Monday, December 31, 2012

Happy New Year!

I hope you had a great holiday season with family and friends.  I want to wish all of you a happy and healthy 2013!  We have been visiting with family and friends, eating good food, and relaxing.  We are truly blessed to have such special people in our lives.  Be sure to come back soon -- I will be posting on a regular basis starting January 2nd.  Happy New Year!

 

Monday, December 24, 2012

Merry Christmas!

I have been designing Christmas cards and teaching classes featuring holiday cards since July -- yes, you heard me right -- July!  So, you would think I have had all of my cards stamped and ready to go, right?  Oh, how I wish that were true!  (They will get mailed this week!)

I had lots of ideas running around in my noggin' for my card this year, but I decided that what the world needs most of all right now is peace.  So, I wanted to feature the Peace on Earth stamp from the Greetings of the Season stamp set (page 8 of the Holiday Mini catalog) with the beautiful snowflakes from the Snowflake Soiree stamp set (page 5 of the Holiday Mini catalog).  I hope you like it!




Close-up of snowflakes stamped with Illuminate ink.  It is hard to photograph, but it is really pretty in real life!

Here are the supplies I used for this card:
Stamps:
Greetings of the Season  (#128030 $15.95 wood mount, #128033 $11.95 clear mount)
Snowflake Soiree (#127922 $29.95 wood mount, #127925 $21.95 clear mount)
More Merry Messages (#126400 $32.95 wood mount, #126402 $24.95 clear mount)
Paper:
Whisper White
Night of Navy
Ink:
Night of Navy
Versa Mark (for embossing)
Illuminate
Accessories:
Embossing Buddy
Silver Embossing Powder
Heat Tool
Stampin' Dimensionals
Apothecary Accents Framelits
Lacy Brocade Textured Embossing Folder
Basic Rhinestones

It is Christmas Eve, and I hope you are ready for a wonderful holiday with family and friends.  Be sure to remember the reason for the season.  May God bless you with peace, health and happiness in the new year.  We attended church this evening and heard our niece sing with the Childrens' Choir, then visited with dear neighbors.  Tomorrow will be a day of cooking and fun, followed by another day of family fun on Wednesday.  Hug the ones you love, and make those memories.  (You will want to scrapbook them in January! lol)  Merry Christmas!

 
We even had a white Christmas eve!  



Wednesday, December 19, 2012

The Power of a Card

My heart is heavy for the people of Newtown.  The tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary school will continue to affect the families, friends, first-responders, and community for a very long time.  I learned that the Post Office has provided an address for notes of condolence, and I wanted to share it with you, my stamping friends.  Cards can be mailed to:

Message of Condolence
PO Box 3700
Newtown, CT  06470   
 
 
I will be mailing a hand-made card tomorrow, and I encourage you to do the same.  The people of Newtown need to feel our love and support during this difficult time.  And, be sure to hug your loved ones extra tight and tell them you love them.  Life is precious.  Please keep the people of Newtown in your thoughts and prayers. 
 
Blessings to each of you.

Friday, December 14, 2012

Clearance Rack Blitz


Over 300 new Clearance Rack items have been added to the Online Store at discounts up to 80 percent off retail-only while supplies last! And for the first time ever, stamps are included at up to 40% off.  Hurry over to my online store http://nancyamato.stampinup.net  --  these items are only available while supplies last!  Great deals, just in time for last-minute holiday shopping.  Woohoo!
Happy Shopping!

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Happy Holidays from Stampin' Up!

You cannot watch this video without a smile on your face!  This is why I love being a demo for such a fun company!


I'll be back later with some more info about the last two projects from my "It's A Wrap" class.  Until then, have a great day!

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Happy 12-12-12!

I hope today is lucky for you!  I will be placing a Stampin' Up! order tonight, and I would like to offer you a special deal -- 12% off your order -- just for today.  Simply email me your order by 10 PM (EST) with your payment information and I will place your order for you.  Local orders (Baltimore area) will be available for pick-up once they arrive.  Out-of-town orders will be shipped directly to you from Stampin' Up!  (Contact me for more information about direct shipping cost.)

