Stampin' Up is Cheering up the World

In 2020 I reconnected with my hobby of making greeting cards. The need has never been more greater to brighten someone's day. And the need has never been more greater to engage in a past time that is enjoyable both in creating a work of art and sending joy to another.  

I have joined the community of Stampin' Up demonstrators, and  am helping to Cheer Up the World by making and sending artfully designed greeting cards.  I've been stamping for at least 25 years, and have had a love of all things paper since I was a kid - that's more than a half of a century!    

As I began to inventory my paper, stamps and inks, I realized that I have a couple of decades worth of tools that need to be replaced as well.  So over a couple of months I weeded out the craft supplies and tools that I probably would never use, sold them and pocketed the money to upgrade my tools from the Stampin' Up line of paper crafting, for the most part.

I discovered a couple of Stampin' Up demonstrators that had earned their $1 million in sales, and started following their weekly videos on product and card demonstrations on YouTube. I also soon discovered how much the pandemic world had pushed so many businesses into broadcasting through Face Book Live and YouTube. Viewing the most current products and ideas in this way broadened the sales market immensely, so customers were no longer sitting around a table with neighbors and friends from their own community. Customers are from anywhere in your country, and can order via the internet or phone, using a demonstrator number to give credit. 

One of the easiest ways of building a variety of supplies and tools that make about 9 cards, is to enroll in a subscription to 'Paper Pumpkin'. It does have an unusual name, but it is a self-contained kit with ink, stamps, cardstock, glue, and embellishments.  Never stamped before?  This is the answer with complete instructions.  A seasoned stamper? You'll enjoy this too. 

 

I am so excited to continue to replace my supplies.  Next will be inks which are so much better made than they were 25 years ago when I began.  While colors of inks, cardstock and markers are sold in color families, they can be purchased individually or the entire color family.   

You can check out Paper Pumpkin kits with this link.  Take a look!  

Now, if you'd like to build your library of stamps and coordinating papers by theme, check out the winter Sale-A-Bration to get coordinating paper or stamp sets that will be available till the end of February 2021.  Spending $50 will insure a free set.  Check these out!

Thanks for stopping by!  Be Blessed!  SB

SCENT-LY or SENSE-LY FALL

I wonder if the color orange, or the spice of Cinnamon and the tastes of fall are prevalent in other areas of the world. You might say they would be if they grew pumpkins or have changing leaves and cooler weather.  If you are reading this from a country outside of the US other than Canada, please share your experience with Autumn scents, smells and sights. 

Here in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, not far from the Canadian border, mid-October, we are thankful for every day that the sun is out and there is no sign of the next season. (In case you don't know, its winter, but we don't want to say it out loud!)  Though wind is blowing the leaves off the trees, and the rain is often and more than we'd like, and in 2020, the snow has fallen way too early, its a perfect time to savor hot and scented beverages that not only warm you physically, but comfort your soul.

I found this healthy version of a hot drink, and since I have all the ingredients for Cinnamon Apple Tea Latte, I'll be sipping on this today. (Anything that says Cinnamon or Latte is speaking my language!)

Next time I make this, to keep it simple, and for more apple flavor, I would use apple juice instead of the apples/process.   

If latte is not to your liking how about this hot cranberry orange duo? Check out this recipe for a crock pot tea here, or how about this! Pumpkin hot chocolate!

Tell me about your Scent-ly Fall drink - what do you enjoy drinking in this time of year?   Are you a coffee drinker - do you enjoy pumpkin flavored cream?  Do you have a favorite after dinner drink that is Scent-ly Fall?   I'm waiting to hear. Feel free to share your recipes or send us to where we can find it.

Now on to Senses - Sense-ly Fall is beyond the taste and smell.  I'm thinking of those who celebrate and enjoy with their sight and the colors that speak to Fall.  Carole loves to celebrate Fall with antique collectibles.  (Read the post HALLOWEEN TREASURES) After discovering her love of antique pumpkins and Halloween items, I decided to check out her antique shop.  She is one of many vendors at this marketplace who display colorful and expressive items that draw you right in.

Now if like me, orange is not a particular favorite color of yours, with Carole's eye for items and display, you could love Halloween more than ever before - because who doesn't like a pumpkin of natural twigs, or one of black and white checks or green satin? 

I know I'm rambling here, but I just want you all to see the variety of decorations, a lot or a little, colorful or subtle that could brighten any corner table or small shelf in your home. And right now, let's do what we can to create a little bit of happiness or joy to help us get through some unpredictable times.

I'm so glad you shared your antique Halloween collectibles, Carole.  They have brought the joy of memories of years past, and ideas for little corners. Visit Carole's antique booths at Lowensteins's Antique Market Place.   Or if you're not shopping in person (with your mask on, Halloween or not), take time for yourself and enjoy a nice hot seasonal drink, take a walk or creative time.  You deserve it!  

Thanks for stopping by.  Support your local little shops and small town businesses.  

Till we meet again, be blessed!  SB