Stamped Sophisticates

Tuesday, August 04, 2015

Stampin' Up! 2015 Convention Swaps

Butterfly Basics Convention Swap

Boho Chic Stampin' Up Convention Swaps

Card ideas

Stampin' Up! 2015 Convention Swaps

Here's another swap I did for Convention. I'm still straightening up my craft room following the weeks leading up to Convention and the clutter created in my craft room from designing and assembling 5 different designs for Convention swaps.

The biggest challenge with this card was die cutting the butterflies in bulk. I usually order two of each thinlit die set so when I'm producing cards in large numbers, the work is reduced by half by having two of the same thinlit go through the Big Shot at once. In this case, I had already made a couple dozen butterflies before my second thinlit arrived. I found that the thinlit that I had used multiple times before and the new thinlit didn't cut the same. Because one was very used, I needed to a shim under that butterfly thinlit to get it to cut completely through our wonderful, thick Stampin' Up! card stock. After a couple of attempts to line up one with shim, one without I found it was faster just to use one die at a time. Next time I'll remind myself to order duplicate thinlits at the same time and use them together to keep them working well.

Here's the recipe for this card.

Recipe

Stamps: Butterfly Basics (137154)
Paper: Basic Black, Very Vanilla, Elegant Eggplant, Timeless Elegance Designer Series Paper
Ink: Basic Grey, Elegant Eggplant Marker, Old Olive Marker
Accessories: 7/8" Sahara Sand Lace Trim, Wisteria Wonder 1/2" seam binding, Oval Framelits, Basic Pearls, Butterflies Thinlit die, Big Shot Die Cutting machine, Cutting Plates, Magnetic Platform

Demonstrator Advantage

Demonstrators can view many of the live transmissions from the 2015 Stampin' Up! Convention via video. If you missed the streamed sessions showing wonderful card and craft ideas from the upcoming Fall and Holiday catalog at Convention 2015, take a look at the videos for ideas for the upcoming season.

And if you have been thinking about joining Stampin' Up! as a demonstrator to earn discounts on what you buy or as a way to earn a little extra money for the holidays, don't forget:

Demonstrators who sign up August can place orders for the new fall & winter catalog products, in addition to selecting items from the main catalog
Did you know that if you host a Stampin' Up! party with your friends, that rewards you earn from the sales during a party you host can be applied to the Stampin' Up! starter kit.
Check out more info about becoming either a hobby demonstrator or as a fun, rewarding career, here.
Check out all the great items you can select from the 2015-2016 Stampin' Up! Catalog and Idea book. You can download it right now.

Boho Chic Swaps from Convention

Here are some of the great swaps I received this year at Convention. I've uploaded more at the photo link on my Meetup Site. I'm working on fall card classes, so if you see something you would like me to include leave me a message either here or on my Meetup Site.

Three cards all used the Boho Chic Textured Impressions Embossing Folder differently

Want more ideas?

Quick Links

Want to purchase at a discount? Sign up for $99 and get $125 worth of produce in your starter kit.
NEW - Weekly Deals -- every Tuesday, while supplies last - now available!
Download a 2015-2016 Annual catalog.
Clearance Rack - Products available while they last

Enjoy!

Donna Ross

Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator

Private Classes for 1 or a small group of friends: http://cardmaking.meetup.com/71/

To place an order: Place an on-line order through my Stampin' Up! store - 24/7 Shopping
Current Promotions

Sunday, July 26, 2015

Stampin' Up! Convention 2015

Stampin' Up! Convention 2015 Wrap-up

Convention Swaps

New Project ideas - see link in my store

Stampin' Up! Convention 2015 Wrap-up

Well I'm back in Houston after spending the last 4 days in Salt Lake City at the Stampin' Up! Annual convention. It was my 10th year with Stampin' Up! and Stampin' Up helped me celebrate with a special booth for breaks while on the display floor, and a gifts including Stampin' Up! products, and stamp sets in addition to the 10 year pin with two diamonds.

