Need a fun packaging idea for a small gift?

•  Fun and quick gift packaging idea
• This Weeks' Deals

Gift package for Anytime

Here's another fun idea for treat holders to use anytime.  Just change out the sentiment stamp used and this little, versatile holder can become anything from a candy holder, travel-size lotions, or even a gift card holder.  You decide what you need and adopt it.

You can make this any size.  This one started with a 11 " X 3-1/4" Basic Black base card.  The Designer Series paper on the front and back is Everyday Chic The basic Black Sheet is scored at 4-3/4"  and at 6-1/4"  I made several of these and stamped the sentiments in different colors to match the color of the gift inside this gift package.

Oh My Goodies stamp is stamped in 3 different layers.and uses Oval Punch and Deco Labels Framelit Die

A small box forms the base, with an oval punched out for the hand lotion to fit into tightly.  The ribbon holds it at the top.

These can be made with a small base box to hold candy, or, for this project, I turned over the box and punch an oval hole to hold a travel-size hand cream or shower gel.  I shipped this one to my Mom, so i wanted the ribbon to hold the small bottle in place while in transit, so the bow is lower on this project than I might typically place it.

Save 15% when you buy the Oh My Goodies Stamp set and the Deco Label Collection Framelits Dies together - Use 140252 for the wood-mount stamp bundle or 140253 for the Clear-mount stamp set and Framelits Dies bundle.


Recipe

• Stamps: Oh My Goodies ( 134090 - Clear) (sentiment)
• Paper:  Everyday Chic, Basic Black, Whisper White
• Ink:  Basic Black Archival Ink, Bermuda Bay 
• Accessories:   Simply Scored Scoring Tool, Deco Label Collection Framelits Dies, Large Oval punch, 5/8" Organza Ribbon, Big Shot and Magnetic base and plates

 Weekly Deals -- changes every Tuesday

Weekly deals change every Tuesday.   These are current products you'll want to pick up at a great price! Here are a few great deals from this week's weekly deals.  See all deals here.  Get them today before they're gone!

Want more card ideas?

Want more ideas?  Take a look at the swaps I made and received 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 $99 and get $125 worth of product 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

Start You Own Business

Host a workshop

Download Free Stampin' Up! Catalogs

Halloween Treats

•  Halloween Treat Sour Cream Holders
• This Weeks' Deals

Trick or Treat Containers

Here's another fun idea for treat holders for the Halloween holiday.

These sour cream holders are simple to make.   Cut a 5" X 5" square out of designer series paper.  I used Happy Haunting Designer Series Paper for these.  Simply seal on two sides and on the 3rd (short) side fold in half in the opposite direction of the other short side.

Click photo for larger image

  These hold a couple of wrapped candies and are fun and fast to make.


Recipe

• Stamps: Sweet Hauntings & Merry Everything (sentiments)
• Paper:  Happy Haunting Designer Series Paper, Pumpkin Pie
• Ink:  Basic Black Archival Ink
• Accessories:   Note Tag Punch (135860), 1/4" Handheld Circle Punches, 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon, Fast Fuse Adhesive (129026) or Tear & Tape Adhesive (138995)

 Weekly Deals -- changes every Tuesday

Weekly deals change every Tuesday.   These are current products you'll want to pick up at a great price! Here are a few great deals from this week's weekly deals.  Get them today before they're gone!

Want more card ideas?

Want more ideas?  Take a look at the swaps I made and received 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 $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

Start You Own Business

Host a workshop

Download Free Stampin' Up! Catalogs

Get ready for Halloween!

•  Halloween Treat Holders
• Halloween Card Ideas
• 15% off Stampin' Up! Stamps - Oct 19-23, 2015

Trick or Treat

I'm always excited about Halloween projects.  There's something about the leaves turning to bright orange and red and the temperatures beginning to cool in Houston that makes me excited to use new stamps and papers and new embellishment -- especially the new, lacy spider web in the Stampin' Up! Holiday catalog! Here are a few fun ideas.

