Suitably Stamped with Michelle Suit

You can't use up creativity....the more you use...the more you have.

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“Spring Flower Shop” Stamp Camp Announced!

Are you ready for some SPRINGTIME?? Come and create five beautiful, “springy” cards with a matching tote and go home with your very own “Flower Shop” stamp set and the matching 
“Pansy” punch. You’ll be able to create even more lovelies at home. Seats will be limited so don’t wait….RSVP to reserve yours asap. This is a prepaid class since all supplies will be preordered. If you are unable to attend at the last minute, your supplies will be available for pick up the following day.
Class Date and Time:
Saturday, April 19th at 1:00 p.m.
 Location:  10256 Battlefield Drive
Manassas, VA  20110
Long Distance Option:
If you aren’t local, you can still join in the fun.
You can register for the class in the mail option.
Class Fee is the same.  Additional shipping rates will be added.
Email for more info: shellsuit@verizon.net

Class Fee: $40 Includes all supplies, pre-cut card kits, 
stamp set and punch. 
**Already own the stamp set and/or punch?  No prob…
If you own the stamp set, you will choose another stamp set from either the regular catalog or the Occasions Catalog valued at $17.95 (the price of the Flower Shop set)
If you already own the Pansy punch, you will choose any other punch valued at $15.95 from either catalog (the price of the Pansy punch)
Class Fee: $40 Includes all supplies, pre-cut card kits, stamp set and punch. 
**Payment is required no later than SATURDAY, APRIL 12TH via Paypal, cash or check. 
**RSVP NO LATER THAN SATURDAY, APRIL 12TH 
via Facebook or Email shellsuit@verizon.net 
Stamped Blessings,
 
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Celebrate SU!’s Biggest Party of the Year for FREE?

 
That’s right!!  
It’s Stampin’ Up!’s biggest party of the entire year and YOU can go for FREE!
It’s a special offer for this 2014 “Inspire-Create-Share” Convention in Salt Lake City, UT and it may be the one and only time it’s offered. 
 
WHO:  Anyone who joins SU! between July 1, 2013 and the date that Convention registration either ends or fills to capacity.
(Trust me…This one will fill up FAST!)
 
WHEN:  Convention registration will open on April 8th, 2014 and remain open until it’s SOLD OUT
 
DETAILS:  If you are a new demonstrator who joined after July 1, 2013, you can join us in Salt Lake City during Convention July 17th-19th, 2014.
The regular Convention Registration Fee is $295 and you would pay $0.  You are still responsible for your travel/hotel costs.  You will come home
with TONS of NEW products AND **THE ADVANCE COPY OF THE BRAND NEW 2014-2015 CATALOG** They spoil us ROTTEN!
I have learned to ALWAYS bring an extra suitcase to pack all of the FREE STUFF, card swaps and other goodies from friends and downline/sidelines and team members.
Ladies, it is absolutely the BEST!  I can’t put into words all that I’ve learned and the friends and treasured memories I’ve made at past Conventions.
It’s an awesome event.
 
WHAT’S NEXT?:  If you’d like to be there with me, don’t wait.  If you are not already a member of my team, JOIN ASAP.  It’s easy, it’s fast and it will be the
best decision ever.  LOL  You can join for just $99 and you will get to choose $125 of absolutely ANYTHING in the SU! Catalog or Occasions Catalog.  You choose!
LOVE IT!  After that, you will get 30% OFF of the first order you place after that….whenever that is….  and then you will get 20% OFF of all future orders.
How cool would it be to get your stampin’ supplies at a discount and earn points and prizes for shopping??  It’s a WIN/WIN!
 
Now you’re probably saying…”I don’t want a business!”.  Well….you aren’t joining for a business.  You can do with it what you wish.  Use it to get the discount for your supplies and have fun
OR you can share the SU! discount with your family and friends.  It’s TOTALLY up to you.  There’s NO pressure from SU! or from me.  Promise.  No questions asked.  I’m here for you when/if you need me or if you have questions etc.  I’m a creativity coach…  If you want more from SU!, I can help but there’s no one pressuring you to do “more”.
SU! is made up mostly of “hobby demonstrators” (aka those who join for the discount).  You’ll make SO many new friends and get SO many new ideas
and so much inspiration.  It’s a wonderful opportunity.
 
