Welcome to the ILWS Spring Mini Blog Hop!

Good morning everyone - and welcome to the  ILWS Spring Mini  Catalogue Blog Hop!

As has become the custom, a gang of SU Demos on the Forum get together to showcase all the new product every time we get a new catalogue, and this one is a very special one as it is the very first Spring Mini SU Europe have produced! It contains lots of lovely new product, and there are some very clever ladies taking part in this one so I hope you enjoy all that we have to show you today!


You may have joined me from Sandra's blog (hasn't she got some lovely stuff on there??) and at the end of this post I will hand you on to the lovely Tracey - but in the meantime - here are my offerings!

At Convention in Paris last November, we were all so excited to hear about the new Mini catalogue - and even more excited to find that we were getting the lovely Simply Adorned range of jewellery. This features a necklace, a bracelet and a selection of scrummy charms which can be changed around whenever you like. Shelli (SU founder) and her daughter had made a dozen necklaces for a draw  on the Saturday morning, and although I wasn't one of the lucky winners - I have made myself a similar necklace (#116800 - ££9.95) using the large rectangular charm (1167989 - £14.95), the black bauble (#121011 - £3.50) and some black grosgrain ribbon. Here is the whole necklace showing the mini artwork inside the case.
 

as you can see - it features the Eiffel Tower from the Artistic Etchings stamp set, and the front face of the charm is bevelled..... Turn over, and you have another space to showcase your work, or a photograph or a tiny memento - mine just has a script stamp from the new Charming stamp set (#116519(w) - £17.95/ 125829(c) - £13.95) as I want people to look at the front - but with these - the world is your oyster - and you can swap the inserts whenever you like!

Now - on to some of the other products new in this catalogue! I just LOVE the new Spice Cake Designer papers (# 124003 - £9.95). These are in gorgeous shades of brown, blue green and cream and are a really lovely addition to the range. They go with absolutely anything and to prove it - here are a couple of scrapbook pages showing their versatility.... first with a modern photograph......

and secondly with a heritage one.... the papers work brilliantly with both photos (well I think they do anyway!)

Now onto a couple of cards featuring some of the new stamps sets and punches!

This card is a valentine for my my hubby (shh! don't tell him you have seen it!) made using the new Perfect Postage stamp set (#126111(w) - £10.95/ 126113(c) - £8.95) and the fabulous new postage stamp punch (#122344 - £14.25). I had the cardstock I used for the pages out and continued the Spice Cake colour scheme with this one and used Pool Party, More Mustard and Very Vanilla cardstockand inks to make both cards! The greeting on this one comes from the Delightful  Dozen set!

This second card is made using some of the Spice Cake paper as well as the card and features the new Liebe Love Amour a la carte stamp (#126129 - £7.95) and the fabulous new large scallop circle punch )#118874 - £15.50). I have stamped two images in Pool party and another two un More Mustard and have punched and cout out the various elements to create a card with lots of texture on it! I think this is going to be one of my new favourite colour combos from here on in!

As always, if you would like to buy any of the items I have featured please get in touch - I'd be happy to drop a copy of the new catalogue in the post to you if you either drop me an email at StampaholixUK@aol.com or give me a ring on 07973 969153. I hope to hear from you soon!

Now - please follow the hop round by going to Tracey's blog which is the next stop!

Convention Card Candy swaps

Well I got so many swaps at Convention that I decided to split them up into the various types rather than  try and fit them all into one post!.

Card Candy was introduced to us UK Demos by the lovely Kirsteen (our US based Tartan Stamper) when she was briefly back in the UK and one of my SU sisters under Dawn. It is basically little card toppers made using SU products and particularly the punches. I originally signed up for one group using the beautiful new Everything Eleanor stamp set (a European exclusive!!) - but later signed up for a second using my favourite Winter Post - then finally ended up doing a smaller group to help that one get some more sets.

