"Fall Fun" - September Featured Card Showcase

Hello, Simple Pleasures friends! Cooler weather, kids in school, the leaves are changing color...all signs of Autumn...and wouldn't you know it, the theme for The Card Club Exchange for September was "Fall Fun!"  This month's cards are definitely eye candy! Halloween, harvest, bounty - those are just a few of the interpretations of the theme you'll see on the display board at the store. You'll be inspired to get out those rich reds, golden yellows and browns, if you haven't already...

Our featured card is is a lovely concoction of gorgeous glitter and wonderful techniques designed by Jeanine:

This card is made up of 4 layers:

1. The card base

2. The tree stamped panel - this layer includes not only the tree, but *layers* of stamped color and glitter!

3. Vellum - love the torn vellum...it reminds me of the edges of fall leaves.

4. Acetate - it's stamped and adds another dimension to this card. (Remember to use an ink formulated for nonporous surfaces.)

And the two gold brads add just the right finish! If you want to know more about Jeanine's card, stop by the store to see the card and the recipe!

If you've consider joining us, you're not too late! There are three exchanges left in 2011:

October Theme: "Tag - You're It!"  Use tag(s) as an element/embellishment/feature of your card. (This is NOT a tag exchange.)

Drop Off 3rd Saturday: Oct. 15

November Theme: "Thank You"  Use a "thank you" sentiment (or variation thereof) on your card. We can't have too many of these, can we? 

Drop Off 3rd Saturday: Nov. 19

December Theme: "White Elephant - Your Choice"  YOU pick your theme! Follow the guidelines (10 cards-same design, 10 recipes (1 per card), etc.) This is a great time to finish up those cards for the month you missed or to use cards for a theme we didn't cover this year! **

Drop Off 3rd Saturday: Dec. 17

Note: Cards need to be dropped off by the close of business - 6 pm - on the 3rd Saturday. The busy holidays are coming...we simply cannot accept late cards - thank you for your consideration! Cards can be picked up the 4th Saturday of each month after 12pm.

To see The Card Club Exchange previous Featured Cards, click the link in the right sidebar labeled "SP Card Club Exchange" and enjoy!

**This is your chance to submit any ideas you have for The 2012 Card Club Exchange Themes! Email your theme suggestions no later than October 31st to : This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with "2012 CCE Theme Suggestions" in the subject line - Thanks!

Looking forward to the next round of cards...happy stamping!

So...you bought a Silhouette.

You’ve taken it out of the box and loaded Silhouette Studio software. You already know that you hook the Silhouette up to your computer (PC or Mac) just like a printer and using Silhouette Studio software you can cut custom lettering using fonts already installed on your computer. You also know that you can download and cut custom designs, too. 

But, do you know how to use the Silhouette, the Studio software and the Print and Cut feature?

Ever find a shape or design that’s almost what you wanted, but somehow it’s not quite right?

Did you know that Silhouette has a line of fabric inks and stencil material that you can cut?

Want to know how to use the Silhouette to design etched glass projects?

There are so many creative possibilities using your Silhouette!

At Simple Pleasures we offer classes to help you learn to make the most of your Silhouette. There are several classes coming up on this schedule that will help educate and walk you through techniques and projects.

We have two knowledgable Silhouette instructors at Simple Pleasures: Becky and Marianne.  (You can read their instructor bios on the instructor page.) You probably have met them while shopping at the store! They both have classes on the current schedule to choose from.

Some of Becky’s upcoming classes include:

September 23 (Friday) @ 5:30pm - Silhouette, Beyond the Basics, What Does THIS Button Do?

In this class you will learn how to utilize the Print and Cut feature and take home a reference booklet to use with Silhouette Studio. Becky will walk you through the steps to modify and personalize your designs and create custom designs using the trace feature, too.

Wouldn't it be wonderful to be able to create unique designs for that special occasion? 

In need of an adorable Advent Calendar? Sign up for Becky’s class:

November 5 (Saturday) @ 10am - How Many Days to Christmas? Silhouette Advent Gingerbread House (Silhouette is NOT required for this class!)

How adorable is that house with all of the peekaboo windows?!

Would you like to get an early start on your gift stash? Marianne has a couple of upcoming classes you’ll love:

November 5 (Saturday) @ 10am - Silhouette Fun Altered Projects

Want to try the Silhouette fabric inks? Play with canvas and try glass etching? In this class you’ll be able to do all that and more!

What would a Marianne project be without bling? *wink*  Just imagine...making your own stenciled tees, bags, canvas art... 

November 12 (Saturday) @10am - Silhouette Advent Box Workshop

Make an amazing 3D advent calendar using a special downloadable design set from Silhouette. Register for this class and when we receive the shipment of kits, you will receive your project box kit - a 3D home decor piece that will house all of your boxes created with your Silhouette. You’ll customize your advent calendar with your choice of papers and embellishments. I could see this set being changed out for every holiday!

Be sure to register for these classes soon - you don’t want to miss out! Stop by the store to see the samples in person and get class details or download the schedule from the website.

And, coming soon, the Silhouette Cameo ... with the capability of using 12inch wide papers!!  Suggested retail pricing is $299 for this machine. We are offering introductory pricing on pre-orders of the Cameo for those of you who want it. Pre-order pricing is $269.99. Give us a call if you want to reserve one at this price! Availability is projected to be in October sometime. We'll let you know when it arrives.

Beautiful, detailed cards, iris folding, Spellbinder dies and Sizzix embossing folders…
do you know this instructor?

Here are a few more hints: she’s a stamper and has been known to use Just Rite stamps and many others to make wonderful all occasion and holiday cards.

It’s Linda Knight! (You can read Linda’s Simple Pleasures bio under the “Our Instructors” link, under Classes.)

Linda has a classic style and usually has one or two oriental themed classes on the schedule, along with an iris folding class or two.

Linda’s upcoming class, Embossed Folder Fun is this Friday evening:

Embossed Folder Fun is a great class, if you would like to learn more about using embossing folders and Spellbinder dies to create cards. More than just using the folders for backgrounds, Linda will guide you as you create 4 cards. Don’t forget your adhesives and detail scissors!

If Iris Folding is what you want to learn, you don’t want to miss Linda’s Christmas Iris Folding Cards. Shimmering papers, a little bling and lots of color. You’ll learn the technique and complete 3 cards in class.

Here are the dates of some of Linda’s upcoming classes:

Sept 16 (Fri) @ 5:30pm  -  Embossed Folder Fun

Oct  08 (Sat) @ 10:00am -  Christmas Iris Folding

Oct 10 (Mon) @ 10:00am – Fun & Fast Techniques Fall Cards

There’s more…so be sure to stop by Simple Pleasures to see Linda's samples and pick up the current schedule. You can also download the schedule from our website.

Call or stop by the store to treat yourself to a class with Linda!