Inkin' a latte

My Digital Studio Express is FREE this month!

2012-02-01T20:37:00.004-05:00

That’s right – from today you can try this amazing software package – My Digital Studio Express – FOR FREE FOR ONE WHOLE MONTH!

No strings…no obligation…try it absolutely free – I can hardly believe this amazing opportunity – can you say wow?!

My Digital Studio is perfect for everyone - no matter your skill level or experience – because you can start from a blank canvas or use designer templates for inspiration.

How do you get your FREE ONE MONTH trial?

Click HERE to get yours now!

Want to know more about it before you download it?

Click HERE to visit www.MyDigitalStudio.net – where you will find out all about it along with hints, tips, galleries and forums to give you instant online help, ideas & support!

Also take a peek at my Commonly Asked Questions & their Answers at the bottom of this post.

With the FREE 30-day trial, you’ll get:

Full access to the full software at NO COST for 30 days
Full design functionality
Exclusive artwork that comes with My Digital Studio Express—that’s $50 worth of content!
It is Windows and Mac compatible

And it’s downloadable meaning:

You get it INSTANTLY!!! You get to play with it as soon as you have downloaded it!

It includes over $50 worth of content:

12 Designer Series paper patterns
One 9-piece stamp brush set
81 embellishments
26 punches
Five designer templates (24-page 11″ x 8-1/2″ photobook, 7″ x 5″ postcard, 5″ x 7″ postcard, 4-1/4″ x 5-1/2″ greeting card, 4″ x 9-1/4″ trifold card)

You also get:

Opportunity to purchase additional downloads from designer templates to stamp brush sets–and everything in between
Click HERE to view the Catalog of all available downloads
Access to professional print services

If you come to love it then after 30 days you simply purchase My Digital Studio Express for JUST $39.95 or the My Digital Studio disc version.

YOU HAVE NOTHING TO LOSE – TRY THIS FABULOUS DESIGN SOFTWARE FOR 30 DAYS FOR FREE NOW!

Click HERE to get yours!

Commonly Asked Questions and their Answers:

Q – What is the difference between My Digital Studio Express and My Digital Studio?

A – My Digital Studio Express is software that you download directly to your computer or laptop – you get it instantly.

My Digital Studio comes on CDs – disks – that are shipped in the mail to you from Stampin Up.

Q – Is the trial version of My Digital Studio Express different from the one that you pay for?

A – NO – when you order the 30 day free trial version you receive the EXACT SAME FULL version – it works exactly the same – the only difference is that you can only use it for 30 days.

Q – How do I install My Digital Studio Express once I’ve ordered it?

A – You access the trial download through the Downloads section of your Stampin Up account – be sure to select Mac or Windows – and the installation wizards will walk you through the easy process.

Q – What are the system requirements for My Digital Studio Express?

A – Click HERE to see them

Q – I see that My Digital Studio Express comes with $50 of digital content – can I purchase more downloads to use with it?

A – Absolutely YES.

Q – What happens when the 30 day trial period is over?

A -After your 30 days is up, you will be asked to enter a ‘product key’ – you will not be able to use it again until you do so – you can get a ‘product key’ by purchasing My Digital Studio or My Digital Studio Express

Q – Will I lose the projects that I have been working on during the 30 days?

A – NO – you will still have them on your computer but you will not be able to edit any of them – if you purchase the software then YES you will be able to access & edit them. Stampin Up recommends that you save them as .jpg files so that you will be able to use them just like you use other .jpg files you have.

Q – What happens to the Digital Downloads that I purchased?

A – You will still have them on your computer and will be able to use them with your paid-for version of My Digital Studio Express OR you can use them with most other digital design software packages too.

Q – After 30 days how do I purchase a copy?

A – You can order it via the online ordering system HERE – you can purchase either:

My Digital Studio Express – item no. 124483 – you will not need to re-install the software and your ‘product key’ will be emailed to you
My Digital Studio – item no. 118108 – which is in the form of disks which will be shipped to you via UPS

Q – If after 30 days I decide that I do not wish to purchase the software, what do I do?

A – you can uninstall the software anytime.

Let me know if you have any questions!

Thanks for Inkin' with me,

Tiny Teacup - Big Results!

2012-01-31T23:23:00.002-05:00

Another A la Carte single stamp is Tiny Teacup. So sweet! Who wouldn't love to have a cup of tea or coffee and open this card in their mail? Easy enough to make someone's day! What do you think?

