“Kindness has a ripple effect.” The ripple may be bigger than we think. This has actually been studied. You can read about it here. This study gives me hope. It cheers me up immensely. It actually gives me motivation to be better about sending out my cards. I have been a demonstrator for 15 years (it will be 16 in May) and I decided to identify myself as Inkheaven way back then because I wanted my cards to be a source of encouragement to others. Like anyone, I have had to stop and refocus on that purpose over and over again. Sometimes my own life has just gotten in the way and distracted me from my purpose. Sometimes discouragement overwhelms the encourager! A little while back I came across a seminar that I had put together in those days called, “Get Caught in the Acts of Encouragement.” I was amazed that I was the one who put it together. I was also a little saddened that my vision had gotten lost in the fray. This card is made with a set called, “Blooming With Kindness.” I think it is aptly named. “Blooming With Kindness” sounds a lot like a ripple effect. It is a beautiful set. One simple flower and wonderful sentiments with lovely fonts. This was a card that we made in my card making class last Saturday. The gals that came turned the class into an early surprise birthday party for me. They brought treats and gifts. It did wonders for my spirit! Jess gave me this adorable teddy bear with the umbrella…it seemed appropriate that I would share it with this card. It.Just.Fits.

Supplies used on this card are listed below. Remember to click my order online button (above right) to be taken to my demonstrator business website and click the shop now button to purchase any of the following items!

	BLOOMING WITH KINDNESS CLEAR-MOUNT STAMP SET Item: 126422
	ISLAND INDIGO 8-1/2 X 11 CARD STOCK Item: 122923
	POOL PARTY CLASSIC STAMPIN’ PAD Item: 126982
	ISLAND INDIGO CLASSIC STAMPIN’ PAD Item: 126986
	ISLAND INDIGO 3/8 INCH RUFFLED RIBBON Item: 122974
	HONEYCOMB TEXTURED IMPRESSIONS EMBOSSING FOLDER Item: 129378
	BIG SHOT DIE-CUT MACHINE Item: 113439
	BEAUTIFUL WINGS STAMPIN’ UP! EMBOSSLITS DIE Item: 118138
	2-1/2 INCH CIRCLE PUNCH Item: 120906
	BASIC RHINESTONES JEWEL ACCENTS Item: 119246
	WHISPER WHITE 8-1/2X11 CARD STOCK Item: 100730
	STAMPIN’ DIMENSIONALS Item: 104430
	SNAIL ADHESIVE Item: 104332
	MINI GLUE DOTS Item: 103683

Isn’t this totally adorable? Something that not everyone knows about me…I am a sheep collector. One of my favorite Bible passages is Psalm 23. Because collections can get out of control (I am sure I am preaching to the choir here – if you are a papercrafter – you are very familiar with this problem!) I try to keep my sheep limited to those of a unique nature or from a special trip, etc. This little guy is extra special…he is an Easter gift from a customer turned friend (I love all the friends I have made through stamping!) Kay made the beautiful little basket and had him all nestled in it. I took him out for this shot so you could get a good look at him before I find him a home in my displays. Here is a shot with him all nestled in the basket:

I guess you could say that this basket is better than a #sleepnumber bed!

I have a hint board on Pinterest…just for Stampin’ Up! I have no idea if they even are aware of its existence; but it is fun for me! I saw these rug designs sometime back and said to myself, “These would make awesome embossing folder designs.” So I pinned to Pinterest and hash tagged Stampin’ Up! Later on as I was checking in on the Stampn’ Up! website; lo and behold, much to my delight and surprise, there were some cards posted there from the So Shelli blog that had been shared at the Baltimore Regional. It was a magical moment. DREAMS.DO.COME.TRUE! Then a few days later, my Stampin’ Success Magazine (a publication for demonstrators) came in the mail and those same cards were featured along with more information! Embossing folder, punch, stamp set…I just love coordinated stuff!!! Then…as if that were not enough…I discovered that I missed (that’s right, I missed a blatant hint of the new product on the packaging of a new product! Are you confused, yet? I was looking at My Paper Pumpkin Try It Kit again and noticed the outside of the box…the new Quatrefoil design was there…the whole time! I am going to have to train my Stampin’ Up! sniffer to pay more attention! So…what is Quatrefoil?

