October 2010 Newsletter - Halloween Treats

Halloween Treats

Just for fun, host a Halloween treats workshop! These projects are fast, fun, cute but just a tiny bit creepy.  Each guest will make a treat bag, 2 pencil toppers, and a pipe-cleaner spider which can be worn like a broach.  You'll also receive directions so you can make more of any of these projects at home.  

These little gifts are perfect for handing out at work, sending to school with your child, or even handing out on Halloween as an alternative to candy.  

Are you planning a Halloween party and you'd like to make these for party favors?  Invite your friends over and have a favor assembling pre-party party!  

Just one of my paper packs ($5) includes enough paper and card stock for 8 treat bags, 8 spider broaches, and 16 pencil toppers.  Additional materials include pipe cleaners, Halloween pencils, cello bags, ribbon, etc. - contact me for a complete list.  Buy two paper packs to make enough favors for 16 guests.  I have two different Halloween styles available.  

Schedule your free Halloween workshop before it's too late!  

Stamp 'n Watercolor Class

Wouldn't you like to take a little time out for yourself and try a new hobby?  Come to my class, relax with some friends, and enjoy watercoloring the easy way.  With stamps to make the design perfect every time, and Aqua Painters to take the mess out of watercolors, stamp 'n watercoloring becomes a very stress-free hobby.  

We will be making two Autumn-themed greeting cards, which can be used either for thank you cards or "thinking of you" cards,  and a Christmas-themed gift box.  We will be using Aqua Painters three ways:  to do detailed coloring, to give a casual painted effect, and to make a background.

Join me on October 23rd at 2:00pm for my class.  The fee is $20.00, which includes a set of two Aqua Painters and all the supplies to make the three projects.  Please sign up by October 14th so I can order your supplies in time. 

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Calendar

Oct. 14: Stamp 'n Watercolor sign up

Oct. 14 6:30: Bracelet Club meeting

Oct. 23 2:00: Stamp 'n Watercolor class

Oct. 24 2:00: Freestyle Stamping Club

Nov. 18: Brayer Class sign up

Nov. 18 6:30: Bracelet Club meeting

Nov. 27 2:00: Brayer Class

Nov. 28 2:00: Freestyle Stamping Club

Dec. 9: Snowflake Ornament sign-up

Dec. 16 6:30 Bracelet Club meeting

Dec. 18 2:00: Snowflake Ornament Class

Dec. 19 2:00: Freestyle Stamping Club

Freestyle Stamping Club

Come to my Freestyle Stamping Club to give yourself a little crafting time and stamp with friends.  I will provide ink, some stamp sets, basic tools, and I will have paper packs available for $5.00.  Or bring your own materials, any brand.  There is no fee, and everyone is invited!  Please RSVP.  

Simply Adorned Bracelet Club

Come make a personalized, totally unique charm bracelet featuring your photos, your colors, and your style.  Club meetings will continue and rotate until everyone has a chance to make all three charm designs.  Contact me for prices.  

October Class - Stamp 'n Watercolor

Try something new!  With a stamp and an Aqua Painter it's hard to go wrong.  Come make a hand-painted card and gift box.  Class fee is $20 and includes an Aqua Painter set.  Please sign up by Oct. 14th so I can order your supplies.  

November Class - Using the Brayer

I'll show you tips and techniques to take you from "what is a brayer?" to becoming a brayer goddess.  We will be making a card and also a photo background suitable as a gift.  Class fee is $17 and includes a brayer.  Please sign up by Nov. 18th so I can order your brayer in time.  

December Class - Snowflake Ornaments

Become the King of Bling!  We will be using the Big Shot to make snowflake ornaments, and I will show you several techniques to make them glitter.  Class fee is $12 and includes rhinestones and pearls.  Please sign up by Dec. 9th.

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Fabric!  

Stampin' Up! fabric is here!  For years we've asked for color coordinated fabric to match the inks, card stock, and designer papers from Stampin' Up.  Now we have two different fabric collections to choose from, and they're both beautiful.  