Thanks for Inkin' of me,

Right on time for Valentines!

2012-01-30T23:56:00.003-05:00

Here's another A la Carte single stamp from SU's IBC, called S.W.A.K. It's a powerful little stamp as you can see on this card! Just in time for Valentine's Day! This card also uses the Houndstooth embossing folder and Two Tags Die Cut. Love it!

Thanks for Inkin' of me,

Stamp Space Makeover with the Gardners

2012-01-28T21:15:00.000-05:00

WOW! This is one lucky lady! Shelli Gardner, co-founder of Stampin' Up! and her family gave Tamzin's stampin' room a makeover! Watch this fun video!

Thanks for Inkin' of me,

Creative A La Carte!

2012-01-26T16:45:00.003-05:00

Getting on with the All Catalog swap I participated in, here's a card made from a single stamp found in the A La Carte category. This is Young Vermillion, a lovely bird that goes with so much!
Easy to put together with Teeny Tiny Wishes and two great punches! Gotta love it! Enjoy.

Thanks for Inkin' of me,

What a deal to Sale-a-Brate!

2012-01-25T23:33:00.001-05:00

JOIN STAMPIN' UP! When you join my Stampin' Up! Demonstrator Family during Sale-A-Bration, you receive the starter kit loaded with products valued at more than $345, for only $125 (that's a $50 savings)! AND you will receive a FREE package of designer series paper OR free digital downloads every month for the rest of the year (upto a $120 value)!
You can join Stampin' Up! as a Hobby Demonstrator and just try out being a demonstrator to see if it is right for you. Join Stampin' Up! now and enjoy demonstrator discounts and benefits thru June 30, 2012 with no obligation to purchase anything further or host workshops, and there is no penalty to drop.
What are you waiting for?

Thanks for Inkin' of me,

What time is it?

2012-01-24T23:42:00.005-05:00

Hey friends,

Guess what time it is? It's time to Sale-a-Brate!! It's the Stampin' Up promotion that we all look forward to! For every $50 you spend in merchandise, you'll get to pick a FREE item from the Sale-a-Bration Mini Catalog!!

To see the SAB Mini Catalog for choices (there is no limit), click HERE!

Want it all? Sign up to be a demonstrator during the Sale-a-Bration time and you'll get WAY MORE for FREE! Click here to go to my website for details.

Thanks for Inkin' of me,

Facelift Time!

2012-01-16T16:41:00.003-05:00

It's time! I've been undergoing reconstruction for over a month! I'm ready to reveal my blog's facelift! Come back later tonight and you'll see a new me!!

Thanks for Inkin' of me,

Stampin' Up a snow storm in the Mitten state!

Onesie, Twosie, Threesie, Doosie!

2012-01-09T00:41:00.006-05:00

What? I just finished making some beautiful baby shower invites for a friend. You may have seen this design before, but it's a great idea!

I wish I could show you the inside, as it's almost as cute! I decorated the back of the envelope with a new stamp set - Packed For Baby. This stamp set is a single stamp found in the Occasions Mini that just came out on January 4th!

Thanks for Inkin' of me,
Keri Blake
Loving the sunshine in the Mitten state!

Clearance Rack Blitz Ends TONIGHT!

2012-01-05T16:44:00.004-05:00

The Clearance Rack Blitz ends January 5, 2012 at 6:50pm (MT)

Be sure to take advantage of savings up to 80 percent on discontinued Stampin' Up! products!!

Inkin' of you,

Keri Blake

www.keriout.stampinup.net

Occasions Mini Catalog!

2012-01-05T16:07:00.005-05:00

THE OCCASIONS MINI CATALOG IS HERE!

Click on the photo below to view the on-line version!
Stampin' Supplies

Product Guide

This mini catalog is just packed full of great items and lots of new and exciting tools.... If you don't already have one in your hands that you've been making a Wish List from, you can check the Occasions Mini Catalog out just by click HERE!

Already have your Wish List ready to go?? CLICK HERE AND PLACE YOUR ORDER TODAY!

IF YOU'RE PLACING AN ORDER . . . be sure to visit the Stampin' Up! Clearance Rack before you check out. It's a great way to stock up on Stampin' Up! products (loads of punches) and save up to 80%!

