Tuesday Tool Time

Tuesday Tool Time over on DeDe's Inky Fingers Facebook group is going well.  So far I've shared five different Stampin' Up! "tools".  The videos are still available to watch on the group.  The tools and dates are:

June   9:  Paper Trimmer
June 16:  Stamparatus (stamp positioning tool)
June 23:  Take A Pick tool
June 30:  Adhesives
July   7:   Punches

Links to each of those products are below.  Sorry for the crazy format--it looks good in draft, but changes in preview.  I don't know what it will look once it is published.😊

Coming up on July 14 Tool Time (1 p.m. on DeDe's Inky Fingers Facebook group) will be a discussion of the three types of stamps offered by Stampin' Up! as well as a demonstration on easily putting the labels on Cling or Clear Mount stamps.  Another product demonstration is the new Cling Adhesive strips that make the original Clear Mount stamps stick to the blocks more securely.  Put it on your calendar!

      Paper Trimmer               Stamparatus                    Take Your Pick         Take Your Pick Die Brush            

      


     Stampin' Seal              Stampin' Seal +           Multipurpose Liquid Glue           Fine Tip Glue

    

     Dimensionals                Mini Dimensionals       Black Combo Pack Dimensionals       

Adhesives Sheets           Foam Adhesive Sheets            Tear & Tape            Foam Adhesive Strips

                 
 

  

Punches

New Facebook Live Series

Starting today, Tuesday, June 9, 2020 and every Tuesday, I will be on Facebook live for a short video showcasing one of Stampin' Up!'s amazing line up of tools.  The first tool I will showcase is the Stampin' Up! paper trimmer, redesigned and launched in November 2019.  Join  me on DeDe's Inky Fingers at 1:00 p.m. today and every Tuesday to get a close up look at the tools that make paper crafting so much easier.  

June 2020 Paper Pumpkin Deadline Fast Approaching

Only three days left to order the June 2020 Paper Pumpking Box of Sunshine!  This will be the first Paper Pumpkin kit to be offered internationally (but not until August of this year).  This kit was designed by our own CEO, Sara Douglass and she has even shared a sneak peek of the kit in this video:  

Get your kit ordered today!

Stampin' Up! Annual Catalog Kick Off Celebration

On June 3, 2020, Stampin' Up! released their 2020-2021 Annual Catalog!  Besides all the wonderful new and returning products, SU is giving an additional $25 in hostess awards when your order totals $250.  The usual amount would be 10% or $25, but this raises it to $50 (or more if your order is higher).  So get your hands on a catalog (from me), look through with some friends and place an order!  This offer is only good through June 30, 2020, so don't delay!  Don't know how to place an order?  Just leave me a comment and I will be glad to assist you.


PROMOTION DETAILS

Promotion Dates: 3–30 June 2020

• Customer, demonstrator, workshop, and online order types qualify for this promotion.
• Starter Kit orders do not qualify for this promotion.
• Paper Pumpkin prepaid subscriptions count toward a qualifying purchase. Month-to-month subscriptions do not qualify for this promotion.
• The qualifying amount must be reached  prior to shipping and tax.
• Additional Stampin’ Rewards for this promotion will only be awarded once per order.

Order Deadlines

• Phone: 30 June 2020; 6:50 PM (MT)
• OEX/Online: 30 June 2020; 11:50 PM (MT)

Day of Service/Stampin' Up! Style

Stampin' Up! planned a Day of Service activity for Thursday, May 21, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. hosted and presented by Sara Douglass, CEO and her family.  Sara shared a template with instructions on how to create three different card styles from three pieces of designer series paper (DSP), 10 pieces of cardstock and a few embellishments--enough to create 20 cards!  Of course, these were suggestions, so you really could think outside the box and create your own designs.  The product line Sara used was Follow Your Art DSP and Embellishment Kit plus the downloadable sentiments (fundraiser item providing 100% of funds raised to these two organizations: 

• The World Health Organization’s COVID-Solidarity Response Fund
• United Way Worldwide’s COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Fun 

You can still purchase this set of sentiments until June 2, 2020 available here
 I played along and created 13 cards--not all according to the template.  

