A Fun-Filled day!

Good Morning, Stampers!

I can't believe today is finally here! The VERY LAST DAY to get retiring products before they are gone AND my NEW CATALOG OPEN HOUSE!

If you are in the area, please feel free to stop by any time between 10am and 1pm OR 7pm and 9pm. I have FREE Catalogs, Make & Takes, a chance to win over $120 in stamps, FREEBIES & more! Don't miss this fabulous opportunity!

Here are the make & takes we will be making:

Tomorrow starts the NEW 2012-2013 Idea Book & catalog! Ordering will be available AFTER      12 noon MST. Visit my online store for more information HERE

Happy Stampin'!
~Melissa

It's a GREAT Day!

Good Morning, Stampers!!

TODAY is a GREAT day to join my Rubberfunatics Team! Not only can you customize your starter kit, get $125 of products for only $99 and get FREE SHIPPING on your order, but starting Friday, you will get to PRE ORDER a brand new stamp set for the July Promotion! Here's a hint: It will definitely give you a "Reason to Smile"!!

Demonstrators get to see and pre order all of the products EARLY! The Holiday Mini Catalog will be coming soon, so that means that you can get a sneek peek & pre order those products, too!

More Demonstrator "perks":

* Access to over 250,000 ideas on Stampin' Connection!
* Exclusive Stampin' Success magazine subscription!
* Opportunity to earn extra stamping $$!
* Opportunity to earn exclusive vacations!
* Opportunity to earn FREE stamps and stamping products & MORE!!

What have you got to lose? JOIN NOW! Just 5 simple steps!

Feel free to contact me with any questions.

Happy Stampin'!
~Melissa

Weekly 3/$5

Good Morning, Stampers!

This week's 3/$5 class is all about the men in our lives. Father's day is just around the corner, there are birthday's, graduations, etc. that I just know these cards will be nice to have on hand!

We will create these 3 cards in under an hour for only $5! Contact the Center @ 248-573-8175 to reserve your space. If you are interested in a kit, please contact me directly.

Happy Stampin'!
~Melissa

June Framed Art

Good Morning, Stampers!

We had such warm, beautiful weather here this past weekend! You can't help but think SUMMER! One of the many things my kids love is the good 'ole ice cream truck. I swear they can hear the music from a mile away!

It got me thinking that the "Flavors of Summer" would be a good theme for this month's Framed Art class. Take a look at all of the yummy treats made with the Mouthwatering stamp set (w125675 $20.95 - c125677 $16.95! The background is done using the paper-weaving technique to mimic a picnic basket.

This class is being offered on Monday, June 4th @ 7pm. If you would like to purchase a kit, please contact me directly. The class/kit fee is $10 (w/o frame) or $15 (w/ frame). Shipping is additional. Kit includes all of the supplies - no stamping.

Happy Stampin'!
~Melsisa

Heros & Holiday Special

Good Morning, Stampers!

Today, we remember those who gave their lives for our freedom.

"Without Heros, we will never know how far one can go" 

I have a FABULOUS SPECIAL available to you TODAY ONLY!

For every $25* in online orders you place today, receive a FREE firm-foam Classic ink pad of your choice! There is NO LIMIT to how many pads you can receive! Just log onto my online store and place your order. Once your order is complete, I will email you for your ink pad(s) color selection(s)! That's it! Simple, huh?

Log onto my online store HERE . Don't forget to check the Clearance Rack, too! Remember, ALL retiring products will retire on Thursday, May 31st!
Happy Stampin'!
~Melissa

* BEFORE tax & shipping

Exciting News!!!

Good Morning, Stampers!

I have some VERY exciting news to share with you! I have been asked to participate again in the Create with Connie & Mary NEW Catalog Edition as a Design Team Member!

I am SO thrilled and can't wait to share my projects with all of you!

New Catalog Edition Early Bird Special Has Begun!

We are going to celebrate under the Big Top this edition! This edition is something to celebrate, too, because this is the first time we are doing the NEW CATALOG!

Do you know what that means? ALL the projects shared this edition will be good for the whole catalog year! Running out of steam after the last mini? Pull out one of these fabulous projects! Looking for some fun creatitve ideas to punch things up any time during the catalog period? We've 'got the ticket' for you!

So...what do you need to know about Create with Connie and Mary New Catalog Edition 2012? We're glad you asked!

•Our Preview Week is from June 10th through June 16th. During this time the fabulous design team will be sharing with you special projects to show you what Create with Connie and Mary is all about! These preview projects are FREE and give you a taste of what the normal full tutorials are like that we do for all of our projects! Oh...and during Preview Week Connie and Mary, along with each member of the Design Team, will be offering BLOG CANDY!

•The New Catalog Edition 2012 will run for 5 weeks starting Sunday, June 17th and ending Saturday, July 21st.

