Holle Wiktorek

Simply Scrappin' Kits

...NOT JUST FOR SCRAPBOOK PAGES!

Stampers by the Sea Demonstrator Group challenged me to create projects using this super fun, Best Ever Simply Scrappin Kit (112054).   The kit includes:  8 sheets 12" X 12" 80# weight textured cardstock, 6 sheets 12" X 12" patterned paper, 6 sheets 6" X 12" self-adhesive die cuts.  The kit coordinates with: Riding Hood Red, Kraft, Baja Breeze, and Kiwi Kiss.

The (previously posted blog entries) "Celebrate Summer" card featuring summer sandals and "Happy Birthday" pop-up cake card were created with kit pieces.  I LOVE the versatility, design, and use of the "IN" colors!  The kit coordinates with Stampin' Up! stamp sets and other fabulous products.

This colorful product is perfect for creating 3D bags and tags because the heavy weight cardstock is strong enough to hold treats.  I used stamp sets featured in the Mini Occasion catalog in my designs:  Eight Great Greeting 113822, Matchbox Messages 113800,  and Wagon Full of Fun 113262.

This cute Welcome sign will greet stampers as they enter Kimberly's home studio.  Naturally Serif Sizzlit Strip alphabet 113453, Organza ribbon 114319, and Basic Jumbo Grommets 114348 were also used to create this project.  For durability, I covered the project with clear contact paper before adding the grommets.

One final 3D project was possible with much more left for future projects!  This kit really goes a LONG WAY!  I used the following stamp sets for this gift bag:  Gallery stamp set 113776, Wagon Full of Fun, Matchbox Messages.  Other items featured are 1 1/4" circle punch, stampin' glitter, Riding Hood Red tafetta ribbon, Riding Hood Red cardstock, 5/8" Chocolate chip grosgrain ribbon. 

Now I challenge YOU to accept the Simply Scrappin Kit challenge!  Make your purchase before the In Colors and current kit designs bid farewell with the announcement of the Last Chance List on June 1.

Workshop WOW!!! Earn a FREE Big Shot!

During the month of June, workshop hostesses can earn DOUBLE hostess dollars!!  (This offer is in addition to the hostess level product selections)  If you schedule YOUR FREE PRIVATE workshop with family and friends on one of my "Bonus Booking Dates" (June 8, June 14, June 27), you will receive an additional FREE stamp set from my bonus booking prize basket!

Take advantage of the Booking Bonus dates to earn... 

 1.  FREE BOOKING STAMP SET

 2.  FREE HOSTESS LEVEL STAMP SET 

 3. FABULOUS FREE SHOPPING SPREE, DOUBLE HOSTESS DOLLARS 

Other workshop dates are available if the bonus dates do not work for your schedule.  Summer is a great time for stamping, scrapbooking, and celebrating!  Check out my calendar, and email or call me TODAY to schedule your Spending Spree!

* Hostesses, who hold a $250-$399.99 workshop, will receive an additional $20 in hostess FREE MERCHANDISE dollars!  That's $45 FREE!

*  Hostesses, who hold a $400 or more workshop, will receive an additional $40 in hostess FREE MERCHANDISE dollars!  The total is $95 to spend on items of YOUR CHOICE!  This is enough to earn a FREE Big Shot  machine!  If you already own a Big Shot, you could select several dies to accompany it!  Whatever you want!

Celebrate SUMMER!

It is FINALLY beginning to look a little like summer in Colorado.  The rain reminds me of spring, but the green growth sprouting everywhere is fabulous!  My rose blooms will signal the true arrival of this fun season.

Sandals and flip flops are fun ways to celebrate summer!  I had great fun adding dimension to this card by knotting the ribbon between the base of the sandal and the daisy embellishment!  Try it!

This project was created with the Best Ever Simpy Scrappin Kit 112054, Celebrate Everything stamp set 114942, Sneak Peek 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog Jumble Alphabet stamp set 115199 (on sale $35.16 with 20% discount) 5/8" Chocolate Chip grosgrain ribbon 109051, Bigz Flower Daisies #2 die 114520, Riding Hood Red cardstock 111348, Sahara Sand cardstock 105328, Whisper White cardstock 100730, Whisper White craft ink 101731, Basic Black classic ink 101179, and Basic Black cardstock 102851.

Scrapbooking with STAMPS!