Thanks for Inkin' of me!
Keri Blake
Waiting for snow in the Mitten state!

Simply Soft!

2011-12-22T07:59:00.004-05:00

This is the last swap I received in the hostess set stamps sets category. It's made by Susan Miller and uses one of my favorite tools = Dotted Embossing Folder! The ribbon is a new addition to our IBC this past July = Dotted Scallop Ribbon.
Simple is chic!

Thanks for Inkin' of me,
Keri Blake
Wishing we had snow in the Mitten state for Christmas!

Clearance of up to 80% off!

2011-12-21T21:40:00.003-05:00

SCOOP UP HUGE SAVINGS NOW!

Stampin' Up! has added nearly 200 products to the Clearance Rack! Now, through January 5, 2012, you can shop the Clearance Rack in my Online Store and receive discounts of up to 80% on some items!

HERE ARE THE DETAILS YOU NEED TO KNOW!

* Only online orders qualify for this promotion. However, online Orders can include non-Clearance Rack items, as well as Clearance Rack items.

*The Clearance Rack Blitz includes old-body style punches.

*There is no minimum purchase required to participate in this promotion.

*Qualifying Clearance Rack orders are eligible for hostess benefits/Stampin' Rewards.
*Once they're gone, they're gone. (Don't wait!)

Please make your Clearance Rack purchase from my online store (www.keriout.stampinup.net) or make sure you list me as your demonstrator when you make your purchase.

Click here to go to my website and check out the great deals!

Tagtastic!

2011-12-10T15:18:00.004-05:00

Here's another exclusive Hostess set card made by Denise Kasanda in the All Catalog Swap I participated in! Isn't it lovely? The stamp set is Tagtastic, card stock used is Old Olive & Rich Razzleberry.

Thanks for Inkin' of me,
Keri Blake
glad I live in the REAL Mitten state!

Faith in Nature

2011-12-06T22:08:00.004-05:00

This is one of my favorite hostess sets. You can purchase this with your hostess reward money for as little as $8 for the clear set and has five different stamps included. This card was made by Vanessa Zhong. Isn't it beautiful?

Thanks for Inkin' of me,
Keri Blake
wife of one wonderful guy livin' in the Mitten state.

Gorgeous Birthday Card!

2011-11-29T23:45:00.002-05:00

I'll give you details on this gorgeous card tomorrow. It's a great use of Stamps, all kinds of punches, DSP, ribbon, Dotted Embossing Folder and dimensionals!
What do you think?

Thanks for Inkin' of me,
Keri Blake
Hoping this rain stops in the Mitten state. Snow is coming!

Perfect Words!

2011-11-28T23:57:00.002-05:00

This card was made using the Perfect Words Hostess Set. It also uses a lot of my favorite accessories/embellishing techniques with the Big Shot! A must have for the papercrafter!
Hope you like it!
Thanks for Inkin' of me,
Keri Blake
Started to get chilly and expecting snow in the Mitten state.

Posy Punch

2011-11-27T15:43:00.003-05:00

Here's an All Catalog Swap card made with Posy Punch, a Hostess set in the 2011-2012 IBC. The ribbon is 1/2" scallop ribbon which comes in lots of different colors. It was made by Amanda Corbet. Stay tuned for lots more to come.

Thanks for Inkin' of me,
Keri Blake
Loving the Big Blue win in the Big House against ohio state Saturday!!

24-Hour-Only Deals during Online Extravaganza!

2011-11-20T20:39:00.004-05:00

The Online Extravaganza 24-hour-only sale items will be available from November 21, 12:01 AM - 11:59 PM (MT). Be sure to check it out early Monday so you can take advantage of these extremely limited-time deals! These special offers will not be extended past the deadline, so remember to check it out early and place your order before time runs out!

Go to my website, *click here* or type in the address bar, "keriout.stampinup.net" first thing in the morning to see which items are on the 24 hour sale and the other items that will be on sale during the Online Extravaganza! Be sure to look at all the items in the Clearance Rack, too! Then, use your wish list to order enough to receive hostess benefits!!

Thanks for Inkin' of me,
Keri Blake
Loving the fall sunshine & indian summer weather here in the Mitten state.

Ain't Love Grand

2011-11-19T23:51:00.003-05:00

Remember I told you that I was in an All Catalog Swap? This was made by Jarmila Vik, using a Hostess Set named Ain't Love Grand.

