Song of My Heart Stampers

Take 50% off entire Etsy shop this weekend!

Take your crafting up a notch with a couple of classes... scrapbook faster than ever with one-sheet wonders... or learn to cut cardstock like a professional. Those are just a few of the resources available in my Etsy shop!

Learn why crafters can't wait for the newest collection of Cheat Sheets and find out why they're leaving rave reviews for Common Cuts for Cardmakers!

Click here to go to my Etsy shop and browse the resource library available for Instant Digital Download. Don't forget to use the code BLCKFRI at checkout to take 50% off your entire cart! And share the code with your friends, so they can use it, too.

Ready for your holiday bonus?

No, it's not a turkey!!! : )

Get free handmade Christmas tags with every order with the code FJTHGQWE through the end of November!

Aren't these adorable? They are from the Sincerely Santa project kit (page 32, Holiday mini) You can get 3 tags with any order of $35 or less, or all six tag designs* for orders over $35. They will be mailed separately so you'll be getting happy mail from both UPS and USPS!

Don't need them for presents? Attach them to card bases for instant holiday greetings and thank-yous. Or stick them on a plain envelope and use to jazz up gift cards! Hang them from your three or garland, or string them together for a CUTE Christmas banner.

I'm offering this holiday bonus from now through November 30th with orders placed in my online store using the special code FJTHGQWE. You can use one code at a time. This offer is only good through me. Offer expires at midnight on November 30th, 2018.

*please be sure to email me if you prefer not to have the tag with Santa; otherwise it will be a random assortment.

There's one more way to get your set of six handmade tags! You can also order a gift certificate in any amount of $40 or more, and it will be mailed to you along with the tags. Tell hubby that's what you want for your stocking... or get it for that special crafty friend or sister. Email me to order gift certificates no later than December 15th to receive by Christmas.

Enjoy your holiday bonus! It comes handmade with love, and sprinkled with wishes for lots of happy craft room time in the new year.

Happy Birthday, Stampin' Up! 15% off select stamps

Happy birthday, dear Stampin' Up! We've been celebrating our 30th year for almost a year now, but tomorrow is our official party day!! For 24 hours ONLY there will be 15% off all the stamp sets on this list. I see several I want to snag!

It's a BIG LIST, so here's a few I already own and can vouch for as ones you'll get a bunch of good out of!

• One for All--big bold stamps for quick cards
• Labels to Love--all seasons covered
• Kindness & Compassion sympathy set
• Sunny Days--adorable lemonade stand set
• Peaceful Place--great for guy cards

PS--the BEST deal of all is the Starter Kit--did you know demonstrators get their discount on TOP of any sales like this? Yeah baby!

**********Select stamp sets on sale for 24 hours only! October 23rd, 2018**********

Time For Tea Photopolymer Stamp Set*

[147069]

Another Wonderful Year Clear-Mount Stamp Set

[146695]

Another Wonderful Year Wood-Mount Stamp Set

[146692]

Best Bunny Photopolymer Stamp Set*

[147136]

One For All Clear-Mount Stamp Set

[146655]

One For All Wood-Mount Stamp Set

[146652]

Bubbles & Bubbly Clear-Mount Stamp Set

[147383]

Bubbles & Bubbly Wood-Mount Stamp Set

[147380]

In Every Season Clear-Mount Stamp Set

[146709]

In Every Season Wood-Mount Stamp Set

[146706]

En Route Clear-Mount Stamp Set

[146594]

En Route Wood-Mount Stamp Set

[146591]

Friendly Expressions Clear-Mount Stamp Set

[146673]

Friendly Expressions Wood-Mount Stamp Set

[146670]

Peaceful Place Clear-Mount Stamp Set

[146689]

Peaceful Place Wood-Mount Stamp Set

[146686]

Apron Of Love Photopolymer Stamp Set*

[145835]

Hanging Garden Wood-Mount Stamp Set

[146236]

Hanging Garden Clear-Mount Stamp Set

[146239]

Free Cake Clear-Mount Stamp Set

[146440]

Free Cake Wood-Mount Stamp Set

[146437]

Birthday Backgrounds Clear-Mount Stamp Set

[146446]

Birthday Backgrounds Wood-Mount Stamp Set

[146443]

Balloon Celebration Photopolymer Stamp Set

[140675]

Blow Out The Candles Photopolymer Stamp Set

[146420]

Cake Soirée Wood-Mount Stamp Set*

[145521]

Cake Soirée Clear-Mount Stamp Set*

[145745]

A Little Wild Wood-Mount Stamp Set*

[143671]

A Little Wild Clear-Mount Stamp Set*

[144344]

Sweet Baby Clear-Mount Stamp Set

[146459]

Sweet Baby Wood-Mount Stamp Set

[146456]

Labels To Love Clear-Mount Stamp Set*

[144967]