This Treat bag is perfect for a few wrapped candies.  You can make your own treat holder and cookie bags, fill them with homemade or store bought goodies and include a handmade card to show your love.

Stampin' Up! Halloween treat holders and greeting cards

There's still time to make these cute Halloween treat bags and card to be ready for trick or treaters!


The Mini Treat Bag Thinlet

 In addition to making this cute treat bag, this same design would work great on the front of a matching card.

Halloween treat bag  with Spider Web Doilies

Recipe

• Stamps: Sweet Hauntings (sentiment)- 139702
• Paper:  Happy Haunting Designer Series Paper, Pumpkin Pie
• Ink:  Basic Black Archival Ink (Caution:  Using Archival Ink on clear stamps will turn them permanently dark; but they are still usable)
• Accessories:   Hearth & Home Thinlit  Die (139666), 1/8" Sliver ribbon, Spider Web Doilies (139622),  Mini Treat Bag Thinlits (137547), Chalk Talk Framelet,  Big Shot Die Cutting machine, Cutting Plates, Magnetic Platform,

The Hearth & Home Thinlet Die

The Hearth & Home thinlet  die is an instant favorite!  Make a window;  make a hearth; make a double window.  You can do it all with this wonderful die.  Although dies retire, this is one you'll want for your permanent collection.

Stampin' Up1 Spooky Halloween card with Curvy Corner Trio Punch

I almost missed the new Curvy Corner Trio Punch in the Stampin' Up! holiday catalog.  Check out the great corner designs this punch creates on two layers of the card above.  The punch cuts 3 different shapes.  In addition to the two shown above, it also punches a small slit to use as a ribbon slide.



Recipe

• Stamps: Happy Scenes (sentiment)- 139821
• Paper:  Happy Haunting Designer Series Paper, Whisper White, Pumpkin Pie
• Ink:  Basic Black Archival Ink (Caution:  Using Archival Ink on clear stamps will turn them permanently dark; but they are still usable)
• Accessories:   Curvy Corner Trio Punch (1396830, Hearth & Home Thinlit  Die (139666), Big Shot Die Cutting machine, Cutting Plates, Magnetic Platform, Black (Neutrals) Candy Dots, Dimensionals.

Stampin' Up!  Sweet Hauntings treat Holder

Start with a 11" X 3-1/5" sheet of Basic Black paper.  Score at 4-3/4 and 6-1/4"  Add designer paper to front and back.  Add an optional box insert to hold candy more securely.  Punch holes in top and thread ribbon for bow.  Add stamped sentiments from the Among the Branches and hand cut one of the bottle stamps from the Among the Branches set.

Recipe

• Stamps: Among the Branches (Spooky sentiment)- 119818
• Paper:  Happy Haunting Designer Services Paper, Pumpkin Pie, Stamp Sentiment on Whisper White, Basic Black 
• Ink:  Basic Black Archival Ink (Caution:  Using Archival Ink on clear stamps will turn them permanently dark; but they are still usable)
• Accessories:   3" Circle punch, 3-1/2" Scalloped Circle punch, 3/8" Basic Black stitched ribbon

 

 15% off Stamps - last day

Shop Now

Yes!  you read that right!  From October 19 until October 23 -- just a few short days--any stamps you purchase are 15% off! This is the perfect time to order those Holiday  stamps in time to treat your friends and family to beautiful handmade holiday cards.

Want more ideas?

 

Want more ideas?  Take a look at the swaps I made and received 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 $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

Start You Own Business

Host a workshop

Download Free Stampin' Up! Catalogs

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?

Want more ideas?  Take a look at the swaps I made and received 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 $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

Start You Own Business

Host a workshop

Download Free Stampin' Up! Catalogs

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

Start You Own Business

Host a workshop

Download Free Stampin' Up! Catalogs

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. 

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

Start You Own Business

Host a workshop

Download Free Stampin' Up! Catalogs

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

Start You Own Business

Host a workshop

Download Free Stampin' Up! Catalogs