In honor of National Scrapbook Month AND the fabulous patterned paper sale, I created this page for attendees of my NSD Crop.  The paper collection featured in the layout is called Good Morning Sunshine 113966.  When I create scrapbook pages, I enjoy bold bright titles and fun photo mats. I prefer to use pattern paper to accent a layout, and I use black and white photos to avoid competition with the patterns and colors.  Using one color photo created a focal point  to the design.

Other supplies used to create this layout were: Stampin' Up! Top Note die 113463, Enjoy Every Moment stamp set 113622, Designer Label punch 107590, 3/4" Circle punch 107217, 1" Circle punch 109046, 1/2" Circle punch 104390, Scallop Circle punch 109043, 1 3/4" Circle punch 112004, Pacific Point cardstock 111350 and classic ink 111837, Kiwi Kiss cardstock 111353 and classic ink 111835, Basic Black cardstock 106532, Whisper White craft ink 101731 and cardstock 100730, Stampin Dimensionals 104430, and So Saffron ribbon (SAB).

Order online 24/7 at www.stampstudioh.stampinup.net

 

Operation Gratitude

Operation Gratitude is a program for military service members stationed overseas.  It's not too late if you would like to participate.  Sending cards from your "stash" is appreciated so that soldiers can send them to their families for birthdays, thanks yous and more. 


Here are guidelines to follow when sending cards to our troops:

·         any size card is acceptable

·         the cards cannot have any glitter on them

·         no candy or food items can be included or attached to the card

·         keep the message positive and stay away from political comments

·         do not seal the envelope that will be used to send the card to the military member; all cards are subject to screening and review

·         include your name, address and e-mail if you'd like to receive a reply back

·         it's nice to include another card(s) that they can send back to their family and loved ones (cards are difficult for our military serving in combat areas to purchase).  I'm sending a dozen :)

·         If you are sending more than one card, place all of your cards in a Ziploc bag with post-it notes on the cards that are to be sent for the service member to mail back.

Here’s the address:

Operation Gratitude

16444 Refugio Road

Encino, CA 91436

MEMORIAL DAY BLOGHOP...CARDS FOR HEROES.ORG

 

This weekend, Cards for Heroeswants to spread the word in remembering these 'heroes'. Through the bloghop this weekend (click the blinkie at the left to start at the very beginning) you will read stories about the men and women who serve and the organization that remembers them, not just on Memorial Day, but throughout the year by sending handmade cards donated from card makers like myself and others. These donated cards are sent to our troops so they in return can send beautiful cards to their loved ones back at home that wait and pray for their safe return. There are no card shops in these war torn areas, so the troops appreciate the shipments of cards that are sent to them through Cards For Heroes. 

Honor Fallen Warriors...BLOG HOP...CARDS FOR TROOPS

This card was created with the Sneak Peek Jumble Alphabet set, Classic Stars jumbo wheel, Blender pen, Pacific Point cardstock and classic ink, Real Red cardstock and marker, and Basic Black cardstock and classic ink, Whisper White cardstock, Sizzlits Naturally Serif Alphabet Die, and Whisper White 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon. 

Memorial Day weekend is much more than a day home from work, store sales, and a fun barbecue with family and friends. This patriotic holiday is a time to honor and remember heroes who bravely protect our nation's freedom. 

Millions have lost their lives for our country, but I knew CPT Sean Sims personally and attended his funeral.  His wife and my friend, Heidi, shared a poem in herblog that caused me to STOP and think!  I take life and time for granted; and I am easily distracted by schedules, agendas, and task lists.  After reading these words (I have seen this before, but I didn't "really stop."), I decided to show my love to family and friends and add a phone calls and dedicated time to my loved ones this weekend.

Life is too short to wake up with regrets.

So love the people who treat you right.

Love the ones who don't because you can.

Believe everything happens for a reason.

If you get a second chance,

grab it with both hands.

If it changes your life, let it.

Kiss slowly.

Forgive quickly.

No one said life would be easy.

Just promised it would be worth it.

When Heidi and I taught eighth graders, we saw each other every day at school.  We enjoyed crafting and decorating our homes.  While discussing a recent magazine we enjoyed, Heidi mentioned several details featured that I totally skipped during my review. 

Heidi: "Did you notice ___ on page ____?"

Holle: "No."

This continued for several minutes, Heidi noticed so much more the magazine had to offer and shared ideas previously at my fingertips.

Heidi: "Holle, Stop Whiffing! Stop and Smell the Roses!"

I have never forgotten the situation and my magazines became much more valuable when I finally noticed the fountain of knowledge, inspiration, and creativity.  This reminder can also apply to life, and my efforts will be more diligent in "smelling life's roses." 