Stay tuned for more Hostess Sets.

Thanks for Inkin' of me,
Keri Blake
Startin' to shiver in the Mitten State.

ONLINE EXTRAVAGANZA!

2011-11-18T18:30:00.003-05:00

Online Extravaganza Is Coming!

Online Extravaganza, Stampin' Up!'s annual sale to kick off the holiday shopping season, will begin Monday, November 21, 2011, and run through Wednesday, November 30, 2011. Get out your wish lists and pour your favorite beverage, then shop in your jammies, if you want!

Check in to my *Online Store* (hover over "Products" then click on "shop now") on Monday, November 21, to take advantage of great savings, like FREE digital downloads valued at $40 when you buy My Digital Studio Express, 60 percent off select Designer Fabrics, and 30 percent off an exclusive ribbon bundle!

In addition, there will be two items on sale for 24 hours only (November 21, 12:01 AM - 11:59 PM [MT])-so make sure you don't miss the first 24 hours of Online Extravaganza!

Thanks for Inkin' of me!

Keri Blake

A Thankful Stamper in the Mitten State!

FREE My Digital Studio Downloads Today!

2011-11-04T21:36:00.001-04:00

Stampin’ Up! is giving you FREE DIGITAL DOWNLOADS from today through Monday – how cool is that?!

And please note that you do NOT have to have purchased My Digital Studio software in order to download them – EVERYONE can download them and you can use them with whatever digital package you use!

So what are the FREE downloads? They are brand new, never before seen and there are FOUR sets of them:

Home for the Holidays Ensemble
So Typefelt Stamp Brush Set
Neutral Delightful Digital Tape
Delight in the Day Photobook Template

On November 8th they will be added to the download collection and will be available for purchase – BUT THIS WEEKEND THEY ARE FREE – get yours today!

Where can you download them? Click HERE – on that page you will fill out a very brief survey & then download them for free!

Here are the images & info for each of these Free Downloads – and YES, you get ALL of these THIS WEEKEND FOR FREE!!!

Home for the Holidays Ensemble - my favorite – contains a 7 piece stamp set, 19 embellishments, 2 cards, 2 8 1/2″ x 11″ pages of labels & flags and a full page decor template – and it’s free!!!

So Typefelt Stamp Set – a 10 piece stamp set…

Neutral Delightful Digital Tape – contains 25 embellishments and an 8″ x 8″ designer template…

Delight in the Day Photobook Template – contains a two page 8 1/2″ x 11″ designer template, 6 piece stamp set, 2 embellishments and 4 DSP patterns…

ALL OF THESE ARE FREE THROUGH MONDAY!!!

Don’t have the My Digital Studio software and want it? Click HERE to find it – it is amazing value for money and comes preloaded with 60+ Stamp Sets, Scrapbook Kits, Punches, Ribbons, Embellishments, Cardstocks, Papers and lots more!!!

My Digital Studio FREE Downloads Coming Soon!

2011-11-01T17:36:00.002-04:00

Digital Scrapbooking Day is November 5th, 2011. Stampin' Up! loves to celebrate, and they are going above and beyond for Digital Scrapbooking Day.

Stampin' Up! will be celebrating Digital Scrapbooking Day with a four-day online event you won't want to miss! Digital Scrapbooking Day is November 5, but Stampin' Up! will keep the celebration going from November 4-7! The celebration will include free downloads, blog posts with exciting project ideas all weekend long, and the announcement of the 2011 My Digital Studio Contest winners.

Be sure to mark your calendars and come celebrate with Stampin' Up! and me!

GOOD TO BE THE HOSTESS

2011-11-01T14:54:00.002-04:00

Get an additional $35 in FREE Stampin’ Up! products when you host a $350 workshop November 1-December 15! This is in addition to all the other benefits you get as a Stampin’ Up! hostess.

If your workshop sales total is	You earn hostess dollars		It’s Good to Be the Hostess	Total Free Stampin’ Up! Merchandise	Plus, you earn full-priced items at 50% off
$350	$50	+	$35	$85	---
$400	$65	+	$35	$100	1 item
$500	$80	+	$35	$115	2 items
$750	$120	+	$35	$155	3 items
$1,000+	$160 plus 15% of amount over $1,000	+	$35	$195 plus 15% of amount over $1,000	4 items

Schedule a workshop today and get set to create for the holidays with all of the exciting hostess rewards you’ll receive!