The Candy Cane Christmas fabric is bright and versatile.  The fabric patterns can be used for Christmas, or for cheerful cards or scrapbook pages for any season.  

Shown in the bottom left, the Deck the Halls fabric is elegant, a vintage style, and also can be used for any occasion.     

Our quality fabric can be used for traditional crafts such as sewing or quilting, but unlike at the fabric store, our fabric coordinates beautifully with our buttons and ribbon.  Plus, quilters love the amazing fabric-cutting Big Shot!

But fabric is also great for papercrafting.  I like to use it like a ribbon, as you can see in the pine cone card. I also use fabric like designer paper, as in the ornament card.  But fabric is most fun when used as fabric, like in the Christmas wreath and butterfly cards.  

Try using our new fabric for yourself!

Simply Adorned Bracelet Club

Are you thinking ahead to the holidays?  Are you going to need to come up with the perfect gift for your mother, sister, or mother-in-law?  I suggest the charm bracelet shown here - you can customize it with your recipient's favorite colors, photos of kids or grand kids, and of course a little bling.  

Join my Simply Adorned bracelet club, the meetings continue on the third Thursday of the month at 6:30pm.  Were you not able to make it to our first meeting?  No problem, club meetings will continue until everyone who wants a bracelet has a chance to make one.  This month we will be working with Itty Bitty stamps, punches, heat embossing, and tiny pearls and rhinestones.  

The club is free, but you will want to purchase the bracelet chain and one or two of the locket charms. (You can buy the next two charms in time for the next club meeting.)   As usual, if you order in time for your jewelry to arrive before the class, I will throw in a free filigree brad bangle.  Contact me for prices, or see my blog for more details.  

Charly Bratt

Independent Stampin' Up! demonstrator
(970) 206-9120
CharlysInkLink@gmail.com

October class preview!

I'm behind on my newsletter for this month, I'll get that up as soon as I can.  In the meantime, here's a preview of the October class - Stamp 'n Watercolors. 

Watercoloring is easy, especially when you have stamps.  Rubber stamps can make your project beautiful, no matter what you do!  Aqua Painters are so handy to use with the water for the paint brush stored in the barrel.  They're perfect for kids (no water cup to knock over!), and great for adults also. 

Come to my class on October 23rd at 2:00pm at my house and learn how to watercolor the easy way! 

Charly Bratt
Independent Stampin' Up! demonstrator
(970) 206-9120
CharlysInkLink@gmail.com
http://charlysinklink.blogspot.com/

PS - Thanks to Julee Tilman and MOJO159 for this card's layout.

September 2010 Newsletter - Simply Adorned Jewelry

Simply Adorned Workshop

Get compliments on your jewelry every day! With Simply Adorned jewelry, the necklace and bracelet (see next page) are attractive on their own. But with your hand made inserts, your creativity adds the beauty and the colors. You can have a new look for your jewelry every day to match the season or your outfit, without ever having to buy another necklace or bracelet! 

Even if you can't draw a stick figure, by using gorgeous Stampin' Up! stamps you can create the images you like most.

Let's get together and have a workshop! I'll show you how to make jewelry-worthy tiny pieces of art. You'll learn the Emboss Resist technique (used on all the samples here), which is so impressive and yet so easy. The workshop is free, and you and all your friends will go home with 6 inserts each for your necklaces. 

The only thing more fun than new jewelry is... friends, food, crafts AND new jewelry! Call me to book your workshop. 

Three "Scrap Cards"

For those of us who don't have the time to scrapbook, there is now something easier - scrap cards!  

Send one in the mail and make somebody's day, use one as a Christmas card design, and keep your favorite one on your desk.  All three of these designs are perfect to display. 

Come to my class on Sept. 25th and make one of each of the card designs shown here.  We will assemble and decorate these cards, you can add your own photos later.  You will also receive instructions so you can make more of these cards at home.  

Wow your long-distance family and friends by sending them the best greeting card they've ever received.  Class fee is only $9.00.  Please sign up by Sept. 16th.  Call or email me to reserve your spot.  

