Just a Little Change Meets Fast & Fabulous Friday - Again

Quick post today friends.

I saw a really cute and simple card on Rita's blog and thought I'd make a small change to it.  Fast and fabulous and super cute.  What do you think?

Supply List
Stamps - Sweet Essentials
Paper - Whisper White, Gumball Green
Ink - Real Red
Big Shot -  Lacy Brocade EF, Banners Framelits
Tools and Accessories - Merry Minis Punch Pack, Real Red Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon, dimensionals


I love when I can make a card where punches do most of the work for me.  This Merry Minis Punch Pack is so darn cute - and widly economical too!  Three punches (star, ornament and tree) for the same price as one large punch.  Now there's a deal that packs a "punch".   ;-)


If you want to order the Merry Minis Punch Pack or any other Stampin' Up! products I would be more than happy to help you.  I can ship to anywhere in Canada so contact me today to get a head start on your Christmas crafting.  And don't forget to check here to see the sweet deal and fantastic savings I am offering on Holiday Catalogue products....only 3 days left to take advantage of this offer!


Hope everyone enjoys a happy and safe holiday weekend.
God Bless       ~Cynthia    <><

Treasure Hunt Blog Hop and BLOG CANDY!

Hello Friends.  This is so exciting!!   I am participating in my first-ever Blog Hop and I hope you will join me!

One lucky person is going to win a $150 shopping spree of Stampin' Up! goodies.  I am so excited about being a part of this, that I am going to award BLOG CANDY to one lucky person who leaves a comment on this post on my blog!!  Just think - you could win twice!

Read on for details about how to participate in the Treasure Hunt:

There are a whole bunch of bloggers appropriately named "LateNightStampers"  (or LNS).  The list of LNS blog sites is listed on my LateNightStampers Treasure Hunt page listed at the top of my blog.   You need to hunt through these blogs and find the 50 clues in order to be eligible to win the prize.
Here is my clue:  The Big Shot Doctor's Bag 

Doctor's aren't the only ones who carry bags full of goodies.  Stampin' Up!'s Doctor's Bag holds the Big Shot - and that tool will surely cure you of the blahs!

You have until October 31 to find the 50 clues in the websites listed on the LateNightStampers blog page (LNS blog page) listed at the top of my blog.   There are lots of blogs listed on that page.  Not all of them have a clue.  Your job is to search through the blogs for the "Treasure Hunt" clues...find the 50 clues, write down the blog address and the clue, and submit your list of 50 to me by October 31.  More details are on the LNS Treasure Hunt page at the top my blog. 

One lucky person who correctly finds and lists the 50 clues (and their blogs) will win $150 worth of Stampin' Up products provided by Sherrill Graff.  It doesn't matter what Country you are in, or whether you are an SU! demonstrator or not.  Everyone is welcome to join in - so please take part in the fun !  

Remember: 

•  It's always nice to leave a quick comment on a blog if you have the time      :)
• When you find the clue: write the BLOG NAME and THE CLUE down. For instance, my blog name is StampWithCynthia.blogspot.com, and my clue is the Big Shot Doctor's Bag.  When you have located 50 clues, please send me your list (at millanclan@bell.net) and I will make sure your name is entered in the drawing.

 

Anyhow - Lots of blogs.  50 are "participants".  Find the Treasure box, then write down the blog name and the clue.   E-mail me your list by October 31 to be entered to win.

REMEMBER - Everyone who leaves a comment on this post will be entered in a draw to win this Blog Candy from me The winner of the Always Elegant stamp set (retired) will be announced on November 1st.
(Sorry - blog candy draw is only open to residents of Canada or the US).

Remember to keep checking back on the  blogs for the clues – even though our start date was Aug. 20th, some blogs may not have their clue posted yet.
Have fun and come back to visit me often - and feel free to leave a comment! 

God Bless and Happy Hunting!     ~Cynthia    <><

End of Summer Sale - Yippee!

Hello Friends

I wanted to share with all of you a sale that I am having to mark the "official" end of summer.  This offer is good to anyone in Canada whether you are an existing customer of mine or not.  I can ship anywhere in Canada, afterall!   So if you like a deal, read on and contact me today to save yourself some money!


