I was asked by fellow demonstrator friend, Barbara Lash, to take part in a fun and creative Blog Hop. It’s a great way for Stampin’ Up! demonstrators to share ideas and a little bit about the creative process as we design projects.
I can’t really take credit for the design of this project because Stampin’ Up! already did that for me. There is nothing wrong with using someone else’s design (that is supreme flattery), as long as you give them credit. My project today is the Perpetual Birthday Calendar Kit. This is a fun and creative way to display the birthdays of those important to you.
To complete the calendar, all you need is the Perpetual Birthday Calendar Stamp set, coordinating ink colors (Crisp Cantaloupe, Hello Honey, Lost Lagoon, Pumpkin Pie, Strawberry Slush and Real Red). I bet you already have some of these colors.
Each month has it’s own coordinating image. The kit includes the chipboard backing and clip to hang your calendar, die-cut banners, accents, alphabet stickers, baker’s twine, ribbon, sequin trim, sequins and glitter. You just need to add your own adhesive and glue.
A tip when assembling – be sure to use the right printed calendar page for each month because they are pre-numbered. Be sure February gets the 28!
Don’t think the Perpetual Birthday Stamp Set is only for the Calendar Kit – Make coordinating cards to go along with everyone’s birthdays. If you stock up on them, you can even mail the birthday cards out on time.
1. What are you working on?
My next event is a Memory Keeping Workshop on Feb. 19. I have just started working with the Project Life products and find them so easy to use. I have never been a scrapbooker because I know that each page takes up so much time. But, I like to take photos of my kids. This new Memory Keeping system is exactly what I need. I just print my photos, place them in the pockets and use the coordinating cards to either stand on their own (some of them are so nicely decorated) or use them to journal on. I don’t want to forget those funny sayings or memories that we had. If I want to add a little stamping or embellishments, I can – but I don’t have to.
My next event is a Perpetual Birthday Calendar Class on Feb. 22. Lucky for me, Stampin’ Up! has done all the prep work. All I need to do is provide a table, the stamp set and ink colors. This kit (and the other four kits) make for a great class or workshop because all you have to do is put things together and socialize. Gather your friends together and create your own party.
2. How does your work differ from others in your genre?
It’s interesting to see what different types of projects can be made with the same products. We all start with the same stamp sets, papers, punches, etc. – but we all come up with different ways of using them. How exciting is that! I tend to make more cards than anything else. My style is clean and crisp, although I try to vary it a little bit, since there are so many other styles out there and I want everyone to make cards with me.
3. Why do you create what you do?
I love making and sending cards. I came up with a little saying a few years ago “Send a card, receive a smile”.
4. How does your creativity process work?
As much as I like to come up with my own designs, time does not always allow for that. Pinterest has become a great resource for me. I search for the stamp set I want to use and add the key words “Stampin’ Up!”. You wouldn’t believe how many ideas pop up. A lot of times I will take a little bit from 2 or 3 designs and merge them into my own. There is nothing wrong with using other’s designs and layouts (that’s really why we put them on social media in the first place).
Monday, February 16, Demonstrator Roxie Nitti is scheduled to share a project idea and more about their creative process. Roxie is a fellow SUDSOL member. SUSDSOL stands for Simply Unique Demonstrators Sharing Online. You can find out information about SUDSOL at SUDSOL.org. I highly recommend joining this great bunch of demonstrators.
Would you like to be a part of this Blog Hop? All you have to do is post a project idea, answer those four questions and link a demonstrator to do the same thing. Contact me if you are interested and I will link your blog to mine (and answer any questions you have about doing so).
Thanks for hopping here.