I would absolutely LOVE to celebrate with YOU in SLC in July.  I’d love to have my Inkerbelles Stampers with me for the first time to share in all of the fun.
 
I’m excited about partying with YOU this summer at 
“INSPIRE-CREATE-SHARE” – STAMPIN’ UP! CONVENTION 2014!
 
Hope to see you there!
 
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One Sheet Wonder-ful!

Good Morning Peeps!
Happy Thursday!  It’s definitely a happy day here because Mike’s coming home from travel.  WOOT!
We have missed him SO much this week.  I’m counting down til time to head to the airport.
I had a great group of stampers here last night for the “One Sheet Wonder” class.  We had a blast.  It’s so much fun getting together to stamp, laugh and just chat.  The ladies gave this class two thumbs WAY up.  The loved getting SO much from one sheet of DSP and they were excited to have six “clean and simple” cards to make that will be easy to recreate at home.  I really love the tote that we made to put them all in.  It makes a terrific gift for all sorts of occasions.  
Now…if you’ve never heard of the One Sheet Wonder idea before, it’s simply a way to cut one sheet of Designer Series Paper into assorted sizes to be used on a bunch of projects.  Now, I could have spent tons of time measuring and drawing out a brand new design but I decided not to reinvent the wheel.  There are tons of OSW sketches out there on the internet on Pinterest, on paper crafting blogs and when all else fails…Google it!  
Here’s a link to the one that I chose to use.  I only used the measurements for cutting and then took the pieces and made my own card designs with them.  One Sheet Wonder Template
Okay….Now here’s how we used all of our pieces….. 
Be sure to read all the way to the end of this post for info on the fabulous DSP we used.
Here’s the tote that all of the cards fit in…

Card 1
Card 2
Card 3
 
 Card 4
Card 5
Card 6
 
Aren’t they fun?  The girls kept saying how they LOVED making “clean and simple” cards that will be quick to make when they need one in a jiffy.  I’m telling you…I’ve been looking at my DSP with brand new eyes.  I can’t wait to create more.
Speaking of DSP…Here’s the collection we used.  It’s from the Occasions Catalog on page 23 and it’s called “Watercolor Wonder” (Item #132994).  I love all of the designs.  It’s one of those collections where you have a hard time “hiding” one of the pretty sides of the paper.  LOL
Here’s a little snipet for you…
 If you haven’t seen all of the DSP collections available, you just have to check them out.  They are beautiful and they are all double sided which makes them even MORE magical. 🙂
Go to my Online Store by just CLICKING HERE  to see them now.
I’d LOVE to see what YOU come up with.  Please send photos of your creations to me.  That would rock my socks!
Here are a couple of the stampers from last night’s class with their completed projects.  What FUN!!
Cathy loved the “blue” version…

Shannon and Gina showing off their completed totes…
 
Ok….I’m off to the airport!!  WAHOOOOO!
Wishing you a magical day!

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Exciting News!

