Find Out About Friday - Textured Embossing Boutique from Stampin' Up!

This week the wonderful Textured Embossing Boutique Machine from Stampin' Up! went on sale, so for this week's Find Out About Friday I thought I would tell you a bit more about it.

The Textured Embossing Boutique Machine allows you to transform ordinary card stock, vellum, paper and metalic foil into textured masterpieces to add to your projects.  Adding some texture will take your projects to the next level and make them even more special.  The Textured Embossing Machine works with all the Stampin' Up! Embossing Folders giving you a wonderful choice of patterns you can add to your project.

So is this machine for you?

• If you are looking for your first embossing machine, look no further!  
• If you have an electronic cutting machine and want something to add embossing to your projects, this machine is for you
• If you want a portable lightweight embossing machine that you can take with you to crops or easily move around your home, you are going to want this machine

The Textured Embossing Boutique Machine is lightweight and easy to use -would you like to see it in action?  Check out his video that the lovely Brian Pilling of Stampin' Up! has done for us.

Would you like to know something else wonderful about this clever little machine?  It costs just £26.95!  Wow what a bargain!  You can order yours here.  But before you do - a little thought for you.  If you order the Texture Boutique Embossing Machine and any three Embossing Folders to use with it, before 31 March 2014 you would qualify for a free Sale-a-Bration choice!  Brilliant - you could even choose the Delightful Dots Embossing Folder.

Happy Stampin'

To purchase the items used to make these project visit my on line store at www.bekka.stampinup.net or clicking on the highlighted item above.

Perfect Pennant Make A Wish Card

I thought it was about time I shared something I have made with some of these lovely new products I have been telling you about, so today I have a card featuring the delightful Perfect Pennants Stamp Set

I have used my In Color Stampin' Write Markers to colour the Make A Wish Sentiment and cut it out using the matching Banner Framelits.  I can see me using these Framelits a lot!  The background was created using other images from the Perfect Pennant Stamp Set and a scrap of a Tea Lace Doily which I have inked in Pink Pirouette to tie in with the card.  The wooden arrow is from the new Essentials Wooden Elements Collection which has an amazing 32 pieces in it for just £4.50.  I have added a layer of Gold Foil for a fashionable touch.  

In fact, did you know if you purchased the Perfect Pennants Stamp Set and matching Framelits as a bundle you will save 15% on the price of purchasing them seperately.  If you then added the Essential Wooden Embellishments and a pack of Gold Foil, to your order you would have qualified for a free Sale-a-Bration Item - the details are here

Happy Stampin'

To purchase the items used to make these project visit my on line store at www.bekka.stampinup.net or clicking on the highlighted item above.

Sale-a-Bration and how it can work for you

Yesterday I rather bombarded you with lots of lovely new things - and if you are anything like me you will have jumped right into looking at the products, spent a while (lets not put a number on this to spare our blushes) looking and sighing at all the new products and quite frankly ignoring most other things! So now you have had a chance to do that I am going to share a few more details about Sale-a-Bration, and how you can really take advantage of it.

Between now and 31 March 2014 when you purchase any products, either on line, in person or by contacting me you will get to choose on of the exclusive Sale-a-Bration gifts for every £45 you spend, so spend £90 and you will get two choices etc.  The items you purchase can be from any of our catalogues, from our digital range or even our clearance rack!

There are 13 different exclusive gifts to choose between, four beautiful stamp sets, one of which has an adorable matching punch, a beautiful embossing folder, delicious 12x12 Designer Series Papers, a beautiful accessories pack, a delightful card kit, some wonderful treat bags, a fabulous Banner Kit and two digital choices!  You can see them all here, and there really is something for everyone.  I love them all and hope to collect them all!

With these free gifts on offer you can make sure you get a really good deal when you shop at www.bekka.stampinup.net

But that is not the only way you can take advantage of Sale-a-Bration.  How would you like to earn even more for free?  When ever you host a party you could earn some products for free - between now and 31 March you can earn even more to spend for free in the catalogues.  Hosting a party is a lot of fun, either in person, or we can arrange a virtual party for you and your friends - just email bekka@feeling-crafty.co.uk and lets get the party started!

On Friday of last week, I shared some thoughts about why now is a good time to start a Stampin' Up! business - and Sale-a-Bration has something to offer those joining my team before 31 March - additional products of your choice in your starter kit!  For just £99 you can choose £150's worth of the products of your choice.  Amazing value in its own right and for the savvy shopper wanting to join and get a discount a great deal.  But it is a lot more than that too - its a chance to start your own business, pay for your crafting and earn some extra money - and the extra value in your kit will help you get off to a great and profitable start.  To join my team click here or for more information email bekka@feeling-crafty.co.uk

The Sale-a-Bration offer really is too good to miss - how are you going to take advantage of it?

