Cookbook Kits Available

Update:  Ordering for this kit is now closed.  Thanks for your interest!

Looking for some new recipes to try?  I'll be sharing my recipe for Italian Beef at the end of this post and you are invited to share your favorite recipe, too!

Due to supply issues and time constraints, I have had to cancel the class scheduled for June 28th that featured the cookbook.  Class kits ordered prior to May 28th will begin shipping tomorrow.  I will continue to accept additional orders for the class kits through June 30th, with a scheduled ship date of July 10th.

In each kit, you'll receive all the materials necessary to recreate this album at home including the album, adhesive, ribbon, and papers.  Everything has been pre-cut, stamped, and punched.  All you need is a pair of scissors and a coloring medium such as markers, pastels, or watercolors.

Here is a picture of a complete kit:

Now here is my recipe for Italian Beef.  My family usually serves this at our summer get-togethers.  It has a bit of a spicy kick, so you've been warned.

Ingredients:

Beef Roast (any cut will work, but I really like sirloin)

1 jar of slice jalepenos

1 packet of Italian Seasoning (from the salad dressing aisle)

Liquid---could be water or beer

Place first three ingredients in a slow cooker.  Add enough liquid to cover beef and cook for 8--10 hours.  Shred beef and serve on fresh hoagie rolls with cheese.  Enjoy!

I am working on the tutorial for the interactive scrapbook page featured last week and I hope to have it posted by the end of this week.

Happy Stampin'

Melissa

More Black & White

I'm busy today preparing for my Black & White Stamp-a-Stack tomorrow.  I've already shared 2 of the card designs with you, so here is your sneak peek at the other 3 cards. 

Stamp Set:  Live Your Dream

Ink:  White Craft, Basic Black

Paper:  Basic Gray, Basic Black, Whisper White

Accessories:  White Embossing powder, heat tool, Black gingham ribbon

Stamp Set:  Embrace Life

Ink:  Black Stazon

Paper:  Glossy White, Sahara Sand, Basic Black

Accessories:  Crafters Tool Kit, White Gel Pen, Color Spritzer Tool, Sahara Sand marker

Stamp Set:  Baroque Motifs

Ink:  Basic Black, Basic Gray

Paper:  Whisper white, Basic Black, Regal Rose

Accessories:  Rose Wide Grosgrain, Key Tag punch, Word Window punch

My class attendees will be making 2 of each design.  All of these cards are very simple to make and only require a few accessories to spice them up.  Each card should take less than 10 minutes to complete.  Hopefully, everyone will enjoy this class as much as I have enjoyed designing these cards.

Happy Stampin'

Melissa

Retirement List

I'm still out of town, but I wanted you to have this information early.  Here is the retirement list in numerical and alphabetical order:

Download retired_list_alphabetical.pdf

Download retired_list_numerical.pdf

Why 2 lists?  I use the numerical order list to mark my catalog.  It makes it very easy because the stamp sets are listed by page number.  I use the alphabetical list to check my shelves for retired sets.  This works well if you store your sets in alphabetical order.

This year, I'm sad to see Wild Rose retire.  I made Isabella a name frame with this set before she was born and it still hangs in her room.  It's such a beautiful set!

Hope you are having a wonderful weekend!

Happy Stampin

Melissa

Two For One!

Hey Everyone!  I'm still alive and I haven't forgotten about you.  Stamping has had to take a backseat to my day job for the past two weeks.  I'm headed to St. Louis this weekend to attend a continuing education seminar and then everything should settle down for awhile.....HA!

So, since I've been neglecting my loyal readers, I thought I would share several projects at one time.

The black and white cards feature the Fresh Cuts stamp set and notes, plus the Riot of Petals background stamp.  I stamped both with versamark, then embossed with black powder.  It has such a nice, raised and shiny look....very elegant.  We'll be making these 2 cards, as well as 3 other black and white cards at my next Stamp-a-Stack on Friday, June 20th.  There's still room if you would like to join me!

We'll be making the scrapbook layout below at club this month.  The pages feature interactive elements, including hidden journaling and a moving pinwheel.  If I get some FREE time this week and if there is some interest (pitiful plea for comments), I'll give you all the details in an upcoming post.

A new round of clubs will begin in August.  I'll have the information posted soon as there will be a new option for long-distance customers.

Have a fabulous weekend!

Happy Stampin'

Melissa

A June to Remember

FRESH CUTS Sneak Peek!

During the month of June,  you have the opportunity to purchase the FRESH CUTS stamp set (#111634) $21.95 and add-on the coordinating Fresh-Cut Notes (#111882) for only $5 more. These two products will be included in the Fall-Winter 2008 Idea Book & Catalog.

Hostesses that place a $400 order (or more) will receive both of these items for FREE!

But wait there is still more.....

Stampin' Up! has designated June 25, 2008 as eScape day--a day to put away your cell phones and laptops and focus on reconnecting with your "wireless network."

On Wednesday, June 25th, stop by my office anytime between 4 and 6pm to eScape the electronic world.  We'll be making 2 cards, one of which you'll send to a loved one....I'll even provide the postage!  This event is FREE to anyone that purchases $25 or more during the month of June, or $5.  Please RSVP to me at melissa42@msn.com by June 23rd so I can have plenty of materials for everyone.

Throughout all of June, Stampin' Up! is offering a terrific eScape Bundle with products at 25 percent off, including a few of the essentials to create your own cards!

eScape Bundle (item 113700):

Description	Page Number	Price
Love Notes assortment	p. 167	$8.95
Circle of Friendship stamp set	p. 143	$17.95
Rose Red Classic Stampin' Pad	p. 165	$5.25
Very Vanilla 5/8" grosgrain ribbon	p. 191	$7.95
Total (non-bundled)		$40.10
eScape Bundle price		$30.00

And finally, Stampin' UP! will be unveiling the semi-annual retirement list on June 15th. "These stamps will be gone forever after August 10, 2008!"

I'll be sharing samples in the next two weeks made with both of the bundle offers above, so check back often.

Happy Stampin'

Melissa