One of the genuine delights of any gathering of Stampin’ Up! demonstrators is swapping. I’ve been in New Orleans this week for Backstage, our annual gathering of leaders. You KNOW there was some fabulous swapping going on! Here’s a card I brought:

• Stamps: Count on Me, Painted Poppies
• Color Palette: Basic White, Poppy Parade, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, Sahara Sand, Memento Black
• Accessories: Big Boss, Deckle Rectangle dies, Stampin’ Blends, Sun Prints DSP, Linen Thread, Stampin’ Dimensionals

This card actually began as a Stampin’ Blends practice project. I wanted to work on shading, and that bear was my subject. I really liked the way it turned out, but it sat on my craft desk for a long time waiting for the right moment. When I started thinking about swaps, this card came together almost by itself.

Backstage has allowed the demonstrator leaders to finally able to meet one another in person. Covid has limited our opportunities to gather, and I’m sure many of you will agree that virtual gatherings only go so far. Since Stampin’ Up! is a multi-national organization, I’ve had the chance to meet fellow demonstrators from Europe and the South Pacific as well as the U.S and Canada this week. To say it’s been amazing would be an understatement.

I had such a good time with the bear, I decided to try the kangaroo as well. My eldest daughter is an Aussie, so the ‘roo is practically a member of the family.

In terms of coloring, this is actually a relatively simple project – just the critter and the poppies. There’s enough shading to keep it interesting, but not so much that you can’t do a few for some of your best new friends in the world.

Ready to color your own bears and ‘roos? Count on Me is a bit of a catalog sleeper – give it a chance. Shop HERE.

The 2023 DIY Template is now available! It’s just $5 and you may use it to make as many calendars as you like. It includes a page of covers, 12 monthly calendar blocks (4 to a page), and a set of cutting instructions. The blocks are designed to be cut to 3 1/2″ square.

Contact me to make your payment – I use Square to invoice, and you don’t need an account to use it.

Be sure to subscribe by September 10th for your Craft Escape in a box! The September kit is perfect to get ready for Trick or Treat. It makes 18 treat boxes for your favorite little ghosties and goblins.

Paper Pumpkin subscriptions deliver ready-to-go projects to your doorstep every month, but you have ultimate control to skip or cancel 😱 if you decide it’s not for you. Don’t miss this kit!

Sale-a-bration 22v2 is up and running! Whether your tastes are whimsical, romantic, or outdoorsy, everyone will find stamps to enjoy for free! But wait – there’s more! Designer series paper and dies that coordinate with our stamps are options when you spend $50 usd. On August 2nd an fresh set of products was added to the rewards offerings. Time to go shopping! See the choices HERE.

Our Mini Catalog is packed with new designs and products to inspire and delight. There’s something for everyone, and one of my favorite Do Not Miss This products is our Embossing Additions Tool Kit with all the tools you’ll need for perfect results. Shop the Mini Catalog and then choose your Sale-a-bration reward!

Stampin’ Up! always has a bonus joining offer during Sale-a-bration, and this one is really special! You’ll receive a gorgeous planner, 3 coordinating notebooks, and an exclusive stamp set to help organize your projects, your priorities, and your plans! You don’t need to make a business out of this to enjoy your new planner.

Becoming a demonstrator is ALWAYS a great value – the kit itself includes $125 of product (you choose every bit of it) for $99. It also includes catalogs and other business supplies should you choose to share what you love doing. But the icing on the cake is the discount that every demonstrator earns on every single order. There’s no long-term commitment – let’s chat and see if this makes sense for you! Contact me to learn more. Ready to sign up? JOIN HERE.