Despite all the myriad of tools on the market today, you really only need a few basics to get you started making cards (keep in mind, that you can use many of these same tools in your scrapbooking as well). As you grow as a card maker and fall more in love with the process, you may want to add to your stash. For now, here are the basic items that will help you get started.....

Last month, when Stampin' Up! released it's long list of retiring stamp sets and accessories, I was hit HARD! Over 100 of my stamp sets and tons of paper and accessories were discontinued. I need to move these out and make room for new product, so on Saturday, July 21st from 6:00 - 10:00 pm I am offering them at a HUGE savings to you. Everything has been marked down 45% ! The sale is first come, first served. RSVP is not required.

Location: 12 Underwood Court, Cambridge, ON

Did you know that you can use your stamping supplies for more than just cards or scrapbook pages? That's what makes stamping such an incredibly versatile hobby. You can create beautiful gifts and even home decor. Check out this adorable monogram - you could spell out your child's name and use it to decorate their bedroom.

For a full listing of supplies as well as directions, click on the link below:

If you hosted a Stampin' Up! party for me between July 1st, 2006 and June 30th, 2007 then be sure to bookmark this date. This is an event that you won't want to miss. There will be an AWESOME project, door prizes and lots of other goodies.

I love my hostesses and want you all to know that I appreciate your support - this event is a special thank you to you!

If you have a friend that you think would love stamping, or is already hooked, bring her along! If she books a party you will receive a $10 gift certificate to spend at her party (this only applies to new hostesses - i.e. they have never had a party with me before). Only 1 guest per hostess please!

RSVP is required. Further details and location will be released in my August e-newsletter.

In this month's newsletter, I'm introducing a new monthly scrapbooking column. Whether you've just gotten started, you're thinking of getting started, or you just need a few tips or inspiration - then this is for you!

Why should I scrapbook?

There's no one reason to scrapbook. Some people do it because they enjoy the creative process. It's a way to get in touch with their "inner artist" Others, like me, start because they want a beautiful way to showcase photos of the people and places they love. I wanted a tangible way to capture memories and moments in time. I wanted to be able to pass on to my children an understanding of who they were, and the people and events that shaped who they were becoming.

There is so much about my childhood and early years that I don't remember. So often I look at pictures of myself as a child and I don't recognize people & places and I have no clue what was happening in the picture or why the picture was even taken. What was I like as a child? I know bits and pieces that have been shared with me by my grandmother and my father, but the "chief story-teller" of our family is no longer here. You see, my mother passed away 8 years ago. Think about your own life. Who is the chief story teller in your family? Chances are it's you. Who will share your family's stories when you are gone? Think about it.

Your scrapbook pages do not have to be a work of art. We get bogged down by the idea that we have to be creative, we have to have a lot of supplies, we have to have a lot of time. Not true! What's holding you back? Let go....and give it a try.

Need a little help getting started? I offer scrapbook clubs and classes. For more information click on the link below.

Have a stamping- or scrapbooking-related question? Send me an email and I'll answer as many as I can in each issue of my newsletter.

Q. "What is the difference between Stampin' Up!'s Classic and Craft inks?"

A. Stampin' Up!'s Classic inks are a water- based dye ink. It can only be used on paper/cardstock. Because it dries quickly, this is my ink of choice for cardmaking. Craft stamping pads contain rich pigment inks that are ideal for scrapbooking, embossing, and other craft projects. Because the ink is so thick, this means that you can use a light color of ink on a darker color of cardstock and it will show up beautifully. Because it is slow drying it is great for embossing. On the other hand, you have to be careful not to smudge it. Because craft ink is fade-proof, it is generally the ink of choice for scrapbooking (although both are acid free - hence safe for your scrapbooks. I personally tend to use classic ink more often).

For more details on all my classes/events please visit my *new* Class listings page HERE.

• Stamper's Club: Wed., July 18th, Mon., July 20th, 7:30 - 9:30 pm
• Scrapper's Club: Thurs., July 19th, 7:30 - 9:30 pm
• Huge Clearance Sale: Sat., July 21st, 6:00- 10:00 pm

Please RSVP to me which club night you'll be attending.

Do you know anyone who might enjoy stamping? Receive items on your wishlist for free for introducing them to me! See my REFERRALS page for more details!

So go ahead... click on the "Forward" button at the bottom of your email to spread the news and then cash in for free product!