Springtime Smiles

It is hardly Spring in Houston, with our weekend weather close to 90 degrees.  It feels much more like the middle of Summer.  Friends and family in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, however, all reported snow last week.  SNOW!...While we're running around in shorts, tee-shirts and barefoot, planting our spring flowers. 

With just one more week remaining to purchase from the Occasions Mini Catalog from Stampin' Up! I'm showcasing the Easter Blossoms stamp set again.  I've paired it with this month's Spring-is-Blossoming special.

Here's the creations I came up with.  As I often do, I like to make a couple versions of the cards I make to try different color combinations, background papers and sometimes different sentiments.

For  a closer look at each card:

Both cards used background papers from Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper.  The card above uses two prints from Paisley Petals.  For this kind of card, I think my favorite is the smaller patterns on the designer papers.

I've always been partial to monochromatic cards, so the second version sent me looking for a patterned paper to match my Marina Mist card stock and image stamped in Marina Mist.  The card below uses an additional paper from the Patterns Designers Series Paper Stack.  I'm always surprised by how often when I can't find a coordinating paper among my Designer Papers, I reach for these wonderful Paper Stacks.  Each stack has so much to choose from.   

Here's what I used:

• Stamps:  Easter Blossoms, Four Frames
• Ink:  Marina Mist
• Paper:  Marina Mist, Whisper White, Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper, Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack - Subtles
• Accessories:  Stampin' dimensionals, Sponges,  3" Circle Sizzix Original Die, 3-1/2 Circle Original Die, Decorative Label Punch, Satin Ribbon, Big Shot Die Cutting Machine, Circle Scissors Plus

Don't miss your favorites from the Occasions Mini catalog.  While a few of the items may be picked up in the 2011-2012 Idea Book and Catalog, you will not be able to order them until July...or not at all.  So look through your Occasions Mini Catalog and place your online catalog order today...this week... before April 30, 2011.  Hurry, some items are already out of stock and no longer available to order, such as the Vinilla Rosettes.

You can also take advantage of the April special.  With a $20 minimum purchase, you qualify to order two brand new products from the upcoming 2011-2012 Idea Book a Catalog.  I've used both of these new products-- the Four Frames Stamp Set and the Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper --on the cards above.  This special Spring-is-Blossoming offer is good this month (April 2011) only.  After April 30, these two products won't be available again until July 1.

Read more about current Stampin' Up! specials, here.

Enjoy!

Order Anytime, 24 X 7

Believe

I was drawn to a card on Dawn Olchefske's site recently and had to create my own version of Dawn's lovely card.  This uses a section of the Big Shot Lattice Die, which is among my favorite Big Shot dies.  I added an extra layer of the Elegent Soiree Designer Series paper and kept my colors monochromatic.

Please tell me what you think, and let me know if you have questions.  Here's what I used:

• Stamps:  Just Believe
• Ink:  Soft Suede
• Paper:  Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, Elegant Soiree Design  Series Paper
• Accessories:  Stamping dimensionals, Basic Pearls, Boho Blossoms, Bitty Shapers Punch Packs, 1-1/4" punch, Big Shot Die Cutting Machine, Lattice Die

Reminder 1:  Just two weeks remain to order from the Occasions Mini catalog.  Place a $20 minimum purchase and you qualify to order two brand new products from the upcoming 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog.  Place your order and before you submit, you'll be asked if you want to order the Four Frames Stamp Set and the Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper.  This special Spring-is-Blossoming offer is good this month (April 2011) only.  After April 30, these products won't be available again until July 1.

Reminder 2:  If you are a customer of mine, your Summer Mini Catalog is in the mail.  On May 1 I'll make the free mini catalog download available here, where you can always find all of the Stampin' Up! catalog downloads.  To purchase the large 2010-2011 Idea Book and Catalog, contact me anytime.

Enjoy,

Easter Blossoms

It's been a busy couple of weeks, but I finally had time to stamp!  I made these cards using the Easter Blossom set from the Occasions Mini Catalog.  You can order from the Occasions mini through April 30, 2011. 