The first day of convention this year, we previewed the new fall and holiday catalog which will be available to customers beginning Sept 1. I can't show it to you yet, but thousands of North American demonstrators who were at Convention spent several days watching the creative teams at Stampin' Up! and several top demonstrators show us projects we can make with the new kits and stamp sets from this catalog. Demos attending convention were able to place a special order for these new catalog items while at Convention, giving us a two week head start planning our fall and winter projects.

If you've been waiting to sign up with Stampin' Up! as a demonstrator, August 1 is the perfect time to do so.

Demonstrators who sign up Aug 1 can place orders for the new fall & winter catalog products, in addition to selecting items from the Big Catalog -- the main catalog
Did you know that if you host a Stampin' Up! party with your friends, that rewards you earn from the sales during a part you host can be applied to the Stampin' Up! starter kit.
Check out more info about becoming either a hobby demonstrator or as a fun, rewarding career, here.

Stampin' Up! 2015-2016 annual catalog
is now available for download.

Check out all the great items you can select from the 2015-2016 Stampin' Up! Catalog and Idea book. You can download it right now.

Swaps and display boards

I had great fun at convention swapping again this year. I was in 4 organized swaps and also participate in general swaps with anyone and everyone throughout the day.

Here's one I'll share with you today. Stay tuned for more over the next few week.

Recipe:
This card was for Lissa's Convention "Now Tis is Convention Quality" Swap. I've participated in this swap for several years now, and the quality continues to get better every year.

Stamps: And Many More

Paper: Basic Grey, Fancy Foil Designer Vellum, Go Wild Design Series paper Stack, Rich Razzleberry Designer Series Paper Stack

Ink: Basic Grey

Accessories: Tea Lace Paper Doilies, 2-1/2" Circle Punch, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Elegant Butterfly Punch, Bitty Butterfly Punch, Butterflies Thinlet die, Big Shot Die Cutting machine, Cutting Plates, Magnetic Platform

Want more ideas?

Take a look at my Stampin' Up! store. There's a new section called Projects that will give your great ideas you can make your own. Its in the left hand navigation bar, near the top.

Click for larger Image. Look for Projects for Craft project ideas

Want more ideas? Take a look at the photos I took during Convention and uploaded to the photos section of my Meetup site. See something you like? Leave me a comment here. I'll be putting together a general card class shortly and this is one way for your desires to be known

Quick Links

Want to purchase at a discount? Sign up for $125 Or sign up between June 2-30 and get Stampin' Up! starter kit worth $125 for $99
NEW - Weekly Deals -- every Tuesday, while supplies last - now available!
Download a 2015-2016 Annual catalog.
Clearance Rack - Products available while they last

Enjoy!

Donna Ross

Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator

Private Classes for 1 or a small group of friends: http://cardmaking.meetup.com/71/

To place an order: Place an on-line order through my Stampin' Up! store - 24/7 Shopping
Current Promotions

Monday, June 08, 2015

Brick Wall Textured Impression Folder

Brick Wall Textured Impressions
Getting ready for Stampin' Up! Convention in July.
Final days for My Digital Studio product support

Still un packing my boxes of new product from my new catalog order. Found a sample in the catalog that I had to try. Love the new Brick Wall Textured Impression Folder.

Mint Macaron card with Brick Wall Textured Impression Folder cover

Click for larger image.. Thoughts & Prayers and new Brick Wall Textured Impression Folder

Recipe: Stamps: Thoughts & Prayers Inks: Mint Macaroon Ink and VersaMark Papers: Whisper White, Mint Macaron, Go Wild Designer Series Paper Stack, Tip Top Taupe Accessories: 2015-2017 In Colors Blossom Accent, Petite Petals Punch, Framelit Ovals, Brick Wall Textured Impression Folder

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Convention - July 2015

Getting excited. Only a few more weeks until Stampin' Up! Convention, and I'm signed up for three different swaps. Still working on designs. Fun, but always stressful until I settle on final designs I like. Are you planning to attend? See my previous blog if you're thinking about signing up as a demonstrator so you can attend Stampin' Up! Convention in Salt Lake City in mid July. Details about a special $99 sign-up kit were in my previous post.