Here is a pic of my Everything Eleanor set - I chose to use the gorgeous new 2011-13 In Colours - Pool Party and Island Indigo with Whisper White and Rose Red. You will also spot some pearls and crystals along with the lush organza ribbon.

Recipe:
Stamp sets - Everything Eleanor, Petite Pairs, Tagtastic
Cardstock - Pool party, Island Indigo, Whisper White
Inkpads - Pool Party, Island Indigo, Rose Red
Punches - Scallop Edge Border, Eyelet Border, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border, Large Oval, Scallop Oval, 1 3/8 Scallop Circle, 2 3/8 Scallop Circle (in Spring mini catty), 3/4" circle, 1 1/4" circle.
Other - Pearls and crystals, Whisper White organza ribbon, Rose Red marker, Cello bag

My second and third groups got this set made using the lovely Winter Post stamp set. I will never know why SU felt the need to discontinue the beautiful label punch which matched this set - I had to cut it out by hand!!!! (not - LOL!)  I used Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive and Whisper White  with Early Espresso ink and ribbon

Recipe
Stamp sets - Winter Post, Petite Pairs
Cardstock - Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive, Whisper White
Inkpads - Cherrry Cobbler, Old Olive, Early Espresso
Punches - Decorative Label, Large Oval, Large Tag, Extra Large Tag, Scallop Edge Border, Eyelet Border, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border, 1 14" circle, 1 3/8 scallop circle
Other - Early Espresso 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon, crystals, cello bag

And here are the sets I got in return ..... aren't they lovely??  I have put their In Love with Stamping forum names on here as well so you can find more of their work!

Letter It by Valerie (val moody)

Everything Eleanor by Lindsey (linzi_m)

Its a Wrap by Alison (Alison P) a French demo who is actually Scottish!

Tags 'til Christmas by Jeannie (Jeannie) one of our US colleagues based in Italy.

Button Buddies by Sarah (IOW Sarah)

Easy Events by Sara (sarastamper) the swap organiser

Beautiful Season by Elaine (Sassy Stamper)

Forever Young by Theresa (TheresaM)

A set using Delightful Dozen by Sandra (sarnie)

 A set by Emily (nuttysgirl) using Tagtastic (hostess set)

Vintage Vogue by Nicky (craftynicky)

Another  set by Sara (sarastamper) using Polar Party 

Clearly for You by Joanne (Frenchiejo) 

Un named set using Array of Sunshine ( let me know who you are so I can credit you please!)

Another lovely set by Joanne (Frenchiejo)

Pennant Parade by Sandra (Sarnie)

Under the big top by Emma (daisydaye)

A beatiful punch art set by Monica (passionflower) using the owl punch

Another Everything Eleanor set by Jayne

A stunning set by Hazel using Faith in Nature

A cute set by Abi (stampinabi) using  Every Little Bit

I {Heart} Hearts by Hayley (craftydevils)

a second set by Emily (nuttysgirl) using Simply Soft hostess set.

A gorgeous set using Forever Young by Jan ( JJ66)

I'll be back with the 3D swaps shortly - watch this space!!

Convention Woo! Hoo!

Well I'm back from one of the most fabulous weekends ever!

This weekend just gone was the 2011 Stampin' Up! Convention at Disneyland Paris, and along with over 300 other Demos from the UK, France and Germany we descended on Disney for 2 days of fun and freebies - and a trip up the Eiffel tower!

Convention is a great time to catch up with far flung friends, make some fabulous swaps and find out what is coming up in terms of new products - and this one didn't disappoint.

Registration opened at 8am on Friday morning - and we were given one of the most gorgeous Convention bags we have ever seen - an embrodered one in navy blue with a million pockets for all the bits and pieces needed for a workshop. Inside we had two stamp sets, Creative Elements and Just Because, and instead of a normal catalogue, we had a version presented to us in a lovely sturdy ring binder. All the way through the event we have "Prize Patrols where we can win free products - and this year the prizes were HUGE! I was lucky enough to win one on the last day - and I am now the proud owner of one of the new punches and a new stamp which will be featured in the new Spring Mini Catalogue!

