BLOG CANDY reminder!!!

Don't FORGET to leave your comment for your chance to win BLOG CANDY!! I want to hear your story of inspiration. To get more details about the contest click on the original post for the BLOG CANDY contest, wouldn't you love to get creative with these items!!! I can't wait to read your comments.

Up Coming Class...4 Sure!

One of my devoted stampers mentioned in a class the other night, how she would love to make an organizer for her cards. She just couldn't stand how the dates typically listed in these projects only gave one slot for each day of the month. She said that she sometimes has 2 or 3 people with a birthday on the same day...that got me thinking. There are all these extra pockets in these card calendars, lets use them ALL! So when we have our class (date to be announced soon!) there is a little surprise that not only gives you the room that you need for all the anniversaries, birthdays, graduations, etc...BUT does it in such a cute and stylish way!!!

The inside of the book looks like this and I have to tell you that these were SO easy and FUN to make, I cranked out a few of all sizes. :)

The inside of this card calendar looks like this. I had such a blast creating these FUN and SUPER EASY card calendars that I cranked out a few in just a little over half an hour. I love the way you get to use all the different types of patterns in the DSP (man I LOVE this stuff!)

This is a book I made with a few of the pocket pages and blank ones too, I am using it at CONVENTION to take my notes in!! I love using cute things!!! I can't wait for Convention.

Candy Anyone?

I found this idea while blog surfing the other night. I thought they were adorable!!! I have a few baby showers coming up soon and thought these would be great as gifts for the new mom. These are adorable for holding little hair bows, barrettes, cotton balls, Q-tips, really anything small. If their little girl is anything like mine when she is born she will have a full head of hair. My daughter was born with an Afro. These cute candy dishes are made of small fish bowls, flower pots and flower pot dishes (I don't know the technical term). I used the set Nursery Necessities to embellish the outside. I stamped images on Poly-shrink and used my heat tool to shrink them.

I love these for the little boy too. I love this blue color and the embellishments really POP! I will be making these for all types of occasions for people to purchase at my craft fairs. Man I had better get to work!

FINAL Deal of the Week!

Here's the final Summer Fun Deal of the Week and it's a winner (more than 30% off)! The Heart to Heart Punch (113694) crops out three adorable hearts in a flash. Versatile year round. This card is one that we will be making in our August S.O.S. (Stock-up On Stamps) class on Aug. 28th using the Heart to Heart Punch with the Hello Again Set (113780). Click HERE to order these items NOW!

New Craft Fair Creation

I have been working on a new item for my Craft Fairs. I absolutely LOVE my Key Katcher that I got at Convention last year in the Memento Mall, and I use it always!!! I never have to dig into my purse or bag to search for my keys anymore. These handy little things keep them right on the edge of your bag so they are easy to get to which is FAB when you have your hands full with grocery bags and you have to unlock your car...what to do- well these are the answer!

These Key Katchers are super fun and completely FUNCTIONAL, which I love something cute-handmade and something you use ALL the time! I used the Hodgepodge Hardware (that was just on special) for these Katchers. I simply used my old Craft and Rubber scissors to cut off the ends for your brads and viola'!

Don't forget we only have another week to leave your inspirational story to be entered into the BLOG CANDY drawing. Check out my earlier post and leave me your comments on who got you inspired to get involved with Stampin' Up! I can't want to hear your story.

$1 Spot SCORE!!!

I went to Target this morning looking for some items for an upcoming class and I found a little added something! Don't you just LOVE that...I DO!!! So here is what I found, these ADORABLE plastic colored jumbo clothes pins. I knew just what I was going to do with them...and BTW I am planning on turning this type of project into ANOTHER class with some added items. I am still putting it I did think that these would be great for my fairs too. Hope you enjoy.

These clips are just too cute for words! I am in LOVE with them. I cleaned out my Target to the north of me and tomorrow morning I am heading to the one south of me to clean them out as well. :) I just love the looks I get from other women when I am piling $1 spot items into my cart...you can tell when there is a fellow crafter watching too. I get the look from the corner of their eye, and then I ask did you want a few. They often ask what are you going to do with them all, and then I explain and you can see a light bulb almost immediately appear above their head. It is so much fun seeing someone else get as excited as me when they see something cute in something very plain and ordinary. I am always MORE than happy to share. :)

I can NOT get enough of the Designer Paper either...I swore I would make it through all of the ones I have already before I allowed myself to buy more, and I am so happy to say that by the time I finish my last few items I should have it all used up!!! YEAH- more NEW stuff.

