Holle Wiktorek

SALE A BRATION 2012: Elementary Elegance

Stampin' Up! Sale-A-Bration has arrived!  WHEN is your party?? Imagine the FUN you will have the money you will SAVE when you create cards and gifts.  No time??? Workshop mini projects are so easy to reproduce; you can make them in the carpool line, while watching TV, or waiting in the doctor's office.  

This project was shared during Leadership Conference, and it is a great example of a workshop card.  Friends will use paper, punches, stamps, cardstock, and ribbon to create a classic card to share with friends.

The FREE stamp sets earned by shoppers and hostesses fit all occasions! When I first saw the Elementary Elegance stamp images, I immediately thought of monograms and personalization. 

Although this project wouldn't fit into the simple category--too many layers and products to create---it was still fun!  This project is also an example of the special treats hostesses earn from me when they invite friends and schedule a stamp party!

This valentine tag was created with the Designer Series Paper chipboard piece as the first layer.  I cut and embossed the tag using the Big Shot, Finial Press embossing folder, and Two Tags Bigz die.  Other supplies include: Red Glimmer paper, Heart Framelits, Organza Ribbon, Curly Label punch, Lovely Letters alphabet stamp set, 1" square punch, Cherry Cobbler Dazzling Details, and Real Red cardstock and ink.

San Antonio...Leadership Make N Take Time

Jaws dropped when demonstrators saw the LARGE amount of make n take projects and samples.  WOW!

This event was scheduled the day before we would gather for the opening General Session.  I sat with Angela and some new Canadian friends; and I admit to watching and talking rather than creating. Surprised?

Thanks to my hostess, Bobbie, for being  a make n take helped because she shared all the supplies needed to complete a stamp session at her kitchen table with friends.

Sale-A-Bration has FINALLY arrived!  NOW is your chance to earn FREE products from the exclusive Sale-A-Bration catalog.  Gather your friends for a stamp session and FREE products for every $50 product order (before tax/shipping).

San Antonio...Leadership Lucky Ladies

Before we even opened the doors to the Convention Center; I already enjoyed the gifts of my mother watching Hayden, an incredible roommate, and a welcoming hostess to begin Leadership Fun Week.

Stampin' Up! welcomed demonstrators with a make n take logo bag, filled with project kits.  We would soon learn our exclusive fabric bag would match perfectly with the make n take table gift--a coordinating fabric trifold wallet. 

Prize Patrols, clothesline inspiration projects, exclusive announcements, and You Crew teams created fun, freebies, and fond memories.

San Antonio...Leadership Fabric Bag

Stampin' Up! Convention and Leadership always begin with "Bag Pick Up."  The bag usually includes the Make N Take packet; last minute instructions; an exclusive ink pen with the event logo; event button; and other small surprises.  A fabric bag was this year's focus; and it features FOUR different styles to fit the "My Way" theme.

Although I do not own a sewing machine, I greatly appreciate the time and talent of a seamstress.  Attempting such a project would not make it to my "To Do" list--so this was a Wonderful Wow to start my week!!! Thanks to Stampin' Up!

If you would like to create one of these beautiful bags, I will see if the pattern is available.

The layout was created with My Digital Studio program--it is a MUST HAVE!!! I love it, and you will see why very soon!

Stampin' in San Antonio...

What an AMAZING week!!!! From beginning to end, the week flowed fabulously.  I could not have asked for better chauffeurs, tour guides, hostesses, creative coaches, or roommate. 

Once the school bus arrived on Tuesday morning, I bid farewell to Hayden.  He would spend an entire week with his "Honey" (my mother).  Three out of his four school days were "green" (great behavior).  He completed homework, passed an Accellerated Reading test, completed chores, and played well with friends. WOW!!!

Before my flight, Mama surprised me with butter cookies from Nashville's Sweet & Sassy Bakery (my absolute favorite!)  Security was fast and smooth; and I enjoyed lunch before boarding the plane to Texas.  I was also fortunate to have empty seat space on my first flight.  Considerate, friendly seatmates were welcomed on the final leg of my trip.

