Taking Inventory, LITERALLY!!!

I don't know if you have ever worked at a store or business where every year, you had to take part in doing the inventory or had a company come in to do the inventory but it was a daunting task!

All of us employees dreaded inventory time!  It wasn't that it was that hard, it was just time consuming and boring!
But, it was something that needed doing.
With that said, have you ever thought of doing inventory of your stamping/scrap booking supplies?

We visited our insurance agent, the other day, and he strongly suggested doing an inventory of the entire house, room by room and preferably with photos.  He told me that on their insurance website, after you register, they have a place where you can list each item (room by room) and even add a photo of it.  Plus, they have a drop down menu where you can list other information about the item you listed, such as manufacturer, where you bought it and so forth.

Guess what?  I decided to take his advice and I started with my stamp room!  Oh my word, I was at least 3 hours at it and only scratched the surface.  It's not that I have millions of dollars in stamp supplies....but it takes time to list each item and the cost, where you purchased it, the manufacturer.....and some things I had purchased years ago....so I forgot what I paid for it so hence Google came into play and I looked these items up!

What if something were to happen.....and all of a sudden it was all gone?  I have known several friends/stampers that this has happened to and they had no idea what all they had.  The knew that they had a LOT but couldn't list it all when it came time to do it.  Since they had also lost all their photos, they could only go by memory and looking through catalogs of what they remembered purchasing.  They said that they wished they had taken the time to take an inventory and put the list in a safety deposit box or something.

If you even have 20 stamp sets at an average of $10 a set...that is $200.  But, how will you be able to 'prove' that you actually had 20 sets, 50 sets and who would believe (without proof) that some of us stampers have 100's of sets, collected over the years?

Now, that is just stamp sets.   How about that set of Copics?  I personally don't have a complete set of Copics....but I know many stampers that do.

What about your Cricut, Big Shot, all of your punches, Nestabilities ?

Well, I think if you really sat down and thought about it, you would have to agree that most of us have way more than $1,000 worth of stamping supplies.  If you don't believe me, get your pen and paper out and start listing everything that you have and the amount you paid for it.   It adds up fast!

Anyway, the whole gist of this post is to remind us that even though something may be boring and time consuming, we may end up jumping for joy that we took the time to do it properly.  And, if we never have to use that information....WHOOOHOOOO.....we'll at least we have a list of what we have.

Just something I thought I would share with you today!!  Go ahead and take the time to start your inventory.  You don't have to do it all in one day....set aside 1/2 hour a day over a span of weeks and inventory your entire house/apartment.  You'll be so happy you did!

Remember, Sale-A-Bration has started and this is a wonderful time to order your supplies and with every $50 you spend, you get to choose from 12 different items you can get for FREE!!

Have a workshop and earn lots of free goodies!!

Join Stampin' UP!

If you would like more information about ordering, hostessing or joining SU,  just contact me and I would be happy to talk with you.


Have a Fantastic Day!!!

Char

Lego Birthday card

Is this adorable or what?
Easy Peasy, too!!!

The top two squares are 1 3/4" x 1 1/2" each.  Then attach 1/2" punched circles on top with dimensionals.

The center strip is 3 3/4" x 1 1/2" long.  Same thing for the punched circles.

The bottom two are 1 3/4" x 1 1/2" square.

Such an easy, fun card to send to any child.


Shop online 24/7 at http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/charwilson/

Have a wonderful day!!!

Char

Valentine Purse and Tutorial

I made a few of these, yesterday, and thought I would share with you, today!

VALENTINE PURSE

I ran a 4x6 piece of Real Red card stock through my Big Shot using the Bigz Top Note Die.  I scored it at 1 ½”….having the point at the left edge of the Scoring board.  Then, I folded it on the score.

Then, I ran a 4x6 piece of Polka Dot Parade DSP through my Big Shot using the Bigz Top Note Die.

I cut the top off the DSP Top Note Die piece at about 1 1/2”.  I guess if you are good at judging it, you could just run it through and cut it at that measurement….but I’m not ;-)

I actually cut one off of each end.  Then, I cut around the perforated part so that it fit inside the Real Read Top Note Die.  I’ll use the left over pieces in another project.

Using my adhesive, I attached the Polka Dot Parade DSP to the Real Red top note card on the folded down piece but left the very top un-glued till I had added my ribbon, underneath.

Using the Modern Label punch, I punched out a piece of Whisper White card stock.  Then, I adhered that to the middle of the polka dot piece. 

I added several pieces of candy to a cello bag and taped it under the flap.

It makes an adorable ‘purse’ to give for any occasion!!

Or as someone mentioned to me, after they saw it, you could attach a gift card to the inside.