Happy 12-12-12!  Have a great day!

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Gift-Wrapping Made Easy!

Hello!  I am so excited about this special product from Stampin' Up! -- just in time to wrap those special gifts for family, friends, and neighbors.  I know I will be using these to wrap Christmas cookies next week.  I will be baking my cookies this week for a cookie exchange with my hubby's family.   

 
 
Here is what you get with each bundle:
Trimmings & Tags Bundle
Item 132769
$13.50 (a $16.85 value)
Includes
  • Gusseted Cellophane Bags (25 bags; 5" x 3" x 11-1/2")
  • Snow Festival Designer Printed Tags (25 double-sided tags; 4-1/2" x 3-1/8")
  • Cherry Cobbler 1/4" Sweater Trim (10 yards)
Petite Treats Bundle
Item 132770
$13.50 (a $16.85 value)
Includes
  • Glassine Bags with die-cut edges (10 bags; 3" x 5" x 1-1/2")
  • Handmade Holidays Stitched Felt (8 pieces)
  • Gumball Green 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon (10 yards)
Don't delay....order yours today on my website http://nancyamato.stampinup.net.  Also, a BIG thank you for your interest and comments about the RemARKable Stampers Stamp of the Month Blog Tour.  Our next blog tour will be held on Sunday, January 13.  Mark your calendars and join us as we show you projects using the HEARTS A FLUTTER stamp set -- perfect for Valentine's Day.  I can't wait!

Sunday, December 9, 2012

RemARKable Stamp of the Month Blog Tour: Affection Collection

Welcome to another RemARKable Stamp of the Month Blog Tour!  Aren't all of these ideas amazing?  I love the vintage look you can create with the Affection Collection stamp set.  Most of you know I love to make cards look old by sponging Crumb Cake ink and distressing the edges of card stock.  So, I wanted to challenge myself to not use my crumb cake ink, and I like the way this card turned out.  I hope you do, too! 


My color inspiration came from my desk....I had a piece of Elegant Eggplant already out, so it became the color I chose.  (Some call it laziness, I call it serendipity!  lol)  I love the way it coordinates with Wisteria Wonder.  I used pewter Stampin' Emboss Powder to heat emboss on Whisper White card stock, then used one of the Window Frame Collection Framelits to cut it out.  I wanted to stagger the layers of the framelits for a different look.  I cut the next size framelit with Elegant Eggplant, then stamped the "curvy" parts with Elegant Eggplant ink.


The word "always" is stamped in Elegant Eggplant ink and cut out with the smallest of the framelits.  This is layered onto a Large Oval punch out made with Elegant Eggplant card stock, then attached to the embossed layer with Stampin' Dimensionals.  The embossed layer is attached to the large Elegant Eggplant layer, then the entire element is attached to the front of the card with more Stampin' Dimensionals. 


I stamped the corners of the inside panel and the corners of the envelope with Elegant Eggplant ink.  I embossed the flap of the envelope with the Lacy Brocade Textured Impressions Embossing Folder.  The word "love" was stamped with Elegant Eggplant ink, punched out with the Extra-Large Oval punch, and layered onto inside panel with Stampin' Dimensionals. 

Supply List and Measurements:
Stamps:
Affection Collection (#127946 $29.95 wood mount, #127949 $21.95 clear mount)


Card stock:
Elegant Eggplant (1 piece cut at 5 1/2 x 8 1/2", folded into a 5 1/2 x 4 1/4" card plus scraps for cutting framelits and punching)
Wisteria Wonder (2 pieces cut at 5 1/4 x 4", emboss one of them with the Lacy Brocade Textured Impressions Embossing Folder)
Whisper White (1 piece cut at 5 x 3 3/4" for inside of card plus scraps for stamping and cutting with framelits and punches)
Ink:
Elegant Eggplant
VersaMark (for heat embossing)
Accessories:
Whisper White 5/8" Organza Ribbon
Antique Brads
Glue Dots
Stampin' Dimensionals
Big Shot
Lacy Brocade Textured Impressions Embossing Folder
Window Frames Collection Framelits
Embossing Buddy
Heat Tool
Pewter Stampin' Emboss Powder
Large Oval Punch
Extra-Large Oval Punch