Here is a definition according to Wikipedia:

In art, architecture and traditional Christian symbolism, the quatrefoil is a type of decorative framework consisting of a symmetrical shape which forms the overall outline of four partially overlapping circles of the same diameter. The word quatrefoil means “four leaves”, from Latin quattuor, four, plus folium, a leaf.^[1]) and applies to general four-lobed shapes in various contexts.

The quatrefoil enjoyed its peak popularity during the Gothic and Renaissance eras. It is most commonly found as tracery, mainly in Gothic architecture, where a quatrefoil can often be seen at the top of a Gothic arch, sometimes filled with stained glass.

So, enough of my chattering on…here are the samples that were posted from the regional to get you started dreaming about your Quatrefoil creations!

“Bicycles and flowers are a wonderful combination.”

I happen to be a rails-to-trails bicycling enthusiast. We have several lovely trails in our neck of the woods with some very creative people whose yards border the trails. One of these creative people has placed an older bike with a basket full of flowers in her yard along the trail. This place happens to be at the top of a steep grade on the trail. I stop at the top (going up and coming down) to enjoy her display every time I go by. After reaching the top…it helps me catch my breath…and before going down…it gives me a few minutes to anticipate the speedy and pedal-less ride down! The proceeds from the sales of this lovely set support the Ronald McDonald House Charities (which is near and dear to my heart!) You really can’t tell from the picture…but this ribbon was made to be touched! The middle has a soft velvety feel and adds wonderful interest to this very simple card!

Supplies used on this card are listed below. Remember to click my order online button (above right) to be taken to my demonstrator business website and click the shop now button to purchase any of the following items!

	MOVING FORWARD CLEAR-MOUNT STAMP SET Item: 126322
	WHISPER WHITE 8-1/2X11 CARD STOCK Item: 100730
	2012-2014 IN COLOR PAPER STACK Item: 126910
	MIDNIGHT MUSE CLASSIC STAMPIN’ PAD Item: 126860
	MELON MAMBO 3/8″ STRIPED ORGANDY RIBBON Item: 129293
	MELON MAMBO CLASSIC STAMPIN’ PAD Item: 126948
	BIG SHOT DIE-CUT MACHINE Item: 113439
	NEEDLEPOINT BORDER TEXTURED IMPRESSIONS EMBOSSING FOLDERS Item: 129383
	2-1/2 INCH CIRCLE PUNCH Item: 120906
	BASIC RHINESTONES JEWEL ACCENTS Item: 119246
	SNAIL ADHESIVE Item: 104332
	STAMPIN’ DIMENSIONALS Item: 104430

“Good things come in small packages!”

In our super-sized, over-sized, king-sized, world, small really doesn’t get the credit it deserves. We are told to, “Go big or go home.” Small courtesies often get over-looked in our fast-paced lives. There used to be an era when the importance of these small courtesies was not overlooked. Thank you notes fit into this category. I confess, I am guilty of overlooking this from time-to-time. I think we need to bring it back! Thank you notes show our appreciation and gratitude for people and their efforts. Our world is filled with people whose efforts go unnoticed. Who could you give a simple card like this to and bring a smile to their face fueled by the warm, happy, glow that someone noticed? We have hair stylists, delivery people, wait staff, neighbors, day care providers, teachers, etc. The list goes on and on! This card is 3″x 3″ and is quick to make. Make up a bunch of them and start handing them out to those who make your life a little easier. The envelope was made from Designer Series Paper from Sale-A-Bration; but we have plenty of gorgeous Designer Series Papers to choose from! The catalog lists the colors in our Designer Series Papers so it is a cinch to color coordinate to any Designer Series Paper you love! Pick something bright and cheerful!

Some of the supplies used on this card are listed below. Remember to click my order online button (above right) to be taken to my demonstrator business website and click the shop now button to purchase any of the following items!