Happy Monday, Peeps!
I’m absolutely giddy as I type this post today.  I have prayed for a very long time that God would make a way for me to be able to do what I love (create and share my love of stamping and paper crafts) with all of you.  While I never expected the road that led me here…I’m THRILLED to tell you that as of TODAY…
I’m now a FULL TIME STAMPIN’ UP! DEMONSTRATOR!  WAHOOO!
“Suitably Stamped” is absolutely the most fulfilling gift that I could imagine.  I love sharing techniques, designs, ideas and supplies with you.  I can’t wait to see what God has in store for me and my business.  Stampin’ Up! is absolutely a dream come true for me and I am blessed to be a part of an amazing team of creative people and I’m proud of all of those who work so hard as our corporate team.
I hope you’re as excited as I am to see what’s ahead.  Stay tuned for LOTS more creativity and fun with me.
Now I know the calendar says that spring is here but…um….well, we had freezing rain and sleet here in our little town today.  Grrrr.  I am SO ready for sunshine!  The weather man says it’s going to warm up this week so I’m holding on to that.
Spring or no spring….It’s feeling bright and cheery here in my studio today.  I created a new “hip chick” named “Gladys” to get a little “spring” in my step….
Wanna meet her?  Okie doke….Heeeeere’s “Gladys”!
Isn’t she just the cutest??  I swear you can just feel how sassy she is.
I used my Circle Collection Framelits for the front and back pieces of her body.  I then created a little “box” and attached them to it to create a little Easter Treat Box.  You can’t really see it too well in this photo but there’s a little cello bag full of mini malted eggs inside the box and tied with a sweet pink ribbon.
She would be perfect for your Easter dinner table, for class treats for your kids or even gifts for your co-workers.  If you’d like a list of the supplies I used, just leave me a comment below.  I’m not in my studio right now so I don’t have the list of supplies with item numbers with me.  I’d be more than happy to post them for you if you’d like though.
Alright…..Don’t forget that TODAY is the LAST DAY OF SALE A BRATION.  If you haven’t placed your order yet….it’s not too late.  Just head over to my online store and shop til you drop.  
Thanks for all of your wonderful comments and your love and prayers these last couple of weeks.  God is good…ALL the time. 
Stamped Blessings,
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Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness

Hello, my friends,

I’ve been waiting to be able to share some news with you. After sixteen years of doing what I love – helping children, teaching them everything from tying their shoes to learning their ABC’s to celebrating every accomplishment along the way, bandaging boo boos, singing crazy songs…teaching them crafts… (and loving on them too) – I have resigned.

I’ve debated my decision over and over…prayed…cried…and then prayed some more. It’s always scary to move on when you’ve been comfortable for so long, but Mike and I agree that the time has come.

Recently a very serious situation has arisen at work, and my safety is most definitely not the priority of the powers that be. It is unfathomable to me that, with all of the horrific stories in the news these days, a school division would not put the safety of their students and teachers first.  While I won’t discuss specific details of the situation or the student involved, all I can say is I was terrified. I requested an alternate assignment at another school and even offered to go on leave without pay for the rest of the school year. I was told by the head of Human Resources that they had “done what needed to be done” and they would take disciplinary action if I did not report to work.  The head of the division’s discipline department went so far as to tell me that they can’t guarantee anyone’s safety and compared my situation to driving in traffic. Trust me, if I have to choose between my life and a paycheck…I’ll choose LIFE every time.

I had to make a choice that is the safest and is best for me and my family.  I need to do what I can to be here for my family, and this decision has everything to do with that…not where my next paycheck will come from.  God WILL bless our family.  I know that He has us in the palm of His hand…beyond a shadow of a doubt.

Please pray for the students and faculty that are in that school, and the others across the country in similar situations.

I want to share something from a group that I love, “Brave Girls”.  The following is one of the many ways God has spoken to me this week and I have to tell you….I think this one was definitely sent straight to me.  God is good….ALL the time.
Blessings to you,
Michelle

Dear Beloved Girl,
When we have old things in our hands that we are afraid of being without, with our fists tightly clenched around those things, and we walk around fearing what will happen if we ever open our hands and let them go…when we worry whether or not anything else will make its way into our lives, whether we will ever have enough…whether our hands will remain empty…
If we keep doing that, we will NEVER be able to grasp onto what is meant for us.
What is done is done. What is over is over. We are meant to move forward, to progress. Everything natural and beautiful and true and living was designed to constantly renew itself, to progress…living living living…and then dying and going on to the next step of its life cycle.
When we clench old things in our hands, we prevent new things from being able to hold hands with us. New experiences, new things to learn, new relationships, new things we don’t even know exist yet.
Today is a great day to finally let go. It will be okay. In fact, it will be incredible.
It might hurt for a while, just like all endings do…but the new beginning that is just beyond the ending is where the miracles are. Hold on to that hope…but let the rest go.
Let it go. It is time.
You are so very very very loved.
xoxo

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“Spring-kles of Cards” and More

Hello Peeps!

