Stampin' & Scrappin' with Donna

SOME STAMPIN' THERAPY

Life is slowly returning to normal after losing my father to Cancer earlier this month. The spring bulbs are blooming this week, which gives us a sense of renewal and a fresh start. I've been edging myself back into my routines, and I thank you all for sticking by me while I find my way back to a creative frame of mind.

Last Monday I got a real boost in the arm when I attended our team's monthly meeting which Samantha Forrest and Diane Hilborn had all planned out (thank you both, and Julie Leblanc too in February for keeping the team going in my absence!) Having friends is always a treasure, but having Crafty Friends just brings an extra special bond and warmth ...  and the Artful*Inkers team are true-blue crafty friends. Thank you all for being there for me on Monday, and over the last few months too.

So, back to getting creative again ... so much has happened while I was absent - I missed sharing my Leadership projects with you in January; Valentines Day has come and gone without a single card from me, and St. Patrick's Day is history too. Now we're all focusing on Spring themes in our creations, along with Easter and Mother's Day - whew! I have a whole pile of cards I received over the last couple of months that I plan to share here with you, as well as some of my Leadership projects. Since the products are still all currently available, I hope you'll bear with me as I play catch-up over the next few weeks with my posts.

For today, I wanted to show you some cards that my team mates and I made for a creative challenge called "white spaces" - which just means keeping the card clean & simple, letting lots of white show through .. you know, the type of stuff we RARELY do when we get out all of our stash and start adding layer after layer of goodness. Well, sometimes CLEAN AND SIMPLE is good too! Enjoy ...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#1- by Diane Hilborn, featuring SPRINKLED EXPRESSIONS stamp set, EVERYDAY ENCHANTMENT ribbon, & DESIGNER FRAMES embossing folders from the SALE-A-BRATION brochure (expires March 31, 2012)

#2 - by me, Donna Henley, featuring ADORNING ACCENTS embossing folders & Edgelets dies, LARGE PEARL BASIC JEWELS, MIXED BUNCH stamp set, & BLOSSOM punch  - all from the OCCASIONS MINI CATALOGUE (expires April 30, 2012)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#3 - by Samantha Forrest, featuring one of the 2011-2012 In Colours, CONCORD CRUSH, as well as the ELEMENTS OF STYLE stamp set from the current Idea Book & Catalogue (expires May 31, 2012 - NOT June 30th, by the way!). Samantha used the SPOTLIGHT technique, one of my faves.

#4 - by Vanessa Manklow, featuring LOVE & LAUGHTER stamp set (from the Occasions Mini), Basic Black 1/8" TAFFETA RIBBON, the FINIAL PRESS embossing folder & Big Shot, and silver embossing powder to really make the stamped image stand out.

I'll have some more team swap cards to share with you all tomorrow...

HAPPY HALLOWE'EN COOKIE SLEEVE

Here's a kewl project using our new cookie stamps (they're so much fun I can't stop baking, lol)

Product Highlight:
Stamp Set Sweet Pressed Cookie (#125152)

Take your love of stamping into the kitchen! Create fun and tasty stamped cookies for any occasion. Fit a silicone stamp over the bottom of wooden handle and press into dough—it’s that easy! Let the kids help! Food-safe, easy-to-clean (dishwasher safe). Suggested cookie recipes included. Each includes set of 3 silicone stamps (jack'o'lantern, snowflake & heart) and 1 handle.

For More Details: Visit My Gallery

cheers,

SNEAK PEEK OF THIS WED'S CLASS

Looking for a few more people to attend this Wednesday's Paper Bag Scrapbook class - I'll be teaching it at the Crafters Cupboard on Southgate Drive in Guelph ... it's my first class at this location and I need an encouraging turnout! <grin>

Here's a sneak peek of this month's project:

You have the choice of two kits - one stripes, one flowers. All the pieces are pre-cut; embellishments will vary slightly from kit to kit.

This project uses a mixture of retired & current Stampin' Up! supplies, demonstrating how easy it is to adapt this project to make more with the supplies you have at home!

CLASS: $25 - includes one complete kit, plus access to my punches and extra embellishments, plus tea/coffee. Bring your own adhesive, scissors & bone folder if you have one.

RSVP NOW to attend this month's Paper Lunchbag Kit Klass on Wed May 25th from 7-9 pm ... email: donna@scrappinwithdonna.com or sign up at the store!

Additional kits will be available to purchase at the class or in the store afterwards, while stock lasts - %15 per kit. Some adaptation may be requred to make the kits at home if you don't own the punches & extra embellishments that I'll be bringing to the class.

BIG NEWS: It's official - I'll be holding PAPERCRAFTING KIT KLASSES on a regular basis on the last Wednesday of each month at Crafters Cupboard - with a new kit each month, and additional kits available at the store AFTER each class is held. Stay tuned for a sneak peek of June's Kit Klass, coming soon!

cheers

ANOTHER NEW CLASS IN MAY

I just took another look at May's 30% off sale with Stampin' Up! and got to thinking how the Printed Petals stamp set (2010-2011 IB&C, pg 106) would make a great little product class .. so here goes:

WHEN: Saturday, May 28 - between 9 am & 2 pm

WHERE: My Stampin' Studio - don't mind the packing boxes; I'm still operational! (wink)

WHAT: You'll receive your own "Printed Petals" stamp set, the pre-cut materials to make 5 easy cards, and a baggie of assorted embellishments .. use 'em on your cards or keep 'em for another project at home!

PRICE: All this for only $25 (clear-mount stamp set is included, at the sale price of $12.57. If you prefer wood-mount, there is an extra $5.00 charge)

The cards should take 1-1/2 hours at most to make, so you can pick your own start time (anywhere between 9 am - 2 pm) and still have the rest of the day to fit in your Saturday errands & activities!

Call or email me to book your start time & I'll order your stamp set in advance - my deadline to order for this class is Monday May 23rd.

cheers

 

HOW MANY PROJECTS CAN ONE STAMPER HAVE ON THE GO?

Sounds like the start of a bad joke, like ... how many stampers does it take to ... never mind.

I'm one of those gals who can't finish anything in one sitting ... as a result, I have TOO MANY unfinished projects on the go on any given day (week, month, even year!)

Funny thing, but In the last six days (coincidently the same length of time my dear daughter has gone past her due date to deliver my precious grandbaby) ... I've had the urge to pick up several half finished projects and as they say, "get 'er done"

So I thought I'd share what I've managed to finish this past week or so ... and I'd love to hear your comments: are you a multi-tasker like me, or one of those "must-finish-this-before-I-start-that" type of crafter? (I can't imagine what that lifestyle would even feel like!)

 

First, a quick card I made for my son-in-law's birthday earlier in March ... with a retired set from Stampin' Up! that fits our family's activities so well that I kept it in my stash. SiL is an avid canoer, camper & fisherman ... I tied the bike onto the back of the jeep to represent all the kiddy stuff he's gonna have to start taking along on their camping trips <grin>

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next - here's a super fun and easy pop-up card that I found online and used as one of the make & take projects at my team's March meeting.

It starts with an 8x8" piece of card stock, add some scoring, glue one corner, and decorate to your heart's content - couldn't be easier! We used the "Ice Cream Parlor" designer series papers, self-adhesive die cuts, printed ribbon and buttons - all of which are FREE with purchase during SALE-A-BRATION this month - gotta love the free stuff!!

Next up is a personal favourite .. this bookmark was our second make & take project at March's Artful*Inkers Team meeting .. designed and presented by Joanna.

I love the bright colours that Joanna used - this also looks great in Pacific Point, Daffodil Delight, Old Olive, and Melon Mambo - all from the Brights Collection, which coordinated perfectly with the stack of Brights Patterned Designer Series Papers ... clever girl, our Joanna!

 

We used five different Stampin' Up! punches to make this - can you name them all?

I loved the bookmark project so much that I added it to the roster for my "Mom & Me" March Break class, held last Wednesday afternoon. We all wore hats (for the Mad Hatter Tea Party theme) and decorated them with these flowers, made on the Sizzix Big Shot die-cutting machine:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our final project at the "Mom & Me" class was a Friendship Book .. a mini scrapbook made from plain drink coasters bound together using my little sprial binding machine.

The girls had a grand old time choosing their papers, ink colours and chipboard embellishments to give each book it's own special touches.

Of course, we had to leave room inside to add photos of our best friends later, along with lists of our favourite movies this year, books we've read, and anything else we wanted to remember about 2011!

Then we wrapped up the afternoon with a tea party upstairs in my dining room .. I wish I had gotten photos of everyone who came; but here's one of the person who travelled the farthest to attend!

