Happy Holidays!

Just posting a Happy Holiday to you all!!  Hope the Christmas weekend went by with lots of love, family, food, and memories.  And hoping the New Year brings new memories to cherish. 

We had a wonderful time at all of our gatherings.  Many many boxes and bags of toys, clothes, chocolate, and other items filled our livingroom.  This week we will be trying to find a place for all the new stuff we are thankful for from loved ones....and then to prepare for the NEW YEAR!!

Happy Holidays to all :)

Clearance Rack Update

Head on over to the Stampin' Up! website and check out the Clearance Rack!!  They have added almost 200 items that are only available now until Jan. 5 on sale!!  Those who like the old body style punches, they have added a few to the rack....get your soon!!  http://www.stampinup.com/

Last workshop of the year!

Tonight I am demonstrating my last workshop of the year.  This has been a wonderful year for me as a demonstrator.  I started out being a hobby demo looking to build a business.  I have a wonderful group of ladies who have held workshops, joined clubs and enjoyed my events.  I have also met new faces and prospects for future events and workshops.  I am excited to help out the local library hold events for the community in the upcoming year. 

I have began filling up dates for the first quarter of 2012....if anyone is interested, please contact me to set up your workshop.  The next mini, All Occassions 2012, will be available Jan. 4 and run through April 30.  During that mini catalog period, Stampin' Up! will be running their yearly event Sale-a-Bration!! This is an exciting opportunity for all of us!! Hostesses earn even more rewards, customers can earn a free stamp set, and those looking to sign up as a demo themselves have an amazing opportunity to do so....meaning discounts and freebies :)

With said calendar ready and available, I am looking for ideas from you, my customers and followers.  I want to know what it is that you love about card making, scrap booking, stamping, or paper crafting.  What would you like me to demonstrate in the new year??  If you have feedback, please let me know and I will create an event for a demonstration or just to share an evening out with fellow crafters.

I am also interested in trade shows/ craft shows, so anyone knowing of any events looking for vendors, please relay my info to them and vice versa. 

I am looking forward to hearing from you.  I also hope you all have a wonderful Holiday Season and a perfect start to the New Year 2012.

niccimolinski@yahoo.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Niccis-Craft-Corner/124583237585682?ref=tn_tnmn

Need an idea for a Christmas Gift??

Check out these cute and easy card kits!  These are the perfect gift idea for your child's teacher, a grandparent, or a neighbor!

Sweet Moments: $13.95, Kit creates 8 total cards (4 each of 2 designs) and coordinates with Chocolate Chip, Pink Pirouette, River Rock, Whisper White, and Wisteria Wonder.

Kit Contents:
■ 8 printed, die-cut edged, gable-fold cards (5-1/2" x 4-1/4")
■ 16 die-cut tags (8 each of 2 designs)
■ 4 precut Pink Pirouette 5/8" Satin Ribbon strips
■ 4 precut Chocolate Chip 5/8" Satin Ribbon strips
■ 84 adhesive-backed pearls (24: 3mm; 60: 2mm)
■ 8 White envelopes (5-3/4" x 4-3/8")

Great Day: $12.95, Kit creates 8 total cards (4 each of 2 designs) and coordinates with Bashful Blue, Old Olive, Pretty in Pink, Rich Razzleberry, Rose Red, So Saffron, and Whisper White.

Kit Contents:
■ 8 printed cards (5-1/2" x 4-1/4")
■ 4 sheets self-adhesive coordinating accents
■ 8 Whisper White small flower buttons
■ 8 precut Bashful Blue 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon strips
■ 8 White envelopes (5-3/4" x 4-3/8")

Everyday Elegance:  $11.95, Kit creates 8 total cards (4 each of 2 designs) and coordinates with Baja Breeze, Cherry Cobbler, and Whisper White.

Kit Contents:
■ 8 printed, embossed, die-cut cards (5-1/2" x 4-1/4")
■ 16 self-adhesive tags (8 each of 2 designs)
■ 8 White envelopes (5-3/4" x 4-3/8")

http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ItemList.aspx?categoryID=626&cid=101

Contact me soon at niccimolinski@yahoo.com to place your order to arrive in time for the Holidays :)

December is just a few hours away...

