Sponsor Spotlight: Whipper Snapper Designs

Even when my google reader gets exceptionally long, there are a few blogs that are absolute must reads for me.

Chief among them is Anna Wight a.k.a. Sweet Miss Daisy. Not only can she watercolor, but that girl can draw!! I love the whimsical style of her images, and her finished projects always have just the perfect finishing touches.

Anna is one of the talented illustrators for Whipper Snapper Designs - and guess what!! Whippersnapper has so very graciously agreed to send a door prize for one lucky attendee of Stamp New England. Really, I know, isn't this getting to be SO fun!!

In addition to the Crafty Cling mount sets from Anna you'll find cling mount sets illustrated by Shelly Comiskey. You'll also find fabulous individual images - I just read that they have over 3,000 images!! In fact, in going over to link up this post, I just made a hefty shopping list for myself, and yes, I'll admit, made a purchase too! Giggle. What's YOUR favorite? I'd love to know. Leave a comment for me here as to what your favorite is... wonder if it's on my list too??

Recently my friend Cindy Lawrence was one of the Featured Designers for November and December for Whipper Snapper and put together some truly beauteous samples for them. Cindy let me borrow a few of her photos to share with you.

I have a card made with the Crazy for Chickens set, but its tucked in a Dirty Dozen gallery. If you'd like to see it, you'll have to go over here. (Reminder to self. Crack out Chickens set and get to work again! They're CUTE!!)

Head on over to Whipper Snapper and browse around. I'm sure you'll like what you find!

Meet Joanne Basile

Is there anyone out there who doesn't know my friend Joanne and her fabulous blog, Just a Little Something??? She is just about the sweetest, perkiest stamper out there, IMHO! :) I still remember the day she contacted me - she was so warm and friendly I felt like we were long lost friends!! I had the greatest pleasure in the Fall of 2007 of being on a design team with her and actually getting to meet up and experience CHA Winter 2008 with her (crazy that we went all the way to LA to meet for the first time!). When I began thinking of pulling this event together I emailed Jo and she was right there with me and had even had the same idea!! I think she created this blog from almost the first time we decided to go ahead, such a one-step ahead type of girl!

Joanne's stamping always makes me smile, she just has a gift for making cards that make you happy! Her personality shines through in every beautiful card she creates and every blog post! Apparently a lot of people agree with me since she's not only on DTs for Gina K Designs and My Favorite Things, but she's also on the Splitcoaststampers' Dirty Dozen - the best of the best! Here's a bit of Joanne in her own words:

What started as simply a guaranteed girls night out with my friends has become a true addiction to paper crafting! I find it to be just such a stress reliever and a fun escape from my hectic day to day as a stay at home mom and daycare provider. Daily blogging has been an amazing way to chronicle my journey. Through stamping, blogging and design team work I’ve made so many wonderful friends and I can’t wait to meet up with in just a few weeks! I’m truly honored to be on the design team for both My Favorite Things , Gina K Designs and the Splitcoast Design Team, otherwise known as the Dirty Dozen.

I recently asked my readers what techniques they’d be interested in learning more about. Overwhelmingly, the answer was Copic markers. I admit that I actually haven’t been able to get to the official Copic Certification classes myself, but I’d be more than happy to share with you what I’ve learned from many hours of blog surfing, countless hours of practice and of course from watching the professionals at work in the Copic booth this summer at the Craft and Hobby Association show. I also had many requests for a step by step on paper piecing and how to add what is probably my favorite adornment to any project, bows! So, I’ve combined all three techniques into my class at Stamp New England.

If you happen to own “Who’s That e-Girl” or “Cupcake Flopsey” from My Favorite Things, then you can pack them for the trip, if not, no worries, we’ll have several sets floating for the group to share!

Stay tuned . . . this afternoon we'll be posting a Preliminary Supply List - things you need to pack! :)

Sponsor Spotlight: Odd Bird Planet

Working with the whimsical images in the Odd Bird Planet stamp line, launched by Johanna Hatlestad in June of 2006, is an ongoing delight! This stamp line, available mounted or unmounted, is chock full of adorable creatures, such as tiny chicks, birds, cats, and my personal favorite, owls. There are even pirate owls - "ahoy thar matey" - how fabulous is that!

Each character is given wonderful facial expressions and almost all are dressed in fascinating garb. The line of chick stamps covers an amazing range of images from a "just married" chick to a BBQ chick...and you can select from a myriad of accessories to pair them with, such as purses, shoes, hats, and the tiniest BBQ grill you've ever seen! The creative ideas one can come up with using these images are endless!