Thank you all for sharing part of your March Break vacation crafting with me!

Ok, more projects to share tomorrow ... for now, make sure you've ordered all the freebies you want out of the Sale-a-Bration brochure 'cause it ends March 31st.

Also, this Wednesday is the last day to register for our final session of the Techniques Stamp Camp - this time to be held in Waterloo on Sat April 2nd.

And I'm still offering 10% off orders placed before my grandbaby arrives .. something tells me you shouldn't dawdle on this one! <grin>

cheers

 

 

WELCOME TO MARCH MADNESS!!

Whether it's the winter weather, or whether it's waiting for my grandbaby to be born ... I'm thinkin' that the month of MARCH is going to d-r-a-a-a-a-g-g-g-g-g ... on and on and on ... until it drives me MAD!

Soooo, I've decided to shake things up a bit here in the blog-o-sphere with a whole lot of

MARCH MADNESS!!

For starters, every order of Stampin' Up! product I receive in the month of March is going to get a FREE blank card kit, retail value $5.00!

Each kit contains six blank cards, six envelopes, six 5-1/4"x4" sheets of Designer Series papers and 2 yards of co-ordinating ribbon or trim. Use any stamps & embellishments you own to make 'em YOUR WAY!

This goes for EVERY order I receive (Canadian Residents only) - online, email, in-class, in-club ... even if you hand me an order when we bump into each other at Tim Horton's! <grin>

Oh, and if you like the blank card kit idea, I have a TON of them for sale, too ... all at $5.00 per kit. Just let me know what your favourite colours are, and I'll do my best to oblige.

OK, that's my moment of MADNESS for today ... tune in tomorrow,

March 2nd to see what I'm gonna do next!

cheers

ADDICTIVE BEHAVOUR

OK, these "Make It From Scraps" cards are just waaaaay too much fun! I thought I'd make up a second set to display at tonight's class - just to give folks a starting point to work from ... next thing I knew it, the afternoon was gone! Good thing I have a ton of pre-cut kits already prepared, 'cause I think you're gonna want more than just the twelve we'll be making in class!

There are still a few seats available for tonight's class @ 7:30 pm ... or you can catch the second one on Thursday March 10th ... just give me a call or quick email to save your seat. Better yet, get a few friends together and I'll bring this class to your home!

Click here to see my first set of cards (they're totally different; all pink & feminine!)

Click here for full class details ... then register you and your friends!

cheers,

DON'T THROW THAT OUT!

Doesn't excessive packaging just make you burn? It's a pet peeve of mine ... why can't manufacturers keep their product packaging simple so we have less to throw out?

Usually the "GREEN ME" will always choose the product with the least packaging ... but one time I actually bought a package of pens BECAUSE of the package they came in. I knew as soon as I saw this thick plastic base with multi-divided sections - AND wrapped in a clear plastic case - that I wanted to make it into a pretty desk accessory! (I think it was at this point in our shopping expedition that my dear hubby rolled his eyes and walked away)

So, in a photo tutorial - here's what my "inner eye" saw in that store, and how it all turned into a nice little pen holder that I plan to give to my mother. She's having a lot of home support visitors right now, and is always searching for a pen to write down their names and appointments. This one's for you, Ma! (As always, just click on each photo if you want a close-up look)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Starting at the far left with a photo of the original product in its packaging ... I took it apart and cut off the top of the clear sleeve - then I decided to slip the pen holder base back inside the clear sleeve so I coudl trace a pen line to cut it exactly the same height.

I reassembled it to see how I did (I slipped an envelope in between the two layers so you can see where I'm heading with this idea, wink)

I knew I wanted to use Stampin' Up!'s new "Springtime Vintage" Designer Papers (#121782, pg 15 Occasions Mini) because I thought of my mom the first time I saw these prints; they're sooo "her"!

Through some measuring, some guessing and a lot of trimming, I finally determined what size to make the four patterened squares so that they could have a 1/4" mat of Rose Red card stock showing from behind.

And on the right - the finished project ... easy peasy! I'm tempted to add some "Chantilly Crochet Trim" (#118480, pg 190 IB&C) and maybe a 'Trinket Key or Trinket Crown (#121891 & #121892, pg 24 Occasions Mini) before I deliver it to mom later this week - don't you think it needs a little bling?

Gee, I wish I had a few more of these packages ... I'd love to make one with the "Sweet Stitches" Designer Papers (#121781, pg 32 Occasions Mini) to keep my sewing tools neat & organized! For that matter, "Botanical Gazette" or "First Edition" Designer Papers would make a great pen holder for my hubby's desk - a daily reminder that he should never doubt my "inner eye" (GRIN!)

cheers 

TRIPLETS?

I know, this is my third post this week about making mini cards ... I can't help myself, lol. Once you start on these little devils, they become sooooo addictive!

 

 

 

 (click on the photos to make them larger)

 

 

 

 

Here are a couple of my favourite little cards - both on a baby theme, naturally ... and the most recent photo of my daughter (the gal on the right) and her long-time childhood friend, taken Sunday at a baby shower.

Both girls are expecting their first child; my daughter in due in 3 weeks (OMG!!!) and her friend's baby will be here about a month later. This was the first time the girls have seen each other in 20 years, and we're all going to meet up again (grandmas and mommas!) after the babies are born ... I can't wait!!!!

Oh, and the title of this post? I was just referring to the third post in a row about making mini cards ... there are NO multiple births in our near future - gotcha!

cheers

 

MORE LITTLE ONES

Every time I finish a bigger paper crafting project, I try to take a few minutes to make some quick mini cards with the leftover bits of paper and cardstock before I put everything away. Hey, all the coordinating stuff is already there in front of me, and it keeps my "scrap pile" from growing, so why not?

Mini cards are great to have on hand ... tie one to a bottle of wine, slip a note into someone's lunchbox or briefcase, add to a bouquet of flowers, use as gift tags -  there's no limit to the ways you can use these little treasures!

 

All of today's samples start with a 3x6" piced of card stock, folded in half. With the exception of the pink ribbons in the third photo, everything shown here came from Stampin' Up! (some Designer Papers and stamps are retired)

cheers

THINK SMALL

I've always loved to create mini cards - call 'em gift cards, tags, note cards, what have you .. small sized cards are great because:

• they're a great way to use up leftovers from a larger project
• you can make a whole bunch in just a matter of minutes
• the smaller surface means you don't need a lot of details to make them pop
• they're versatile .. just change the feel by changing the sentiment

 

 

 

 

 

 

Give it a try ... start with a 3x6", 4x8", or 5-1/2x4-1/4" piece of card stock, fold it in half, grab your bits & pieces, and think SMALL!

Happy Family Day to everyone in Ontario and Alberta,

MAKE IT FROM SCRAPS

The frugal stamper is very pleased with this weekend's creations ... I started out with an old issue of Sheetload of Cards from 2007 and I ended up putting together a class that shows you how to make tons of cards while using up your stash of leftover card stock, designer papers, ribbons and embellishments - you know, the stuff that's too small to make anything with but too pretty to throw away? <wink>

For this class you'll get to pick your favourite colours from a large selection of pre-cut pieces. When you go home, you'll have 12 finished cards and envelopes for a variety of occasions, plus the cutting pattern and the know-how to make many more cards with stuff you already have at home!

This class is a more relaxed format than my usual fare ... it's easy because you start with a basic card layout and yet it offers you the chance to try out several ways to step-it-up just a little - and all while you are using up leftovers from other projects!

Oh, and if you have a stash of embellishments you want to use up, feel free to bring that to class - buttons, brads, ribbon bits, rhinestones, whatever you've got on hand! If you don't have a lot of embellishments, don't worry; I have plenty of odds and sods to share. If you do bring your stash, you'll have the opportunity to swap stuff with your classmates so everyone can go home with more of a variety!

I'll supply everything else - pre-cut designer paper and card stock pieces, blank cards & envelopes, stamps & inks, adhesives, punches, sponges, inspiration boards and instruction sheets. Plus, everyone gets 3 metres of 1/8" wide taffeta ribbon & 3 sponge wedges from Stampin' Up! to use during the class and to keep afterwards!

These cards are easy to make, easy to embellish, and easy to re-create at home when you need to make more. I'll show you ways to embellish using what you already have in your stash - and YOU choose whether to keep your cards simple or step-it-up with sponging, corner rounding, distressing, etc, etc... I'll have all kinds of samples to help you decide, so bring your camera.

