It's your last chance

All good things must come to an end I'm told, and the Occasions Mini Catalogue is no exception.  Today is the last day to get your hot little hands on the some of my favourite things.  It's heartbreaking to think we'll soon be without the Sweet Stitches DSP...

And the Bring on the Cake Stamp Set...

And the Pompom Trim...

The clock is ticking ladies!  Get em before they're gone! 

Happy Shoppin'
Allison

Online shopping.  Always OPEN!

My Digital Studio - Manager's Reception Layout

I just love scrapbooking!  I know that may seem fairly obvious, considering that this blog is all about paper crafting, card making, and scrapbooking...  But seriously, there is something so rewarding about taking pictures and scrapbooking them.  They become so much more than just a picture, they evolve into an artistic representation of an event. 

When I was creating this page I wanted to be mindful of the occasion, as well as incorporate my personal style.  I'm not exactly a 'western' girl, but I wanted to add bit of whimsical western to my page.  I think the stamps I chose really did that for me.  I'm so pleased!

This is me and my upline Kristine at Manager's Reception in Nashville at Stampin' Up! Leadership.  This was my first time to Leardership and my first time to Manager's Reception, so I was beyond thrilled!  I'm working on my Leadership scrapbook as I want to get it printed in the month of May because there is a sale on print services!  So you should get creating!  Gotta have those books and pages printed in May at a discount!!!! 

Happy Stampin'
Allison

Get My Digital Studio HERE.  It's SO fun!!!

Calgary & Airdrie Stamp Clubs! Time to JOIN!

Hello My Fabulous Calgary & Airdrie Stampers!

Would you like an afternoon or evening every month for some 'me' time? Imagine yourself making beautiful cards or scrapbook pages with a fun group of ladies, far from the distractions of your own home. If you're interested in learning new stamping techniques, creating projects like the ones pictured here, and want to meet new people..do I have a group for you!  The Calgary Stamp Club is reforming in June and I'm hoping to start an Airdrie Stamp Club!

These are the March projects from my Calgary Stamp Club (there's also a scrapbooking option too):

Each month a different member will be the hostess, which means you will get all the hostess benefits!!!  

What do you have to do to be a member?  First, contact me to sign up!  Second, commit to spending $30 a month (before shipping and tax) on Stampin' Up! merchandise from any current catalogue for the duration of the club (7 members = 7 months, 9 members = 9 months).  Third, let your friends or family in the area know about this awesome night out, and when one of them registers you will get a FREE stamp set of your choice from my stash!

Please call or email me with any questions or to get yourself registered!

Allison Okamitsu
Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
403-512-0549
nicepeoplestamp@hotmail.com

An Owl Card for ME

I've been getting really spoiled lately!  LOTS of cards and gifties from my stamping friends!  This card is from Niki (friend, cousin, downline).  Doesn't that little punched owl steal the show?!?!

He's SO adorable!  The Owl Punch is a 'must own'.  It's WAY too cute to be without. 

Thanks Niki!  LOVE IT!

Happy Stampin'
Allison

Order your Owl Punch and everything else crafty and wonderful HERE

Ice Cream Cone Card

Isn't this CUTE!?!?  My upline Kristine came by the house yesterday and look what she had for me!  Not only is it one of the sweetest cards ever, BUT it's also tucked inside a Marble Slab gift card.  Oh, she knows me all right!  The card is made from the Petal Cone Die for the BIG SHOT.  Soooo, if you haven't got this die yet, this card is going to seal the deal!

I told you, it's so freaking CUTE!  And the message just tucks easily in the back...

Can't forget the sparkly wonderful cherry on top...

Thanks Kristine!  I LOVE it!!!!

Happy Stampin'
Allison

Online shopping, always OPEN!

My Digital Studio - Hybrid Card

So I showed you this card I created a while ago using Stampin' Up!'s digital program, My Digital Studio:

I uploaded it to the Stampin' Up! printer and ordered a few copies to play with.  I love it just as it is from the printer, but I also wanted to made a hybrid version.  Check it out:

With just a few buttons, a scrap of ribbon, and some linen thread and this card really goes to the next level!  I am so absolutely pleased with this card that I really can't even contain myself!

Is there anything better than complete creative pleasure?  I think not.  I'm in love. 

Happy Stampin'
Allison

Go HERE to buy the My Digital Studio Software for yourself!