	OH, HELLO CLEAR-MOUNT STAMP SET Item: 130733
	SIMPLY SCORED Item: 122334
	SIMPLY SCORED DIAGONAL PLATE Item: 125586
	LARGE PEARL BASIC JEWELS Item: 125577
	NEEDLEPOINT BORDER TEXTURED IMPRESSIONS EMBOSSING FOLDERS Item: 129383
	SNAIL ADHESIVE Item: 104332
	POOL PARTY 8-1/2 X 11 CARD STOCK Item: 122924
	SUMMER STARFRUIT CLASSIC STAMPIN’ PAD Item: 126991
	ISLAND INDIGO CLASSIC STAMPIN’ PAD Item: 126986
	POOL PARTY CLASSIC STAMPIN’ PAD Item: 126982
	POOL PARTY BAKER’S TWINE Item: 125574
	BIG SHOT DIE-CUT MACHINE Item: 113439

• All order types qualify for this promotion (customer, demonstrator, workshop, or online).
• Hostesses may use their additional hostess dollars on any current catalog  merchandise.
• Orders larger than the qualifying amount are not eligible for additional hostess dollars.

“Sometimes there are no words.”

Sometimes life just throws curve balls that there really are no words for. Sure, one could feel compelled to slap a, “Thinking of You” on the front of a card…but I find that if I really am overwhelmed by someone else’s burden that I don’t want to just say that I am thinking of them. I like the front of the card to be a blank slate so that when they open up the card…the only message they receive is my handwritten note where I acknowledge that there are no words and that I am willing to just sit beside them in silence…to just, well, be there.

Supplies used on this card are listed below. Remember to click my order online button (above right) to be taken to my demonstrator business website and click the shop now button to purchase any of the following items!

	2012-2014 IN COLOR STAMPIN’ WRITE MARKERS Item: 126856			$14.95	REMOVE	$14.95
	MINI GLUE DOTS Item: 103683			$4.95	REMOVE	$4.95
	SNAIL ADHESIVE Item: 104332			$6.95	REMOVE	$6.95
	BIG SHOT DIE-CUT MACHINE Item: 113439			$99.95	REMOVE	$99.95
	5/8″ FLOWER TRIM Item: 126869			$6.95	REMOVE	$6.95
	OH, HELLO BUNDLE CLEAR Item: 131101			$38.95	REMOVE	$38.95
	PRINT POETRY DESIGNER SERIES PAPER STACK Item: 129312			$6.95	REMOVE	$6.95
	5/8 INCH CROCHET TRIM VICTORIA Item: 118481			$6.95	REMOVE	$6.95
	STAMPIN’ DIMENSIONALS Item: 104430			$3.95	REMOVE	$3.95
	MIDNIGHT MUSE CLASSIC STAMPIN’ PAD Item: 126860			$5.95	REMOVE	$5.95
	SPONGE DAUBERS Item: 102892			$10.95	REMOVE	$10.95
	LARGE SCALLOP EDGELITS DIE Item: 127019			$7.95	REMOVE	$7.95
	DELICATE DESIGNS TEXTURED IMPRESSIONS EMBOSSING FOLDERS Item: 127023			$8.95	REMOVE	$8.95
	GUMBALL GREEN 8-1/2″ X 11″ CARD STOCK Item: 126840			$6.95	REMOVE	$6.95
	VERY VANILLA 8-1/2X11 CARD STOCK Item: 101650			$8.50	REMOVE

“There is a quilted warmth enveloped in Oh, Hello!”

I love friendly people! Friend or stranger…if they smile and say hello it is just like being wrapped in a warm quilt on chilly day! I love the neutral tones with the pop of color. The texture from the embossing folder over the top of the card really adds depth and interest to the design. This is a quick and easy card to make. It’s the perfect way to warm up someone’s day!

Supplies used on this card are listed below. Remember to click my order online button (above right) to be taken to my demonstrator business website and click the shop now button to purchase any of the following items!