DATE: Monday Feb 28 or Thursday March 10th

TIME: 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

COST: $25 per person or 2/$40 when you bring a friend!

Call me: 519-823-8891 or email me: donna@scrappinwithdonna.com to register for this class - tell me which evening you're coming, who you're bringing with you (if you want the discount price), and how you want to pay for your class ... cheque, cash or credit card (thorugh PayPal) are all accepted.

cheers,

 

 

QUICK AND EASY VALENTINES

Busy, busy, busy ... why is that phrase always on our lips? Before I tell you WHY I'm so busy, I wanted to share some QUICK AND EASY Valentines I made yesterday - all four of these 3"x3" cards took about 20 minutes total ... which is about all the time I could spare, lol. (PS - I LOVE Stampin' Up!'s new GLIMMER PAPER ... it's so red and sparkly!)

I try to stamp something every day, but this week I've been occupied with getting ready for this Saturday's STAMP-4-FUN day with my team of demonstrators - I LOVE getting together with these gals ... Artful*Inkers, you ROCK!

And of course, there are a lot of details to iron out for the SALE-A-BRATION TECHNIQUE STAMP CAMPS - my team is putting on this event on four different Saturdays in four different towns - how's that for ambitious! What can I say; we just love creating and we want to share the fun with everyone!

Have you registered yet?

• GUELPH: EVENT DAY: Sat Feb 5th, REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Wed Jan 26th
• CAMBRIDGE: EVENT DAY: Sat Feb 26th, REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Wed Feb 16th
• CARLISLE: EVENT DAY: Sat Mar 5th, REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Wed Feb 23rd
• WATERLOO: EVENT DAY: Sat Apr 2nd, REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Wed Mar 23rd

You can check out this blog post to see what we'll be making - it's gonna be a FULL day of stamping!

And you can click on this link to register for Guelph's event, or contact me to register for one of the other three events ... I'll be participating at all of them!

cheers,

JAN '11: NEW DIGITAL DOWNLOADS FOR MY DIGITAL STUDIO

Here are the latest digital downloads from Stampin' Up! .. and there are more to come in January! If you've been following the news from the recent Leadership Conference, you'll recognise some of these downloads as samples made available to Leadership attendees - check out the adorable oversized postcards designed as baby announcements, the desktop calendar, and the 8-1/2" x 11" scrapbook .. all you have to do is add your photos!

			Item  Description  Image  Price  Content    124030  Tempting Turquoise Patterns Designer Series Paper        $2.50  Four Tempting Turquoise Designer Series Paper Patterns 124031  Old Olive Patterns Designer Series Paper    $2.50    Four Old Olive Designer Series Paper Patterns 124033  Pretty in Pink Patterns Designer Series Paper         $2.50  Four Pretty in Pink Designer Series Paper Patterns  124022  Sweet Stitches Designer Buttons          $3.75   Three button styles in Tangerine Tango, Melon Mambo, Chocolate Chip, and Daffodil Delight. Total of 12 buttons.      124028  Pattern Pieces Stamp Brush        $2.50  One oversized fabric pattern. Coordinates with the "Oh Sew Suite" product line.     124018  Blossom Petals Punch       $1.25    Four-piece stamp brush set and one 5" x 7" greeting card designer template.    124019  Build a Blossom Stamp Brush Set        $7.95  Twelve-piece stamp brush set. Coordinates with the digital Blossom Petals Punch.   124027  Eat Chocolate Stamp Brush Set        $4.95  Four-piece stamp brush set.    125161  Top 10 Photo Book Template        $18.50    This 24-page designer template (11" x 8-1/2") was used to make the My Digital Studio Professional Print Product Sampler, demonstrator supply item #124261.  125162  2011 Pennant Desktop Calendar        $18.50     This 25-page calendar template (5-1/2" x 6-1/2" calendar with easel) was used to make the My Digital Studio Professional Print Product Sampler, demonstrator supply item #124261. 125623  Baja Breeze Flower Bouquet Birth Announcement        $2.50     Double-sided baby boy announcement postcard designer template. Colors are Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss, and Basic Gray.    125163  Regal Rose Flower Bouquet Birth Announcement        $2.50     Double-sided baby girl announcement postcard designer template. Colors are Regal Rose, Kiwi Kiss, and So Saffron.  This template was used to make the My Digital Studio Professional Print Product Sampler, demonstrator supply item #124261.   125164  Play Date Invitation Designer Template        $2.50    Birthday greeting card invitation template. Front and inside of card are pre-designed. Template includes nine embellishment pieces and was used to make the My Digital Studio Professional Print Product Sampler, demonstrator supply item #124261. 125165  Snowflake Flurry Holiday Trifold Card Designer Template        $2.50     This 4" x 9-1/4" trifold card designer template was used to make the My Digital Studio Professional Print Product Sampler, demonstrator supply item #124261.    124542  Chat Room Rock Star Stamp Brush Set    $7.95  Ten-piece stamp brush set.    124543  Chat Room Friend Stamp Brush Set         $7.95  Ten-piece stamp brush set.    124486  Chat Room Baby Stamp Brush Set         $7.95  Ten-piece stamp brush set.

My Digital Studio is an intuitive, creative software program created by Stampin' Up! - that makes designing on your computer oh-so-easy! Click here for more information about My Digital Studio.

And if you already own another brand of digital design software, don't forget that Stampin' Up!'s downloads are compatible with all the major brands of software.

If you would like to view Stampin' Up!'s complete list of My Digital Studio download offerings, go to the my business website's homepage, click on Store, then Digital Crafting. 

cheers

THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE WONDERFUL

THE BAD: So if you follow/like/fan my Facebook Page (Stamping & Scrapping with Donna) you already know that I didn't make it to my Leadership Conference in Nashville this week after all. Family stuff was piling up and we decided this just wasn't the right time for a trip out of the country. Gotta be honest here - that was a VERY difficult decision to make!  : (

THE GOOD: Instead of moping around the studio tonight, picturing all my travel buddies having a grand time at Stampin' Up!'s wrap up party tonight (stamping, demos, food, music; you get the picture - sigh) I've called my downline Julie right here in Guelph and asked if I can crash her class tonight .. she graciously said yes and suddenly the day seems a little bit brighter - I get to stamp with good friends after all! We're making a desktop calendar tonight and yes, I WILL post pictures from the class!

THE WONDERFUL: Speaking of desktop calendars, I realized this morning that I never did show you what I made for hubby's stocking gift! Using My Digital Studio and Stampin' Up!'s new desktop calendar template and photos of our visit last summer to New Brunswick's Botanical Gardens, here's what I came up with:

I had the calendar printed through Stampin' Up!'s professional printing service, and I am really impressed with the quality of materials used - the spine and easel are very strong, and the card stock is a semi gloss that will stand up to finger prints, etc throughout the year. Plus, it folds flat for mailing!

To make the titles pop on the cover, I used a digital image of the Modern Label Punch, then I just adjusted the size and opacity of the punch and placed it behind my text boxes.

The template comes with the monthly titles and dates (I really like the font they used this year!) I added a photo behind the month & weekdays, then I slid the opacity scale up and down until I could read the words easily without the photo interfering. As a final step, I added a white strip as a top layer just below the month  - gives it a little pizazz, don't you think?

While the calendar is facing hubby on his desk, everyone walking up to him will see a coordinating photo facing them.

I wanted to use really bright and cheery photos for January's page. And it's so easy to put a photo inside a photo - it took only a few seconds! I dragged my first photo into place so that it would cover the whole page, then I placed a smaller photo in the corner, clicked on "add mat", changed the default mat colour from basic black to whisper white and presto!

All in all, I think the project only took me an hour, and most of that was deciding which photos I would use in each month. I experimented a bit and clicked on the "undo" arrow a few dozen times until I liked what I saw. Then it was "send to publisher", enter my credit card number and I was done.

 

Here's March, front and back views (I thought this photo was perfect for St. Patrick's Day!)

I'm pleased with the way this calendar turned out, and now we have a constant reminder of the wonderful day we spent roaming this beautiful park with our cameras ... that's a favourite pastime of ours.

(Even if hubby doesn't believe it, all of the photos in this calendar were actually taken by me ... not by the professional in the family!)

Hmm, I wonder if we'll still be taking so many nature photos once our first grandbaby arrives in the spring ... probably not, lol!

