Latest Posts

Stampin’ Up! Clearance Rack Refresh!

What a deal!  The Clearance rack has been updated with new AWESOME products! Lots of Big Shot framelits and embossing folders, card stock, ribbons and more! This is the best time to shop and pick up some. Prices are up to 70% OFF!

Stock up on any of your last minute Christmas Card supplies, or look for gifts that you can pick up for the crafty people in your life!

Hug in a Mug Christmas Note Card

The card I’m sharing in today’s post is a holiday themed thank-you card.  I sent these out to customers who placed orders with me in November.  Plaid is everywhere right now and the plaid pattern paper from the Christmas Around the World Designer Series paper collection from Stampin’ Up! is one of my favorites.

I used a die from the Popcorn Box Framelit Dies to create the sweet scallop edge and the Holly Builder Punch to create the Holly.  I wrapped a small length of Linen Thread around the Designer Series Paper and tied it up in a bow.  The Rhinestone Basic Jewels were colored with a Cherry Cobbler Stampin’ Blend Marker.

The sentiment comes from the Hug in a Mug stamp set.  While the set is great for a Christmas card, it is not specific to Christmas.   Hug in a Mug offers a lot of versatility and can be used all winter long for many occasions.


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Quilted Christmas Tree

Deck your halls by creating this whimsical Christmas Tree using the Quilted Christmas Designer Series Paper by Stampin’ Up!  I recently participated in a craft fair and made several of these adorable cork trees for my booth.  Someone mentioned they reminded her of the movie, How the Grinch Stole Christmas with Jim Carrey.  The little drooping star reminds me of a Charlie Brown Christmas tree.  Here is a quick video demonstrating the project:


Besides the corks, which I ordered from Amazon, you will need a glue gun and 18-gauge stem wire along with the products listed below.  The Quilted Christmas Designer Series Paper and the Trim Your Stockings Thinlit Dies are on the Stampin’ Up! Retirement List and are available thru the end of December while supplies last only.  Visit my on-line store here to see all the retiring favorites and discounted items. 

Product List

To check out the complete list of discounted and retiring favorite products click on the link below.

 

My 5 Top Gift-Giving Picks

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here so I thought I would share with you my top five gift-giving picks this season.

#1 – All Inclusive Project Kits

All-inclusive kits are perfect for beginning and seasoned crafters alike, especially since all the supplies you need to complete the kit are included.  An added perk to these all inclusive kits from Stampin’ Up! is that they come beautifully boxed and would look great wrapped up with a ribbon.

#2 – Love Today Planner Kit

Planners are all the rage and this planner will help keep the recipient on schedule and can also give a creative outlet too!  This all-inclusive kit has everything you need to create a customizable yearly planner.

 

#3 – Photo Album, Pocket Pages and a Memories & More Card Pack

One of my favorite gifts to give!  I collect a few photos – sometimes I have to sneak them from someone’s Facebook page – then I box them up with an album, a pack of pocket pages and a Memories & More Card Pack and Journaling Pens.

#4 – Paper Pumpkin

A Paper Pumpkin subscription is a creative escape in a box that comes right to your door.  You receive all the stamps, ink, and paper you need to make a fun paper-crafting project. Absolutely no prep work; everything is pre-cut and ready to go!

#5 – Just Add Color Specialty Designer Series Paper with Stampin’ Write Markers, Stampin’ Blends or Watercolor Pencils

Adult coloring is a big trend right now and the Just Add Color paper with it’s open designs printed on heavyweight paper is perfect for coloring or watercoloring.

 

 

Thanks for stopping by my little piece of blog real estate.  I hope you’ve enjoyed my Five Fav’s for gift giving.  I would be happy to assist you with your gift-giving needs this holiday.  Contact me today or visit my online store at the link below.

 

Cyber Monday FREE Shipping

During Online Extravaganza this past week, Stampin’ Up! has offered some great deals on a select group of stamps and products, but they are not done yet.  To close out Online Extravaganza with a bang, Stampin’ Up! is offering FREE shipping on all orders during Cyber Monday!  FREE shipping begins at midnight MT Sunday night and ends at 11:59 pm MT on Monday, November 27.

In addition to FREE Shipping, when you place an online order of $50 or more with me and use Hostess Code PVVSMT9T, I will send a package of these beautiful Foil Snowflakes to you.