Excitement is setting in for the next round of Holidays!! 

Santa sent me a note saying that his elves have finished making all the wonderful gifts for James and Cora!! 

Today I will be setting up our 25 Day of Christmas Countdown using a new SU stamp set and die cuts!!  I have little activities to place behind each day that the kids can do with each other, with me, or as a family....leading up th Christmas Eve, which was always my favorite night, where the kids get to open one gift from Mom and Dad...usually PJ's :P  Other ideas listed are board games, baking cookies, and wrapping presents.

We have also started our decorating....Hubby put Christmas lights out front this year!!  Can't wait for it to get dark to see what a wonderful job he did...and of course take a photo!

By the weekend, the tree will be up and the kids will be decorating it...I am excited to be able to go through my grandparents ornaments from the tree I remember as a kid.  They use a small one each year now and have many old ornaments to get rid of.  I will be going through the box with my sisters and splitting it all up.

This year I had to buy Cora a stocking :) So I bought James a matching one!!  She had a small First Christmas one last year and needed a bigger one this year :)

Photos will be posted as we make progress with decorating and preparing for the Holidays....Stay tuned :P

Don't miss these DEALS!!

Start your Black Friday shopping early and until the end of November with Stampin' Up's Online Extravaganza Deals!! Deals are 20% to 60% off!!

go to http://www.stampinup.com/us/documents/Online_X_flyer_US.pdf to see the SALE!!!

Exciting News!!

Stampin' Up! has just release a copy of the Occassions Mini Catalog set to begin January 4, 2012!!  There are some adorable new stamps, Big Shot Dies, and other items coming out for a limited time only!!

Book your workshop before the dates are all taken.  The next mini runs from January to the end of April. 

Don't forget that Stampin' Up! hosts it's annual Sale-a-Bration beginning at the end of January and running through March!!  Don't miss this opportunity to earn FREE stamps sets as a customer and as a hostess. 

Want more information or want to set up your home workshop, then contact me soon :) niccimolinski@yahoo.com or call 518-298-3674 (please leave a message)

Busy Weekend and Loving It!!

Friday night and Saturday afternoon, I held an All Occasions Stamp-a-Stack in my home.  I love these events because guests come and make up a pack of cards looking at my samples.  I serve delicious food and drinks and the conversations are all sorts of fun!!  Here are a few pics of the weekend events so far:

~Happy~

A couple years ago I demonstrated a workshop with a really close friend of mine.  We had been best of friends for years in high school.  We tried to stay in touch, but had other things going on in life that we ended up not hearing from each other in a long time.  I was really happy to spend the workshop hours with her and her friends.  She is am amazing cook/ baker and has baked many treats for others for some extra income.  I convinced her to order a few things from Stampin' Up! so she can create her own labels and tags for those yummy treats!  Recently she posted a photo of some labels she made and tagged me in it on Facebook!! I was really happy to see the photo and would like to share it with you :)

Birthday Bakery: Labels by Alicia :)

November is full of Thankfulness...

and Stampin' Up! is adding $35 extra to the Hostess Benefits this month for a $350 qualifying workshop!!  How great is that!!  Its a wonderful time of year to start your Holiday shopping and gather a couple extra items to wrap up for loved ones....Contact me to set up your workshop to have at this opportunity!!

"This Is Halloween!"

The weekend flew by with ghosts and witches and other scary (and non-scary) characters lurking about!!  2 Halloween parties, breakfast with the inlaws, and trick-or-treating with family!  Our creative sides kicked in when we set out a display of yumm-tastic foods for guests on Saturday:

At both parties, the kids had much fun playing games and eating sweets!!  I dressed them in inexpensive costumes and they were pleased.  Cora was a Midnight Black cat one day and was a Strawberry the rest of the weekend.  James found a hooded sweatshirt that doubled as a costume (had a full zip-up hood with mask!)  He was pleased with his outfit :)

Even the decorations were cheap and easy.  The house was decorated with toilet paper tube bats and paper plate spiders.  James and I colored faces on empty water jugs and added white lights to them.  Too cute :)

Hope Everyone had a happy, fun, and safe Halloween this year.  Now its on to THE BEST HOLIDAYS OF THE YEAR!!!