If you want to try out Stampin' Up!'s My Digital Studio software to see if it's your cup of tea, give me a shout and we'll set up a time to play with it in my studio. There are also lots of tutorials available for specific tricks of the trade - visit Stampin' Up!'s My Digital Studio online community for inspiration - it's free for everyone; just click on the link on the right side of this screen.

cheers

A MERRY CHRISTMAS CARD

Wishing all of my scrappy friends a wonderful Christmas and all the best in 2011! Here's my MDS card to you:

1) card front  2) inside

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Boxing Day I will post the remaining Christmas Countdow swaps for you, as well as a Boxing Week special that you won't want to miss ... just a little holiday something from me to you <wink>

cheers

DAY 19: CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

Here it is, Sunday already ... and less than a week to go before Christmas arrives ...

OK, true confession time: I'm a fraud. I actually wrote this last Thursday night and I basically haven't been home since I wrote it, what with final exams wrapping up on Friday and travelling on Saturday to the other side of Toronto and then heading north to attend several family functions this weekend including a surprise birthday party AND a Christmas concert .. lately my life is running on as long as this sentence has!

Good thing the next week will be quiet and relaxing - NOT! I still haven't finished my Christmas cards, let alone the shopping, wrapping and baking! I sure hope your pre-holiday days are in better shape than mine, lol!

Thank goodness for all the little gifts I've been opening this month; they remind me of the good friends I have and all that is truly important in life. That and stamping in my studio keeps the holiday stress at bay; without friends and creative outlets ... I'd be a basket case.

Speaking of gifts and good friends, here's today's swap surprise in the Artful*Inkers' Countdown to Christmas swap ... made by the effervescent Eva-Marie (aka Nathalie) waaaay up in Deep River, Ontario:

LOVE this colour combo: Crumb Cake, Not Quite Navy and Whisper White. The box you've seen before - it's the very versatile Fancy Favour Box Bigz XL die (made by Sizzix exclusively for Stampin' Up!) and the snowflake embellishment on the front is also cut on the Sizzix Big Shot with the new Northern Frost Decorative Strip die, another Stampin' Up! exclusive.

I've included a pic of the back of the box to show you the all-over snowflake pattern stamped in Not Quite Navy Classic ink, and the punched holes to tie the box closed with ribbon. Once you've cut and scored this box on your Big Shot machine, it practically makes itself!

What's inside, you ask? Eva-Marie gave us all some lovely bath salts and some very unusual candies - I've never seen candy-coated chocolate sea shells before this; they remind me of little hermit crabs! Can't wait to dig into them as soon as we're back home.

I'll post again on Monday (this time in "real time") to share Dec 19th's surprise.

cheers

 

DAY 18: CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

Before anything else today, I want to send out wishes for a very Happy 80th Birthday to my hubby's dad up there in the Kawarthas ... we'll see you VERY soon!! (nudge, nudge, wink, wink .. shhhh, I've said too much already ... whew, it's a good thing he doesn't follow my blog ... at least I don't think he does - !??)

While I remove my foot from my mouth, why don't you take a look at today's surprise in the Artful*Inkers Countdown to Christmas swap?

Dusty W. in Cambridge wrapped up her gifts in confetti white tissue paper with a quick and easy belly band using Designer Series paper from one of Stampin' Up!'s Simply Scrappin' Kits, topped with a circle-punched stamped image.

Poking & prodding, squeezing and shaking - I still couldn't figure out what was inside; sure glad today rolled around so I could open it up, lol!

Dusty made these neat wrappers to hold a package of gum - which just slides in and out, easy as you please. (Just click on the pictures for a closer look)

I love how she used non-Christmas stamps to stamp an all-over design in traditional reds and greens - even the greeting isn't your normal holiday wish. Just goes to show you that the stamps in your stash can be very versatile if you just think outside the proverbial box. This little treat is going right into my purse, wrapper and all!

I'll be on the road tomorrow (shhhh, Donna - not another word or you'll spoil the surprise!) - but I'll still post Dec 19th's gift here for all of you to see.

cheers

DAY SEVENTEEN: CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

OK, I'm not really here at my computer today ... I'm pulling a very long day at the University, proctoring exams. But, through the magic of modern technology I am still able to share today's Chirstmas Countdown treat with all of you ... (drat, I meant Christmas - spell check, don't fail me now!)

Now my friend Brenda S here in Guelph was all worried and stressed that her swap gift wasn't up to par with the rest; can you believe it? Her adhesive didn't want to cooperate .. she had to use patterned paper that isn't from Stampin' Up! to finish her swaps .. and I guess she felt rushed to get them done in time too - but hey, girl - we still love you! (Especially with all the sweet stuff that you got to fill up the bags - this is a serious amount of sugar and I for one am in heaven!)

It's good to know that I'm not the only one trying to use up my stash before I buy more ... and I'm not the only one who gets frustrated when I'm finishing stuff in the eleventh hour, lol.

  All I can say is I'm lovin' all the sweets that have been coming my way during this month of gifts ... I won't be overindulging during Christmas 'cause I've been sampling all along! (grin)

(PS - Brenda found the directions to make this paper bag purse on Split Coast Stampers.)

Check back tomorrow for Dec 18th's surprise ... with all the presents I've been opening each day, I'm thinkin' that we should have called this swap the 24 Days of Christmas!

cheers

 

DAY SIXTEEN: CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

Better late than never ... here's today's surprise in the Artful*Inkers' Countdown to Christmas swap ... made by my team mate Kimberly H from Alma, Ontario:

Purple, blue and white .. how fun is this colour combo?! I love non-traditional Christmas colours, Kimberly!

This folder is cheerful and mysterious .. I couldn't wait to rip it open (I'm not kidding!) to see what was tucked inside ..

.. and look what I found: a yummy packet of gourmet hot chocolate!!

Here's a closer look at how Kimberly made the slot to hold the hot chocolate in place:

She punched two small holes with her hand-held circle punch on either side of the folder, then cut two straight lines from each hole on the left to its counterpart on the right. Easy-peasy!

I can see making something like this to hold one of those chocolate covered marshmallow hearts for Valentines Day .. or how about a package of flower seeds for Mothers Day or Easter! Hmmm, I must keep that ideas stored away for later ...

See you tomorrow with Dec 17th's surprise!

cheers

DEC 15: CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

Guess what ... I have another matchbox card to show you today - I told you it's a versatile project! <grin>

Brenda H had to mail us her swaps all the way from Ottawa (I'm thinking of you gals up there with all the snow you've been getting!!) You may not be able to see by the photo, but the Confetti Cream card front has been embossed using the Sizzix Big Shot and one of Stampin" Up!'s Sizzix Texturz Templates ... or is it an embossing folder? I'm too eager to see what's inside to stop and look it up in my catalogue, lol. The ornament punches are hung with Stampin' Up!'s Linen Thread, and there's some Old Olive Super Nova Stampin' Glitter on one ornament to give it the finishing touch.

Brenda made her matchbook card a little bigger than Karen's from yesterday. Why? Well, to hold a CD, of course! Brenda decorated a CD label with a cute snowman, lots of flakes and a greeting - now I'm not sure if she stamped the labels by hand and coloured them in or if she used the new digital CD Label template that Stampin' Up! just released for MY DIGITAL STUDIO .. I'll have to ask her!

At first I thought the CD was an ornament ... I checked the back; nope, no decorations there ... so for the heck of it I popped it into my computer and ....

Christmas music!!! Wahoo!!! I'm listening right now to a selection of Brenda's favourite carols by Aretha Franklin, Faith Hill, and a whole range of different artists - how kewl is that?!!! Thank you so much, Brenda!!

I'm getting really excited for Christmas now - can't wait to see what the next swap surprise brings! I'll meet you back here tomorrow and we'll open it together, ok?

cheers

 

New Digital Downloads for My Digital Studio

Stampin' Up!'s latest digital downloads were released today -- and more are on the way for the month of December! If you would like to view their complete list of My Digital Studio download offerings, go to my business website's ONLINE STORE and click on Digital Crafting.

Did you know that Stampin' Up!'s digital downloads can be used on OTHER design software programs besides their My Digital Studio software? They're so easy to purchase - just use my ONLINE STORE and pay NO SHIPPING! In just a few minutes your order will be ready to download and save to your computer; easy-peasy!

Item	Description	Image	Price
124215	Extreme Snowboard Stamp Brush		$1.25
124218	Extreme Surfboard Stamp Brush		$1.25
124217	Extreme Skateboard Stamp Brush		$1.25
124219	Extreme Dirt Bike Stamp Brush		$1.25
124216	Extreme Guitar Stamp Brush		$1.25
123988	Charming Stamp Brush Set		$4.95
123989	Teahouse Stamp Brush		$2.50
123992	Lap of Luxury Designer Series Paper		$6.50
123990	Elements of Style Stamp Brush Set		$4.95
123991	Style Beautiful Stamp Brush Set		$4.95

DAY FOURTEEN: CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

Check out today's surprise in the Artful*Inkers' Countdown to Christmas swap ... made by Karen of Fergus (got it right this time, Karen & Sandra D!)