I like to make a couple versions of each card when I create.  Using different sentiments, I always have cards on hand when I need them. 

I like how they turned out... and these were simple to make. 

Stamps:  Easter Blossoms
Paper:  Basic Gray; Pretty in Pink
Ink:  Basic Gray
Accessories:  Pretty in Pink Satin Ribbon, Oval Punches, Decrative Label punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Basic Half Pearls, White Gel Pen, Dimensionals, Framed Tulips Embossing Folder, Big Shot Die Cut machine

Here is a closer look at the card using Oval punches and scallop oval punches and the Sending Springtime wishes from the Easter Blossoms Stamp Set.  I stamped the branch and sentiment in Basic Gray.  Then I took a white gel pen and colored the flowers lightly and carefully to allow the stamped image to show through the white gel pen.  I used the Framed Tulip Textured Impressions Embossing Folder on the basecard to create the raised boarder. Pretty in Pink satin ribbon added a touch of elegance.

Here is a closer look at the card using the Decorative Label Punch, and the scallop oval punch with the Happy Easter sentiment from the Easter Blossoms Stamp Set. 



http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ItemList.aspx?categoryID=493

Thinking of placing an order?  Check out the restocked Stampin' Up! Clearance Rack items including great grab bags, while they last. 

• A $5 grab bag includes at least $20 worth of discontinued products
• A $10 grab bag includes $40 worth of discontinued products including ribbons, Accents & Elements, chipboard, Designer Series Paper,m or Simply Sent kits.  Grab bags do not contain stamp sets or tools.

Also, check out the Spring is Blossoming promotion giving you a sneak peek at two brand new prducts from the upcoming 2011-2012 idea Book & Catalog.  From April 1-30, Four Frames Stamp Set and Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper can be ordered with a $20 minimum purchase or get them FREE when you host a $350 workshop.  These products wont be available again until July 1.

I'm so excited!  I just signed up for Stampin' Up! convention in July in Salt Lake City.  Early registration for demonstrators ends April 12 and saves your $30.  If you've been thinking of starting your own business and want to attend Convention in July, it's not too late to join stamping up as a demonstrato and register for Convention while seats are available.

Enjoy,

Specials

Start You Own Business
Host a workshop
24/7 Shopping at my Stampin' Up! Website
Download Free Stampin' Up! Catalogs

Why do I love My Digital Studio...scrapbook page

While vising the MyDigitalStudio.net site recently, I came across a great digital studio page by Cindy Schuster that sums up why so many of us are falling in love with digital scrapbooking and digital cardmaking. 

This is a shameless case of Cindy's page with my choices of favorite Designer Series Paper, stamps, and embellishments.  One of the ideas I forgot to mention on my reasons for loving My Digital Studio software is that  although Stampin' Up! may retire stamps, papers, colors and accessories and they are no longer available for purchase, if I've purchased it as a My Digital Studio download, I'll have my favorites ... forever!

If you are a My Digital Studio software user, why not case this and use your favorite digital downloads to showcase some of the interesting things you can do with My Digital Studio.  Send me a link in the comments section below.  I would love to see what you did! 

I'm planning to have several of these professionally printed by Stampin' Up!'s professional print services and keep them on hand for classes and open houses.  I'm also thinking that this is a great template for a page entitled 8 things I love.  I love using templates because you don't have to start from scratch -- although I did on this page. To change my layout, I could add photos, change the background paper and colors and add many different embellishment. 

The project I wanted to show you is the latest digital card I made using My Digital Studio.  I stated with a template available as a download and customized the Designer Series paper and embellishment.

After printing the card front on my home printer, I mounted it on a Soft Suede background.  It was a quick, fun card, but it seemed flat and commercial rather than handmade and personal.  So I added extra pages to my project, copied the card elements to a separate page, and printed the card elements individually

Then I hand cut the elements while I was watching TV and popped up the elements on dimensional to make this card.  I sponged the edges with Soft Suede and added buttons and twine. 

While I was printing my card elements, I also up-sized the digital top note element to make a text block for the inside of my card.  I rarely add elements to the inside of my cards; but with My Digital studio, it is so easy -- why not?