Final days for My Digital Studio product line support.

June 9 is the last day that Stampin' Up! will support the My Digital Studio product line. After June 9, all of the MDS websites will be taken down. That list includes MyDigitalStudio.net, related content on the stampinup.com demonstrator website, the download manager, YouTube videos, Facebook, and Pinterest.
Make sure that you download and back up your digital downloads and software before June 9. For help with backing up files, see MyDigitalStudio.net/backup.
Your My Digital Studio software will work for the foreseeable future.
Stampin' Up! has worked with StoryRock, My Digital Studio creators, to provide you an upgrade path. MyMemories version 5 software is free to download.
MyMemories version 6 software is normally available for US$39.99, but StoryRock has cut the price to US$19.99 for anyone who purchases the software via this special offer. See more details about the offer here.

Quick Links

Want to purchase at a discount? Sign up for $99 between now and the end of June (regularly $125) plus get two free stamp sets
NEW - Weekly Deals -- every Tuesday, while supplies last - now available!
Download a free copy of the 2015-2016 Annual catalog
Reminder: Download your MyDigitalStudio (MDS) software before the MDS download center closes on June 8, if you want to keep a back up of your file.
Contact MyMemories to download a free copy of a previous version or purchase a US$39.95 copy of the latest version of the software for a reduced rate for MDS user for only $19.95. The StoryRock developers created the original version of My Digital Studio and the MyMemories Suite works very much like MyDigitalStudio. You can move all of your MDS downloads and projects into MyMemories Suite and continue enjoying digital scrapbooking with your MDS downloads.
Clearance Rack - Products available while they last

Enjoy!

Donna Ross

Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator

Private Classes for 1 or a small group of friends: http://cardmaking.meetup.com/71/

To place an order: Place an on-line order through my Stampin' Up! store - 24/7 Shopping
Current Promotions

Friday, June 05, 2015

New 2015-2016 Stampin' Up! card samples Bohemian Boarders

Boho Chic with Bohemian Boarders card sample
Retired MyDigitalStudio downloads work with MyMemories software.

Playing with the new stamps and backgrounds from the new catalog. The left is a single layer background. The version on the right includes a background of Mint Macaron and a little Gold Glitter paper scrap that was sitting on my work table. My big order from the new catalog arrive last night and I had today off. My craft room was a very busy place -- finding room for new goodies.

Stampin' Up! Bohemian Boarders

A couple versions of this easy to make card:

Bohemian Boarders, Boho Chick and Bohemian Designer Washi Tape

The background on this version used the Boho Chic Embossing folder. One of the stamps from Bohemian Borders fits perfectly over the embossed background. I'm going to make a few more to have on hand. The one thing I would change now that its finished is I want to try a few with Lost Lagoon rather than Mint Macaroon.

Recipe:
Stamps: Bohemian Borders photopolymer stamp set (138938), Happy Happenings
Inks: Mint Macaroon Ink and Stampin' Write Marker, and Delightful Dijon Stampin' Write Marker
Papers:  Whisper White,
Accessories: Boho Chic Textured Impressions embossing folder   (138286) Dimensionals, Bohemian Designer Washi Tape (138386), Tags and Label Framelit Dies, Updated Essentials Paper Piercing Pack, Gold Baker's Twine, Big Shot

Stampin' Up! Bohemian and new Tags & Label Framelit Dies

This version has a Mint Macaron basecard layer. I also experiment with using the Stampin' Write Marker to get bolder outlines on the raised image. Notice the Bohemian Designer Series paper in the background. I love this bold, colorful design. However, if this isn't your style, you'll be interested to know that you can mute colors to something softer by using a sponge and your white ink pad. Sponge the paper until you achieve a more muted tone you're happy with. There's also a more muted pattern on the back side of these designer series papers.

