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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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!