Stampin' Up's Artistic Etchings Stamp Set....

This stamp set sure was a hit at Stampin' Up!'s convention this year.  I probably have 15 swaps with this set.  Obviously it is very versatile!  Thanks to Ann Lohmeyer for the inspiration for this card which we made at a recent workshop.  It also uses the Decor Stencils which I hadn't used yet.  Now, if I could just get someone to give me a trip to Paris for my birthday!

More Inspiration from Stampin' Up! Convention...

This gorgeous card was inspired by a swap card that I received at Stampin' Up!'s convention too.  I took Tracy Altemose's basic layout and changed up the stamps.  I didn't have the set that she used and found the Dreams Du Jour stamp set worked perfectly!  What do you think?

Stampin' Up! Punch Caddies Not Available

Stampin' Up! just notified us that, due to quality issues, the Punch Caddies on page 200 will not be for sale.  Here's a Q&A that Stampin' Up! put together regarding the issue:

"We, like you, are disappointed that we cannot offer the Punch Caddies for sale. But because of our ongoing commitment to providing you with the highest quality products, we simply cannot allow this product to go live. If you have additional questions about this matter, we’ve prepared a brief Q&A for your use.

Q: What were the quality issues with the Punch Caddy?
A: Through usability testing we discovered problems with the functionality of the Punch Caddy, as well as issues with materials and aesthetics that did not meet our standards.

Q: Will you offer a Punch Caddy in the future?
A: We have no immediate plans to manufacture the Punch Caddy as it is currently designed. We will possibly look into an equivalent product in the future, but we do not have any firm plans to do so at this time.

Q: Why don’t we get a different vendor to produce the Punch Caddy?
A: The problems with the punch caddy are in the design, molds and materials. Even if we selected another vendor, it would not be possible for them to manufacture a product that would meet our quality standards.

Q: How do you suggest I explain to my customers that the Punch Caddy will not be available?
A: The issue is straightforward. Tell them that we discovered serious quality issues with the product that could not be resolved. Rather than deliver a defective product to demonstrators and customers, we chose to halt production.

Q: Why are items that are not yet for sale included in the Idea Book & Catalog?
A: The timelines of the Idea Book & Catalog and product development sometimes overlap, and some products are still in development when the catalog goes to press. At the time of printing, we have assurances from our vendors that the products will be ready at or shortly after catalog launch. As the Idea Book & Catalog is the Stampin’ Up! storefront, including them in the catalog provides them with the broadest exposure—much more than they would receive if we were to launch those products independent of the Idea Book & Catalog. Unfortunately, in the case of the Punch Caddy, difficulties arose that will prevent it from being offered at all. Future print runs of the 2010–2011 Idea Book & Catalog will not feature the Punch Caddy at all.

Thank You Cards for Breast Cancer....

As you may know, I create and donate cards to the Necessities Bags of Sacramento for mastectomy patients in the Sacramento area.   I try to donate about 100 cards every couple of months.  Going to convention last month has helped because I was able to get so much inspiration from others' card swaps.  This is a card that I made using the retired Buckaroo Blue paper & ink with the Friends 24/7 stamp set.  Thank you Chris Greten for the inspiration!  Perhaps one of my cards on this blog will inspire you.  If so, please let me know.

Stampin' Up! Artists Are So Clever!

This picture is from the Legacy Room at Stampin' Up!'s home office in Riverton, Utah.  It is so hard to believe that everything is made from paper!  The designers are just so clever.  Don't you just want to eat all of it? 

Linda Hansen Dinner during Stampin' Up! Convention

Linda Hansen is a former employee of Stampin' Up! and a favorite of most demonstrators for her sense of humor and kindness.  This year, with the help of a couple of wonderful demonstrators, Linda organized a dinner called "An Evening to Remember".  She had two surprise guests, Jaron and Lori, who are also previous Stampin' Up! employees.  I volunteered to help with the check in process as there were 200 demonstrators who signed up for the dinner.  It was great to see these wonderful - and very funny - people!