Happy Stampin' 

Visit my on line store at www.bekka.stampinup.net 

It's Time to Sale-a-Brate your love of Stamping and to see the new Spring Summer Catalogue!

I am so excited to finally be able to share two wonderful new brochures with you - the new Spring Summer Catalogue which is jam packed with gorgeous new products to kick start your New Year of crafting, and the wonderful Sale-a-Bration promotion - which offers you lots of lovely free goodies!

I think you are probably going to need a lovely cup of your favourite drink as there is lots to look at - enjoy!

First of all here is the new Spring Summer Catalogue.  You can download it by clicking here.

Are you ready for more?  OK - here is the Sale-a-Bration Catalogue.  You can download it here.  At the front you will find some ideas for product bundles, followed by the products you can earn for free.  You can choose one of these 13 incredible exclusive products for every £45 you spend on anything from Stampin' Up!  Don't forget that until the end of this month we have three Catalogues live so you can order from any of them, any digital products or items from the clearance rack.  

We will talk more about Sale-a-Bration tomorrow as there are great offers for those who are looking to join Stampin' Up! and who host parties too!

And then as if that was not enough - I am excited to share this little beauty with you - the Texture Boutique Embossing Machine - I can't wait to get my hands on one so I can easily emboss where ever I go.  It would also make a great first embossing machine if you don't already have a Big Shot.

Now if you were to purchase this machine and 3 embossing folders you would also qualify for a Sale-a-Bration product so could add the lovely decorative dots folder - just sayin'!  Grab yours here.

So get yourself over to the shop now and get some wonderful new goodies and earn some extras too!

Happy Stampin'

Visit my on line store at www.bekka.stampinup.net 

MDS Monday - Chalkboard Burns Night Page

One of the things I love about MDS (My Digital Studio)  is how immediate my Scrapbooking can be with it.  Saturday was Burns Night and I treated myself to a Ginger Beer with Scottish Raspberries to celebrate - and look here it is on a page already!

Another thing I love about MDS is that it is easy to try different styles and ideas with the same photo - without ever having to cut into any of my precious patterned paper.  In the end the digital pages does not even feature any patterned papers, just some stamps or brushes - I have used the Vintage Overlay Collection to create the chalkboard background and then added images from the Bunch of Backgrounds and the Spatters that come with the software.  I love how it turned out, but know I would never have ended up with this if I had printed the photo and played with physical papers and inks.

If you would like to try MDS for yourself you can download the software here - its just £13.95  or you can download a fully functioning free 30 day trial here.

Happy Stampin'

To purchase the items used to make these project visit my on line store at www.bekka.stampinup.net or clicking on the highlighted item above.

PS Today (Monday 27th January) is the last day to order your Special Valentines Products and your Christmas Single Stamps

Happy Watercolor, Perfect Pennants and Banner Blast Special Card Sneak Peek - Tutorial available

Last week for Scrapbook Saturday I showed you a cute little mini album I had made using the new Scallop Top Tag Punch and I mentioned I thought it would make a lovey card too.  Well when I sat down to make a special birthday card I thought I would give it a try!

I have used the Sweet Sorbet Papers that you will be able to get Free during Sale-a-Bration as the base and this time decorated the inside as a card, using a combination of stamps.  

This page features the Decorative Dots Embossing Folder and Banner Blast Stamps and matching Punch which will be available during Sale-a-Bration.

On this page I have used the Happy Watercolor Stamps and coloured them with my Stampin' Write Markers.

I have used the same stamps and technique on the last page of the card - with lots of room to write a message.

The other page of the card features stamps from the Perfect Pennants and Banner Blast Stamp Sets.

All the products will be available from Tuesday 28 January so be sure to check them out at www.bekka.stampinup.net

I have had a number of people ask about how this type of album or card is made so I am putting together a tutorial.  If you would like a copy please email bekka@feeling-crafty.co.uk

Happy Stampin'

To purchase the items used to make these project visit my on line store at www.bekka.stampinup.net

Scrapbook Saturday - Sale-a-Bration is coming!

I am so excited about this year's Sale-a-Bration!  There are wonderful products for everyone including those of you who love to Scrapbook.  Today I am going to show you a page which features a lovely collection of papers you can get for free when you spend £45 or more and they are delicious!

The page also features some other new products which will be available from 28 January so be sure to check back then for more details then!  