This was a lot of fun and I recommend you give it a try.  Once you get started, you will might find your creative juices flowing!  Have fun.  

On Line Training: Bag/Box

My last online tutorial, via a Zoom meeting, was showing how to create a cute little bag/box for a small gift made from a single sheet of 8-1/2" x 11" piece of card stock.  It isn't my original idea, but I really loved learning how to do this and then passing it along,  Here are the steps to create one of your own:    



Bag/Box Project from 4/25/2020 Virtual Crop

Use one piece of 8-1/2" x 11" card stock; first picture shows all the score lines detailed below:

Score on 11" side: 3/4", 4-1/2", 6-1/2", 10-1/4" plus 1" down from the edge at 5-1/2" (both edges)

Place a pencil mark at 2-1/2" and 8-1/2" on both sides.

Score on 8-1/2" side: 2", 6-1/2"

Again, on the 11" sides, score diagonally from the 2-1/2" toward the center to the 4-1'2" score line and from the 8-1/2" mark line toward the 6-1/2" score line.

Next place the tear n' tape (double-sided adhesive) as shown in the illustration below:

Fold along all the score lines, including the diagonals.

Remove the adhesive from two corners on 11" sides and fold toward the center. Repeat on the other side.

Here is how the bag looks when folded.

 

To finish off, decorate the outside with 3-1/4" x 4-1/4" card stock layered with 3" x 4" of designer series paper. Add tags or other embellishments.

Close bag with clips or punch holes and secure with ribbon or thick twine.

Last Chance 2019-2020 Retiring Products

This is it!  What we've all been waiting for--the retiring products list from Stampin' Up! Annual and Mini Catalogs!  Act fast before your favorites are gone, gone, gone--especially any of the 2018-2019 In Color products.  Don't say I didn't warn you.

Annual and Mini Catalog Retiring Products


If you prefer a list of the products, request a file in the comments below and specific file type: PDF or XLS.

Virtual Training: Greeting Card Folder

Today I had the opportunity to teach a number of people via a Zoom meeting how to make a folder that will hold at least four greeting cards and envelopes.  This will make up a cute gift for someone and use up that stash of designer series paper (printed 12" x 12" (or smaller).

The participants requested a tutorial and I promised to add one for this project here on my blog.  I intend to have lots of tutorials available for sale in the future, but this one is FREE.  Just check under my Resource tab to find the tutorial.

Hope you have a lot of fun creating your own Greeting Card Folders!


NOTE:  I created the tutorial, but I haven't figured out how to add it to the Resource link in the header.  For now here are two images that contain the complete tutorial.   If all else fails, send me a comment with your email and I will forward the file to you that way--make sure to specify file type PDF or DOCX.

April 2020 Paper Pumpkin Deadline

LAST DAY TO ORDER APRIL 2020 PAPER PUMPKIN!

What Can I Do?

Since this social distancing has been in place, I have gotten to watch video church messages (my church and others), connected via Zoom and Facebook Live to meet with a small group, Face Timed with as many people as possible just to "see" them.  Chance encounters with a neighbor over the fence or by the trash is the highlight of my day!  Saying "hello" and "thank you" to the fast food drive-through workers makes me smile.  And, curbside pick-up?  What joy!  I participated in a stamping event via Face Time (originally scheduled as a live event).  Today, I'm taking part in a virtual painting class.  So you see I need people and community.  

These are indeed unusual times as we all struggle, world wide, with a pandemic that will go down in history.  I work with several direct sales companies and I'm struggling to put myself and my skills out in the "virtual world".  I have spent countless hours online trying to learn and figure out some technology options to help out.  Being a crafter offers a number of possibilities to "do something" to help out others.

So far I have had the privilege to share a stash of greeting cards with a number of folks to send to others.  I have participated in porch drop offs.  I figured out how to make face masks for family members.  I have mailed cards to shut-ins and friends.  These are small, tiny even, contributions in the scheme of things where medical and other essential workers are on the front lines serving others.  We must keep them in our prayers.