If you've seen the new Holiday mini-catalogue, you've seen all of the wonderful bundles that Stampin' Up! has put together to help you save money.

All 9 bundles (listed on pg 2 of the Holiday Catalogue) are priced to save you 10-15% on the cost of the items.

Now, let me sweeten the pot even further! 

Until Labour Day, I will offer a SPECIAL FREE gift for qualifying orders that include any of the bundles offered in the Holiday Catalogue.

For any merchandise order of $44.95 or more that *includes any of the bundles

*The order can also include other items, but one item must be a bundle

You also choose any single item from the Holiday catalogue that is $10 of less, FREE

For any merchandise order of $93.95 or more that *includes any of the bundles

*The order can also include other items, but one item must be a bundle

You also choose any TWO items from the Holiday catalogue that are $10 or less, FREE
     or

choose any single item from the Holiday catalogue that is $20 or less, FREE

Likewise - If your order adds up to $140, then receive FREE

anything from the Holiday catalogue that is $30 or less (or 3 items $10 or less -  or 1 $10 item and also 1 that is $20 or less)

During September, Stampin' Up! is offering a FREE roll of 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon with every $50 purchase. That's a $12.25 savings!  I will ALSO apply this deal to any orders placed as part of my end-of-summer sale.  Every increment of $50 gets you a roll of Satin Stitched ribbon for FREE.

So if you order a bundle from Stampin' Up! you'll save 10-15%. 
If your order comes to $44.95 or more, I'll throw in gift(s) that could amount to an extra 20% savings.  And if your order is $50 or more, Stampin' Up! will throw in a roll of stitched satin ribbon ($12.25 value) for FREE (you pick the colour).
Savings, savings and more savings!

This offer is only good until Labour Day (Sept 3).  So no matter where you are in Canada, contact me today and we'll work together to save you some money!
 

Check back later today for information about the Blog Hop I mentioned.  It's going to be a lot of fun and you could win a $150 shopping spree! 


Have a wonderful day.     God Bless,     ~Cynthia     <><

Founder's Circle Card ... Yes I'm Excited!

Okay - to start off with I am going to post a card that I made last night.  It is a little "different" from my usual style.  But I hope you'll like it!

This is my version of a Nautical Card and you'll see where my inspiration came from if you continue reading through this post.

Supply List
Stamps - The Open Sea, Teeny Tiny Wishes. Woodgrain
Paper - Naturals Ivory, Very Vanilla, Soft Suede, Crumb Cake
Ink - Chocolate Chip, Marina Mist, Baja Breeze, Pool Party, Soft Suede, Versamark
Tools and Accessories - Early Espresso Baker's Twine, Early Espresso Tulle, Crumb Cake Tulle, 7/8" Cotton Ribbon, 2 1/2" Circle Punch, Sponges, Clear Embossing Powder


I took various strips of Vanilla and Crumb Cake and Soft Suede cardstock and swiped my coloured ink pads across them to get the weathered-looking strips down the left-hand side.  This technique, as my club members know, is called "Direct to paper".  The compass was embossed with clear embossing powder to give it a "glassy" appearance.  And the gorgeous tulle from the holiday catalogue?  Well I tore it into misshapen pieces so it looked like netting.  A bit of rough handling and sponging to the cotton ribbon and I think this card looks like it could have washed up on any old pier.

Now on to my inspiration.....Remember I told you that I was awarded one of Stampin' Up!'s most prestigious awards?  I get to go to Founder's Circle in 2 short weeks.

I was excited before.
Honest-to-goodness excited.

But now?  Now I am fairly bursting with bubbly excitement!

Remember this?   -------->

The gorgeous canvas designer bag that I was given as part of my Founder's Circle achievement award?





Well.....I returned home from my vacation to find a plump express mail envelope waiting for me.  And inside I found this!
<---------
A lovely canvas 'wallet' to match the Founder's Circle bag


 Of course, the wallet had something inside of it....

My flight itinerary for getting to Founder's Circle.  A couple of really cute luggage tags.  And loads of information about Founder's.

Then I started cluing in....the "canvas" bags, the luggage tags with the seashore motif, the information pamphlet with the weathered boards look to it.....I am guessing (?!) that Founder's Circle this year will have an Ocean or Nautical Theme.