SUPPLIES

RealRed card stock  #102482

RealRed Stamp pad #126949

PolkaDot Parade DSP #126902

TopNote Bigz Die #113463

ModernLabel punch #119849

Adhesive

CelloBags #102757 

Big Shot Die Cutting machine #113439

Sale-A-Bration just began, so if you would like to make these purses, you can purchase your supplies here and for every $50 you spend, you get to choose a Sale-A-Bration item for FREE!!!

Have a great day!!!

Char

Happy Birthday

This was a fun card!!!  Using the Birthday Basics Designer series paper, we used the Chevron Border punch and punched out the chevrons up one side of the card. Then, saving the punched out pieces, we glued them underneath each punched out section so it looks like you spent a lot of time folding it down.

Then, we placed a circle of the Birthday Basics Designer series paper underneath the verse and glued short pieces of 3/8" stitched satin ribbon underneath the verse.

You can use any verse or sentiment for this card!

Remember you can shop my online store 24/7.  Just go to http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/charwilson/

Sale-A-Bration goes from Jan 28th through March 31st.  For every $50 you spend (before tax and shipping), you can choose one free item from the Sale-A-Bration catalog.  

Customers who have placed a minimum $25 order though me, online or otherwise, will receive a free sale catalog from me.

If somehow I have missed you, please contact me at Pawsnstamp@centurylink.net and I will get one right out.

Have a fantastic day!!!

Char

Tuesday Deals and Card Share

Stampin’ Up Weekly Deals

January 21 – January 27

Wow...two in one day but didn't want you to miss out on the Weekly deals!

Stampin' Up Weekly Deals January 28 - February 3   Here are the Weekly Deals for this week.  Love these deals - great time to get those things you haven't purchased yet.....AND you can now combine that with Sale-A-Bration for even better deals!!  YES!!!! Stampin’ Up Weekly Deals January 28 – February 3                           Click here to place your order online 24/7 Don't forget Sale-A-Bration starts TODAY.  Contact me today to schedule a workshop - earn extra Hostess Dollars Or....start your OWN business today - receive $150 in products of YOUR choice for just $99 with your kit! Call/Text/Email me 541-420-5803 Pawsnstamp@centurylink.net

And, as promised, here is my card share for today!! I'll be doing a tutorial on this in the next day or so. Have a GREAT day!!!! Char

Sale-A-Bration begins and Stamp of the Month announcement

Sale-A-Bration (SAB) officially starts TODAY and you can order from the catalog until March 31, 2014.

Click HERE for the pdf of the catalog and check it out.

  

Then you can go to my website HERE if you would like to place an order.

Basically, for every $50 you spend (before tax and shipping), you get to pick out one free item from the SAB catalog!!  And, there are some GOOD items to choose from.

ANNOUNCEMENT

I am beginning a Stamp of the Month card kit club beginning in February.

Wonder what the Stamp of the Month Kit is? If you have ever purchased stamp and accessories and then didn’t know what to do with them when you got them, I have the solution. You purchase the kit (at a discount), and I will send you the kit and three projects to do up immediately. The kit includes the stamp set and whatever else I choose in making the card kits. I don’t include adhesives, ink or stamped images, so you can substitute the inks and adhesive of your choice. 

These projects are fun and easy to do. I will send you a pdf file by email with the instructions and pictures for each project and the actual product to make three projects will be included in your kit! 

And....since Sale-A-Bration starts tomorow (Tuesday, January 28th), not only will you receive everything mentioned above, but ALSO a FREE item from the SAB catalog!!!! Love free stuff? This is the time to get it! With every $50 purchase you make, you will receive one of the FREE items from the SAB catalog? Don't have the catalog yet? Let me know and It's on it's way to you, but to actually see the pdf of the catalog right now, click here.

The actual free items begin on page 12, but be sure and look over the entire catalog - some great tips on bundles to purchase to get your free items)

For February I'm going with

Peachy Keen Stamp Set

On-Film Framelits Dies

  

Retro Fresh This and That Designer Washi Tape

                                    Retro Fresh Designer Journaling Tags

                                         Mini Metallic Clothespins

If you were to purchase these products separately, you would pay $58.75 plus $5.88 shipping for a total of $64.63.

I am offering it to you for $45 this month plus $5.70 shipping.
That is a savings of over $14.  PLUS  you will receive three projects and instructions on how to do them AND, you can choose one item from the Sale-A-Bration Catalog.

All this for $45 plus shipping.

Options:

1.  If you prefer wood mount, add $4.00

2.  If you already have this stamp set and/or punch, you can choose product of equal value $14.95 or if you already have the framelits $29.95 or combined value of $38.25  The projects you receive will be for this set.