I love this card front - red glitter stripes, polka dots, and a clever use of stamps and scallop circle punches to make a wreath! Who'da thought Pirouette Pink and Baja Breeze would make perfect holiday colours along side Real Red and Garden Green - not me! (All supplies are from Stampin' Up!)

The most versatile card ever designed is the matchbook card - it can hold anything flat; I've used it in the past to hold a gift card, photo, invitation, recipe, candy, chocolate (which as we all know isn't candy but a food group), my business card, hot chocolate, microwave popcorn, perfume sachet, calendar, coupon, mini sewing kit ... well, you get the idea.

Look what Karen put into her matchbook card .. I'm gonna enjoy a lovely cuppa Lady Grey tea today while I finish up addressing my family's Christmas cards! Thank you, my friend!

Stay tuned tomorrow for the reveal of Dec 15th's swap surprise!

cheers

DAY TWELVE: CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

Why is it that my day off ends up being busier than the rest of the week ... what's up with that? This is the first moment I've had all day to photograph and post December 12th's surprise, so since I've kept you waiting this long ... here goes!

My long time buddy Debbie in Brantford whipped up this package of goodies using her Big Shot die cutter and the Sizzix Pillowbox die in classic red and white Christmas colours.

Classy yet quick: Debbie attached a piece of red satin ribbon to the top side only, letting it drape over the edges. Then ends of the pillow box were held close with a bit of adhesive.

Inside I discovered some ribbons and candies ... yum! Thanks, Debbie!

I'm off to pre-post tomorrow's surprise so that it's here first thing in the morning!

cheers

DAY ELEVEN: CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

10 gifts down and 15 to go ... that's right, there are only fifteen days until Christmas Day!

Today's gift is one of my favourites because it looks soooo dificult to make but with a Sizzix Big Shot machine, it's a breeze to whip up a bunch in no time flat!

CORRECTION: Sandra D, near London made these nifty snowflake candle holders for everyone in our team swap - aren't they great looking? These can be cut from any thin metal, from pop cans to aluminum flashing to copper sheets - the Big Shot can handle them all!

If you look in the centre you'll see that Sandra used an eyelet to hold two snowflakes together (rotate a quarter turn to slightly offset the snowflake points) and then gently bent each snowflake point upward, forming a cup to hold the tealight candle in place. Very kewl!

I'll be back tomorrow with December 12th's goody!

DAY 8: CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

I'm pretty late posting about today's gift in my team's Countdown to Christmas swap, but it's only 10 pm my time ... so technically it's still December 8th!

This little gem was created by Tania of Guelph. I love it because it's easy and inexpensive to recreate ... I think I'll make one for every place setting on Christmas Day! Tania told us she used duct tape from the hardware store - not the Red Green/man's best friend kind of duct tape, but the real thing that's used to seal heating ducts - it's a really thin silver metallic tape that cuts & embosses in the Big Shot like a hot knife through butter, and it's got adhesive on the back so you just need to peel and stick! Don't you think it's perfect for making detailed little snowflakes?

Oh, and I need to correct something from yesterday's gift. Deb explained that the snowflakes on the ornament were cut from Stampin' Up!'s Sizzix Adhesive Sheets, then she stuck them down and then added glitter - much less mess than trying to stamp on little round ornaments (been there, tried that).

Thanks girls for showing me two more things to make with the "Northern Frost" Sizzix Decorative strip die ... now I REALLY NEED to buy that one too! <grin>

I'll be back tomorrow with Day 9's surprise ... it's so heavy and in a plain box so I have no idea what it can be!

cheers

 

NEW DIGI DOWNLOADS FOR MDS

The latest digital downloads from Stampin' Up! are here -- and more are on the way for the month of December! There's even a desktop calendar kit for 2011! If you would like to view the complete list of My Digital Studio download offerings, go to my ONLINE STORE and click on Digital Crafting!

Item	Description	Image	Price
125148	2011 Notable Desktop Calendar Kit		$18.50
125145	Calm and Bright Photo Card Template		$2.50
125146	Holiday Greetings Photo Card Template		$2.50
125147	Good Cheer Photo Card Template		$2.50
123968	Leadership 2011 Stamp Brush Set		$2.50
123981	Serene Snowflakes Stamp Brush Set		$2.50
123982	Blueberry Crisp Designer Series Paper		$6.50
123987	Woodgrain Stamp Brush		$2.50
123985	Woodland Walk Designer Series Paper		$6.50
123986	Just Believe Stamp Brush Set		$7.95
123983	Curly Cute Stamp Brush Set		$4.95

DAY SIX: CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

Today is a VERY busy day - after my Cards & Coffee class with the seniors, I'm off to the University for the rest of the day. Yep, it's exam time again - good luck to all the students who had the misfortune of getting their first final on the first day of finals  : (

I'm so glad I got to start off the day by opening yet another little package; this time from team mate Amanda of Guelph - I've been eyeing this package all week, trying to guess what's inside, but not wanting to get it right and ruin the surprise, lol! Simply wrapped in white tissue paper with Cherry Cobbler ribbon ... well that should have given me a clue as to colour at least! I LOVE Cherry Cobbler, and judging by your orders, so do a lot of you out there!

OK, on to the reveal... Amanda: I LOVE what you did with this plain little notebook; it's sooooo me! The edges are all sponged in Cherry Cobbler, the Decorative Label punches and the Snowflake  punch in Old Olive make a striking statement, and youo didn't forget the bling either - LOVE the red glitter brad in the center of the snowflake... stitches around the label (which says Holiday Planner - I'm guessing designed on My Digital Studio) and some Cherry Cobbler ribbon along the spine - it all adds up to a neat little book that's going right into my car so I can keep all my holiday notes with me on trips to the mall (this is the only season I'll go mall hopping - I hate the crowds but I love the decorations and music!)

Amanda, you've already taken some of the stress out of my next shopping trip - luv ya girl! Lets stamp together soon, ok?

Join me tomorrow everyone as I open and share the gift labeled Dec 7!

cheers

DAY FIVE: CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

Today's little gift may have come in a plain brown paper bag, but it sure was a big surprise to me - inside I found this adorable, almost-good-enough-to-eat cupcake, made out of a pair of fuzzy pink socks!

Dion of Cambridge is responsible for today's treat ... and she really added a lot of detail: the cupcake base was run through the Crimper to make it look just like a paper cupcake liner; the socks were rolled to look like a frosted cupcake on the top, and she even added little brown circles to look like chocolate sprinkles - how clever is that!

And check out the ornament tag - it says "A sweet treat to warm your feet" - I LOVE IT! As well as being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, Dion also decorates and sells REAL cupcakes, cakes and cookies (she made the Canada Day cupcakes I served at my New Catalogue Launch last July 1st and they were yummy!)

Thank you for this adorable gift, Dion ... you are truly the Queen of Cupcakes!!

Come back tomorrow for Dec 6th's surprise in the Artful*Inkers Countdown to Christmas.

cheers,

 

DEC 1st: CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

OMGosh, am I ever glad to see the back-side of November ... it was such a horrible month - full of bad news for so many of my friends and family. And in traditional style, I ended it yesterday with a triple header involving cars, neighbours, and computer glitches that ended up costing me $$$.

But it's now December; the bad vibes are gone (BE GONE, I SAY!) and it's time to focus on & celebrate all the goodness in our lives!!!

The Artful*Inkers (my team of Stampin' Up! demonstrators) organized a really fun swap for December. Each one of us make up little goody bags/gifts/surprises for one specific day this month, leading up to the BIG present day on the 25th. How kewl is that?!

And today I get to open my first gift!!!!!!

The photo at the top of this post is just a little teaser ... the first 10 days worth of goodies - don't they look terrific? My gals are sooooo talented (that's who I get a lot of my ideas from; seriously!)

Each day I'm going to post the unwrapping of a little treasure here so that you can enjoy right along with me ... and maybe get some ideas for those little gifts you still have to make this month!

And now it's time for December 1st's treat ... created by Samantha in Carlisle. Check out the cute little paper bags from the Holiday Mini, all stamped with tiny snowflakes in Whisper White craft ink.

And how cute is that snowman - made from punches!! Even the tag is adorable; it is stamped "Do Not Open Until" and the date is handwritten ... too cute!