Labels To Love Wood-Mount Stamp Set*

[144970]

Beautiful Promenade Photopolymer Stamp Set

[146842]

Kindness & Compassion Clear-Mount Stamp Set

[146729]

Kindness & Compassion Wood-Mount Stamp Set

[146726]

Sunny Days Clear-Mount Stamp Set

[146735]

Sunny Days Wood-Mount Stamp Set

[146732]

A Big Thank You Photopolymer Stamp Set*

[147377]

Bee Thankful Clear-Mount Stamp Set

[146765]

Bee Thankful Wood-Mount Stamp Set

[146762]

Floral Frames Clear-Mount Stamp Set*

[146508]

Floral Frames Wood-Mount Stamp Set*

[146505]

Swirly Frames Photopolymer Stamp Set

[146519]

All The Good Things Clear-Mount Stamp Set

[146558]

All The Good Things Wood-Mount Stamp Set

[146555]

Sweet Storybook Photopolymer Stamp Set

[146511]

Better With You Clear-Mount Stamp Set

[146567]

Better With You Wood-Mount Stamp Set

[146564]

Pick A Pennant Photopolymer Stamp Set

[146499]

 *sets with an asterisk have matching punches or coordinating Framelits you may want to peek at, too!

Leave a comment and let me know which ones you're considering for tomorrow's sale!

Penni and Lyssa's eeky epic adventure! October 8-12, 2018

Hey everybody! It's time for a week of fall fun as my BFF Penni (the best Stampin' Up assistant EVER!) and I prepare our Halloween treats, scrapbook pages, cards and decor. I hope you have a hoot seeing what we came up with this year--and if you're not a Halloween fan, see outside the box for cool ideas you can use year-round for other holidays and birthday events!

I had no sooner cut out my first Takeout Treats Box in Pumpkin Pie orange than I realized it would make the most adorable pumpkin!  What a fun little giftie to leave on someone's desk!

This led to a flood of other ideas for this box--here's just a few:

From left to right, here they are:

1. Bitty Bubbling Cauldron--cut Takeout Box in Basic Black and assemble, fold all flaps down on outside and tie with Glittered Black Organdy ribbon. Cut super-thin strips of Granny Apple Green and curl around a pencil, adhering to front and back of container. Fill with acid green jelly beans!
2. Baby Pumpkins--cut Takeout Box in Pumpkin Pie and assemble, turning upside down so opening is on the bottom. Die-cut the pennant in Soft Suede brown and fold in half for the handle. Add a Leaf Punch and a little tag tied on with Linen Thread. Fill with Toasted Marshmallow Jelly Bellys!
3. Mini Trick or Treat Basket--cut Takeout box in Pumpkin Pie and trim off flaps. Stamp candy border in Memento Black before assembly. Add a Shimmer Black ribbon handle with brads. Fill with paper shreds and a single Lindt truffle or Ferraro Rocher!
4. Fall Takeout Box--cut box and assemble, poking two holes on the two sides for a wire handle (I used six inches of green-wrapped floral wire). Bend the wire inside the box so the wire can't be pulled out. Decorate with Leaf Punch and layered tag.
5. Bride of Frankenstein Petite Purse--cut Takeout Box in Basic Black and cut the sides and side flaps down by half. When assembled, the box will be half as wide as a normal one. Add a ribbon handle and a "flap" with a half-circle doily cut out to resemble a spiderweb. Use the dark Basic Back Stampin' Blends alcohol marker to turn a Petal Pink Rhinestone into a black one, for the purse clasp. Add a small tag and a Delightfully Detailed lace paper border strip around the bottom. Fill with black jellybeans.

Isn't that TOO fun? This little Takeout Thinlets box is so versatile! You can save 10% by bundling it with the coordinating stamp set, too, which has Valentine and Christmas sayings as well as birthday and thank you. AND you can get three boxes from a sheet of 12x12 (plus other tags and punches from the scraps.

You'll have to come back later this week to see what ELSE came of this creative session... here's a hint: it involves googlie eyes!

Penni LOVES the 24 Cheat Sheets Collections and her first Halloween card for our series is a layout from Collection #1 (which is free with my e-newsletter signup, if you'd like it!) Not only is it a great layout for using up scraps of patterned paper, it's SO fast to create. No more excuses for not getting cards out, when they're this easy and fun to make! The sweetly watercolored Toil & Trouble papers are perfect for not-so-spooky celebrations, too.

See you tomorrow for some Victorian-inspired pieces from my desk and a fun new fold from Penni. We're on a roll!

Free Class Tutorial for our 10th anniversary party!

*****Please note: this giveaway has ended. The class is available for $5 here. Thanks so much to everyone who participated in our anniversary celebrations!*****

 

It's my party and YOU are getting a present! In honor of Song of My Heart's 10th blogging year, for our third official anniversary post I've created a brand new class and am giving it away FREE for everyone celebrating together this month.

