customers!!! Plus, I have so much stuff to get rid of and the prices are going to be amazing!!!!!

Anything that is not sold on Wednesday night, will be put up for sale on my blog!

 

ON A MORE PERSONAL NOTE: I am so amazed by the number of you that I have heard from suring the past couple of days!!! I always knew that I loved you guys- but had no idea ow much you loved me. I have loved every last email and blog comment!!! And I am so glad that you understand why I am making this change. I just got back from a teaching sore where I bought craft supplies for my kiddos!!! Let the next adventure begin!!!

I have another digi page for you!!! Now if you are not a digi scrapper- you could always use the same sketch to make a layout with paper. Just a thought…

These are some more pictures that I took at the park last weekend. I am so proud of myself for scrapping these pics while I was still in love with them. Digi scrapping makes that a bit easier since I don’t have to print the pictures first!

This page was made using a kit called On the Playground.

Hope you have an awesome weekend and take lots of photos to scrapbook!

This may be a somewhat wordy post and so I apologize in advance. I have a lot to say!

I will be celebrating my 2 year anniversary as a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator in just a couple of weeks. These past two years have been amazing!!! As most of you know, I was never a hobby demonstrator. From the time my starter kit arrived, I ran a business. Some of you reading this may recall my first class! I tought a baby album class and it lasted until the wee hours of the morning! I was a bit embarressed. But to my surprise- most of them came back for my second class. And I think they are all still great customers after 2 years and dozens of classes!

Also, in my first month as a demo, I got a booth at the Women’s Expo in Glendale. This is a HUGE event. Boothes were not cheep! And I did not have much time at all to prepare. But I worked hard. And several of you helped me! I know someone out there remembers lugging tons of stuff for about a mile around the arena. And someone else remembers me driving home- bleeding. Literally. It was a long and hard weekend! But it was the start of an amzing business!

I have had the pleasure of traveling all over the state to do workshops and classes for friends. I have learned so much! Did you know that I only had one stamp set and one ink pad when I signed up to be a demo?! I have come a long way. I was a complete stamping novice 2 years ago- and today, I feel like I can call myself an artist. I have even been published a few times! I am proud of myself!

But building a business took time. And that meant that I gave up a good deal of time with my family and friends. I was talking to a downline yesterday and she said  "we are still friends." It struck me. We had been friends for years before I became a demo. But after I became a demo- she became my cusomer and later my downline. Now when I see her- it is to stamp or pick up an order. In many way we lost track of our friendship.

And my poor family…..in order to run my business, I needed to work Monday through Friday in my office. I needed to design class projects, do blog posts, paperwork, and place orders. And I couldn’t do it with the kids around. So I made a tough decision to send them to a preschool/daycare facility. They love it there. And they are very happy kids. But then as my business really grew- I needed to do classes and workshops on the weekends. So I had to leave the kids with my hubby. Many times I felt like the kid’s teachers saw my kids more than I did. I would often miss them and wish that I could be at home.

And that is where I am today. I was once a stay-at-home mom, who needed something ….more. And that is when I found Stampin’ Up! Having something that was all mine, got me through some of the toughest times as a young mom of 4 babies. It gave me a break.

This past weekend, we took the kids to the park. My five year old, Kyler, was having a blast. And then he ran up to me and said  "Mommy, it is taking me a long time to grow up." I couldn’t agree less! How did my "baby" get to be so big?! And why would I want to miss one more day that I don’t have to? In just a few months he will be going to Kindergarden! Yikes!

I am the first to admit- I was not a great SAHM 2 years ago. The kids were a lot to handle on my own. I was tired and stressed and not very happy. But I would like to think that I am a different person now. A stronger person.

So with great fear, anxiety, and excitement- I have decided to go back to being a stay-at-home mom! Yikes!