Last year's theme was "Tea Party" so there is precedence for a themed retreat.  If I had to wager money on it, I'd say that this year's theme will be Nautical.  So I decided to create something to go with that theme.  I don't own the stamp set "By the Seashore" (that looks like where the seashell, crab and starfish images came from) - but I knew I had enough stamps in my arsenal to give this self-imposed challenge a good try.

So I created this fun card.
Don't you think it resembles the Founder's pamphlet I was sent in the mail?  I apologize that my lighting is somewhat screwy so the colours do not appear as true as they should.  But trust me when I say that in real life, the card is a pretty decent match to the pamphlet.  

Of course, before I get too excited, I still have 120 (identical) swap cards to design and make to exchange with all of the other ladies who will be at Founder's.  My club ladies and customers will get a chance to see the 120 cards I bring home from all of those wonderful creative ladies.  Can you imagine?  I will have a card sample made by the Top 100 US Demonstrators and the top 20 demonstrators in all of Canada!  And my customers will get to see them all!  To be honest - I can't wait to see them myself!  And I still can't believe I am part of this elite group this year.  Excited.  Humbled.  And thoroughly blessed!~

So...I guess I'd better get to work and finish my 120 cards, right?  I'll make sure I post a copy for all of you to see  --  but not until Sept 12 when I am at the awards retreat.  Wouldn't want to post it before the recipients even get a chance to see the original, right?

In the meantime, more cards to make, more cards to post, and coming up I'll be part of a fantastic Blog Hop.  What's that you say?  I'm going to give you a chance to visit 50 blogs over the next 2 months and collect Treasure Hunt clues (easy peasy ones, don't worry).  Collect all 50 and I'll draw one name to receive a gift from me, and the Blog Hop "leader" will draw a name to award one lucky person with a $150 shopping spree!!  Yippee!

So let's make a deal, you and I.  I'll be excited about my upcoming Founder's award retreat.  You be excited about the Blog Hop.  And we can all share some excitement together!    In the meantime, have a great day!
God Bless,     ~Cynthia      <><

Just a Little Change - Watercolor Winter

Just back from vacation and thinking Christmas already?   Well - sort of.  I held a Christmas card class before I left and one of the cards used the Watercolor Winter stamp set.  I was inspired by 2 cards I saw on the fabulous Dawn Olchefske's blog but I wanted to change them up just a bit so here is what I came up with.

I liked my card....but my customers showed me some ways to dramatically improve the sample to turn this card into something really outstanding!!





Karen T.  had the idea to add much more foliage (my pines were kinda sparse and not very realistic but her addition of more foliage made it look more natural).

And Brenda P.S. improved on my controlled and deliberate sponging by making it both wider and softer.  Doesn't the extra sponging add so much depth to this card?



And what is a homemade card without a matching envelope and stamping on the inside to make it complete and elegant?

Inside of card

Supply List
Stamps - Watercolor Winter, Greetings of the Season
Paper - Very Vanilla, Early Espresso
Ink - Early Espresso, Always Artichoke
Big Shot -  Labels Collection Framelits, Square Lattice EF
Tools and Accessories - Dazzling Diamonds, 2-Way Glue Pen, Sponges




I made an assortment of cards using the various choices of more pines and softer sponging and just enough glitter on the pines to make the cards truly festive.  Another example of CASEing a brilliant idea from someone else and changing it just enough to suit me.  My friends and family and customers have been loving them.  Hope you do too!

Enjoy your day.   God Bless     ~Cynthia      <><

Frogs and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails....

Anyone remember that poem from when we were young?  Sugar and spice and everything nice, that's what little girls are made of.  Frogs and snails and puppy dog tails, that's what little boys are made of.

Well, I can certainly attest to the second half of this poem.  My son is 10 years old and he is all boy.  He can't wait to get to my brother's cottage every year so he can catch frogs and toads and snakes.   And lots of them!   He puts all of his catchlings into buckets and "plays" with them for the week.  He makes sure to feed them, and give them water.  He'll put them into the shade or sun as needed.  And he names them all too.   As long as he doesn't ask me to play with them, I am happy to watch him have his fun (and he also has to treat them kindly.  Final condition -- he must release every last one of them the night before we head home).

