Changing Priorities

I want to create for the joy of it, and not feel pressured to photo-document everything I make.  In the beginning of this stamping/ card-making adventure, I was excited to share my ideas and creations.  Since I haven't gone super high-tech, the process to photograph. download, watermark, and upload photos to my blog is a little bit involved.  Honestly, I don't have time for that.  My family needs me now, more than ever, so I'm not going to be posting for a while.  I don't like the feeling that I have to catch up on projects to show you.  I would rather make and give away something and have the pleasure of making that person smile, than feel bound by pinning & posting images of everything I do.  Don't get me wrong, I'll still be making things, and experimenting with new layouts, techniques, and color combinations, but I won't be sharing my every move online.  So, for now I'll also be giving up being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator.  It's been a fun 5 years, but it just doesn't fit in my life right now.  I'm trying to simplify and organize my life so I can enjoy it more.  

So, if you want to order something through me, I'll pay basic shipping on your order, now through 30 June.

I challenge you to get out there, create something simple & beautiful and give it to someone else.  Bring joy and sunshine to someone's life today.  If you're someone who pins everything online, I challenge you to give it away without pinning it; this will make your project something special between you and the recipient.   If you're someone who makes and makes, but doesn't send, I challenge you to actually give or mail your project.  Do not let perfectionism or procrastination get in your way.  The card you made is fine; it doesn't have to be "perfect" to make someone else happy.  Write a note (it doesn't have to be a long letter), find that address, put a stamp on it (they're still less than .50 cents), and put it in the mailbox.  You will totally bring joy and a smile to a friend by doing this.  Like the FLY Lady says, even imperfect housework blesses your family.  So, even imperfect card-making brings encouragement to others.       

My Paper Pumpkin!

Once upon a time there was a girl...

She didn’t have time to create.

She didn’t know what to create.
She didn’t want to buy a lot of stuff. 
Fortunately she found Paper Pumpkin.

Paper Pumpkin

Paper Pumpkin is an all included project kit, which comes to your door each month (a fully decked-out creativity carriage).  It will help you escape the ordinary with some paper fun. It’s like a spa package or a creative retreat, all wrapped up in a red box.  The projects are designed to take 30 minutes or less to complete. You'll love what you find on the inside:

All the stamps, ink, paper, and accessories to create pin-worthy projects.

Paper Pumpkin is $19.95 per month: sign up at www.mypaperpumpkin.com.

All you need is your magic wand (credit card) to sign up.

It’s the total package:

•    It’s $19.95 (and shipping is covered), and arrives monthly.

•    It’s got all the materials for the project, all cut, measured, and ready—with

      instructions included.

•    It’s a new and exciting surprise every month.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers:

Q: When will I be billed?

A: Your credit card will be charged as soon as your Paper Pumpkin ships.

     You will get an e-mail notifying you that your card has been charged.

Q: What comes in my Paper Pumpkin?

A: It's a surprise each month—anticipation for the surprise is seriously half the fun!

  No worries, though, you'll have everything you need to complete the project: paper, stamps, ink, accessories, and more! (You will need adhesive.)

Q: Is my subscription on auto-renew? 
A: Yes, your subscription is on auto-renew. However, you can skip a month or cancel at any time. Simply log on to your account on www.mypaperpumpkin.com,  and click skip a month before the 10^th of the month in order to skip the Paper Pumpkin for that month. If you click skip a month on the 11th of the month, you will receive that month's Paper Pumpkin and not receive the following month's Paper Pumpkin.

Q: When do I need to sign up in order to get my Paper Pumpkin for a specific month?

A: You need to sign up by the 10th of the month in order to receive your Paper Pumpkin for that month. If you sign up after the 10th―no worries! You will get your first kit the following month.  You'll know your Paper Pumpkin is on its way when you

      receive your shipment confirmation e-mail.

The Welcome Kit is the very first Paper Pumpkin you will receive in your first month of membership. The Welcome Kit includes a free gift: a clear acrylic block!

Starting in early March, we'll offer a Try-It Kit if you'd like to try Paper Pumpkin for one month.

This is a wonderful kit if you want to play fairy godmother to a daughter, granddaughter, niece, etc.

When you sign up, it will ask you if you have a demonstrator, click on the link that says: I already have a demonstrator, and then fill in my name & state and it will find me: Judith Bassem, CT.

Banners

I've been working on some banners lately, both paper and felt.

It's amazing how important you can make someone feel with a personalized banner for their special day.

This was a custom order for a wedding.  Happily ever after...

 The flower and jeweled embellishments add just the right touch for this celebration.

And Mr. & Mrs. 

Here's a birthday banner (in Spanish) for a dear friend.

  I enjoy adding embellishments to make the banner just-right for its recipient.

 Here's a sneak peek at some felt banners.  Welcome home (patriotic), and birthday boy & birthday girl.

 The colors are a little off here, but this gives you an idea of the birthday banners.

In another week or so when I finish my final paper for my university class, 

I'll list some banners and cards on my etsy shop.  

I also take orders for custom banners.  
(You choose the words, material, and colors.)

Stamping Day!

Do you have a stash of craft supplies that have been sitting in your closet "waiting for the perfect moment"?

Well, one of those perfect moments is Saturday, September 22nd, September 29th.
Escape from your house, bring your supplies and stamp & craft away at my place!  Enjoy pleasant company, exchange ideas, use any of my tools, punches, or Big Shot.  I will provide delicious snacks & lunch.


Menu:
Fresh fruit
Coffee, Tea, Juice & Soda

Muffins
Turkey Panini
Healthy Snacks
Ethically Traded Organic Chocolate










Reserve your spot because space is limited.
Your space is available from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  Come any time during that window.
Cost for the day is $20.
Contact me to reserve your place.