	2012-2014 IN COLOR STAMPIN’ WRITE MARKERS Item: 126856
	MINI GLUE DOTS Item: 103683
	SNAIL ADHESIVE Item: 104332
	BIG SHOT DIE-CUT MACHINE Item: 113439
	CHERRY COBBLER STAMPIN WRITE MARKER Item: 119681
	7/16″ NATURAL TRIM RIBBON Item: 129287
	CHEVRON TEXTURED IMPRESSIONS EMBOSSING FOLDER Item: 127749
	EARLY ESPRESSO 8-1/2X11 CARD STOCK Item: 119686
	VERY VANILLA 8-1/2X11 CARD STOCK Item: 101650
	SOFT SUEDE CLASSIC STAMPIN’ PAD Item: 126978
	EARLY ESPRESSO CLASSIC STAMPIN’ PAD Item: 126974
	OH, HELLO CLEAR-MOUNT STAMP SET Item: 130733

“Chevrons are the new stamping insignia!”

No rank is required to use the chevron insignia in your stamping! From beginner to seasoned stamper the Chevron is your decorative friend! The Chevron is a perfect accent or background to make your cards or scrapbook pages pop! The Oh Hello set provides you with both! Chevrons are hot! hot! hot!

Supplies used on this card are listed below. Remember to click my order online button (above right) to be taken to my demonstrator business website and click the shop now button to purchase any of the following items!

	OH, HELLO BUNDLE CLEAR Item: 131101
	ELEGANT EGGPLANT 8-1/2X11 CARD STOCK Item: 105126
	ELEGANT EGGPLANT CLASSIC STAMPIN’ PAD Item: 126969
	SUMMER STARFRUIT CLASSIC STAMPIN’ PAD Item: 126991
	SUMMER STARFRUIT 3/8″ STITCHED SATIN RIBBON Item: 126846
	SIMPLY SCORED Item: 122334
	BORDERS SCORING PLATE SIMPLY SCORED Item: 126192
	2012-2014 IN COLOR STAMPIN’ WRITE MARKERS Item: 126856
	STAMPIN WRITE MARKERS – REGALS COLLECTION Item: 119701
	MINI GLUE DOTS Item: 103683
	STAMPIN’ DIMENSIONALS Item: 104430
	SNAIL ADHESIVE Item: 104332
	BIG SHOT DIE-CUT MACHINE Item: 113439

“Thinking of you, floats my boat!”

I came up with that all by myself…are you impressed?! Seriously, that just has to go on the inside of this card. When I made the card for a workshop I had my Designer Type set ordered…but it didn’t get here in time to use it at the party. You can read all about the Designer Type Photopolymer Set by clicking here. The boat stamp on this card is from the the set, Moving Forward. Moving Forward is a very special stamp set. It helps support the Ronald McDonald House Charities. You can help us make a difference. Purchase this set and Stampin’ Up! will donate $3 to Ronald McDonald House Charities. Click here to read more about our Making a Difference Program.

The supplies used to create this card are listed below. If you would like to float my boat by helping us to make a difference; click the order online button and it will take you to my demonstrator business website where you can click shop now and add Moving Forward to your shopping bag!

	WHISPER WHITE 8-1/2X11 CARD STOCK Item: 100730
	BIG SHOT DIE-CUT MACHINE Item: 113439
	MINI GLUE DOTS Item: 103683
	SNAIL ADHESIVE Item: 104332
	MOVING FORWARD CLEAR-MOUNT STAMP SET Item: 126322
	SO SAFFRON 8-1/2X11 CARD STOCK Item: 105118
	POOL PARTY 8-1/2 X 11 CARD STOCK Item: 122924
	NIGHT OF NAVY 8-1/2X11 CARD STOCK Item: 100867
	NIGHT OF NAVY CLASSIC STAMPIN’ PAD Item: 126970
	STAMPIN WRITE MARKERS – SUBTLES COLLECTION Item: 119700
	1 INCH CIRCLE PUNCH Item: 119868
	2-1/2 INCH CIRCLE PUNCH Item: 120906
	SCALLOP EDGE BORDER PUNCH Item: 119882
	WINDOW FRAMES COLLECTION FRAMELITS DIES Item: 129021
	BITTY BANNERS FRAMELITS DIE Item: 129267
	ARGYLE TEXTURED IMPRESSIONS EMBOSSING FOLDER Item: 127750
	WOODGRAIN TEXTURED IMPRESSIONS EMBOSSING FOLDER Item: 127821
	VINTAGE FACETED DESIGNER BUTTONS Item: 127555
	POOL PARTY BAKER’S TWINE Item: 125574

“Time travel is possible with a pinwheel.”

