Moving along!

Hey there you!  Just wanted to let you know that this blog is moving to a new site.

Join me over at http://GenkiStamper.com  to get all the Genki News, tutorials, videos, classes, the list goes on and on!!

Thanks!
-Dorian, THE Genki Stamper

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!