One of the newest releases includes a lovable group of gnomes. Sleeping gnomes, gnomes in a teacup, three gnomes in a boat (rub-a-dub-dub, three gnomes in a tub...Sorry, I couldn't resist!) And as suspected, those happy gnomes also come with their own line of accessories from leaf hammocks to mushroom houses.

But that's not all...how about a complete line of fancy fruit and confectionery goodness? There are strawberry carriages - perfect for a tiny princess chick - oranges, limes, cherries, and stacks of cakes and cupcakes. Even a complete set of baking accessories, such as an oven, mixing bowls and spoons! There's still more...


One of my favorite sets of images are the large floral images, beautiful floral borders, and trees. Johanna has also created a wonderful selection of frames and sentiments. The sentiments are another one of my favorite parts of the line. You can pick from a simple "happy birthday", offered in different font types and sizes, to (one of my all time favs) "I don't do mornings." I almost have a hard time purchasing the images because there are so many fantastic phrases, many that pair up perfectly with the adorable birds and owls, such as "how tweet of you." There is also a line of sentiments in French and Dutch!

There are so many possibilities at available at Odd Bird Planet for stampers seeking a unique and fun line of stamp images. You can purchase Odd Bird Planet stamps at their online store. A wonderful gallery is also available for those wishing to see what can be created using the images and this past year a Wiki was created, where you can read all about the lives of the creatures who live on Odd Bird Planet.

I am thrilled to share with you that Odd Bird Planet has donated two baskets packed full of stamps as a door prize for the Stamp NE event! A huge thank you to Odd Bird Planet for their generosity! Everyone else...go check out those stamps...you may not know what you've been missing!

Sponsor Spotlight: Stamping Bella

I'm sure by now you're all familiar with Stamping Bella, but have you seen all the different lines other than the Bellas that we all know and love so well?

For instance, this sweet card is Karen Motz's featuring the adorable Matilda Muffinbread, part of the Chicihiboulie line of fairies.

In addition the Chichiboules, you'll also find the cutie-pa-tootie new line Hugabuggs. I have a few of those little sweeties on the way to me right now. In particular, I just can't WAIT to get my hands on LOVEBeetle.

If you follow along on Blogabella, you'll see that Bellariffic Fridays are back.  There's a team of Bellariffic Babes (and our very own Karen Motz is one of them!) and weekly challenges where you can win some Bella Bucks! Get headed over to play. I just sent in my sample this week!

Emily from Stamping Bella has so graciously donated supplies for us to use for our Friday night make and take as well as a door prize for one of you! Head on over and take a peek at all the adorable lines at Stamping Bella. What's YOUR favorite?

Sponsor Spotlight: Kitchen Sink Stamps

It's only fitting that I should present to you this fabulous donor for our event - Kitchen Sink Stamps!! :) It's no secret that I just love the amazing multi-step stamps that Maria creates.

If you love florals - KSS has so much for you!! I think my favorite set has to be the 3 Step Hydrangeas, I just love these flowers!! You can create so many pretty color combinations so easily!! My favorite is the greenish colored hydrangeas like the ones I had in my wedding.

Or how about tulips?! Spring is coming (I promise it is!) and I've seen the tulip bunches in the grocery store already! This little magnet is one I made for the VSN mini last month and it couldn't have been simpler with these beautiful tulips!

But KSS is not just flowers - there is something for everyone! There are butterflies, hearts, stars, squirrels, leaves, turkeys, bunnies, chicks, alphabets and so much more!!

Maria is provided a few door prizes for some lucky attendees and even a little surprise for the rest of you!! My project just might include a bit of KSS goodness! *wink*

Pop over to the Kitchen Sink Stamps Store and shop around!

Its quiet in here....

Hey there girls!

It is sorta quiet over here. I hope you're ready to be all chatty us up in New Hampshire.  I'm officially calling you out to come chat with us....

What are you most excited about?  Anything in particular you'd like to learn?  

Anyone?  Helo?  Echo echo? Anyone there?

A little warmup! Our Nametag Challenge!!

Who's ready to start stamping? 

At check in, each stamper will receive a clear plastic name tag and you'll be able to insert a piece of cardstock measuring 4 x 3 1/4 inches.   The challenge is to create a name badge for yourself that reflects your stamping style.  

I worked on my sample to give you an idea of what we're talking about.  I'm still looking for some embellies to add to mine, couldn't find anything that worked in my stash last night!  Besides, this gives me a little chance to surprise you all with my finished piece when we get there right?? 

If you'd rather get yours all assembled at home and you'd like to have me mail you one so you can have it all finished up at home, just send me a self addressed stamped envelope and I'll send yours right out!  