Morgan's Vintage Notebook

I did an 'Anything Goes' Swap with my downline a while ago, and I was amazed (as always) at the talent!  This project is from Morgan, and her specialty is most certainly altered items in a vintage style, so it was no surprise to me that she chose to swap this little vintage notebook.  What a treat for those of us that did the swap! 

I have a really fantastic group of ladies in my downline, and I am so thankful for each and every one of them.  Someone said to me recently 'oh, I could never be a demonstrator, I'm just a beginner'.  This couldn't be further from the truth!  Everyone was a beginner once, and just because you're a beginner, doesn't mean you can't be a fantastic demonstrator!  Between your upline, the Stampin' Up! Demonstrator Website, the Stampin' Success Demonstrator Magazine, Stampin' Connection, and mydigitalstudio.net, you will find the support that every demonstrator needs when they are first starting out.  Being a demonstrator is a BLAST!  You'll love it!  Now jump in with both feet! 

Happy Stampin'
Allison

Sign up to be the next fantastic demonstrator HERE

My Digital Studio - A Man & His Dog

Aren't the two men in my house adorable!?!  I think so!  :)  I made this MDS 12 x 12 page for a Stampin' Up! contest last month, but I guess I didn't win, bummer.  Oh well, I don't even know if my submission got there on time as I totally did it on a whim at the last minute.  Winner or not, I love this page. 

My 'go to' MDS move is to play with the opacity of things.  I did that a lot on this page and I'm super happy with the results.  I also like to shadow EVERYTHING, cause I like the illusion of 3D.  What are your MDS guilty pleasures or 'go to' moves? 

Want to know why you should be creating up a storm with your My Digital Studio software?  Well, next month there are select print products on sale at 30% off!  Get creating so you're ready for the sale!!!!

30% Off Hard Cover Photobooks

30% Off Soft Cover Photobooks

30% Off Individual Pages (5 page minimum)
30% Off Additional Double-Sided Photobook Pages
Remember, the sale starts May 1st, so get your projects done so you can take advantage!  Don't have the My Digital Studio Software yet?  Go HERE and get it, you won't be disappointed!

Happy Stampin'
Allison

Up To My Elbows!

Ugh.  It's tax time.  Being the procrastinator that I am, I have put off doing my business taxes until now and I'm up to my elbows in paperwork.  Please bear with me.  I will be back, hopefully tomorrow.  For now it's me, my mounting pile of junk, and the calculator.

Wish me luck!
Allison

Quilted Card - Paisley Petals DSP & Four Frames Stamp Set

I finally did it!  I've been saying that I'm going to make a quilted card for quite a while now, but it just never seemed to get to the top of the VERY long to do list.  Well, I'm happy to say that I've crossed it off!

I REALLY love this Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper.  The patterns are subtle and beautiful, really quite lovely.  The stamp set is just as fantastic!  And...it's a sneak peak from the NEW Idea Book & Catalogue!  April is the only month you can get your hands on these babies until they're thrown back into the vault, not to be let out again until July!  So how do get them you ask?  Place any order of $25 and you are then eligible to purchase them.  Check out my online store to get your goodies! 

Sorry about my lack of card auctions in the last couple of posts.  I haven't quit, I just needed to locate some pictures.  So how about we end today's post with another one of my favourite projects, this little card pouch made with the Petal Cone Die:

Minimum bid $5

All proceeds to the Stamping to Support Japan Fundraiser

It's a silent auction, so if this little pouch is screaming your name, be sure to email me with your bid. (I'll pay the shipping to anywhere in Canada or the US.) I have raised over $2000 so far for the relief effort in Japan, and hopefully auctioning off some of my favourite projects will add to that total.

Thank you for your continued support!

Allison

SHOP HERE

Inside My Stamp Room - Video

I've had some emails recently asking to see some pictures of my Stamp Room, but I thought it would be way more fun to show you a video! 

I had a lot of fun shooting the video, although I'm not sure how the whole editing process works, so I'm lucky I didn't make too many mistakes!  I'd like to shoot some more videos, crafting ones, so if you have a suggestion for an editing program (preferably free) let me know. 

I hope you enjoyed a little peek into my Stamp Room!  Feel free to email me any questions.  (P.S. Shannon's Store on Etsy is 'Freshslice' if you want your own fancy coffee sleeve!)

