Show some love!

It's Monday and that means it's time to blog again.  And since Valentine's Day is the next big card-sending event, I've got another Valentine to show you today.

But first, let's talk about just how big Valentine's Day is.  According to the site www.statisticbrain.com, 180 million Valentine cards were exchanged in 2017 and 85 % of those were purchased by women.  The Fortune.com site reports that 18.2 billion was spent on Valentine's Day in 2017... on things like flowers, chocolate, jewelry, dining out, clothing, cards, and even gifts for pets.  Yikes!  That's a LOT of money!

We who love to stamp can show our love for a lot less than what people spend on a store-bought card (usually somewhere around 4.95 and up to 8.95).  Check out this pretty card...

I have a confession to make, though. You won't be able to purchase the embossing folder I used here to make this background of tiny hearts.  I can't recall the name of it, but it is now discontinued.  However, you could certainly use the Softly Falling embossing folder on page 211 of the annual catalog for a very similar look.  

I used the new Painted with Love Specialty DSP that's on page 19 of the Occasions catalog for the heart, which I cut out with the Sweet and Sassy Framelits on page 214 of the annual catalog.  I think you can see the shimmer of the gold foil on this gorgeous new paper.  

The sentiment is from the Bloomin' Love stamp set (page 88 of the annual catalog).  I stamped it in Melon Mambo ink on Whisper White card stock, then punched it out with the Duet Banner Punch
(page 206 of the annual catalog).  

That pretty gold ribbon can be found on page 198 of the annual catalog.  Sadly, the tiny heart sequins are no longer available, but you could easily substitute some of the pink sequins in the Sequin Assortment that's on page 197 of the annual catalog.

Here's a quick list with item numbers and prices, just in case you'd like to make a similar card:

Whisper White Thick Card Stock, p. 194, #140272, $7.00
Painted with Love Specialty DSP, p. 19 (Occasions catalog), #145580, $13.00
Softly Falling embossing folder, p. 211, #139672, $8.50
Sweet and Sassy Framelits, p. 214, #141707, $35.00
Bloomin' Love stamp set, p. 88, #140643, $17.00
Duet Banner Punch, p. 206, #141483, $18.00
1/8 " Ribbon in Gold, p. 198, #134583, $5.00
Sequin Assortment, p. 197, #144212, $5.00

Don't forget, I'm offering FREE SHIPPING on orders of $50 or more only during the month of January when you place your order online and use the host code, so if you'd like to take advantage of my special offer, then please submit your order by January 30th.  The January host code is HTZ4RFVG.  If your order is $150 or more, please don't use the host code!  Then you will get the freebies you are entitled to!  I will send you a refund check by snail mail for the amount of your shipping.  If you have a large order ($150 or more) I will still refund your shipping charge, even though you are not using the host code.

One last reminder.... today... January 15th is the last day to sign up for my 2018 Card Challenge, where we are committing to send one card a week to someone who needs a lift, is having a birthday, etc. Any occasion works... even a "just because" card.  The point is to make the world a happier, kinder, more loving place... one card at a time!  We can all do this!  It's just ONE card a week! If you'd like me to count you in, just send me a quick email at sjrstamps@gmail.com and I'll add your name to the list.  You will be entered into a drawing to win your favorite $50 level Sale-a-bration product!  The drawing will be held on January 16th, so be sure and let me know you are participating asap.

That's it for today, my friends!  Have a great week!  
Hugs,
Susan
PS  We are excited that rain is in our forecast this week... yippee!  We really need it!