Retired MyDigitalStudio Downloads works with MyMemories suite!

Although Stampin' Up! has discontinued support for MyDigitalStudio software and has stopped offering digital downloads of stamps and shapes from the Stampin' Up! product line, you can continue to use your software until such time as computer operating system updates or Java updates make it unusable. Your software will still work, but on June 8 you will no longer be able to sed your items to a Professional printer through the software.

I took a recommended path and purchased a copy of the latest version of MyMemories software. MyMemories Suite was developed by StoryRock, the same company that developed MyDigitalStudio. The products work very similarly. I downloaded a copy last night and played with it to get a feel for how it worked before I invested time in moving my files to the MyMemories Suite.

There is a special going on until June 8 that allows you to purchase the newest US$39.95 version of MyMemories for $19.95, if you were a MDS user. At the same site, I also ran across a free version of MyMemories, but it was not the latest version. However, the free copy allows you to send your document to print services, which will not work in MyDigitalStudio after May 8. Even if you don't plan to switch immediately, I recommend downloading the MyMemories free version for MyDigitalStudio users so you have an upgrade path for the future. . . especially if you want to continue using your investment in great Stampin' Up! artwork.

You can move your existing downloads and continue using your My Digital Studio downloads in MyMemories. Also, by changing the extension on your MDS projects from .mds to .mms, you can also continue to work on your MDS projects in the MyMemories Suite. The MyMemories site has detailed information on how to do the migration of files. There is also information on YouTube for visual learners that make it effortless to migrate. Don't delay. If you need to backup your MDS download purchases, you only have until June 8 to do so. After that, the MDS download center goes away. Make the switch to the MyMemories software by June 8 to take advantage of the reduced rates.

Reminder: Place any $25.00 order through June 30 on my on-line Stampin' Up! store and I'll mail you a new catalog. (sorry, U.S. addresses only). This is the perfect set to order to qualify for a free catalog.

Quick Links

Want to purchase at a discount? Sign up for $99 between now and the end of June (regularly $125) plus get two free stamp sets
NEW - Weekly Deals -- every Tuesday, while supplies last - now available!
Download a free copy of the 2015-2016 Annual catalog
Reminder: Download your MyDigitalStudio (MDS) software before the MDS download center closes on June 8, if you want to keep a back up of your file.
Contact MyMemories to download a free copy of a previous version or purchase a US$39.95 copy of the latest version of the software for a reduced rate for MDS user for only $19.95. The StoryRock developers created the original version of My Digital Studio and the MyMemories Suite works very much like MyDigitalStudio. You can move all of your MDS downloads and projects into MyMemories Suite and continue enjoying digital scrapbooking with your MDS downloads.
Clearance Rack - Products available while they last

Enjoy!

Donna Ross

Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator

Private Classes for 1 or a small group of friends: http://cardmaking.meetup.com/71/

To place an order: Place an on-line order through my Stampin' Up! store - 24/7 Shopping
Current Promotions

Tuesday, June 02, 2015

New Stampin' Up! 2015-2016 Catalog is live!

New catalog is live

Catalog transition day

Two free stamps when you sign up for a Stampin' Up! starter kit

Catalog transition day!

It's here! And you can download it right now.

Stampin' Up! 2015-2016 annual catalog is now available for download.

Talk about a unique experience! The sales periods for the 2014-2015 annual catalog, the 2015 occasions catalog, and the 2015-2016 annual catalog will overlap on June 2. Yes! You can order from all 3 catalogs one day only, on June 2.

Here's the deal: June 2 only:

All carryover items from the 2014-2015 annual catalog and 2015 occasions catalog will keep their 2014-2015 prices on June 2, while brand-new items in the 2015-2016 annual catalog will follow the 2015-2016 printed price. Beginning 3 June, all 2015-2016 pricing will take effect.

Current reward program benefits will remain in effect on June 2. Beginning June 3, all new reward benefits will take effect.

