It's a Love Thing Camp Wannastamp!

Awwww, isn't this sweet? This is called a Criss-Cross card - and I'm just lovin' it! It has a pocket to stick your message into - and you pull the message out by the little heart at the top! I saw this card on Stampin' Connection by Natasha Byrne, but changed it to the colors I wanted. This almost looks like a piece of candy to me! The recipe is below. To order these great products, visit my 24/7 online store at http://www.pennythomas.stampinup.net/ and click on "Shop Now." Why not make someone feel EXTRA special by making them a hand-stamped Valentine's Day card this year? Recipe: Paper: Pink Pirouette (111351) - 11 X 4-1/4 (you'll need 2) - scored at 5-1/2"; Real Red (102482) - 5-1/4 X 3-3/4; Whisper White (100730) - 5 X 3-1/2; Real Red - 2-7/8 X 1-7/8; Whisper White - 2-3/4 X 1-3/4; Whisper White Scrap; Old Olive Scrap; Real Red Scrap; So Saffron Scrap Stamps: Love You Much (113756) - Page 47 of the catalog Inks: Basic Black (101179); Real Red (103133) Miscellaneous: Big Shot Machine (113439); Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder (117335); Heart-to-Heart Punch (119881); SNAIL Adhesive (104332); Sticky Strip (104294); Scissors; Stampin' Dimensionals (104430); Pretty in Pink Taffeta Ribbon (109067) - 19" long; Paper Snips (103579); Basic Rhinestone Jewels (119246); Blender Pens (102845); Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack (118309)

It's a Love Thing Camp Wannastamp!

This wonderful card is a total case from Emma Fewkes on Stampin' Connection. I really like the fact that Stampin' Up! is now selling individual stamps. Who wouldn't want this as part of their Valentine's Day collection? It can be used forevermore! Just a nice, crisp, clean card - my favorite kind! The recipe is below. To order these products, visit my 24/7 online store at http://www.pennythomas.stampinup.net/ and click on "Shop Now." Recipe: Paper: Very Vanilla (101650) - 11 X 4-1/4; Cherry Cobbler (119685) - 4-1/2 X 3; Basic Black (121045) - 3-1/4 X 2-3/4; Very Vanilla - 3 X 2-1/2; Very Vanilla Scrap Stamps: Be My Valentine (122045) - Page 43 of the Occasions Mini Catalog Inks: Cherry Cobbler (119669) Miscellaneous: Stampin' Dimensionals (104430); SNAIL Adhesive (104332); Paper Snips (103579); Black Satin Ribbon (117285) - 8" long; Scallop Trim Border Punch (118402)

It's a Love Thing Camp Wannastamp!

While we were at the Leadership Conference, we were shown a sample of this card. There you go, tone-on-tone again. You just can't go wrong with that! Isn't this lovely? If my husband gave me this for Valentine's Day, I'd melt, no doubt! I wonder if he'd melt if I gave it to him? I'll let you know! The recipe is below. To order these gorgeous products, visit my 24/7 online store at http://www.pennythomas.stampinup.net/ and click on "Shop Now." Recipe: Paper: Real Red (102482) - 8-1/2 X 5-1/2; Real Red Scrap; Whisper White Scrap (100730) Stamps: Build a Blossom (121923) - Page 12 of the Occasions Mini Catalog; Fabulous Phrases (117002) - Page 149 of the catalog Inks: Real Red (103133) Miscellaneous: Crimper (101618); Blossom Petals Punch (121808); 1-3/4" Circle Punch (119850); SNAIL Adhesive (104332); Bone Folder (102300) - to curl the petals; Stampin' Dimensionals (104430); Jewelry Tag Punch (117190); Paper Snips (103579); Mini Glue Dots (103683); Brights Designer Buttons (119747)

It's a Love Thing Camp Wannastamp!

LOVE this little project that would work for any occasion! Just take a Small Open-End Envelope, cut off the end that has a flap, stamp it as you please, add some ribbon-tag-and bling, and you're there! Of course, filled with any kind of chocolate is best! The recipe is below. To order these fun products, visit my 24/7 online store at http://www.pennythomas.stampinup.net/ and click on "Shop Now." Recipe: Paper: Small Open-End Envelopes (107286); Whisper White (100730) - 1-3/4 X 1-1/2 Stamps: I (Heart) Hearts (117010) - Page 46 of the catalog; Got Treats? (119114) - Page 55 of the catalog Inks: Real Red (103133); Real Red Marker (100052); Early Espresso Marker (119680) Miscellaneous: Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049); Paper Piercer with Mat (116631 and 105826); Linen Thread (104199) - 6" long; Scissors; Real Red Satin Ribbon (117286) - 15" long; Scallop Edge Border Punch (119882); Basic Rhinestone Jewels (119246); Red Shredded Paper; Chocolate Kisses

It's a Love Thing Camp Wannastamp!