Take a peek at these projects made with the gorgeous metallic foil snowflakes and other products from the Year of Cheer Product Suite.

To get your gift from me don’t forget to insert Host Code PVVSMT9T here when shopping with me at my online store (do not use the Host Code if your order is over $150 – you will qualify for Host Rewards and will receive the Foil Snowflakes from me automatically):

Colorful Seasons

The “Fancy” option in my Fun & Fancy Stamp Class this month was this sweet Embellished Mason Jar Candle:

I purchased the cinnamon bun scented candles from Dollar Tree then dressed them up with some ribbon, trim and die-cuts. The colors in the Painted Autumn Designer Series Paper coordinated perfectly with the cinnamon color of the candle and the detailed Copper Foil leaf paired with a strand of mini sequin trim adds just enough sparkle to the project. I am so excited to gift these to my Thanksgiving Day guests!

Project Details:

  • Stamps: Colorful Seasons Photopolymer, September 2017 Paper Pumpkin Kit
  • Ink: Cajun Craze, Early Espresso
  • Cardstock: Painted Autumn Designer Series Paper 3″ x 3″, Cajun Craze Cardstock 3″ x 3″, 2-1/2″ x 2-1/2″, Gold Foil 2-1/2″ x 2-1/2″, Very Vanilla 1-1/2″ x 1-1/2″
  • Accessories: Stitched Shapes Framelits, Layering Circles Framelits, Seasonal Layers Thinlits, Coffee Cups Framelits, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine, Crushed Curry 3/8″ Mini-Chevron Ribbon, Gold Mini Sequin Trim, Linen Thread, Mini Glue Dots, Stampin’ Dimensionals

Directions:

  1. Cut circle from 3″ x 3″ piece of Cajun Craze card stock with die from the Stitched Shapes Framelits using the Big Shot.
  2. Cut circle from 3″ x 3″ piece of Designer Series Paper with die from the Layering Circles Framelits using the Big Shot. Adhere circle to Cajun Craze circle using adhesive. Adhere both to jar lid using adhesive.
  3. Wrap Crushed Curry ribbon around jar and tie in bow. Thread 6″ length of sequin trim under bow and tie in knot.
  4. Stamp leaf image onto 2-1/2″ x 2-1/2″ piece of Cajun Craze card stock using Cajun Craze ink. Cut out with die from the Seasonal Layers Thinlits using the Big Shot.
  5. Cut detailed leaf from 2-1/2″ x 2-1/2″ piece of Copper Foil with die from the Seasonal Layers Thinlits using the Big Shot. Adhere to Cajun Craze leaf using Mini Glue Dot.
  6. Stamp sentiment onto 1-1/2″ x 1-1/2″ piece of Very Vanilla card stock with Early Espresso ink. Cut out with oval die from the Coffee Cups Framelits using the Big Shot. Adhere oval to leaves using Mini Glue Dot.
  7. Tie bow with Linen thread. Adhere bow to top of sentiment with dot of Multi-Purpose Liquid Glue.
  8. Adhere tag to jar front using Stampin’ Dimensionals.

Product List

Big Shot

$110.00

Linen Thread

$4.50

Glue Dots

$5.25

Online Extravaganza!

Stampin’ Up! has announced it’s Holiday Extravaganza!

There are two parts remaining to the Online Extravaganza:

  • 10 to 50 percent OFF list of selected products Nov. 20-26
  • Flash sale Nov. 27 Only – stay tuned for details

FREE Gift from Me:

Use the hostess code PVVSMT9T when you place your order of $50 or more I will send you a package of the beautiful Foil Snowflakes Embellishments (6.00 value!).

Click on the link below to view the complete list of discounted Extravaganza items then stock up on any of your last minute Christmas Card supplies, or look for gifts that you can pick up for the crafters in your life.

Today is the Day!

Today is the day….  to Reserve a Stamparatus!!

  • 1pm Pacific Time
  • 2pm Mountain Time
  • 3pm Central Time
  • 4pm Eastern Time

Please note that this is a new process – please read all the details below to better understand it.

