Thursday, December 15, 2011
RUN, DON'T WALK!!!
Just go to the link to my Stampin' Up! website link, (on the left of my screen) and go to the products tab. Click on Shop Now. You will see the link to the Clearance Rack at the left of the screen. When it opens up, click on "show all" instead of 8 at a time.
You will be happy you did!!!
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Gift Cards and Last Call!
Hola, Chicas! I had a Gift Card holder class planned for Monday evening for a handful of ladies and most of them had to back out, for various reasons. I still have one friend that would really like to make them. However, I really don’t want to be cutting paper and ribbons, printing directions and cleaning for one participant. If I can get a few more people to sign up, I would reschedule and she would be so happy. The holders are shown below and the cost is $15.00. If you would like to join in, let me know ASAP and I will reschedule for Wednesday evening 6 to 9.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Let the SHOPPING begin!!!!
There's a SALE COMING UP!!! Stampin' Up presents, "ONLINE EXTRAVAGANZA", This annual sale kicks off the holiday shopping season! Be sure to stay tuned Nov. 21st - Nov. 30th!
In addition to this sale, there will be a SPECIAL 24 HOUR SALE on Monday, Nov. 21st ONLY! This will feature two items that are on sale, ONLY during this 24 hour period! (12:01AM - 11:59pm).
You can shop from my Stampin' Up website HERE. There will be many things on sale, including FREE digital downloads valued at $40 when you buy My Digital Studio Express, 60% off select Designer Fabrics, and 30% off an exclusive ribbon bundle!
Check back SOON!
Friday, November 18, 2011
Mom and Me Class
OK, enough excuses. On to the details you want!
This is a really fun project for you and your child/children. I try to make the project just hard enough that it requires you to work together. That is what makes it special. This is a winter scene snow globe. This one is just a small sample of all of the goodies I have for inside this globe of glass. Each one will be different because there is no specific way to create. Kids go crazy about having free reign of a project. You can't tell by the photos but there is a battery operated tea-light in the house and it shines through the stars that are punched out.
Cost is $10.00 for each Mom and Me globe made and is on Sunday, Nov. 27th from 10 AM to 2 PM, (this project probably won’t take 4 hours but I just want to make sure I have lots of time set aside in case we get chatty or off track, wink). Please R.S.V.P. by Friday so I can make sure I have supplies for everyone.
*You can make additional globes for $8.00 each.
*Children must be accompanied by an adult but if you are an adult without a child and want to take this class, that’s fine.
*I recommend the child be no younger than 5 but you can make that call as long as your child is not overly disruptive.
*We will be working with hot glue so, please keep that in mind.
Happy Honeycomb Holidays!
Here’s another honeycomb card I made. The “lights” on the tree are glittery paper punched with a teardrop shaped punch so they can stick out of the tree and be seen.
More cards to come!
By the way, I have this honeycomb paper at the studio for sale. I got in on a great group buy and they are $5.50 each. Remember, H2U members get 10% off.
*If you buy the paper from me, I will die cut it for you in whatever shapes I have that you want.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
More Honeycomb Cards
Sorry, I have been too busy to post lately. Since it has been a little while, I thought I might get back in the posting groove with a fun honeycomb card. I love this paper and I love trying new stuff with it.
This cute little guy is cut with a snowman die. I LOVE the stick arms! They are so cute. I’m still trying to perfect the mouth piece. For this guy, I cut a half circle smile and accordion folded it so it would fit in the honeycomb and open and close with him. I think he still needs work. His tie is great. It is made with SU seam binding. The seam binding is so light weight and easy to work with.
Hope he makes you smile! Have a great day! XOX, Mimi
Sunday, November 6, 2011
H2U is Next Saturday!
I just wanted to give you a peek at what I will be offering at November’s H2U.
My time slot is from 10 AM to 11 AM on Saturday, Nov. 12.
We will be making a Christmas card using the new Stampin' Up! "Stocking Builder" punch #124095 $16.95. Those of you who have purchased the punch or want to buy the punch, from me, will get the class for FREE. If you would like to make the card but not purchase the punch, the cost is $3.00.