This page is one I designed for our team training event last weekend.  I love these events as we always have so much fun together.  If you want to know more about joining the team check yesterday's post!  As well as wonderful products that you can get for free there is also a great deal for people who want to start their own Stampin' Up! adventure - check back here on the 28th or join my newsletter to make sure you get all the details.  You can subsctribe to my newsletter by putting your email address in the box at the top right hand side of this page.

Happy Stampin'

Visit my on line store at www.bekka.stampinup.net 

3 Reasons Why Now Is A Great Time To Start Your Own Stampin' Up! Business

Starting next week there will be a very special offer for those who are looking to join my team and start their own Stampin' Up! Business, so for this week's Find Out About Friday I thought I would share some thoughts on why now is a great time to do just that.

The news is full of stories about recession, economic doom and gloom and industry cut backs, and I am sure that even if we have not been personally impacted by the recession we know someone who has been.  We have all also seen our bills rise without the same rise in our income.

Despite the economic climate Stampin' Up! has flourished and grown by an average of 80% year on year - incredible growth which shows no sign of slowing down and there are a number of reasons for that.  

The Crafting Industry is Growing

In stressful recessionary times people the research shows that people are looking for an escape, something that gives them a sense of pride and satisfaction and which makes them and others feel good.  In an increasingly fast paced and on line world they are also looking for something which helps them slow down and reconnect by making something tangible.   Crafting fills this need we all feel and the growth in the crafting industry reflects that.

The Crafting Industry is more accessible than ever

The popularity of shows such as the Great British Bake Off, the Great British Sewing Bee and Kirstie Alsopp's Homemade made programmes highlight this trend for crafting and introduce new people to the idea of making themselves.  It is estimated that the total income from homemade contemporary card making businesses alone is worth in excess of £457 million pounds.

The ease with which handmade projects can be shared on line and via things like Facebook, You Tube, Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter also boosts the accessibility of crafting and helps people know they too can make beautiful things.

Direct Sales is Growing

Direct Sales, where businesses provide products without a fixed retail location, is not a new business model, but it is one which is currently experiencing a revival.  The Direct Selling Association estimate that sales of £2 billion were generated by direct sellers in the UK last year.  The flexibility of a direct sales business allows people to build a business on their own terms and around their other commitments.

This makes a business such as Stampin' Up! ideal either to provide some financial freedom, to replace an income or to pay off some bills.

Their research also shows that those who are passionate about their products and what they do are the people who do best - and lets face it as crafters we LOVE what we do and we LOVE to share it with others!  

And that is not all

These three factors alone would allow you to start a business which is likely to do well.  However, as I often do, I am going to provide you with some extra reasons why joining my Stampin' Up! Team could be a great decision for you...

Stampin' Up! provide us with a lot of support to allow us to do well and when you join my team you get even more! 

• Dedicated support to help you achieve your goals - both crafting and business.  I am one of the most successful demonstrators in the UK and I have a extensive background in business coaching.  I am passionate about helping others achieve what they want to achieve.
• Proven business success plans and techniques to help you build your business your way.
• Access to an extensive training programme
• A fantastic discount on some of the best paper crafting products available in the UK
• Friendship and encouragement from an amazing team

If you would like to know more about this amazing opportunity and the great offer when you join my team that starts next week please email bekka@feeling-crafty.co.uk  We will arrange a no pressure, no obligation chat to see if this is the right opportunity for you.  

Just think soon you could be experiencing the rewards - financially, socially and creatively of starting your own business.  Imagine all your bills being paid, the financial freedom to do what you love to do, and never paying for your crafting products again ...  email me today bekka@feeling-crafty.co.uk and let's chat.

Happy Stampin'

Visit my on line store at www.bekka.stampinup.net 

PS: To join my team now click here

Perfect Pennants Sneak Peek

Today I have another sneak peek card for you - and I am so excited about both the new stamp sets it features.  The first is called Perfect Pennants and as well as 10 gorgeous images and sentiments it has a coordinating set of Frameliets making it fast as well as fabulous to use.  The stamps and Framelits will be available to purchase from 28 January.

I have also used a new background stamp on this card - who knew I could be as excited as I am about this stamp!  I LOVE it and I know you will too.  Its called Hardwood and it is amazing!  This stamp is also available from 28 January.  Here I have stamped it on Whisper White Card using Crumb Cake Ink.  The other colours on this card are Pink Pirouette and Coastal Cabana.  I have used some Pink Pirouette Taffeta Ribbon, part of a Tea Lace Doily inked in Coastal Cabana and the accent flower is punched from one of the Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack and topped with a Rhinestone.