I’m excited to share the first two (of many more) classes with you.  My calendar is filling up fast.  Wow!
I hope you’ll be able to join me for some stampin’ fun real soon.  Look for new videos and tutorials and lots more in the coming months.  More details to be announced soon.

Here they are….Be sure to RSVP to save your seat.

“SPRINKLES OF CARDS” Class
Saturday, March 29th from 1-3 p.m.
Come and create five beautiful cards and matching envelopes to put some SPRING in your step.
Class Fee:  $15 or FREE with a $30 order
All supplies are included.
RSVP: No later than 3/26 to save your seat. 
 
 

 
“ONE SHEET WONDER” Class
Wednesday, April 2nd from 7-9 p.m
Come and create six beautiful cards and a tote to hold them all from one sheet of Designer Series Paper.
It’s SO much fun!!
Class Fee:  $20 or FREE with a $40 order
All supplies are included.
RSVP: No later than 3/29 to save your seat.
 
Have a magical day!
 
 
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Happy Spring!

Hey there, Peeps!  Happy First Day of Spring!
So sorry I’ve been MIA for a few days.  There are some BIG changes coming for our family and I’ve been working hard on getting all our ducks in a row.  I’ll be sharing more about that in the next week or so.  Please keep our family in your prayers.  
I’ve had a very productive evening.  My calendar is now full of brand new classes and stamp camps and I’m excited to share them with you all.  I’ll have all of the dates/times and sign up info up here on the blog later today and also on my Suitably Stamped Facebook page.  (If you haven’t “Liked” my page yet….please stop by and check it out.)  Be sure to RSVP to reserve your spots for the classes you’d like to attend because in some cases space will be limited.  I’m beyond excited to share new and exciting projects, designs and techniques with you so don’t miss out on any of the fun.
Have you seen the Weekly Deals for this week?  Here they are…
There are three MUST HAVES on sale this week for me….I LOVE the Pewter Embossing Powder and Vintage Trinkets.  I use them all the time.  The Scallop Trim Border Punch is also out on my desk constantly because it’s perfect for adding just the right finishing touch to all sorts of projects.
Be sure to take advantage of these great deals before they’re gone.  Just CLICK HERE TO SHOP NOW.
Wishing you a warm and wonderful first day of spring.  
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“Dusty” the Little Cutie

Wahoo!  Saturday at last!

I’m SO glad you stopped by today.  I’ve been a busy bee this week and I want to share a NEW Suitably Punched Critter with you today.  Yep….brand, spankin’ NEW!

His name is “Dusty”…

“Dusty” was inspired by another Disney character….”Dusty” the Cropduster from Disney’s animated film “Planes”.  I have to tell you though…now that I’ve created him, I can see all kinds of other plane possibilities waiting to come to life.  The project I have used him on for his big debut is a sweet 12″ x 12″ scrapbook layout….

Isn’t he just a jolly fellow?  I used MDS to create the “Little Cutie” banner.  I printed it out on Whisper White card stock and used my Scalloped Tag Topper Punch – Item #133324  to make it into the perfect banner for Dusty to pull behind him.  Speaking of MDS…Oh My Smurf! (As Linz would say) Just going back through my downloads looking for the perfect title for this page made my head start spinning with ideas for projects.  It’s phenomenal program and I’m ready to create some new, fun projects here on my “To Make” list with it.  If you’d like to try it out, just CLICK HERE FOR A FREE 30 DAY TRIAL DOWNLOAD.

Well…we are off on a fun, family adventure today so I’ll sign off for now.  I hope wherever you are that you can be with the ones you love and maybe even get your fingers a little inky this weekend.

Wishing you a magical day,

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NEW Vintage Toy Punch Art Design

Hey there, Peeps! 

Happy Tuesday!