Have fun on the tour!  Click below to see what Missy has created! 
(Update:  This link takes you to Missy's Stampin' Up! website.  You can get directly to her post by clicking on this link:  http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/missybolinger/blog  Enjoy!) 



Saturday, December 8, 2012

It's Almost Time for the RemARKable Stamp of The Month Blog Tour!

Just a quick reminder to stop back tomorrow for the RemARKable Stamp of the Month Blog Tour!  Our posts will go live just after midnight -- I cannot wait to see what everyone has created with the Affection Collection stamp set!

Get ready to be inspired by how versatile this great set is.  And, just a reminder -- it is available in the Holiday Mini Catalog (page 35) until January 2, 2013.  Get it while you can!

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Stocking Gift Bag

Hello!  Time is always in short supply this time of year, right?  But, you can still make a "home-made" gift bag by decorating the front of a pre-purchased gift bag. 


I bought a package of kraft-style gift bags from the store and jazzed them up with some cute Christmas stockings and a raffia bow.  Cut the stocking using your Sizzix Big Shot machine and the Holiday Stocking Bigz Die (#124098, $32.95).  I used Real Red card stock for the stocking and some scraps of Candlelight Christmas Designer Series Paper (#126901, $12.95) for the cuff, heel, and toe.  Very Vanilla card stock was transformed into a beautiful snowflake with the Snow Flurry Bigz Die (#127813, $21.95).  I only used the 2 smaller snowflakes and saved the large one for another project.  I added one of our Large Pearl Basic Jewels (#125577, $4.95, 40 in a pack) to the center and attached the snowflake to the stocking with a Stampin' Dimensional (#104430, $3.95, 300 per pack). 

 
A little Tombow Multipurpose Liquid Glue (#110755, $3.95) on the back of the stocking was all I needed to adhere the stocking to the bag.  A quick bow made from some raffia decorates the handle of the gift bag and you are DONE!  See -- quick and easy!  Just add some tissue paper and your gift. 


Have a great day!  Oh -- quick reminder -- another RemARKable Stampers blog tour is coming this Sunday, December 9th!  Be sure to stop back and see all kinds of wonderful ideas using the Affection Collection stamp set. 

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Cute and Easy Gift Box with a Paper Bow

 
 
This cute little box with a paper bow is so easy to make and is just perfect for wrapping gifts and cookies.  The Kraft Gift Box (#124106, $2.95, 4 boxes) can be found on page 161 of the 2012-2013 Catalog.  These Kraft Gift Boxes measure 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 x 2 1/2" and are food-safe. 
 
Here are the dimensions for cutting card stock:
Cherry Cobbler
1 piece cut at 3 1/4 x 3 1/4 (box)
4 pieces cut at 2 1/4 x 2 1/4 (box)
1 piece cut at 1 x 8 1/4 (bow)
1 piece cut at 1 x 7 1/4 (bow)
1 piece cut at 1 x 5 1/4 (bow)
1 piece cut at 5/8 x 4 (bow)

1 piece cut at 1 3/4 x 2 1/4 (card)
Whisper White
1 piece cut at 3 x 3 (box)
4 pieces cut at 2 x 2 (box)
1 piece cut at 2 x 3, folded to a 2 x 1 1/5 card

Use Cherry Cobbler ink to randomly stamp images from the Delicate Doilies stamp set on the Whisper White box pieces.  Layer them onto the Cherry Cobbler pieces, then adhere to the Kraft Gift Box.  Stamp the mini card with the No Peeking stamp set using Cherry Cobbler ink.  Layer onto remaining piece of Cherry Cobbler, punch a hole in the top left corner, and thread some White Baker's Twine through the hole.