3.  Join for six months and I provide free shipping.  Otherwise shipping is priority mail for $5.70.

4.  For payment, I take credit cards, paypal (I will send you an invoice), or a personal check by mail.  Tell me how you would like to pay when you contact me and we can work out arrangements.  You can also call me with your CC number, if you prefer (541-420-5803)

Contact me at Pawsnstamp@centurylink.net for any Stampin' UP questions and/or to join my Stamp of the Month Club.

Here is a sample card that we will be making this time.

Got a visit from UPS and a card share

I got a box from UPS on Tuesday.  I didn't take a photo because some of the items in there were from Sale-A-Bration.  We get to have a preview and purchase some of the items before the actual sale but can't show them till it begins!  Although I could make some items and show them....it isn't happening just yet.

All I can say is WHOOHOOOO!!!!   If you plan on ordering from S.U. wait for Sale-A-Bration, which starts January 28th, as you get something free for every $50 you spend.     I can't wait to share some of the items I got for free!!

Here is a card we made at a stamp class I went to this month.

Pretty easy and only uses four colors of card stock, black, silver, white and red. The embossing folder was the script folder.

I have another to share tomorrow!!  Stay tuned ;-)

Stamp room finished and NOW

It's time to start on the garage where all the 'excess' stamping supplies/stamps and my old desk went when I reorganized my stamp room.  It is also where other "stuff" is stored because there is no room in the house or we don't want it in the house or we just weren't ready to 'let go'.  It's TIME!!

 This is the back wall of our garage and those Iris drawers are full of  stamps that aren't S.U. but I probably will not get rid of.  The Rubber maid drawers on the bottom are empty but I am sure I'll fill them with something before this process is over.  They used to hold decorative paper....but I am going to sell most of it.

The white counter and shelves above it have excess things that I used in my stamping.  I'll be going through all of that, too.   The cupboards, below, store things that I will use in my future classes.  My intentions are to get the counter top cleared off.

See over in the background?  There is a red Ranchero?  Well, this car was David's dad's and he gave it to him years and years ago.   He drove it for a lot of years and when we moved here, he decided to fix it up.  His dream has always been to fix it up, paint it and get it back on the road.  So, he began the project but then we sort of got side tracked for a few years.  Now,  he just doesn't have 'room' to work on it.   Hence the need to get the garage back in ship shape and organized so that there IS room.

Why do we 'hang onto' things that we 'plan on using' some day but then never do use it and eventually someone else has to come in and go through everything and get rid of it?

My goal is to have the garage back to being a garage so that we can work out there and who knows...maybe even park a car in it?  Wow...now there's a concept!!

That blue and white desk is one of those things I can't bear to get rid of.  My older Sister got it when she was 12 years old.  She is not 72.  It was a maple color when she got it that year for Christmas.  She ended up giving it to me when she moved out of the house.  I have kept it all these years and even painted it blue and white to match our older Son's room.  He used it for years, until he moved out.  Then, it was in our guest room out on the farm.  That room was huge so there was plenty of room for it.

Well, wish me luck as I tackle this next job!  It's so cold out there in the winter months but I need to complete the job before May so I will have to go out there and work little by little.

Tomorrow, I will share a card I made at a stamp class.  Valentine's Day is fast approaching!!

Hugs,
Char

It's finished!!!

 This is what this corner of my stamp room looked like before painting.  I had removed everything in the room and closet except for the shelves.

The book case that is in the closet used to sit in front of the window, before.  I had a dresser in the closet and stored things in the drawers and had a bank of Iris carts on either side of the dresser.  It was just way too crowded.  And, I had those Iris carts FILLED....but didn't use most of the stuff in them.

Now, I just have the book case which houses my SU clear sets and Big Shot items.

The Iris cart to the right, may or may not stay depending on whether or not I actually USE the items stored inside.

This view is looking straight on at the east side of my stamp room.  I have Bygel Rails to hold my SU punches. The Iris carts below store my most used items.  Next to that is a roll around cart the holds my Big Shot and then below that are my shipping supplies.

A closer look at the Bygel Rails.  I love this way of storing my punches.
The little hanging rack with jars inside are used for embellishments.  I am not sure what I am going to do with the hanging buckets...but they are PURPLE...what's not to like :-)

The clock, I made myself when I was with another stamping company.  I need to update it using current stamps.

 Here is a side view of my stamping desk and vinyl shelves above.

I really don't like having my printer on my office desk but there was no where else to put it as the roll around cart that USED to hold it wouldn't fit in that space anymore.