 

I also personalized one of the card front images for my brother's birthday. 

And finally, I played with different buttons on the card front. 

Other then the card I'm sending my brother in Minnesota for his birth this week, I'll add the rest of my samples to my stash of cards -- ready when I need them.  Thanks for indulging my little craft session today.

Two quick reminders:

• Sale-A-Bration ends March 31.  Just a couple more days to earn free stamp sets with your $50 order.
• The 15% off Sale-A-Bration discount for joining Stampin' Up! ends this week also.  You get the Starter Kit (Standard or Digital+) for 15 percent off--that's over $310 worth of Stampin' Up! products for just $148.75! You get a Bonus Bundle (worth up to $50) on top of the fabulous Starter Kit to get off to an awesome start! And you can sign up on line.Enjoy!
  
  
  
  
  Sale-a-bration Details
  Start You Own Business
  Host a workshop
  24/7 Shopping at my Stampin' Up! Website
  Download Free Stampin' Up! Catalogs

Cupcake Cooper

I couldn't resist doing a quick My Digital Studio page when my brother sent me this photo of Cooper, my grand-nephew sitting excitedly in front of a cupcake. 

 If I were limited to traditional scrapbooking, I would likely add the photo to my collection of "photos-to-scrap-one-day-soon..." box and never see the photo again until he graduated.  My Digital Studio, however, is so quick and easy, and with new downloads being added all the time, I just naturally reach for my (computer) mouse whenever I see a cute photo worthy of its own memory page.



Although I own a wide-carriage printer that will print 12 X 12 pages, I find that my favorite size has become 8-1/2 X 11 for digital pages.  That way I can quickly print them at home onto photo paper, which i usually have on hand, and as soon as they are dry, I protect them in a clear page protectors.  

Stampin' Up! also offers great prices on professional printing of your digital projects, too...from individual pages, to greeting cards to digital scrapbooks, with or without photo covers in a variety of cloth, leather or soft cover books.

For this project, I started with a pre-formatted page out of one of the designer kits downloads, dragged the photo into the pre-formatted photo box, and added a few embellishments from other designer kits.   The frogs and labels are from the Hoppy Memories Digital Kit download. 

Also, if you are just getting started with My Digital Studio, be sure to register for news and updates on the  My Digital Studio Site. 

• Tips and Ideas.  I'm always amazed at the video instruction, tips and ideas contributed by other My Digital Studio users. 
• Help Forums.  When I have a question about using My Digital Studio, I can usually get an answer from someone in the forums in a matter of 30 minutes or so. 
• Traditional & Digital Creations.  There are plenty of hybrid cards and scrapbook pages and many of the ideas would work with your traditional scrapbooking supplies you already have.

My Digital Studio DVD software (118108), includes over $500 worth of content.  400+ Designer Series Paper Patterns, 62 Stamp Brush Sets, 650+ embellishments, 25 punch shapes, and 140 Designer Templates.  It includes all of this year's In Colors as well as the basic cardstock colors.  You probably switched to digital photos several years ago; why not put that investment in digital technology to work by creating your own scrapbook pages, cards, invitations, and more using digital software!  Order your copy of My Digital Studio Software today!



My Digital Studio - 118108 -US$79.95





Well, time to get ready for a new week.  Enjoy!

Butterfly Effect

As I was playing with My Digital Studio software this week I stumbled across this butterfly image.  It was love at first sight and I quickly decided to create a card using it. If you already have My Digital Studio, the download that includes this image is First Edition Stamp Brush Set (124409) and it is a 3-piece set that matches the First Edition Designer Series Paper.

I paired the butterfly image with two other stamp sets I earned free during the Sale-A-Bration promotion (free gift with each $50 you order). 

As I decided on color combinations for this card, I realized that although I had three of the Pattern Designer Paper Stacks, I didn't have the fourth -- the one with matching patterned paper I needed for this card.  My Digital Studio software to the rescue yet again!  I was able to download the paper stack I needed into My Digital Studio  and within minutes I had my Regal Rose Polka Dot paper from the Pattern Designer Paper Pack printed on a sheet of Whisper White cardstock on my home computer and ready to use on my card. 