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Calendar

Calendar Update: All classes have been moved to the 4th Saturday of the month (except December), and the Freestyle Stamping Clubs are on the Sunday following the class.  

Sept. 16: Scrap Card class sign up

Sept. 25 2:00: Scrap Card class

Sept. No Freestyle Stamping Club in Sept.

Oct. 14: Stamp 'n Watercolor sign up

Oct. 23 2:00: Stamp 'n Watercolor class

Oct. 24 2:00: Freestyle Stamping Club

Nov. 18: Brayer Class sign up

Nov. 27 2:00: Brayer Class

Nov. 28 2:00: Freestyle Stamping Club

Dec. 9: Snowflake Ornament sign-up

Dec. 18 2:00: Snowflake Ornament Class

Dec. 19 2:00: Freestyle Stamping Club

Freestyle Stamping Club

Come to my Freestyle Stamping Club to give yourself a little crafting time and stamp with friends.  I will provide ink, some stamp sets, basic tools, and I will have paper packs available for $5.00.  Or bring your own materials, any brand.  There is no fee, and everyone is invited!  Please RSVP.  

September Class - Scrap Cards

Scrapbooks can be big, intimidating projects, but scrap cards (cards with photos and journaling) can be made in a snap!  Come learn to make 3 scrap card designs.  Class fee is $9.  Please sign up by Sept. 16th.  

October Class - Stamp 'n Watercolor

Try something new!  With a stamp and an Aqua Painter it's hard to go wrong.  Come make a hand-painted card and gift box.  Class fee is $20 and includes an Aqua Painter set.  Please sign up by Oct. 14th so I can order your supplies.  

November Class - Using the Brayer

I'll show you tips and techniques to take you from "what is a brayer?" to becoming a brayer goddess.  We will be making a card and also a photo background suitable as a gift.  Class fee is $17 and includes a brayer.  Please sign up by Nov. 18th so I can order your brayer in time.  

December Class - Snowflake Ornaments

Become the King of Bling!  We will be using the Big Shot to make snowflake ornaments, and I will show you several techniques to make them glitter.  Class fee is $12 and includes rhinestones.  Please sign up by Dec. 9th.

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Simply Adorned Bracelet Club

I love wearing personalized jewelry - with charms that hold pictures of my boys, colors that match my clothes, and images that match my style.  Charm bracelets are very fashionable right now, but many of them are out-of-this-world expensive!  Luckily, with Simply Adorned bracelets you can have the best of everything:  Personalized charms, and for an affordable price.  

To add even more fun, sign up for my Simply Adorned bracelet club!  We will meet 3 times, and each time I will show you another technique for decorating these tiny charms.  We will play with glitter, embossing, tiny punches, pearls and rhinestones.  I will even show you how to customize your favorite photos to fit.  

Bonus: When you pay for each bracelet installment on time, I will give you a free Filigree brad (the flower charms in the photo) to add to your bracelet as a bangle.  

Buy the entire bracelet for only $51.35 (total includes tax and shipping), or pay in three installments.  

Join the club and we'll meet on September 16th, October 14th, and November 18th at 6:30pm at my house.  Are those bad dates for you?  Start your own club, on your own schedule, with 3 or more of your friends! (4 person minimum.)  Call me or email me for more information.

Back To School Pencil Jar and Pencil Toppers

This great little pencil jar is quick to make and quicker to decorate.  Give one to your teacher, your favorite student, or change the style and keep one on your own desk.   

You'll need the Thick Window Sheets (114324) and Sticky Strip (104294) to make the jar, and Play Date Quick Accents (117172) to decorate with this Back to School theme.  Ask me for a full instruction sheet. 

These pencil toppers are also fun to make - switch out the colors and stamps to make them in a birthday theme, or a Halloween or Christmas theme.  

