A Passion for Stamps

Welcome to my little stamping corner of the world...

I became an Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator in 1996 because I discovered my passion for endless ways to create amazing, incredible art with rubber stamps!  Now I teach what I've learned--at workshops, classes and other stamping and scrapbooking events-at your house, and my home Stamp Studio, as well as here-on line!  It's such a "fun" job, that I truly feel blessed to be able to do what I love-for a living! This adapted Statement of the Heart from Stampin' Up! says it best:   

TO LOVE WHAT I DO

and share what I love,

as I help others enjoy creatvity

and worthwhile accomplishments... 

in this I make a difference!

Be sure to sign up for my Customer Newsletter (see Join My Customer List  link on left) to be updated with creative ideas & techniques, and learn about specials, classes and events I offer each month!

HAPPY STAMPING... with Debbie Van Gieson,  a/k/a...

Here's my Easter Card-Easter Blessings to you!

I'm sorry to post this so late in the day on Easter Sunday, but we were up early, went to church, drove to my mom's, went to dinner and just got home a short while ago! The day isn't over yet, though-so I wanted to start the week off with a blog post-what better way to do that than to show you my Easter Card: (click on image for larger view)

 

I love the Abundant Hope stamp set in the Occasions Mini Catalog...Daffodils are one of my favorite Spring flowers and pink is different, isn't it? I watercolored the image on watercolor paper with ink refills and an Aqua Painter, then layered it onto other colored cardstocks.  I colored Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware for the pretty double ribbon embellishment on the left.  I featured this technique in my March Customer Newsletter!

If you haven't joined my newsletter which I send out to my (CUSTOMER) email list every month, you are missing out on alot of great information:, techniques, scrapbooking ideas, specials, Customer Q&A, etc.

My April newsletter will be going out sometime mid-week-so if you want to receive a copy, look on the left side bar for:

Newsletter with specials, classes, and news!

then enter your email address to join my (CUSTOMER) email list! 

If you would like to order this stamp set (available only through April 30) or any other products, you can place an online order any time 24/7 by going HERE then click on the SHOP NOW link!

BECOME A FAN of A Passion for Stamps! Click on my Facebook link on the left sidebar for exclusive offers, contests and lots more creative sharing!

Do you enjoy scenery cards like this? I just love doing landscapes...so I've decided I will be offering some classes in the upcoming months to teach you how to make stunning landscapes and realistic flowers too!

Enjoy this beautiful day, gorgeous weather!

Happy Easter to all!

Make a 20 page SPRING 6x6 Scrapbook in 4 hours-limited seats available!

Make a 20 page Naturals Linen Spring 6x6 Scrapbook Class where you'll assemble  (20) beautiful 6x6 pages in just four hours, then fill with photos you treasure later!!  Many of the Stampin' Up! products we'll be using are being retired and will no longer be available to purchase which makes this scrapbook very valuable!  Everything needed to complete the book such as album, designer papers, card stock, inks, stamp sets, and embellishments, will be pre-cut and ready for you to assemble!  The theme is SPRING, but you can change that to suit your own needs.  Here is the cover and two of the (20) pages you will be making:

 

 

I'm excited to offer this fun scrapbook class on two dates:  Wednesday, May 30 9-1 and Saturday, June 2 9-1...only 9 spots left, so hurry and register now before it's too late!

CLICK ON THE CALENDAR ON THE RIGHT SIDEBAR  to view all the information about making this adorable 20 page scrapbook!  If you register to bring a friend who isn't already my customer,  you will receive Stamp Passion bucks that can be used for future products!

Pay online now to reserve YOUR seat! You will be given the option of purchasing a SNAIL adhesive, or a refill,  in addition to selecting your preferred date to attend.  (I will provide glue sticks, or feel welcome to bring your own 2-sided adhesive). May 27th is the last day to sign up!  See you there!

