Devistation from Helene

 My last post was about Hurricane Debby.  And now a month later, Hurricane Helene has left scars from Florida to Virginia.  So much devastation.  My heart goes out to those that lost so much. It just doesn't seem enough to say "I'm so sorry."  Please, if you can, please say prayers for these people as they collect what is left of their homes and their community and rebuild.

We live in Florida and on the west side very near where the storm hit.  Fortunately, our home only received strong winds which knocked out some tree branches.  But less than 20 miles from us, towns are completed washed away.  And we see pictures of the total devastation of the beautiful mountain villages that we Floridians flock to and get away from the summer heat. 

Today is October 1st.  It's the beginning of a new year for Stampin' Up!  And there's lots of new products.  I'm not going to advertise any here today.  I know times are tough and financial problems are with every family, but if you can, please donate to your favorite charity.  If it is one that can help victims of Helene, I appreciate it.

Be safe.  Hug your family. Send a card to someone to brighten their day.  

--  Janice

Hurricane welcomes August 2024

Hurricane Debby runs from Florida up the East Coast dumping massive water along the way.  

I'm hoping those of you located on the East Coast are safe and this storm has not harmed you, your family, or your home.  Prayers for those who are in the midst of it.

I live in Florida, and although we are located in the coastal area, we are far enough that gulf water surge does not directly affect us.  However, when I said we had rain....WE HAD RAIN!  The rain wasn't a nice little rain...Oh, No!  It came in sheets with strong winds making it go sidewise as times.  Forget umbrellas, more of a hassle and probably got wetter with them!

Of course, we who have lived in Florida for a while understand when a storm comes and you're not asked to leave your home, you "hunker" down.  That means you have supplies:  batteries, lanterns/flashlights and candles.  I like the artificial ones that one on batteries.  You also have water, paper towels, trash bags, and pet food.  If the storm is going to be bad...you fill up the bathtub with water (not to drink) but to use on toilets.  Think about it...LOL.

In the middle of the storm, Stampin' Up! started the beginning of the DSP month long sale, July use our Bonus Rewards, and for Demonstrators...THE PRE-OFFERING OF THE NEW 2024 HOLIDAY MINI CATALOG !!! We've been teased with some holiday product in the Exclusive Online Store...but that was nothing like the WHOLE catalog to purchase our holiday stamp sets and papers and gems and ribbon and oh so much more.  

Let's just say, you won't be disappointed.  My purchases won't be into me for a while (I love having them...but my money doesn't like paying for fast shipping...I want product!).  But I'm sure if you check out YouTube and your favorite Demonstrators blogs, you'll see many of the new items.  Once my boxes come in, I'll be creating and hopefully posting here, so please come back and check them out. (My computer is acting up and I can't post any of my pictures of projects I've worked on the past month.  Hmmm, wonder if it's due to Debby.)

Meanwhile, be sure to use the links to the right to get a copy of the 2024-2025 Annual Catalog, if you don't have, please let me know.

Meanwhile, stay safe and Keep Creating!

- Janice -

It's Christmas in July

The Crazy Month of July

The month of July started with celebrating our country's independence, with BBQ's, family reunions, and of course fireworks.  Stampin' Up!© has been celebrating with new products being released, which include an absolutely beautiful new  Paper Pumpkin kit, a Bonus $5 given with each $50 order, and now a FREE SHIPPING DAY!  Here's the details of these plus much more...

This Tuesday, July 23rd, Stampin' Up! is offering FREE SHIPPING for orders of $75 or more.  Free Shipping is available for purchases from the 2024-2025 Annual Catalog, Online Exclusives, and Paper Pumpkin subscriptions.   See details below.

• All order types qualify for this promotion.
  
• Free shipping is for 24 hours only. Orders must be opened and closed on 23 July 2024.
  
• Free shipping automatically applies to your cart after the qualifying amount has been met, which is $75 USD | $100 CAD (before tax).
  
• Coupon codes and product credits are non-commissionable and will lower your order’s retail amount. Orders must meet the qualifying amount to be eligible for free shipping.
  
• The additional cost for expedited shipping is not covered by this promotion.
  
• Prepaid 3-, 6-, or 12-month Paper Pumpkin subscriptions can contribute to the qualifying amount for free shipping (Month-to-month subscriptions do not qualify). Subscriptions billed and shipped this month will be charged for the normal amount ($25.00 USD | $34.75 CAD shipping included) + tax.

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Bonus Days are until July 31st.  For each $50 you spend, you will receive a Bonus Coupon worth $5 that can be used during the month of August toward the purchase of current Stampin' Up! products. 