In San Antonio, my bestest friend, Angela, was waiting with a HUGE HUG! I have missed her more than I imagined; and we would have an entire week together!  My luggage arrived quickly; and we were given an upgrade on the rental car.  The weather was wonderful; and I enjoyed the city tour and local life stories.  We enjoyed dinner at Angela's FAVORITE restaurant in the WORLD----Taco Cabana!  Service was great, and we were given a FREE order of sweetness! Sopapillas with Honey and Dulce de Leche. YUMMY!!!

I will admit my I-10 adventures this week were not the most enjoyable.  However, I am grateful to Bobbie for driving and sharing her home with us last week.  I used to think Colorado and Tennessee traffic and rush hour were horrid.  After a small taste of San Antonio's inner and outer "clock" transportation system, I am grateful for my short, less stressful, wait times.

We visited a fellow stamper, Delores; and she invited us on a tour of her stamp space.  Her detached studio featured natural lighting, controlled climate, and clever organization systems.  Meeting her was a pleasure; and I will cherish our prayer time that evening.

I promise to share the rest of my week---Stampin' Up! events are ALWAYS a wonderful investment of my time and money.  New friends, laughter, kindness, surprises, and more are ALWAYS a part of the event.  I left San Antonio with sadness to realize time had ended so quickly; but Hayden's excitement to see me cured my heartache fast as I returned to reality.

Sale-A-Bration 2012: Fresh Vintage,Everyday Enchantment

Everyday Enchantment is such a fun name for the FREE playful designer series paper pack in the Sale-A-Bration brochure.

I colored the Fresh Vintage stamp set with Poppy Parade, Lucky Limeade, and Pool Party Stampin' Write markers before stamping on a pre-cut heart from the Big Shot Framelits collection.

My mind is full of decisions and choices non-stop.  Thanks to Stampin' Up!, my color and product choices coordinate to create stress-free stamp time.  Schedule a Sale-A-Bration workshop with me, and I will create kits and projects for you and your friends to play with these fun products!

FREE, FREE, FREE...

Like the word four-letter-word, 

FREE? 

Your choice of a FREE product from the Sale-A-Bration mini catlaog awaits on January 24. 

You may also submit your order early, so I may submit it the moment the special promotion begins. 

A handmade treat will be given to the first 10 people who place a FREE Sale-A-Bration order form. (this offer does not include online orders)  Email or call me to place your order ASAP.

BIG SHOT BONUS: FRAMELITS

The Stampin' Up! Mini Occasions Catalog offers many fun products for the Big Shot.  My favorite (this week) are the Framelits sets.  I created this fun card to swap  at Leadership Conference. Notice the many FREE Sale-A-Bration products I used to design the card (Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper, Everyday Enchantment Ribbon & Brad Pack, Fresh Vintage stamp set).

Stampin' Up! offers videos, project samples, and tutorials on the many wonderful ways to make the most of their products.

I hope you will join me in adding the Framelits dies to your Big Shot die collection.  I will share more storage tips, design ideas, and many ways to LOVE this great new product!!

THANKS A MILLION with Blushing Bride

Time to myself feels SO GOOD.  I have made time to learn and energize this week, and I can thank Stampin' Up! for the treat of Leadership Conference.

I shared this card during the Ft. Campbell Family Readiness Thank You Card Class last week.  Participants were given a choice between two similar designs, and the polka dots were my favorite.

While military mothers created cards, the children played games and enjoyed crafts. I was impressed by their talent, creativity, and appreciation; and I look forward to hosting workshops for some of the ladies soon.  Sale-A-Bration is a great time to enjoy FREE products!