Yes - you heard that right - the new Spring Mini Catalogue!!!!!!!!

As of next year we will be having not one but TWO mini catalogues to tempt you - the Spring Mini which runs from January 1 2012 to March 31 2012 and the Summer Mini which runs from April to September. From the Advance copy we were given at Convention - there are some lovely new stamp sets, new fabrics and accessories like the postage stamp punch, a big scallop circle punch, the CUPCAKE punch (and its matching stamp set - at last!!!) - and  and.... well you will just have to watch this space. Suffice to say - my advice to you when anyone asks you what you want for Christmas - all you need to ask for is lots of money to spend in this little beauty!!!

Watch this space for projects with the new stuff as the pre-order for us Demos starts on the 1st December - Santa is going to have to come early for me this year!!

With the Mini Catalogue coming on 1st Jan - Sale-a-Bration has moved back to the end of January in line with the same promotion running in the other markets. For those who don't know what Sale-a-Bration is - its your chance to pick up free gifts in the two months it runs. For every £45 spent - you can choose one of four free stamp sets - and new this year a pack of designer series paper which is absolutely gorgeous!

That's it - there's no catch - and the more you spend - the more you get!!

Spend £45 - get one free set/ paper pack
Spend £90 - get two free sets
Spend £135 - get three free sets
spend £180 - get four free sets
spend £225 - get all five items.....

AAAAAAANNNDDDD!!! as that Irish comedian says - there's more!!!

If you sign up as demo during the sale-a-bration period - you can choose an extra stamp set (any price - even the most expensive one) from the catalogue - there's another way to spend your Christmas money - well over £300 worth of product for just £119 and that before you add on my incentives!

Anyway - must rush - as reality beckons will be back later with more pics and maybe even some blog candy!

Fabulous Freebies!

How do you fancy getting your hands on not only a free set of stamps - but also a whole pack of co-ordinating designer series paper?

Well from today until 15th December - that is exactly what you CAN do with this fabulous offer from Stampin' Up!

Simply hold a workshop for me within the period - and if the orders get to £300 from yourself and your guests - not only do you get £40 Hostess Pounds to spend on anything you like in the catalogue - you also get  the Paisley Petals stamp set (worth up to £23.95) absolutely free - you also get the co-ordinating Designer Series Paper worth another £9.95 included in your order absolutely FREE.

Get in touch soon as my diary is filling up in the run up to Christmas. All workshops this month feature demonstrations of Christmas cards, decorations, gifts and packaging so why not send out a beatiful hand stamped card this year?

StampaholixUK@aol.com / 07973 969153

Swapping again - scrapbook pages this time!!

One of the things I love about being a Stampin Up Demo is the way other demos around the country - and even in Europe - are happy to help each other create stunning displays. Every time we meet - whether it be for a training session or even the annual Convention - we swap cards fronts and small 3D items, and when there isn't a meet up on the horizon we organise swaps on the In Love with Stamping forum.

I was in a swap for samples made with goodies from the new catalogue last month - and this month - I signed up to another one for 6x6 scrapbook pages! There are 12 of us in the swap, so I will get 11 pages back from the other girls - all guaranteed to be different. Why 12 in the group? Simple - you get four 6x6 page bases out of one sheet of 12x12 cardstock LOL!!

Anyway - here is the page I made for the swap....... a romantic page of cousin Charlotte's wedding in the summer!

I decided to turn the photo sepia as I wanted to create an "antique" page with the lush new Mocha Morning papers. For the base I used Crumb Cake cardstock, and I teamed this with  Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip, and Early Espresso cardstock (you could do with just one of the dark browns if you wanted to). As you can see - I made good use of the Scallop Edge Border Punch and the Decorative Label punches before embellishing the page with Crumb Cake seam binding ribbon and a couple of basic pearls!

