SHOEBOX SWAP...

If you are a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, it is likely that you've participated in a SHOEBOX SWAP at least once or perhaps many times. If you are not a demonstrator, and have never heard of a SHOEBOX SWAP, keep reading to learn about the fun of it all...

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At this swap, each demonstrator prepared one shoebox with all the supplies and tools needed to make identical cards of her own choosing. Here's a picture to show you what a completed SHOEBOX looked like...

We all took our SHOEBOX, a yummy treat to share, and our personal adhesive, scissors, etc., and met at a local church for an evening of stamping.  (I made two boxes of cards because one gal came at the last minute. My two cards are labeled with my watermark.)

ENJOY LOOKING AT THE CARDS WE ALL SWAPPED...

 

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If you live in or near the Vancouver, Washington area and would like to participate in our next SHOEBOX SWAP, let me know. Demonstrators and/or non-demonstrators will be invited to attend.

Linda Aarhus, Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, Vancouver, WA

 

SUMMER FUN...

My husband and I are running out the door to host a Primetimers Family BBQ at our church. Later this evening, I have a Shoebox Swap (more on that later) with demonstrator friends in our area. All that to say, I've been having lots of summer fun - and making lots of cards to photograph and post. Here's a quick one made with burlap and the Autumn Wooden Elements out of the new Holiday Catalog...

I used a piece of the burlap to tie around the card and make a bow...

Can't wait to post some of the cards from the

SHOEBOX SWAP!

Linda Aarhus, Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, Vancouver, WA

 

CIRCLE OF FRIENDSHIP...

The pretty paper, organza ribbon, and delicate pearls

will be appreciated by any friend...

...especially a creative friend...

O O O O O O O

SUPPLIES & ACCESSORIES: And Many More Stamp Set #134273-Wood / #134276-Clear, So Saffron Cardstock #105118, All Abloom Designer Series Paper Stack #133703, Jet Black StazOn Ink Pad #101406, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine #113439, Starburst Framelits Die #132967, Modern Label Punch #119849, Whisper White Organza Ribbon #114319, Pearl Basic Jewels #119247, Whisper White Medium Envelope #107301, Stampin' Dimensionals #104430.

 

CLICK HERE TO ORDER 24/7

 

Linda Aarhus, Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, Vancouver, WA

 

AUTUMN LEAVES...

It's time to begin thinking about Autumn...

Woodgrain embossing and brown twine

added to the rustic design of this card...

and watercoloring, tearing, and sponging

completed the Autumn theme...

SUPPLIES & ACCESSORIES: Lots of Thanks Stamp Set #129687-Wood / #129690-Clear, Lovely As a Tree #128655-Wood / #127793-Clear, Cardstock: Cajun Craze #119684, So Saffron #105118, Always Artichoke #105199, Baked Brown Sugar #131296, Whisper White #100730, Chocolate Chip Stampin' Pad #126979, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine #113439, Woodgrain Embossing Folder #127821, Stampin' Distress Tool #127562, Baked Brown Sugar Thick Baker's Twine #135639, Stampin' Dimensionals #104430. (I used the retired Stampin' Pastel Chalks for the leaves.)

 

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Linda Aarhus, Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, Vancouver, WA

 

LOTS OF THANKS...

Many of our Stampin' Up! stamp sets are designed to express THANKS in one way or another. There are nine stamps in this set, and hundreds of design possibilities.  Here's one...

SUPPLIES & ACCESSORIES: Lots of Thanks Stamp Set #129687-Wood / #129690-Clear, Thoughts & Prayers Stamp Set #128751-Wood / #113252-Clear, Lost Lagoon Cardstock #133679, Neutral Designer Series Paper Stack (Crumb Cake) #130132, Soft Suede Stampin' Pad #126978, 3/4" Circle Punch #119873, 1/2" Circle Punch #119869, Stamping Sponge #101610, Linen Thread #104199, Crumb Cake Medium Envelope #107297, Stampin' Dimensionals #104430.

LOTS OF THANKS STAMP SET

THOUGHTS & PRAYERS STAMP SET

LINEN THREAD

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Linda Aarhus, Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, Vancouver, WA

 

THINKING OF YOU...

My friend, Karen, is being faced with some life challenges, so I designed a handmade card in her favorite Stampin' color (Blushing Bride) and will send it to her via USPS...

She's only an occasional stamper, but always notices every pretty detail on my cards. Things like score lines, piercings and frayed twine above. I love so many things about her, and that's one that makes me smile...

I put this card in the mail on Thursday, and set this post to load on Friday. She'll receive it in the mail and see it online all on the same day! I don't know who will enjoy it more, the giver or the receiver!

THOUGHTS & PRAYERS STAMP SET

 

FRAMELITS OVAL COLLECTION

 

SUPPLIES & ACCESSORIES: Thoughts & Prayers Stamp Set #128751-Wood / #127805-Clear, Basic Black Cardstock #121045, Whisper White Cardstock #100730, All Abloom Designer Series Paper Stack #133703, Basic Black Stampin' Pad #126980, Simply Scored Scoring Tool #122334, Simply Scored Stylus #125624, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine #113439, Framelits Ovals Collection #129381, Paper-Piercing Tool #126189, Occasions Paper-Piercing Pack #129387, Stampin' Pierce Mat #126199, Crisp Cantaloupe Thick Baker's Twine #135636, Antique Brads #117273, Whisper White Medium Envelope #107301.

 

CLICK HERE AND SHOP 24/7

 

Linda Aarhus, Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, Vancouver, WA

 

A PERSONAL NOTE...

Twenty-one close friends and family from the church we all attend are leaving today for Madagascar, an island country in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Southeast Africa. Their final destination is the Madagascar Street Kids Center, part of the Nazarene Compassionate Ministries network of care points around the world.

Our church travel team will be helping to promote holistic development of children that live on the streets, by offering nutrition, education and lots of TLC. A variety of building projects are lined up, as well as other tasks to expand the blessings of this humanitarian gift of love.

Here's the team at Portland International Airport ready to board!

And this is my nephew John and his son, Hunter.

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Sending our loved ones halfway around the world with all the turmoil and tragedy that is reported on every news broadcast is not taken lightly. Our congregation has been praying weekly, daily, hourly and now, moment by moment.

MARK 16:15 "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."

PHILIPPIANS 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Years ago, my husband and I went on a similar journey to Guyana in South America. Jim led a group of men who built a church from the foundation up. The women and I took day trips out into the countryside holding fun and inspirational events for children. On the final Sunday morning, we had the first service in the brand new little church. It was packed with people, and hundreds were also outside hoping to get a glimpse of what was going on inside. As I reflect back to our Guyana experience, I can only imagine how incredible this trip will be for the Madagascar team... Life-changing!!

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Linda Aarhus, Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, Vancouver, WA

 

FILE FOLDERS...

Have you used the Envelope Punch Board yet? You can make lots more than envelopes with it. Take a look at this miniature file folder...

I love office supplies, so I really like this card...

Envelope Punch Board

And Many More Stamp Set

There are 23 stamps in this set, and so far I've made 8 cards with it. I still have 15 cards yet to make!!

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SUPPLIES & ACCESSORIES: And Many More Stamp Set #134273-Wood / #134276-Clear, Marina Mist Cardstock #119682, So Saffron Cardstock #105118, Whisper White Cardstock #100730, All Abloom Designer Series Paper Stack #133703, Basic Black Stampin' Pad #126980, Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine #113439, Chevron Embossing Folder #127749, Envelope Punch Board #133774, Spiral Border Punch #119872, Whisper White Medium Envelope #107301.

 

Linda Aarhus, Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, Vancouver, WA