Monday Musings

Mort and I are resting my ankle for a bit. Yes it is getting better and I went half of the day without my boot! In case you missed my graceful-ness, I was walking downstairs and thought I was at the bottom BUT there was one more step! Not broken, badly sprained :( so I am moving a bit slower for a few more weeks)

Anyway, what I wanted to chat with you about today was my new "tiny" house living and how Stampin' Up! is going to be possible ... and exciting. The last time I was a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, I thought I needed (ok ok I wanted) every color inkpad, every shade of cardstock, lots and lots and lots of stamps and dies and punches. It was fun for sure.

I knew that wasn't possible here and so I thought I had to leave Stampin' Up! behind but as we settle in I realized I missed it but could do things a bit differently. I have a section of cabinet that will be my paper crafting space, not a full room haha. So I have to be a bit more selective. I have sold, donated and given away all my supplies too. As I decided to start fresh, I really studied the Stampin' Up! catalog. This October Special was just what I needed!

As I shared, I chose the $35 option and then went shopping as a demonstrator saving 20% and earning 10% rewards too. But what did I choose?

The Mini Stampin Cut Emboss Machine was my first pick. I love the way stamped images look when die cut and this is a perfect size for me. Yes I will need to be sure the dies and folders will work with this one but that is clearly marked in the catalog. I picked a couple of stamp sets that I will share when my order arrives.

I ordered Basic White Thick cardstock, a few of my favorite inks and some Stampin Seal and Dimensionals. I will add to this collection but it will be selective.

The BIG CHANGE in my Stampin' Up! life is focusing on Paper Pumpkin! I never really did in my past but this is a PERFECT answer for tiny living. Each one comes with a tiny ink sample Stampin' Spot and everything I need to create the projects each month. I have subscribed so each month a sweet lil gift will arrive in my mailbox and plan to complete a couple of the projects as designed AND THEN use the supplies to design my own cards, yes I will share with you too, and not have to have a huge storage closet with EVERYTHING. Hurry if you want to have this Paper Pumpkin this month along with me!

October 10th is just around the corner!

Yes Stampin' Up! has a sign on special

Which one will you choose? well let's talk about this.

First you may think "I have no desire to run a business" so this is not for me. True true but you sign up for discount programs all the time...at least I do. I am an Amazon Prime member and a Walmart + subscriber too. I love to save money on the things I am buying anyway. So you could take advantage of this great special and simply be your own customer! Yup many many many folks just like the quality products Stampin' Up! offers and love the 20% discount demonstrators get. Aaand you will also earn 10% of your order (over $20) in future rewards to cash in on free stuff.

Ok ok you think yup this might make sense but which one of these deals is right for me? Let me show you what I did. I left Stampin' Up! last year because life got in the way of. my crafty side. But this deal was too good to pass up. I choose the $35 deal and ordered $125 in products I love and got free shipping on this order.

And now I am a Stampin' Up! demonstrator again with my own shopping site HERE. I am now my own best customer and placed my first order! I saved 20% on this order and earned 10% Rewards to use on my next order.

Please ask if you think any of this sounds like something you might like to do too. cara@caramiller.com

Simple Cards are Back!

I mean it ... really simple but fun to make.

A little over a year ago, we started a massive lifestyle change. My craft room and closets were closed for good!

We made the decision to downsize and simplify our lives. We worked to put our home on the market and on my 70th birthday in March we moved into a "tiny" in law apartment at my daughter's home.

Home sweet home!

My contractor son has transformed this once studio apartment into a one bedroom with gorgeous decks and views. Everything has a home and we simplified for sure. We based a lot of the renovations on the style of a seasonal camper we love at Lake Champlain. As I realize we are now "settled" I have looked around and found my crafty side could find a spot here! I have been knitting small and large and I love it but I really miss my Stampin' Up! and sharing my simple cards both in Facebook live events and YouTube videos too.

The fantastic special Stampin' Up! is offering this month was the only push I needed. Yes, my Simple Cards are back. Stay tuned for details and welcome online classes in a few weeks. Thanks for joining me on this fun ride!