Look at all the snakes!

Camouflaged well but see all the large & small toads?!

Here you can see the fruits of his labours last week.  What I like to refer to as "Bucket-o'-snakes" and "Bucket-o'-toads".








My children also seem to happen across many of what I refer to as "Planet Earth" moments.  This year some of the snakes that they caught had tell-tale lumps just down from their heads.  We were thinking that these were meals that had been ingested just a short while ago.  Pretty much confirmed this when my son fed a small toad to his "pet" snakes and we saw the same tell-tale lump in one of their throats soon after!  And look at this photo (unless you are squeamish!).  My son looked down just as one of his "pets" shot their tongue out and nabbed a dragonfly!  Here you see it half in and half out.

As soon as the photo-op was over, he put his little friend down and let him finish his meal, undisturbed.













And lastly - what cottage week would be complete without sports?  Animal sports that is?!?  My son and one of my upline's sons dug crevices in the sand and raced their snakes along the paths that they'd created.  Who needs the Olympics when you have your own little athletes in a bucket just outside your cottage?

So - You see what I mean now?  Frogs and snails and puppy dog tails.  Honest-to-goodness, that IS what little boys are made of!

We're back from a glorious week at the cottage and I can't wait to share lots of fantastic creations with you soon. 
Until tomorrow - take care and God Bless,     ~Cynthia     <><

Just Checking In From Cottage Country

Hi Friends

A quick post from piggy-backing on the Parry Sound MacDonald's wifi    :)

My fabulous upline and her husband and kids joined us at my brother's cottage this year and her boys have been getting some great fishing in with my own husband and kids.  Here's a picture of one of her sons and my hubby with yesterday's catch.  Pretty impressive, huh?!  And nothing in the world beats FRESH fish!  

A few more of these babies today and we'll be enjoying a feast of pan-fried fish tomorrow.  Yum yum.  Can't wait!  My policy:
You catch 'em
You clean 'em
I'll cook 'em

Had to come into the city today to get toilet paper (!!).  But I'm back out to the cottage again soon and offline for a while.  Glorious days.  Wonderful nights.  Millions of stars.  No city lights.  Loons on the lake.  A reel and a rod.  The Beauty and Peace.  All gifts from God!

I am so enjoying this glorious peace and beauty around me, surrounded by family and friends. 
Hope your week is at least as wonderful.      God Bless,     ~Cynthia      <><

Vacation Here I Come

Just a quick post to say that I am going to be away in Muskoka for a week (poor me.  Surrounded by so much unadulterated beauty!).  So you won't be seeing blog posts from me for a while.  But I will be busy, never fear.  I have 120 cards to make and bring to Founder's Circle in less than a month.  And one of the images I decided to use for my swap card needs to be cut by hand.  In triplicate!  So I will relax and do a LOT of fussy-cutting this week while I am away.

While I am "gone" don't forget - Anyone who wants to capitalize on the Free Hallowe'en  Printer's Tray, you've got until Aug 31 to sign up and take advantage of this promotion.  And, of course, I'd love to have you as part of my team!  So follow the links in the post below, or go to my online store and choose "join the fun".

Have a superb weekend and a terrific week ahead!
God Bless,

Cynthia
<><

Just a Little Change Meets Fast & Fabulous Friday

Hi Friends
I'm late with this post today.  We're trying to get ready to go to a cottage for a week and between laundry, cooking, packing and acting as mediator for minor arguments, my hands are full.  But I still have a Fast & Fabulous Friday for you (after quite an extended hiatus of not contributing to this feature).  And in keeping with my recent go-ahead-and-CASe-it theme, I've also used a
"Just a Little Change" element in today's card.

First up, my inspiration:

My up, up, upline sent me this card to congratulate me for my July sales.  I love the card and since I was in need of some quick but cute Thank You cards for customers, I chose to use her card as a starting point and change it up just a little. 
