SUPPLIES:

Stamp Sets:  Word Play or  Just Thank You

Cardstock:  Sahara Sand, Whisper White,  Blushing Bride 

Ink: Soft Suede

Designer Series Paper:   2010-2012 In Color Paper Stack   (includes 40 sheets, 4 each of 2 double-sided designs in 5 colors)

Paper Punches:  XL Decorative Label Paper Punch,   2 ½” Circle Paper Punch

Big Shot:  Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine, Labels Collection Framelits Die Set, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder

Other:  Basic Rhinestones

  

Friday the 13th--Good Luck for Kids! NO SCHOOL!

As you may have guessed by now, schools were closed on Friday the 13th.  I waited until Saturday to report because we have been busy with snow play, cleaning, and errands.

The school system called the house, at 5AM, to report closure. I promised to wake Hayden the moment I heard the news. He was wide awake with excitement and ran to my bedroom for his promised "breakfast in bed" with TV time. 

We faded in and out of rest before the doorbell rang for snow play with neighbors. I looked forward to learning actually HOW fun the white dust could be.  My only idea was to suggest we create messages in the snow.  Hayden's stick was too thin, so we used bootprints.

After a few minutes of cold play, I insisted we dress better for the temperature and get some actual use from our Colorado snow clothes.  Quickly, I remembered Hayden has outgrown most everything. I was prepared with a hat, gloves, warm socks, scarf, and coat.  No weather resistent snow pants this year--oh well.

I am also happy to report I found time to stamp and play with new products from the Occasions Mini Catalog and Sale-A-Bration brochure.  While I attend Stampin' Up! Leadership Conference, I will schedule posts of project inspiration to persuade you to use your craft supplies this week.

1.12.12.....FIRST TN SNOW

After living in Colorado for eight years, this super light dusting of snow wasn't impressive.  However, snow always has a way of making me smile and remembering times of no school, unique snowmen, and sled rides.

As we listened for a report of early school closing, I was pleasantly surprised at  Hayden's excitement to remain IN school.  He could hardly wait to finish his balloon globe project in social studies class.

As I type the words for this blog post update, nearly every county in Middle Tennessee will close Friday.  Austin Peay State University and Ft. Campbell Army base have both announced a two-hour delay.  We are among the few counties that will have to wait until morning to discover our fate.  As the wind howls outside our door, Hayden continues to hope for a super extra-long holiday weekend ahead. 

A snow day will mean laundry, errands, and cleaning for me.  However, I promised Hayden we will snuggle and watch morning cartoons with breakfast in bed IF school is delayed or closed.  I also promised myself some "stamp time" while he plays Wii.  

Let it snow........

 

Thanks So Much..Sale-A-Bration Product Debut

A special thank you to the Family Readiness Group members, who attended my mini class last night at Ft. Campbell. I truly enjoyed our time together.  How fabulous to create two cards with coordinating envelopes in less than an hour.

We created two quick and easy cards using Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper; Vintage Wallpaper and Designer Frames embossing folders; Beautiful Butterflies Bigz die; wide oval punch; Sincere Salutations and Dot, dot, dot stamp sets; hemp twine; Riding Hood Red, Very Vanilla, and Basic Gray cardstock;  Riding Hood Red and Basic Gray ink; and sprinkles of creativity.

The Designer Series Paper, Everyday Enchantment, will be available FREE with a $50 product order (before tax and shipping fees) on January 24.  There are many more FREE Sale-A-Bration product selections to fit your needs. If you need a mini catalog or would like to host a mini card class, PLEASE contact me to schedule a date. 

Although this was my card design suggestion, many ladies chose to alter their approach.  It was exciting to see the many different designs developed by the same basic kit supplies. They were such a clever group!  I look forward to seeing each of them again soon.

A FREE GIFT...courtesy of Stampin' Up!

Stampin' Up! is ringing in the new year with a FREE gift for Facebook fans!  "Friend" and "Like" Stampin' Up! to receive a FREE download of the "Day in the Life" My Digital Studio digital kit.(available until January 10, 2012)

THANK YOU, STAMPIN' UP!!!