Happy Stampin'
Allison

Shop in my Online Store

Watercolor Wonder Crayons & Awash With Flowers

A few nights ago a challenged myself to use two things that hadn't seen the light of day in quite some time, my Watercolor Wonder Crayons and the Awash With Flowers stamp set.  Now I ask myself 'why in the world have I been neglecting these beauties?'  I LOVE the look the Watercolor Crayons give, and the Awash With Flowers stamp set is SO pretty!  Lesson learned!  

The technique with the crayons is called 'Wet Watercolor Crayons'.  You simply use the crayon to colour on a solid stamp (much like you would use a marker) and then spritz it with some water before stamping on your paper.  I think I could have been a little more liberal with my spritzing, but I think it's still a job well done.  :)  

Stampin' Up! Supplies:
Stamp Sets:  Awash With Flowers, Sweet Shoppe Alphabet Lower, Four Frames
Ink:  Pretty in Pink, Baja Breeze, StazOn Black
Paper:  Sweet Stitches DSP, Baja Breeze, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White, Watercolour Paper
Other:  Watercolor Wonder Crayons

My Stamp Club girls will be doing this technique today and tomorrow, so I hope they like it!

Happy Stampin'
Allison

Get your Watercolour Wonder Crayons and everything else crafty HERE in my Online Store

Birthday Bakery Swap

I'm showing off the talent of my friend (and downline) Angela today!  Some members of my team got together for a swap recently, and WOW, there are some VERY creative ladies!  Angela's swap uses the level 1 Hostess Set Birthday Bakery.  This is one of the first sets I got when the new catalogue came out!  I love how Angela added some sparkle with Dazzling Diamonds...

You can't buy this baby, you have to earn this stamp set for FREE by hosting a workshop of $200.  Well worth it!  :)  Book your workshop today so you can get the Birthday Bakery Stamp Set FREE too! 

Happy Stampin'
Allison

Shop online (place an order of $200 and you can get Birthday Bakery FREE too!!!)

I'm SO Spoiled!

Aren't I a lucky duck?  My demonstrator friend from Ontario, Christine, sent me this little cute as a 'button' card!  Hee hee...I'm so spoiled!  Christine used a bunch of my favs from the Occasions Mini Catalouge, the Button Embosslit, Sweet Stitches DSP, Pear Pizzazz Seam Binding Ribbon, and we can't forget the Top Note Die for the BIG SHOT!  Look at the cuteness:

Thanks Christine for such a fabulous card!  I love it!

Today's card up for auction is:

Minimum bid $3

All proceeds to the Stamping to Support Japan Fundraiser

Itching to get your hands on the latest and greatest?  This card is made with the NEW Four Frames Stamp Set and Paisley Petals DSP.  These products are in the NEW Idea Book & Catalogue that will be released in July, but you can get this card made with this stuff now!  All proceeds from today's auction will go to the Stamping to Support Japan Fundraiser.


It's a silent auction, so if this is a card that you'd love to have in your stash, be sure to email me with your bid. (I'll pay the shipping to anywhere in Canada or the US.) I have raised over $2000 so far for the relief effort in Japan, and hopefully auctioning off some of my favourite cards will add to that total.


Thank you for your support.  It means a lot to me!
Happy Stampin'
Allison
 
SHOP SHOP SHOP

Card Auction #5 - Pattern Pieces & Melon Mambo

Minimum bid $3

All proceeds to the Stamping to Support Japan Fundraiser.

Now this one is going to be hard to part with!  I made this card the first night after I received my pre-order of supplies from the Occasions Mini Catalogue in December of last year.  As a demonstrator I can get the products early, so this Pattern Pieces Stamp was one of my first buys.  I LOVE the pink, the pompom trim, the little cut out pieces of the pattern....  I just really like this card.  BUT, I'm willing to part with it for a good cause, as all proceeds from today's auction will go to the Stamping to Support Japan Fundraiser.

We're going to do it silent auction style, so if this is a card that you'd love to have in your stash, be sure to email me with your bid. (I'll pay the shipping to anywhere in Canada or the US.)  I have raised over $2000 so far for the relief effort in Japan, and hopefully auctioning off some of my favourite cards will add to that total.



Happy Bidding!
Allison


Shop for all things fabulous and crafty HERE

Sweet Stitches 3 x 3 Notecards

Whoa, I've had a busy couple of days!  Now I feel like I can breathe a little.  FYI, for those that signed up for ribbon shares, they have all hit the mail, so they should be to you shortly. 