The paper bow is easy to make!  Use a bone folder to gently break down the fibers of the 3 largest    strips of Cherry Cobbler.  Make a loop by attaching the 1 x 8 1/4 strip end-to-end (I used Sticky Strip).  Do the same with the 1 x 7 1/4 strip.  Notch the edges of the 1 x 5 1/4 piece.  Stack the smaller loop on top of the larger loop, then stack onto the notched strip.  Pinch the center to make loops, then wrap with the 5/8 x 4 strip of Cherry Cobbler.  Use a little Tombow Multipurpose glue to secure the layers of the bow together. 

You can embellish the bow with a Vintage Faceted Designer Button (I used the largest one and tied some White Baker's Twine through the button holes).  Use a glue dot to attach the button to the bow, then attach to the top of the decorated box.   


Wrap Baker's Twine around the bow, and attach to mini card.  There you have it -- a cute little box to give a gift to someone special!  You can order all of these items on my Stampin' Up! website:  http://nancyamato.stampinup.net.   

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Wine Bottle Tag


Here is a quick and easy way to personalize a bottle of wine for friends and family this holiday season.  I used Night of Navy card stock and the Oval Accent Bigz Clear die to cut two fancy tags (one for the front and one for the back).  I stamped snowflakes from the Snowflake Soiree stamp set with Illuminate ink all over the two tags in a random pattern.  Make sure you give the Illuminate ink a little time to dry before you assemble the tag.  Ink the "Merry" stamp from Snowflake Soiree in Night of Navy ink, then punch out with the Extra-Large Oval Punch.  Stamp the small snowflake in Illuminate ink over top of the Merry image.  Here is a close-up to show the detail of the Illuminate ink on the oval:

 
Set this aside to dry.  Use the Decorative Label punch and Night of Navy card stock to punch a layer for the oval cut-out.  Next, use my FAVORITE sparkly paper of all time, Silver Glimmer Paper, and the Window Frames Collection Framelits to cut a layer for the Decorative Label cut-out.  It is just so sparkly and really adds some holiday bling! 

Attach the Extra-Large Oval to the Night of Navy Decorative Label, the use Stampin' Dimensionals to attach this to the Silver Glimmer Paper.  Use Stampin' Dimensionals to attach to the front of the Oval Accent tag.  Cut a piece of Whisper White 5/8" Organza ribbon and attach to back of tag.  Adhere the back of the front tag to the back of the back tag.  Add to a favorite bottle of wine and enjoy! 
   

Monday, December 3, 2012

It's A Wrap class!

I had a fun weekend stamping with some great ladies at my "It's A Wrap" class.  Here are the projects we made, all in one photo:


(The wine was not included in the class -- it was just used to show how to hang the wine bottle tag.  lol)  From left to right:  "Joy" gift card holder, decorated gift bag with raffia, gift box with a paper bow, wine bottle tag, and gift bag and topper made with a piece of 12 x 12" Designer Series Paper. 

I will write more about each of these projects this week, so stop back soon!


Sunday, November 25, 2012

Catching up....

Hello!  I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends.  We sure did!  And, now it is time to play catch up with all things Stampin' Up! 

First of all, remember that the Online Extravaganza ends this Wednesday, November 28, so be sure to place your order at my online store http://nancyamato.stampinup.net.  The Wednesday Door Busters are fabulous! 

Get the Clear Block Bundle (Blocks A-I) for only $53.56. 





The Clear Block Storage Caddy will be available for only $13.56. 






And, the Stack & Store Caddy will be only $27.96. 


You can check out all of the fabulous deals for the Online Extravaganza on my website!  Don't miss out -- place your order soon!  I will be back tomorrow with some cards for you.  See you then!

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Online Extravaganza starts Monday!