"Thank you for being our friends! To show our appreciation for our 100,000 (plus) Facebook fans, we’re giving away a free digital kit to EVERYONE to use with My Digital Studio (or any other design software if My Digital Studio is not available where you live). The Day in the Life kit contains Designer Series Papers, embellishments, a Designer Template, and is valued at $14.95(US)! To download the kit, just follow THIS LINK. And so you (and your friends) have plenty of time to download the kit, we’ll make sure it is available through January 10."

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Download includes:
* 38-piece stamp brush set
* 12 Designer Series Paper patterns
* 21 embellishments
* two-page 8" x 8" designer template

Features:
* Digital-exclusive
*Template designed to use for everyday projects. Also great for year-in-review photobook, planner, journal, and more.

Coordinating colors:
Basic Gray, Cherry Cobbler, Crushed Curry, Daffodil Delight, Early Espresso, Marina Mist, Not Quite Navy, Old Olive, Pear Pizzazz, Pool Party, Pumpkin Pie, Sahara Sand, Taken with Teal, Very Vanilla

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I hope you enjoy the FREE DOWNLOAD and use it soon. I look forward to playing with my new digital kit.  Thanks again, Stampin' Up!

A BIG WELCOME TO THE MINI OCCASIONS 2012 CATALOG!!! WOW! WOW! WOW!

A new year means a BRAND NEW MINI CATALOG and the anticipation of the SALE-A-BRATION season!!!!  The new products are bigger, better, and bolder!

* My FAVORITE TOOLS are the Big Shot Edgelits, Framelits, and Large Sizzlits.  The Elegant Bird Bigz die is also fabulous! 

* My FAVORITE STAMP SETS are Take it to Heart, Apothecary Art, Loved Ones, and Sweet Cake.

* My FAVORITE EMBELLISHMENTS are Scented Stampin' Embossing Powder, Large Pearl Basic Jewels, Blushing Bride Smooch Spritz, and Cherry Cobbler Dazzling Details.

Don't have a catalog? Let me know and I will send one!  Can't wait to see the new products?

Occasions Mini (flash version)

Occasions Mini (pdf)

Occasions Mini Spanish sets

Supplies

Product Guide

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Want to see these pretties in person?  Join me for my Mini Occasions Catalog Open House with FREE make n takes, project samples, demonstrations, and more!

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Saturday, January 14,  4PM,

at Stamp Studio H

Please RSVP no later than Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Door prize tickets may be earned for a fabulous fun treat basket!

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Earn extra door prizes: 

(1) Bring a new friend(s) to the party

(2) Schedule a Sale-A-Bration workshop for 4-6 friends

(3) Schedule a catalog party for Sale-A-Bration

(4) Submit a Wish List for your birthday,anniversary, Valentine's Day

(5) Spend $25 in product at the Open House

(6) Join our monthly C.R.E.A.T.E. Club

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I look forward to our fun together! RSVP online, by email, or phone. I can't wait to see you and your friends!

2011 Holiday Mini "Carryover Product List" Announced

On January 3, 2012, the Holiday Mini catalog and Clearance Blitz are scheduled to expire.The Clearance Rack will remain, but some of the items in the Blitz might disappear. Be sure to check it out--the deals are more than 80% off to include punches, paper, kits, embellishments, Big Shot tools, and more!

The GOOD NEWS--the Mini Occasions catalog products are available to order!

The GREAT NEWS--some of the Holiday Mini catalog products appear on the official "Carryover List."  I really loved some of the items, so I am thrilled thirteen will still be available!

I plan to help Hayden fill the 1" X 8" cellophane bags with treats for classmate valentines.  We may even add a fun topper using the Peekaboo Frames BigzL die and Dazzling Details.

I look forward to sharing more from our Christmas traditions scrapbook, valentine ornaments from the Mini Occasions catalog, and swap projects for Leadership.

Be sure to RSVP for my Mini Occasions Catalog Open House on Satuday, January 14, to create some make n takes and see lots of samples created with the fun new products!

2012...A Happy New!