So what does this mean for you? I will no longer be a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator. Not even a hobbyist. At first I was going to keep my demo status for the discount. But then I started saying stuff to myself like "I’ll just do a class every other month." or "I’ll just keep my scrapbook clubs going." And I had to tell myself "no!" I LOVE papercrafting and stamping!!!! I am going to be very busy with my kids and when I do get some needed "mommy time" I want to feel free to make something for me. I don’t want to have design something for a class or workshop. I want stamping and scrapbooking to be my get-a-way. Therefore, I will be contacting demo support in the next couple of days to end my career with Stampin’ Up!

As for the blog- I am keeping it!!!! I love blogging! I love to hear from all of you. In many ways- we have become cyber friends. And I look foward to logging on each day. But you may see some changes. For one- you are going to see me using my favorite stamps and supplies. So this means- they may be retired and they may not even be by Stampin’ Up!  Gasp! Although, I still think that Stampin’ Up! has the BEST papercrafting supplies- I am not going to limit myself. If I see something I like- I just may get it!!! Another change, is that I may not be able to posts every day. I am not sure yet how much time I will be able to steal away to craft. We will just have to see!

One more thing for you- I am going to be selling LOTS and LOTS of my stamps and supplies here on my blog!!!! I am going to get rid of any set I no longer like or use. This will include current sets from the catalog. So it will be a good chance for you to get some discounted supplies!

Is anyone still reading this? If you are…then you must be one of my very devoted customers. I want to say one more time- that I have loved the past 2 years!!! You have all made me smile. I am starting to cry now so I know I need to end this ramble!

See you soon friends……

 

I am doing more and more digi scrapbooking!!! I don’t really know a lot of the fancy tricks but I am learning a lot as I go. And I have started to get my pages printed at Costco. I just upload them and then pick them up a few hours later. But you do have to have a membership. There are other places online that print 12×12 but I have not tried them.

I made this layout using a kit from the Sweet Shoppe called Fly Catchin’. It has lots of bright and fun papers and buttons that I thought would work well for lots of pictures of my kiddos.

I just love that stiching!!! I don’t even know how to sew! And isn’t my boy handsome?!

I love the cards that I have to show you today, but I almost didn’t post them. They are almost completly copied!!!! I found this card and I loved it so much that I made one just like it….

I decided that I liked this card so much that I should also make it in pink….

The DSP that I used for these cards (Maine Blueberry and Geogia Peach) is retired- but you could also make the card with Washington Apple Dsp. It has the same patterns but different colors. Hmmmmm….maybe I need to make one in that pattern too : )

Recipe:

Stamps: A Little Birdie Told Me

Paper: Maine Blueberry and Georgia Peach DSP, Pretty in Pinx Textured, Old Olive, Whisper White, Watercolor, Bashful Blue, Not Quite Navy

Ink: Black Stazon, Regal Rose, Not Quite Navy

Other: Aquapainter, Old Olive Grosgrain, Old Olive Buttons, Bashful Blue Buttons, Linin Thread, Large Oval Punch

I am back!!!! It felt good to sit down last night and whip a card out! And I plan on spending plenty of time in my craft room tody so that I will have lots more to show for the rest of the week!

Since it had been a while since I had last stamped- I decided to check some of my favorite blogs and find somethign to CASE. It is the easiest way for me to get back in my groove. I fell in love with a card by Debbie Olsen. So here is my take on it…

I am just crazy about those buttons from the button bouquet pack!!! Do any of you ever watch that show Still Standing? I think it is on the Lifetime channel. On one of the shows, the mom decided to paint some lawn chairs to sell in a craft show. So she paint flowers on them and shows her kids and husband. They all say "wow, love the lollypops."  (By the way, there is a point to this random story.) This morning, I showed my son this card. I was really loving it was and was fishig for a commpliment. He said "I like the lollypops." Hmmmm. Lollypops. Flowers. Whatever you want to call them- I think they are cute.

And would you like to see something else that I made this week? It is not a stamped creation, but it is still crafty!

I have a baby shower to go to this weekend and this is going to be the center piece. It is my first diaper cake and I am quite proud!

Hope you have a creative day!!!