If you want to make sure you are one of the first people to see the new Spring Summer Catalogue that contains these new stamps just sign up for my mailing list - its free and you will not be bombarded with emails!  There is a box at the top right hand side of this page and you just need to put your email address in.

Happy Stampin'

To purchase the items used to make these project visit my on line store at www.bekka.stampinup.net or clicking on the highlighted item above.

Happy Watercolor Card Making Class Sneak Peek

Each month at our card making classes we feature a stamp set and make a collection of cards showing some of the different things you can do with it.  In February we are going to use a brand new stamp set from the upcoming Spring Summer Seasonal Catalogue called Happy Watercolor.  I love this stamp set and can't wait to share it at class - I just need to narrow down my list of possible projects with it!!!

To give you a little taster today I am going to show you a card featuring this lovely stamp set, I'm not sure yet if we will make this one in class - you will have to come along to find out!

The base is made from a sheet of 12x12 Crumb Cake Card Stock, and I have added a layer of Wisteria Wonder which has been embossed with a new embossing folder which you will be able to get for free from next week - stay tuned!  

All the stamps are from the new Happy Watercolor Stamp Set and I have used Crumb Cake, Wisteria Wonder and Elegant Eggplant Inks.  I just love these images! The card is finished off with some Vintage Faceted Buttons and some Rhinestones.

If you would like more information about this card making class please email bekka@feeling-crafty.co.uk  If you are unable to attend a class in person a postal version is available.

Happy Stampin'

To purchase the items used to make these project visit my on line store at www.bekka.stampinup.net or clicking on the highlighted item above.

Sneak Peek - Petal Parade meets Papillion Potpourri

A week today sees the launch of the new Spring Summer Serasonal Catalogue and the start of a wonderful promotion called Sale-a-Bration.  During Sale-a-Bration you can earn yourself free stamp sets and today's card features one of those stamp sets.  Its a beautiful floral stamp set called Petal Parade.

Now when I think of flowers I also think of butterflies so out came my favourite Papillion Potpourri Stamps and the matching Elegant Butterfly and Itty Bitty Butterfly Punches.  The stamped butterflies are backed with some lovely Gold Foil.  I have also used another new stamp set and some lovely new sparkly on the card which you will be able to order from next week.

If you want to make sure you are one of the first people to find out the full details of Sale-a-Bration and to see the new Spring Summer Seasonal Catalogue sign up for my newsletter - there is a box at the top right hand side of this page. All you have to do is add your email address, it's totally free and your details will never be shared with anyone else.  I also promise not to bombard you with too many emails - you will get about two each month which will contain hints, tips and project ideas as well as the latest Stampin' Up! news.  Oh and did I mention you get a free tutorial just for signing up?  So don't forget to sign up ...

Happy Stampin'

To purchase the items used to make these project visit my on line store at www.bekka.stampinup.net or clicking on the highlighted item above.

MDS Monday - Phone Wallpaper

I love how versatile My Digital Studio from Stampin' Up! is and how many different things you can do with it.  As well as cards, scrapbook pages and photobooks you can do loads of other things too - and the latest thing I have done with MDS is design some wallpapers for my phone.  This was quick, easy and a lot of fun to do - and while the end result may not be the most complicated project I love that it makes me smile each time I look at my phone!

To create a project like this you start by creating a custom sized canvas and then decorating it.  The large gap at the top of this one is where the clock and the icons sit on my phone so I can still see the whole image when using my phone.

I made another one for a friend who saw mine and had a lot of fun creating a chalk board look for it.

You can download the My Digital Studio Software here (or if you are not sure there is a free trial version too) and then have a lot of fun creating things like this.  The software comes with lots of elements and you can download more if you want to.  Each Tuesday new exclusive downloads are released so there is always something fresh to try.  You can see the latest releases here.

Happy Stampin'

To purchase the items used to make these project visit my on line store at www.bekka.stampinup.net 

Fancy Fold Card featuring the new Happy Watercolor Stamp Set

Today I am going to show I am going to be sharing with the team at our training day in Peterborough today.  At these fun filled training days we share lots of projects to make as well as lots of business information and support.  This fancy fold card is one of today's projects.

And here is is partly open

Lots of new products for you to see on this card - and  will be able to share the details of them with you on the 28th - so not long to wait now!

If you would like to find out more about how you can join us at our next fun team day please email bekka@feeling-crafty.co.uk or click here for more information.  We would love to have you join us

Happy Stampin'

To purchase the items used to make these project visit my on line store at www.bekka.stampinup.net