My address is:

Joanne Basile

30 Philomena Way

Franklin, MA 02038

Otherwise, you'll be able to finish your insert at home and bring along to Stamp New England to insert into your little acetate pouch!

Happy Stamping!

Welcoming Lauren Meader!!

I'm here to welcome another one of our amazing instructors for Stamp New England. Its Lauren Meader!

I know, she doesn't really need an introduction per say, because I'm quite sure you all read her fabulous blog "My Time, My Creations, My Stampendance" already! I'm so excited to meet Lauren in person and I hope that maybe just the teeniest bit of her creative brilliance rubs off on me!

There's hardly a stamp company that girl hasn't designed for - just take a look at this list! I know Lauren has seriously enabled many purchases from me, how about you?

My Timeless Templates © by Lauren Meader for Papertrey Ink* SCS Dirty Dozen-past* A Chemistry With Paper-past* All That Scraps-Senior Designer* Green Grass Stamps-past* Gina K -Stamps for a Cause guest designer* Lizzie Anne Designs* My Favorite Things-Senior Designer* Our Daily Bread Guest Designer-past* Papertrey Ink* Pink Cat Studio* Reporter for Craft Critque-past* Storage Ink & More Guest Designer* Team Member for Scor-Pal*Su Ink & More-Past* Unity Stamps-past* Smile Box Avaitor-past*

We're just thrilled that she'll be joining us for Stamp New England and I'm really looking forward to working with her project.  I just love the out of the box creations that Lauren comes out with. They are always so detailed, and unique!

Lauren has been hard at work designing her project for Stamp New England called "Get a Handle on It" © My Timeless Template © project.  You are going to be so excited because you will be using a NEW!  My Timeless Template © that is due for release in April for this class project!  Here's what Lauren has to say:

I honestly think it is my favorite template to date!! YOU all get to be the first to not only SEE it, but actually make one yourself!! Sorry, that is ALL I can give so far for details :D I promise its worth the wait.

Now for the FUN part!! A chocolate/candy swap!

We need SOMETHING yummy to put IN our special box, and believe me,  it can hold PLENTY, so please bring a piece of your favorite wrapped chocolate/ candy (BITE SIZE). Bring enough to swap, 36 pieces, that's enough for 1 for each person. In the end we will all have a completed template full of yummy chocolates/ candy from our friends!!!

Supplies to bring:

•  Chocolate/candy of choice
  
•  Your listening ears!!!
• Paper cutter with score blade, or Scor-Pal/Score tool
  
• Redline tape
  
• dimensionals
  
• scissors
  
• hobby blade
  
• ruler
  
• Crop a dile (or 1/8 hole punch)
  
• corner rounder (if you have one)
  

Thanks for dropping by today everyone!  I hope you're all getting as excited as we are!!

Sponsor Spotlight: My Favorite Things

We are just so fortunate to have so many fantastic manufacturers who have graciously agreed to provide door prizes for our event! Have you seen the list on the sidebar? You girls are going to be spoiled rotten!

Seeing that today is "Celebrate MFT Day" there's no better time to introduce My Favorite Things!  

Kim is providing a door prize for one of you lucky ladies, and a little surprise for the rest of you as well!! 

I'm just waiting on my paper order to arrive, and then I'll be making my samples for my workshop, featuring, My Favorite Things clear acrylic stamps!

I'm sure by now you've all seen the unmistakable "Who's That Girl" from My Favorite Things and now MFT has added several product lines lines including the ever adorable Flopsey, My Favorite Things Presents from Annie LaPointe and Stephanie Fizer and latest sassy line BC Dzyns. Which ones are YOUR favorite?  Personally, I love the variety of images, and think that MFT has some of the funniest sentiments you'll ever run across!  I mean really, did you just see the release of Twisted Too.  I laughed so hard that I cried.

Be sure to hop on by My Favorite Things and browse around! 

Joanne

Sponsor Spotlight: Emma's Paperie

What you have to look forward to??!! How about a little sampling of the goodies being donated by some fabulous companies!! We are so amazed and thankful for the generosity of these companies (look over on the sidebar at the amazing list!)!! Please do take some time to visit their websites/stores and support them when you can!!

Today I received the best box from my friend Cindy at Emma's Paperie! What is in the box?? Well, let me just say you all won't believe it!! We don't want to give away too much here but how about a peek??

If you've never visited Emma's Paperie, hang on to you hats!! She has an amazing amount of goodies there - and all the fun, new products that you can't wait to get your hands on!! Right now all the new products from CHA have started to arrive and I like to click "What's New" and browse through that way. I always love receiving my orders from Emma's - they come all wrapped in pretty tissue just like a present! :) They also have a blog where Cindy posts all the fabulous projects by the Design Team, posts specials and contests - I always find lots of inspiration there!