I'll add even more incentive: I'll host YOUR workshop in my home so that you don't have to clean up your house before AND after! I'll do all that for you!! You just bring along the treats, beverages and guests!!

Contact me at KERIOUT@YAHOO.COM to make the plan!!

Thanks for Inkin' of me,

Keri Blake

Still swimming in delight for our Troy Cowboy's Varsity Cheer winning 1st, 1st and Best Overall Trophies AND

my daughter's Individual Winning of 1st place in Toe Touch and 2nd place in Herkie jump competition!!

An Offer to "DIE" for?

2011-11-01T13:02:00.002-04:00

An offer to DIE for!

If you've been looking for an opportunity to do what you love, while getting a 20% discount on your favorite products, now is the perfect time! Through November 11, you'll get a FREE Big Shot when you join the Stampin' Up! family as a demonstrator.*

Use the Big Shot die-cutting machine and Stampin' Up!'s exclusive dies** to create uniquely beautiful projects in a flash.

In addition, the new-demonstrator Starter Kit--a steal at just $175--contains over $345 worth of stamp sets, card stock, ink, accessories, and business supplies-everything you need to start your new business.

There are so many benefits of being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, including

A 20 percent product discount!
A free monthly issue of Stampin' Up!'s demonstrator-only magazine, Stampin' Success!
Sneak peeks at brand-new products!
Invitations to exclusive Stampin' Up! events!
Regular get-togethers to stamp!
Free access to an online community of 30,000+ crafters/stampers and creative artists, as well as 160,000+ project samples!
Plus, access to an exclusive video and training for your new Big Shot!

Don't miss this BIG deal! Contact your demonstrator today to learn how you can take advantage of this great opportunity and get your FREE Big Shot!

*Or up to $100 in FREE Stampin' Up! products
**Big Shot dies sold separately

Christmas Card Stamp-a-Stack

2011-10-23T23:05:00.003-04:00

I still have some room in my Christmas Card SAS this Wednesday. Join us in some beautiful crafting!

Stampin' Up! Schedule 2011

2011-10-20T23:28:00.002-04:00

Happy Fall!

Briefly, here is my list of upcoming classes throughout the fall:

26 October - Christmas Card Stamp-A-Stack (SAS)

9 November - Demo Night (fellow demonstrators get together for a shoebox swap)

11 November - Scrap & Yap Evening

15 November - Monogram Card SAS

17 November - Christmas Card SAS

29 November - All Occasion Card SAS

1 December - All Occasion Card SAS

6 December - Purse-Onally Perfect Purse Class

13 December - Monogram Card SAS

14 December - Demo Night (fellow demonstrators get together for a shoebox swap)

For more details on each class, please visit my Stampin' Up! website: keriout.stampinup.net

If you would like me to demonstrate anything in particular or host a workshop for you, please do not hesitate to contact me!

Don't miss out on the FABULOUS Promotions this month! There are three!!

* Sign up to be a demonstrator on my team, before 10/31/11, and you'll receive a Big Shot for free (or $100 in SU products)!! That means you receive $445 worth of merchandise for $175! WOW!!

** Purchase two Simply Sent Card Kits and receive a coordinating stamp set for FREE!!

*** Check out our new line - Stampin' Up's Cookie Press Stamps!! They are fun and easy to create masterpieces with!

You can get more information on my website for these specials or on my blog: www.inkinalatte.blogspot.com

Be sure to check out the Clearance Rack on my website for some GREAT Deals on quality products!

All the best ~

Keri Blake

Stampin' Up Creative Coach

You ARE Creative!

2011-10-20T20:20:00.006-04:00

"I'm not creative!" I have heard those words too many times. Let's talk about excuses - like I tell my kids, "excuses are worth nothing." You don't have to be creative to enjoy making handmade cards (or pages & gifts)! I mean it. When you have a Simply Sent Kit, you will have all the supplies to make your own cards and the instructions to do it! It's that simple. Now, when you purchase two Simply Sent Kits, you'll get a free stamp set! What a deal! Think of the warm fuzzies you will send those you love when they open their mailbox to find a handmade card from YOU!!
Click on the photo above for more details. You can order these through my online store (don't forget to check out our Clearance Rack, too) or you can place this order through me, whichever you prefer!