Other Supplies used: 

Real Red card stock, Play Date designer paper, metallic brads, Snail, Scallop Edge punch, Circle Scissors Plus, Paper snips, Paper Piercing tool, Mat Pack

For pencils: Real Red, So Saffron, Old Olive, and Tempting Turquoise card stock; Real Red, So Saffron, Crumb Cake, Basic Black ink; Scallop Circle punch, 1-3/8 Circle punch, Itty Bitty Shapes punch pack, and Every Little Bit stamp set.  

Charm Bracelet Club

Simply Adorned Charm Bracelets

Join my charm bracelet club!  At the end of the 3 meetings everyone will have a completed charm bracelet, complete with free Filigree Brad bangles!  You will also have learned 3 techniques for decorating your tiny bracelet charms.  All you need is to spend $21.01 or less each time.  (For a total of $51.35)

1 week before the first meeting everyone will pay $19.84 for the first shipment, which will include:

• $7.95 for the Simply Adorned Bracelet Chain
• $8.95 for the first Simply Adorned 5/8" Circle Charm
• $1.69 in shipping and $1.25 in tax

At the first meeting we will be using glitter and Crystal Effects to make some really pretty inserts.  I will also give everyone a free Filigree Brad bangle.  Everyone will leave with their bracelet chain, a Filigree Brad bangle, a 5/8" circle charm, and glitter inserts in their charm.  

Also at the first meeting, everyone will pay $21.01 for the second installment, to be delivered at the second meeting.  The second installment will include: 

• $8.95 for the first Simply Adorned 5/8" Square Charm
• $8.95 for the second Simply Adorned 5/8" Circle Charm
• $1.79 in shipping and $1.32 in tax

At the second meeting we will be using "Itty Bitty" punches, heat embossing, and jewel accents to decorate our two new charms.  I'll be talking about how to pack a lot of "wow" into a tiny space.  I will also give everyone their second Filigree Brad bangle.  

Also at the second meeting, everyone will pay $10.50 (or more) for the third installment, to be delivered at the third meeting.  The third installment will include: 

• $8.95 for the second Simply Adorned 5/8" Square Charm
• $0.89 in shipping and $0.66 in tax (or more)
• OPTIONAL - $3.95 each NEW Simply Adorned Baubles, available in 4 colors/styles.  See the Holiday Mini catalog p. 31 for photos.  

Between the second and third meeting, please collect digital photos of your favorite people where their faces show well.  You can email the photos to me (or send me a link to where I can find them), and I will have them ready to print out at the next meeting.  

At the third meeting I will show you how to use My Digital Studio to put all your favorite faces on one sheet of paper, and then cut them out to fit in your 5/8" square charm.  Everyone will also receive their third Filigree Brad bangle.  After the third meeting the bracelets will be completed!  

If you don't want to wait for 3 meetings to have a completed bracelet, you can pay the entire $51.35 a week before the first meeting and have your bracelet ready to wear from the very beginning.  

Charly Bratt  *  Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

CharlysInkLink@gmail.com  *  http://CharlysInkLink.blogspot.com

970-988-3129 (cell)   *  970-206-9120 (home)

What do you want?

I've been doing some reading and listening to audiobooks recently, to help me grow my business.  I learned something I may have already known but didn't want to think about: the importance of setting goals. 

I've been going along in my business this last year, just going with the flow, taking things as they came.  It's a non-stressful way to do business, but also a fairly non-productive way at the same time.  Sure my business has grown, but not by much.  I can't say that I am where I want to be today.  So...where do I want to be? 

I somewhat arbitrarily decided I wanted to win the free trip Stampin' Up! is offering - they're giving away trips to Walt Disney World, and they've even reserved Disney's Boardwalk Resort hotel for us.  Woo-hoo!  I want to go!  But how can I produce those big sales, recruits, and downline promotions?  I have no idea.  But I never tried before.  How will I know what I'm capable of if I don't try?  And what happens if I fail?  Um.... I'll have done better than I ever have before?  Is that really all that bad?

My friend Susan says to always aim high.  She says you often miss your goal by just a leeeeeetle bit.  But since doing so makes you so much more productive than you've ever been, even losing is a winning situation. 