And inside, I found this beautiful blue sparkly star ornament, which I've already hung on my computer screen to start the month off in a festive light. Wouldn't it be easy to whip up a batch of these little bags with the kids for their teachers, sitters, crossing guards, bus drivers, neighbours & friends? An inexpensive way to teach them this season is about giving as well as receiving, and have some fun quality time with mom or dad, too!

Thank you, Samantha for sharing your creativity with the rest of us!

I'll be back tomorrow with December 2nd's surprise of our Christmas Countdown; see you all then!

SPOTS ARE FILLING FAST...

Dec's Stamp-a-Stack Card Kit is ready! 10 Quick & Easy cards with envies for $25 ($15 for 40 Carat Club members & Artful*Inkers team) ... pick the Open Studio date/time that works best 4 U - call/email me 2 book now!

ISN'T THIS THE KEWL-EST CARD?

Just wrapped up tonight's session of GIRLS NIGHT OUT - lots of laughs and lots of creativity floatin' around the room ... I feel so inspired right now! Some of the gals are returning tomorrow for the 10-10-10 crop, so they just left their stuff here in the studio.

We welcomed a new-to-town stamper who was working on some amazing cards using the "Vintage Ornaments 1" set of decor stencils by Stampin' Up! She was so generous, letting us use her stencils to try it out (I gotta get me some of those stencils now, for sure!) They're in the back of the 2010-2011 Definitely Decorative brochure if you want to check them out for yourself.

Thanks Rhonda; we're sure glad you left Manitoba & that you came out to stamp with us tonight!

cheers,

NEW IN DECEMBER

I've been working on a new concept for my IN-STUDIO card classes that would be more flexible for you and easier for me to prepare... and with December's hectic holiday schedule, NOW is the perfect time to launch my new idea!

It's a two-part plan: first, let me tell you about my new OPEN STUDIO HOURS:

I've blocked off six different dates during December to open my studio to everyone who has holiday cards and gifts to finish making, with full access to my tools, stamps and inks.

Working together with friends and family, nibbling on shortbread while some festive music plays in the background sounds good, doesn't it? You'll enjoy each other's company as well as the creative process at my studio, without the usual distractions from home. It's an opportunity to connect, slow down, and enjoy the true joys of the season.

Now for the second part of my plan, new STAMP-A-STACK CARD KITS:

10 Quick and Easy cards, 2 each of five different designs, all pre-cut and ready to create!

COST: $25

(40 Carat Club members & Artful*Inkers team members will receive a $10 discount - limit one kit)

Some people find making holiday cards a fun tradition and some find the thought a bit overwhelming. I can understand that. As much as I love stamping, the thought of making a bunch of cards during the busy holiday season can seem like a challenge — so I've come up with a solution to help ease the holiday madness.

Purchase December's STAMP-A-STACK Card Kit and come to my studio during any of the OPEN STUDIO dates to work on them at your own pace, using my tools, stamps and inks.

All you have to do is email me to reserve your kit and studio time (48 hrs notice is required). I think in these busy days, this will be a better way to offer classes where you can pick the date and time that suits yoru schedule .. look forward to a new STAMP-A-STACK CARD KIT each month in 2011.

cheers,

PHOTO CHRISTMAS CARD

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and sending out holiday cards is on the top of everyone's to-do list! Check out our adorable Holly Jolly card for inspiration, then get to work creating your very own Christmas cards using our amazing My Digital Studio software! (Click here to see a list of our NEW low prices for greeting cards, trifold cards, and postcards.)

Once you've finished designing beautiful holiday greetings for friends and family, you'll be ready to help Santa make this the best Christmas ever with photo books, calendars, and journals that you design yourself using My Digital Studio! To ensure that your order arrives in plenty of time for sweet holiday gift giving, please note the following:

• Order by December 1 for arrival by December 21.
• Due to possible shipping delays during the holiday season, we recommend placing all orders needed in time for December 24 by December 1.

cheers

MY DIGITAL STUDIO HAS THE ANSWER

What's the question?

How do you create your own beautiful Christmas cards, tags, scrapbook pages and gifts without spending a fortune and too much of your precious time, ending up with bits of paper, glitter and glue spread all over the place?

My Digital Studio (MDS) is easy to learn (you can handle Microsoft Word, right?) and has a ton of ideas already built in.

How about making a calendar of your favourite 2010 photos on the monthly pages - embellished with your favourite Designer Series Papers and stamps from the current catalogues? Grandma would love getting that for Christmas - and afterwards she can slip the pages into a scrapbook to enjoy forever!

Or why not make invitations to your annual Holiday Party ... Christmas cards with your family photo ... holiday recipe cards to tie onto your homebaked goodies ... personalized gift tags ... a CD of this year's  Christmas Concert photos ... your 2010 recap newsletter for far-away family and friends ... heck, I could go on forever!

Design from scratch or use pre-designed templates; it's your choice. Need help getting your project started? I'll be glad to sit down with you and show you the ropes.

The software package (item #118108, $106.95) comes with a ton of paper, stamp, punch and embellishment options ... and Stampin' Up! releases new downloads every month; check out the newest releases here, then give me a call to order your copy of MY DIGITAL STUDIO!

New Digital Downloads for My Digital Studio

Our most recent digital downloads are here, and more are on the way for the month of November! If you would like to view our complete list of My Digital Studio download offerings, go to the customer homepage, click on Store, then Digital Crafting.

 

Item	Description	Image	Price
123949	Tags til Christmas Stamp Brush Set		$7.95
123950	Jolly Jingles Stamp Brush Set		$9.95
123951	Decorative Label Punch		$1.25
123952	Medium Oval Punch		$1.25
123956	Christmas Cheer Digital Kit		$12.50

DECK THE HALLS

Two quick cards to show you today, featuring Stampin' Up!'s "Deck the Halls" designer series paper -I love the retro look (it brings my childhood Christmases back to mind!) These two cards are ALMOST identical, but not quite ...

IEveryone is making gathered ribbon to add to their paper projects lately, and when I spotted this layout in the Nov/Dec 2010 issue of PaperCrafts magazine, I was inspired to try it for myself.

For the card on the left, I pulled a thread at one end of my "Very Vanilla" satin ribbon, while on the card to the right I layed down a piece of "Sticky Strip" adhesive and looped the satin ribbon as I worked my way along the adhesive.

Both techniques have their benefits: the tape method is quick and easy while the pulled thread method looks more authentic (in my opinion).

However, I had the Dickens of a time (did you catch the nostalgic reference to Christmases past? GRIN) keeping the ends of the ribbon from smoothing out again. I tried knotting the pulled thread, using the green bottled Tombow glue (that stuff works on everything!) Heck, I even melted the ends with a lit match - but then it unravelled again while I was attaching the ribbon to the card.

Still, I now have two more cards finished for mailing so its all good.

SUPPLIES USED: (100% Stampin' Up! products)

• Whisper White card stock
• Deck the Halls designer series paper
• Very Vanilla Satin ribbon
• Holly & Jolly Rub-Ons
• Sticky Strip adhesive

Just a reminder ... "Deck the Halls" DSP is included in two of the Holiday Bundles that are on sale right now for 20% off - you get the pkg of DSP and a punch! Order now so you have time to make your own "Perfect Handmade Christmas"

cheers

 

A NEW HOME, AND A CONTEST!

Wowzers - Stampin' Up! never ceases to amaze me!

They've just announced that they have designed and launched a free on-line community specifically for everyone who crafts with their digital software called "My Digital Studio"

I just joined and I gotta tell you, this is really kewl! Already I've seen lots of great ideas that members have shared in the photo gallery, and I've noted some discussion topics that I want to go back and participate in - tips for making certain special effects on your digital creations, and some questions along the line of  "How Do I..."

The My Digital Studio community is open to everyone - you don't have to be a demonstrator; heck, you don't even have to OWN the My Digital Studio software to join; it's a great way to check out what you can do with this baby BEFORE you buy, too! And did I mention that joining the My Digital Studio community is FREE?!

To celebrate the launch, Stampin' Up! is hosting a contest - here's the scoop:

Date: October 1-November 15, 2010

Stampin' Up!  invites YOU to participate in its first ever digital design contest using My Digital Studio and Stampin' Up!'s digital downloads! The My Digital Studio Design contest was created to recognize the amazing digital design skills of our talented, creative customers and demonstrators!

The contest is open to all customers and demonstrators who have access to My Digital Studio in the US and Canada; five customers and five demonstrators will be selected to win. 