Please ask questions, should you have any! If I don't know the answer, I'll find out the answer!!

Thanks for Inkin' of me!
Keri Blake
GO TC!!

An offer to DIE for?

2011-10-19T21:35:00.009-04:00

If you've been looking for an opportunity to do what you love, while getting a 20% discount on your favorite products, now is the perfect time! During October, you'll get a FREE Big Shot when you join the Stampin' Up! family as a demonstrator.*

Use the Big Shot die-cutting machine and Stampin' Up!'s exclusive dies** to create uniquely beautiful projects in a flash.

There are so many benefits of being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, including

A 20 percent product discount!
A free monthly issue of Stampin' Up!'s demonstrator-only magazine, Stampin' Success!
Sneak peeks at brand-new products!
Invitations to exclusive Stampin' Up! events!
Regular get-togethers to stamp!
Free access to an online community of 30,000+ crafters/stampers and creative artists, as well as 160,000+ project samples!
Plus, access to an exclusive video and training for your new Big Shot!

Don't miss this BIG deal! Contact me today to learn how you can take advantage of this great opportunity and get your FREE Big Shot!

*Or up to $100 in FREE Stampin' Up! products
**Big Shot dies sold separately

Thanks for Inkin' of me,
Keri Blake
Cheering on the Red Wings and the Lions!!

clan Blake in Green!

2011-10-16T23:00:00.002-04:00

Just thought I'd share a great family photo! My youngest had her final season game for cheering on the Cowboys. This is the last family photo with this organization, our 13th! On to the Mega Cheer and Superbowl for our undefeated Varsity football team and Winning Varsity Cheer Squad!!

GO TC!!

Thanks for Inkin' of me,
Keri Blake

ps. Do you want to be a demonstrator and get the Big Shot for FREE? You can through 10/31/2011! Don't miss out. Contact me!

Stampin' Up! Cookie Press Stamps!!

2011-10-05T19:41:00.005-04:00

Go to my website to order!

Thanks for Inkin' of me,
Keri Blake
Cheering my son in Water Polo!! GO TC!

Sweet Floral

2011-09-23T19:34:00.003-04:00

Here's my 7th swap card in the All Catalog Swap I joined! I used Sweet Floral background stamp, which is a new stamp in Stampin' Up's New Idea Book & Catalog! I also used Creative Elements and I LOVE them both! Do you notice my favorite embellishing technique used here? The embossing folder I used for this card was Square Lattice.

I have received my return swaps and I have to state this was the best swap I've been involved in so far! I'm very impressed with the majority of the cards I received! I'll start posting them AFTER I show you two more cards I have made that were inspired by other demonstrators! Stay with me, all right?

Thanks for Inkin' of me,
Keri Blake
Loving my job in Michigan!

Stampin' Up! Stamps are a Top 10 Tool for 2011

2011-09-21T23:26:00.002-04:00

We're excited to announce that Creating Keepsakes magazine has named Stampin' Up!'s wood- and clear-mount rubber stamps as one of its Top 10 Tools for 2011!

While Stampin' Up! has long been recognized in the stamping and crafting industry for producing high-quality rubber stamps and exclusive images in a variety of artistic styles, being recognized by Creating Keepsakes is just another validation that when you choose Stampin' Up! products, you are choosing the best!

Itty Bitty Bits

2011-09-21T22:28:00.004-04:00

I've been patiently awaiting my return swaps! As mentioned on an earlier post, I joined an Stampin' Up! All Catalog swap! Every stamp set in the new IBC (Idea Book & Catalog) was put into different categories. I signed up for seven of those categories! Here's my 6th swap, made with Itty Bitty Bits! I also used the Itty Bitty Buttons and my favorite embellishing technique = Embossing Folder to add texture! I hope you like it!

Stay tuned for my 7th swap and then I'll be giving credit to the other 100 demonstrators who shared their talents in this swap!!

Thanks for Inkin' of me,
Keri Blake
Proud to be living in the Mitten state!

Scary Scenario - Beware

2011-09-20T14:14:00.003-04:00

Traffic light cameras are annoying at the best of times, but while some people manage to escape the fines, most of us simply pay up without thinking about it or questioning whether the charge is valid. Tricky scammers are taking advantage of that lazy human tendency, making a handful of money and stealing identities in the process.