Birthday Party

I had the joy of creating the Birthday Invitations, with my sister :), last week for a really good friend (sister like) of ousr for her 2 year old son's birthday.  She had purchased train themed decorations and such for the event and we chose the colors of the theme to create the invitations.  Just before the party, I called to confirm the number of cupcakes and made cupcake toppers using the same colors!  My son was happy to use a few punches to help create these toppers.  Here are a few picks of the theme and our projects to go with it:

Stamp-a-Stack Event coming up!

I love events where everyone sits and creates while chatting about life!  Snacks, refreshments, and prizes are always an added bonus!!  These events are really fun for all ages.  The summer event I held, there were a few school-aged children who loved creating their own cards.  I always have door prizes, a lottery game, and a Hostess Appreciation Special! If interested in this event or holding a workshop in your home for FREE, contact me with an email or visit my FB page: Nicci's Craft Corner.  Check out my flyer below for the Stamp-a-Stack details:

RSVP by October 28th by sending me an email for your day/ time preference and mailing a check for the kit desired.

October Promotion

For the Month of October Only:

Buy two Simply Sent Kits and get a FREE coordinating stamp set! Our Simply Sent Kits are the ideal choice for the beginning crafter. The card kits offer a variety of basic themes, so it's easy to create cards for any occasion.  Its a perfect gift for beginner card makers, grandparents, or teachers.

Buy any two Simply Sent Kits from pages 192 or 193 and receive a FREE coordinating stamp set from the same pages (up to $9.95 savings!!)

Halloween Treat Bags and Crafts

Last night I held a class on how to make the Howl-O-Ween Creeps Treat Bags from the Holiday Mini.  They were too cute and east not to do so.  Many Moms came with their lil ones and they had a great time!!  I also created a few projects to show other ways to use this stamp set.  I was asked on a Halloween Party Invite and we came up with one of those too.  See photos below.  Contact me for project details at niccimolinski@yahoo.com

September is a time of year for starting fresh, just like the children going to school and starting off a new year.  THis was always my favorite time of year and I hear it from many of my friends that it it theirs also.  Not only because of the freshness and newness, but also because of the experience of shopping for new clothes and school supplies, and not to mention the cooler weather and the soon to be changing leaves :)

I admit, I love to shop for new supplies!!  I also enjoyed looking through the 2011 Holiday Mini Catalog and ordering quite a number of items!!  My favorites are the Howl-O-Creeps Stamp set and the cellophane bags.  So cute and so quick and easy.  This project inspired me to hold a class at the end of the month to recreate these little goody bags.

Recent outing with the Girls

All summer I had been planning to do something with the "Girls" where we are without husbands and kidlets.  The "Girls" are a group of us sisters, best friends, and fellow moms.  We share parenting stories, birth stories, relationship stories, give and receive advice from each other, babysit each others kids, go to the beach together, or any other form of enjoying each others company.  So this past Friday was to be the evening to head out and relax/ enjoy time away.  So many idea ran through my head all summer of what we could do. 

When the night came, there were 4 of us able to head out for a couple hours.  Our idea of heading out was to not wear our sweatpants or jeans and a tee (as many of us stay-at-home moms do). We decided to try a small/ fancy restaurant (me: knowing the served wine!).  We drove down together, conversed of all sorts of things.  We parked in the public parking lot and walked up the street to the restaurant.  The weather was warm, a perfect night.  Its a cute little place, a bit dark (low lighting) walking in.  Our table is for 4.  The menu is larger than the space provided on the table!  Its a little pricey, but so many yummy choices.  I go for the Jumbo Shrim Scampi and a dry Reisling.  I am pleased.  We converse more and enjoy the time just sitting and talking.  We then decide to find a place with dessert!!  After paying our bills, we head out.  Driving up the strip, we realize there is really no lace to stop for dessert only.  We decide to stop at another restaurant/ bar.  The place is PACKED!  We ask to sit at the bar so there is no wait.  We sit and the waitress gives us meals menues.  A few minutes later, she returned and we ask for the dessert menu only.  "Oh No Problem" she says.  We of course order a two-for-beer.  As we wait our deliciousness, we chat and fool around, grabbing celery and drink umbrellas from the bar right in front of us :)  Dessert was yummy!! 