WOW! How exciting to imagine the possibilities of the adventures that await 2012!  As I reflect on 2011, I am grateful for my blessings and resolve to make better choices to bring happiness and peace in the new year.

I spent a quiet New Year's Eve doing what I love...stamping!  I have been creating birthday cards, thank you cards, valentines, and swap projects for the upcoming Leadership Conference.  Something exciting to share for the new year---the Clearance Rack Sale continues!

As you make resolutions and plans for January, I hope you will make time to create cards and plan fun with friends.  Be sure to check out my Creative Event Calendar to schedule your Sale-A-Bration workshop, laughing lunch break/stamp chat, or class.  If the dates on my calendar don't work with yours, be sure to call me to schedule a time that will work.

Happy New Year!

 

12 Days of Christmas Traditions...Day 7

Christmas fills our home with memories, traditions, and fun.  We also enjoy touring our town to admire the displays created by others.  This year we strolled through the "Christmas on the Cumberland" light display and downtown Clarksville.

We also toured the city and county to see the winners of the best light displays in Clarksville.  Read more about the winners and the locations in  The Leaf Chronicle newspaper article.  The Brantley Lane house was one of our favorites this year. 

Thanks to a nice evening, Hayden and I toured Public Square around downtown Clarksville.  Our family appreciates historic buildings and local business owners, so this evening was a treat for us.  Hayden provided dancing and singing entertainment for me as I snapped a quick memory.

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For months I happily served on the Love Lights a Tree fundraiser committee.  Our team efforts and generous contributions raised thousands of dollars to support this worthy cause. 

One cold, rainy Sunday evening at Gateway Memorial Hospital, hope for finding a cure for cancer brightened the darkness as we celebrated and honored the lives of cancer patients, survivors, and victims. 

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If you would like to create a special keepsake of your family traditions or honor a loved one with a handmade card or scrapbook, check out the Clearance Rack for up to 80% off regular retail prices on Stampin' Up! products.  Sale items are disappearing fast and new products have been added; so do not miss your chance to save this season.

12 Days of Christmas Traditions...Day 6

Christmas ornaments come in all sizes, and the memories they spark touch my heart and remind me of days gone by.  I appreciate the talented artists who design ornaments; enjoy family photos hanging on my tree; and remember the fun people and places these keepsakes represent. 

Some people may see ornaments for the purpose of covering a tree among the lights circling the branches.  I see much more, and the meaning brings me great joy. 

I remember helping Mama decorate our entire home for Christmas. When we visited my grandmother and aunts, their homes were covered in Christmas...something in every room.  I continued the tradition when I graduated from college and rented my first apartment.  When I married, I was anxious to share the tradition with my husband, Thomas.  He was a bit overwhelmed because, as a military brat, relocation was often and household goods were limited.

As we began our adventure with the Army, I pleaded to pack my Christmas keepsakes.  As we celebrated Christmas away from family and old friends, I found the decorations and traditions provided comfort and kept the memories close.  I realize that a tree in each room may seem cluttered or obsessive.  Honestly, I do not care what others think about my tree tradition.  In my world, nothing brightens a room and warms my heart like the sparkle of family Christmas memories and keepsakes.  Our home is much more cozy with a glow in a corner of each room; and a bedtime smile at the tree is sure to bring sweet dreams.

12 Days of Christmas Traditions...Day 5

I hope you enjoyed a very Merry Christmas with your family and friends. This scrapbook page was perfect to share because we are warm and cozy inside our home, safe from this damp, drizzly, dreary, cold day.

Our Christmas village collection is another fun and festive part of our family tradition. This year it welcomes guests in our home at the top of the staircase into our living room. I showcased my favorite pieces, and I am proud to say none of them are damaged or broken from the move and Hayden's obsession with playing with cars and trucks in the village. The pieces are very durable and well made, and I enjoyed watching Hayden's excitement around them. After all, he learned to be careful and was amazed at the details of each piece. Most of the pieces are retired, but thanks to Ebay, they can be replaced. Hayden's joy is priceless!