For some reason (I think it's the Vanilla on Vanilla), this card is so special to me. I was inspired by a card similar to this on Stampin' Connection, but wanted to put my own special touch to it! I just can't seem to get enough of tone-on-tone cards. They are the prettiest to me, and adding the Chantilly Crochet Trim and the Trinket Key just makes me melt! The recipe is below. To order these great products, visit my 24/7 online store at http://www.pennythomas.stampinup.net/ and click on "Shop Now." Recipe: Paper: Very Vanilla (101650) - 8-1/2 X 5-1/2; Very Vanilla - 5-1/4 X 4; Very Vanilla - 5-1/8 X 3; Very Vanilla - 5-1/8 X 1-1/2; Very Vanilla Scrap; Red Glimmer Paper (121790) Stamps: You're a Gem (122268) - Page 25 of the Occasions Mini Catalog (LOVE IT!) Inks: Cherry Cobbler (119669) Miscellaneous: Stampin' Dimensionals (104430); SNAIL Adhesive (104332); Big Shot Machine (113439); Finial Press Embossing Folder (115963); Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder (117335); Hearts Set Sizzlitz 4-Pack (113448); Chantilly Crochet Trim (118480) - 18/1-2" long; Scissors; Linen Thread (104199) - 6" long; Trinket Key (121892); Modern Label Punch (119849)

It's a Love Thing Camp Wannastamp!

Isn't this just GOJUS, as Jan Tink would say? To me, Valentine's Day doesn't have to be just about romantic love! I give my kids Valentine's Day things and my friends, too! That's why I like this card - it's girly-girl vintage and so elegant - perfect for a friend, daughter, or sister for Valentine's Day. I saw Emma Fewkes' card on Stampin' Connection and knew it was PERFECT for my Valentine's Day stamp camp! I changed the color to Very Vanilla and made my card a long card instead of a 4 X 4, which I believe hers is. The recipe is below. To order these products, visit my 24/7 online store at http://www.pennythomas.stampinup.net/ and click on "Shop Now." Recipe: Paper: Very Vanilla (101650) - 6-1/2 X 6-1/2; Blushing Bride (119796) - 6-1/4 X 3; Very Vanilla - 6 X 2-3/4; Very Vanilla - 6 X 3/4; Very Vanilla - 6 X 1/2; Very Vanilla Scrap Stamps: Something to Celebrate (A Level 2 Hostess Set) - Page 5 of the Occasions Mini Catalog Inks: Blushing Bride (119786) Miscellaneous: SNAIL Adhesive (104332); Big Shot Machine (113439); Finial Press Embossing Folder (115963); Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder (117335); Petals-a-Plenty Embossing Folder (116824); Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder (120175); Stampin' Sponge (101610); Sticky Strip (104294); Victoria Crochet Trim (118481) - 12" long; Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049); Stampin' Dimensionals (104430); Basic Pearl Jewels (119247); Fun Flowers Die (121812)

It's a Love Thing Camp Wannastamp!

Here's one of the cards we made at my "It's a Love Thing" Camp Wannastamp. This is totally cased from my idol, Mary Fish! I didn't care for this stamp set until I saw her card and then, of course, I had to have it! The little heart on the "love" portion of the card is in our Red Glimmer Paper, so it's all blingy and cute, which you can't see very well in the picture. I love putting our designer series paper on the envelope flap - it's just adorable and all matchy-matchy! The recipe is below. To order these great products, you can visit my 24/7 online store at http://www.pennythomas.stampinup.net/ and click on "Shop Now." Recipe: Paper: Whisper White (100730) - 6-1/2 X 6-1/2; Real Red (102482) - 4 X 4; Whisper White - 2-3/4 X 2-3/4; Whisper White - 2-1/2 X 2-1/2; Real Red Scrap; Whisper White Scrap; Love Impressions Designer Series Paper (121780) - 3-3/4 X 1-3/4; Red Glimmer Paper (121790) Stamps: Valentine Defined (121941) - Page 9 of the Occasions Mini Catalog Inks: Real Red Marker (100052); Basic Gray Marker (120966) ; Basic Gray (109120) Miscellaneous: Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049); Scallop Squares Duo Die (120903); SNAIL Adhesive (104332); Stampin' Dimensionals (104430); Scallop Oval Punch (119856); 1-3/4 X 7/8 Oval Punch (119855); Paper Piercer with Mat (105826); Black Brads (119736); Heart-to-Heart Punch (119881); White Small Open-End Envelopes (107286)

Valentine's Day Card!