To enter the contest you will need to design one digital card and two single-page layouts using ONLY My Digital Studio product and Stampin' Up downloads.  Submit all samples along with an official entry form and photo release form (if applicable) to MDSContest@stampinup.com.

Winners will receive free My Digital Studio digital downloads from Stampin' Up valued at approximately $500! You will also receive a digital pin for your personal blog.

Don't own My Digital Studio or want to purchase new Stampin' Up! digital downloads? Click here to visit my ONLINE STORE

The Stampin' Up! panel of judges can't wait to see your digital artistry on display, so submit your project today!

Ready, Set, Create!

1. Read the complete official rules.
2. Read the My Digital Studio Designing contest FAQ.
3. Download an official entry form and photo release (if applicable).

 

cheers

HAPPY "WORLD CARD MAKING DAY"

The first Saturday in October is "WORLD CARD MAKING DAY" - did you know that?

Stampin' Up! and many other companies have supported this day for several years now, and there are many online card-making events happening today. I hope you have the chance to check them out for inspiration .. and I hope you can take a few minutes today to make someone a card!

As for me, I'll be at a stamp party this afternoon with Linda and her friends - I've got four very kewl projects lined up for them to try.

Sorry you and I couldn't be together to stamp today ... but here are more pictures of just a few of the beautiful swap cards I received at Stampin' Up!'s Regional training event last month ... ENJOY!!

 

 

CARD 1: by Mary Rodgers, NY; CARD 2: by Samantha Forrest, ON

 

 

 

 

 

CARD 3: by Ruth Millard, ON (Can you see the shimmer mist on the purple background?)

 

 

 

 

 

CARD 4: by Brenda Lassaline, ON; CARD 5: by Lisa Jewer, ON

 

 

 

Happy World Card Making Day!

PUNCH ART from the DECORATIVE LABEL PUNCH

While I was using my new DECORATIVE LABEL PUNCH this morning to make a label for my photo box, I started playing around with the  punch and some red & vanilla scraps of paper ... I plopped them all down in my Punch Art book & then I thought I'd share it here with you all! You can find the DECORATIVE LABEL PUNCH on pg 25 of Stampin' Up!'s HOLIDAY MINI catalogue.
 
Now these are just patterns, not finished projects.

In just a few minutes of playtime (well ok, maybe an hour) I managed to make four different labels, two sets of parenthesis, two frames (one with fancy corners), a tiny banner, a cupcake or pot of pudding (I'm not sure which it is), and a purse.

I keep looking at that purse - I think I could turn it into a whistling tea kettle or a funky tulip with a little more time, but I need to move on to other projects right now, sigh.

OTHER PUNCHES USED in these samples:

• Word Window (punched at both ends to shorten it)
• Modern Label
• 1/4" Handheld Circle (retired)
• Heart to Heart (smallest heart)
• Round Tab (pudding pot)
• Large Oval and Small Oval (purse handle)

Everything else was punched from the DECORATIVE LABEL PUNCH - seriously a versitile punch, therefore a very frugal purchase! (insert a nod of approval here from THE FRUGAL STAMPER)

Remember, always look at your scraps when you punch .. you never know what ideas might pop out at you!

Oh, and if you love punchart, you really should come to the October session of CHRISTMAS COMES EARLY, featuring punches on all six cards - WAHOO!

Class Date: Wed Oct 20th, 7:30-9:30 pm; COST: $5 to my 40 Carat Club members and Artful*Inker demonstrator team; $25 to everyone else. 8 participants maximum - please register early!

cheers

 

MAKE YOUR OWN DESIGNER PAPER

This may be the kewlest idea I brought home from Stampin' Up!'s Hamilton Regionals last weekend: custom-made designer paper, using the Sizzix Big Shot!

No way? WAY!!!

Karen Long of Amherst, NY showed  us how during her Workshop WOW demonstration, and even Shelli Gardner was wowed by this one ... I tried it out for myself today, and shared it with the gals in my Big Shot club tonight:

Now these are unfinished cards; pretty simple & bold. Don't let that turn you away ... I can see a lot of possibilities using this technique.

HOW-TO-DO-IT: Cut or punch shapes, stripes, or whatever out of card stock in the colours of your choice. Adhere the shapes to a piece of card stock (or in this case, a card front).

Then, run the whole thing through an embossing folder on your Big Shot machine - the shapes will appear as if they're fused to the background .. as if it were printed paper!

 

You can see a bit better in these close-up photos - pretty kewl, eh? And it's a great way to use up your scrap pieces of card stock, too!

I can't wait to try some more - maybe some of the small bat punches to make a Hallowe'en background!

My favourite sample by Karen was just a strip of this technique down one side of the card; I want to C.A.S.E that one too, just as soon as I find a picture of it.(Nope, I didn't think to take pictures during her presentation - I was too busy picking my chin up off the ground, lol)

Try it out for yourself, and let me know how it goes, ok?

cheers

 

 

TINY TEACUP

That's the name of the cutest little stamp by Stampin' Up! - it's one of our "A la Carte" line of single stamps (very frugally priced at $12 & under, by the way)

Tiny Teacup is ALSO the stamp that everyone received at Heather Summers' pre-Regionals event in Hamilton last Friday night, along with all the fixin's to make a whole bunch of coordinating Make & Take projects - check 'em out:

Top Left: shaker card with real coffee beans in the bubble ... and it's a gift card holder on the inside - perfect for a Starbucks or Tim Horton's gift card!

Top Right: quick and easy pouch card - and it's holding a packet of hot chocolate!

Bottom Left: twist treat holder, made on the Big Shot with Stampin' Up!'s "Candy Wrapper" die. (Mine is empty - I ate the chocolate, lol!)

Bottom Right: Heather & her friends hand-dipped a bunch of spoons in yummy chocolate and we decorated them with a Tiny Teacup gift tag - how kewl is that?!

Left: Here's the cute matchbook card we made up in a jiffy

Right: and we made a little 3x3" card to fit inside, along with some tea!

Put them all together in a basket with a mug, and you've got a great "take the chill off" gift set! I'm offering this as a product class (everyone gets a "Tiny Teacup" stamp and a roll of 1/2" seam binding ribbon in Always Artichoke) - let me know if you are interested and we'll book a date!

cheers

HALLOWE'EN HIGHLITES

I've spent a couple of hours today visiting some of my favourite blogs and trying out all kinds of fun Hallowe'en craft projects ... have a look! (Don't forget, you can always click on the pictures for a close-up look!)

Here's a cute Frankenstein Lantern designed by Julie Leblanc - I followed the directions on her blog and had this fellow made up in no time! I've promised the gals at Guelph Lake Commons that we'll make Hallowe'en Lanterns at next month's craft session instead of the usual cards, and I know that Frankie will suit the bill perfectly; all he needs is a battery-operated tea light. Hmm, wonder if I can make this into a witch lantern ...

Over on Creations by Patti, I discovered a new use for Stampin' Up!'s Petal Card Punch (page 202, IB&C) - I made the mummy character in a matter of minutes by following her instructions, but check out all her other Hallowe'en characters, too! Now to slip a little chocolate into this tiny treat box, and I'm all set.

And of course, a punch-art-lover and scrap-paper-saver like me can spend HOURS on Ellen Kemper's blog .. she is the QUEEN of PUNCH ART in my eyes! Here are a couple of adorable trick-or-treaters that are so easy to make - all the parts are from Stampin' Up!'s owl punch even their little feet peeking from under their costumes. L'IL ONE-EYED MONSTER  or  L'IL GHOST

I found another very kewl project on Ellen's blog - a pair of eyes staring out from the darkness ... creepy! Ellen shows how to use the butterfly punch and the small oval punch from Stampin' Up! to make all kinds of different eyes in this post.

I hope these projects and links help inspire you to get crafty soon ... we all need a little fun in our week! And if you need any of the punches you can always come use mine, or order 'em on my ON-LINE SHOPPING SERVICE.

cheers

FALL IS IN THE AIR

... and it's a pretty blechy Fall so far - cold and damp is NOT my favourite type of weather!

Still, I can always come downstairs to my studio and create some warm, crisp Fall colours on my cards .. which is exactly what we did at last night's QUICK & EASY card class.

Take a look at our creations!

Notice anything familiar about the second card from the left?

My inspiration, layout AND colour choices all came from the cover of Stampin' Up!'s new Colour Coach - well. it was just laying there on my worktable and I thought, "Why not?"

Hey, I've gotten my inspiration from stranger sources than that, let me tell you!