If you would like to purchase any supplies to recreate this page (in both 6x6 and 12x12 versions - this design scales up and down beautifully as you can see on a non SU 12x12 version on my other blog!) please do get in touch on StampaholixUK@aol.com or 07973 969153.

Don't forget the current signing up offer for potential new demonstrators - check out the Join my Team tab at the top of the page for details!

Until next time

Carolyn
xx

New Year - Lots of New Stuff!

Well I am just about getting familiar with the new Stampin' Up! 2011-12 Idea Book and Catalogue and today I'm going to share the gorgeous new papers we have for your delectation and delight. Every year,all of the Designer Series Papers retire to be replaced by new ones and this year's selection is one of the best I have seen since I became a demo!

We have no less than fourteen new sets of papers most of which are double sided (the exceptions are the two flocked papers in the Mocha Morning set, and the die cut doilies in the Flirtatious set which are single sided) and a stack of papers in the new 2011-13 In Colours of Wisteria Wonder, Calypso Coral, Lucky Limeade, Pool Party and Island Indigo. The designer paper stacks in Regals, Subtles, Brights and Neutrals have stayed the same along with the 5 In Colours from last year.

Here's a sneak peek of all of the new papers in the "sampler" I made this morning. Flip these individual sample booklets and see the papers up close and personal - much better than the tiny pictures in the catalogue!



We also have a fabulous new Hostess only set which can only be bought by hostesses using the "Hostess Pounds" they earn by having a home workshop for their friends where sales reach £150 or more.

Did you notice the "Hostess pounds" phrase in the last paragraph??

That is the name for the new Hostess Rewards scheme which came in with the new catty. In the old days hostesses earned a free stamp set (or 6x6 paper pad) depending on the level of sales at their parties. These were Level 1 gift for parties of £150- £299.99, Level 2 gift for parties of £300 - £499.99 and a Level 3 gift if they got sales of £500 or more. This was a bummer for lots of hostesses who could only dream of having a £500 party - but that has all been changed!!

Now - hostesses (or even single customers) who meet the threshold  sales of £150 get £25 in "Hostess Pounds" to spend ANYWHERE in the catalogue. There are still some "hostess only" sets available, and should you choose these items - your hostess pounds will go further than in the rest of the catalogue as they are offered only to hostesses at a significantly reduced price. Better yet, hostesses get enough to buy even the most expensive hostess set and they will STILL have money left to spend in the rest of the catalogue.

Are you feeling tempted yet? Fancy a spending spree on the new goodies you have been eyeing up?

Well why not get in touch with me to see if we can arrange a party/ workshop for YOU and your friends - I still have dates available in November and December - and my demonstrations and make and takes over the next few weeks will be Christmas cards, gifts and decorations!

Go - on - have a crafty Christmas this year and give me a ring or drop me an email to see what we can create together!

StampaholixUK@aol.com

07973 969153

October's Offer - Now's the time to sign up!!

Well after all the excitement of the launch weekend - today seems a bit of a damp squib in comparison to the fun of the last couple of days. I was running not one but TWO open houses to launch the new Idea Book and Catalogue - as well as dealing with an excited Stampers 6 and my own goodies! Its not until today that I have finally sat down and looked at anything but the ordering pages on the Stampin' Up (UK) website.


With all the new goodies being available - I can't remember the company running any other promotion in October before now so you can imagine how delighted i am to see that this month they are offering all new demo's a free gift on signing up! Yes - you read that right! Not only do you get the fantastic new starter kit when you sign up - and that contains more than £250 worth  of goodies for just £119 (post free) - but if you sign on before the 31st October you get an In Colour pack of the five new inkpads (worth £4.95 each) and a pack of A4 cardstock in the new in colours to match (worth £6.26)- altogether that's worth an extra £31!!


Check out the pic below to see the suggested contents of the new Starter kit - click on the "Join my Team" tab up at the top to get further details of what exactly is in it!!!