EXCITING NEWS!!! plus MDS downloads

You may wonder what my exciting news is today .....

I have my own domain name "KreatesKards" as of last week AND I have two brand new blogs that are up and running:

http://www.kreateskards.com

This is the replacement for this blog you are now reading (Stampin' Up! products, ideas, tutorials and so much more.)   Be sure to sign up for e-mail updates on the new site.

http://marydirector.stampinup.net

Remains the same ... this is the site you will order your Stampin' Up! products from me.

http://perfectpurse.kreateskards.com/

This is the replacement for my Perfect Purse For You blog (Miche purses, videos, product information and so much more).  Be sure to sign up for e-mail updates on the new site.

http://marydirector.miche.com

Remains the same ... this is the site you will order your Miche products from me.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  If you are receiving updates about either of my blogs, you will stop receiving them as of Friday UNLESS you go to the new site and fill in the "Follow Me" box in the upper right corner.   Once you sign up, then you will receive an e-mail to activate.   So why not take a moment now and update your e-mail notifications on my new blogs.  It will ensure that you continue receiving my blog updates.   Each blog is independent, so you will need to sign up for both if you want to receive updates from both.

The latest My Digital Studio Downloads are HERE.

You may order from my Stampin' Up! website 24/7 by CLICKING HERE, then click on Shop Now or by contacting me directly. My e-mail link is at the top of the screen.

Mary Director
Stampin' Up! Senior Supervisor, Independent Demonstrator & Creative Coach
http://marydirector.stampinup.net
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

No Blog Post Today

 I spent Sunday night watching the closing ceremonies of the Olympics, and time got away from me.   So there won't be a blog post/card sample today.  However tomorrow I will have 2 samples for you.  One will be traditional and then I created a similar one digitally.    It was fun to do and challenged me.   I created the traditional card first.

Hope everyone has a wonderful day, be sure to visit tomorrow for my latest creations.

You may order from my Stampin' Up! website 24/7 by CLICKING HERE, then click on Shop Now or by contacting me directly. My e-mail link is at the top of the screen.

Mary Director
Stampin' Up! Senior Supervisor, Independent Demonstrator & Creative Coach
http://marydirector.stampinup.net
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

Taking a break ....

I'm taking a short break from blogging this next week.  We just found out my dear husband, Hal, has pneumonia.  It totally blind sided him ... didn't even have a sniffle before it hit.   We went to Urgent Care this am ... they gave him IVs (fluids, antibiotics).   Looks like we may have a few doctor visits this coming week plus he is supposed to NOT do anything but rest.   Fortunately he is a good patient.  It means extra work for me, but he is so worth it.

I will try to post, but will not promise.  He's my priority this coming week.

Reminders:
Summer Smooches Promotion Ends on Monday the 30th.
Occasions Mini Catalog ends on Monday the 30th.
Retirement lists have been posted.  - items are while supplies last.

You may order from my Stampin' Up! website 24/7 by CLICKING HERE, then click on Shop Now or by contacting me directly. My e-mail link is at the top of the screen.

Mary Director
Stampin' Up! Senior Supervisor, Independent Demonstrator & Creative Coach
http://marydirector.stampinup.net
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

Birthday Celebration

Last week I celebrated my 60th birthday!!!  Not sure how I got to be this old, because I certainly don't feel it.   We had a few friends over on Saturday night to help me celebrate.  We had such a good time.   The cake is from Saturday.   It was so delicious.  I love the rainbow on it.   I think we all need LOTS of rainbows in our lives.

I received many birthday cards too.   A few were handmade.

This photo is of the handmade ones I received.  If you look closely you will see quite a bit of Stampin' Up! products that were used.

Cake & ice cream over, time for a group photo.

My wonderful husband (Hal) and me.

Thank you to everyone for the wonderful birthday wishes via phone, e-mail and in person.  It was a great birthday, and I know it will be a great year too.

You may order from my Stampin' Up! website 24/7 by CLICKING HERE, then click on Shop Now or by contacting me directly. My e-mail link is at the top of the screen.

Mary Director
Stampin' Up! Senior Supervisor, Independent Demonstrator & Creative Coach
http://marydirector.stampinup.net
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

Double Rainbows above our home yesterday.

What a day we had today.   The weather was so strange.   We had rain, then hail, then rain.   We drove to the mall and when we came back out the cars looked like they had been in the snow.   It had hailed so much that it had accumulated on the cars giving the impression of snow.  We had thunder and then we had torrents of rain.  A one point we peeked out the window and realized we had a gorgeous rainbow up over our home.   I was working on card projects, so the camera was out and ready to go.   We grabbed jackets and an umbrella (to protect the camera) and I took the photos above.