NO purchase necessary. All you have to do is leave a comment and let me know you downloaded it! Because this prize is digital, I can offer it world-wide, too, so hooray for our global crafter friends!

Notes about the class:

• this is a beginner to intermediate level class--dress it up or keep it simple, as you prefer.
• No Big Shot required--the paper is already precut and ready to use.
• the file is 8 pages long and while it is in color, you can also print it in black and white.
• you will need the Delightfully Detailed lace papers for this class. Thanks for your purchase!
• a complete supply list is located on the cover page; page two has substitution ideas in case you don't own some of the items I used.
• This class is free ONLY during September 2018 and will be available for purchase afterwards.

*****Please note: this giveaway has ended. The class is available for $5 here. Thanks so much to everyone who participated in our anniversary celebrations!*****

I can't wait to show you all the different ideas I had with this fabulous lace. It's soooo pretty, it's really hard to go wrong with it. I made about 12 cards and was excited about that, and then set myself a challenge to use up my entire pack of Note Cards & Envelopes and make a complete set of 20. And then I couldn't wait to share it with YOU, because that's just how it works around here!

ENJOY the free class, and don't forget the "fee" is to leave me a comment. I'm especially talking to YOU friends who have never introduced yourselves or spoken up before! You know who you are! : )

 

Happy 10th Anniversary to Song of My Heart!

Wanna read something funny? I just looked back at my very first blog post, written ten years ago September 1st. It's a cute snapshot of who I was at the time and the style that would come to characterize my writing. I'd been a demonstrator for 3 years and was just beginning to get an inkling of how much the Lord was going to use Stampin' Up to bless our family.

I find it hilarious that I didn't think I'd have much to say... the text-heavy posts that followed that first one are a testament to just how much I wanted/needed to connect with other crafters out there!

Fast forward 10 years--I'm still living a life I love, although the pathway has zigged and zagged here and there--still crazy about Stampin' Up--and still hungry to connect with crafters. I think about you guys all the time and can't wait to share what I'm working on!

This stat kinda speaks for itself: 3,395 posts.....that translates to 1.075 posts per day for 365 days x 10 years. Now you know where I spend all my free time : )

Well, I really think this calls for a celebration, don't you? And because I love themes, and 10 is such a fun number, let's do 10 posts in September with 10 giveaways and deals!!! Tell all your friends we are PARTYING in September at Song of My Heart. Look for posts with the 10th anniversary logo and leave a comment according to the directions in the post as to how to enter.

Let's start with a bang! Our first deal is a doozie:

• Winner gets a STAMPARATUS positioning system for just $10.00!!!
• Regular price is $49.00 plus shipping
• Cannot be sent outside the U.S., sorry!
• $10 must be paid by 9/30 via http://paypal.me/songofmyheart 
• Please only post if you are 18 years of age or older and willing to pay the $10 deal.
• Enter by leaving a comment and telling us what YOU were doing 10 years ago this fall.
• Winner will be posted in the next anniversary post! So keep coming back to see if you win.

Thanks so much for helping me celebrate this milestone! And thank you even more for listening to what I have to say. I count you all as flowers in my garden.

BONUS DAYS during August 2018!

Oooh, I love this special! In August you can earn a $5 coupon for every $50 spent. The coupons can be redeemed any time in September! Most of us have to space out our wish lists a little and plan our orders, so this makes it even more fun to know we're getting bonus bucks.

Here's the details!

• Earn $5 for every $50 purchased before shipping and tax are calculated. http://bit.ly/shopwithLyssa
• Bonus Days coupon codes are delivered via email, so be sure it's accurate!
• If you earn multiple codes from an order, you'll receive one email with multiple codes. If you earn multiple codes from multiple orders, you'll receive separate emails for each code earned.
• Don't lose those codes! They are unique to you and can't be spent by anyone else.
• There is no limit to the number of coupon codes you can earn in August!!!
• There is no limit to the number of coupon codes you can use in September!!!!
• Coupon codes may be redeemed for any product (excluding Starter Kits and Paper Pumpkin subscriptions)
• BEST OF ALL: you CAN use a hostess or club code AND a coupon code on the same order! So if you're ordering for club, Class of the Month, or a friend's party, make sure you enter both before you checkout.

Pretty sweet special, eh? If you have questions, be sure to let me know! Lyssa@songofmyheartstampers.com

Happy wish-list-making!

Join us for 31 Pages in 31 Days 2018!

I'm so excited to invite you all to join our free annual scrapbooking challenge, 31 Pages in 31 Days! We begin TOMORROW, August 1st, 2018, with daily posts with inspiration layouts, Facebook freebies, challenge contests and more.

Hope you'll mark your calendar and plan to play along with Song of My Heart as we get some pages accomplished and have a lot of fun along the way. I'm looking forward to it!