•What do you get for your subscription? You will get 6 GREAT projects EACH week with a FULL DOWNLOADABLE TUTORIAL (and templates if appropriate) for EACH project. That's a total of 30 fabulous projects with PHOTO directions!

•You get the opportunity to participate in our weekly challenges and have your name entered into our drawing for two FREE subscriptions to the NEXT edition of Create with Connie and Mary! Our Saturday challenges are shared on our personal blogs for everyone to see, but only subscribers can win our drawings! Also, our PRIZE PATROL drawing will award $75 gift certificates to TWO lucky subscribers...all you need to do is JOIN!

•ALL of our projects are EXCLUSIVE to Create with Connie and Mary New Catalog Edition 2012. You will NOT see the design team posting previews of the projects on their blogs or any public gallery. The ONLY way to see the projects is to become a subscriber!

So don't miss out...subscribe today for only the EARLY BIRD SPECIAL of $24.95 US! That's $5 off the regular 5 week subscription price of $29.95!

Subscribe NOW and don't miss out!

Happy Stampin'!
~Melissa



Drink Topper

Good Morning, Stampers!

Not only is it FRIDAY, but it is a 3-day Holiday Weekend! I know there will be lots of parties, BBQ's, etc., to celebrate the Memorial Holiday, so my project for today is a fun idea perfect for the occasion! Take a look:


It's a drink topper! Not only is it stylish, it keeps the nasty bugs out, too! You can make them in different styles, patterns and flowers so your guests will be able to identify their drinks - personalized and multi-functional!

**Instructions**
1. Cut a circle at least 1" larger than the cup. (Here, I used the 3 1/2 " circle)
2. Emboss using the Square Lattace embossing folder.
3. Punch a scallop (2 3/4") from the Domestic Goddess DSP. Adhere to the circle.
4. Punch 5 flowers from the 5 petal flower punch. (Any flower will work.)
5. Line all of the flowers up & punch a small hole in the center.
6. Insert a shimmer brad in the center.
7. Twist the flower petals to off set & "pull-up" on the petals.
8. Punch 2 small ovals. Fold lengthwise.
9. Adhere the leaves to the backside of the flowers.
10. Adhere the flower to the circle using dimensionals.

Have a fantastic weekend!

Happy Stampin'!
~Melissa

Totally Terrific Tools

Good Morning, Stampers!

I have another fun project to share with you today! With Father's Day just around the corner, this project is perfect for the special man in your life. This would also make a great birthday gift, too! It would look fantastic in his workshop, office, or even in his "man cave"!

You can get a list of the supplies HERE

* Some of these supplies are retiring! Get them before they are gone for good!

Order your products HERE

Happy Stampin'!
~Melissa

Another Inspiration....

Good Morning, Stampers!

Yesterday, I had a huge weight lifted off my shoulders! I can't get into the details, but I can tell you that I celebrated with a little day of shopping! Do you remember what happened last week when that happened? (ha-ha) Yep, you guessed it...I GOT INSPIRED!! The only problem was that I couldn't resist this little guy - I had to bring him home with me! Isn't he adorable??

Of course, he got my wheels turning! Take a look:

What a fun and simple card! I may need to make more!

Supplies:
Eyes: 1 3/4" circle punch (119850 $16.95) & 1/2" circle punch (119869 $5.95)
Nose: Small oval punch (retired) with Daffodil Delight
Head: 3 1/2" x 4" Soft Suede embossed with the Square Lattice (119976 $7.95)
Scallops: Sizzix Tasteful Trim Bigz XL (120893 $42.95) with Pacific Point, Marina Mist, Certainly Celery & Wild Wasabi
Flower: Sizzix Island Floral Bigz (118871 $21.95) with Melon Mambo & the 1/2" circle punch with Whisper White

I found a few other fun things for inspiration - I will share them with you in the coming weeks!

Happy Stampin'!
~Melissa

Dad's Ties

Good Morning, Stampers!

Father's Day is just around the corner. Time to start thinking of the special men in our lives! We have an adorable stamp set called Best Dad Ever (w120399 $18.95 - c120681 $14.95) that includes a variety of sentiments as well as a image with cute little ties. This set can be used for Father's Day, birthday, or just because! Take a peek:

Banners are all the rage right now, so I thought it would be fun to make a banner of ties! I love the idea of separating the words, too. Try mixing & matching to see what you can come up with!

Happy Stampin'!
~Melissa

weekly 3/$5 - Celebrations

Good Morning, Stampers!

This week's 3/$5 class is all about Celebrations. Graduation, Birthdays, Babies & Life! You will have the opportunity to add your own sentiment onto these cards to personalize your occasion.

Contact the center directly to reserve your spot @ 248-573-8175 or contact me directly to reserve your kit. You will complete these 3 cards in under an hour for only $5!

Happy Stampin'!
~Melissa

New FIRM FOAM Ink Pads!

