Project 365

On January 1, 2004, Taylor McKnight started taking a photo a day he didnt realize he was beginning an introspective journey. Photographing each day for a whole year left him with a rich visual history of his life.

Now, almost eight years later, photographers all over the world take on this project...and you can too!

Here some tips to take on this challenge with no fuss and no muss.

PREPARE - take a camera with you wherever you go. Photos
Can be taken with anything from a camera phone, to a Polaroid, to a fancy Schmancy SLR. In fact, the different types of photos will keep your book interesting.

DATE FORMAT YOUR CAMERA - a purist? Set your camera to record the date on each photo. Then just attatch photos in an album and "fin."

CHOOSE YOUR SUBJECTS - make sure you choose the people and things most important to you. It'll not only make this an easy task, but will be really telling at the end of the year.

If you decide to take this challenge,let me know. I'd love to see what you come up with.

Stampin' Up! Making A Difference

At Stampin' Up!, we believe in making a difference in the lives of others--whether they're our customers or children in need of a way to express their creativity.

Since 2005, Stampin' Up! has been honored to participate in the TODAY Show's Holiday Toy Drive. This year, Stampin' Up! will be donating over $500,000 worth of stamping and paper crafting products to the following organizations:

• Action for Boston Community Development Inc.
• Alliance for Children's Rights
• Boys & Girls Clubs Harford County
• Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York
• Community Partners of Dallas - Rainbow Room
• Diocese of Saint Augustine
• Friendship Project
• Help USA
• Interfaith Nutrition Network (INN)
• Kids In Need Foundation
• National Council of Jewish Women, Cleveland Section - The Dignity Project
• Operation Homefront
• Puerto Rican Family Institute
• St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital
• Stephen Siller Foundation/Katrina Fund
• Welcome House
• Youthbuild USA

In conjunction with the donation, Stampin' Up!'s Shelli Gardner made an appearance on NBC's TODAY Show to announce we are once again participating in this annual holiday tradition of giving back and making a difference!

Clearance Rack Blitz - Save Up to 80% - Limited Time Only!

Are You A Crafting Hoarder?

At one time in my crafting life I would have considered myself a hoarder.  I bought all of the new gadgets and pretty papers and did nothing with them except say, "Look how pretty."  After a while I looked and I had piles and piles of raw materials, but nothing to show for it.  The real wake up call was when my husband said, "How much do you spend on this stuff and how come it's taking over our office?"  That's when I stopped hoarding and started crafting...and that is when the fun began.

As we get closer to new year's (and resolutions) I decided to share some tips that will help you "be craftier" in 2012.

1. Make Time to Craft.  The #1 complaint I hear from folks is, "I don't have time."  I am here to challenge you and say, "Yes You Do!"  Look at your calendar and see where you can find two hours a month to craft.  If you are a fast crafter, you can break that up into four 30-minute sessions each.  If not, you can pay a teen or barter with your significant other to have some much needed "you time."  I find this works best if you attend (or host) a scrap.  Yo can work on your projects and get some girlfriend time to boot.

2. Look for Projects.  Scan YouTube and Google for projects using the items you have in your stash.  You'd be amazed how much stuff is out there!

3. Get Organized!  Knowing what you have is 75% of the battle.  How can you use it if you can't find it?  Spend some time in Ikea, the organization store and even the dollar store to come up with ways you can get your space in tip-top shape.




4. Use Space Wisely.  If you have a set place for all of your crafty material, make it a rule to not buy any new things until you make space.  It will not only help you to use your stash, but will make you feel better about new purchases.

5. Ask For Help.  I am a GREAT resource for helping you get organized.  I can give you challenges (e.g. use specific materials to make a project I share with you) and share ideas.  Ask me.  Email me at cas_ramirez@yahoo.com or contact me via my website at http://craftycassandra.stampinup.net.

Hopefully, this will help you be a better, more prolific crafter in the upcoming year.

HAPPY CRAFTING!!!
Cassandra Ramirez
Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator
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Sign up for my eNewsletter to get great tips on crafting, find out about classes, get information on promotions and more.  Click on the link to get started!