Click here to scroll through the past few years' worth of this unique event.

Happy Scrappin'!

So tell me about that Starter Kit...

There's not much quite like the word "free" to make people's ears perk up. And when it's followed by "color family of ink pads," it gets our attention pretty fast!

This month (July 2018) Stampin' Up is offering an irresistible bonus to the already great deal on the Starter Kit. Several crafters have already taken advantage of it and chosen their ink pad collection. Will you be the next to join our happy team? I hope so! 

Here's a complete rundown on the basics you'll want to look over before you go for it.

Free ink pads, hooray! Now, WHAT ELSE do you get with the $99 Starter Kit?

• For just $99 you choose $125 of whatever YOU want! Products can be from any current catalog, including bundles and Clearance Rack stuff. I'll help you if you want suggestions on what is best to get first and what you can wait to get until later!
• Free & FAST shipping! The BIG box of goodies will come right to your door in about a week. You pay ONLY the $99 plus tax in your state.
• Start working on your wish list at a discount: save 20-25% or more on your favorite papers, tools, and stamp sets! Our company spoils us rotten with all kinds of special promotions, drawings, incentives and "just because" gifts. I spoil MY team rotten, too, giving away more than $150 in product every month on Facebook and at our monthly gatherings.
• Receive FREE catalogs straight from the company, and preview and purchase new products in advance. No one gets them faster! Twice a year there are exclusive conventions and conferences you are also qualified to attend. You'll be on the cutting edge of new techniques and innovative new tools.
• Stay as long as you want--there's no penalty to drop! If you reach $300 in sales by the end of the first full Stampin’ Up! quarter, you renew your demonstrator discounts and benefits for another quarter. If you don’t reach $300 in sales, you can “drop” with no penalty.
• KNOW who you are signing up with! While there’s no obligation to ever host workshops or parties, sell products to others or purchase anything more, IF you decide to make a business out of it somewhere down the road, I'll be your biggest fan.

 

You'll be in a group where people are informed, rewarded and encouraged on a consistent basis. I've been in the Top 100 Demonstrators of the Year for many years, and I have a 100% transparency policy--I share EVERYTHING that got me to where I am in the company today. I don't hold ANYTHING back. The sky will truly be the limit if you decide to go for it and see what happens.

 

And if you just want the discount, fellowship and fun? That's ok too! ALL types of demonstrators are welcome on my team. Whatever success looks like to you, that's what we'll aim for. I am a NO pressure upline.

 

I hope you're feeling more informed and excited than ever! if you're ready, click here to join. http://bit.ly/joinSUnow  It takes about ten minutes flat and can be put on any credit or debit card.

 

Then watch for an excited happy-squeal email from me!! We're going to have SO much fun.

Scrapbooking Summer School: registration is almost full!

Scrapbooking Summer School ^© registration is almost FULL!

Ready to get some scrapbooking accomplished? For seven years now, Song of My Heart's Scrapbooking Summer School© has been a fantastic "immersion" course in traditional 12x12 scrapping. Participants return year after year for the great layouts and efficient methods presented in this online class.

 

You won't believe what you can get accomplished in just ONE month!

 

Each of the four intensive class kits arriving at your house during Scrapbooking Summer School© will be jam-packed with fresh design ideas! All papers, die-cuts, punched pieces and embellishments are included. Everything is pre-cut and packaged for each page. Use your own stamps to finish off the layouts. Do it all in one sitting, or work at your own pace. Follow my samples closely, or improvise and make it your own!

Want to see samples of past years' pages? Click on the 31 Pages in 31 Days© and Scrapbooking Summer School© categories and ENJOY!

Here's what you can expect when you take Scrapbooking Summer School with me!

• Make 7 pages with each class kit, 3 double-page spreads and one single page
• Scrap 31 pages in 31 days--28 class pages and three optional "homework" challenges
• Craft professionally designed, colorful, highly-embellished spreads--no skimping!
• Emphasis on multi-photo layouts rather than impractical "single-photo" pages
• Access to resources in a members-only Facebook support group
• Exclusive title and journaling handouts, and FREE Scrapbooker's One-Sheet Wonders
• Try out all the latest in coordinating scrapbooking products from Stampin’ Up!
• Create versatile pages covering a wide variety of occasions, including birthdays, seasons, events and everyday
• Use the methods and techniques learned in class to CONTINUE to progress on other albums, too.
• Learn from a veteran instructor with a background in graphic design & layout
• ENJOY the feeling of having truly accomplished significant progress in preserving your family memories!

I hope you will read these exciting details and decide to join us! This class series has gotten RAVE reviews every year. Everyone loves the BOOST they get in productivity and motivation that lasts for months to come.
 

• EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION is just $100 (just $25 per class!) if you register by July 14th OR FULL
• REGULAR REGISTRATION is $110 if you register between July 15th-31st OR FULL
• or PAYMENT PLAN REGISTRATION: two separate payments of $55, one now and the remainder by August 15th

Register by paying here: http://www.paypal.me/songofmyheart

Please list your full name and preferred email address when registering

 

Your spot is not saved unless paid/payment down

 

U.S. participants only, sorry!

 

Questions? I love to answer them! Email me at Lyssa@songofmyheartstampers.com between now and July 31st or whenever the event is full. Don't delay!

Scrapbooking Summer School: registration is now open!

Scrapbooking Summer School ^© registration is now open!

Ready to get some scrapbooking accomplished? For seven years now, Song of My Heart's Scrapbooking Summer School© has been a fantastic "immersion" course in traditional 12x12 scrapping. Participants return year after year for the great layouts and efficient methods presented in this online class.

 

You won't believe what you can get accomplished in just ONE month!

 

Each of the four intensive class kits arriving at your house during Scrapbooking Summer School© will be jam-packed with fresh design ideas! All papers, die-cuts, punched pieces and embellishments are included. Everything is pre-cut and packaged for each page. Use your own stamps to finish off the layouts. Do it all in one sitting, or work at your own pace. Follow my samples closely, or improvise and make it your own!

Want to see samples of past years' pages? Click on the 31 Pages in 31 Days© and Scrapbooking Summer School© categories and ENJOY!

Here's what you can expect when you take Scrapbooking Summer School with me!

• Make 7 pages with each class kit, 3 double-page spreads and one single page
• Scrap 31 pages in 31 days--28 class pages and three optional "homework" challenges
• Craft professionally designed, colorful, highly-embellished spreads--no skimping!
• Emphasis on multi-photo layouts rather than impractical "single-photo" pages
• Access to resources in a members-only Facebook support group
• Exclusive title and journaling handouts, and FREE Scrapbooker's One-Sheet Wonders
• Try out all the latest in coordinating scrapbooking products from Stampin’ Up!
• Create versatile pages covering a wide variety of occasions, including birthdays, seasons, events and everyday
• Use the methods and techniques learned in class to CONTINUE to progress on other albums, too.
• Learn from a veteran instructor with a background in graphic design & layout
• ENJOY the feeling of having truly accomplished significant progress in preserving your family memories!

I hope you will read these exciting details and decide to join us! This class series has gotten RAVE reviews every year. Everyone loves the BOOST they get in productivity and motivation that lasts for months to come.
 

• EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION is just $100 (just $25 per class!) if you register by July 14th
• REGULAR REGISTRATION is $110 if you register between July 15th-31st
• or PAYMENT PLAN REGISTRATION: two separate payments of $55, one now and the remainder by August 15th

Register by paying here: http://www.paypal.me/songofmyheart

Please list your full name and preferred email address when registering

 

Your spot is not saved unless paid/payment down

 

U.S. participants only, sorry!

 

Questions? I love to answer them! Email me at Lyssa@songofmyheartstampers.com between now and July 31st.

 

But hurry... registration is limited to the first 20 people to join. So pass the word along to your friends and plan to get together to work on your packets--how fun would that be?

 

Join us for 31 Pages in 31 Days 2018!

I'm so excited to invite you all to join our free annual scrapbooking challenge, 31 Pages in 31 Days! We begin August 1st, 2018, with daily posts with inspiration layouts, Facebook freebies, challenge contests and more.

Hope you'll mark your calendar and plan to play along with Song of My Heart as we get some pages accomplished and have a lot of fun along the way. I'm looking forward to it!

Click here to scroll through the past few years' worth of this unique event.

Happy Scrappin'!

Annual Rubber Rummage one night only!

Rubber Rummage Craft Supplies Clearance!

TONIGHT: ONE NIGHT ONLY!

6:30 to 8:30 p.m. No early birds!

Bank of Lake Mills' Watertown Branch Community Room

Parking Lot of Pic N Save, 400 Bernard Street, Watertown, WI

Pick up your NEW catalog when you come by!

Cardstock, scrapbooking paper, 12x12, retired colors, punches, markers, Big Shot dies and accessories, embossing folders, pre-made class samples, past Paper Pumpkins, storage items and caddies, and LOTS AND LOTS of stamps for any and all occasions! Penni and I are clearing out for the new catalog and everthing is priced to MOVE. Questions? email Lyssa@songofmyheartstampers.com

The Great Cycle Challenge card

I'm so proud of Mike for taking on the Great Cycle Challenge this summer! His goal is to bike 500 miles in June in support of childhood cancer research. He's been working hard every day to build up his numbers and shave time off his speed.

Today is Kick Cancer's Butt Day, where ALL donations will be DOUBLED by supporters of the charity up to $500K - so if you sponsor Mike today and your donation will be MATCHED! Your $5 becomes $10... $25 becomes $50... etc!!