Are you excited yet?? We are - and we cannot wait to meet all of you! There's another instructor bio coming soon and also news of a contest so stay tuned!

Julie

Introducing Karen Motz and Announcing a Sketch Swap!!

Hi everyone!  We're already busy behind the scenes prepping classes and organizing the details of our upcoming stamping get away!!  To get everyone really excited about all that is planned, we wanted to begin to introduce you our instructors!  

Introducing Karen Motz - The Paper Playhouse

Up first is my friend, Karen Motz, did you know she's practically my neighbor? We met this summer thanks to an introduction from Emily - that's right, Stamping Bella herself!  Right away, we were fast friends - she'll be my room-mate at Stamp New England! 

 

Karen blogs just about daily on "The Paper Playhouse" and has been featured as one of Taylor's Van Bruggen's Cupcake Samplers for her weekly Sketch Challenge!  

Karen will be leading our Friday night make and take with her "Bella Bind-It Book."  This will be a fun and casual project, a great chance to meet all the other Stamp New England stampers and create an adorable sketch journal!  Here's just a peek of what she's got planned for us!

Here's a little bit about Karen in her own words....

"I started out as a scrapbooker, many years ago. Nothing serious, just dabbling in it with photos from occasions and events. Then, in May 2003, I attended a Stampin' Up! party and was completely amazed at the beautiful things we did with rubber stamps and ink. I was HOOKED right then and there. I had never stamped before in my life, but I was completely smitten with rubber stamping. Needless to say, I dove in head first, signed up as an SU demo and built a thriving business. In addition to that, I worked for a couple of years as a rubber stamping instructor at two local scrapbooking stores. Then a fabulous change in hubby's career had us moving from Ontario, Canada to Massachusetts, USA in June 2008, and I had to let go of my SU business.

 
Very shortly after we moved, I met a wonderful stamper, Joanne Basile (who's blog I'd been lurking on for quite some time) thanks to an introduction via email from Emily (Stamping Bella). We became fast friends and for that I'm very thankful. I knew I wanted to continue stamping and start a blog to keep me motivated. After all, I'd been lurking on so many wonderful blogs and Splitcoast, checking out the beautiful creations and gleaning sooooo much inspiration that I decided I wanted to share my creations too. So I started my blog on November 26, 2008. 

I can be found on most days, happily stamping away, using any and all products that catch my fancy, participating in challenges on both Splitcoast and blogs. I also love taking classes, both for the social aspect and because I learn a little something at every class I've attended."

Want to swap sketches? 

Since Karen's project is a sketch journal, why don't we start the festivities with a "Sketch Swap!!"  Please bring your favorite sketch to share with the group.  It can be your own original sketch, or a "go to" favorite.  If you've borrowed a sketch from somewhere, please just be sure to give credit as to where you discovered it!  If you'd like to swap sketches, please bring 36 of them to share.  They should be printed out no larger than 3x5  so that they can be added to 5x7 sized journal pages leaving a little room for notes.  Also, please be sure to print to regular copy paper versus cardstock or else the books will be too thick!! 

Be sure to hop by Karen's blog to see even more of her work, and get searching for YOUR favorite sketch to share with the group!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Joanne

So Exciting! SOLD OUT!!

How very exciting! The event is already SOLD OUT! We're simply thrilled at your amazing response to our first gathering of Stamp New England! We have thirty six confirmed reservations in the first week! Hooray!!!

Please continue to check back in on the blog over the next few weeks, we'll be showing sneek peeks of projects, having the presenters stop in with quick bios, organizing fun things like swaps, contests and posting lists of supplies you'll need to bring along.

We'll also be starting a wait list for anyone that is interested in coming but didn't get registered before we sold out.  If you'd like to be added to the waiting list, please email stampnewengland at gmail dot com to be added to the waiting list in the event of any cancellations.

New Update

As we mentioned yesterday, Double Rooms are sold out. We have confirmed that Single rooms are still available and may be shared if you wish, with the understanding that these rooms have 1 bed. We have added that payment option for $110.00.

Again, we are almost full so please register early so that you don't miss out!! Thank You!

Update on Rooms

We are so excited with your response to this event!! Although we have plenty of SINGLE ROOMS ($170.00) available, we are currently sold out of the Double Room ($130.00) option. We are working on alternative arrangements for those of you wishing to register for a double room so please watch for another update hopefully by tomorrow afternoon!

We appreciate your patience and are so excited to meet all of you attending!!