Scare tactics
The scam is simple. A no-good type picks your phone number at random and, once you answer, tells you that you have an overdue red light camera fine. The only way to avoid a significant late fee, a court case, or even jail time is to pay the bill right then and there over the phone. If you don't pay up, you're threatened with a warrant for your arrest.

Of course, there was no camera, no photograph, and no overdue bill. The scammer really has no ability to arrest you, fine you, or take you to court.

Taken off guard
The voice at the end of the phone line identifies itself as that of a police officer, possibly even giving you a (phony) identification number. As well as trusting you to be lazy and not do your fact checking, the scammer is working on the element of surprise. It's scary to be told you may be facing a jail sentence over something you have no recollection of doing, and you'll be more inclined to overlook a few simple signs that should tell you that the phone call is anything but legitimate.

After convincing you to pay the fraudulent fine, the "traffic cop" will ask for your credit card information, including the security code. That's required information for paying any bill from a remote location. Alarm bells should start ringing as the questions continue, though, as the caller asks for your billing address, date of birth and Social Security number. Surely, the police would have some — if not all — of this information on file. They have your license plate in the photo from the red light camera, after all.

That's not our style
No American police agency currently conducts business like this; in fact, no agencies anywhere conduct business like this. The police do not use the telephone to chase down or collect overdue fines or tickets. They use the postal service or, in more dire cases, a process server or law enforcement officer.

Even if things did get to the third-party debt collector stage, all correspondence would be carried out in writing, creating an official paper trail that can be traced back and audited if necessary.

The police (and most other authorities) will not ask you for personal information over the phone unless you initiated the call. Dialing the cable company to pay your bill by credit card is one thing — you dialed the numbers, and you can be relatively certain you are connected to the right party. But even with Caller ID, there is no real way to verify incoming calls; if questioned, scammers can come up with a quick excuse. Perhaps they are "calling from a different office" or "a new number that hasn't been set up yet."

Other variations
While this red light camera scam is relatively new (originating in Texas, by the way), it's very similar to another popular identity theft attempt. In that instance, you'll receive a call informing you that you have missed jury duty and — you guessed it — must pay a fine or be slapped with a late fee, along with possible jail time or a court case of your own.

Just like the traffic camera scam, there is no missed jury duty, and the "court official" on the other end of the phone is after your money and your personal information.

Throwing you off the scent
In a particularly nasty twist, you might receive a second call a few days later. The operator made a mistake — it wasn't your car in the photograph, or it wasn't really your name on the jury duty list. Gushing apologies, the caller will fall over himself to reassure you that your credit card will not be billed and that he is very sorry for wasting your time and causing you undue stress.

This second call, of course, is a distraction. You are so happy that you aren't really in trouble that you don't think back over the phone calls too closely and don't think to check your bank account to double-check the transaction. By the time you do check, it's often too late.

Common sense prevails
Fortunately, this simple scam has an equally simple method of prevention. Never, ever provide personal or financial information over the phone, email, text, or mail when solicited by a stranger. At the same time, find out as much as you can about the caller. Get a contact number, name, account number, job title, and any other relevant information that will help you identify them later. Tell them a story about wanting the information in case you need to call back later, if you must. (Hint: They're not going to want to give their details freely.)

If you believe you may have been sucked in by this scam, call your credit card company immediately and cancel your card(s). Look carefully at your statements to see if there are any fraudulent transactions, and report those as soon as you can. Consider getting fraud alerts placed on your credit report by contacting your credit bureau, too; these can be free and well worth your time, if you're concerned.

If you've handed over your Social Security number, slap yourself on the wrist and report that to the authorities, too. You will, unfortunately, need to take further steps to protect yourself from more serious fraud and identity theft....

Hello Doily!

2011-09-17T23:39:00.005-04:00

This is a beautiful new single background stamp named Hello Doily! Like the Medallion stamp, it can be used in a variety of ways to create an elegant look. This is a case from Mary Brown who is a very talented demonstrator! I love her work. Don't you?

Thanks for Inkin' of me,
Keri Blake
Happy to be living and working in the Mitten state!
keriout.stampinup.net

"Stair" out the window!