All in all it was a smooth, quiet, relaxing, and enjoyable night.  I definatly would like to do it again, perhaps try out a different place each time, different times of the day, different days of the week.  Something that has no routine or disruptions.  Of course we love to spend time with our family.  A little outing is like an adventure that Moms need to get through everyday life.

Editing more wedding photos

I love having the ability to take a photograph and then editing it to enhance the story behind the photograph.  I am still working on the wedding photos I took 2 weeks ago and wanted to share one of my favorite shots...

Christmas Stamp-A-Stack

I had so much fun at this years Christmas SAS.  It was another success and I was excited to show some new itemsa from the new catty!!  Even more excited when my guests placed some orders for the new items!!  I was very happy to show some awesome techniques and demonstrate how to use a tol that has been in the catty for years!!  Thank you so much to those who attended and placed an order.

Life is a daily adventure...

So I was going to create this blog as a Stampin' Up! only blog, but there is so much more in my life to share!!  I love art...in many forms and it happens all the time around me.  Lately I have been busy working on wedding photos.  I was hired recently to take photos of a wedding in a couple's backyard.  They have been together 14 years and have 3 beautiful children together.  He is a farmer and she is a stay-at-home mom.  The day came when they decided this was it and they were getting married.  Due to the economy, and a budget, they were on the look for deals for all aspects of the wedding and reception.  When she announced she was looking for a photographer, I mentioned I have taken photos of a couple wedding and am always playing with my camera at home with the kids and outside with nature.  She said how much and you are hired!  I of course didn't charge much because the other wedding I took photos at were family and best friends.  As the day came, I became really nervous.  I was using a camera that I have used before, but wasn't used to.  Someday I will have a really good camera and know all the setting and so on...my home camera is a point and shoot, which I really love...so little and easy to use...and it takes better photos than the last 3 cameras that I have owned!  I am currently editing the wedding photos using a program online.  It has so many features and was recently updated and many more features were added.  Its exciting and I get to use my knowledge and artistic abilities to create amazing photos.  Here are a few samples, let me know what you think:

Clear-Mount Perfectly Placed Guides - by Stampin' Up!

Check out the following link to order Clear-Mount Perfectly Placed Guides - by Stampin' Up!

Includes eight die-cut guides sized for blocks, D, E, F, H, and I, and three guides you cut to customize.

$99 Starter Kit plus Bonus Christmas Project

 

Friends, Fun, and Fabulous Products!

During July, you can join the Stampin' Up! family as a demonstrator for only $99! This limited time Starter Kit--valued at $185--comes with the following high-quality products:

• Easy Events Clear-Mount Set*
• Pennant Parade Wood-Mount Set*
• Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad
• Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad
• Pumpkin Pie Classic Stampin' Pad
• Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad
• Brights 8-1/2" x 11" Assorted Card Stock
• Just Add Cake Designer Series Paper*
• Chocolate Chip 1/2" Scallop Dots Ribbon*
• Note Cards (20)
• Clear-Mount Block C
• Blender Pen (1)
• SNAIL Adhesive
• Business supplies

*Brand new to the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog!

Plus, join in July and get a FREE Christmas Keepsake project kit--a $40 value! Imagine an afternoon spent chatting with friends while creating something beautiful--isn't that what Stampin' Up! is all about? But act now because this special kit is only available as part of this limited-time offer.
As an added bonus, first-time demonstrators can get two free months of Demonstrator Business Web Services (DBWS) when they sign up during their first 21 days as a demonstrator. Subscribing to DBWS means having your own online store, blog, hostess portal, and much more!