So that's it for now.  Look forward to future posts about how I want to connect you with my crafts!  Of course, this will also help me and my businesses.  TIA

Practice physical distancing, not social distancing. 

Love My Cat, But...

I love my cat, Trixie, but she can be quite destructive.  In fact, she has ruined two sofas and two chairs in just over two years. We have provided scratching posts and a cardboard scratcher and  even a carpet scratcher.  I have had the vet put on claw covers (that just fell off) and I clip her claws as often as she will allow. 

So clearly I won't buy another sofa soon but I came up with this crazy idea on how to camouflage the worst of the destruction.  I'm calling this a decorative alternative. 

So here is the before:

Pretty awful, yes?

So Trixie supervised the work in progress:

And the finished product!

Not too bad, right?  She can scratch this, that is if my pup, D.J. doesn't stop her.  Ever since he figured out that she's not allowed to scratch the furniture, he runs up to her when she starts and chases her away.  Smart puppy, no?  I didn't even teach him to do that.  I can always fix this again if Trixie tears it up again.

While I had the glue gun out I also had another rope-like project to repair.  It is a favorite file box that released a lot of its glue holding the rope on.  Here are the before and after photos of the project.  

           

I enjoyed an odd sense of accomplishment by completing these two projects.

Hope you enjoyed these projects and I made you smile!

Unboxing My Latest Stampin' Up! Delivery

So I took another giant step (for me) by creating a video of me opening my latest Stampin' Up! order.  I'm determined to get good at this and to learn how to do fun and useful video tutorials.  Let me know what you think.

However, it took me a bit to figure out how to give my readers access to my video.  It was too long to download directly in my blog so I transferred it from my phone to my computer to my YouTube channel.  Still trying to figure out how to change my YouTube channel name.  Baby steps. 

Check Out My First Official Video Here

Knowing Enough to Be Dangerous

Okay, folks.  So here's the deal.  I have said on more than one occasion that I only know enough to be dangerous when it comes to technology.  I actually retired as a computer systems analyst and I probably know more about technology than most people of my Baby Boomer generation.  That being said, there is so much more to know/learn.

There are a number of things I have tried, technologically, but always hit a few pot holes along the way.  In the past few years, I started and stopped this and one other blog, but was not consistent and they stagnated.  The supported blog builders were pretty straightforward for creating and posting, but I knew I needed to do more and learn about the structure, elements, and jargon for setting up and maintaining the blog.  I asked other bloggers and my grandsons--picked their brains so to speak--and made a little progress.  I could add links to the side bar, create a menu of options and direct my users to other places, in order to do business with me.  Lots of trial and error, a bit of success, but little momentum. 

The company I represent, Stampin' Up!, even provides a website with lots of bells and whistles.  The website has been upgraded recently to make it easier to post calendars, links to products, a place to highlight products and projects and even a blog.  Still I'm inconsistent, but determined to do better. 

Still I knew I needed more.  Everyone was "doing it" and I knew my grandchildren found it all second nature.  I wanted to expand outside the scope of my one interest area--paper crafting.  I took online classes to learn html and css.  I've investigated how to create videos and post to YouTube.  I tried to understand Facebook Live--still working out the kinks there--what lighting, equipment, etc.

About a year and a half ago, I created a logo and a domain name.  I understood the need.  I paid for it and it was clear that just having a domain name was simply a beginning not the end.  Finally, I found that I needed a domain host.  Whaatt? Where to start?  Again, hours were spent looking for details and asking questions, leaving messages for any one I thought would answer.  Currently I am playing phone tag with a representative of the company where I purchased my domain. 

I finally found a web site HOSTLATER written by editor Istiak Rayhan with an article entitled 9 Things To Do After Buying a Domain Name.  It is a great list and I fully intend to plow my way through, learning along the way.

Still and all I can tell you a lot of WHAT technology is but not HOW to implement.  This is my stand:  not to give up, keep plugging away, eating that elephant "one bite at a time"!

Thanks for listening to my ramblings--just thought I would share.  And if you have useful information to pass on to me, please leave a comment!

P.S.  This is a real leap of faith and overcoming fear!  Yay, me!