Here I am using our white note cards again! I love the grab-and-go aspect of them! What you may not see well in the picture is that I've added three rows of embossed polka dots at the bottom and the Red Glimmer Paper heart is pop-dotted in place. This card has so much more "wow" in real life! I love embossing the envelope flap, too - makes everything look so cute together! To order these products, visit my 24/7 online store at http://www.pennythomas.stampinup.net/ and click on "Shop Now." The recipe is below.

Recipe:

Paper: White Note Cards and Envelopes (107311); Red Glimmer Paper (121790)

Stamps: Valentine Defined (121941 - Page 9 of the Occasions Mini Catalog)

Inks: Basic Black (101179)

Miscellaneous: Heart-to-Heart Punch (119881); Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049); Big Shot Machine (113439); Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder (117335); Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

Valentine's Day Card!

This kind of card makes my world go 'round! Our white note cards come precut and scored and include envelopes, so you're ready to go! All you have to do is add something cute! I saw this idea on Stampin' Connection, but changed it to suit Valentine's Day. The rhinestone jewels add just the right amount of bling to this sweet card! The supplies I used are below. To order these great products, visit my 24/7 online store at http://www.pennythomas.stampinup.net/ and click on "Shop Now."

Recipe:

Paper: White Note Cards with Envelopes (107311); Rose Red (102544); Pink Pirouette (111351); Melon Mambo (115320); Real Red (102482); Pretty in Pink (100459)

Stamps: Tiny Tags (118091 - Page 130 of the catalog); Short & Sweet (115060 - Page 148 of the catalog)

Inks: Rose Red (101778); Pink Pirouette (111838); Melon Mambo (115656); Real Red (103133); Pretty in Pink (101301); Basic Black (101179)

Miscellaneous: Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049); Jewelry Tag Punch (117190); Basic Rhinestone Jewels (119246); SNAIL Adhesive (104332)

Lisa Myers' Workshop!

This is Lisa Myers and me! Lisa is one of my new recruits. Something I offer to my new recruits is to do their first workshop for them. I spent this afternoon stamping Valentine's Day cards with Lisa and her friends and we had a really fun time. You will notice that Lisa is fanning out all of the orders she received - and she also got two bookings! We are both happy! Lisa plans to hold regular events, so she's well on her way to being a successful demonstrator! I wish you the greatest success, Lisa, and loads and loads of FUN!

Marilyn's First Workshop!

This is Marilyn, one of my newest recruits! Marilyn Devereaux-Ruffin! The best way to describe Marilyn is that she's such a fresh breath of air to me! I absolutely love her! Marilyn held her first Stampin' Up! workshop last night and I was so touched that she wanted me to be there. I wouldn't have missed it for the world! I was so impressed with the professional manner in which Marilyn introduced and presented Stampin' Up! to her friends and family. She did an exceptional job in delivering the message of how fun stamping can be and how our products work and coordinate together. I was beaming with pride for her when she told the crowd - at her FIRST workshop - that she would like to tell them about the Stampin' Up! opportunity if they would like to join, too! Inside I was screaming, "YOU GO, GIRL!" Well, as you can tell, I am delighted to have Marilyn as part of The TOPICS! and I know she will go far in her Stampin' Up! endeavors. Her genuineness is adorable. Here are the guests at Marilyn's workshop! They all had a super time, placed orders, and she even got a couple of bookings! YOU ROCK, MARILYN!

Marilyn had lots of great card samples and 3D samples for her customers to see. They also got to make two cards and a Valentine's Day treat container. They had a blast and I could tell they are eager to do it again!

Another new recruit of mine, Rhonda Doucette, came by to offer her support and encouragement to Marilyn. These gals are the best and I am so happy they have joined my group. I smile just thinking of them. Their enthusiasm for stamping is invigorating and they've gotten me ALL FIRED UP!

