With just a few short months before the release of the new catalog, Stampin' Up! has been sending out "teasers" of what is on the horizon.  New colors, new products accompanied by new, fresh ideas.  I am so happy with what I see so far...and I think you will be too.

Here's a glimpse of another new product coming out on May 31st:

For those of you in Central Florida, c'mon out and see me today at The Kids Sale in Windermere.  The expo runs through Saturday and features a whole host of vendors. For more information: http://www.thekidsale.biz/

Stop by and say, "Hello"!  We have numerous displays and are selling hundreds of retired products. Looking for something from the past?  We might have it!

Hope to see you!

I had the pleasure of participating in a Woman's Expo this past weekend and met some great women who stopped by my booth.  It was a great opportunity for me to introduce more people to Stampin' Up! and to share my love of stamping.  I was even more excited to have a few women sign up for my classes!

I would not have had the booth I did or the successful interactions with so many people had not been for the help of my friends (and team members) Lori and Paula.  They were rock stars and were critical in helping me get things together.  I had a simple thank you gift that I included in this card using the You Rule stamp set:

Thank you Paula and Lori for being a huge help and amazing friends.

Are you disappointed that Saleabration has ended?  Don't be!  Stampin' Up! has released two brand new promotions that will help keep your excitement going.  Check 'em out!

If fabric is not your thing, then maybe "This and That" is. For those who like to capture life's moments as they happen...

Shop Now!

Thank you for stopping by!

I don't mean to brag.

Wait...

Yes, I do.  I totally mean to brag!

Why?

I got a handmade Valentine from my husband!

Technically it's not the first handmade card I've received from him, but it is the first one he made by himself.  The previous card, ironically, also a Valentine, was also made by the dog.  This time around he was completely on his own.

When the Dude, You're Welcome Kitcame out, I bought one for my husband thinking that he would embrace the idea whole-heartedly.  NOT!  It was met with ambivalence and not nearly the excitement (or at least gratitude) that I was hoping for.  So, for the past month or so it has sat on my shelf collecting dust.  I was resigned to the fact that I would most likely be the one using it - perhaps to make a card for HIM. 

So, yesterday morning, I went to pull out the kit and begin creating a fabulous Valentine for my husband.  But, I couldn't find the stinkin' kit!!  Where the heck did I put it?  I looked everywhere!  Now, mind you, my craft room can be a little chaotic at times and to "misplace" items is not all that uncommon, but I do eventually find them.  Nope, not this time.

I suspect you know the ending.  At some point yesterday he came in to my room, grabbed and put it in his briefcase to take to work.

He was very proud of his work - and frankly, so was I.  He described in detail what he had to do to create this. From inking the stamp and making sure it was inked completely, to trying to clean the stamp when he was done.  I told him how impressed I was with the pink accent.  He told me it's a highlighter and he had an option of yellow or pink - and went with the pink.  Gotta work with the materials you have and, at work, highlighters were the only source of color.

So, there you have it.  If you buy the kit, it does get used...eventually.  And, honestly, this card means more to me than any Hallmark I could ever get.  Going forward, my husband will know exactly where to find the kit - just in case he is motivated to make another in the future.  I won't count on anything too soon, but at least now I all that all things are possible!

Thanks for letting me brag!

Interested in the Dude, You're Welcome Kit?  You can get it here.

Have a great day.

It's official!  Sale-a-bration has begun!  For the next 60 days you can earn FREE product for every $50 you spend.  It's a great time to be a Stampin' Up! customer and demonstrator!

Are you ready to join the fun?  The store is OPEN!

While you're trying to figure out what to add to your order, here are a few more demonstrator Sale-a-bration samples for your viewing pleasure.

All the cards above use one or products available in the Sale-a-bration brochure.  The creativity is endless!

Happy shopping!

Do you like the versatility of choosing just one stamp instead of having to buy an entire set? Then you are going to love this new promotion! 

Due to the overwhelming response to the single stamp promotion last year, Stampin' Up! is releasing 10 never-before-seen images  - for a limited time only!  From now until March 31, 2013, you can add these one of kind stamps to your collection.

Here's a sample of one of the stamps:

Check out the rest of the stamps here and complete details.

 Have an AWESOME day!

Funny title, eh?  It will make sense by the time you get to the end of this blog post, I promise.

Have you ever experienced a creative high?  You know the feeling where you have so many ideas and it's hard to keep a single thought.  I'm experiencing it now.  I've just returned from Stampin' Up!'s leadership conference and I am giddy with creative excitement!

Stampin' Up! has so many great products and programs on the horizon.  There truly will be something for everyone - including for the special men in your life! (More on that in a minute...).  Honestly, over the coming weeks and months you will be blown away by the exciting things Stampin' Up! will be unveiling.  And, I am happy to assist you every step of the way.