Here's a closer look at that card:

STAMPS: All Holidays & Vintage Vogue

INKS: Not Quite Navy, Always Artichoke, Early Espresso & Elegant Eggplant

PAPERS: Always Artichoke & Sahara Sand card stock

ACCESSORIES: Jewels: Basic Pearls (# 119247, $6.50, pg 188)

NOTE: the larger half pearl in the centre of the blue flower came from my (now retired) Pretties Kit ... I'm trying to use up my stash!

cheers

THE FRUGAL STAMPER STRIKES AGAIN

Hey, remember these sheets of Valentine Boxes that Stampin' Up! sold in last Winter's Occasions Mini Catalogue?

The back-side of all these sheets are covered with pretty pink polka-dots and baby blue plaid, so after I punched out the Valentine pieces last February,I tucked away the sheets for "future use" ...

And today's the day.

I used my "Full Heart" punch and squeezed as many pink and baby blue hearts out of those scrap sheets as I could manage to fit. 

There's still room in the leftover scraps to punch some smaller hearts, so I guess I can't throw away the scraps just yet.

What am I going to do with all these pink and blue hearts? I don't know yet, but I'm sure I can come up with something ... <wink>

cheers

 

PS: I have about 15 full sheets of the Valentine Boxes for sale; let me know if you're interested!

AMAZING FRIENDS

Friday I attended  a fellow demonstrator's daughter's wedding in London - Roxy did a magnificent job of decorating a la Stampin' Up! and I was honoured to be present at such a personal family celebration.

Monday morning saw me stamping with fellow demonstrators Ruth from Waterloo and Lesley from up Barrie-way as we experimented with brayered backgrounds .. I was amazed at all the different results we got - it was an inspiring good time!

Then, last night I attended the Artful*Inkers' Summer potluck picnic - we chatted, shared vacation stories, watched the kids playing together, ate delicious food, and swapped cards.

I am constantly thankful for the number of very dear friends that I've made through my years with Stampin' Up! ... we've laughed and cried together; we've shared our creations and given positive criticism, we've supported each other in our businesses and personal lives ... I can't imagine a life without all of you!

Wilma - we're all thinking of you in this difficult time and I hope you feel our support as we try to hold you up through the miles.

Brenda - heal quickly and be pain-free; in the meantime we're all here to take on some of that pain for you.

And to everyone else who may still be reading this post - take the time today to tell someone just how important they are to your life. Here are some swap cards from last night's get-together .. enjoy!

 

The bird cage card was made by Samantha of Carlisle; our wonderful hostess at last night's dinner. How fun and cheery is this card!!!

 

The owl card was made by the talented Julie of Guelph; in her typical "Julified" style, it is embossed, inked, distressed, and absolutely beautiful!

 

And here's my swap card .. I'm keeping it simple because it's doubling as my card for a much larger Canada-wide demonstrator swap later this month. The stamps and punch are from the upcoming Holiday Mini catalogue (I had to borrow both from another demonstrator ... thanks Julie! .. because I'm trying to be budget-minded and wait til September to order)

The mini is full of wonderous stuff - that order is going to make one big dent in my piggy bank, let me tell ya! Jusst wait 'til you see the mini for yourself on September 1st - you'll be drooling over every page just like I did <grin>

cheers

DID YOU MISS THIS CLASS?

These are the four cards we made at July's QUICK AND EASY CARD class:

  STAMP SETS USED:

Top left: Because I Care

Top right: Elements of Style

Bottom left: Birthday Block (the idea for this card was C.A.S.E.D from Shelli Gardner's blog)

Bottom right: Teeny Tiny Wishes & Perfect Punches

Give me a shout to sign up for August's QUICK AND EASY CARD class - don't miss the boat again!

cheers

"BABY BUNDLE" & "BECAUSE I CARE"

Here are the three cards we made at last night's Artful*Inkers team meeting .. using two stamp sets that will make their debut in the  new 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalogue: "Baby Bundle" and "Because I Care".

I've listed the supplies we used for each card ... items with a * beside them are also brand new products that will available to purchase starting July 1st - WAHOO!

All three cards were C.A.S.E.D and adapted from cards posted by other demonstrators on Stampin' Up!'s Stamper's Showcase - thanks for sharing, ladies!

CARD #1 (original by Brenda T. from Minnesota)

"Baby Bundle" stamp set*; bashful blue, marina mist*, whisper white and so saffron cs; basic black & marina mist* ink pads, bashful blue and so saffron markers; 1-1/4" & 1-3/8" square punches; 1/8" whisper white taffeta ribbon*; Stampin' Dimensionals.

CARD #2 (original by Tina from Manitoba)

"Baby Bundle" stamp set*; chocolate chip, pink pirouette*, pretty in pink & whisper white cs; chocolate chip ink pad; pretty in pink marker; blender pen; word window & modern label punches; "Perfect Polka Dots" embossing folder* & Big Shot machine; Stampin' Dimensionals.

CARD #3 (original by Joy M in the USA) 

 

"Because I Care" stamp set*; very vanilla textured cs, bashful blue & very vanilla smooth cs; early espresso ink pad*; "Vintage Wallpaper" embossing folder* & Big Shot machine; 1-3/4'x7/8" oval punch*; Stampin' Dimensionals.

cheers,

BLITZ THE HOLIDAYS

Need a quick card for a special day? Here are the only two stamp sets that you'll EVER need, no matter what the occasion: HOLIDAY BLITZ and TEENY TINY WISHES from Stampin' Up! ... what a dynamic duo!

Check out this easy card designed by fellow demonstrator KatheD (left photo) - kudos to her for using her scraps and punches to make all these cards - the Frugal Stamper loves it!

Now I can see all kinds of applications here .. in fact, just by adding a stamp or two from HOLIDAY BLITZ (retiring June 30th, sadly) and a coordinating phrase from TEENY TINY WISHES (staying for another catalogue year, yeah!) ... I was able to come up with a baby shower card, a Fathers' Day card, and a thank you Teacher card - all in one evening. (right photo)

And the beauty of it is, you can use any colour combination that you want!

I had so much fun pulling different stamps from HOLIDAY BLITZ and TEENY TINY WISHES that I couldn't resist adding a stamped message on the inside of my cards too.

The photos are blurry, but you get the idea ... I TOLD YOU these two sets are great together! And I haven't even shown you the little ghostie or bunny or snowman stamps from HOLIDAY BLITZ!

To get your own pair of versatile stamp sets, just click on the SHOP HERE link or email me with your order. I've listed the set names, product numbers and prices below ... and don't forget - by placing an "individual order" (ie not part of a club, group or workshop) you'll be entered in the June draw for a free stamp set!! (Contest details are posted at the top of this page).

#114982 - HOLIDAY BLITZ, set of 28; $51.95 CAN (page 44)

#115370 - TEENY TINY WISHES, set of 24; $48.95 CAN (page 145)

cheers

QUICK & EASY CARD CLASS on TUESDAY

Happy Monday, everyone!

Here's just one of the four different designs we'll be making tomorrow night at my QUICK & EASY CARD class. I C.A.S.E.D this card from U.S. demonstrator Jennifer E - I love how she used all six of Stampin' Up!'s new CORE COLOURS on this card! Even though you can't BUY these colours until July 1st, I'm happy to share my tiny little sample package with everyone who comes to the class!

I've got room for a few more stampers at tomorrow's class, so either phone or email me quick and I'll save you a seat. COST: $25 for eight cards (2 of each design; one to keep and one to give away!)

cheers

POWER STAMPERS FINISH IN RECORD TIME!

Last night's BIRTHDAY CARD BLITZ lived up to its name .. the five gals who attended were turning out cards in record time! They loved that they could come over and start anytime between 4:30 & 10 pm, and the staggered start times also meant there was less wait for certain stamps or tools ... so I'll be doing it that way again, for sure!

Here's a peek at my sample cards - not that anyone had to stick to my designs; once they got warmed up, the gals were creating and designing on the fly! I love it when that happens!!!

The sixteen cards on the left were made using Stampin' Up!'s "Love Sparkles" Simply Scrappin' Kit, while the cards on the right were made with the "Tailor Made" Simply Scrappin' a Kit.

I'm going to schedule a second class for a couple of gals who couldn't make it out last night - if you'd like to join in, email me ASAP with your choice of the two Simply Scrappin' Kits mentioned above so I can order the kits before they run out (the Retirement List comes out on Tuesday, and I expect these kits will be on it!) 

COST: $25 for 1/2 kit, embellishments, and instructions to make sixteen cards (three different sizes) - plus you get to take the leftover kit materials home. Call or email me quick!

cheers