On June 2, if you purchase more than $150 (less tax and shipping) you may choose host items from the 2014-2015 annual catalog, the 2015 occasions catalog, or the 2015-2016 annual catalog.

Beginning June 3, hosts will no longer be able to choose host items from the 2014-2015 annual catalog or the 2015 occasions catalog, and the new Stampin' Rewards program will begin.

On June 2, all Online Store categories will be replaced with new categories in support of the 2015-2016 annual catalog. The new categories will contain NEW and CARRYOVER items in the 2015-2016 annual catalog. All other items will be searchable and orderable, but not categorized. The Retiring Products category and any remaining available items will be active through June 2.

What a great opportunity to order new products while earning rewards to get that last "must-have" stamp set or designer paper from the retiring catalogs.

Sweet stack project kit

Make this fun kit of 20 favor boxes using the Sweet Stack Project Kit (138812) $US21.00!

Kit includes:
Complete the kit using the Sweet Stack Stamp Set (item 138948). Stamps, ink, and adhesive sold separately. Instructions included.

* 10 die-cut cake boxes to make one 7" (17.8 cm) diameter cake layer
* 10 die-cut cake boxes to make one 9" (22.9 cm) diameter cake layer
* Die-cut printed accents
* Alphabet stickers
* Kraft chipboard cake stand, pedestal, and border
* Baker's twine for banner
* Banner sticks
* Paper straws for candles
* Coordinates with the Sweet Stack Stamp Set (item 138948), sold separately

Coordinating colors: Crushed Curry, Island Indigo, Watermelon Wonder, white

Join Stampin' Up June 2-30 and get 2 free stamp sets!

As a Stampin' Up Member, you get

$125 worth of product in a starter kit for $99 plus two free stamp sets of your choice
20% discount on products (30% discount on your first order over $150 placed within 45 days of joining)
great ideas; even better friends

Get started with US$99 Stampin' Up! starter kit

Download a copy of the new catalog above and take a look at what you could choose for your Stampin' Up! starter kit package.

Sign up to save 20 percent on products purchased as a hobby demonstrator
Or, sign up to earn a little extra cash for a vacation or a special purchase;
Or sign up to turn your hobby into a business -- without working retail hours or the expense of carrying inventory.

What's a demonstrator?

Demonstrators run their own home-based business selling creative products that inspire people and give them helpful ways to enhance their lives. And they get to work with customers and hosts to give great parties that introduce new people to Stampin’ Up!

An extra bonus for signing up now --two free stamp sets from the catalog in addition to your starter kit. With ~55,000 demonstrators world-wide, Stampin' Up! is one of the strongest companies you'll find to join -- very important in today's economy.

Former demonstrator? If life got in the way of your joy of stamping and scrapbooking, now is a great time to re-join because of the specials offered. And, you still have time to sign up for Convention, July 23 - 25, Salt Palace in Salt Lake City. You'll be with all your friends again, swapping and laughing and seeing the latest paper crafting techniques and products.

Join thousands of other Stampin' Up! demonstrators in classes taught by Stampin' Up! home office expert and some of the most successfully demonstrators in the industry. Take photos of thousands of new ideas for scrapbook pages, cards and paper crafts that will feed your creativity for months to come.

Join your friends at special events and receptions, awards, free stamps and products from the Prize Patrol during General Sessions, tours of the Stampin' Up! campus and lots of fun with other stampers and crafters. I'm registered to attend and hope you'll sign up so we can stamp together at Convention 2015.

Place any $25.00 order through June 30 on my on-line Stampin' Up! store and I'll mail you a new catalog. (sorry, U.S. addresses only). This is the perfect set to order to qualify for a free catalog.

Quick Links

Download the Occasions Catalog now and place your final orders.
Want to purchase at a discount? Sign up for $125 Or sign up between June 2-30 and get Stampin' Up! starter kit worth $125 for $99 -- and get your choice of 2 free stamp sets
NEW - Weekly Deals -- every Tuesday, while supplies last - now available!
Download a 2015-2016 Annual catalog.
MDS digital downloads end June 9. SU recommends moving to MyMemories Suite from StoryRock as you will be unable to print from the MDS software. StoryRock is the original developers of My Digital Studio for Stampin' Up!. MDS playlist of YouTube videos on the Stampin' Up! channel will be available (for the foreseeable future) via the following link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB85C76B5B74DB19A
Clearance Rack - Products available while they last

Enjoy!