So I'm determined to win that trip some day.  I'll work on it this year, and if necessary next year, and every year until I get it.  Then I'll take a look at my business, and pick a new goal. 

When I try to picture myself in my perfect business situation, I see myself with constant workshops and classes, I see myself running one or two clubs, and having a downline.  (I'm reading all this great inspiring material, now I want some stamping sisters to share it with!) 

So far I don't dream of having a downline in excess of 300 people.  I don't see myself on the Advisory Board, or in Founders Circle.  I am, after all, a stay-at-home-mom first and a Stampin' Up! demonstrator second.  But just wait.  I may just make that my goal next year. 

On another note, for those who don't like blog posts without pictures, here's Trotters the Pig.  He's my first attempt at designing punch art, and from the comments I've gotten, people like him.  I never thought I could design punch art before, and now I made myself a pig.  What if becoming a huge business success is just as easy as deciding to give it a shot?

Ingredients:

Cardstock: Pretty in Pink, Old Olive, Whisper White

Tempting Turquoise ink

Basic Black marker

2-step Owl Punch, handmade cloud template, stampin' sponge, paper snips

Charly Bratt

Independent Stampin' Up! demonstrator
(970) 206-9120
CharlysInkLink@gmail.com
http://charlysinklink.blogspot.com/

Man of Mystery

I had such fun making this little guy today!  I found the directions for the Man of Mystery on Ellen Kemper's blog, the streetlight I just pieced together with various circle punches.  I have no idea how people like Ellen can dream up these amazing creations!  Man of Mystery is made entirely with shapes from the Two-Step Owl Punch (item #118074, $16.95).  Give me a call to order yours today!  

Charly Bratt

Independent Stampin' Up! demonstrator

(970) 206-9120

CharlysInkLink@gmail.com

http://charlysinklink.blogspot.com/

August 2010 Newsletter - Flip Open Mini Scrapbooks

Flip-Open Mini Scrapbook

I love the idea of giving hand made, personalized gifts at Christmas.  But in November, the last thing I have time for is dreaming up and putting together a craft project.  Which is why I'm offering this class now!  

Come to my class on Aug. 14th and we'll make this fun and amazing scrapbook.  It folds up into a little package - perfect for gift giving or mailing - but it opens out into many pages, even including extra slide out pages. 

You will finish this entire scrapbook in class (except for the pictures), and you'll also receive step-by-step instructions so you can make another copy or two at home.  

Stampin' Up! offers several different Simply Scrappin' kits, so you can make more flip-open mini scrapbooks with different themes and designs. The kit we will be using for our class is called "One Great Year", and it's perfect for boys, school aged kids from 5 to 25, or for any collection of pictures which spans a whole year.  

Be sure to sign up by Aug. 5th!

Punch Workshops

Have you ever looked through the Stampin' Up! catalog and been baffled by those professional-looking projects?  Have you ever thought "I could never make that!"?  Actually, you can, you just need me to show you the tricks and techniques.  

Host a workshop in August and I'll show you tricks to using Stampin' Up! punches, and how to make many designs using the same punch.  Everyone will make and take home the two cards shown here.  

August is the best time to host a workshop, since Stampin' Up! is giving qualifying hostesses an extra $25 in free merchandise!  See the promotions flier for more information, then give me a call.

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Calendar

Aug. 5: Mini Scrapbook sign-up 

Aug. 14 2:00: Mini Scrapbook class

Aug. 15 2:00: Freestyle Stamping Club

Sept. 9: Scrap Card class sign up

Sept. 18 2:00: Scrap Card class

Sept. 19 2:00: Freestyle Stamping Club

Oct. 7: Stamp 'n Watercolor sign up

Oct. 16 2:00: Stamp 'n Watercolor class

Oct. 17 2:00: Freestyle Stamping Club

Nov. 4: Brayer Class sign up

Nov. 13 2:00: Brayer Class

Nov. 14 2:00: Freestyle Stamping Club

Freestyle Stamping Club

Come to my Freestyle Stamping Club to give yourself a little crafting time and stamp with friends.  I will provide ink, some stamp sets, basic tools, and I will have paper packs available for $5.00.  Any of my current customers are welcome to come - if you have purchased $15 or more from me from the Stampin' Up! catalog in the past 3 months, then you are one of my current customers.