I spent some time last night making these cute little 3 x 3 notes with the Sweet Stitches DSP from the Occasions Mini Catalogue. 

I can't believe this catalogue is almost done.  It's so sad to think that all those lovely products will be unavailble after the end of the month.  I'm particularly heartbroken about the Sweet Stitches DSP and all the other fab things that go with it.  Time to order for my stash...I can't imagine not having this stuff hoarded away. 

Ok, now on to the card auction of the day!

Minimum bid $3

All proceeds to the Stamping to Support Japan Fundraiser.

I have raised $2000 so far for the relief effort in Japan, and hopefully auctioning off some of my favourite cards will add to that total.  And who doesn't love cupcakes?!?!
We're going to do it silent auction style, so if this is a card that you'd love to have in your stash, be sure to email me with your bid. (I'll pay the shipping to anywhere in Canada or the US.)


Happy Bidding!
Allison

Shop HERE for all things Stampin' Up!

Card Auction #4

Minimum bid $3

All proceeds to the Stamping to Support Japan Fundraiser.

I think this card is adorable!  I may have a hard time parting with it to the highest bidder, but I promise I will!  :)  I have raised $2000 so far for the relief effort in Japan, and hopefully auctioning off some of my favourite cards with add to that total.  The sewing theme on this one is just so sweet! 

We're going to do it silent auction style, so if this is a card that you'd love to have in your stash, be sure to email me with your bid. (I'll pay the shipping to anywhere in Canada or the US.)

Happy Bidding!
Allison

Shop HERE for all things Stampin' Up!

Teri's Workshop

I had a lovely Sunday afternoon with Teri and her fabulous group of girlfriends!  They were a blast!  Of course, you know me, I totally forgot to take pictures AT the workshop, but I do have some pics of our projects, door prize, and hostess gift.  So check em out...

This is the hostess gift I gave Teri as a thank you for booking her workshop with me.  I used the Basket & Blooms Die for the BIG SHOT to make a little purse to hold her goodies.  And I know that she's a quilter, so I thought a fabric flower embellishment using the Fun Flowers Die would be right up her ally.

And what's inside you ask?

A selection of three ribbons and some star brads.  I wonder what she'll create...

So after I showed them how to make the gift I gave Teri, we moved on to create some cards together. 

I love the new Paisley Prints DSP and Four Frames stamp set!  We haven't closed Teri's workshop yet, so if her sales reach $460 she will earn both the DSP and stamp set FREE!  (book a workshop in April and you too will have the opportunity to earn these for FREE!) 

And of course what's a party without a door prize?!?

So that was my fabulous Sunday! 

Now on to the Card Auction of the Day.  Auction #3 is:

Minimum bid $3

All proceeds to the Stamping to Support Japan Fundraiser.

We're going to do it silent auction style, so if this is a card that you'd love to have in your stash, be sure to email me with your bid. (I'll pay the shipping to anywhere in Canada or the US.)

Have a fabulous Monday!
Happy Stampin'
Allison
 
Shop online for all things crafty HERE!

Oh what fun!

On Saturday morning I had a lovely group of little ladies over to make some Easter projects.  Oh my gosh it was SO much fun!  It was interesting to see how they decorated their baskets and what their plan of design was.  One of the girls was very intent on making hers exactly like the sample, and the two younger ones were very much outside the box little girls.  Check out their projects...

I had a REALLY fabulous time!  Thanks for coming girls!

Happy Stampin'
Allison

PS Tuesday is the deadline to sign up for the Birthday Blitz Card Buffet. 

Card Auction #2 - Petal Cone Card Caddy & Notecards

Today's auction is one of my all time favourite projects that I made with the Petal Cone Die and the Bliss stamp set from Sale-a-Bration.  I will have a very hard time parting with this, but anything for a good cause!  All funds will be donated to the relief efforts in Japan.  More details on my fundraising efforts here. 


We're going to do it silent auction style, so if this is a project that you can't live without, be sure to email me with your bid. (I'll pay the shipping to anywhere in Canada or the US.)

Today's project up for auction - Petal Cone Die Card Caddy and Four 3 x 3 Notecards & Envelopes:

Minimum bid $8

So email me your bid and I'll notify the winner the following morning. Good luck!


Happy Bidding!