I had to smile when I saw the title because it reminded me of the sentiment in the new Enjoy Life stamp set, which I JUST made a card with! I was really tickled that Enjoy Life has such a great cycling image. I'll be using that one for many years to come! 

If you'd like to join us in raising funds for a good cause, click the link below to make a donation: http://greatcyclechallenge.com/Riders/MichaelZwolanek  

Mike loves cycling so much he and his friend Pat John rented bikes in France and pedaled through the hills and along the Mediterranean Sea while we were there in 2016 on the Stampin' Up cruise. Now that's die-hard!

Thanks for considering sponsoring my handsome history professor!

Honor Flight Night cards and decor

As many of you know, my team has adopted Honor Flight as our official service project for the last four years. Under the leadership of Kathy Van Duser, we've created and sent thousands of cards to veterans involved in the Stars & Stripes Honor Flights to Washington D.C. Every vet gets one of our cards with a handwritten message inside thanking them for their service to our country.

This is a fantastic organization and I'm so thrilled that it meshes perfectly with our talents as cardmakers.

We work on Honor Flight cards instead of one of the Make N Takes at every monthly meeting, but last night we turned our whole gathering over to the effort.

Volunteers brought batches of prepped cards in quantities of 20-40, and we went around the tables working on them until the last ones were completed and written in. It was a huge event that netted us 190 cards in the end, with more coming in from non-local demonstrators who are participating by mail.

A BIG thank you to our seven volunteer designers! L-R Top row: Haley Wulf, Gail Vogel, Lyssa Zwolanek. Bottom: Lori Brausen, Mary Schultz, Cheryl Noble. Not pictured: Penni Litwiller.

You know me and parties... we went all-out with the decor! Between Stampin' Up and Dollar Tree we definitely had a Pinterest-worthy vibe goin' on. Bonus: you can use these ideas for your Fourth of July picnic this year! Look at how precious these wrapped water bottles are with a striped paper straw tied on with sparkly twine.

 Team members have also donated hundreds of dollars' worth of cardstock, ink refills, embellishments and adhesives over the past few years. Last night brought in over $100 worth of adhesives from a single donor. I'm so proud to be part of a team that generously shares their time and supplies like this!

I shared my card earlier but here it is again. It looks complicated, but it only took two presses in the Stamparatus, once it was set up. Feel free to copy any of the designs. Some were inspired by Pinterest and the Cheat Sheets Collections.

I hope you've enjoyed this peek into our Honor Flight Night--and I hope I've inspired some of you to check out Honor Flight in your area and see how you can help. From donating letters and cards towards Mail Call, to paying for a companion to attend with each veteran, to being a greeter at the welcome home at the airport, there are many ways to support this fantastic organization. For more information you can visit their website at http://www.starsandstripeshonorflight.org/ 

Don't wait to get involved--time is of the essence for many elderly veterans. Our team lead, Kathy, works on this project on behalf of her older brother, a Vietnam vet. I do this in memory of my grandfathers and step-grandpa, all World War II veterans, and the wives who worked in factories and waited for them to return. Many of my team have similar stories. It's time to hear those stories and honor the sacrifices.

Honor Flight thank you card event

So excited to announce the date of our special Honor Flight event. Area Stampin' Up demonstrators are getting together on Monday, June 11th, 2018, to work on 100 cards for our Song of My Heart team service project, Badger Honor Flights.This is all volunteer effort, with donated supplies, designs and handiwork.

Every year, under the amazing leadership of fellow demonstrator Kathy Van Duser, our team creates hundreds of cards to cover the "Mail Call" on every flight from Madison and Milwaukee. We started this to be a blessing to our American veterans, but it has ended up being a HUGE blessing to US instead. How lovely that we can use our cardmaking skills to make such a difference!

Would you like to join us? Please RSVP to Lyssa@songofmyheartstampers.com The event runs from 6:30 to 8:30 and is held in Watertown, WI. You do not have to bring anything but yourself--volunteers will be bringing cards for us to make and I provide adhesive.

Not local but want to help? You can contribute to the cause by sending finished patriotic thank you cards, OR cardstock for cardbases. We also use a lot of adhesive. We do not need envelopes or postage as these are hand-delivered to the servicemen and women right on the plane. Email me for my address! 

I also encourage you to get involved in Honor Flight in your home area, whether it's to make cards, be a greeter at the airport, or a companion to one of the veterans on the trip itself. Have a loved one touched by this amazing program? Leave a comment below! The stories keep us all inspired.

OnStage 2018 rocks the 30th anniversary party!

We had such a fantastic time this weekend at Stampin' Up's Onstage event in Milwaukee! So glad so many of my teamies were able to attend this full day of training and sharing. We saw the new InColors, heard some exciting announcements, played with new products, and celebrated the 30th anniversary of the company we've all come to love. Look at these smiling stampers!