This is a hybrid card using both digital images and rubber stamp images.  I made two versions of this card, each using a sentiment from the So Happy for You Sale-A-Bration stamp set.  The other image is from the Bliss Sale-A-Bration set.  Reminder:  Free Sale-A Bration Sets can only be earned until March 31. 

Here's what I used:
Stamps:   So Happy for You Sale-A Bration set, Bliss Sale-A-Bration Set, First Edition Stamp Brush Set (Digital Image)
Paper:  Pretty in Pink cardstock, Basic Gray Card Stock, Regal Rose Polka Dots from Brights Collection, Designer Series Paper Patterns Stack (117155), although I used the digital image.
Ink:  Basic Gray
Accessories:  5/8" Basic Gray Satin Ribbon, Vintage Flowers Adornments Dimensionals, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Dimensionals

Designer Series Paper Patterns Stacks are available to match the Stampin' Up! pallet of colors and original images.  Designer Series paper makes it easy to create a card or scrapbook page with coordinating background paper, card stock and stamped images.  Each Patterned stack includes 40 sheets (4 each of 2 double-sided designs in 10 colors)  Check out the Brights Collection here:  http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=117155

If you're interested in Digital scrapbooking software, a great way to get started is by becoming a Stampin' Up! demonstrator.  When you purchase your Starter Kit, one of the two options is the $175 Digital Starter Kit which includes over $320 worth of stamping and business supplies, including the all-new My Digital Studio software. 

Plus, during Sale-A-Bration -- January 25-March 31-- you'll get 15 percent off the Starter Kit (traditional or Digital), which means you'll get over $310 of high - quality Stampin' Up products for just $148.75!  In addition, you'll get a special Bonus Bundle that includes up to $50 of additional Stampin' Up! products including:

• Color Coach
• Simply Sent Something Special (or any Simply Sent kit)
• Live, Laugh, Love Set (or any Simply Sent stamp set)
• Full Heart Punch (or any punch valued at 16.95 or less)

Learn more about becoming a demonstrator and customizing your Starter Kit with stamps and colors you want.  It can all be done on line in minutes.

Or, order the My Digital Studio Software and get started creating digital project today.  If you've ever been reluctant to get deeply involved in digital paper crafts, stamping or scrapbooking because of limited storage space of costs.  Digital Scrpbooking could be the answer you're looking for!

Sale-A Bration Ends March 31. 

See what you'll earn FREE with each $50 purchase.

To order any of the products used in this card or to view other Stampin' Up! products, visit my on-line Stampin' Up! web store.

If you have questions about these projects, please leave a comment below.

Enjoy!

Digitally Inspired Printed Petals

Sometimes you have an idea in your head that you just can't find stamps that fit your card.  I knew what I wanted when I created this card, but I just couldn't find the right size flower stamp among all my flower stamps.  So, I turned to My Digital Studio and resized one of our current flower stamp images to create the size I needed for this card.  I think it worked!



I printed 5 of the flower images in the size I needed for my card onto Very Vanilla cardstock.  While I was in My Digital Studio, I came across this "Easter" sentiment and added that to my page of flowers.  I often print our additional sentiments while I'm setting up a page of images from My Digital Studio.  That way, as I'm working on cards, I can quickly reach for extra sentaments and make two or three cards with different sentiments while I have all my supplies out for the card I'm creating, maximizing my time in my Craft Loft. I added the largest size pearls from the Basic Pearl Pack to the center of each flower.  I thought about using the Vanilla Rosettes (118774) from the Occasions mini catalog (pictured in front of the card), but I liked the simplicity of the card without them.