Here is my CASe version with just a few minor changes:

 

Supply List
Stamps - Everything Eleanor, Papillon Potpourri, Lacy & Lovely
Paper - Whisper White, Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie
Ink - Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie
Big Shot -  Lacy Brocade EF
Tools and Accessories - Elegant Butterfly Punch, Dazzling Diamonds, dimensionals












You can see how this card very closely resembles the original.  Colours, placement, the Everything Eleanor "swoosh".  But it is a somewhat different card.  And I was quite pleased with how it turned out.


Better yet, I think my customers will appreciate receiving it.  It shows yet another way to create a simple yet striking card in just a few minutes.


I told you. 
Fast. 
Fabulous. 
And a CASe with Just a Little Change.
How's that for multi-tasking!?!?


Have a superb weekend.  And a great week ahead.   God Bless,     ~Cynthia    <><

Just a Little Change - Embellished Events

I had a great response yesterday to my, "why try to re-invent the wheel?" post.  So how about we try that again, ok?

I saw the cutest card on the web here and I knew with just a quick modification, it was a perfect baby card for those occasions when you weren't sure if the baby was going to be a boy or a girl.  I did make one identical CASe copy of the first card where I reproduced it exactly - but of course I forgot to take a picture of that one (and it is already gone).  Here however, for your viewing pleasure, is my just a little change version of the card.

Supply List
Stamps - Embellished Events
Paper - Whisper White, Daffodil Delight, Chocolate Chip, Polka Dot Parade DSP
Ink - Daffodil Delight, Chocolate Chip Marker
Big Shot -  Perfect Polka Dots EF
Tools and Accessories - 2 1/2" Circle Punch, 3" Circle Die, Chocolate Chip Scallop Dots Ribbon, Word Window Punch, Modern Label Punch, Sponges

Isn't this a great gender-neutral baby card?  The organza ribbon and delicate doily cut-out on the original card were gorgeous, but really leaned towards a baby girl.  The few modifications I made turn this (at least I think) into a card suitable for the arrival of a baby girl or a baby boy.

See?  The internet is loaded with great card ideas that someone else has already thought up.  When you are pressed for time, (or lacking sufficient mojo), turn to the web and CASe someone else's brilliant idea.

Until tomorrow - have a wonderful day and a great rest of the week.  God Bless,    ~Cynthia     <><

Just a Little Change - World Treasures

I was blessed and honoured at the recent Stampin' Up! Convention to get to share a bit with fellow demonstrators about Earning the Incentive Trip.  And part of what I mentioned included the fact that there are some downright brilliant and creative demonstrators out there who post gorgeous cards on their blog sites.  And the rest of us needn't always re-invent the wheel.  As long as you acknowledge where you got your inspiration, it is ok to CASE (copy and share everywhere) other people's work.  In fact, I would argue that most demonstrators who publish their works online expect to be CASEd sometimes.  Imitation is a form of flattery after all.

With this in mind, over the next little while I will share some CASE cards with you.  I came back from Convention and have been unbelievably busy with family vacations (Family Camp then my brother's cottage), family birthdays, family illness (!!) and my own classes and home parties.  So I just haven't had the energy or mojo to create from nothingness.  And that's where CASing comes in handy!

Today's instalment uses a beautiful new stamp set called "World Treasures.".   Michelle Reynolds published a beautiful (and easy) card using the flower image which I copied here:

I then used the peacock image from the same stamp set and the same card layout and colours to create a similar card.  Virtually the same card.  With a twist.  See?

Supply List
Stamps - World Treasures, Fabulous Phrases
Paper - Whisper White, Rich Razzleberry, Daffodil Delight, Floral District DSP
Ink - Daffodil Delight, Lucky Limeade and Rich Razzleberry Markers
Tools and Accessories - Elegant Butterfly Punch, 1/4" Stitched Grosgrain Rich Razzleberry Ribbon
 
There are so many wonderful ideas out there already....go ahead and use some of them.  Copy them (and acknowledge it!).  Or use them for inspiration and as a jumping off point to create something "similar but different".


Don't forget SU! is having a HUGE sale on Fabric and a fun Hallowe'en project incentive if you wish to join the SU! team (see both posts below).  And stay tuned - I will be announcing my holiday shares of ribbon and embellishments in the next few days and you'll want to get in on those for sure!  In the meantime, hope your weekend was wonderful and your week is starting off spectacularly!
God Bless,    ~Cynthia      <><

Want to Earn Money and Have Fun Too?

