How to Make a Card for a Man - My First Mojo Monday Card

Curious about how to make a card for a man?

So was I.  I honestly haven't done much of it.  So this evening when my husband asked me to make a card for his boss who is retiring this week, I started out with a little bit of uncertainty.  I mean, really, how can I possibly be expected to make a card without bling?

I tried my best.

Here's my advice for making a card for a man.

Step 1:  Panic.  Realize all the paper you have is pretty feminine, and you don't have time or money to purchase more "manly" paper.

Step 2:  Get over yourself, and try to find the paper with the least amount of pink.  If we can't go manly, at least we can shoot for gender-neutral.

Step 3: Put down the flowers, balloons, and cute little animal stamps.  Search furiously through your collection for something, anything that will not shout out "girlie card!" on it.

Step 4: Add brown.  As much brown as you can get away with.  Guys like brown, don't they?

Step 5:  Get over yourself.  Again.  Realize that guys look at cards for all of 4.24 seconds, so it doesn't really matter about the bling, or the brown, or the pink that sneaked its way into your card.  What matters is that you made something beautiful for someone else, and hopefully it will be meaningful to them.  For all of 4.24 seconds.

So, that's my advice.  In a nutshell: Get over yourself.  Do what you know is beautiful.

Luckily, I had some paper that didn't scream PINKALICIOUS, and I had a fabulous template from the Mojo Monday challenge.  Two birds - one stone.  Thanks, Mojo Monday!!

From My Heart Stamp Set (Clear Mount) (Wood Mount)

Early Espresso Card Stock

Very Vanilla Card Stock

Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad

Stampin' Up! Gets a Facelift - No Botox Needed!

Have you seen the new Stampin' Up! website yet?  If you haven't, you'll want to check out the new look.  You'll love all the ideas, photos and inspiration as well as the easy links to blog posts and videos. It's very "Pinteresty" (Yes, I do realize I made that word up.  I'm okay with it.) and super cute.

Cyber Monday, Eat Your Heart Out!

Wowza!  This is one online party you will definitely want to be a part of.  With discounts of up to 50% and 24 hour-only doorbusters, you won't want to miss it!

Stampin' Up! ONLINE EXTRAVAGANZA is happening November 19 - 28 only!  Be sure to take full advantage of it!

I'm so distressed! And I like it.

I can't help it.  I love everything shabby chic, distressed and antiquey.  This tag card was a lot of fun to make.  I am kinda in love with the From the Heart stamp set.  I'm showcasing the set in the From the Heart class I'm having in a couple of weeks.  I love how versatile this set is.  It can be very aged, or modern.  It's just up to you!

To get this look:

From My Heart Stamp Set (Clear Mount) (Wood Mount)
1 1/4" Scallop Circle Punch
Scallop Trip Border Punch
Early Espresso Card Stock
Crumb Cake Card Stock
Very Vanilla Card Stock
Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad

How do you feel about FREE?

I'm a big fan of FREE, and I'm guessing you probably are too.  Yep, free is good.

Here's an example of taking advantage of something free:

Do you see it yet?

It's the cardboard from the box holding my latest Stampin' Up! delivery.  Oh, and the brown packaging paper, too.  Okay, it's not 100% free...I did have to order something.  But, both the box and the paper were sitting in the recycling pile when I thought, I think I can do something beautiful with that!  And so I did.  I took advantage of what I had, and made something pretty stinking awesome, if I do say so myself.

Would you like something else for FREE?
How about $74.95 of FREE Stampin' Up product and FREE shipping to boot?

Here's how:  Order the Starter Kit for $99, and choose $125 worth of Stamping Up products.  Want a Big Shot die cutter?  No problem!  Want a bunch of stamp sets and paper!  No problem!  Want a pre-selected kit containing a little bit of everything?  No problem!!

But Dorian, that's just $25 (well, $26 to be completely accurate).  Where's the rest?

From Nov. 1 - Dec. 16th, when you purchase the Starter Kit you'll also receive a FREE stamp pad set during the Ink-redible Sale promotion.  The three stamp pad sets that are available are all valued at $49.95.

NOW THAT'S A WHOLE LOT OF FREE!!  Throw FREE shipping on top of all that, and you're looking at a steal of a deal!

Go to the Become a Member page to learn more.  You'll be glad you did!!

Get Your Craft On, Baby!

Join me on Saturday November 17 at 2:00 pm for another incredible class:  From the Heart!  For only $20 you will make 4 beautiful cards, and I'll teach you some simple-to-master techniques for how to "antique" your cards.  You won't want to miss out on this gorgeous set using Stampin' Up!'s From the Heart stamp set.  Email me your reservation, and I'll send you a map to our location.  (A friend is hosting the class at her house.)  By the way, these cards bundled with the stamp set would make an amazing Christmas present!

Check out this video to see the cards!

Or Watch on my YouTube Channel!

Ready for Something INK-redible?

From now until December 16, Stampin' Up! is rewarding hostesses with an INK-redible deal!  Hostesses who have $450 worth of sales earn the normal hostess rewards [$65 worth of FREE product and 1/2 off any item] as well as a FREE SET of Classic Stamping Pads (worth $49.95).