One Sheet Wonder 6" x 6"

Last Saturday my downline and I taught a class for a 6" x 6" one sheet wonder inspired by a pattern we found by Nicolle Belesimoa another Stampin' Up! demonstrator.  Each participant choose their own designer series paper (dsp) and coordinating card stock.  I didn't get pictures from the class, but I created my own set yesterday.  I used a 6" x 6" piece of See A Silhouette dsp, Night of Navy, Balmy Blue and Whisper White card stock and some white ribbon.    My sentiments were from an assortment of mostly retired Stampin' Up! stamp sets.  Here's the result!

Blog Revamp!

After a long hiatus from my former blog 'Just Stick With Stamps' I have refocused to take this blog to a more defined and consistent level.  My first step was to rename the blog to 'DeDe's Inky Fingers'.  The new name brings this blog into line with my Facebook Business page of the same  name DeDe's Inky Fingers and a soon-to-be created Facebook group--sure would appreciate a "Like" over there and you as a new follower here!




That being said, I'm hoping to get some input from my blog viewers.  What are you most interested in viewing on this blog--written instructions on craft projects, video tutorials or demonstrations?   Pretty photographs?  A few insane or entertaining stories?  What could I teach you about Cricut Maker, Explore or Brother Scan 'N Cut? What about product specials and fun events?  Just shoot me a comment and let me know what you think!

I'm looking forward to getting to know you and for you to pick up tips and tricks that will make your crafting life better.

Happy New Year!

Welcome 2017! 

Here are the Stamp With Me opportunities for January 2017.  This is the “most wonderful time” of the Stamping Year.  We have a new Occasions Catalog and our Annual Sale-A-Bration where you may earn free stamps sets and other products for every $50 (before Tax and Shipping) ordered.  Your dollars simply go farther!  Customers can begin ordering starting January 4, 2017.  You'll receive your copies of the Occasions catalog and SAB brochure when you attend any event in January.  If you can't wait for your own copies, check them out in the sidebar or on my website:  http://dedehames.stampinup.net. 

CARD CLASSES

WHAT:   Create three greeting cards and one 3-D project

WHEN:   January 10, 2017 @ 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.   OR

               January 12, 2017 @ 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

WHERE:  1627 Torino Loop, Lincoln, CA  95648

HOW MUCH:  $15 or FREE with a $35 order

RSVP BY:  JANUARY 8 to dede.hames@yahoo.com or 916-580-5251

CARD BUFFET

WHAT:    Create a minimum of eight greeting cards (cards and number of each preselected by you)

WHEN:    January 21, 2017 @ 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

WHERE:   1627 Torino Loop, Lincoln, CA  95648

HOW MUCH:  $16 for eight cards; $20 for eleven cards, $2 each for nine, or more than 11, cards.  Orders are encouraged, but not required.

RSVP BY and CARD Selection:  Not later than JANUARY 17 to dede.hames@yahoo.com or 916-580-5251.  Send your email address to me in the COMMENT section so I can send you the PDF to select your cards.

 STAMPING 4 FUN

Starting in February 2017, there will be a time set aside to just come and stamp together—whatever you want—Paper Pumpkin , Project Life, cards, 3-D….This will most likely be the last Sunday of the month in the afternoon.  Look for more information in the February Stamp With Me communication.

I’m looking forward to offering you some fun projects, relaxing time to visit with ‘gold or silver’ friends and exploring your creativity!

CARD BUFFET--OCTOBER 22, 2016--SIGN UP TODAY!

Join Us for the October 2016
Stampin' Up! Card Buffet

Where: Round Table Pizza, 375 S State Highway 65, Lincoln, CA 95648

(Ferrari Ranch Road & Lincoln Blvd.)

                        When: Saturday, October 22 @ 11:30 AM                       

8 Cards/$16; special 11 Cards/$20, extra cards $2 ea

   

RSVP: No later than October 15, 2016      --              Preselection of cards is required.

   

Add your email in a comment to receive pictures of the cards (12 different cards) and instructions on how to register for the buffet.