I’ve been just itchin’ to share this new punch art design with you.  If you’ve been following me for a bit, you’ve seen the other two punch art toy designs I’ve created…Mr. Potato Head and Etch A Sketch.  I’m having a blast working on the newest designs and this one was no exception.  I created it and the shared it as a make and take this past weekend at the Northern Virginia Stamping Friends Regional.  The ladies LOVED it.  Whew!  Are you ready to see it??  Okay…Here you go…

How fun is THAT?    It’s one of my favorite toys from childhood…a Viewmaster!  I absolutely love using the corner rounder on the Envelope Punch Board.  I tell you what…I think that thing can do just about everything short of making toast!  What an incredible tool.  If you haven’t gotten one yet….you need to move it to the very top of your “Must Have” list.  You can not only create envelopes but also tons of other projects included boxes and gift items and the corner rounder is just icing on the cake.
I love the Watercolor Wonder DSP as the background on this card.  It fits perfectly and there’s not one pattern in the pack that I don’t LOVE.    
So…here’s where YOU come in.  I’m working on new vintage toy punch art designs and I’d love to hear your suggestions for the toys you loved when you were growing up.  Punch Art is truly something I love to create and getting to share it with you is the BEST.
I know I’ve said it a LOT but I look at punches like a “staple” in my wardrobe…a “little black dress”.
A circle punch is SO much more than just a circle…It can change into a puppy…a stop light…the lenses of a Viewmaster and SO much more.  Take your punches out and see where they take you.  It is a ton of fun creating something brand new with them.  You’ll love it.
You can find everything you need at my Online Store.  I’ll be here ready to cheer you on…answer all of your questions and especially here to cheer for you and your new punch art projects.  
Come on and get “punchy” with me!  
You’ll be SO glad you did.
Wishing you a magical day,

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Good As Gold

Happy Monday!

The sun is shining…the birds are singing and the sky is blue here in our little town.  Woot!  Could it be that spring is finally on “final approach”?  I hope so!  I’m ready for sandals and capris and sitting on the deck with a good book in the sunshine. 

Over the weekend I was incredibly privileged to be a presenter at the very first “Northern Virginia Stamping Friends Regional Event” with Rose-Ellen Eastman.  What an awesome time we had.  We had over 50 demonstrators from five different states there with us for the day and it was a blast.  There were demonstrations, swaps, make and takes AND PRIZE PATROL!  YAY!  I met some wonderful new friends and I feel incredibly blessed yet again as I recognize that none of it would be possible without Stampin’ Up!

I thought I’d share two of the projects that I demoed for the event.  I wanted to take the “Good As Gold” kit and find some fun, alternative ways to use the parts and pieces.  It is such a beautiful ensemble of products.  Making the eight card designs are simply beautiful as it is.  Have you seen the kit?  Let me show you….

The kit includes supplies for eight gorgeous “Thank You” cards in gorgeous Bermuda Bay and Tangerine Tango with rich gold accents….  8 card bases (3 1/2″ x 5″), 8 gold envelope liners, 1 sheet of gold foil tags, 1 sheet printed die-cut tags, 8 pieces Gold Elastic Cord (24″ each), and 8 pieces of Bermuda Bay Baker’s Twine (24″ each).  The kit also features Basic Black, Pistachio Pudding and Sahara Sand.

Ok….so here’s what I came up with….

On the left, there is a “Memory Box”….on the right, a Gift Card Holder…

The “Memory Box” is made using 1 and 1/2 of the cards from the kit.
The belly band simply slides off, revealing the photo strip inside.
The end of the photo strip is adhered to the inside of the lid and the strip simply folds out revealing all of the photos.  Isn’t that fun?? 
The second alternative project I made is a Gift Card Holder.
I used one piece of the gold stretchy cord and another of the Baker’s Twine to create a band and decor element.  It simply slides off too.
I used the Envelope Punch Board to create a little “tab” on the top flap that inserts into a slit on the front section.  It’s a simple closure and works perfectly on this little holder.
The ladies at the event LOVED the projects and were really happy to make them to take home.  
It’s just so wonderful to get SO many beautiful, coordinating products in a kit that can be used in SO many different ways.  I have a couple more projects in mind using these goodies so stay tuned.
If you’d like to get your very own “Good As Gold” kit, just CLICK HERE to head over to my Online Store.  The kit is yours FREE with your purchase of $50.  If you’d like more information about this or other projects seen here on my blog, just send me a quick email or leave me a comment here on the blog.  I’d LOVE to hear from you.
Wishing you a magical day,