Christmas Card Double Take

Sometimes a small tweak to your cardmaking process can really increase your productivity. And Christmas is the perfect time to get extra cards done with only a little extra effort. So today at the Christmas Classics Workshop we made 6 Christmas Cards. We made two each of three different designs. 

Our first card used the pretty, scenic One Horse Open Sleigh paper pack: The 48 papers have 12 different designs, all perfect for snowy Christmas scenes. Each participant had two different backgrounds and then we combined it with the Trucking Along Stamp and Punch bundle. This bundle punches out all the parts for the truck and then you have a range of options for stamping what the truck is carrying in the back. I went for the classic Christmas Tree option but you also coul've gone for a stack of presents, buckets of flowers or even a palm tree with surf board for those celebrating the holidays down under.

The second one used the Joy of Noel Stamp and Die bundle together with the Joyful specialty paper. The NOEL letters were die cut from white-golf woodgrain specialty paper, so pretty. The card base for both was the same and then we used different cardstock and pattern paper colours for each card making them look quite different. 

Our last card was probably the quickest to make: We used the same white card base and red mat but then used two different patterned papers and switched the green colours for the foliage around. For this card we used the Christmas Classics Stamp and Die bundle with the Joy of Christmas Patterned Paper. This is a really good bundle for making A LOT of beautiful Christmas Cards easily:

 

The next Workshop will be on Janyary 13th where we'll be making a Desk Calender with an integrated  Post It Note pad. Get in touch if you'd like to join us in Portishead: sgortzak@yahoo.co.uk

 

Hands up if you open the Stampin' Up! catalogue and want ALL THE THINGS or you see a demonstrator hold workshops and go to fun events and you'd like to do that too. Great! Then this message is for you. Stampin' Up! has an amazing joining offer this month. To celebrate being in business for 35 years they're offering new sign ups either 35% more in their starter kit or a 35% discount on the regular prize of a Starter Kit.

What exactly is a Starter Kit? Well, that depends on you. When you join Stampin' Up! you normally pay £99 and you get to choose £129 of product from across all our catalogues and online offerings. On top of that you get a business kit with catalogues, order forms and access to the Stampin' Up! demonstrator website where you can order your own products with a discount from then on and you'll also know all about what's coming up, online training and the option to attend company events both online and in person all over the world. 

Now that offer is pretty good already but now it's even better. You can choose either one of these offers:

Option 1: Get 35% OFF the cost of your Starter Kit:  £130 worth of product for only £64.35

Option 2: Get 35% MORE product with your Starter Kit: spend £99 and get £175.50 worth of product

And...you get FREE access to the next OnStage Online event on November 11th, a £72 value ! OnStage is a demonstrator-only virtual gathering where you’ll have the chance to meet with other demonstrators, craft (of course!), and learn how to make the most of your demonstrator journey. I love these events and registered the moment registration opened. I will be attending together with my Upline and fellow teamies. You'd be welcome to join us.

When you sign up through me I'll become your upline and will be there to help you make whatever you like of being a demonstrator. Whether you'd just like to get a lovely discount each time you order then I'll help you work out the compensation plan in such a way that you always get the best value for your money. And if you'd like to start doing your own workshops and home parties or craft fairs I can help you with that as well. You'll become a part of my team and I'll make sure we get together regularly to ensure you're getting the most out of being part of Stampin' Up! Now if al you want is to get this one offer and not do anything else that is also fine. There are no obligations to order anything more afterwards and after several months you simply lose access to the demonstrator site and are no longer a demo. 

If you would like to stay a demonstrator than Stampin' Up! ask you to order a minimum amount each quarter. Your first quarter is usually a bit longer because it's till the end of this quarter (dec 31st) plus the first complete quarter after that so you effectively had 5+ months to get to the amount. I can help you ensure that you get the most bang for your buck when you do want to make your quarterly minimums.

This offer is valid till the end of the month, 22.59 on the 31st of October. If you have questions or would like to sign up you can text or WhatsApp me at 079-3660 2382 or e-mail at sgortzak@yahoo.co.uk and we'll arrange a phone call to talk you through it.

x

Sonja

Simple but very effective productivity hack

 

This weekend we had a Stamp-A-stack event. In 2.5 hours we made 6 gorgeous cards. To create that many cards in that time I used my favourite productivity hack: duplicate! Make two cards at the same time, or 4 or 8 or more! We changed things up a little bit from one card to the next but essentially the design is the same and we used double sided papers so only needed one piece for each card.

Add a bit of dimension with gems, ribbon, twine or a popped up sentiment and you're good.

And this hack works in other areas of you live as well: Make a double batch of Spaghetti sauce and you've got two dinners sorted in the same time it took to cook one!

Or pick out your clothes for several days in a row, makes my early mornings a bit easier. Same for prepping several lunches at a time.

What's your productivity hack? Let me know in the comments.

x

Sonja

Birthday Card Organiser

 

Today was the Birthday Card Organiser Workshop. It was a challenging project but so worth it. I first saw a similar project with my team "sister" Belinda Newham and fell in love. I asked her if I could use it for a workshop and she said yes! 