Getting Prepared, and possible class idea...

So I have been a little busy over the last few days. I have been preparing my inventory for my upcoming shows that start in September, you can CLICK HERE to see my schedule of shows. This was my latest item to complete. I have these mailboxes from the $1 spot at Target. I cover them in the Designer Series Paper (which I LOVE because of all the colors they offer!!) The papers I used for these are all retired but check out the current ones (I can't wait to get my hands on these designer papers, SO MANY POSSIBILITIES!)

I packed each mailbox with 10-12, 3x3 note cards with envelopes. These will make GREAT gifts for Teachers, friends, co-workers alike. I am hopeful that these will be a great seller at my shows. I think that i might do this project for a class and have the cards and DSP (designer series paper) there for the mailboxes...now to figure out what month this would work best in. :)


Here are all of the ones I made this go around. Man I just LOVE these colors. I also used 1/4" grosgrain ribbon around the lid edges to give a nice finished appearance to the mailboxes. Check out all the colors you can choose from HERE.

Look, the color doesn't end! I love all the different ones. I can't wait until I get all my Christmas, Fall and Valentine color papers to arrive so I can crank out EVEN MORE!

DEAL OF THE WEEK #4

I LOVE HODGEPODGE HARDWARE!!!!

Stampin' Up!'s Styled Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware adds class to any project. Get it for just $18.99 (over 30% off the regular

price of $29.95)—only July 20-26!

Visit my website and click on the SHOP NOW button in the top right corner to get your kit TODAY!

These fun projects we just did last week in the FMN (Forget-Me-Not) card class. We made this card, which would have been adorable with an additional piece of hardware on the front, and we also made this book thong using the hodgepodge hardware, crystal effects, dazzling diamonds, designer brads, ribbon and holiday blitz stamp set with different in-colors. What a cute card/gift for anyone and you can make your own if you get the hardware kit for yourself! It was super easy and

I would be happy to forward step by step instructions to

you. :)

Friday FUN...oh yeah and BLOG CANDY!!!

So before I get into the good stuff I thought I would share a project idea with you first. Suspense...got to love it! I am throwing around the idea of offering this as a class in October...Man do I LOVE the Holidays!

Ok, so with our new Definitely Decorative line there are a ton of adorable images and you simply adhere the vinyl images to pretty much any surface you wish. I was looking at this idea that came straight from the brochure and then saw these pumpkin faces and BAM, it hit me!

If I was able to find a jar like this, or similar, that had a green or olive colored metal top I would make me some pumpkin jars!!! Can you imagine how adorable this would be to fill with Orange candies?! The great thing is that the expressions are a good size so that the jars you get don't have to be enormous...because you know what happens when you have a huge jar FULL of candy right...I end up with a BIG BUTT!

I am going to make some and post them once I have them completed...man oh man do I love the Holidays. :)

I promised and here it is... who can resist FREE stuff?!

If you want to get *creative* with the fun lot pictured then enter by leaving your comments. In the previous post I touched on how my cousin really got me moving on my love and passion that is Stampin' Up! So now it's your turn, you tell me who it was that got you started and why they were such an inspiration or motivating force for you. I find this so interesting and can't wait to hear your comments. Don't forget to leave your email address as well so that if you are chosen then I can get your snail mail address from you, so you can get your LOOT!!!

HELLO Stampers!!!

Well I hope that you are a returning blogger, and if not welcome also. I am excited to show off my NEW and IMPROVED blog to you all. I have relocated to TX now and I have my good core friends established and I am re-motivated to get my Stampin' Up! business off the ground. I was feeling a bit deflated over the last few months with the delay in getting things rolling, BUT I have found a few dedicated stampers (thanks to my DBWS and Demo locater) which have helped me pull through this time. I am re-focused and ready to hit the ground running. I knew the best way to do that was to wipe the slate clean and start fresh, hence the NEW DIGS!!! I hope you like, me likee a lot. *grin*

**Note- this is not my baby, but seriously is this NOT the cutest thing you have seen...now why is it I can't rock this look? My body is almost identical, huh...weird.**

I am dedicating my self to this new found passion whole heartily, and I am scheduling my updates and focus to my new blog like I would an office job the only exception is that I actually ENJOY this! So be sure to check back often as I plan to keep the posts on here frequent, and I will also begin drawing for blog candy as well *gasp*!! Yes, I am getting wise to the whole blog etiquette and finally learning some of the perks the views like and deserve.