My Newest Love - Ticket Corner Punch

When I first saw this punch I thought, what the devil would I every use THAT for...now I know...EVERYTHING!

It's a quick way to make a simple card or tag look fabulous.  I have been making my Christmas cards using the corner punch and it has been awesome.

It can easily cut the corners on all 4 sides of a card without having to open the card (meaning it cuts through 2 layers of paper)!

If you are interested in ordering this punch, visit my website at http://craftycassandra.stampinup.net.  Click "Shop Now" and enter item number 119867.

Happy Punching!

Get Those Christmas Cards Out On Time This Year

Whether you make your own, buy yours or do a mix (buy them and add a little extra to personalize them) you, if you're like me it's sometimes a challenge getting your Christmas cards out on time.  Either you send them out so late that some get there AFTER Christmas or, worse yet, you address them and don't get them to the post office at all.

Here are some tips to help you get organized and get those cards out.

This Week - Pull together your list.  You won't know how many cards you need until you pull together your list.  Make sure you print your addresses on labels.  Handwriting takes too long and slows up the process.  Plus, once you get it done, you just have to make minor edits every year...a HUGE time saver.   I also print return address labels also saving time.

Next Week - Split your list as to who is "personal cards worthy" and who gets store bought cards.  Make sure to purchase a stamp or other embellishments to zhuzh up the store bought card.  Stamps work out here since you can do a lot quickly.  Here are some that I like.  Click on the ones you like to be taken to the store!

Then pick your cards.  If you are making cards, pick something easy with a small number of parts so that you can duplicate easy.  It's easier if you cut all of the pieces first and THEN assemble.  Cut while you're watching your favorite Christmas movie.

December 17th - ADDRESS THOSE LABELS AND MAIL THOSE CARDS!!  Have your kids address the envelopes.  Do I like do, bribe them with cookies!  :o)

December 19th - Sit by the phone and wait for the oohs and ahhs to come.  You deserve it!

Never Too Late to Say "Thanks"

I think people have lost the simple art of saying thank you.  I recently was explaining to my daughter the importance of sending thank you notes after a party.  She said, "But mommy, nobody else has to do this!"

I say we bring back the niceties that we lost with time.  Here is a simple Thank You card I made.  It was so easy I made plenty so that I always had one handy.  I embossed the card front and used Stamping Sponges ($3.50 - Item 101610) and Real Red Ink ($5.95 - Item 103133) to enhance the embossing.  I stamped using the "So Many Thanks" stamp and spritzed it with Smooch spray I tinted to match exactly (Look forward to instructions!).

So I challenge you, Say Thanks Today!

Happy Thanksgiving

From My Family to Yours!

Savings Begin NOW!

Click Here

Holly Berry Bouquet Specialty Designer Series Paper - by Stampin' Up!

Holly Berry Bouquet Specialty Designer Series Paper - by Stampin' Up!

The Perfect Box

This season, like me, you are probably looking for ways to have a fabulous Christmas on a not-so-fabulous budget.  This year, the adults in my life will get hand-made gifts.  From card kits, to knit hats, to scrapbooks..this year will definitely be about quality, not quantity.

One thing that will help me in my holiday giving is this cute little box.  Almost hidden on page 15 of the Holiday Mini Catalog, this box makes a simply awesome presentation of your home-made goodies.

Why not make cookies for your neighbors and put them (and the recipe) in this box?  Another great idea is to use the It's A Wrap Holidays stamp (Item #122770) set to decorate some chocolate and put them in your decorated box as a gift for your kids' teachers and caregivers?

Need other ideas?  Send me an email.

Order yours today.

Big Shot Offer Ends Tomorrow!

Promotions

Its almost over.  You are about to miss your opportunity to get over $XXX in product for only $175 PLUS get a free Big Shot.  Here are the answer to commonly asked questions you may have about this promotion.


Will I be on the hook to keep buying products?
No.  If you want, you can take the free product and just be a happy crafter.  However, if you truly want to pursue this business, you will get lots of help to make your business a success.


Do I have to sign my life away?
You do have to sign a contract, but pretty much it says how you run your business, if you choose to do so.  It's still up to you to decide to quit when you want (even if it is done immediately after signing).