I think this is the first time in my life that I have personally seen a double rainbow.   It was an amazing experience that I just had to share with all of you.  Hope you enjoy the photos.  May your life be blessed with many rainbows too.

Card photo tomorrow.  I can "bearly" wait to show you ...

You may order from my Stampin' Up! website 24/7 by CLICKING HERE, then click on Shop Now or by contacting me directly. My e-mail link is at the top of the screen.

Mary Director
Stampin' Up! Senior Supervisor, Independent Demonstrator & Creative Coach
http://marydirector.stampinup.net
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

Staycation

This weekend, my husband and I were finally able to get away for a few days for a short "staycation".  This is our first vacation in over 3 years that we actually got to get away for a few days.  Above are 3 of the photos we took at the resort.  And yes, it was warm enough for many people (not me) to go swimming.

We stayed at the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort.   Would highly recommend it.   Just be advised that is HUGE and actually built into the cliffs so there was lots of walking, stairs, and climbing of hills to get from our suite to the other buildings.   There are numerous pools and jacuzzis too.  We had the feeling that we were out in the middle of nowhere, but in actuality we were just minutes away from the stores, mall, grocery etc.  

We had such a good time.  So glad we got away.  Hope you all enjoyed the weekend too.

You may order from my Stampin' Up! website 24/7 by CLICKING HERE, then click on Shop Now or by contacting me directly. My e-mail link is at the top of the screen.

Mary Director
Stampin' Up! Senior Supervisor, Independent Demonstrator & Creative Coach
http://marydirector.stampinup.net
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

Multipurpose Liquid Glue and Dazzling Details Glitter Glue

I have had a number of questions about my white/purple glue holder that is shown in a couple of my videos.  I have found that when I am working on a project that storing the glue upside down keeps the glue at the tip of the bottle and makes it so much easier to use.

The white/purple holder is a magnetic paperclip holder that I found a while back at a office supply store.

The amber glass tree stump is actually an antique toothpick holder that I found this weekend for about $5 at the local antique store.

Other items that would work (just be sure that it has a flat base and is heavier than the bottle of glue you are storing in it):  candlestick holder, shot glass, paperclip holder, toothpick holder, tea light candle holder.   Can you think of any others that might work?

Multipurpose Liquid Glue, item #110755
Dazzling Details - Cherry Cobbler, item #125585

You may order from my Stampin' Up! website 24/7 by CLICKING HERE, then click on Shop Now or by contacting me directly. My e-mail link is at the top of the screen.

Mary Director
Stampin' Up! Senior Supervisor, Independent Demonstrator & Creative Coach
http://marydirector.stampinup.net
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

25th Wedding Anniversary AND My Digital Studio Downloads

Twenty-five years ago I married the love of my life.   Seems impossible how quickly the years have flown by.   We actually met on a cruise to Alaska and had a whirlwind courtship getting engaged 3 weeks later and married 3 months after that.

 1/11/1987 - Our wedding day

1/7/2012 - Anniversary party with a few friends.

This beautiful bouquet (all silk) was presented to us at the restaurant.  Our friends, Pat & Lin, from New York ordered it as a surprise for us.   We all thought the flowers were real!!!  I have allergies, so silk flowers are the perfect choice.   Even my wedding bouquet and head piece were silk.

The latest My Digital Studio Downloads are now available.  Click HERE.
You may order from my Stampin' Up! website 24/7 by CLICKING HERE, then click on Shop Now or by contacting me directly. My e-mail link is at the top of the screen.

Mary Director
Stampin' Up! Senior Supervisor, Independent Demonstrator & Creative Coach
http://marydirector.stampinup.net
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

Feedback and Comments Are Welcome

I've been a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator for 3 1/2 years and this is my 882nd blog post.  I enjoy sharing paper crafting ideas and techniques and knowing that in the process of doing that that I'm helping others with their creations too.

Please feel free to leave comments and questions on my blog posts.  It is one of the ways that helps me determine what you are interested in from Stampin' Up!.  

Thank you for following my blog.   It is greatly appreciated.

My favorite Stampin' Up! product is the Big Shot Die Cut Machine.   Do you have a favorite product?


You may order from my Stampin' Up! website 24/7 by CLICKING HERE, then click on Shop Now or by contacting me directly. My e-mail link is at the top of the screen.