Here’s how you reserve a Stamparatus

  1. Create an Online Account with Leslie Benson on my Stampin’ Up! Store Here.
  2. If you already have an account, skip step one!
  3. Click here to Reserve your Stamparatus 
  4. Fill out form and add credit card info.
  5. Return to The Plaid Poodle and Click Here to fill out my form to receive a FREE GIFT (from me) when the Stamparatus ships.
  6. Watch for an email in early February from Stampin’ Up! that the Stamparatus is in your shopping cart.
  7. Finalize order by logging in to your account and at this point you can choose to add to your order (so that you’ll qualify for a Sale-a- bration item).

Here’s a recap of the Stamparatus:

 

The Stamparatus is an innovative stamp placement tool.  The Stamparatus will change the way you stamp, and before long, you’ll wonder how you crafted without it!

Here are just some of the features of the Stamparatus:

  • Make multiples with ease.
  • Consistently stamp crisp, clean images.
  • If you want a darker impression, apply more ink and re-stamp – no need to start over.
  • Make fewer mistakes, saving time and money.
  • Easily create 2-step, 3-step and 4-step stamped images using reversible plates.
  • Develop new and specialized stamping techniques with adjustable stamping plates and precision placement.

Watch this video from Stampin’ Up! to see the five things you need to know about the Stamparatus:

More Product Details:

  • Compatible with Stampin’ Up!’s red rubber and photopolymer stamp
  • Foam mat to use with photopolymer stamps
  • Rulers and gridlines for quick measuring
  • 2 open sides so you can stamp on larger paper
  • 2 reversible plates: a total of 4 surfaces to work with
  • 2 magnets to hold the paper in place
  • Magnet storage areas
  • Retail Price–$49.00 USD/$65.00 CAD

There are three opportunities to reserve a Stamparatus (see chart below).

With the launch of this tool, Stampin’ Up! will be using a new reservation system.  The global launch will feature three reservation windows. For each window, please note the following:

  • Reservation quantities are while supplies last.
  • Limit is 1 tool per customer per reservation window.
  • You may participate in multiple reservation windows.
  • In order to reserve your Stamparatus, you are required to provide your credit card information.
  • Credit cards will not be charged until the Stamparatus ships.

If you’re like me you’ll want to get it during the first round.  Here’s how you can Reserve your Stamparatus on November 16, 2017 (see picture below for each step)

    1. If you do not have an online account with me you will need to do that first.  You may visit my on-line store HERE to set up an account.  Here’s the info you need…
    • Leslie Benson
    • Demo ID 2127415
    • Lee’s Summit, MO  64082
  1. CLICK HERE to Reserve your Stamparatus on November 16th

View all the Stamparatus FAQ’s here.

 

Introducing the Stamparatus

The Stamparatus is an innovative stamp placement tool.  The Stamparatus will change the way you stamp, and before long, you’ll wonder how you crafted without it!

Here are just some of the features of the Stamparatus:

  • Make multiples with ease.
  • Consistently stamp crisp, clean images.
  • If you want a darker impression, apply more ink and re-stamp – no need to start over.
  • Make fewer mistakes, saving time and money.
  • Easily create 2-step, 3-step and 4-step stamped images using reversible plates.
  • Develop new and specialized stamping techniques with adjustable stamping plates and precision placement.

Watch this video from Stampin’ Up! to see the five things you need to know about the Stamparatus:

More Product Details:

  • Compatible with Stampin’ Up!’s red rubber and photopolymer stamp
  • Foam mat to use with photopolymer stamps
  • Rulers and gridlines for quick measuring
  • 2 open sides so you can stamp on larger paper
  • 2 reversible plates: a total of 4 surfaces to work with
  • 2 magnets to hold the paper in place
  • Magnet storage areas
  • Retail Price–$49.00 USD/$65.00 CAD

There are three opportunities to reserve a Stamparatus (see chart below).

With the launch of this tool, Stampin’ Up! will be using a new reservation system.  The global launch will feature three reservation windows. For each window, please note the following:

  • Reservation quantities are while supplies last.
  • Limit is 1 tool per customer per reservation window.
  • You may participate in multiple reservation windows.
  • In order to reserve your Stamparatus, you are required to provide your credit card information.
  • Credit cards will not be charged until the Stamparatus ships.

If you’re like me you’ll want to get it during the first round.  Here’s how you can Reserve your Stamparatus on November 16, 2017 (see picture below for each step)

    1. If you do not have an online account with me you will need to do that first.  You may visit my on-line store HERE to set up an account.  Here’s the info you need…
    • Leslie Benson
    • Demo ID 2127415
    • Lee’s Summit, MO  64082
  1. CLICK HERE to Reserve your Stamparatus on November 16th

View all the Stamparatus FAQ’s here.