I do have to dedicate my new found drive and passion almost completely on my good friend and cousin, Shannon. She gave me one of the best Pep-Talks recently that made me realize and remember why it is that I got into this business in the first place and I am so blessed to have her in my life. So Shannon, here's to you!!! *clink-clink* (that is supposed to be glasses cheering each other, I know can I be any cheesier?? SURE!)

Please leave a comment about the person that inspired you to get started in the career or life long dream. Thank God for these people- right! I can't wait to hear your inspirational stories. I will randomly choose a name on Aug. 2nd (to give ample time for comments, plus I have a vacation to account for *jump -n- skip*) to win some BLOG CANDY!!! I will post that wonderful surprise in the next day or so...oh suspense!!!

LOOK!!! The Deal Of The Week!!!

A new Stampin' Up! deal for you valid thru July 20 at 9:50 a.m.(MT). I'm loving these mini specials! For details on the July Deals, click here!

Don't forget to check my website and Blog regularly for updates and NEW weekly specials from Stampin' Up!

Not to mention Convention is JUST around the corner and you won't want to miss all my updates from that!!!

Is There A Better Gift???

How about giving the perfect gift to those who have a passion for stamping?

I offer Stampin' Up! gift certificates (redeemable through me) which include a card I specially design for the recipient. Minimum gift amount is $25.

Need something last minute? I can create a virtual e-Card gift certificate within (see sample below) as long as the recipient has email. Usually within 24 hours :)

Simply email me the following information, and I will send you an invoice you can pay for it all on-line or with cash or check whichever you prefer, easy as 1, 2, 3...

*Recipient's name and address (or I can send it directly to you)
*Special colors, theme (for example, birthday, Christmas) or other details
*How would you like it signed (for example, "Love, Sissy" or "Your Sweat Pea")?
*When you could like the certificate sent (US Mail from San Antonio, TX). I cover the postage expense.
*For virtual e-card gift certificates, I will need the recipient's email address.

Better yet, suggest a Stampin' Up! gift certificate to your friends, family, spouse or significant other. They can give YOU something you're guaranteed to love on your next birthday, favorite holiday or anniversary.

e-Card Example:

**e-card states:

A Special Stamping Gift For: (Recipients Name)

From Your Best Friend (or term you choose): Senders Name

(amount of gift) to be redeemed for Stampin' Up! merchandise thru Erin Gonzales, Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator and Creative Coach.

July Classes

July Forget-Me-Not Card Class

Join me for the new Forget-Me-Not class series! You'll make 6 all-occasion cards and get 6 card composition templates at each class, while using new Stampin' Up! products and learning new stamping techniques. Not only will you get GREAT ideas but you will get to take advantage of SPECIALS that ONLY class attendee's will be eligible for!

The details for the class are:
Cost- The one-time first-class fee for new members is $25, which includes the $15 class fee as well as a Forget-Me-Not Keeper Box to store your cards and templates. All subsequent classes for returning members are then $15 (these are class members who have already purchased the Card Keeper in their first class registration).

Date- July 18th from 7-9pm

Location- Erin's Home (2811 Stokely Hill, SA-TX 78258)

RSVP Pre-paid Date deadline- July 1st (all class fee's must be recieved no later than this date in order to recieve product in time for class.



S.O.S. (Stock-up On Stamps) - July
Stock-up On StampsFeatured Stamp Set: Eastern Bloom (pg. 94 Catalog) this is a versatile set...you can use it for all types of paper crafts in so many ways!! Not only can you use it for cards, but scrapbooking, stamping on fabric...the designs in this set are AMAZING and FUN!!!
In this months class you are getting a STEAL of a deal...the set alone retails for $21.95, you get to go home with the set as well as 4 THANK YOU CARDS that you will make with this set. You wont want to miss this one!
The details for the class are:
Cost- $30.00 (includes your own stamp set to take home as well as all supplies needed for cards) **OR**$15.00 (includes JUST the card projects)
Date- July 24th from 6-8 pm
Location- Erin's Home (2811 Stokely Hill, SA-TX 78258)
RSVP Pre-paid Date deadline- July 10th (all class fee's must be recieved no later than this date in order to recieve product in time for class.