Just a quick reminder:  the Online Extravaganza starts Monday, November 19th!  Shop online at my website http://nancyamato.stampinup.net or send me an email with your order and payment information.  Be sure to take advantage of the great door busters that are available only on the 19th:

Simply Scored Diagonal Plate
125586
Regular Price $11.95
Sale Price $9.56












Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine
113439
Regular Price $99.95
Sale Price $79.96











Big Shot Doctor's Bag
113474
Regular Price $69.95
Sale Price $55.96

Friday, November 16, 2012

Online Extravaganza!!!



Get ready for the BIGGEST online sale of the year from Stampin' Up! WOOHOO! During these 10 days only, November 19 - 28, you can get incredible discounts-up to 50 percent-on some of your favorite products! In addition, there will be three products 20 percent off for 24-hours only on both the first and last days of Online Extravaganza-our very own doorbusters! Woot!


The Fine Print
  • Discounts range between 20 and 50 percent--awesome!  
  • There's no minimum purchase required to participate in this promotion. Sale on!
  • For product bundles, you need to use the bundle item numbers provided. If you use individual item numbers, you won't get the discount--bummer.
  • You can buy additional products from any of our current catalogs on the same order.  Tell your "Santa" to do his/her shopping during this special sale to save some moolah!  You can shop online at my website, http://nancyamato.stampinup.net, or email your order to me with payment information and I will place your order for you.  DON'T MISS OUT!! 
 
 

Sunday, November 11, 2012

RemARKable Stamp of the Month blog tour


 

Hello, and welcome to the RemARKable Stamp of the Month Blog Tour!  I am glad you stopped by today to see some ideas using one of my favorite sets in the Holiday Mini Catalog, Winter Memories.  This set is great for all types of "winter-themed" projects and can be used well beyond the holidays.



I just LOVE making vintage-style cards!  Once I saw these ice skates, I knew a vintage card would be a perfect way to showcase them.  Here are the supplies I used for this card:

Stamps:
Winter Memories (page 19 of Holiday Mini Catalog)  #127988 $15.95 Wood Mount or #127991 $11.95 Clear Mount
Greetings of the Season (page 8 of Holiday Mini Catalog)  #128030 $15.95 Wood Mount or #128033 Clear Mount

Paper:
Cherry Cobbler (5 1/4" x 4" for inside panel layer, 4" x 5 1/4" embossed with Lacy Brocade embossing folder then cut in half so you have two pieces measuring 2" x 5 1/4")
Always Artichoke (5 1/2" x 8 1/2", score at 2 1/8 from either end to make the gate-fold)
Very Vanilla (5" x 3 3/4" for inside panel, two framelits-worth of Very Vanilla -- a great way to use your scraps!)

Ink:
Chocolate chip
Always Artichoke
Crumb Cake (for sponging)

Accessories:
Lacy Brocade Textured Impression Embossing Folder (page 6 of Holiday Mini Catalog)
Labels Collection Framelits
Blender Pen (Use it to blend Chocolate Chip ink on skates, then add Always Artichoke to holly leaves)
Cherry Cobbler Stampin' Write Marker (Holly berries)
Very Vanilla 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon
Stamping Sponge
Paper Piercing Tool
Stampin' Pierce Mat
Festive Paper Piercing Pack (page 30 of Holiday Mini Catalog)
Stampin' Dimensionals
Sticky Strip

Detail of Paper Piercing and Sponging.  It really adds a great touch!

Simply untie the card to read the inside greeting.

Sponging on inside panel carries the vintage theme.

I hope you enjoyed this card!  Be sure to click on the box below to continue on the tour.  I cannot wait to see the other RemARKable ideas!  Stop back later this week for more projects with this great set.  Thanks for stopping by!


Tuesday, November 6, 2012

I voted!


This is an important day in the US, Election Day.  In spite of feeling yucky with a fever, I made sure I voted today.  I hope you did, too. 

I have been busy this week getting ready for a craft fair.  I promise to post some photos of the goodies I am making later this week.  Until then, have you ever wondered what Stampin' Success, the demonstrator-only magazine looks like?  Well, Stampin' Up! is giving you a sneak peek of a few of the pages of the latest issue.  Just follow this link:  http://bit.ly/StampinSuccess_NovDec2012.