Mary Director
Stampin' Up! Senior Supervisor, Independent Demonstrator & Creative Coach
http://marydirector.stampinup.net
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

Christmas Remembrance

Merry Christmas.

I have many fond memories of Christmas over the years, even dreaming of a white Christmas as a child. It was such fun when that dream would come true.   Loved building snowmen and sledding.   Living in AZ, where we live now, snow is not even a possibility unless we drive at least 2 hours away to the mountains/higher elevations.  This Christmas my yellow rose brush has the most gorgeous  yellow roses on it.   I only have 1 rose brush, and I can see it from my kitchen window.  We planted it in remembrance of my mom whose favorite flower was the yellow rose.  It is very special to see it in full bloom today.  My family is always in my heart.

Will be spending the days with wonderful friends (our extended family) so the day will be special.

Hope you will have a wonderful holiday too.  

You may order from my Stampin' Up! website 24/7 by CLICKING HERE, then click on Shop Now or by contacting me directly. My e-mail link is at the top of the screen.

Mary Director
Stampin' Up! Senior Supervisor, Independent Demonstrator & Creative Coach
http://marydirector.stampinup.net
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

My Stampin' Up! Website is temporarily down

Jolly Jingle Bits Stamp Set

Item #120857 -Wood ORItem #121187 - Clear Mount

Jolly Jingles Jumbo Wheel, item #120864

Good Morning Everyone,

I just want to let you know that my Stampin' Up! website is temporarily down.  Stampin' Up! is aware of the problem and is working hard to get it back up and running as quickly as possible.  This situation has affected many Stampin' Up! Demonstrators and our customers.  This is the first time in the 3 1/2 years I've been a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator that this has happened.

This is a photo of the screen you will see while the system is being worked on by Stampin' Up! and Network Solutions.  While this screen is active, customers are not able to order from my site.

It is such a busy time of the year, it is unfortunate this has happened.   But there is still a silver lining in this .... I can still place your order for you thru the demonstrator only website.   All you need to do is contact me (via e-mail or phone) and I will be able to place the order for you.  If you e-mail, please include your phone number and a good time to call you (don't forget to let me know what time zone you are in).   Just a reminder too NOT to include any credit card information in the e-mail, I will get that from you once I talk to you.  My e-mail link is on the top of this page.  I can order whatever Stampin' Up! products you need with the exception of Clearance Items which can only be ordered by a customer through my Stampin' Up! website.

Again, I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you.  When I called Demonstrator Support, they said they felt the problem would be resolved today.

You may order from my Stampin' Up! website 24/7 by CLICKING HERE, then click on Shop Now or by contacting me directly. My e-mail link is at the top of the screen.

Mary Director
Stampin' Up! Senior Supervisor, Independent Demonstrator & Creative Coach
http://marydirector.stampinup.net
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

Holiday Count Down

Does it seem possible that the holidays are just a couple weeks away.   December is always such a wonderful time of the year to spend time with friends and family.   This year has been extremely busy, and December will be no exception.

For the next couple of weeks (thru the 18th), I'm spending time with my wonderful husband.  I will be checking e-mails so will stay on top of your orders.  My blog has posts loaded for Monday thru Friday each week and if there is any breaking news I will be sure to let you know.

Hope you all have a wonderful holiday season.
 
You may order from my Stampin' Up! website 24/7 by CLICKING HERE, then click on Shop Now or by contacting me directly. My e-mail link is at the top of the screen.

Mary Director
Stampin' Up! Senior Supervisor, Independent Demonstrator & Creative Coach
http://marydirector.stampinup.net
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

Wishing You A Happy Thanksgiving

I am thankful for so many things.  You have given me such joy by following my blog and letting me know how much the tutorials, photos, and information have helped you.

I hope you each have a wonderful Thanksgiving tomorrow surrounded by family and friends. 

There will not be a blog post on Thursday (Thanksgiving), but I will return on Friday.

You may order from my Stampin' Up! website 24/7 by CLICKING HERE, then click on Shop Now or by contacting me directly. My e-mail link is at the top of the screen.

Mary Director
Stampin' Up! Senior Supervisor, Independent Demonstrator & Creative Coach
http://marydirector.stampinup.net
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

American Red Cross: Holiday Mail for Heroes Program

Holiday Mail for Heroes Program Overview

The holiday season is just around the corner and it’s time again to start thinking about being part of the 2011 American Red Cross Holiday Mail for Heroes. For a fifth year, American Red Cross and Pitney Bowes are partnering to ensure all Americans have an opportunity to send a touch of home this holiday season to members of our U.S. military, veterans and their families, many of whom will be far away from home this holiday season.

