Sunday, December 29, 2013

Just Sayin'

WoohoosideThe Monday Montage gals are taking a break to recover from the holidays, but we'll be back next week with more creative goodness to share.


In a few days, you'll be able to order from the Occasions Mini Catalog.  I've been working all weekend on creating samples and I know you are going to love many of the new products!  I figured it was time for a little sneak peek.


This card features 2 new stamp sets......Life in the Forest and Just Sayin'.  There are coordinating Word Bubble Framelits dies to go along with the Just Sayin' stamp set.  It's probably my favorite item(s) so far!


WoohooYou might be wondering about the cheese......I cut the cheese with my Silhouette Cameo.  Hmmmm....that doesn't sound quite right.  Well, you know what I mean.  I used Crushed Curry and Daffodil Delight cardstock, cutting twice with a download from the Silhoutte online store.  Easy-peasy!


The sentiment inside will say....."I love you more than CHEESE".  When my son was younger, he had a songbook by Sandra Boynton that featured a song by that title.  We used to sing it together and we still use that saying in our family.  You can listen to a snippet of it here.


If you would like to see more sneak peeks, be sure to LIKE my Facebook page.  My fans have already been treated to a few already!


Happy Stampin'


MelissaSignature


 



Sunday, December 15, 2013

Monday Montage 9

Mondaymontage6


The holidays are certainly in full swing and I am a BUSY girl!  For this blog hop, I'm going to share a really quick & easy flip card made with the new Circle Card Thinlets die and the Christmas Messages stamp set.  You can put this card together in just a matter of minutes!


Flip



The card looks like the above pic when closed and when you open it.....


Flip2


These flip cards are so much fun and the die does all the hard work for you!


Note:  I did a little faux stitching on the side, but you can easily skip it if you are short on time.




MelissaRecipeGraphicSTAMP SETS:  Christmas Messages


INK:  Cherry Cobbler


PAPER:  Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive, Season of Style Designer Series Paper


ACCESSORIES:  Big Shot, Circle Card Thinlets Die, 2-3/8" scallop circle punch, 1-3/4"circle punch, White gel pen, Paper-piercing tool, Stampin' Pierce Mat, Essentials Paper-piercing pack


 


 


 


Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the rest of the hop!


Mondaymontagenext
Next to Wendy Weixler





Mondaymontageback
Back to Kaitlyn Zumbach


                                                


 


Happy Holidays from the Stout Family!


Bellachristmasprogram

 


 


 



Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Clearance Rack Blitz

Clearance


The Clearance Rack Blitz is on! Save up to 80% on retired products. Supplies are limited so shop now for the best selection!


 


LOCAL CUSTOMERS:  There are still openings for the Christmas Card Buffets this week.  Take some time to create some beautiful handmade Christmas cards in my relaxing studio.


MelissaSignature


 


 



Sunday, December 1, 2013

Monday Montage 8

Mondaymontage6
Sadly, I had to miss the last blog hop.  A few hours before I was to have my post ready, a tornado went through our town.  There was lots of damage, but fortunately no loss of life.  We had no electricity for about 48 hours and a substantial amount of clean-up in our yard.....but we feel so lucky!


Needless to say, I won't be sharing my last project with you since it was for Thanksgiving.  And I haven't had a chance to stamp anything new, so I'm sharing two of my display stamper projects from convention.  Yeah, I made these back in May!


Tagit3a


Both projects are very simple.  Of course, if you are just starting your holiday stamping, simple is a must!


Tagit5


 



 MelissaRecipeGraphic


 


STAMP SETS:  Tag It


INK:  Real Red, Old Olive


PAPER:  Whisper White, Crumb Cake, Real Red, Polka Dot Parade Designer Series Paper


ACCESSORIES:  Crumb Cake 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon, Real Red 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon, White Baker's Twine, Big Shot, Chalk Talk Framelits, Brights Candy Dots, Brights Designer Buttons, Dazzling Diamonds, Tag a Bag Gift Boxes, Tag a Bag Accessory Kit, Large Oval Punch


 


Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the rest of the hop!


Mondaymontagenext
Next to Wendy Weixler





Mondaymontageback
Back to Kaitlyn Zumbach


                                                



Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Holiday Sale


From November 20th through December 2nd, don't miss the chance to save 20-50% off many of your Stampin' Up! favorites.


Download the Sale pdf


 


Save on these 3 items today only!




 Trimmer



These 3 items are only on sale through 11:50pm (MT) on November 20th.


Happy Shopping!


Melissa Stout





Monday, November 4, 2013

Short on Time?


Novemberstopnstamp
Each month, I hold a STOP-N-STAMP class.  This one-hour class is great for those that are short on time, but love to be creative.  We make 2 projects, usually taking 10 minutes or less to complete....seriously!