I adapted the original "portrait" orientation project to a landscape orientation so it can hold 4" x 6" and 6" x 6" cards. And then used the pretty Countryside Inn patterned papers which I love so much. I was just saying to the crafty ladies today that I'd love some wallpaper with these patterns:-)

As I mentioned above it was a challenging project, there's several parts to the main construction and a lot of measuring, scoring and cutting. But they all persevered and helped each other out. They truly are a lovely bunch.

They did ask me to plan something simple next time:-) Which is fine with me, I've been hoping to do a Stamp-a-Stack workshop with the modern and versatile Delightfully Eclectic Patterned papers so that's what's planned for September:

We'll be at the Beacon Hub from 13.00 to15.30 on the 9th of September, making 6 cards. Two each of 3 quick and simple designs.

The cost is £ 20 incl. materials, refreshments and a small paper pack so you can make some more cards at home. FREE if you order £35 with me in July or August. Sign up and pay by August 25th please. You can e-mail me at sgortzak@yahoo.co.uk or WhatsApp/text me at 079-3660 2382

x

Sonja

July 8th Workshop: Make Birthday Card Organiser

Hello crafty friends,

How are you all doing in this hot weather? I can feel my mood improving with all the Vitamin D my body is producing but it’s a challenge working in this weather and our garden needs a lot of looking after. The school year is nearing its end and we’ve been busy with assessment, reporting, parent-teacher talks, a trip and even a visit from OFSTED! It’s been full-on and I’m looking forward to breaking up for the summer in a few weeks.

But before that I have one more workshop planned that’s had a good bit of interest in it: The Birthday Card Organiser. On July 8th we’ll be putting together a divided box for you to keep your handmade A6 sized cards organised in by month. It will be in landscape orientation so you could also fit 15 x 15 cm cards in there. I’ll be providing instructions for this class so you can work on it at your own pace with me there to help you and you can take it home and make other versions of it. I’d say it would make a lovely gift or you could make one to use as a recipe card organiser as well.

We’ll be using the very pretty Countryside Inn Patterned Paper and the Days to Remember Stamp Set which features a calendar and all the months of the year.

The cost is £ 20 incl. materials, refreshments and a small paper pack so you can make some matching projects at home.

There will be quite a lot of preparation involved for me so if you’re joining us can you please let me know (and pay) right away so that I can prep Saturday 1st of July ready for our workshop the week after. You can email me at sgortzak@yahoo.co.uk or WhatsApp/Text me at 079 3660 2382

We start at 13.00 and finish at 15.30 Looking forward to seeing you there!

x

Sonja

 

2023 Summer Workshop Schedule

With the new catalogue going live on May 2nd I've planned the next workshops. Can't wait to show you all the new goodies and get crafty with it. Have a look and see if anything takes your fancy. 

Anyone placing an order of at least £35 with me gets to attend that month's workshop for FREE. If you're using my online shop be sure to use the current HOSTESS CODE and register by the group ordering deadline. The current Hostess Code is communicated on the side bar, in the news letter and on the Get Stamping Facebook page.

I hope to see you at one of my workshops!

x Sonja

Saturday July 8th : Birthday Card Organiser

13.00 – 15.30 at the Beacon Hub

Get crafty and organised with a handmade 12-month birthday card organiser to have your
handmade cards ready to send out.

FREE with any purchase over £35* or £20 without an order.

Materials, paper pack & refreshments included. 

Group order deadline: Friday,  June 23rd at 7PM

***

Saturday 9^th of September : Mini Album

13.00 – 15.30 at the Beacon Hub

Get those special pictures off your phone and into a pretty mini album in a colour combination of your choice. Great as gift or keepsake.

FREE with any purchase over £35* or £20 without an order. Materials and refreshments included. 
Colour combinations option will be give ahead of ordering deadline.

Group order and registration deadline: Friday 25^th August at 7PM so I can order papers in time for the workshop.

Order from sonjagortzak.stampinup.net or ask for a catalogue: sgortzak@yahoo.co.uk

Want to save on shipping? Make sure you join the group order by sending me your order or using a HOSTESS CODE in the online shop and choose "deliver to hostess". You can pick your order up at the workshop or at my house.

*Applies to orders placed within the month leading up to the workshop. Use the current HOSTESS CODE in the online shop or email me your order before the group order date. If you can’t attend I will get samples and supplies to you so you can do it at home. 

Sweet Citrus Workshop and FREE SHIPPING

 

When I first saw this bundle in the Mini Catalogue I couldn't wait to get crafting with it. But I had to wait until after Easter. But now it's only a few more days before we get to use the fab Sweet Citrus Stamp set and matching Hybrid Embossing Folder. On Saturday the 22nd of April I'll be holding a workshop at the Beacon Hub in Portishead. We'll be making several cards to provide you with a good stack of Birthday cards for the warmer months. We start at 13.00 and finsh at 15.30. Cost is £20 incl. refreshments and materials.

All abilities are welcome. And you can borrow any equipment you need. E-mail me if you're like more information or to sign up: sgortzak@yahoo.co.uk

If you're not sure what a Hybrid Embossing Folder is go and have a look at this short video I recorded to show you what it does and why I love it so much. But just look at this card I made with it: the texture is just YUM!