Thanks to the fallen heroes and families left behind.  Life is short, and I intend to enjoy and live for the moment a little more.  My heart aches for your loss, and I am truly grateful for your sacrifice and dedication.  When Thomas was deployed, it was the small details and memories that helped me handle the tough times.  I admit I pay more attention after the situation rather than during the moment. Times are changing!  My hero is home, and I need to hug and thank him.

The Most Wonderful Day in . . . MAY

 May's Mother's Day is fabulous because I am usually pampered; but May 24 is even better because this was the day I married my soulmate!  Don't worry, I won't get too sentimental or sappy (well, maybe just a little); but I do want to take a moment to recognize and celebrate my love for Thomas.  He gave me "wings" to follow my dream with Stampin' Up!  (and much, much more than I ever imagined!!!!  I could talk for days about the love of my life and amazing hero)

Ironically, this weekend features a rainy day similar to this same weekend in 1997.  Wet weather is perfect for getting cozy and warm in my studio to create!  The two layers of my die cut butterfly and punched greeting symboilze the union of two people.  Central Park stamped leaves ground the design as Thomas supports our family with his courage, strength, care, loyalty,sacrifice, support, and love.  Texture on the butterflies represent the "bumps in the road" or challenges we have faced over the years.  The single butterfly body demonstrates our commitment as two hearts became one when we exchanged vows. This image also represents the one child we share. Pink repeated patterned paper symbolizes the many more months and years we will remain together.  Who would have known this card had SO MUCH TO SAY??!!

Now you know my heart. When I create cards, I enjoy using tools and techniques.  Attention to the recipient, occasion, and special meanings is another priority for me.  The demonstrator opportunity Stampin' Up! offers is much more than a presence of rubber, paper, and cash in my life.

Playtime With Pennants

  

So Much Fun to create Sensational Signs and Banners!  Wouldn't this be fun for a Surprise Party or to welcome a Soldier home from a family Separation due to a Service deployment? A great way to get a return on your Sizzix Big Shot purchase would be to create these as birthday gifts for children or teens!  Add these Simple tools to your Studio Stash!  Stampin' Up! offers a huge Selection of more accessories to accompany the Big Shot, so look online to see more!

Tailor These Trendy Triangles to fit your Theme! Training to use the Sizzix Big Shot is available on my website, so once you view and Try it....beware of Transforming addiction!  Attend my Big Shot event THIS month to learn more about these Terrific Tools! Try using Texturz Plates on the shapes to add dimension.

 

Unbelievable possibilities with Use of this Unique die and cutting system!  If you are Unemployed, have you considered this Ultimate way to My cutting skills are Unfavorable and Unacceptable, so this die cut is the Ultimate way to create Uniform images everytime!

 

Demonstrators receive Discount Deals on their purchase of these products and earn income with Direct sales to others.  Decorate hallways, patios, kitchen, or kids' bedrooms with Dramatic pennants! Dazzle your guests when you Deliver a Dangling Display with these Dimensional Dies.

 

Imagine the Illuminates smiles on the faces of your guests as they praise your Installation of the Individualized pennants!  Intensify party Invitations with die cuts too!  It is such a pleasure for me to Introduce others to this Intriguing, exclusive product!

 

Obtain the discount priced bundle package Offer On page 193 of the Stampin' Up! Idea Book/Catalog. If you Own this tool or die, Operate it today!  The Options for Observing and sharing your creativity are endless!  Order Online with Stamp Studio H!

EXCLUSIVE catalog SNEAK PEEK! (Why wait until July? The NEW catalog could arrive at your doorstep in JUNE!!!!)

ACCOMPANIED BY DISCOUNTS & EXTRA SAVINGS!!!! 

(offered by the Stamp Studio H demonstrator team)

only if you accept the invitation to become a demonstrator on the Stamp Studio H team!

Stampin' Up! demonstrators have the opportunity to receive their NEW (July 09) catalog the first week in June!!  It will arrive with the first order placed in June!!  How incredible is that??!! I will definitely start a stalking strategy for the UPS truck! LOL

Bottom line: if you are not a demonstrator yet, but want that new catalog in your hands in June, I'd love to share this amazing business opportunity and life changing experience WITH YOU!  When you place your FIRST order in June (at a 30% discount), you will soon see your NEW FREE catalog in the Stampin' Up! box with your other products! 

There will be new "sneak peek" sets available to order on June 1st, too... so it's a great time to order and receive new catalog too!  Contact me for more information, and I will share my SPECIAL OFFER for joining the Stamp Studio H team!!! (before May 25)