2011-2012 Idea Book and Catalog

I am so excited to have the new catty in hand!! There are too many cute new sets that will be available for purchase July 1!!  The In Colors are amazing and I have the whole set ready to use at your July workshop!!  dates are still available if you want to take the opportunity to hold a July workshop and see some exciting new items!!  I can't wait to sit around with you and create some amazing cards and scrap pages!!

Last Chance Lists

http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/CategoryPage.aspx?categoryID=736

This month we celebrate the past years catalog by saying good-bye wo some amazing stamp sets and accessories.  If what you have been wanting and don't want to miss the chance to own that set, now is the time to buy it.  June 30th marks the end date of these amazing sets!! Hold a workshop this month and earn $10 extra to put towards that favorite set you have been wanting!!

1 year old birthday card

(not liking the flash :( but had to get a quick photo before it was gone)

This design came to me during the night over the weekend.  A friend of mine was heading out to his nephew's first birthday party and I thought I would create a card for him to take.  Reason one: to say Happy Birthday to the Birthday Boy. And reason two: so others can see how amazing Stampin' Up! cardstock, ink, stamps, and the Big Shot are! I love the idea of things popping of the page!!

Big Shot Technique Class

Being new at using the Big Shot and materials made me nervous to show how to use the system with customers!  I read threads and blogs and viewed videos to prepare my self for any questions or concerns.  I printed out sandwich recipes for my customers and show cased a few projects in which I used the few dies and plates that I had.  I was glad that the customers brought with them a few materials they had previously purchased and we used them together to get a feel for the items and to see the potential for the designs or cut outs.  We were also able to use materials from the Cuttlebug!!!  It was a good time and am hoping to purchase more and hold a second class in the fall.  I now know what direction I need to go in with the class.  I also received some great out-of-the-box ideas from one of my customers.  Thanks so much!

http://www.stampinup.com/us/documents/Products_on_sale_US.pdf

May is National Scrapbook Month and with the celebration, Stampin' Up! has announced a list of products on sale for 30% off!!  Check the link to the list above and email me with your order.  Orders must be placed by the end of May...Only 2 more weeks!!  If you are inerested in holding a workshop in your home to earn even more free products and to earn a FREE Simply Scrappin' pack, then email me today!! niccimolinski@yahoo.com

April 2011 Newsletter

Check out the Clearance Rack on the Stampin' Up! website.  They just added more items and some mystery items!  Grab Bags are for purchase of $5, $10, or $15. You will receive items like: chipboard, Accents & Elements, DSP, ribbon, or Simply Sent Kit components.  $5 gives you $20 worth of items; $10 gives you $40; and $15 gives you $60! These items are only for purchase on the website.  To get the preferred pricing, use my name as your demonstrator before checkout.

This is the last month to purchase items you are interested in purchasing from the 2011 Occasions Mini catalog.  Sales period ends April 30.  Look for your copy of the 2011 Summer Mini Catalog in the mail at the end of the month!

 Upcoming Events: Scrapbook Classes and Technique Classes will be held at my home, Saturdays at 11 am. Card Club will meet at my home at 6:30 pm.  Please RSVP to any event you are interested in at least 5 days before event.  All events are $5 OR the fee is waived if you place an order of a minimum of $20.  Please bring your own adhesive and snips.  For scrapbooking classes, please bring photos.

• April 21: Card Club: Father's Day card and Spring card. 
• May is National Scrapbooking Month!!! Hold a workshop (or order $200) during this month and earn a free Simply Scrappin' Kit!
• May 14: Technique Class: How to use the Big Shot.
• May 26: Card Club: Thinking of You card and Spring card.
• June 18: Scrapbook Class: Using Vellum on a scrapbook page.
• June 23: Card Club: Thank You card and Summer card.

Other events to be announced: Christmas Stamp-a-Stack (in August) and All Occasions Stamp-a-Stack (in October).  These events will be held at 2 different times in one week to allow for flexibility of guests.  Purchase of your materials must be made 3 weeks in advance by cash or check sent to me.  All cardstock for projects will be cut out and ready to assemble at event.  Envelopes will not be included to cut back on cost.  You will have the opportunity to order more than one stack.  Event cost will be around $25.  I will also have raffle items and a door prize drawing at each.  Notice of event and registration forms will be sent out in May/ June for Christmas Event and July/ August for All Occasion Event.