Starting this fall and throughout the holiday season, the Red Cross is working with Pitney Bowes, a mail stream technology company, to collect and distribute holiday cards to American service members, veterans and their families in the United States and around the world.

The process is very simple and takes no time at all - All you need is a pen and piece of paper to share your appreciation for the sacrifices members of the U.S. Armed Forces make to protect our freedoms The Holiday Mail for Heroes mail box is open and ready to receive for your cards. Please send all mail to:

Holiday Mail For Heroes
P.O. Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

Sending a “touch of home” to American men and women who serve our country is the perfect way to express your appreciation and support during the holiday season.

Card Guidelines:
Every card received will be screened for hazardous materials by Pitney Bowes and then reviewed by Red Cross volunteers working around the country.
Please observe the following guidelines to ensure a quick reviewing process:

• All cards being sent in for 2011 Holiday Mail For Heroes program should be postmarked no later than Friday, December 9, 2011.
• Ensure that all cards are signed.
• Use generic salutations such as “Dear Service Member.” Cards addressed to specific individuals can not be delivered through this program.
• Only cards are being accepted. Do not send letters.
• Do not include email or home addresses on the cards, as the program is not meant to foster pen pal relationships.
• Do not include inserts of any kind, including photos, as these items will be removed during the reviewing process.
• We encourage participants to mail as many cards as they are comfortable sending. If you are mailing a large quantity, please bundle the cards and place them in large mailing envelopes or use a flat rate box from the post office. Each card does not need its own envelope, as cards will be removed from all envelopes before distribution.
• Please refrain from sending holiday cards with glitter. Many of these cards will be delivered to military and veterans medical facilities and the glitter could interfere with a patient's recovery

 
Mary's Note:  If each of us sent at least one card, think how many would be sent.  Even one card can make a world of difference.

You may order from my Stampin' Up! website 24/7 by CLICKING HERE, then click on Shop Now or by contacting me directly. My e-mail link is at the top of the screen.

Mary Director
Stampin' Up! Senior Supervisor, Independent Demonstrator & Creative Coach
http://marydirector.stampinup.net
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

My Apologies ... Link Correction

Earlier today I posted a link in my blog update that was supposed to take you to my microwave popcorn cover tutorial instead took you to AZ Wine Company.   I received a comment plus an e-mail letting me know about the mistake and have now corrected it.   This was a mistake on my part.   A friend had asked for the link to the wine company at the same time I was updating my blog.  

So if you would like to see the tutorial for the microwave popcorn covers, CLICK HERE.

You may order from my Stampin' Up! website 24/7 by CLICKING HERE, then click on Shop Now or by contacting me directly. My e-mail link is at the top of the screen.

Mary Director
Stampin' Up! Senior Supervisor, Independent Demonstrator & Creative Coach
http://marydirector.stampinup.net
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

End of Promotions ... don't miss out PLUS the new Holiday Mini Catalog from Stampin' Up!

Just a reminder that today is the last day for the following promotions from Stampin' Up! and one from me too:

1.  Buy 3 DSP, receive 1 FREE promotion ends August 31st.
2.  My 3rd Anniversary promotion ends August 31st also.
3.  The Strength and Hope Campaign ends August 31st.

Don't miss out on any of these above, you still have time to order but the orders have to be in before the end of the day today ... No exceptions.

The Holiday Mini Catalog will be available to order from as of tomorrow September 1st.   So many wonderful new products to choose from to help you with your holiday projects.  If you have not received your Stampin' Up! Holiday Mini Catalog and are one of my customers, please let me know ASAP so that I can send you a new one.  If you do not have a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, live in the US, and would like a copy of the Holiday Mini Catalog; please e-mail me (link at top of page) and I will mail one to you.


You may order from my Stampin' Up! website 24/7 by CLICKING HERE, then click on Shop Now or by contacting me directly. My e-mail link is at the top of the screen.

Mary Director
Stampin' Up! Senior Supervisor, Independent Demonstrator & Creative Coach
http://marydirector.stampinup.net
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

Vacation Days and Reminders

Hi,

Spending a couple of days with my wonderful husband as he has time off from work.   Staying close to home, but enjoying the time off.   The weather here has been unbelievably hot.   Yesterday when we got back into the car the temperature gauge said the outside temperature was 122 (the car was in the direct sunlight).   After being on the freeway for a bit, it cooled down to a cool 116 degrees!!!!   We definitely are drinking lots of water and staying indoors as much as possible.