 

SPECIALS--LIMITED TIME: CHECK THE DATES FOR EACH ONE

Right now is an amazing time in Stampin' Up!  We have three great specials to check out.

In celebration of World Card Making Day, from October 1-5, you can save up to 25% on card making essentials that can be used to share your love all year long!  Do you remember the last time you received a card in the mail? In a sea of junk mail and bills, a card is a simple thing that really stands out to the person who receives it. Sending a card is a small gesture that shows just how much you care about that special someone in your life. With World Card Making Day coming up on October 1, celebrate by making and sending a handmade card to someone who could use a little recognition, love, or just a boost (which is anyone, really!).

The following products are being discounted:

ITEM      DESCRIPTION                                  DISCOUNT     SALE PRICE
141413  2016-2018 In Color Card Stock             15%                 $ 6.80
141697  2015-2017 In Color Envelope Paper     25%                    8.25
141698  2016-2018 In Color Envelope Paper     25%                    8.25
133774  Envelope Punch Board                          25%                  15.00
141651  Designer Tin of Cards Project Kit          25%                   20.25
129027  Fast Fuse Adhesive Refill--
               Buy a Fast Fuse Adhesive
               (item 129026) and get the Refill for
               FREE!                                                 $7.50 value          FREE             

To take advantage of this Buy One, Get One Free offer, you must sign up by October 10, 2016.  You pay for October Paper Pumpkin Kit and receive the November 2016 Kit for free.  This is the very first time this offer has been available.  Click on this link https://www.paperpumpkin.com/ and order today!

From October 1 through 31 , you can buy three packages of Designer Series Paper and get one free! That’s great news since everyone can use more Designer Series Paper. This sale includes Designer Series Paper from both the annual catalog and the recently released holiday catalog (not including Specialty Designer Series Paper or Designer Series Paper Stacks).  Don't miss out on this chance to stock up!  Click on Shop Online link above to place your order.

SEPTEMBER 2016 CARD CLASS

Well, we survived our daughter's wedding on September 17, 2016.  The bride was beautiful, the groom handsome, and everything went off without a hitch--at least nothing that spoiled the day/night.  Maybe I'll post a photo when the photographer delivers them.

But I'm not here to talk about the wedding--I want to share the projects we completed in my September 2016 card classes.

NOTE:  All cards are made with Stampin' Up!© products.

Card 1:  This card was inspired by a video by Dawn Griffith.  Here is the You Tube link to her video.  For my card, I used Summer Silhouettes and Designer Tin of Cards stamp sets; Sweet Sugarplum and Whisper White card stock, Sweet Sugarplum In-Color Designer Series Paper Stack, and Basic Black Archival, Cucumber Crush, Peekaboo Peach and Sweet Sugarplum stamp pads.  After all was said and done, I think a bit of Wink of Stella or a little 'bling' would have pumped this card up--never stop seeking to improve.

Card 2:  This card was cased and I apologize I did not take note of the person's name.  I used Jar of Love stamp set, Everyday Jars framelits dies, Soft Suede and Whisper White card stock, and Crumb Cake, Elegant Eggplant, and Wisteria Wonder stamp pads.  A few dimensionals made some of the little flowers pop!

 CARD 3:  This card is one of my favorite styles, with a little twist.  You stamp all three white card stock layers by placing them in a stack (arranged in the layers you desire for the final card).  Stamp images all at once then place a colored layer behind each one.  Somehow this card style always looks great, no matter what stamp set or sizes of layers are used.  The stamp set used is Remarkable You.  Whisper White and Coastal Cabana (retired) card stock and a little Coastal Cabana baker's twine pulled this card altogether.

3-D Project:  Last, but not least, is a Post-It Note cover with a mini gel pen.  I used Crumb Cake, Night of Navy and Daffodil Delight card stock and finished it off with a Metal Rimmed Pearl.

JOIN IN ON THE FUN

If you are local to the Greater Sacramento area and interested in joining the Come Stamp With Me classes, just leave a comment and I will add you to the mailing list. If you are not local and would like to purchase a kit to complete on your own, just leave a comment about that instead.