 Starter Kit: As always, Stampin' Up! offers the opportunity to join our team of demonstrators for $175 (actual value of $310!)  You get to choose the colors and stamp sets that you like for your kit.  You also get a 20% discount on all your future orders; gain access to limitless ideas for handmade cards, scrapbook pages, and other projects; receive a monthly magazine filled with project ideas and business trianing; an opportunity to earn additional income; be the first to see promotions and great deals before all customers; and have the opportunity to join Stampin' Up! events across the country.  Contact me if you are interested!

Sale-A-Bration was such a wonderful way to start out the new year!! I met many new crafters, even non-crafters, who had a lot of fun creating cards and working with Stampin' Up! materials and products.  It is so exciting to see everyone happy to receive free stamp sets too!! I know I was excited!!  My April Fool's Deal went well, had a couple orders placed....Advertising for next year will be a bit more out there!

This week I am getting ready for a workshop being held next Monday.  I think this is my first non-weekend workshop.  And it is with someone who booked off another workshop!!  I will be meeting some new faces, so I am a bit nervous, but am really looking forward to it!

Here is a card I recently made using the Hodgepodge Happiness and Sweet Summer stamp sets:

April Fool's Day Special

Time	Friday, April 1 · 12:00am - 9:00pm
Location	From your own home!
Created By	Nicci's Craft Corner
More Info	Send me a phone call, an email, or a message to let me know you want to order: only during the hours of April Fools!! and earn a gift. Details of gift is unknown until you have submitted your order to me!! Spend $15 or more and be entered into the secret hostess drawing!! Hope to hear from you on April1st!!

Smiles

I am really pleased to have such a support team and such wonderful customers who enjoy crafting together.  This past quarter has been one of the most successful quarters I have had since I became an Independant Demonstrator!!  I have set goals for myself and so far have gone above and beyond many of those goals.  I still would love to recruit at least one fellow crafter this year.  I have had a few interested! :)

These past few months have been really busy, as all months really end up being!  My son turned 8 in February!! I am such a lucky mom to have such a sweet and caring 8 year old.  He is my number one!

We took a family trip to Boston for a weekend.  My hubby had to train a pressoperator on a printing press, so I thought the kids and I could relax at the hotel and swim for the day, away from our home town!  It was really really nice to get away and spend the days with the kidlets :)

The baby has grown so much in the past 6 and a half months.  From sleeping/ nursing/ pooping to being awake/ giggling/ and crawling!!  Babies learn so much/ progress the most in their first year of life.  She is a precious devil!!  I know we will have our hands full when she becomes a toddler and even more a teenager :)  But we wouldn't have it any other way!

My family and friends have made me smile and I look forward to spedning all the time I can with all of them.  I always walk away from a gathering feeling that I have accomplished something, whether it be a smile, a handmade card, a promise, or a memory.  I feel good where I am at and would love to go further into life and my business feeling that accomplishment each and every day!

I have had a few workshops and classes booked for each month.  I am alternating scrap book classes with technique classes and holding one card club each month.  I scheduled each to have a place for those who need to get out one evening or one Saturday am and create with other adults.  I enjoy spending time with others, chatting, snacking, and creating memories!!

Anyone can hold a workshop in their home, or any place at that, to enjoy time with others, create personal cards or scrap pages, and to earn free or discounted items!!  Build your craft collection with Stampin' Up! products.  There are so many uses for many of the products and so the creativity is endless.  I have many ideas and resources in helping to create the perfect card, scrap page or gift.  See my calendar page for upcoming events!  I will be holding two stamp-a-stacks again this year and plan to hold one for children ages 6 to 12.  If interested in any of the events or looking for more information, contact me at niccimolinski@yahoo.com.  Check out my Facebook Business page: Nicci's Craft Corner!