You won't want to miss out on this!!  Book a workshop with me ASAP!!  Send me an email or give me a call.  This offer is only good until December 16.

Learn more about this ink-redible deal!!

You will LOVE this!!

Get nearly ANY stamp set for 15% OFF, MONDAY ONLY!!

For one day only, nearly every Stampin’ Up! stamp sets and singles will be discounted at 15% off. Have someone in your life who enjoys scrapbooking, paper crafting, or cardmaking? It’s the perfect time for getting birthday gifts or Christmas presents for the people you love, all while saving you money! Need to get started on those Christmas cards? Get started by getting stamps you love at a discount!

Go to www.thegenkistamper.stampinup.net and click on the SHOP NOW button to place your order. Remember, this sale lasts for ONE DAY only, so hurry up and get your craft on!

Lights, Camera, Action!!

I stayed up until the wee hours of the morning making my very FIRST video tutorial - just for you!!  Yes, that's how much I care about you.  Sleep means nothing to me when compared to you, my genki stamping friend.  I hope you enjoy!!

Cupcake Wrapper Flower Tutorial

Don't forget to LIKE my Facebook page for the stamp giveaway.  Go to www.facebook.com/thegenkistamper and be one of the first 50 people to like my page to be entered into the drawing!

Hey baby, you single?

Did you know that Stampin' Up! has SINGLE STAMPS for sell?  You didn't??  Well, baby, consider yourself in the know!

It's true, for a limited time certain stamps and stamp sets will be available for sell as single clear block stamps!  But hurry, this offer is only good until January 2nd!

Would you like one for FREE???
Here's how:  Be one of the first 50 people to LIKE my facebook page at www.facebook.com/thegenkistamper and you'll be put in a drawing for a free single stamp of your choice.  So get to it!  This offer is only good until January 2nd!!

Coming Soon!!!

Every Occasion Class

November 17, 2012

Check back soon for more details!

Stampin' Delicious!

Yum!  That's pretty much all I have to say.

That's pretty much all I CAN say, because my mouth has been uber-full of cookie tonight.

This evening I made a batch of Stampin' Up! cookies.  Didn't know there even was such a thing?  Well, there is!  I used my Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps to make two gifts for a baked goods auction at work tomorrow to benefit The United Way.  I just happened to have borrowed my mom's recent purchase of the Perfectly Preserved clear mount bundle (a stamp and framelets set), so I set out to create a cute tag to go along with the jar full of cookies.

So now, not only will someone have the benefit of eating some VERY delicious cookies, but they'll also get those cookies in some super-cute packaging!

YUM!

Cookie Tools:  Occasions Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps (127081)

Holidays Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps (125152)  Stamp Set:  Perfectly Preserved Clear-Mount Bundle (129944)

Doing Beautiful

“Your art matters...You are a unique expression that will never occur again in history.  So if you don’t give your gift of art to the world, the world is deprived of what could have happened.  So just treat your art, whatever it is, with respect.  It is fragile.  It is precious.  And it matters more than you think.”  
-Michael Hyatt

I was driving down the highway, listening to a new podcast I had just picked up when I heard these words.  I'm not sure what it is about those words, if it's the way he said it, or just the truth that is stated there, but I was moved nearly to tears.

How often do I forget the value of my own worth...
The value of my art...

How precious
how fragile
how important
it is.

And although I believe the product of my art is valuable, I think the act of creating art - sharing art - with the world, with those I love, and those I have yet to love, is also just as important.  The act of doing beautiful things - this is important.

So, I'm committing myself today to doing beautiful.
In my words.
In my thoughts.
In my actions.
In my art.

Don't Miss Out!

Only half of September left to qualify for FREE ribbon!!  Every $40 purchase in September qualifies, so get yours today!

Christmas Cardapalooza

Sign up now for my Christmas Cardapalooza SAYOP (Stamp-At-Your-Own-Pace) class.  Only $25 for five beautiful Christmas cards to get you in the holiday spirit!  If you've never attended a SAYOP class, it's a great opportunity to get individualized attention when you need it, but not be bogged down in your stamping fervor by waiting for everyone to do each step at the same time.

My first Christmas Cardapalooza SAYOP class is happening soon:  Saturday September 29 at 12:30!!  Seating is limited, so sign up now!

Fancy Folding - Easier than you think!

This fancy fold card wasn't too difficult to make.  The trick is to use 12" x 12" paper, a good paper cutter like the Tabletop Paper Cutter, an Exacto knife with mat (like the Stampin' Pierce Mat), and just a little patience.

Another important detail for making a beautiful card like this, is having a great set of decorative papers that match each other well.  I used some of Stampin' Up!'s Designer Series Paper, which already does all the work of coordinating colors for me - it's so easy to use!

For the base paper, I have to admit, I did not have the color I wanted on hand.  I had only Whisper White card stock, but I wanted the paper to have more of an aged look.  So, using my handy-dandy Stamping Sponges, I was able to ink on a color that matched the palette I was using.  Presto-chango!  Stamping Sponges + Stampin' Pad = beautiful, matching paper!