2011-09-13T18:18:00.003-04:00

I'm not sure if I've ever shared a Stair Step card that I have created before. This one is with the Aviary and Sincere Salutations, two of my favorite stamp sets! I used Bold Brights Designer Series Paper, Poppy Parade & Daffodil Delight cardstock colors! I also used the Decorative Label Punch for the "window"! Doesn't it look like the single birds friends are checking to see how the bird in the window is doing? I love it!

What do you think?
Thanks for Inkin' of me,
Keri Blake
Stampin' Up! demonstrator in the Mitten state!

Happy Birthday Mom!

2011-09-10T17:12:00.003-04:00

Here's a card made for my mom with Create a Cupcake stamp set! I love the little hearts, recycled from the punch used on the bottom border! Clever Cupcake, huh? Enjoy.

Thanks for Inkin' of me,
Keri
Go get 'em Tigers!! Roar!

Just Thank You!

2011-09-05T22:45:00.007-04:00

Here's another card I made for my All Catalog Swap (which I'm so anxiously awaiting my returns) in the A la Carte category! This is a single stamp called Just Thank You! This card fits in the standard envelope for mailing (it's a 3x6)!

Thanks for Inkin' of me,
Keri
Praying for all those affected by the tornado that hit Ferndale, MI.

Swappin' Season!

2011-09-04T11:17:00.007-04:00

Once I finished my schooling and state exams, it was back to creating! I joined an Idea Book & Catalog swap for the New IBC 2011-2012! This swap was for every stamp set in the new catalog! Our swap hostess broke down the catalog into categories and listed each stamp set in that particular category. I selected seven different stamps sets in seven categories and got busy preparing my creations for each set. In all, I should be receiving 105 different cards in return! I can't wait! Meanwhile, here's a look at one of the swap cards I made for the first category, Hostess Stamp Sets. I used Array of Sunshine stamp set. Let me know what you think!

Please note, I receive inspiration from many different demonstrators. Although I do not yet have a watermark for my own, I do want to give credit for the CASE (copy and share everthing) from the original artist. I believe this card was inspired by the all talented Mary Brown.

Thanks for Inkin' of me,
Keri Blake
Loving the last of summer in Michigan

Sad News for The Angel Company

2011-08-27T20:30:00.003-04:00

I work for two amazing companies, Stampin' Up! and RE/MAX in the Hills. Both of which are run by women who are bright and strong in faith. Both women have worked hard and achieved great success. They are both honest, fair, loyal, with their priorities in order and women of integrity. I am blessed to be working for each of them.
I have wondered what "other" stamping companies are like to work for. I've especially wondered about The Angel Company and although I've never ordered any products or met anyone who works for them, I did check them out before signing up with Stampin' Up. I have never heard anything bad about this company so the following news was heartbreaking to read and I'll be praying for the company's consultants.

It is with great sadness that I must announce we are hanging up our wings. These past several years our industry has faced enormous challenges and as a result, we have seen many companies close their doors. We continued to hope we could see The Angel Company through this recession and back into prosperous days and we held onto this hope as long as we could.
One of the largest challenges affecting each of us is our industry not being able to support all of the direct sales companies in our field. Even in a healthy economy, we are a niche market trying to compete for a very limited number of distributors. As a small company, this has been a grueling challenge for us. Times are tough for everyone ~ in direct sales and retail environments.
I would like to thank each of you for being an customer and Angel these past 14 years. Indeed, it has been a pleasure to serve you.
The Angel Company

Licensed & Ready!

2011-08-21T21:42:00.004-04:00

I'm back! After six weeks of school, studying every night and working as well, I've passed my class test (with flying colors) and sat for my State Licensing Exam and passed! I'm officially a licensed Real Estate Salesperson!! WOO HOO! Those of you who know me, know that I haven't been in school for a few years. So, can I share with you how hard it was to develop good study habits when you have a family of six and a job outside of the home? Phew... so glad to move on and learn more, but without the exams! I know what you're thinking, "life is one big exam after another!" right? I couldn't agree more!

I'm ready to get back to stampin'! Earlier this month, I signed up to be an seven different swaps in the new catalog! I am fired up to finish up my cards and get back 100+ cards, each made with a different stamp set out of the New Idea Book & Catalog (2011-2012)!! I'll be showing these off on a daily basis. Stay tuned in early September for some major sharing!! Meanwhile, I'll be sharing along the way, too.

Thank you for your patience and understanding,
Keri
Happy stamper in Michigan!