 

Stampin’ Blends

Say hello to a new world of colorful creativity! Meet Stampin’ Blends, artist-quality alcohol markers in 12 exclusive Stampin’ Up! colors. To cover all the blending bases, Stampin’ Up! is also offering a limited-time 16-card project kit and stamp set with beautiful line-art images.  With the Color Me Happy Project Kit and Color Me Happy Stamp Set you can make 12 sweet cards using the Night of Navy, Pumpkin Pie, Pink Pirouette and Soft Sky Stampin’ Blends.  When using Stampin’ Blend Markers you will want to use Tuxedo Black Memento Ink and Whisper White card stock.

Each Stampin’ Blend color (except Ivory and Bronze) has a light and dark shade marker, available individually or in a combo pack.  You can also purchase all 26 colors plus the Color Lifter as a Collection.

Watch this quick video from Stampin’ Up! showing just how easy the Stampin’ Blends Markers are to use and how great they will make your projects look!

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Be Merry

Be Merry All-Inclusive Kit

 

SPOILER ALERT:  I like to surprise my Stamp Club Members each month with a free gift and this month they will each receive one of these festive rosette ornaments I made using the Be Merry Kit from Stampin’ Up!  The rosettes are 4″ in diameter and would look great hanging on a tree or wreath but would also make gorgeous package toppers in place of a bow.

These were so much fun to put together because most of the work was done for me and the only thing I needed to add was adhesive.  Everything was pre-cut, pre-scored and folded.  The instructional video from Stampin’ Up! below shows using a glue-gun to assemble the ornaments but I didn’t want to go to the bother and the ornaments went together perfectly using Multipurpose Liquid Glue.

The Be Merry Kit can be assembled in just a couple hours but the rosettes look like you spent hours.  Wouldn’t it be nice to impress your family and friends with something you made especially for them during the holidays?  Place one on top of a wrapped plate of handmade (or store bought) goodies for your neighbors. Tie one around a bottle of sparkling cider or wine for the perfect hostess gift.  Adhere a gift card to the back of the ornament for the teachers in your life.  I purchased two kits because the uses are endless.  Grab a kit or two for yourself by clicking on the link below.

August 2017 Paper Pumpkin

`The August Paper Pumpkin Kit from Stampin’ Up!, Giftable Greetings, is so cute!  The kit came with enough supplies and embellishments to make eight cards and included coordinating envelopes.  What made it extra special though is the coordinating gift box along with gift tags to embellish and a sweet length of ribbon to wrap it up!  It makes the perfect gift for someone.

I designed the cards as the kit was intended making three thank-you cards, three congrats cards and two sympathy cards.  Along with the stamp set and ink-spot from the kit here is what I had left-over after completing the kit:

There are plenty of tags, stickers and embellishments to put in my stash for other projects.  I did make a greeting card and a gift card holder using the stamp set, ink and left-over bits and pieces that I will post on my Facebook Page in the next few days.  You can “Like” my page so you won’t miss them here:  http://www.facebook.com/theplaidpoodle/

The best part about a Paper Pumpkin subscription is the happy mail surprise arriving in my mailbox each month.  It’s so fun to tear into the box and tissue paper to see what fun project awaits me.  I very rarely show my face in my videos but you’re in for a treat because today I actually had makeup on so threw caution to the wind and filmed myself un-boxing the kit.  Enjoy!

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Now is a great time to give Paper Pumpkin a try because Stampin’ Up! is offering new subscribers half-off their first month’s kit when they subscribe by September 10, 2017 using Promotional Code HALFOFF0917.  There is absolutely no risk – you can cancel or put a hold on your subscription at any time.  Find out about getting your own Paper Pumpkin subscription by clicking on the Paper Pumpkin box below.

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July Starter Kit Deal!

JULY STARTER KIT DEAL!  When you purchase the $99 Starter Kit in July (1 – 31), you’ll get $125 in YOUR CHOICE of Stampin’ Up! products for $99 (that’s $26 in FREE product and the kit ships FREE) PLUS receive a  BONUS Essentials Gift Pack including the Carols of Christmas stamp set, a Bone Folder, Paper Snips, two D Acrylic Blocks, a pack of grid paper and snail adhesive.  That’s a $72 value for FREE!