August - Flip-Open Mini Scrapbook

This 5"x 6" flip-open mini scrapbook is a breeze to make with one of our Simply Scrappin' kits.  With 14 pages this unconventional scrapbook has a lot of room for pictures and journaling.  Class fee is $18.  Please sign up by Aug. 5th so I can order your kit.

September Class - Scrap Cards

Scrapbooks can be big, intimidating projects, but scrap cards (cards with photos and journaling) can be made in a snap!  Come learn to make 3 scrap card designs.  Class fee is $9.  Please sign up by Sept. 9th.  

October Class - Stamp 'n Watercolor

Try something new!  With a stamp and an Aqua Painter it's hard to go wrong.  Come make a hand-painted card and gift box.  Class fee is $20 and includes an Aqua Painter set.  Please sign up by Oct. 7th so I can order your supplies.  

November Class - Using the Brayer

I'll show you tips and techniques to take you from "what is a brayer" to becoming a brayer goddess.  We will be making a card and also a photo background suitable as a gift.  Class fee is $17 and includes a brayer.  Please sign up by Nov. 4th so I can order your brayer in time.  

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Extra! Extra! 

Stampin' Up! hostesses get an extra $25 in free merchandise!

From now until August 31, Stampin' Up! hostesses can earn an EXTRA $25 to use toward Stampin' Up! products of your choice when you host a workshop totaling $350 or more.

This extra benefit is included along with the standard hostess benefits you receive when you host a workshop. The standard hostess benefits include:

 *  A free 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalog worth $10.00

 *  Free stamp sets only available to hostesses 

 *  Free Stampin' Up! merchandise

Now when you host a workshop which totals $350, not only will you receive $40 in free Stampin' Up! merchandise of your choice, but you will also be given an EXTRA $25 for a total of $65 in free merchandise.  If your workshop totals more than that, your free merchandise totals will also increase.  See page 9 in the new Idea Book and Catalog, or ask me for more information.  But book your workshop soon, since your workshop must close by August 31st!  

New Color Give-Away

Have you seen the new Stampin' Up! colors?  They've refreshed their color collections, and I just love all the new additions!  From now until December 31st I'm offering this promotion:  For every $50 you spend on catalog purchases, I will give you one free Classic Stampin' Pad in your choice of the new colors.  

Can't wait?  Buy the Complete New Color Kit (shown here, $94.95), and get all the new Core colors at once.  I will then throw in 2 free Classic Stampin' Pads from the new In Colors OR $10 in free catalog merchandise, your choice.  

More new color sets are available - my favorite is the Stampin' Write Markers new color kit for $35.95.  Ask me for more information or see this link.  

Coupon Jackpot  Host a private class, such as my new Flip-Open Mini Scrapbook class.  Hosting gets you many freebies, plus $5.00 for every new customer who signs up for my mailing list.

Bring a Friend and Earn $5.00 Come to one of my classes, workshops, or Freestyle Stamping Clubs and bring a friend!  For every new friend you bring me who signs up for my mailing list, I will give you a coupon for $5.00 off your next catalog purchase. Want to hit the coupon jackpot?  Host a workshop or a private class and invite all your friends!  You'll earn a whole stack of coupons (good for your next purchase after your workshop), and your friends will see how much fun it is to stamp together.  Everyone needs a crafty girl's night out!   Next up: My Freestyle Stamping Club, Aug. 15th at 2:00, open to everyone.  No fee, no planned project, no purchase necessary.  Either bring your own supplies and work on your own project, or buy one of my Paper Packs for $5 and work on that with my stamps and supplies.  And bring a friend!