Stop back later on this week for some craft show goodies!

Friday, November 2, 2012

The New Stampin' Trimmer is HERE!

I am so thrilled with my new Stampin' Up! paper trimmer!  Demonstrators were able to get their hands on this new trimmer a few weeks ahead of time, and I absolutely LOVE it!  I saw a demonstration of the new paper trimmer at Convention this summer, and I was so excited when we got word that it was now available.  I ordered it the first day I could, and it arrived just in time to prepare materials for my Countdown to Christmas class this weekend. 

All I can say is I LOVE it!  The blade cuts so smoothly -- no ragged edges on the cut lines.  And, it seems to just glide through card stock.  Here are the details about this great new trimmer: 

  • An extra-wide 6-1/4" cutting base and an extended 14-1/2" ruler
    • The extra-wide cutting base provides a large work area and is marked in 1/4" (4 mm) increments, allowing for small measurements.
    • The right-side grid helps you measure and cut very thin strips.
    • The extended cutting arm has a stabilizing leg to provide a sturdy and steady cutting surface for longer cuts.
    • When fully extended, the extended cutting arm sits flush with the trimmer base, providing more accurate and consistent measurements across the entire surface.
    • The cutting base and track include a full ruler, incorporating measurements down to 1/16" and grid lines that mark each quarter inch.
    • All rulers and measurements on the base are printed under a plastic cover so your measurements won't wear off.
    • The base has nonskid feet, which keeps the Stampin' Trimmer securely in place on your work area.
  • A full 12" cutting and scoring track
    • The extra-long cutting track has space at the top and bottom so you don't have to take the cutting and scoring blades out when you're not using them.
    • The track gives you enough space to cut or score a full 12" (30.5 cm) without having to remove or switch out handles.
    • The cutting track locks in place for secure storage or transport.
    • The track includes an insertion point for cutting and scoring blade handles so you can easily insert handles into the cutting track.
  • Specially designed handles and cutting track to ensure straight cuts
    • The hook on the scoring and cutting blade handles keeps the handles stable so the cuts are as straight as possible.
    • Handles come in two colors: dark for cutting, light for scoring.
    • The precision tip on the cutting blade allows you to pinpoint precisely where you're cutting.
    • The point on the side of each handle shows you where the blade will cut, making it easy to see exactly where your cuts and scores will begin.
  • Storage compartment under base
    • The storage compartment holds scoring and cutting tools such as a Bone Folder, Simply Scored Stylus, extra scoring and cutting blades, and even business cards.
    • Separate compartments within the storage compartment keep your tools organized, and the clear cover makes it easy to see what you've stored.

  • Product details: item 126889; $29.95 

  • You can get your hot little hands on one of these babies by placing an order on my website http://nancyamato.stampinup.net!  I know you will love it!

    Thursday, November 1, 2012

    Ink-redible promotion!

     
    Well, Hurricane Sandy was a doozy!  I was VERY lucky to not have damage, just a big mess of leaves and sticks to clean up outside.  My basement stayed dry (yay!) and we maintained power for most of the storm.  My mom was not as lucky, so I have been clearing out her basement this week.  Motrin has been my friend for tired, sore muscles!  lol
     
    Happy November!  I am happy to announce a great promotion from Stampin' Up! -- the Ink-redible Promotion.  From November 1 - December 16, hostesses will earn an entire set of ink pads in their choice of color family (Brights, Subtles, or Regals) in addition to regular hostess benefits when their party totals $450 or more (before tax & shipping).  WOW!  That is a $49.95 value in addition to regular hostess benefits -- hostess benefits for a $450 party are $65 hostess dollars AND one item at 50% off.  If you go up to $500, your hostess benefits increase to $80 hostess dollars AND two items at 50% off!  I have dates available for your party -- contact me to book your preferred date today!
     