Below is me, Marilyn, and her hostess Joyce Peters! Joyce gets to select free merchandise and hostess benefits, so I know she's excited! May I also mention that she makes incredible chili and jalapeno cornbread - and EVERYTHING else she served last night! What could be more fun than good food and STAMPING? Congratulations to you, Marilyn, on your Stampin' Up! journey. I am your biggest fan and cheerleader. I want you to rock 'n' roll with your Stampin' Up! business and to be highly successful - and with your atttitude, YOU WILL BE!

Valentine's Day Card!

It just doesn't get ANY cuter than this! This is a 3 X 3 card, and when you punch out the "O" with our 1" Circle Punch, you have THE perfect spot for one chocolate kiss! Don't you love it? I saw this adorable card on Stampin' Connection by Brenda Quintana and I fell in love with it and had to make several! The photo above is Brenda's photo. Now matter how many times I tried, I couldn't get my photos to come out as nicely as Brenda's photo, so that is the card she made, not mine! I just wish this particular stamp set was available through Valentine's Day so I could use it at my It's A Love Thing Camp Wannastamp! To order these fun products, visit my 24/7 online store at http://www.pennythomas.stampinup.net/ and click on "Shop Now."

Recipe:

Paper: Whisper White (100730); Brights Designer Series Paper Stack (117155); Early Espresso (119686)

Stamps: Filled With Love (124380)

Ink: Real Red

Miscellaneous: SNAIL Adhesive (104332); 1" Circle Punch (119868); Eyelet Border Punch (119853); Real Red Satin Ribbon (117286)

Valentine's Day Card!

Oh, isn't this precious? I completely cased this card from Erica Cerwin, a fellow demonstrator. I used Early Espresso, but she used Soft Suede. I could just eat this card - looks like candy to me. I'll enjoy looking at this on my desk every day until Valentine's Day comes! To order these great products, visit my 24/7 online store at http://www.pennythomas.stampinup.net/ and click on "Shop Now." I used the following products to make this card:

Recipe:

Paper: Crumb Cake (120953); Subtles Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack (117152); Neutrals Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack (117157); Marina Mist (119682); Early Espresso (119686); Whisper White (100730)

Stamps: Sweetheart (120415 - Page 58 of the catalog)

Inks: Marina Mist Classic Pad (119668); Early Espresso Classic Pad (119670)

Miscellaneous: Stampin' Sponge (101610); Big Shot Machine (113439); Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder (120175); Full Heart Punch (119883); Subtles Designer Button (119745); White Embroidery Floss; Mini Glue Dots (103683); SNAIL Adhesive (104332); Marina Mist 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon (119772)

Leadership Conference - Day 3!

What a fun day this was! I love going to Stampin' Up! events and meeting my friends from all around the United States! This is a new friend I've made, Holle Wiktorek, that I met on the Founder's Circle trip this year! She was the gal who told me about Karen Burniston (the woman who designed the Christmas Tree Die, the Three-Tier Cake Die, and the 3D Ball Die) living in Katy, Texas now and hooked me up with Karen! Holle is the sweetest thing you will ever meet - and her Tennessee accent is just adorable! I can't wait to see Holle this summer in Utah at the Stampin' Up! Convention! Today everyone received a freebie - a packet of the Red Glimmer Paper, the Glimmer Basics Brads, and the Champagne Glass Glitter! Stampin' Up! is always so good to us by giving us free products - and we all LOVE free!

We also received a nice FREE bundle of the Something to Celebrate stamp set, the Springtime Vintage Fabric, the Sweet Stitches Buttons, and a My Digital Studio CD.

For the last night, we ate at a Mexican restaurant that served some Margaritas that I've never heard of before - more precisely a Strawberry/Jalapeno Margarita - so we just had to try it!

At every Stampin' Up! event there is something called the Make-n-Take session. We all look forward to it because, of course, we get to stamp! Here is the big hall we were all in making unbelievably CUTE make-n-take projects!

Here's my table below with my sister Pam D'Urso from St. Louis, Missouri, and my friend Julie Kasper from the Chicago area. WE HAD FUN!

There were lots of interesting product boards and displays for us to look at. Now I wish I had taken more pictures. The picture below is artwork using our Blossom Petals Punch! Isn't it gorgeous?

The picture below is artwork using our Sweet Buttons Embosslits, the fabric-covered brads, and to the far right, our Sweet Stitches Designer Big Buttons. Cool, huh? I would have never thought of doing that!

