I owe you a little update!

Last week (Monday, Aug 25), I got home from Phoenix after attending Jenn Dove’s Coloring Retreat in Tempe, AZ with my bestie, Jaz from Jaz’s ASL Studio. You can read up on the post about Jenn Dove's Coloring Retreat. The very next day, I jumped right into basement renovations. Yesterday was finally painting day (hallelujah!) — which is why I completely lost track of time and missed last night’s Make It Monday. (And last Monday was a no-go too because of my flight. 🙈)

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The basement is still a work in progress:

• One small section is nearly done (just needs a second coat).
• Then we’ll shift things and start the next sections — about 6–8 total.
• Two will take a little extra time (like the first one), but the rest should just be paint.
• The ceiling? Let’s just say our shoulders are screaming. 💪😂

The husband has 5–6 work trips coming up (3 already confirmed), so we’re squeezing in as much as we can during evenings when he’s home. With my back issues, I can’t do the heavy lifting, so progress is very slow — but steady.

Enough about the basement — onto crafty news!

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🚨 Stampin’ Up! News

Tomorrow, Sept 3, is a BIG day: shop at ​jenifer.stampinup.net​

• Online Exclusives go live
• 2 New Kits release
• Sept–Dec Mini Catalog launches
• Registration opens for World Card Making Day​
  👉 Mark your calendar: World Card Making Day is October 4, 2025!

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World Card Making Day

• FREE event hosted by Stampin’ Up! (2–3 p.m. MT)
• Coordinating kit: Handmade & Heartfelt Kit (166213)
• Includes stamp set, 10 cards & envelopes, card organizer, labels, twine, glitter adhesive embellishments, and a mini ink pad
• Kit ordering opens Sept 3 (link will be posted tomorrow) — or check ​jenifer.stampinup.net​.

🖌 Reminder: Product Changes Ahead

Two weeks ago, Stampin’ Up! announced some long-term updates:

• Cling Red Rubber Stamps → being phased out; moving to 100% clear.
• New Packaging → stamps in die-cut cases with printed images (yay for storage!).
• Stampin’ Write Markers → being retired, since Blends are now the main marker line.

👉 If these are on your wish list, grab them before they’re gone.

🎨 Weekly Fun with Me

• Make It Monday → back on track next week with October’s layout!
• Color Play Friday → new 3-color combos drop every Friday!
• Color Play Spotlight → featured every Thursday. Submit your project by Wednesday at 6 PM CT to be included.

Want to be featured? Share your project on FB/IG and tag me @thejeniferbenner.

🪄 This Week in Chalk Couture

• 🎨 Color of the Month: Vanity is here!
• 🖌 New Club Couture released
• 💸 Save 20% on orders of $100+ (Perks Members & Designers only) — ends Sept 3
• 🎃 Summerween Sale on Halloween products — ends Sept 3
• ✨ Save 30% on every order → join as a Perk Member!

👉 Shop at: ​www.chalkcouture.com/deafcraftyjen​

💖 Final Note

👉 For now, most things are paused while I focus on the studio renovation. Once the basement is finished and everything’s back in place, I’ll be back full-time with our regular content.

I’m home for the rest of the year (no more travel ✈️) and so ready to dive into this cozy fall crafting season with you. The basement reno is still taking up a lot of time — and honestly, I’m ready for it to be DONE! But through all the chaos, I’m so grateful for your patience and support.