Can I keep all my free stuff?
Yep.  It's all yours.


Will you harass me if I choose not to do continue as a demonstrator?
Heck no.  I'll ask once, to make sure that you are not just struggling with your new business, but once you make it clear you want to just be a happy customer I will be MORE than happy to keep you as a customer.


What if I have a Big Shot Already?
Well you get $100 in Stampin' Up! product of your choice from any of the current catalogs.


Things to Remember

• You have until November 30, 2011, to sign up.

• You are still eligible for any programs available to a new recruit, including but not limited to the Extra 10% Instant Income offer, Stampin' Start, and the opportunity to purchase a Business Booster Kit.

So if you are interested, give me a call, send me a text or shoot me an email.

Cas

Crafty Cassandra

http://www.stampinup.net/craftycassandra

Phone: 914.483.7464

Club Mania!

I just learned about how clubs works and I am so excited.  I would absolutely love to start (and participate) in one.  Here's the dealy-o:

Step 1:  Find 6 - 10 people interested in joining the club
Step 2: Each person buys a certain amount of product per month (typically $20 - $50)
Step 3: Each month one person is designated the "hostess" and gets the $25 - $160 in free hostess dollars until
Step 4: Get stuff!

I think I will start a club soon...hmmm....

Holiday Cards A Plenty...Oh My!

I just finished making 4 of the 5 cards I am teaching at my October 22nd card class and, man, I have outdone myself (patting myself on the back).

I took a lot of time thinking of what cards were out there and, if it were me, what would I like to see.

Here is the criteria I used to select these cards:

1. It had to use the same stamp set.  As a matter of fact, I used the same stamp!  I wanted to showcase the versatility of this stamp set.

2. It had to have the "WOW' factor.  I mean, a card is CLEAR!  How much more wow can you get.

3. Quick.  The cards have to be able to be made in 5-10 minutes TOPS.  When you have a holiday list to pull together, who needs to waste time.

4. Non traditional colors.  Listen, I love the red and the green, but sometimes I think we have to remember that WE choose the color palate for the holidays.  So Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla and Bashful Blue...You're up!

5. Easy to modify.  No need to do EXACTLY what I did.  Why not use up some holiday paper you've been dying to use.  Maybe an embossing folder you never got the chance to use.  Perhaps a technique you've always wanted to try.  Changing just one thing in these cards changes the whole look...why not unleash your creativity.

Spaces are still open for the upcoming class.  If you are interested, send me a note at cas_ramirez@yahoo.com.  I need to hear from you by October 15th so I can order supplies.   For $20 you will:

• get supplies to make 5 holiday cards
• earn 10% off all supplies you order during the class
• earn 20% off your supplies if you bring a friend

Sign up and I will also give you access to my special holiday card eNewsletter with special projects and techniques to make your holiday a snap!

WAIT!!!  SO you don't live in Northern VA, but still want to be part of the fun?  Sign up for my eClass.  You'll get EVERYTHING that you would if you came to my class.

To register for the class (in person) click here.  To sign up for the eClass click here.

Christmas is Coming!

I am busily preparing for my October Holiday Card Making Class.  I have some exciting cards I will share with you featuring the Holiday Line Up stamp (seen to the left).

I found this awesome card made of window sheets (similar to transparency paper).  The card is super easy and because it looks like it floats it will definitely give that WOW (thanks DawnsStampinThoughts for the video!)

I will also be making cards using the Stocking Punch.  I will make a 3D card that stands and features stockings hung with care.  Another holiday WOW!

Want to sign up for the class?  Here are the details:

Date: October 22, 2011
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: 21545 Field Station Terrace, Broadlands, VA

Attendees who will get a 10% discount on anything they may order during the class.


Bring a friend you get 20% off!!

Space is limited so call (914) 483-7464 today to reserve your space!

I Issue......The Challaaaaaange!

Ok.  So here is a challenge I hope to take up myself.  I want to, by the end of September, create a baby album for my son.  Like most of us, time has gotten away from me and I have not scrapped my son AT ALL!