It's time to head home and get back to work! I've had fun, but it will be so nice to see my hubby and kiddos - and Otto, too! There's just no place like home!

Leadership Conference - Day 2!

Today was a FULL day! It started off with a welcome breakfast. We then went to our classes, where most of the day was devoted to talking about Stampin' Up!'s new career plan changes! For demonstrators who might be reading my blog, you can view the entire career plan changes on the Stampin' Up! website! There are many exciting changes taking place to make things more lucrative, rewarding, and exciting to be a demonstrator for Stampin' Up! After the classes, Stampin' Up! provided us with a nice dinner - and then of course we couldn't wait to get into Memento Mall to buy Stampin' Up! logo items! It was a fun day! Walking back to our room, the lights inside the resort were so pretty, I just had to take a picture. Here's Shelli Gardner , the owner and founder of Stampin' Up!, talking to us about all the wonderful new changes to be made to the career plan. Shelli also showed us some amazing stamped creations she made! She always makes me want to go home and stamp!

The theme this year for the Leadership Conference is "Plus One," meaning to add one person at a time to the Stampin' Up! family, or to add one thing to your business (a booking, a workshop, a recruit - or whatever it is - to improve your business).

This is me and my sister, Pam D'Urso enjoying a class together.

The picture below is Pam D'Urso and Julie Kasper.

We have another FULL day tomorrow, so off to bed I go - I'm TIRED, but HAPPY!

Leadership Conference - Nashville, Tennessee

I am in Nashville, Tennessee, attending the Stampin' Up! Leadership Conference and it's SNOWING! It was so beautiful watching it fall on Tuesday night and I just couldn't quit commenting on the fact that it's SNOWING! I had to remind everyone around me that I'm from Texas and we don't get to see that very often! Below was the view from the Radisson this morning outside my room. A pretty blanket of white snow - AND IT IS SOOOOOOOOOOOOO COLD HERE!

I am staying at the most incredible place - the Gaylord Opryland Convention Center! Someone told me there are 4,000 rooms here and it is the biggest convention center I have ever seen - and the most beautiful, too! There are lots of restaurants and shopping available, as well as coffee shops - and it's all under one roof. Everywhere you look, there is something you want to take a picture of! It is absolutely gorgeous!

They still have their Christmas decorations up here - and they are phenomenal! I have never seen such beautiful scenery. Colorful flowers and greenery is everywhere and the orchids here are to die for! Below is a hot air balloon hanging from the ceiling!

This is me and my friend Julie Kasper from the Chicago area! We are heading off to the Manager's Reception - and it's always a surprise where we are going! We were given these hats to get us ready for the destination!

We all boarded busses and were taken to the Wildhorse Saloon, where we had a barbecue buffet and then listened to several bands. The gentleman below is a well-known artist, but unfortunately, I didn't recognize his name and I can't remember who he is! SORRY! Do you recognize him, perhaps? His songs were beautiful.

Here's a shot of the inside of the saloon! It's BIG!

All the demonstrators were then given a lesson on line dancing. The shot below is everyone getting their lesson! It was really fun!

Brother Trouble then performed for us and it was a very lively and entertaining evening! They were fabulous and I must admit my toe was tapping!

Tomorrow, all of our classes start! I've seen so many of my Stampin' Up! friends from across the United States - people who mean so much to me. I'm really having a wonderful time! Stampin' Up! is such an amazing family and I'm so happy to be a part of it!

2011 Calendar!

This past weekend we made 2011 calendar pages that fit into a clear, acrylic ZIP file case for display. The pages are small - 3-3/4 X 3-1/2 - but that's why I like them! They don't take up a lot of room on your desk, but they sure are fun to look at every day! Once I've stamped pages for all 12 months, I put the other 11 pages away and won't look at them until the 1st day of that month, and then it's like a fun surprise all over again! To dot the important dates in your life, use a brand spankin' new pencil eraser so it's perfectly round, ink it up on your ink pad, and then dot the date! We had so much fun making these! Three of the months have spinners at the top, like this little penguin. When you move the page from side to side, he spins around back and forth, so it looks like he's frolicking in the snow! LOVE IT! I got the calendars from www.stamponthis.com and I got the clear acrylic cases from www.calendar-case.com!

This cute little leprechaun's hat is made with punches!

The little bus windows have Crystal Effects on them!