Donna Ross

Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator

Private Classes for 1 or a small group of friends: http://cardmaking.meetup.com/71/

To place an order: Place an on-line order through my Stampin' Up! store - 24/7 Shopping
Current Promotions

Sunday, May 31, 2015

New 2015-2016 In Colors from Stampin' Up! new catalog

New 2015-2016 In Colors all on one card
A baby card with some of my favorite retired stamps
Final days to order your favorites from the catalog 2014-2015 catalog

Playing with the new In Colors. Here's an easy-to-make card showing all five of the new, yummy, Stampin' Up! colors introduced for 2015-2016. These were all part of my preorder (another reason I love being a SU demonstrator -- we get access to the catalog and pre-order items from the new catalog). I'm especially excited about the new Blossom Accents in the 2015-2017 In colors. Wish they were available in all the colors!

All five of Stampin' Up! new colors:
Watermelon Wonder, Tip Top Taupe, Cucumber Crush, Mint Macaroon and Delightful Dijon

Recipe:
Stamps: Project Life set: Moments Like These ("Love This" Sentiment)
Inks: Mint Macaroon
Papers: Watermelon Wonder, Tip Top Taupe, cucumber crush, Mint Macaroon, Delightful Dijon, Whisper White
Accessories: Punches: Scallop Circle, Petite Petals (133322), Dimensionals, 2015-2017 In Color Blossom Accents (138383)

Get ready. The new catalog is available June 2.

Stay tuned.

As soon as the catalog is live, you'll find a link here,

on the Stamped Sophisticates site.

I'm having fun with new stamps, new colors and new accessory, and I'll show you more samples in the next several days..

Retired products are just as fun as new stamps!

At the end of every catalog year, its so hard to let go of the stamp sets and ribbons and papers that you've enjoyed so much during the past year. I always keep a few of my favorites. I became an aunt (for the 12th time) recently and pulled out some of my retired favorites to make this card.

Recipe:
Stamps: Animal Stories (Retired). Sweetest Gift
Inks: Cherry Cobbler,
Papers: Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White
Accessories: Punches: Scallop Oval (119856), Large Oval (119855); white gel pen, Cherry cobbler dotted grosgrain ribbon (retired)

Be sure you get those "must have's" from the 2014-2015 catalogs that you know you'll want to keep as part of your "retired: favorites. Only one more day before the old catalog retires and the new catalog launches. Save some money and check what bargains you'll find on the Stampin' Up! retired list. Download a copy of the Stampin' Up! 2015 Retired list of stamps and accessories here:

One of the stamp set I'm happy to see carried over in the catalog is Sheltering Tree. This is such a great set for making card sets as gifts. One set also carrier through all four seasons. This is one set you can order today It's a two-step photopolymer set (137163) for $25.00. Place any $25.00 order through June 30 on my on-line Stampin' Up! store and I'll mail you a new catalog. (sorry, U.S. addresses only). This is the perfect set to order to qualify for a free catalog.

Samples using Sheltering tree (137163)

Quick Links

Download the Occasions Catalog now and place your final orders
Want to purchase at a discount? Sign up for $125
NEW - Weekly Deals -- every Tuesday, while supplies last - now available!
Order a 2014-2015 Annual catalog - but only for 1 more day, then visit to order a new catalog or download for free.
Newest digital downloads the first week of every month for My Digital Studio
Clearance Rack - Products available while they last

Enjoy!

Donna Ross

Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator

Private Classes for 1 or a small group of friends: http://cardmaking.meetup.com/71/

To place an order: Place an on-line order through my Stampin' Up! store - 24/7 Shopping
Current Promotions