The first event of the weekend was a leader-level 80's theme dinner, and I promised you a picture of my outfit, embarrassing as it is! I took it in the hotel mirror, so it's not the greatest. And I tried to have big hair, but that is as curly as my hair gets without a perm. It was almost completely flat by the end of the evening.

Then I had to pysch myself up to walk out of the room dressed like that! But it was hilarious to see everyone's creative outfits.

Leaders at a certain level and above got to get our bags and catalogs early, see the display boards without the crowds, enjoy a special training session and a casual buffet-style dinner with the personnel from corporate headquarters. Some of you have already asked why no food pictures--I never thought of it since it was not a plated dinner. The only food photo I took was of our cute cupcakes at snack time the next day. Dessert for us was a wonderful peach cobbler with mounds of real whipped cream.

Yummo! It was a really great, relaxed evening, and we all left with another exclusive gift and a coupon for a any free stamp set of our choice. I felt so spoiled!

The next morning, I overslept... and frantically texted Penni, only to find out that the bus with my team on it was also going to be delayed! So instead of getting to leisurely wash all that Aqua Net out of my hair, check out of the hotel, get some coffee and go save seats, I was a mess. But it all got done and WOW, did the convention center ever look amazing! There was a rainbow ombre theme and it was just so lovely.

The best part of the day is not all the gifts and exciting announcements... it's getting together with my team and friends old and new. I loved meeting Rashanda for the first time--and Shelli and I both enjoyed holding little G and giving momma's arms a break! He was such a little doll. I was able to hug friends who have been going through rough waters, catch up on new grandbaby pictures, and introduce tons of new stampers to our fabulous Shelli and Sterling, Shannon and Tanner, Angie and Laura and too many others to name.

And we stamped together! With brand new toys. And at the end of the day we got to go in a circle and pick from the supplies and stamp sets used that day. So we went home with even more goodies. Nobody wanted to leave, but our brains were FULL and we couldn't wait to get back to the stamp room and start creating. What a fantastic day!

You'll notice I didn't share any of the sample, stamp sets or new colors.... that's because we don't want to spoil the surprise for the conferences that were still going on in different regions all over the world! But in a few hours, I'll be sharing more posts with the delightful sample swaps and some extremely exciting BIG news. See you shortly!

Heartfelt Blooms plus Beautiful Peacock sympathy card

We're making this card at club tonight and I just know the ladies are going to love it. Heartfelt Blooms is gorgeous enough by itself, but when you pair with with the flourish stamps from Beautiful Peacock, it really sparkles. I stamped my flower image in Sweet Sugarplum, my sentiment in Archival Gray, and the long flourish stamp in Smoky Slate.

Inside the sympathy card, I used the flourish in two colors, to create a frame for the sentiment (these two stamps are from the set Rose Wonder). I already liked the Beautiful Peacock set, but now that I've been inspired by the flourishes alone, I think this is going to be one of my most-reached-for sets!

It can be YOUR most-reached-for set, too, when you get it for FREE with any $50 order during Sale-A-Bration 2018. Both Heartfelt Blooms and Beautiful Peacock are available as rewards choices in the exclusive Sale-A-Bration brochure. Shop now!

Click any link to Shop Stampin' Up with Lyssa & support Song of My Heart:

FREE w/ order Heartfelt Blooms Wood-Mount Stamp Set [147197]	FREE w/ order Heartfelt Blooms Cling-Mount Stamp Set [147202]	FREE w/ order Beautiful Peacock Photopolymer Stamp Set [147239]
Sweet Sugarplum 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [141418]	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [100730]	Basic Gray 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock [121044]
Sweet Sugarplum Classic Stampin' Pad [141395]	Basic Gray Archival Stampin’ Pad [140932]	Smoky Slate Classic Stampin' Pad [131179]
Rose Wonder Photopolymer Stamp Set [140697]	Delicate White Doilies 24-pack [141701]	Quilt Top Embossing Folder [144687]

 I'm off to finish getting ready for club! I'd love to have you there if you're local to me. We meet on the 3rd Monday night of every month. The more the merrier! Thanks for stopping in today. And remember--a stamp a day keeps the doctor away!

Year in Review 2017: my favorite projects from each month

I can't believe we're so close to saying goodbye to 2017! It's been so fun to look back and have a little "retrospective" of what I created over the past year. I've selected just ONE photo from each month to share with you today. Sometimes it was easy to pick--other months were really hard! Enjoy this blast from the (recent) past as we look forward to what 2018 has in store for us.

Last January I was prepping for the Valentine blog series. My favorite project was the unusual and fun Fan Deck Card. My second fave was this adorable Tea For Two holder.

Last February I was working with a lot of Sale-A-Bration 2017 free rewards stamps and made this feminine card using Wild About Flowers. Can't wait for Sale-A-Bration 2018, starting January 3rd!