Passsionately Stamping,

 

Make an awesome Christmas or Winter Curly Ribbon Wreath--to give or keep at upcoming Class!

I was planning on offering a great 3-D project earlier in November:  Curly Paper Wreath-making class, but my plans were put on hold when I learned my dad (91) was having some difficulties and wasn't doing very well.  So mid-October, my husband and I dropped everything to go out to see him (about 3 1/4 hours away on Long Island).  Unbeknownst to me I spent the last weekend of his life with him, as he passed away shortly after my husband and I arrived home that Sunday evening.   It's always difficult to lose a parent but I am very grateful to have been able to spend those last days with him.   After that,  I had one week to prepare for a benefit Craft/Vendor Event I had committed to, which took place yesterday (November 9).   That event was to help raise funds for an 18 year old girl named Julia, who needs a kidney transplant operation.  Knowing that my efforts would help this girl actually made it easier for me to prepare for the event, and softened the blow of losing my dad. 

Rubber Stamping has always been therapeutic for me, but this time  it really helped me to work through the grief, because I was also helping another who would benefit from my efforts as well. 

I have rescheduled the Wreath-Making class to the weekend of November 23-24, offering the class once on each day. The Theme will not be fall-it has been changed to Christmas or Winter.

Here is the Fall-themed wreath (using retired Stampin' Up! papers) I displayed at the Craft/Vendor Event yesterday (because I haven't had the time to make the Christmas or Winter Wreaths yet);  the paper themes are different, as will be the embellishments, but hopefully you will be able to get an idea of the way the wreath will look based on the Fall Themed Wreath pictured here:

(click to view larger)

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is the wreath on my front door: (click to view larger)

 

 

 

It's really a lovely wreath, and fun and colorful made of double-sided Designer Series Papers from Stampin' Up!.  These papers are retired...the papers we will be using at the class will be from the current Stampin' Up! 2013 Holiday Mini Catalog.  You will only use 1/2 package of paper so you will have paper left to make another wreath!).   Should you decide to take the class you will have your choice of making:

Christmas Themed Wreath-Season of Style Designer Series Paper  (page 23 of current Holiday Mini catalog)

OR..

Winter Themed Wreath-Winter Frost Specialty Designer Series Paper (page 29 of current Holiday Mini Catalog)    (This selection is $3 more because it includes specialty papers)

If you have any questions you can email me .  The DEADLINE TO SIGN UP AND PREPAY FOR THIS CLASS IS Sunday, November 17.  Otherwise, please click on the CALENDAR ON THE RIGHT under MY UPCOMING CLASSES to view the class information and links to sign up (via PayPal).  If you are local to me (Hardyston, NJ) you also have the option of dropping off your payment (by November 17).  I will be placing the supply order on Monday, November 18.

It's great to be back!  Come and help support my efforts! I look forward to seeing you at this class!

Had a great time at the Vendor and Craft Fair to benefit Julia, a beautiful 18 year old girl who suffers from End Stage Renal Failure...this event was to raise funds to help Julia who was diagnosed with kidney disease at the age of 14. Thanks to the Safe Heaven, Georgine, Nick, Breelagh and everyone else who made this event a success.

Life sure can rule you...I have been through many changes the past few months and years, and will not bore you with the details. But, I hope I will inspire you when I say that I am anxious to get back to my stamping blog...and my FB blog (the business one), and letting folks know about the upcoming changes with Stampin' Up!. I also hope to offer some new classes...but I'm working now too, so I have to really go slow with this-and hope you will be able to join us when I can do these new classes! I'm happy to "be back" and hope you will be able to attend and help me "get going" again". I have missed my stamping friends so much-and Stampin' Up! has so much new "stuff" that I know you will love....coming up! Let me know NOW if you want to order Stampin' Up's NEWEST AND BEST UPCOMING Catalog (commencing June 1, 2013)...which will be available starting June 1, 2013! For details...send me an email: deb@apassionforstamps.com TODAY!