    You can also earn an entire set of ink pads in your choice of color family (Brights, Subtles, or Regals) if you join my team from November 1 - December 16th!  I would love to have you join my team!  The starter kit is only $99 and you get to choose $125 worth of any traditional or digital supplies plus a business supplies pack (valued at $65).  When you join from November 1 - December 16, you also get a set of ink pads (a $49.95 value) FREE.  WOWOW -- that makes now the best time to join Stampin' Up!  Contact me for more information!
     
       



    Tuesday, October 30, 2012

    Stippled Blossoms makes beautiful cards


    Stippled Blossoms was my Stamp of the Month for October, and here is one of the cards my Stamp of the Month members received.  I just love how easy it is to make these beautiful flowers with 2-Step Stamping and a Stamp-A-Ma-Jig.  I added some Dazzling Diamonds to the white areas of the flower to give it some extra sparkle.  Pink Pirouette and Rose Red coordinate so nicely for this card! 

    (I am writing and scheduling this post on Sunday night as Hurricane Sandy is approaching.  We have already lost our phone, so I am rushing to get this post done before we lose power.  I will write more when power and internet is restored -- or I make it out to a wifi hotspot after the storm passes -- lol.  I see a lot of Panera in my future this week!)

    Monday, October 29, 2012

    Fall foliage Get Well card


    Here is a quick post I am pre-writing and pre-scheduling while we still have power.  I am hoping that doing this will somehow mean that we will not lose power with Hurricane Sandy.  (smile)  I made this card for the hubby of a good friend who has had a rough road with health concerns.  I just love these fall leaves!  I cut them using the Autumn Accents Bigz die and Daffodil Delight card stock.  I layered Cajun Craze and Early Espresso ink on the edges with sponge daubers, then crinkled the whole leaf up to get the wrinkles.  I used the Woodgrain embossing folder on some Cajun Craze cardstock, then sponged it with some Crumb Cake ink to bring out the grain.  I hope you like it!

    Sunday, October 28, 2012

    Okay....here we go!


    Well, the rain has started, and we are as ready as we ever will be for our "Frankenstorm" Sandy!  I AM looking forward to tomorrow for this reason:  the Sell-A-Stamp Spooktacular -- woohoo! 


    I will be placing an order, so let me know if you would like me to order anything for you.  This is a GREAT opportunity to get stamps at 15% off!  Just think of holiday gifts you could get for your crafty friends (or yourself!).  You can also place an order on my website http://nancyamato.stampinup.net.  The sale starts at 12 Midnight (MT) and ends at 11:50 PM (MT) on Monday, October 29.  So, don't miss out on this special sale.

    I have been doing a little stamping, in between hurricane preparations -- lol.  Here is a little Halloween treat I made for some of the neighborhood kiddos.  Hopefully, trick or treat night will still go off without a hitch.  The mini milk carton die is the same die I used for the baby shower favors.  I used the same basic idea, but I added some Howlstooth and Scaringbone Designer Series Paper to the outside of the milk carton. 


    Have a great Halloween!  And, stay safe fellow east-coasters. 

    Friday, October 26, 2012

    Oh, Sandy!


    Well, it looks like we will be having some "interesting" weather over the next few days, so please pardon if I do not post regularly.  We are prepared for the storm, but we are not looking forward to it!  :-)

    I will do my best to place your orders on Monday, October 29, for the Sell-A-Stamp Spooktacular.  It is ironic that they are calling this storm a "Frankenstorm" and it coincides with the Sell-A-Stamp Spooktacular!  It will be a Halloween to remember, that's for sure!

    If you are interested in placing an order for the Sell-A-Stamp Spooktacular to save 15% on stamps and would like me to place the order for you, please send me an email with your order and payment information as soon as possible.  I am going to place an order when the Sell-A-Stamp Spooktacular  begins at 12 AM (MT), 2 AM (ET).  I will be setting an alarm and placing the order then since the storm will likely cause us to lose power, and the power may not be back for several days.  Of course, you can always place an order on my website http://nancyamato.stampinup.net.  If you would like me to place the order for you, I need to have your order and payment information by Sunday, October 28, at 11 PM.  Thanks so much for understanding!