While I have your attention can I just quickly tell you about the 24H FREE SHIPPING special that's just been announced. Starting at 11PM UK time on the 18th of April till 11 PM on the 19th of April all orders over £60/€75 will ship for free. That is great timing if you still wanted to take advantage of the End of Catalogue Sale or you wanted to get Sweet Citrus Bundle while it still has a 10% discount:-) 

Be sure to check out my webshop for all the details: 

Last Chance List, Colour Revamp and Big Sale!

All good things must come to an end.... so they can make room for new and exciting things:-) So don't feel too sad when I tell you that both the Annual and the Spring Mini Catalogue are coming to an end and there will be quite a few products retiring. Some of my favourites will carry over to the new Annual Catalogue: The Easter Bunny, Rain or Shine and Sweet Citrus are all coming back. But the Enjoy the Journey Suite that I'll be using to document my son's DofE Expedition will not come back and I'm pretty sad about that.

To soften the blow somewhat and make sure that we make room for the new products there will be a Last Chance Sale starting April 4th, 2023. Make sure you check my webshop to see exactly what is still available. When it's gone, it's gone.

I'm planning a Group Order on Friday the 7th of April for people local to me (Portishead, N-Somerset) to add orders together and safe on shipping. Email me if you'd like to add your order: sgortzak@yahoo.co.uk.

I cannot guarantee that the item you want will still be there when I place the order on Friday night. So if you really want something I suggest you place an order sooner rather than later. You can order before the 4th of April but you'll pay full price.

There's also a colour revamp happening, so some colours will also disappear. The retiring colours are: Bermuda Bay, Blushing Bride, Mango Melody, Merry Merlot, Mint Macaron, Pacific Point, Pear Pizzazz, Rich Razzleberry, Sahara Sand, Soft Suede, So Saffron. It's a bit of a shock I have to say but there's some beautiful new colours coming in their place, more about that in another post. If there's any favourites make sure you stock up on re-inker and cardstock. 

Any questions? Drop me a line: sgortzak@yahoo.co.uk or WhatsApp at 079 3660 2382

x

Sonja

Rain or Shine Suite and Workshop

Stampin' Up! have done such a fab job with the Rain or Shine Suite, just perfect for Spring: The colour scheme is wholeheartedly Spring with fresh greens, yellows, blues and some pink but they added in some cute umbrella's, clouds and puddles because we all know not all Spring days are dry. It's really very sweet. I made the card above during an online workshop with my Upline. It took us some time to get the measurements right but I'm very pleased with the results. I decorated the outside with some more patterned paper, addded a ribbon closure and it was the perfect card for one of my pupils turning 8:

We'll be working with this suite on Saturday, the 25th of March, making three projects. From 11.00 till 13.30 at the Beacon Hub in Portishead.
The cost is £20 incl. materials and refreshments.

If you don't have your own tools yet you're welcome to borrow mine, don't let that stop you from joining us for a lovely crafty time. Sign up at sgortzak@yahoo.co.uk

Workshop Schedule for 2023

Hi everyone,

Happy New Year! Hope you've all had a wonderful Christmas Break and are looking forward to getting crafty. I've been having a look at the new Spring Mini Catalogue and planned some fresh new workshops for you this Spring. If you'd like to join just send me an e-mail at sgortzak@yahoo.co.uk

I now have two venues for the workshops: Shanicatti Shakes and The Beacon Hub, both on the High Street in Portishead. I’m very pleased that I will now also be able to do Saturday workshops, I hope you are too. Please find the dates and a short description of the three workshops I have planned with products from the Spring Mini Catalogue. Just click on text to go to page with digital catalogue, the page numbers refer to this catalogue. Alternatively, click on the image above to be taken directly to all the products from the mini catalogue.

Sunday February 26^th  Easter Bunny Bundle (p52)
This cute stamp set with matching bunny punch will be the main event at this workshop. Using Spring colours and patterns we’ll make 2 cards and a treat bag. Cost: £20 or FREE if you order the bundle in advance. 11.00 – 13.30 at Shanicatti.
Register and pay by Sunday 12^th of February

Saturday 25^th March Rain or Shine Suite (p50)
A suite to suit all weathers. Think clear blue skies, yellow and white daisies and soft pink umbrella’s combined with fresh greens and the occasional rain drop and puddle to jump in. All brought to you by three cute characters. We’ll be doing some colouring and scene building with the matching die set.
Cost: £20 incl. materials 11.00 – 13.30 at the Beacon Hub.
Register and pay by Sunday 12^th of March

Sunday 23^rd April Sweet Citrus Bundle (p49): Stock up on some summery cards in this juicy workshop. Using the versatile Sweet Citrus stamp set and matching Hybrid embossing folder and dies we’ll make a good stack of cards with different sentiments to use in the months ahead.
Cost: £20 or FREE if you order the bundle in advance. 11.00 – 13.30 at Shanicatti. Register and pay by Sunday 9^th of April.

Hope to see you soon!

-x-

Sonja