One of the most exciting announcements was the introduction to Paper Pumpkin.  Paper Pumpkin is a monthly paper crafting kit program that gives you the excitement of creating fresh and innovative projects every month with an all-inclusive kit (except adhesive). 

• projects will vary each month and could be card kits, 3-D kits or even home decor items! 
• kits are delivered right to your door for only $19.95 (which includes shipping!)
• all cutting and measurements have been done for you with coordinated products too.
• If you're one of those people who are afraid of commitment, no worries...you can cancel your subscription at any time. 

Not sure if you want to commit to a subscription? Then the Try-It kit is for you.  Get a taste of what the program is about for a one-time fee.

If you are interested in reading more about it now, check it out here.  

Already now this is a program for you?  Then don't delay!  Subscribe Today! 

(If you are one of my customers, I kindly ask that you indicate that I am your demonstrator.)

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And now for the special men in our life.  Are you one of those women who long to receive a hand-made card from the special man in your life?  I had the privilege of receiving a hand-made card from my husband once - a long time ago.  You may remember this post.  I was so touched by and have that card in a special place. 

Will my husband ever made another one?

Likely not.  Why?  He is overwhelmed in my craft room and doesn't know what half of the tools are. 

Introducing....Dude, You're Welcome!

Take a look:

Look for more information tomorrow regarding this great kit.

I encourage you to check throughout the week.  I will be showcasing cards from Leadership, which include great products from the new Spring Catalog.  And, there will be more information about the new programs too!

Have a great day!

Mary Ann

After a long day at the oral surgeon yesterday, I am off this morning to the endodontist for a root canal.  While that may not sound very exiciting to most people, I am thrilled to be having this procedude because it means that I will finally have an end to this tooth pain!!  Nearly two months of issues, it looks like it's finally coming to an end.  Thank goodness!!  So, while I am off having my root canal, I have a couple of really great offers to show you. (Click the image below to enlarge and to read clearly).

If you are looking for cute and simple Valentines, these two kits will help!  And you can't beat the prices!  But, don't delay, because these offers are only available until January 21st!

And, don't forget the new Spring Catalog is now in effect.  Check out great new products including new stamps, framelits, ribbons, paper and more.  There's something for everyone!

Ready to shop?  Click here to shop my online store!

One of the many perks of attending the annual Stampin' Up! convention is the opportunity to come home with a convention-attendee only stamp set.  This year's set is called I Am...

This is a great set to make fun, uplifting cards or projects for special people in your life. Yesterday I was the recipient of such a card using this limited edition set. My friend and fellow demonstrator, Stacey Cogswell, made me this awesome card:

The Floral District DSP is one of my favorite paper packs in the Stampin' Up! catalog.  Bright, cheery colors with easy-to-use designs makes this DSP pack suitable for so many occasions.  The sentiment came from the I Am Stamp Set.

Interested in attending Convention with me next July so you too can get your own special edition stamp set? Convention is open to any active demonstrator and it is experience you will never forget.  I would love to have you join my Ink Happens! team. And, for the balance of the month, you will receive a FREE gift just for joining the Stampin' UP! family:

Spooktacular Project Kit Offer

No trick-just treats when you join Stampin' Up! in August!

• For just $99, choose up to $125 worth of brand-new products from the annual or holiday catalogs, for your completely customizable Starter Kit!
• Get a FREE Howl-o-ween project kit valued up to $60!

The Howl-o-ween Printer's Tray includes everything you see below*:

*Project kit does not include ink

Plus, when you join Stampin' Up! as a demonstrator, you gain instant access to dozens of benefits, including

• Sneak peeks of brand new products!
• Access to an exclusive 30,000+ member online stamping community!
• A monthly magazine filled with project ideas and tips for running your business!
• The opportunity to fuel your passion for Stampin' Up! while getting a 20 percent discount on the products you love!
• Opportunities to make new friends who share your same passion!

Join my Team today!

The flurry of activity surrounding yesterday's release of the new 2012-2013 Stampin' Up! catalog was exciting in of itself, but adding a promotion for new demonstrators too just made it even better!

If you are thinking of joining this wonderful company, consider this:

In addition to the all of the fantastic products in your fully customizable started kit, Stampin' Up! is adding additional products to "sweeten" things up! You will get select products from the brand new Patio Party Suite for FREE! All of this for $99!

 Click to view the pdf and to JOIN THE FUN 

I would love to have you join my Ink Happens team!

Just a reminder that My Digital Studio is still available for a 30-day trial offer.  Allow yourself a free test drive of the latest craze in scrapbooking and cardmaking.  If you are not interested in the program beyond 30 days, no problem!  There is no cost whatsoever.  But, if you hooked, like most people are, then you will have the ability to purchase the full program.  You will not lose any of the projects you worked on during the free trial period!

Take a look at this video for a brief introduction to MDS:

Ready to give it a try?  Click here to get your free trial now!