In March 2017 I needed some extra sunshine... and decided to spring for the gorgeous Sunburst Thinlets so I could make this card.

In April of this past year, we got a fun sneak peek of the Eastern Elegance suite, including something totally new to me--gold foil stickers that coordinated with die-cuts. It was super easy to make drop-dead gorgeous cards. 

This Seasonal Layers beach chair scene was my favorite card in May 2017, but the Triple Butterfly Pop-Up card was a VERY close second.

The first set I couldn't resist out of the new Idea Book & Catalog in June 2017 was Lemon Zest. This card just exploded with crisp freshness. 

In July of 2017, my favorite card was this Bridge-Fold. Tutorial here, if you missed it this summer!

Super hard to pick just one for August 2017... it was the start of holiday cardmaking plus a very popular Coffee Cafe was my featured set of the month. However, August HAS to be about 31 Pages in 31 Days, my annual scrapbooking blog series. I did really like this cabin page.

September had a lot of options for my potential favorite... but the top spot had to go to this one-of-a-kind card using the Wood Textures Paper.

My personal favorite of the month of October was this pencil holder project from Penni & Lyssa's Not-So-Spooky Halloween Adventure. That blog series produced a lot of fun projects, as did the classic Lovely As A Tree featured Class of the Month stamp set.

It was hard to choose just one piggie, but my November 2017 favorite was this cutie pie featuring This Little Piggy. You can still get the Class of the Month project files for that stamp set in my Etsy Shop, if you missed it!

And we finish off our 2017 "best of the best" with this navy and gold Bethlehem Edgelits card. I've used those die-cuts in all kinds of configurations, but this one with the gold swirl of stars and the alcohol spritzed on the foil is my favorite of all.

So there we have it? Did you remember some of these from the past year? I've got to say, it's just awesome having a blog to chronicle my crafting over the last decade. Song of My Heart's blog turns 10 years old in 2018, and I love randomly finding pins from years and years ago. It's very enjoyable to watch your style evolve over time.

YOU should totally start a blog! I can't imagine my life without it, now. Did you know I offer free blog design and set up help to members of my Stampin' Up team? The best start I can give them in this digital age is an online presence they can add to for years to come. I'd so love to work with you to pick out a custom "look" and a brand name for you to begin chronicling your own stampin' adventure.

Let's chat about getting you signed up and blogging about all the fun you're having with your toys! Lyssa@songofmyheartstampers.com Ready to go for it? http://bit.ly/joinSUnow

Perennial Birthday Card Box keeps you organized and on time!

Time for a little Stampin' Up Product review!

I know, I know, I'm not supposed to play with my new Spring Occasions 2018 Catalog demo-only pre-order stuff until I'm done with these last 40 Christmas cards!!! But when I saw this kit in the upcoming offering I had to have it... and had to put it together right away. Isn't it gorgeous? And so easy to stamp and assemble.

In about an hour and a half or so, I had the card box all set up and 16 beautiful cards ready to go. I'm keeping this one for myself, but what a great gift it would make, eh? Either made up already or left as a kit, I can think of all kinds of friends and relatives who would love this set.

The set-up is so handy. Each divider card in the box gets labeled with a month, and has a line for every day of that month. You add your friends and family's birthdates to the cards, and then when you get their card finished, tuck it in under that category. You can see at a glance who you still need to make cards for--and there's plenty of room to tuck the envelopes and sticky sheets of postage stamps or address labels inside, too.

The box itself is super study and glossy-coated to wipe clean, with heavy-weight divider cards and a sturdy elastic loop and metal button clasp. I was impressed with the little instruction booklet, too. Large, full-color photos of the finished cards with easy tips on assembly, a complete supply list (stamp set, Dapper Denim, Flirty Flamingo and Old Olive inks, a pair of scissors and adhesive) and detail photos of the few tricky parts help make assembly a snap.

The Perennial Birthday Box Kit coordinates with the sayings and flower images in the new Perennial Birthday stamp set, or you can use any stamps you have on hand to finish off the cards. Everything is die-cut and ready to stamp, pop out, and adhere. The pink card below is my favorite... great layout! I'll be using that on other projects, too.

Pretty sweet, eh? I'm so excited for the Spring Occasion 2018 mini catalog and I know you can't wait for it to start on January 3rd, either. Stay tuned for more sneak peeks (after I finish up those last holiday cards!) and let me know if you would like for me to be YOUR primary demonstrator and send you catalogs. I love to spoil my customer friends rotten--we're having so much fun! Join us! Lyssa@songofmyheartstampers.com

PS... if you're in my local Calendar Club on the 3rd Mondays of the month... we're making this entire project! I couldn't resist getting you all this adorable box and kit. See you January 15th for the first meeting of 2018!