Stampin' Up! has made it very easy to create gorgeous holiday cards and gift packaging this year.  My class attendees will be making the 2 projects above on Wednesday, but you can have a creative escape at home, too.  Check out the kits below, and then browse my online store for even more kits.








Thanks for stopping by!



MelissaSignature



Sunday, November 3, 2013

Monday Montage 6--Simple Paper Wreath


Mondaymontage6


It's time for another exciting blog hop from the Monday Montage gals!  We've got some great projects for you, so let's get started.


Now that Halloween is over, I'm able to start thinking about Christmas.  My husband doesn't believe in decorating until after Thanksgiving, but I'm getting a head start.  I had seen a similar wreath on Pinterest earlier this year and knew I wanted to try my hand at one.  I love how this turned out!



Wreath1
I started with strips of designer series paper measuring 1-1/2" by 12", wrapping them around a 14" stryofoam wreath.  I used Tombow multi-adhesive to adhere the strips to the wreath form.



Wreath3
I used my scissors to create the "fishtail" ends.  Here's a tip:  after you cut the first one, save the triangle piece and use it as a template.  Then, all of your ends will appear even.



Wreath2I had some leftover embellishments from the banner kit and a few other projects. I just used them to accent the bottom of the wreath.  There is a lot of sparkle!


MelissaRecipeGraphic
STAMP SETS:  A Banner Christmas, Festive Flurry

INK:  Coastal Cabana, Pool Party, Pear Pizzaz, Silver Encore, Versamark


PAPER:  Whisper White, Coastal Cabana, Winter Frost Specialty DSP


ACCESSORIES:  Frosted Finishes Embellishments, Christmas Banner Simply Created Accessory Kit, Big Shot, Festive Flurry Framelits Dies, Heat Tool, White Embossing Powder




Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the rest of the hop!


Mondaymontagenext
Next to Wendy Weixler





Mondaymontageback
Back to Kaitlyn Zumbach


                                                



Thursday, October 31, 2013

SNAIL SALE 11/01/2013--11/15/2013

 


SNAIL Sale is Here!


$3.50 per refill (includes tax & SU shipping)


(minimum 10 refills per order)


SNAIL refill SNAIL Adhesive (simple, neat, affordable in-line) applies a controlled amount of adhesive directly to your project, so your hands and work area never get sticky. A small amount creates a strong bond, so your cartridge lasts a long time. Refills slip right into the cartridge, so you’ll never find yourself without your SNAIL. You’ll love the adhesive, and it’s a great price, too!




















 

The Fine Print



  • Refills must be ordered in multiples of 10 (10, 20, 30, etc.)

  • Order will be placed on November 18th

  • Payment must be received by November 15th--cash, checks, and Paypal accepted

  • Local pick-up at no charge

  • Out of town customers will pay a $6 shipping & handling charge


This sale is offered exclusively by Melissa Stout, Independent Stampin' Up! demonstrator.  I am offering you all of my discounts on this product.  Now is a great time to stock up as you prepare for the upcoming holiday craft season.


 


Use this button if you want to have the SNAIL refills shipped to you.  Allow up to 2 weeks for delivery after order has been placed.












SNAIL Sale


Use this button if you are local to the Kokomo, IN area and plan to arrange pick up of your refills.










SNAIL Sale without Shipping Charge



Wrapping Up the Holidays

Sunday, November 24th at 2pm


My Stamp Studio, 1785 E. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, IN  


How will you package up your gifts & goodies this year? 



Pop & Place Stamp Camp Projects
Get some
unique ideas in this fun class!  We'll be creating 9 projects (including
2 cards) featuring the new Pop & Place Gift tags.  You'll also take
home your remaining tags and a stamp set to continue your crafting at
home.



Early Bird Pricing:  RSVP with payment by November 18th for $35.  After November 18th, the price increases to $40.


 









Mommy & Me Holiday Cards

Saturday, November 23rd at 10am


My Stamp Studio, 1785 E. Lincoln Rd., Kokomo, IN



Mommy & Me  Cards


Spend a morning with your child creating beautiful cards for the
holidays.  Together you'll make 6 cards with coordinating envelopes. 
All supplies are included.  This class is designed for ages 5 & up
plus an adult.  Class fee of $20 is required to reserve your spot.  RSVP
by November 18th.


 









Everyday Occasions Card Class

Monday, November 18th at 7pm


My Stamp Studio, 1785 E. Lincoln Rd., Kokomo, IN



We all need cards for those Everyday Occasions---Birthday, Thinking of
You, Thank You, and so on. 


In this class, you'll create 20 CARDS.  Yes,
20 cards!  And you'll get to take home the stamp set & ink to
create more cards at home.