Last night we watched the movie, Jumping the Broom.   Good movie.  We both enjoyed it.

I'm teaching Stampin' Up! classes this Saturday.  Looking forward to that and to seeing everyone too.

Reminders:
1.  Buy 3 DSP, receive 1 FREE promotion ends August 31st.
2.  My 3rd Anniversary promotion ends August 31st also.
3.  The Strength and Hope Campaign ends August 31st.

Don't miss out on any of these above, you still have time to order.

You may order from my Stampin' Up! website 24/7 by CLICKING HERE, then click on Shop Now or by contacting me directly. My e-mail link is at the top of the screen.

Mary Director
Stampin' Up! Senior Supervisor, Independent Demonstrator & Creative Coach
http://marydirector.stampinup.net
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

Stampin' Up! Demonstrator: 3rd anniversary! Let's Celebrate With a Contest

To celebrate my 3rd Anniversary as a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, I'm going to have a contest.   During the month of August (August 1st thru and including August 31st, 2011)  anyone who places an order thru me or thru my Stampin' Up! website will receive a minimum of one chance to win $50 worth of Stampin' Up! products of their choice.   There will be one winner drawn on September 1st.   The winner will be able to choose merchandise worth up to $50 from the 2011-2012 Idea Book and Catalog and/or the Holiday Mini Catalog.  I will also pay the tax and shipping on the order for the winner.

Here's how you will earn chances to win per each order placed:   ($ is before tax & shipping)
$ 1.00 - $49.99 = 1 chance
$50.00 - $99.99 = 2 chances
$100.00 - $149.99 = 3 chances
$150.00 - $199.99 = 4 chances
$200.00 - $249.99 = 5 chances
$250.00 - $299.99 = 6 chances
$300.00 - $349.99 = 7 chances
$350.00 - $399.99 = 8 chances 
If order is over $399.99, 1 chance per each additional $50.00 in purchases.

I am a US Demonstrator and can only accept orders from those in the US.   Contest is limited to people who purchase from me or thru my Stampin' Up! website August 1, 2011 thru August 31, 2011.   Winner will be notified by e-mail on September 1, 2011.


Sunday marked my 3rd Anniversary as a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator.  I can't believe how quickly the time has flown by.   I started out as a hobby demonstrator (just signing up for the demonstrator discount).  Then as time went on, began adding customers then teaching classes and building my team.  I'm always looking for individuals who would like to join my team.   Contact me for further information.

This contest/promotion is NOT sponsored in any way by Stampin' Up!.  It is a personal promotion that I am paying for myself as a Thank You to all of my customers who place an order this month and also to celebrate my 3rd year anniversary as a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator.

You may order from my Stampin' Up! website 24/7 by CLICKING HERE, then click on Shop Now or by contacting me directly. My e-mail link is at the top of the screen.

Mary Director
Stampin' Up! Senior Supervisor, Independent Demonstrator & Creative Coach
http://marydirector.stampinup.net
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

Stampin' Up! Convention Highlights

Every year Stampin' Up! holds a convention in Salt Lake City for all of their demonstrators.   It is a time to share, have fun, learn about new products, and so much more.   I wasn't able to go this year, but thought you might enjoy seeing the video that Stampin' Up! put on YouTube.   It has highlights of this years convention that ended on Saturday.  (if you are reading this via e-mail, you will need to come to my blog to view the video)



If you are interested in becoming a demonstrator, please contact me for more information.

You may order from my Stampin' Up! website 24/7 by CLICKING HERE, then click on Shop Now or by contacting me directly. My e-mail link is at the top of the screen.

Mary Director
Stampin' Up! Senior Supervisor, Independent Demonstrator & Creative Coach
http://marydirector.stampinup.net
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

Congratulations Carolyn Gable - Top Seller for June 2011

Congratulations to Carolyn Gable for being the top seller for my Stampin' Up! Team:  KreatesKards.  

It was a great month for my team overall, and I want to thank each and everyone of you.   Your hard work and love of being creative is what makes this a success for all of us.   Thank you.

You may order from my Stampin' Up! website 24/7 by CLICKING HERE, then click on Shop Now or by contacting me directly. My e-mail link is at the top of the screen.

Mary Director
Stampin' Up! Senior Supervisor, Independent Demonstrator & Creative Coach
http://marydirector.stampinup.net
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)