Good Morning, Stampers!

With the introduction of the 2012-2013 annual catalog, we have made a very big change to our Stampin’ Pads.
Introducing firm foam pads! They change your stamping experience for the better.

We know you’re going to love these new Stampin’ Pads—just look at all the exciting benefits listed below:

• Provide better ink coverage for your stamps!
• Light-tap stamping produces flawless images!

In addition, our new Stampin’ Pads

• Create wonderfully solid images. The Firm Foam releases more ink onto your rubber stamp than the felt pads. When using the Firm Foam pad, your stamp will get an even, solid covering of ink that you may not have been able to achieve with the felt pads. Please note: if you are using the ink pad frequently you may need to re-ink your Firm Foam pad more often.
• Have a crisply printed, glossy label on the top of the pad that is easier to read and that will not fade or chip off!
• Each pad will come with color name labels in all four languages (English, Spanish, French, and German)--just choose your language, peel it off the back, and add it to the side of the pad for easy identification!
• Use the same patented flip-top case design that stores the inking surface upside down, so the pad surface stays moist!
• Are available in all colors, including our exclusive In Colors!

You can still purchase the current felt ink pads supplies last and these New Ink Pads will be avaliable starting June 1st if you have any questions about these changes, please contact me!

I will have the NEW PADS available to try out at my Open House on May 31st. Contact me to reserve your space. 10am - 12pm OR 7pnm - 9pm.

Happy Stampin'!
~Melissa

Fast & Fabulous Friday - Good Fortune

Good Morning, Stampers!

It is finally FRIDAY! I have a fun project to share with you today that is sure to bring good fortune!
I came across these adorable little fortune cookies on Pinterest the other night. What a fun party favor these would make for a birthday party, wedding, baby shower, etc.! Aren't they cute??

You can find the simple step-by-step instructions to these cookies HERE.

Hope today brings you good fortune!

Happy Stampin'!

~Melissa



FREE STAMP DAY!

Good Morning, Stampers!

I LOVE my customers! I am so grateful to each and everyone of you and I thank you for your suppport and all of encouragement you give to me each and every day!

I have dedicated the 3rd Thursday of every month as a FREE STAMP DAY to show my appreciation to all of you! This month's project is a fun gift bag made with a simple brown paper lunch bag. These gift bag's are a great go-to bag for a last-minute gift or treat for someone special...



My FREE STAMP DAY is open to everyone! Bring a friend, too! Please R.S.V.P. to be sure I have enough supplies prepared. The next FREE STAMP DAY is Thursday, June 21st @ 10am. Mark your calendar!

Happy Stampin'!
~Melissa

Another Stamp Club Exclusive

Good Morning, Stampers!

I have another Stamp Club project to share with you today! Take a peek:

I am in love with this Everything Eleanor stamp set (w124162 $36.95 - c124164 $26.95)! Only 2 more weeks until you can order one yourself!

Did you reserve your FREE catalog yet? Contact me to get your copy! (shipping additional)

Happy Stampin'!
~Melissa

Embedded Image Embossing

Good Morning, Stampers!

I met with my stamp clubs this past week. I love meeting with them and trying out new techniques or ideas that I come across. This technique called Embedded Image Embossing caught my eye immediately. I love the contrast between the soft color background and the bold stamped image. I also gave them a taste of what's coming in the new catalog with the Itty Bitty Bannners stamp set & coordinating Bitty Banners framelits! The framelits make the little banners so easy!

Directions:

1. Using Whisper White cardstock, I lightly sponged Daffodil Delight & Tangerine Tango onto the Sizzix 3" circle (122125 $17.95).

2. Using Versamark, cover the entire circle with the ink. Emboss with clear embossing powder.

3. Repeat step 2.

4. Ink up the silhouette flower image from the My Friend stamp set (w122585 $27.95 - c122587 $19.95) in Versamark ink and emboss using Black embossing powder.

5. As you heat, you will see the two layers merge together and embed into each other.

6. Allow to cool. Adhere to the Basic Black Sizzix Scallop Circle #2 (113469 $19.95)

7. Adhere the DSP (Twitterpated 125406 $10.95) to the card front.

8. Adhere the scallop circle to the card front.

9.   Tie a knot in the Basic Black Scallop Dots Ribbon. Adhere to the scallop circle using a glue dot.

10. Stamp the image from the Itty Bitty Banners stamp set (available June 1st)in Basic Black ink  and cut with the coordinating Bitty Banners framelits (available June 1st).

11. Adhere to the card front using dimensionals.

12. Adhere a few rhinestones to complete the card.

Happy Stampin'!
~Melissa

Weekly 3/$5 - Going, Going, Gone!

Good Morning, Stampers!