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New Paper Pumpkin kit is being offered from July 11 to August 10th.  If the past Paper Pumpkin kits released are any indication of what this one will be...YOU NEED TO ORDER THIS ONE!  The last few months the Paper Pumpkin kits have been outstanding and from some indications, this kit will be no different.  

Celebrate every birthday with the Time for Cake Paper Pumpkin Kit! This kit features an elegant color palette detailed with rose gold foiling. It comes with multiple card bases, two standard bases and one accordion card fold style, and coordinating envelopes. 

This month, subscribers will also receive a gift with their kit: an additional stamp set! You’ll get two birthday-themed stamp sets to take your crafting even further. 
Subscribe by 10 August to get all this all-inclusive kit! 

Subscribers can also shop the exclusive Every Celebration Dies which coordinates with July, August, and September kits. Make sure your customers shop the add-on early because it’s only available while supplies last! 

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Online Exclusive Kits released for July includes the colorful Circus Celebration Kit discussed below:

Make magical birthday cards with the Circus Celebrations Kit! This DIY card making kit has all the pieces you need to create four birthday cards in two circus-themed designs with adorable animals doing tricks for your audience. The playful designs are perfect to celebrate birthdays for all ages. This is a stamp-free kit making it even easier to craft than most so it’s great for beginners!

Kit includes:
* Predesigned projects
* Step-by-step instructions
* Precut pieces (No prep work! Get right to crafting)
* Makes 8 cards: 4 each of 2 designs
* Folded card size: 5-1/2" x 4-1/4" (14 x 10.8 cm)
* 8 preprinted envelopes
* Enough adhesive to complete projects
* Printed die cuts
* A 9-7/8" x 6-1/2" x 2-3/4" (25.1 x 16.5 x 7 cm) printed designer box for storage or crafting on the go

Product colors: Copper Clay

And the second Stampin' Up! kit release for July is Garden of Thanks.  This card making kit is centered around saying "thanks" in three different designs.  Designs include three purple water color floral designs with purple and blue flower gardens.

Kit includes a printed box along with:

* Garden of Thanks Photopolymer Stamp Set
* Clear Stamp Block
* Misty Moonlight Classic Stampin’ Spot
* Predesigned projects
* Step-by-step instructions
* Precut pieces (No prep work! Get right to crafting)
* Makes 9 cards: 3 each of 3 designs
* Folded card size: 5-1/2" x 4-1/4" (14 x 10.8 cm)
* 9 preprinted envelopes
* Enough adhesive to complete projects
* Misty Moonlight Baker’s Twine
* Specialty gold foil
* Gold sequins

And finally, if you are a Florida resident, you can save on taxes when you purchase specific school supplies during the dates of July 29th through August 11th you can save on federal taxes.  Products include: Seal Products, Dimensionals, Foam Adhesive Strips and Sheets, Mini Glue Dots, Multipurpose Glue, Tear and Tape, Stampin' Up! Markers, Watercolor Pencils, and so much more.

Sorry for such a long blog post, but I wanted to be sure that the July news was available for reference.  

With my husband demanding my attention 24/7, I don't get much time to post or create cards.  I hope to being adding some of my creations soon as my caretaker time will be reduced once we receive information from the VA concerning assistance that they can provide us.  

Hope all is going well with you all and that the summer heat has not been difficult to handle and you've been able to va-cay...even if it's just in your hometown.

Keep creating and enjoy the days of Summer that remain...

--  Janice

TIME OUT

 IT'S BEEN A DIFFICULT TIME...

If you've been checking for my blog posts and not seeing any, please know it's not because I haven't tried to post.  In fact, I have six "almost a post" items wherein I've begun a post and have been drawn away before I could add pictures and finish it. 

With all the exciting things going on with Stampin' Up!©, I have not been able to complete and post without the news becoming old and there's more exciting things that I feel I should be announcing and start another post...which also doesn't get finished and posted.  

Let me explain.  In December, my husband fell and has been in and out of the hospital and rehab centers until just this past week.  Now we are spending time "finding our schedule" as he needs 24/7 care.  My family and friends have been a great help, but bottom line is my time is not my own.  I am so exhausted, so that when I sit for more than 15 minutes, I fall asleep.

Please know that I am trying to become more organized and post more often, even if it's a short one.  

The holidays are just around the corner (I'm looking for my Christmas in July" t-shirt as I write).  I'll be posting some of the new stamp sets and dies so you can see what's coming...

Thank you for understand.  Please know that my links are updated (they are on the right) and my Hostess Code is good for June.

Keep creating and send photos my way, I'd love to post them, with your permission.

--  Janice