Please R.S.V.P. to me directly at stampinwithmimi@hotmail.com
The supplies used for this card are:
Stamps: Stitched Stockings #123784, Petite Pairs #122497
Paper: Garden Green #102584, Cherry Cobbler #119685, DSP Frostwood Lodge #124002, Glimmer Paper silver #124005.
Ink: Cherry Cobbler #119669
Accessories: Stocking Builder punch #124095, Curley Label punch #119851, Scallop Edge Border #119882, Mini Jingle Bells #124116, Bakers Twine Early Espresso #123124, Petals a Plenty embossing folder #116824
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Free Digital Downloads starting Friday
Access free downloads from MyDigitalStudio.net November 4-7, after completing a quick survey.
Brand-new, never seen before FREE downloads include:
- So Typefelt Stamp Brush Set
- Neutral Delightful Digital Tape
- Home for the Holidays Ensemble
- Delight in the Day Photobook Template
Check out all of the wonderful Stampin’ Up! digital content HERE and order 24/7 with instant downloads!
Thanks for stopping by! XO, Mimi
Oops! A Typo!
I just wanted to let you know that I have corrected the times for the class on the 20th. The correct times are 10 AM to 1 PM. Thank you, so much, for pointing out the error. XO, Mimi
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
A Tradition Continues
Every year, for the past five years, I have made a new Advent Calendar for my home. I also hold an Advent Calendar class for those who would like to share this tradition with me. My kids love them. I always stick little goodies and notes in all of the little pockets for them to open each day. My ten year old has already started asking me if I was making one this year and what will it be.
So, without further ado, here is a sample of the calendar class for this year.
I LOVE the new stocking die from Stampin’ Up! I have seen so many wonderful projects with it. The finished stocking measures approx. 7” x 5”. Plenty of room for hiding goodies inside.
I have scheduled a class on NOV 20 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM and the cost of the class is $20.00. We will be using lots of goodies to decorate the stocking pockets including the new mini jingle bells, some felt shapes, twine, ribbons, pearls, glitter, etc.
If you would like to make one of the calendars, you will need to R.S.V.P. no later than Nov. 9th as I have to order enough supplies from Stampin' Up! and have them here in time to pre-cut all of the stockings.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Everybody needs a little help sometimes
It’s not a bad thing to need a little help from your friends. Especially with the Holidays rapidly approaching us. So, I have created a few cards that I can put together in packs of 10, for you to assemble. You can still have homemade cards without the high price of someone else making them for you or the time consuming job of coming up with an idea, ordering and cutting all of the paper, stamping and sponging, etc.
I will cut all of the paper, do all of the stamping, embossing, sponging, etc for the price of $15.00 per multiples of 10. That’s $1.50 a card. Let me know if this service interests you! Her are the samples I have come up with.
Happy November 1st!
I have updated the Events page on my Stampin' Up! website with classes that I have in November. So, take a moment to check and see if there is anything that tickles your fancy and let me know if you can join me for some pre-holiday fun!
Keep checking back though, as I am working on another "Create with the Cricut" class and I am looking at the last week of November to hold it.
Thanks for stopping by! XO, Mimi
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Spring Cleaning?
Okay, Spring is long gone but I have GOT to get to cleaning! I think it’s the cooler weather that makes me want to clean. Or, perhaps, it’s the fact that I can hardly get into my garage because I have so much stuff overflowing from “The Studio”. Either way, there is a definite need for a Garage Sale!
Today, tomorrow and Friday, I will be filling the tables of my studio with goodies that need to go! Everything from stamps, paper, ribbons, cards, sizzix dies, Cricut cartridges, beads, storage totes, kits, ink pads, scrapbook albums, books, and the list goes on!
Here’s the details:
Wednesday * Thursday * Friday
9 AM to 2 PM
other hours by appointment only, please
I am usually home in the evening but, call or email to make sure
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Christmas Card Classes
I know, I’m cutting it pretty close this year. I usually have a Christmas Card Class long before now. However, I am not usually a full time nanny for a sweet little 7 month old baby either. Truly, a labor of LOVE!
Here are the 5 cards we will be making for $15.00. I set the dates for Saturday, Nov. 5th from 10 AM till 1 PM and Monday, Nov. 7th from 6 PM till 9 PM. A basic tool kit is needed. Please, RSVP by Wednesday, Nov. 2nd.