There is just a short time left to get your favorites from the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog! For this week's class, I chose 3 stamp sets that will be retiring at the end of the month. We will make these cards in under an hour for only $5! Contact the SLSC to reserve your space @ 248-573-8175 or contact me directly to purchase a kit.

Happy Stampin'!
~Melissa

Fast & Fabulous Friday!

Good Morning, Stampers!

It is FRIDAY! I got inspired the other night while shopping in the party store. I came across this napkin and immediately, I thought of the new stamp set Betsy's Blossom's from the upcoming 2012-2013 Catalog.

I love the bold colors, don't you? Usually when I think of flowers, I think of softer colors. It takes an inspiration like this to get me thinking outside of my comfort zone. Here is what I cam up with. Pretty fun, huh?

What inspires you? If you get stuck in a rut, look around for new isnpiration. You never know what you may find!

Happy Stampin'!
~Melissa

Time is running out....

Good Morning, Stampers!

Time is running out to get all of your favorite accessories before they are gone for good! One of my favorites that I am sad to see go is the Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch #122464 $23.95.

You can find all of the retiring products HERE

Order your products HERE Be sure to check out the Clearance Rack, too!

Happy Stampin'!

~Melissa

May Card Kit of the Month

Good Morning, Stampers!

I have my May Card Kit of the Month to share with you today! The kit features the stamp set Up, Up & Away (w122755 $26.95 - c122757 $18.95) from page 63 of the Idea Book & Catalog. The kit includes all of the consumables to create these four cards - no stamping - for only $10. If you purchase the kit & stamp set together, you will save 10% off of the stamp set!

 Contact me to reserve your kit!

Happy Stampin'!
~Melissa

Weekly 3/$5 - Notecards

Good Morning, Stampers!

In this week's 3/$5 class, we will be making personalized notecards featuring the stamp set Raining Flowers (w122765 $39.95 - c122767 $28.95). You will create 3 notecards in the colors/designs of your choice! Here is just an example of some of the cards you can create:

Follow these or create your own - it is up to you! Class/kit fee is only $5! Contact the Center to reserve your space @ 248-573-8175 or contact me for a kit.

Happy Stampin!

~Melissa

Fabulous Friday!

Good Morning, Stampers!

Today's project is not quite as fast as it usually is, but it certainly is FABULOUS because of the SNEEK PEEK products I used!

I am LOVIN' the new toys I received yesterday! The new Sizzix die - Oval Accent & the stamp set Betsy's Blossom - are available for PRE-ORDER if you are a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator! Now is the perfect time to join my team for ONLY $99 & FREE shipping!

JOIN NOW!!

Happy Stampin'!

~Melissa



NEW Hostess Benefits

Good Morning, Stampers!

With the soon-to-be released 2012-2013 Idea Book & catalog, I am excited to announce that there have been some changes to the Hostess Benefits Chart! NEW levels = more Hostess dollars!

Start planning your June parties now so you can take advantage of the bonuses!

Happy Stampin'!
~Melissa

May Framed Art - Dream, Create, Inspire

Good Morning, Stampers!

This month's framed art is entitled "Dream, Create, Inspire". I created this using the sneek peek stamp set - Everything Eleanor - from the upcoming 2012-2013 Idea Book & Catalog, available June 1st!

You will have the option of customizing the sentiments if you choose.

The class is offered Monday, May 7th @ 7pm. This class is also available as a kit (no stamping) at no additional charge. The class fee is $10 w/o the frame or $15 including the frame. (shipping additional)

Contact me to reserve your space/kit.

Accessories Retirement List Update:

Added 5/2

101839 8 ½ x 11 Vellum sheets

121609 Melon Mambo Craft in refill

105151 So Saffron Craft ink refill

105111 Bashful Blue Stampin’ Write marker

105114 So Saffron Stampin’ Write marker

101990 More Mustard craft ink refill

104519 12 x 12 Linen Lost Album

100902 Dotto Refill

101618 Crimper

104153 Paper Cutter Replacement Blades




Happy Stampin'!
~Melissa

Join Today!

Good Morning, Stampers!

Today begins the day to join my RubberFUNatics team for only
$99 & FREE SHIPPING!
The best part of the deal is that YOU CHOOSE what quality products you want! Inks, paper, stamps, the BIG SHOT? It's up to YOU!!

You will also receive a Business Starter pack valued at $65 to help you get started.

As a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, you will also...

* Have access to Stampin' Connection - the Demonstrator ONLY website with over 200,000 ideas!
* Receive the monthly magazine Stampin' Success & MORE!

JOIN NOW in only 5 simple steps!

Contact me for more information!



Here are two more cards that we completed at my Sweet Summer card class this past week. Each card was embossed with the scented embossing powders from the Occasions Mini Catalog. If you didn't get yours embossing powders, not to worry! They are still available on the Carryover List! You can view the Carryover List HERE

Happy Stampin'!
~Melissa