A closer look at my desk area.  I have a stamp pad/re-inker organizer that my husband bought me for my birthday.  He got it at Organizemore.com.  I love it!!!!
Next to that, to the left, is a cute little divided tray that I sat on end...to house my bottles of Stampin Up Dazzling Details.



I have two turn around holders that hold my most used stamping essentials like scissors, cutting tools etc.
To the far right against the wall is a little spice holder unit that I have all my glues, spritzers and stamp pad misters etc.

Above the desk on the lower vinyl shelves are three drawer organizers that house things that I use most often on my cards, including adhesives, different embellishments, acrylic mounts and other things.
On the top shelf are items I use but maybe not quite as often.
You see the little roll around file cart on the left under the table?  That's to store the In Color card stock.  You will see why, soon.

 This is a paper organizer that I got online years ago when some place was going out of business....I think it might have cost $19 back then.  After I received it, I hurried to buy another one...but they were all sold out completely :-(  Oh well.  It's made from metal and corrugated cardboard.  It's held up pretty well all these years.

I added labels to each cubby....with the name of my SU 8 1/2 x 11 card stock.  Like I mentioned before, there wasn't room for the IN colors in this unit so I had to have them in the roll around file cart.

I had to add something to make it a little more above the unit to make it more enjoyable to look at.  The picture above is one I bought years ago.....but never have put it in a frame.  I still need to do that.

The calendar on the top of the unit was one that was made for me a couple of years ago by a friend.  I still keep it even though it's out of date and I haven't had time to 'update it'.

 This is my computer desk area.  Right now there isn't a lot above my desk and that's OK.  As I go along, I'll decide what to store up above.

 Here is a view of my desk area and my 12 x 12 vinyl paper holder that a friend of my Sister's gave to me when visiting AZ, this past November.  I was ecstatic to get it....and now have a really cool place to store my designer papers. THANKS RODDI!!!

A closer view so you can see the Vinyl racks even better.

The one to the left, we paid $10 for from a customer that we were moving from one state to another.  She just didn't want it....and I was so happy to take it off her hands.  That was when we were owner operators of our own semi and were leasing to North American Van Lines.

Anyway, that was in the late 80's and it's been in several homes since then and always came in extremely handy, usually for storing cleaning products in the garage or whatever.  I finally got to use in my stamp room when we moved here 7 years ago.  I keep extra supplies here as it's usually hidden by the door when it's open.

The wooden box to the far right was acquired at a garage sale, I am sure.  I used to lay it on it's side and it would hold different things but there was no where to lay it, so I just stood it on end and it houses my SU catalogs and spiral notebooks etc.

Well, that's the tour of my  newly redone stamp room!!  I am going to be so excited when I have finished some other projects and can actually sit down and STAMP again!!!

Right now, I am just enjoying the sky blue look of my room....and it makes me so happy to be in here!  I am still contemplating whether or not to add 'clouds' to the ceiling!!

Have a fantastic weekend!!!

Hugs,
Char

Another room share and Tuesday Deals

Well, the room is coming along.  We finished the painting and are now waiting for David to lay down the Pergo flooring, which he is starting to do, today.  Since he fell a little behind with that project, it may be a few more days before he can finish it.
Someone asked to see the new light fixture.  Well, it's not fancy but boy does it put out the light.

Here is our original one (well, this is in our bedroom but it's the exact same one as was in the stamp room, only the stamp room one only had one light bulb).  Sorry it turned out blurry.

 This is the new one.  A lot more streamlined and boring but it puts out the light and the salesperson said it should last up to 30 years as there is no bulb involved....it's LED.

Today is Tuesday, which means that Stampin' UP has their weekly Tuesday deals!

Here are the specials for this Tuesday.

BLUSHING BRIDE CLASSIC STAMPIN' PAD Price: $5.95 $4.46 EPIC DAY THIS AND THAT DESIGNER WASHI TAPE Price: $4.95 $3.71 EXTRA-LARGE OVAL PUNCH Price: $16.95 $12.71 REASONS I HEART YOU SWATCHBOOK TEMPLATE - DIGITAL DOWNLOAD Price: $12.95 $7.77 SCALLOP TRIM BORDER PUNCH Price: $15.95 $11.96 SHAKER FRAMES Price: $4.95 $3.71 STAMPIN' WRITE MARKER NEW COLOR KIT Price: $28.95 $21.71 VINTAGE FACETED DESIGNER BUTTONS Price: $5.95 $4.46

Just click here to be taken to my Stampin Up website where you can view these specials and place an order.

Today is foggy once again, but it looks as if the fog is trying to lift!!  My friend and I postponed our walk till 1:00 pm so that it wouldn't be quite so cold out.  I'll be glad when we can resume walking at 10:00 am.

Hope you have a fantastic day!!!

Hugs,
Char