I hope you will be able to come and enjoy some Holiday cheer with me!
Monday, October 17, 2011
And the winner is…
Well, apparently, it is more difficult to leave a comment that I had anticipated. I only got 3 comments on the blog but I received 5 by way of email. So, to be fair to those who had trouble, I put all of the names on strips of paper and did the drawing. Hopefully, by the next time I decide to give Blog Candy, everyone will be having an easier time at it.
Without further ado, I let my sweet seven month old Granddaughter stick her chubby little hand in the bowl to pull out a name. After prying it from her hand, before it reached her mouth, I opened it up to find the name Gayle ,who had emailed me because she had trouble leaving a comment. So, I will email Gayle and let her know she got the goodies.
Thank you, to those of you who participated. For those of you who had trouble leaving a comment, I think I know the problem. If you subscribe to my blog feeds, you can’t just hit reply in the email to leave a comment. You need to go to the bottom of the post where it says“view comments”. If you click on that, it will take you to where you can leave a comment.
Easy peasy, lemon squeezy!
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Wow! What a great class!
I just have to show off what was made Saturday in the Halloween Banner class. These ladies really rocked it!
It only turned out to be 3 ladies and myself but it really worked to their advantage because they had a lot more fun things to choose from on the buffet table.
It was a smorgasbord of spooky, creepy, and fun items like skeletons, keys, eyeballs, spiders and spider webs, etc…
OK, without further ado, here are the finished banners. The first is by Lisa. Lots of bling and bones. Love the little bottle of poison!
Next up is Angela. She has an almost 3 year old that she was gearing her banner towards. So, there’s lots of cute thing on hers! Love the cute charms and chains.
Last, but not least, my Mom’s banner. A great mix of scary and cute. Lots of keys and bling and bottles of poison. Love the rubber frog with the crown!
Here are some close-ups of the banners for you so you can check them out. They really put a lot of work into them. I am so happy with the finished products.
I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! Come back soon!
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Friday Freebee!
This is something new that I thought about doing for a while now.
For my first Friday Freebee, I have these lovely treat cup cards. Anyone who orders a package of the Stampin’ Up! Treat cups #116802 from me, you can make one of these free treat cup cards.
Can’t make it out to the studio to make a card? No worries, I will be happy to make the card kit and full instructions for you and you can make it when it’s convenient for you.
OMGoodness! This is AWESOME!
The Christmas Keepsake Box Project Kit is available for purchase through December 31st or while supplies last. It is only $19.95 so hurry and order yours today!
The box measures approximately 6" x 8" so it is big enough for a really nice gift. You will receive all the Pre-Cut papers and other supplies shown below with your kit*. Did you see the full pack of Basic Pearls, a full container of the Fine Champagne Glitter and the Vanilla Pearl Bauble. These three things alone are $11.65 so this is a GREAT deal!!! Instructions are included with the kit. Don't forget to add the Pines & Poinsettias stamp set to your order.
This box would make a beautiful holiday decoration if you find that you cannot part with it...{wink}
Hurry to my Online Store and order your Christmas Keepsake Box Project Kit before they are sold out!!
FREE LIVE CLASS!! Purchase the Christmas Keepsake Box Project Kit from me and come to a FREE class to assemble it!! I will provide the Pines & Poinsettias stamp set, markers, punches, paper cutter and scissors, all you need to bring is your adhesive. Choose from two dates - Friday November 18th at 6:00 or Saturday November 19th at 2:00. Please contact me if you cannot make it to class and we can discuss other arrangements.
*To assemble the box at home, you will need the following:
Pines & Poinsettias stamp set or another holiday set
Early Espresso, Real Red, Wild Wasabi Stampin’ Write Marker
Adhesives, Glue Gun
3/16" Corner Punch
Paper Cutter & Paper Snips
Needle
Glue gun
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
BOO!
Don’t be scared, it’s just a Cricut project that I copied from the internet.
As soon as I saw this adorable mantle decoration, I couldn’t think of anything else. Have you ever had a crafting moment like that? I knew I had to create it even though I do not have a mantel to put it on.
So, I began cutting the letters and little creatures and then I thought, I don’t have any picture frames to use for the project. The more I thought about it, the less I wanted to go buy frames just for this so, I started scrounging around the studio. Boy o boy, the things I came across that I didn’t even know I had. Low and behold, I came to these paper mache’ houses that I had purchased several years ago for another Halloween project/class.
