Good morning everyone!!!! Last night some of the Stamp ‘n Sip gals met to create an awesome Father’s Day project and they loved it! My last item on my todo list before I left for Mexico was to design their project that had been simmering in my head for a few days. Think small memory book, airplanes, and sayings perfect for letting our dad/husband/son who’s a dad how special they are!!! More to follow this week!!!
When Stampin’ Up demos gather the networking and ideas are flowing freely. Of course, with the annual catalog going live while we were there so much of the talk was on the catalog and the new format. Some loved it, some didn’t, many had concerns, and our executive staff – from founder Shelli to CEO Sara and everyone on the exec team – was available to talk about anything we had concerns with. We have such an incredible executive team that works well together, and we are truly blessed to have them directing the company. So, let’s take some time today and look at the catalog through their eyes!
Click on the link below to see a video with an overall view of the new catalog and it’s format!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCoHSv8Jcn0
Our catalog is divided into sections that can easily be tabbed for future reference to help you with our changes!
Top Ten Crafting Essentials (p. 16–17)
These are the essential product pages for a Beginner and it gives some directions what to choose when met with overwhelming products available in the catalog. It’s amazing what you can create with just a few items.
Mix & Match (p. 18–19)
Many paper crafters are NOT the avid paper crafter!!! I know – that’s hard to believe, isn’t it???? They are not interested in all of the stuff, and they just want a few things on hand to have for crafting. These pages are for them, with ephemera packs plus sets of cards and envelopes. Add a sentiment stamp set and get creating!
Basic Card Design (p. 22)
You can expand your creativity by using the card sketches found on these pages. . Simply choose card designs from the bottom of the page and pair them with a cute color combo! AND they are also found throughout the catalog by the samples that Stampin’ Up included in the catalog. This is the perfect place to start CASEing – Copy And Share Everything!!! In papercrafting, this is actually ENCOURAGED!!!
Memory Keeping (p.26–27, 98–99)
Memories & More Card Packs and Variety Pack 6″ x 8″ Photo Pocket Pages make an easy scrapbooking experience (or you can add the cards to card bases to create a stack of quick cards). For traditional scrapbooking fans, pair stamp sets and dies with our beautiful Designer Series Papers to make eye-catching scrapbook pages in your favorite style.
Product-Based Class (p. 34–73)
Pick your favorite suite or bundle, make a bunch of cute samples, and ask your demonstrator to add the class to their calendar! We need to hear ideas from you as well!!!!
Techniques Galore (p. 81–91, 118–131)
Technique classes keep stampers interested while we try out new things! We grow our skill set, are more inclined to use products we’ve already purchased, and learn about new products that we want to add to their stash! New toys are great, but if we don’t know how to use them, they won’t come out of crafting toy chest!!!
Metallic Magic (p. 110–111)
Who doesn’t love shimmer and shine? Base a class solely on all things bling, and take your inspiration from these pages! My crafting pals LOVE the bling, so I always try to had it to our projects. I don’t want them disappointed!
Color Theory (p. 132–133)
Grow your color confidence! Dive into the theory of mixing coordinating and contrasting colors. What new color combinations will you pick? I’m so glad that Stampin’ Up has included the Color Wheel in our catalog, and the information for how to use it in our papercrafting. AND there is plans for a color wheel available for purchase later this year!!! Having it in your hand is SO much easier to understand how the different color combos work together.
Final Thoughts…..
Everytime I pick up the catalog I see something new. This catalog is forcing me to slow down, study the samples and examples, and simply NOT skim over them just to see the stamping products themselves. I’m having to re-train my eyes how to look at and study the catalog. I’ve a notebook sitting beside me when I start looking through it so I can jot down ideas, wishlists, class ideas, etc. NO ONE ever said change is easy!!
Hang in there! Keep looking and studying the catalog, and go online and study there as well – especially the ONLINE EXCLUSIVES tab!!! And remember what the 10th crafting essential on page 19 is —- it’s ME!!!! REACH OUT ANY TIME and if I do NOT know the answer I WILL find out!!!!
Until next time, keep crafting and stamping friends, and God Bless!!!
Leave a Reply