  • For $99 you choose:   Up to $125 worth of Stampin’ Up! product for your kit and the kit ships to you FREE, for another 10% savings
  • Enjoy a Discount!  Once you purchase the $99 Starter Kit and join, you save 20% or more on your favorite Stampin’ Up! products PLUS earn more free and discounted products thru Stampin’ Rewards and Stampin’ Up! promotions.
  • Pre-Order Perks!  See the Holiday Catalog now and get your hands on the new products early!  The holiday catalog pre-order, for demonstrators only, begins tomorrow, August 1st.  The Occasions Catalog pre-order begins on December 1st.
  • Earn $ and FREE Products!  There is absolutely no obligation or pressure to do anything more after you receive your Starter Kit but the opportunity is always there to earn extra income and free Stampin’ Up! products.  The choice is yours!
  • No penalty to drop! Enjoy your discount and all the perks that come with being a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator until December 31st.  If you reach $300 in sales you’re “in” for another quarter.  If not you just drop.
  • Treat Yourself!  Did I mention, there’s no obligation to host workshops or parties, sell products to others or personally purchase anything beyond the kit?

 

I WELCOME HOBBY STAMPERS!  YOU’LL FEEL RIGHT AT HOME when you purchase the kit and join through me.  You’ll instantly become a member and have access to my private Plaid Paper Dolls Community in addition to other great resources and a nationwide team of stampers.  Give it a test drive – there’s no risk and no pressure to hold workshops or parties – do it for YOU!

But hurry, today is the last day for the Christmas in July promotion.  Join today to receive the additional $72 in FREE products from Stampin’ Up! along with the other great benefits!

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Stampin’ Up! Lemon Zest Card

We are certainly in the Dog Days of Summer here in Kansas City.  Temps have been over 100 degrees for several days straight and to add insult to injury recent storms have caused several areas to be without power.  We are all doing our best to stay cool.  My card today is perfect for this time of year and just looking at it makes me feel refreshed!

I used the Lemon Zest Bundle that includes the Lemon Zest stamp set along with the Lemon Builder Punch to make this card along with Daffodil Delight, Calypso Coral and Lemon Lime Twist inks.  The card is topped off with Stampin’ Up!’s new 1/4″ Lemon Lime Twist Ombre Ribbon.  Love that ribbon!  It comes in several colors and just reminds me of sherbet which is another great option for cooling off!

CLICK HERE FOR A FREE PROJECT SHEET FOR THIS CARD

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Christmas in July!

With just a few days left in the month of July I also wanted to remind you that this month is a great time to join Stampin’ Up!  For just $99 you choose $125 of any Stampin’ Up! product and just during the month of July will receive these additional products – a $72 Value!

Stampin’ Up’s Christmas in July promotion makes it easier than ever to sign up to be a demonstrator! You can receive a FREE Essentials Gift Pack including Paper Snips, SNAIL Adhesive, Grid Paper, two D Blocks (one for you and one for a stamping friend!), and a Bone Folder. That’s an added value of $52! And to give you a taste of the perks of being a demonstrator, we will also include the Carols of Christmas Stamp Set from the holiday catalog for FREE ($20)! The Stampin’ Up Starter Kit is ALWAYS an amazing deal, and joining my team comes with a mountain of perks. Check them all out here. If you have questions let me know! You can purchase the starter kit here .

Join today risk free.  Although we know you’ll want to stay around there is absolutely no obligation to do anything further.

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Make-it-in-Minutes Thank-You Card

I’m sharing a pretty little card today that you can make in a matter of minutes.  I call it a Make-it-in-Minutes project.  Let’s face it, life is sometimes busy.  Okay maybe life is mostly busy but making one or several of these cards to have on hand is not going to put a huge dent in your schedule.  And imagine the smile it will bring to the faces of the recipients!

The Whisper White Note Cards and Envelopes from Stampin’ Up! is key to giving this project a quick head start.  The All Things Thanks stamp set is a great set to have in your collection.  It’s one you’ll own forever because it can be used over and over again.  That, along with the coordinating inks and Designer Series Paper, make putting this card together a snap!  Here’s my Make-it-in-Minutes video tutorial for the card:

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