 

Recipe:

Stamps: Women of Life (Papertrey Ink)

Paper: Kraft, Whisper White, Pink Pirouette

Ink: Old Olive

Other: Button Bouquet, Ridinghood Red Striped Ribbon, circle punch, linin thread

So are wondering what happed to me yet??? I have been painting my Master Bathroom and Bedroom. It is quite the project!!! But I am happy to report that it is just about finished. Now I will be able to spend some time stamping!!! I will be back tomorrow!

I am sorry I didn’t post on Friday. I had this card ready- but I forgot to photograph it. My weekend was so busy that I never got to update the blog. Anyway…here is a card that I cased from Jenn. I just love her work!!!

I sure do love that DSP!!!!! It’s called Rasbery Tart and I think the colors are so pretty.

I can’t wait to get back in my stamp room!!!!! Hope you have a creative day!

Recipe:

Stamps: Echoes of Kindness, Live Your Dream (retired)

Paper: Rasbery Tart, Whisper White, Rose Red

Ink: Basic Black, Kiwi Kiss, Rose Red

Other: Rose Red and Cameo Coral Markers

I have a sweet friend at my MOPS table who is due in April. She asked me to come up ith some ideas for announcements. Here are the first 2 that I came up with…

This set is called "By Ones and By Twos." It is retired- but it is the only baby stamp set that I own!!! I know lots of people did this card back when the stamp first came out and I am not sure who came up with it first, but I have always wanted to make one!!! And the Sale a Bration DSP works really nice for these baby boy cards. Here is a closer look…

The next one is a criss-cross pocket card. I like to use this type of card for announcements because it is so easy to put the details and a picture inside the pocket after the baby comes.

I really need to do some baking and work on my taxes today- but I have my fingers crossed that I will have enough time to make a couple more baby cards.

Recipe:

Stamps: By Ones and By Twos

Paper: Delicate Dots DSP, Bashful Blue, Certainly Celery, Whisper White

Ink: Basic Black, Bashful Blue

Other: Soft Subtles brads, Crimper, Bashful Blue Striped Ribbon

I have a couple projects to show you today using the Candy Lane Designer Series Paper.

First, I have a 2 page scrapbook layout! I have a certain reader (you know who you are!) who is always asking for these 2 pagers. So this one is for you!!! It is the page that my scrapbook clubs made for February. Sorry I don’t have pics of my cute kids in it yet. The layout has room for lots of 2×2 pictures!

Here is a close-up of the title (which I love!)…

And of course, I had to have a set of thos paper pieced birdies…

My favorite part of this whole layout is the color combo!!! It is Kraft, Chocolate Chip, Ridinghood Red and Pink Pirouette. It looks very pretty IRL!

Next I have a card for you using the new Sale a Bration set called "Yummy." That is my favorite word these days….so of course I had to have the set!!! And since it was FREE, can you blame me?!!! Don’t forget to place your $50 order, so you can pick a free sale a bration set!!!! So here is the card…

I love how "girly" this card is! I think it would make a great wedding or bridal shower card! And do you see that super sweet flower?!!!

Yummy!!!! It’s called a Fleurette and when I saw them in the new catty, I knew I had to have them. But they are so pretty that I have been hoarding them!!!  Mmmmm Mmmmmm Mmmmmm!!!

Ok I am off to tackle my large To Do list!

Recipe:

Love Scrapbook Layout

Stamps: Big Deal Alphabet, Love You Much

Paper: Candy Lane DSP, Chocolate Chip, Kraft, Pink Pirouette, Ridinghood Red, Very Vanilla

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Ridinghood Red

Other: Heart to Heart Punch, Eyelet Punch, Circle Scallop Punch, 1 3/8 inch circle punch

 

Flower Card

Stamps: Yummy

Paper: Candy Lane DSP, Very Vanilla, Pink Pirouette

Ink: Chocolate Chip

Other: Big Shot Die Cut Machine, Top Note Die, Fleuettes, Ridinghood Red Tafetta Ribbon, Half Back Pearls (from the Pretties kit)

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  Jamie Sears
  Casa Grande, AZ
  jamie@stampingmommyof4.com
  

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