Yes, I confess…this card is all about the pinwheel! I love pinwheels. I remember blowing on them, running with them, and twirling with them as a child. I remember making them by attaching the fan to a pencil through the eraser with a straight pin (they didn’t spin as desired, but it was still fun!) The fastest spin ever recorded (you know, the Guinness Book of World Records kind) was while riding my bike. They are glorious memories. Happy memories. Carefree memories. Fond memories. Transcending memories. Memories that are strong enough to transport you back in time. I really think you need this pinwheel, too! Travel with me.

The cupcake stamp used on this card is from the Patterned Ocassions SAB set that is no longer available. Supplies used on this card that are available are listed below. For your own time travel experience; click the order online button to be taken to my demonstrator business website and click the shop now button and put the pinwheel in your shopping bag!

	WHISPER WHITE 8-1/2X11 CARD STOCK Item: 100730
	BIG SHOT DIE-CUT MACHINE Item: 113439
	MINI GLUE DOTS Item: 103683
	SNAIL ADHESIVE Item: 104332
	2012-2014 IN COLOR STAMPIN’ WRITE MARKERS Item: 126856
	PRINT POETRY DESIGNER SERIES PAPER STACK Item: 129312
	PINWHEEL SIZZLITS S DIE Item: 129411
	APOTHECARY ACCENTS FRAMELITS DIES Item: 127003
	SILVER MINI BRADS Item: 122941
	PRINTED 2011 IN COLOR DESIGNER BRADS Item: 122940
	2012-2014 IN COLOR 8-1/2″ X 11″ CARD STOCK Item: 126838
	CHEVRON TEXTURED IMPRESSIONS EMBOSSING FOLDER Item: 127749
	PERFECT POLKA DOTS TEXTURED IMPRESSIONS EMBOSSING FOLDER DIE Item: 117335

Take advantage of the FREE shipping April 6-8 (see yesterday’s post) to stock up on colors that will be discontinued!

We’re excited to let you know that we are offering FREE shipping on EVERYTHING April 6-8 (excluding expedited orders)! That’s right. There are no minimums or limits and all order types qualify (customer, demonstrator, workshop, online). Did we mention that the free shipping is on everything?

“Finally, an ouch-less bandaid!” And…it comes with good wishes of recovering rapidly! The band-aid stamp is from the Patterned Ocassions SAB set which is no longer available. However, the supplies used that are available are listed below. Click the order online button to be taken to my demonstrator website and click the shop now button to add to your creative tool box…it will have you feeling better in no time!

	WHISPER WHITE 8-1/2X11 CARD STOCK Item: 100730
	BIG SHOT DIE-CUT MACHINE Item: 113439
	MINI GLUE DOTS Item: 103683
	SNAIL ADHESIVE Item: 104332
	2012-2014 IN COLOR STAMPIN’ WRITE MARKERS Item: 126856
	WINDOW FRAMES COLLECTION FRAMELITS DIES Item: 129021
	EXTRA-LARGE OVAL PUNCH Item: 119859
	SUMMER STARFRUIT 3/8″ STITCHED SATIN RIBBON Item: 126846
	ADORNING ACCENTS TEXTURED IMPRESSIONS EMBOSSING FOLDERS Item: 125601
	PRINT POETRY DESIGNER SERIES PAPER STACK Item: 129312
	SMALL HEART PUNCH Item: 117193
	FESTIVE PAPER-PIERCING PACK Item: 127857
	PAPER-PIERCING TOOL Item: 126189
	STAMPIN’ PIERCE MAT Item: 126199