I think they work great and I like that they aren’t picture frames. Thanks for stopping by, XO
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
How about some Halloween Candy!?
I have to admit, I love candy. So, of course, Halloween has some sweet benefits. Unfortunately, we live in a rural community and in order to go “Trick or Treating”, we have to crash someone’s party or neighborhood. I really don’t like the mall for candy begging. It seems so lame.
I love finding novelty candy. This year I found eyeball lollipops, body parts gummies, eyeball gumballs, exploding candy and test tube (powdered) candy. The best part was it was all at the local dollar store. Cha ching!
Well, since I love candy so much, I thought I would offer up some Blog Candy. I just received a sweet package from Mr. Brown. It had these nice little Halloween goodies in it. There’s a sheet of Designer Jewels Black Flourish, a package of Spooky Night Rub-Ons and a roll of Black Lace Ribbon.
All you have to do is leave me a comment about your favorite candy and I will pick a random comment for the winner on Monday.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Some Awesome Stampin’ Up! Specials for You!
It's Monday, already! There's a lot going on this week both here and at Stampin' Up!
There are two great promotions going on this month and they are worth repeating in case you've missed them so far.
Our Simply Set card kits are on special this month. When you order two, Stampin' Up! will give you your choice of coordinating stamp sets. They are great for experienced card-makers, but they would also make a GREAT holiday gift!! Each kit includes:
- 8 printed cards (depending on the kit some are die-cut edged or embossed)
- Coordinating tags and/or accents
- Additional embellishments such as buttons or pearls
- Coordinating ribbon
- 8 envelopes
*See each kit's details for specific information.
Now, lets say that your Stampin' Up! wish list is long.
Maybe, like some of my friends and customers, your wish list is kept on an excel spreadsheet or in a spiral binder. (I'm not making this up... truly) Well then, this special is for you:
Sign up this month and you will receive a Big Shot (OR $100 in merchandise of your choice) in addition to the wonderful supplies already in the kit. The Starter Kit is only $175 and worth at least double that on a regular day; but this month... wow! In case you are wondering, there are no extra strings attached. As always, you have three choices:
- Keep the kit, build a business. I'll be on-hand to help you along the way. Keep it small (like me) just to pay for the goodies you purchase, or build something bigger to pay those bills! OR
- Keep the kit, order for yourself at a discount. It's only $300 a quarter to stay active. Having a friend or two order from you will make it even easier. OR
- Keep the kit... and nothing. There is no penalty for letting your Demonstrator status drop. None.
Curious about what is in the kit? Download the October Promotion Starter Kit PDF which details the contents. Note: the majority of the kit items are customizable, allowing you the flexibility to get what you like and will use.
Contact me 24/7 at my Stampin’ Up! website for any of these specials or for anything else.
Have a great Columbus Day/Monday!!
Thursday, October 6, 2011
More Trash to Treasure
I made this one quite a while ago for my youngest Daughter. She had a Pirate Birthday for her 5th and I dressed up and we had a treasure hunt. It was so much fun!!! To help her remember the fun we had, I used a picture of me in my Pirate garb along with some fun paper and stickers. I added beads for more fun and then used eyelets to keep it from opening. I also wrote a personal message to her on the back. She loved it and still enjoys looking at it and reading my note.
This package was from some super big flowers I had purchased. Like they say, “one person’s trash is another’s treasure”.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Trash to Treasure
Sometimes, when I open a cabinet or look in my garage, I think I recycle “to a fault”. But, when I come up with ideas like these, it reminds me that I would rather have these plastic packages take up room in my cabinets and garage than in a land fill.
This first one is a smaller package from brads or tags or something craft related. I just used the paper insert that had all of the manufacturers info on it as a template for my pretty papers. Then I put in a gift card and some tinsel, tied a bow at the top and voile’. The term “recycled gift” has a new meaning.
Check in tomorrow for another one! XO
Halloween Cards Class
The Halloween Card Class is creeping up on us! It is on Sunday, October 9th from 10 till 1. This is a fun card class with 5 spooky cards to delight Halloween lovers of all ages! Please bring a basic tool kit. The cost of this class is $15.00. Please R.S.V.P. to stampinwithmimi@hotmail.com by Wednesday, October 5th. Hope you can make it!