How would you like to get a 20% discount on everything you order from Stampin' Up!?
Interested in making cards and/or scrapbooking, and getting paid for it too?
Then contact me to find out how you can join Stampin' Up! and have fun while making money at the same time.  And when you join during August, you'll receive this fantastic Hallowe'en Painter's Tray kit for FREE!!   No trick - just treats when you join before the end of this month.

That's right, this gorgeous Hallowe'en tray kit is valued at over $75 but it is yours when you join by August 31.  And if you live anywhere in Canada, I invite you to join my team so that I can share with you my advice and tips for how to make being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator as enjoyable and successful for you as it has been for me.

The Starter Kit is a great deal:

• For just $125, you choose up to $155 worth of brand-new products from the annual or holiday catalogs, for your completely customizable Starter Kit!  And there is another $70 worth of business tools added into the starter kit as well, bringing its value up to $225.  All for only $125.  No shipping & handling.  And no tax (*except in QC).
• Get a FREE Howl-o-ween project kit valued up to $75 if you sign up for your starter kit by Aug 31.

The Howl-o-ween Printer's Tray includes everything you see below*:

 *Project kit does not include ink

 Plus, when you join Stampin' Up! as a demonstrator, you gain instant access to dozens of benefits, including:

• Sneak peeks of brand new products!
• Access to an exclusive 30,000+ member online stamping community!
• A monthly magazine filled with project ideas and tips for running your business!
• The opportunity to fuel your passion for Stampin' Up! while getting a 20 percent discount on the products you love!
• Opportunities to make new friends who share your same passion!

Need more information?  Here are just a few reasons to join:

• Fill your Wish List!  Imagine this!  Save 30% on your first product order of $200 or more (placed within 60 days), plus earn hostess rewards. Yes, we demo's get the same perks as our hostesses, plus more!
• Take a Demo Test Drive!  Enjoy Stampin' Up! Demonstrator discounts and benefits through a full calendar quarter (depending on when you sign up, this could be up to 5-1/2 months!) with NO further need to sell or purchase any products beyond the starter kit.  No pressure - just fun!
• There's no penalty to drop!  If you wish to extend your demonstrator status for the following quarter you would be required to have $400 in product sales (including your own orders).  If you choose not to sell (or buy) the quarterly requirement, you merely go inactive.  No penalties and no worries.
• Starter Kit ships FREE!  Yes, that's free shipping - another savings!
• Become a member of my team  You'll be able to attend our special team meetings, you'll be eligible to participate in swaps, and you'll have first crack at my personal classes (enjoy one FREE class per quarter for each quarter in which you remain active - as my gift to any new members) and MORE!   
• Training opportunities!  I have a terrific upline who have shared great tips and advice with me since I started with Stampin' Up!   I'd love the opportunity to share this knowledge with you too!
• JOIN NOW

 Remember, if you live anywhere in Canada, you can order from me.  Better yet, if you live anywhere in Canada, you can join my team and order from yourself!!  And for the next few weeks you'll get the Hallowe'en Tray kit as an added bonus.

Contact me if you have any questions.  Or join today and start your journey into creative fun!

Enjoy your weekend and God Bless!    ~Cynthia    <><

Super Fabric Sale from Stampin' Up!

Hi Friends

I know I haven't been around much lately (summer time and all that...) but I wanted to let you know that Stampin' Up! is having a HUGE sale on some of their retired fabrics.  These packages of fabric are selling for ONLY $1.19 each!!

These packages of fabric, which originally sold for $12.50 each, contain one Extra Wide Fat Quarter of each pattern shown in its collection.  You get THREE extra-wide Fat Quarters in each package - that is 40 Cents for each Extra Wide Fat Quarter!!!!

What a deal!  If you are a quilter or a seamstress of any kind, you will know that this is a fantastic deal.  And SU! fabrics are terrific quality!!   100% cotton and 27" x 18".  This is a deal you just don't want to miss!

Items are available only while supplies last so order yours today from the Clearance Rack of my online store or contact me if you are local.

More blog posts to come - again - finally.  Don't worry!

In the meantime, enjoy your weekend.
God Bless,        ~Cynthia      <><