Want to learn how to create a digital scrapbook for your family? I teach classes!  I offer scrapbook crop time!  Please contact me for more information, and I can show you and your friends how to crank out a keepsake scrapbook much faster than traditional methods.  Professional printing and binding is available too!  Check out my website for more information about the My Digital Studio program.  I would love to offer assistance and coaching in preserving your precious memories!

Merry Christmas from Me.....

Wishing you and yours a happy and healthy holiday season...

May you be blessed with peace, joy, love, family, and friends at Christmas...

Much can change in a blink of an eye, and we are grateful for the gift of Jesus and God's amazing grace in our lives.  We do enjoy the decorations, holiday attire, discounts and deals, delicious dinners, carols, and gifts. This year, we will start and celebrate with a birthday breakfast for Jesus!

Peace on Earth

This stunning card also made it to my mailbox this month!  My friend, Christy, shared it during the Colorado Springs Stampin' for a Cure event in October 2011.  Angela created a card for me to display, admire, and share.  I just LOVE how fellow demonstrators spread joy, inspiration, and projects both near and far.  I can hardly wait to see both of my friends in January--face to face!

Big Shot Northern Flurry embossing folder, Merry & Type stamp set, Real Red satin ribbon, pearls, and oval punches were used to create this card.  This design set my mind in motion for a Valentine idea I will share soon.

Enjoy your day!

Christmas Lodge at its best....

Although the stamp set, Christmas Lodge, is perfect to use for the holiday; I plan to feature it on winter cards in January too.  The snow scene could also be used for a ski theme. Don't forget: This stamp set is available in the Holiday Mini catalog (products expire on Jan. 3, 2012)

My friend and fellow demonstrator, Angela, sent this card to me.  I love her subtle use of trees as a border; and the jingle bell with Cherry Cobbler baker's twine is so fun!  Paper tearing, sponging, and cutting the punch to create a larger image to peek around the greeting were great techniques to share. Oh, what fun it is to ride in a car to my mailbox....hey! (I know I am silly this season, but why not???!)

Christmas Cards are Coming....

Beautiful Christmas cards have been filling our family mailbox this season.  This one was created by Dana and sent to us from Colorado.  Dana is a talented demonstrator, and she chose my favorite Christmas stamp set: Beautiful Season.  She used the Color Spritzer tool, glitter, and watercolor techniques to add color and sparkle to this line art image.  I hadn't seen a technique I really loved with this set...until now!  Thanks so much for spreading Christmas cheer and a creative card our way, my friend!

12 Days of Christmas Traditions...Day 4

As a crafter, I appreciate the time and talent required to create a handmade gift.  Childhood memories include my mother's ceramic artwork; and I am blessed to have these treasures ten house moves and thirty years later.

Although Santa is a small part of our the fun we enjoy at Christmas, I will display these many pieces around our home every year.  The collection is classic, rare, and priceless to me.

The Santa Workshop reminds me of a great honor bestowed upon my mother.  In the 1980's, Opryland Hotel purchased this design for their holiday display.  Mama was paid more than $300!

12 Days of Christmas Traditions...Day 3

Santa costumes became a tradition during Hayden's very first Christmas.  I dressed him in a Santa suit and placed him on a red sled that now is used to decorate our nativity scene.

Dressing the pups became a new tradition, thanks to Mama's dog, Jack. When I saw the pup hat and collar, I could already imagine the fun photos that bribing with treats might produce.  I was right!  All three of my babies made it to our family Christmas card this year!

I expect the Santa costume tradition to continue for Hayden, thanks to a HUGE SALE at Target several years ago.  All Santa suit sizes were marked 75% off retail, so I bought child and youth sizes through adult for only $5-$10 each. 

Once the Santa photos are snapped, I print them to create a Christmas canvas for our hallway. I expect the future will bring hesitation and aggravation with my Santa attire request, so the photo may have to become my special Christmas gift each year.