What I used:

Stamps:  Surprise!  None, but I used images from these stamp sets in My Digital Studio: 

My Digital Studio Images:   Printed Petals (flower), Well Scripted (Easter)

Inks: Always Artichoke, Marina Mist (Used on My Digital Studio Images)

Papers:  Pattern Designer Series Paper Stacks - Regals (117154) Always Artichoke Polka Dots, Very Vanilla, Springtime Vintage (Occassions Mini Catalog)

Accessories:  Decorative Label Punch (120907), Large Oval Punch (119862), Basic Pearls, 5/8" Marina Mist Satin Ribbon

Click this link to download  a free copy of any of the current Stampin' Up! catalogs.

Order anytime, here:  http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/default.aspx

Hope you enjoyed this bit of inspiration!

Ending Soon:

http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/donnaross/startyourownbusiness



In love with Scallops

I love how Stampin' Up! products all work together.  The first Sale-a-bration gift I ordered for myself was the So Much to Sale-A-Brate Digital Content CD to use with 3 of my scallop punches.   The Content CD includes all the images of all of the stamps, Designer Series paper, Quick Accents, ribbons, buttons, and decor elements in the Sale-A-Brate brochure. It was my free gift with $50 purchase. . I fired up My Digital Studio software and made about 6 pages of images from the CD in assorted colors. Then I printed them out on Whisper White cardstock on my home printer.  Today when I wanted to make a couple of quick cards, I was all set!  My images were already available.  All I had to do was punch, select matching papers and add ribbons and embellishments.

Here are two quick cards I made using the Punch Bunch images on theSale-A-Bration Content CD.  This is also one of the stamp sets available in the Sale-A-Bration brochure you can select free with your $50 purchase, if you order before March 31.

I broke out three of my scallop punches, and used two of 5 images from the Punch Bunch stamp set on these two cards.

Here's a closer look at each card.

Here's what I used: 

Paper:  Whisper White, Pink Pirouette, Pretty in Pink, Springtime Vintage Designer Series paper (Occasions Mini Catalog)

Stamps:  Images from Punch Bunch Stamp set(SAB)

Ink:  Pretty in Pink

Accessories: Scallop border punch, Scallop Circle punch, Basic Pearl pack, Brads, 1/2" Blushing Bride Stitched-Poly Ribbon, sponge, Blossom Party Sizzix Original Die, Sizzix Die Cut Machine, dimentionals, My Digital Studio Software

On both cards, the background piece for the image is a 2-3/4" x 2-3/4" piece of Pink Pirouette cardstock punched once on each edge with the Scallop edge border punch.  I added pearls in the corners and ribbon accents.

Here's what I used: 

Paper:  Whisper White, Pink Pirouette, Pretty in Pink, Springtime Vintage Designer Series paper (Occasions Mini Catalog)

Stamps:  Images from Punch Bunch Stamp set(SAB)

Ink:  Pretty in Pink

Accessories: Scallop border punch, Scallop Square punch, Basic Pearl pack, 1/2" Blushing Bride Stitched-Poly Ribbon, sponge, dimensionals, My Digital Studio Software

Punches and die cuts are a great way to add interest to your cards.  Stampin' Up! carries over 50 punches.  Many of the stamp sets are sized to work perfectly with coordinating punches, allowing you to maximize your stamping time and produce wonderfully creative cards.

119882 - Scallop Edge Border



119882 - 1-3/4 Scallop Circle Punch Extra Large



119856 - Scallop Square Extra Large

This is a great time of year to stock up on cardstock, designer series paper, ink, glue, the new puches you've been seeing in samples as you surf the web.  Why?  Becuase every $50 purchase earns you free merchandise. 

Order $50 and get one free gift selection.  Order an additional $50 and get another free gift selection.  And this year the selection of merchandise isn't limited to just a few stamps.  You can select from over 65 stamps from the 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalog in addition to the exclusive stamps, Designer Series Papers, ribbon packs and buttons from the Sale-A-Bration brochure. 

Download your free copy of the Sale-A-Bration Brochure and see page 11 for the expanded list of free products to pick from with your $50 purchase.  Look for the Shop Now section on my Stampin' Up! site to place your order.

Have a question on a project or product?  Leave a comment below.

Well, I'm headed into work for a few hours and then back to play in my Craft Loft for a few more hours.

Enjoy your Saturday,