Stampin' Up! Shipping & Polocies

What are Stampin' Up!'s shipping and handling charges?
*Flat $6.95 on product orders up to $69.50
*10% on product orders over $69.50.
*Expedited shipping:
UPS 2nd Day Air is $20 additional (on top of costs above) per $500 product order.
UPS Overnight is $40 additional per $500 product order.
How long does it take for my products to be delivered?Orders are delivered by UPS, typically within 8 to 10 business days. I watch the UPS delivery site regularly and will notify you by email when I receive a firm ship date.
What types of payment do you accept?Visa, Mastercard and Discover credit or debit cards.
Is my order subject to sales tax?Yes. State laws require companies to collect sales tax from residents when shipping merchandise to states where the company has an established business presence. Customers are responsible for all applicable sales tax, and in some states, tax is required on the value of free hostess merchandise.

Is there a minimum order?Orders may be placed for any amount.
When I order on-line, am I eligible for Stampin' Up!'s FREE hostess stamps and merchandise?Beginning with a minimum product order of $150, you are entitled to all hostess benefits--referred to as Stampin' Rewards when ordering on-line. Click here for full details on how you can earn Stampin' Rewards.

When I tried to order a Stampin' Up! product on-line, I received a message that it's on back order. What are my options?Back ordered items cannot be ordered using Stampin' Up!'s on-line shopping cart (it's a legal thing). As a demonstrator, I often have a solution to get you in line to receive your product once it becomes available (as long as it hasn't been discontinued). Simply email your complete order by clicking here.
Upon receipt of your order, I will email you an invoice for your review and a secure payment link (visa, mastercard, discover). I will finalize the order with Stampin' Up! when I receive notice that payment has been made.
What happens after I submit my order?Upon payment, your order will be processed and shipped directly from Stampin' Up! (Riverton, Utah) to you in approximately 8 to 10 business days (standard shipping). I monitor the UPS site daily and will update you when I get a firm delivery date.
Can I order a gift certificate?
Absolutely! I'll create something special in any colors or style you wish. However, you will need to use a special order form (not the Stampin' Up! shopping cart). Please check out my entry about Gift Certificates for details.
Why would I want to order on-line through Hand Stamped Style?I want your Stampin' Up! on-line shopping experience to be unique and informative. On-line ordering provides a seamless, one-step purchase of Stampin' Up!'s quality products, any time of day or night.
As your demonstrator and creative coach, I'm here to help take the guesswork out of trying new products and ensure that you'll purchase the right products for your stamping projects. When you place an order, I'll contact you by email regarding your purchase and shipping date. I'll also make certain you learn about any special promotions and hostess benefit options through my daily blog updates and email postcards. Where else can you get such personalized service on the Internet?
Is my contact and payment information safe?
Neither Stampin' Up! nor I will ever share, sell, or rent individual personal information (your address, email, credit card information, etc.) with anyone without your advance permission or unless ordered by a court of law.
Are Stampin' Up! products guaranteed?Stampin' Up! guarantees their products to be free from manufacturing defects for a period of 90 days after the shipping date. Missing items, incorrect shipments, and defective or damaged merchandise must be reported to us within 90 days of the shipping date to obtain a replacement. This guarantee does not cover merchandise damaged through accident or misuse. Any questions should be directed to erin@stampinstuff4u.com.
How are exchanges and refunds handled?
New, unused, unmounted merchandise may be exchanged at no charge within 90 days of the shipping date. The merchandise must be in the current catalog and in original shipping condition. Stamps that have been assembled cannot be exchanged. Sorry, we do not offer cash refunds. Should you need any assistance, please contact erin@stampinstuff4u.com.
Stampin' Up!'s Notice of Cancellation:
You may CANCEL this transaction without any penalty or obligation, within THREE BUSINESS DAYS from the date of the transaction. If you cancel, any payments made by you under the contract or sale will be returned within TEN BUSINESS DAYS following receipt by the seller of your cancellation notice.
If you cancel, you must make available to the seller at your residence, in substantially as good condtion as as when received, any goods delivered to you under this contract or sale, or you may, if you wish, comply with the instructions of the seller regarding the return shipment of the goods at the seller's expense and risk.
If you do make the goods available to the seller and the seller does not pick them up within 20 days of the date of your Notice of Cancellation, you may retain or dispose of the goods without any further obligation. If you fail to make the goods available to the seller, or if you agree to return the goods to the seller and fail to do so, then you remain liable for the performance of all obligations under the contract.
To cancel this transaction, mail or deliver a signed and dated copy of this Notice of Cancellation or any other written notice, or send a telegram, to the independent Stampin' Up! demonstrator (Erin Gonzales, D/B/A Stampin' Stuff 4u!, 2811 Stokely Hill, San Antonio, TX 78258) NO LATER THAN MIDNIGHT of the third business day after the order date.