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Stampin’ Up! Clearance Rack is Back!!!
OMGoodness!! Stampin’ Up! has just filled up the Clearance Rack with some awesome quality Stampin’ Up! products with AMAZING price reductions!
They are “first come, first serve” and once they are gone, they are gone. So get over there FAST!!!
Click on the link to my Stampin’ Up! Website on the left. Then click on the Products tab and go to Shop Now. You will see the Clearance Rack on the left in the list. Click on that and get busy!
Hurry! Go NOW!
Thursday, September 29, 2011
How do you create?
I am embarrassed to say, I am a very messy creator. When I get going and I’m in “the zone”, stuff starts flyin’ around, hours whip by and before I know it, it’s time for dinner but nothing has been cooked. That is what today was like. I paused for a moment and looked at my desk. When I saw the damages, I decided to share my dirty little secret with you. Hope you had a productive day too! XOX
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
I’m on a Roll!
I have been posting very regularly and I would hate to mess up my momentum so I thought I would show you another honeycomb card that I created. I love the saying on the front of the card. It is from a retired SU set called “Humor in High Heels”. I love the set and just can’t bear to part with it so, I pull it out every now and then and play with it. Enjoy!
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Gift Cards, Always a Perfect Fit!
I love giving and receiving gift cards. They are always the right size and color and in style! I have even traded gift cards before, when I received one to a store that I didn’t shop at. LOL! Last week, I paid for a stamp set, from another Stampin’ Up! demonstrator, with a gift card. That was a first for me but that’s what she wanted.
Anyhoo, this is a sneak peek at one of the gift card holders that we will be making at the Gift Card Class on the 2oth of October from 6 to 9. We will make 4 different holders that you will be proud to give. The cost of the class is $15.00. Basic tool kit is needed. Don’t forget your H2U member card to receive 10% off the price of the class.
Friday, September 23, 2011
The Stockings Were Hung…
I must say, I am really lovin’ all the fun ways to use the new Stampin’ Up! stamp set Stitched Stockings and the coordinating Stocking Builder punch that are in the Holiday Mini Catalog! The ideas are endless!
I love these new items so much that I am offering a free card class when you purchase these items from me. That’s right! On October 29th, from 10 till 2, we will make four cards with coordinating envelopes with these products and many more.
Here’s a little teaser of what we will make at the class. If you would like to come to the class, please R.S.V.P. by October 20th.
Hope you can join us!
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Going Batty for Treats!
Have you seen the Shaker Frames #124155 that are in the Holiday Mini Catalog? They are on page 38. They are made from the same strong foam adhesive that Stampin’ Up! has been making their dimensionals with for years. You get a total of 36 circles: 6 each of nested circles 1/2”, 3/4” 1”, 1 1/4”, 1 1/2” and 1 3/4” and are 1/8” thick.
I used one in the center of my “bat” that was made using the Owl punch and the retired bat punch. The main treat holder is 2 tags.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Halloween Honeycomb Cards
I have a confession to make. I am totally addicted to this fabulous honeycomb paper! I have been cutting and gluing shapes inside cards to see what I can come up with next.
Here is my latest. I used some Halloween papers I have had laying around the studio for a couple years just collecting dust. How embarrassing! Anyway, the trick or treaters' were already on the paper as well as the spider web that's on the inside. I just cut the honeycomb paper and added glittery black legs and voila! I love it!
If you can’t find the honeycomb paper but you have a Dollar Tree store close by, check their decorations and you might find these little pumpkin centerpieces that work great too!
A Few More Goodies Added to the Banner
I just can’t stop myself. I am having so much fun adding ephemera to this awesome banner. I wish you could see it in person. I just can’t get a picture of it that does it justice. Hope you like it!
Monday, September 19, 2011
Something Spooky to Create
Spooky Halloween Banner Oct 15th 10AM to 2PM:
If you’re like me and love to decorate for Halloween, you will want to make it to this class.
This banner is very multi dimensional, colorful and makes a suitable addition to your annual spooky decorations. Products featured are Stampin’ Up!, Making Memories, Ranger, Tim Holtz, Maya Road, Girls Paperie, and many more.