Everyday Occasions1


All supplies except adhesive will be provided.  Adhesive is available for purchase during the class.



Early Bird Pricing:  RSVP with payment by November 11th for $35 per person.  Use the Paypal button below to sign up now.


 










After
November 11th, I cannot guarantee a spot in the class.  If there is
still room in this class, the cost will increase to $40 per person.


Can't attend, but want to make these fabulous cards?  You can order the kit online and have it shipped direct to your door.



Monday, October 28, 2013

Many Thanks

I decided to sit down today and make all my thank you cards for the month.  WOW!  What a busy month!  There are so many that I wasn't sure I'd be able to get them all done.




A situation like this calls for a clean & simple card.  I finally tore into the Another Thank You photopolymer stamp set.  What's great about this type of stamp set is that you can see exactly where you are stamping because the stamps are completely clear.  No need for a Stamp-a-ma-jig and you'll get perfect alignment!




TY
The Quatrefancy Specialty Designer Series Paper adds a big pop of color to an otherwise simple card.  And don't you just love the pairing of Island Indigo & Strawberry Slush?



Today is the last day to take advantage of the 25% off 25 stamps sale.  Order online and you'll also be receiving one of my thank you cards in the mail very soon!

 

 


MelissaSignature





Friday, October 25, 2013

25% Off Stamp Sets







 All weekend, I'll be sharing samples made with the
25% off stamp sets.  Like my page to be inspired by a new project every 2
hours!

 

 




 


Everyone that orders online during this sale will be
entered for a chance to win an exclusive hostess set.  You'll get one
chance for every $10 spent.

 

And if I hit my personal goal of selling 25 stamp sets, I'll be giving away a $50 shopping spree to one lucky customer!



 




Be sure to also check out the Weekly Deals and New Digital Downloads



MelissaSignature




Monday, October 21, 2013

An Update

I think it's time to give a little update on what's been going on the past month.  Some of my friends & customers have noticed the lack of posts, cancellation of classes, and delays in responding to emails.  This will be long.  Nothing is wrong.....in fact, everything is really good and I'm feeling very blessed in many ways.  However, my stamping business has had to take a backseat while I work through an extemely busy time.


First, my husband has decided to take a continuing education course to earn a certificate in whole food nutrition.  This means that we must travel once a month to St. Louis (a five-hour trip) for 8 months.  I'm actually very happy about going "home" every month.  I've gotten the opportunity to reconnect with friends & family that I don't get to see often.  But the trips our hard on us....we leave as soon as the kids finish school on Friday, usually arriving late on Friday and we often don't get home until 10pm on Sunday. 



Mantas
On our last visit to the St. Louis area, I got to hang out with some of my high school buddies. The guys started a band in school and reunited after 20 years for a special concert.



I usually have Mondays off from work so I'm able to catch up on all of the normal weekend chores.  The last 3 Mondays have been a different story....field trips, volunteer work, and a very busy season in the chiropractic office has meant that my free time has been completely eaten up.  I feel fortunate that I am able to go on field trips with my daughter and I truly value that time together.  She is growing up so fast!



Bella1stday
Bella on her first day of school



In the Spring, I was asked to serve on the board of the Hospital Cheer Guild.  The mission of Hospital Cheer Guild is to promote "Comfort, Charity, and
Cheer" in Howard County through volunteering and fundraising
activities. These activities benefit Howard Regional Health System and
St. Joseph Hospital in Kokomo, Indiana.  Our first fundraiser is a soup & bread mix sale and guess who was put in charge of the packaging?  Yep! I had no idea what I was getting into, but I figured out quickly that I was going to need to devote a significant amount of time this month to this project.  Last week, we spent HOURS creating the decorations for the bags and today was assembly day.  I'm so excited that this is over, yet so very proud of the work we have done.



Cheerguild
These ladies were such good sports. Many of them had never stamped before and we made 350 of these bags!



So, in between all of the things I've already mentioned, I also did the Fort Wayne Rubber Stamp & Scrapbook show plus 2 workshops.  Honestly, I don't know how I've done it all.  Oh, that's right.....I let my stamping business slide. 


If you are on my mailing list, you've certainly noticed an absence of emails.  The wonderful lady that has helped me with my newsletters for years, decided to "retire" last month.  It caught me completely off guard and I just have not had a chance to address it.  You'll definitely see a few more emails within the next 2 weeks.  There are some great specials coming soon and I will be adding to my class schedule.


At this moment, I feel like a huge weight has been lifted.  We don't have to travel again for several weeks.  My work with the Cheer Guild is mostly done.  And I should be getting my Mondays back!  With any luck, I'll be stamping again by this weekend.


Thanks for hanging with me!



MelissaSignature