    Take care fellow east-coasters.  Be safe all!       

    Thursday, October 25, 2012

    15 PERCENT OFF ALMOST ALL STAMPS ON OCTOBER 29

    WOWOW!  I just found out about a GREAT promotion that Stampin' Up! is having for 1-day only, the "Sell-A-Stamp Spooktacular!"  On Monday, October 29, almost all stamps in the big catalog and the Holiday Mini catalog will be on sale for 15% off!  This sale will start at 12 midnight (MT) and end at 11:50 PM (MT).  This means all stamps in the current catalogs including:
      • Background stamps
      • Personalized name stamps
      • Cookie press stamps
      • Single-image stamps
    This DOES NOT include Hostess sets, Bundled stamp sets, or Digital stamp brush sets.
    You can place an order on my website http://nancyamato.stampinup.net or you can email me at stampinnancy@gmail.com with your order by Sunday, October 28, at 10 PM (ET).

    There are also some new Single-Image stamps, just in time for this special.  You can check them out on my website!   

    Don't miss out on this great sale!  The holidays are right around the corner, and this sale is too good to miss.  So, get your wish list ready and look through the catalog and Holiday Mini catalog.  All customers placing orders on my website or through me on Monday, October 29th, will receive a "thank you" gift from me.  Let me know if you have any questions. 

    (Hopefully, Hurricane Sandy will behave herself and go out to sea!) 

    Shop For A Cause

    I am thrilled to be participating in a Vendor Event on Sunday, November 4.  "Shop For A Cause" will be held at St. Joseph Church (Fullerton) from 11 AM - 3:30 PM.  Come stop by and do some of your holiday shopping with great home-based direct sales businesses.  Each vendor is donating to the Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation, a 501 (c) 3 organization that sponsors juvenile diabetes research. 

    Stop by my booth for a FREE Make & Take and enter my drawing for a FREE stamping class for up to 10 people.  I hope to see you there!

    Tuesday, October 23, 2012

    Digital Scrapbooking Day


    What do you get when you combine Digital Scrapbooking Day and My Digital Studio? A week of FREE downloads and 50 percent off ALL digital kits!  Be sure to take advantage of this special week and get 3 free downloads and 50% off all digital kits from October 29 - November 5. 

    What?  You don't have My Digital Studio?  New to digital designing?  Well, you can get a FREE trial version of My Digital Studio 2 (MDS2) for 30 days.  All you have to do is go to my online store and order your FREE trial version of MDS 2 with catalog number 130910.  Express yourself and impress your friends when you create projects using MDS 2, My Digital Studio’s digital design software.

    With the FREE 30-day trial, you’ll get:
    * Full access to the software at NO COST for 30 days
    * Full access to design tools to create cards, photobooks, calendars, and more
    * Full access to a sample of exclusive artwork from MDS 2+
    * The chance to buy additional downloads that you can keep after your trial expires
    * Ability to order your projects from our professional print services

    Visit http://mydigitalstudio.net for more information about My Digital Studio.  You will find lots of great samples and educational tutorials there to help you learn more about digital scrapbooking and more.   

    Monday, October 22, 2012

    Get ready for another RemARKable blog tour

    I am so excited to announce another RemARKable blog tour!  I will be joining friends from the RemARKable Stampers team for a fabulous blog tour on November 11, 2012.  We will be featuring projects using WINTER MEMORIES, a great stamp set from the Holiday Mini catalog (page 19).  Imagine all of the ideas you will have to use with this stamp set after the blog tour! 

    
    Winter Memories
     
    This set is available in wood mount (#127934, $27.95) or clear mount (#127937, $19.95).  I love it, and I cannot wait to show you some fun projects.  So, mark your calendars for November 11, 2012, for the RemARKable Stamp of the Month Blog Tour!