Each participant will receive a kit with plenty of materials to make this banner or any variation with plenty of goodies left over.There will also be a buffet of products to choose from to give your banner a personal touch.
This class requires a basic tool kit. The cost of this class is $25.00.
Please R.S.V.P. by October 10th. Remember to bring your H2U member card for 10% discount.
Friday, September 16, 2011
"Create with the Cricut" Class
For the first "Create with the Cricut" Class, we are going to use the following cartridges:
George cartridge, for those of you with the original Cricut.
Plantin Schoolbook, for those of you with the Expression.
Don Juan, for those of you with the Cricut Create.
We will make 4 cards of various themes. You will get full color instructions with photos of the finished projects and step by step directions according to the machine and cartridge you are using.
You will need to bring a basic paper crafting tool kit and a Cricut tool kit, if you have one. You will also need a white gel pen and a black thin marker. I like the white gel pen at the local craft store by Inkssentials. It seems to not clog up like the others. For the black thin marker, I like the ones that are from CTMH or CM. They have a set of various tips in black. But, bring whatever you own.
The class is on Sept. 23rd 10AM to 1PM and Oct 1st 2PM to 5PM and the cost is $25.00. H2U members get a 10% discount. Please remember your H2U card to get your discount. Please R.S.V.P. by Sept 20th for the class on the 23rd and by Sept. 28th for the Oct. 1st class. Space is limited to 8 people per class. Remember to let me know what machine and cartridge you have when you R.S.V.P.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Let’s Get Stampin’!
Here are the classes that I have coming up at the Paper Rose Studio
I hope to have pictures of all projects up by the end of the week.
September / October Calendar of Events
Beginner Cricut Class Sept. 22nd 10AM to 1PM and Oct. 1st 10AM to 1PM:
Do you have a Cricut electronic cutter but haven’t taken it out of the box or have it out but it is collecting dust? This class is for you! Learn how to work the buttons and dials on your Cricut, choose sizes, figure out what your blade needs to be set at and so much more. This class is 3 hours and is packed full of information. The cost of this class is $25.00.
Create with the Cricut Sept. 23rd 10AM to 1PM and Oct 1st 2PM to 5PM:
Do you have a working knowledge of your Cricut but need help in the creative process of projects? Then this class is for you. We will make 3 projects using one cartridge. You will have full color instructions and photos of the finished project. The project sheets are suitable to put in a binder for future reference. All papers and embellishments are included in the cost of the class. You will need to bring a basic tool kit as well as your Cricut personal cutter and the cartridge we will be using. The cost of this class is $25.00
Halloween Cards Sept. 15th 6PM to 9PM and Oct 9th 10AM to 1PM:
This is a fun card class with 5 spooky cards to delight Halloween lovers of all ages! Please bring a basic tool kit. The cost of this class is $15.00.
Spooky Halloween Banner Oct 15th 10AM to 2PM:
If you’re like me and love to decorate for Halloween, you will want to make it to this class. This banner is very multi dimensional, colorful and makes a suitable addition to your annual spooky decorations. This class requires a basic tool kit. The cost of this class is $25.00.
Gift Card Holders Oct. 20th 6PM to 9PM:
This is the age of gift card giving so, why not give them in style? In this class, you will make four different beautiful gift card holders with a Christmas theme that can be given as they are or hung on your Christmas tree. You will need a basic tool kit. This class is $15.00.
Free Card Class with Stamp Set and Punch Purchase Oct. 29th 10AM to 2PM:
In this class we will make 4 fabulous cards using the new stamp set Stitched Stockings and Stocking Builder punch from the Holiday Mini Catalog. For wood mount stamps and punch, the cost is $48.00. For clear mount set and punch, the cost is $39.50. Basic tool kit is needed.
R.S.V.P. to stampinwithmimi@hotmail.com or (941) 423-4799
If you need a map or directions to my classes, please email me and I will send you one. For samples of classes please check my blog http://stampinwithmimi.blogspot.com
Basic tool kit includes the following:
Sharp detail scissors, tape runner, bone folder, ruler, scor-tape or other strong double sided tape, pencil, pen, adhesive eraser, personal paper trimmer, scor-pal (not mandatory but helpful).