I know, I know, I get the bad mommy award.

Well here is the challenge.  Not only do you have to have it done by the end of September...NO traditional baby stuff.  If you choose pink or blue it has to be so far off the norm that people don't even realize the color choice. OOoohhh!!!  The heck you say!

I think we can do it.  Those up for the challenge send me an email at cas_ramirez@yahoo.com.  Those interested in doing it together, I will be hosting a scrap at my house on Friday, September 2nd.  Come use my stuff and take a sneak peek at what I am working on.  If you need help or ideas I'll help with that too.

A free gift to anyone who chooses to take up the gauntlet.  Email me today.

What? Me Host?

You know, as I speak to people, it seems to me that they don't really know what I am asking when I ask them to host a party.  They think it will be a lot of work.  I mean who wants to spend their Friday night cooking up a storm and cleaning like a mad person.

STOP!  Let me clear up some misconceptions.

"I want to hang out with my friends and this will take the whole night."  

NOPE.  I know you have to get your Ya-Ya on.  It takes me about 90 minutes TOPS to do what I do.  

"My friends are SOOO not crafty."

Your friends don't have to be crafty (in fact, the less crafty they are the more fun it is!)  

"Cooking and cleaning?  As if!"

About the cooking and cleaning.  I give you a hostess pack which includes a box of brownie mix and some tea (all of the snacks you really need).  AND, if you don't feel like cleaning YOUR house, have your party at mine.  I mean really, it just saves me a trip anyway.  :o)

"I don't want people selling to my friends."
Not only am I the least pushy person alive, my main goal is to show off.  I mean really, I love making things and the more people I get crafting the better the world will be.  And honestly, if no one buys anything it's no problem.  You won't be shunned.

A Typical Hostess Situation

Here is what happens at a typical party.  Once you book your date I send you a kit (including your brownies and tea).  You call a few friends and invite them over.  A few days before you tell me how many to expect (typical parties range from 4-8 people).  I come to the party 15 minutes early to set up and ...ahem..."inspect" the brownies.  I show a project and then show everyone a project they then make for themselves.  Throughout I give out little gifts.

THAT'S IT!  After that, Hosting a party doesn't have to be a pain.  It is intended to be a nice girls' night in where you chill with your homies and make some stuff. 

Top 10 Reasons to Host
So now that we have THAT cleared up...here are your top ten reasons to host a party....drum roll please...

#10. You really don't have to clean your house....use mine
#9.  You get free stuff...I mean good stuff too!
#8.  Your friends will think you are awesome for coming up for an excuse to get away from the significant other and the kids
#7. Umm.....did I mention BROWNIES!!!
#6. You make some really cool things
#5. As the host, I'll give you my 20% discount if you buy anything.
#4.  Did I mention the brownies yet?
#3.  You get to spend time with me...I mean, come on!
#2. You need a night out with the girls.
#1. DID I MENTION THE BROWNIES!!!!!

A Few of My Favorite Things

I wanted to share with you my list of "must haves."  These are the things that I most desperately want and most desperately want you to have as well.


I have put an asterisk (*) next to those extra special things.  Each one has a link so you can go right to the site and see it.  Enjoy!!


Paper

Well Worn Designer Series Paper

Well Worn Designer Series Paper**

Tickets and Tags Simply Scrapping**

Beau Chateau Designer Series Paper**

Stamps

It's A Wrap Occasions Stamp Set** 

(I heart this one so much!)

Notably Ornate Stamp Set**

Tidings of Joy Stamp Set

Holiday Line Up Stamp Set

Beau Chateau Designer Series Paper

Embellishments

Clear Rhinestone Brads**

1/8 in. Taffeta Ribbon

Circle Fire Rhinestone Brads

Ice Circle Rhinestone Brads

Basic Pearls**

Bakers Twine

Big Shot

Crease Pad

Milk Carton Die**

Backgrounds 1 Plates**

Punches

Round Tab Punch

3/16 in. Corner Punch

Ticket Corner Punch

Miscellaneous

Color Caddy** (To hold all of my inks)

Cassandra :o)

http://craftycassandra.stampinup.net

(914) 483-7464