Allison

Japan Relief Effort Update & Cards for Auction

I just wanted to send a very heartfelt thank you to everyone who has purchased these cards to support the relief effort in Japan.  To date I have raised $2000!  I am SO truly thankful for your support, and your understanding as I rush to make so many cards as quickly as possible.  I am currently up to date on orders, and will be taking them to the mail on Friday. 

So, to kick off my next fundraising adventure...drumroll....

I will be auctioning off a card on my blog every day for the remainder of the month.  These may be cards you have seen before on my blog, or these may be brand new creations.  We're going to do it silent auction style, so if you see a card that you can't live without, be sure to email me with your bid.  (I'll pay the shipping to anywhere in Canada or the US.)

Today's card up for auction:

Minimum bid $3

So email me your bid and I'll notify the winner the following morning.  Good luck!

Happy Bidding!

Allison

Birthday Blitz Card Buffet

Birthday Blitz Card Buffet

Saturday, April 16th

1pm-5pm

$5 registration, $2.50 for every card you create

Click picture to enlarge.

Join me for an afternoon of cardmaking! The cards are designed, the paper is cut, all you have to do is come stamp and assemble! All the cards are birthday themed, so you'll have a good stash making sure you'll always have one on hand! Registration is $5 to hold your spot, and then you only pay $2.50 for each card you create.  Make only the cards you want!  Please contact me to register.  You must be registered by Tuesday, April 12th if you would like to attend.

I hope to see you there!
Happy Stampin'
Allison



Easter Kids Class - Saturday, April 9th

Easter Kids Class

Saturday, April 9th

10am-12noon

$20

Come on Calgary kids and get crafty!  Grab your favourite adult (Mom, Dad, Grandparent, Aunt, Uncle, Neighbor) and create an Easter Basket and Easter Treat Card. 

We’ll use the Big Shot, punches, cardstock, ribbon, and designer papers to make your basket the most stylish in town!  For only $20 you can have a fun day of crafting with your favourite adult and get all ready for those Easter egg hunts!  Please contact me to register.  You must be registered by Tuesday, April 12th Friday, April 8th at noon.  (Sorry, I confused the deadline dates for this class and the Birthday Blitz Class when typing this.)

Happy Stampin'
Allison

Birthday Blitz Class Pre-view

I had some time to create with my downline this weekend and I made some cards for my upcoming Birthday Blitz Card Class (date to be released soon).  I LOVE this one.  It's simple, yet striking, and a really cool colour combo!  Poppy Parade, Baja Breeze, and So Saffron. 


If you live in Calgary (or close enough) and would like to be put on the list for when when the official invitation goes out for this class, please contact me.


Happy Stampin'
Allison

Shop online HERE for all things Stampin' Up!

Demo Stamping Night

Thank you so much to everyone who has placed orders with me for the newly updated Clearance Rack and Grab Bags!  I appreciate you business very much, so thank you for choosing me to be your demonstrator!  If you haven't gotten your goodies yet, you better run!  There are some fabulous items DEEPLY discounted, so get on over to my Stampin' Up! Store before they're all sold out!

In other news....
On Friday night I was lucky enough to have some of my downline join me for a Stamping Night.  We had SO much FUN! 

I had planned this project to do with the girls, using the new Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper and the new Four Frames stamp set.  Now they're ready to show their customers some of the latest and greatest! 

I REALLY love this new paper and stamp set!  You can get it free by hosting a qualifying workshop in the month of April you know...I still have a few dates open, so contact me asap to find out how to get your free stamp set and designer paper!

So when we were done making the card the girls just kind of looked at me like 'what's next?'  What's next you ask?  Go hog wild!  I had brought out ALL of my cardstock, designer paper, embellishments, ribbons, BIG SHOT dies, punches, stamp sets, new stuff, retired stuff, EVERYTHING!  They had full run of the place and were free to create to their little hearts content.  I thought Morgan's eyes were going to fall out of her face!  hahaha!  There was lots to pick from....

I couldn't take pictures of it all, but it was slightly overwhelming, even for me! 

I had a really fabulous time just relaxing and creating together.  There were some REALLY beautiful cards made by the girls, and of course I forgot to take pictures. 

I did however have the time to almost totally complete the cards for my upcoming Birthday Blitz Card Buffet!  I can't believe how much I got done!  I can't wait to show you!  Keep checking back this week for the date and card samples.

Have a fabulous Sunday, and head over to my Stampin' Up! Store and check out the Clearance Rack and Grab Bags if you haven't already.

Happy Stampin'
Allison