Stampin' & Scrappin' with Donna

MARCH 31st IS APPROACHING AT WARP SPEED

For all you frugal paper crafters out there (like me)  - who's hobby sometimes takes a hit when the family budget won't budge - take a minute to assess your stash and buy what you need now while SALE-A-BRATION freebies can boost your limited dollars to a whole new level.

Even if you aren't stamping or scrapping right now, the time will come when you have an hour to yourself and it'll be soooo much easier to pick up where you left off if you have the necessary supplies at hand.

SALE-A-BRATION (SAB) works like this:

• Place an order of $60 CAN or more and get a FREE item from the SAB Brochure. Order $120 and get TWO FREE items, and so on.
• If your order is $200 or more, you also get FREE Hostess Benefits of your choice AND a FREE tote.
• If your order is $525 or more, you also get a FREE SAB Hostess Bundle AND one item from the catalogue @ 50% off.
• If you buy either of the Demonstrator Starter Kits (Standard or Digital+) during SAB, you save a bundle of cash (pay $150 instead of the regular $215 AND you'll also receive a FREE pkg of Designer Series Paper OR a FREE Digital Download each month in 2012 that you remain active, PLUS all the regular Demonstrator Benefits from Stampin' Up! and from my team, the Artful*Inkers. You don't have to sell a thing if that's not your thing - just enjoy the Starter Kit and save money on your own purchases from here on in.

So, why the warp speed reference in today's title?

Well, all this SAB goodness ends at midnight, March 31st, 2012 - yep, that's just 3 short days, or roughly 84 hours (as I'm typing this) left to place your order and MAXIMIZE your hard-earned money.

Hey, it's springtime, and you know what's coming up in the next few months: Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day, graduations, teacher gifts, maybe even a few showers and weddings ... here's your chance to replenish your stash, give your cards and gifts a more personal touch, and S-T-R-E-T-C-H the dollar.

Sounds good to this Frugal Stamper.

TRY MY DIGITAL STUDIO FREE FOR 30 DAYS

Stampin' Up! now offers a FREE 30-day trial of My Digital Studio Express!

How do you get it?
You can download the software and access the free trial just as you would a Stampin' Up! digital download by going to the online store on your demonstrator's business website (that's me!) .. it's item # 129600

What do you do once you try it and like it?
Once the 30-day free trial period is over, you can purchase the downloadable or disc version of the software to continue using it. You'll simply open up the trial version you already have on your computer, and will be prompted to enter the product registration key you received after purchasing the software. (You'll receive this key via e-mail if you purchase the downloadable version, and you'll find it along with your shipped software if you purchase the disc version.) 

Enjoy your free trial - wait til you see just how quick and easy it is to create a card, invitation, flyer or scrapbook page with My Digital Studio - if you get stuck, give me a shout ... that's what I'm here for!

cheers

CELEBRATE DIGITAL SCRAPBOOK DAYS WITH FREE DOWNLOADS

Digital Scrapbook Day is officially the first Saturday in November, but Stampin' Up! has a FOUR DAY celebration, starting today - with free digital downloads for everyone, whether you use My Digital Studio software or another company's design program; whether you use a Mac or a PC ... everyone can get the following digital downloads for FREE:

• SO TYPEFELT STAMP BRUSH SET
• NEUTRAL DELIGHTFUL DIGITAL TAPE
• HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS ENSEMBLE
• DELIGHT IN THE DAY PHOTOBOOK TEMPLATE

All of these downloads are brand new products, introduced here for the first time. On Nov 8th, they will be added to our regular product line for purchase - so get 'em NOW, while they're FREE!

Just go to MyDigitalStudio.net, fill out a short survey, and you'll get the link to immediately download these four digital designs - easy-peasy!

If this is your first time hearing about My Digital Studio, Stampin' Up!"s digital design software, click here for more information.

If you'd like a personal demonstration from someone who was once a die-hard traditional scrapbooker and is now totally hooked on making digital layouts, calendars, books, tags, cards and so much more ... just ask! I'd love to give you a hands-on tour of My Digital Studio!

cheers

WHAT A WHIRLWIND

The wind has been blowing leaves all around our house for the past week & the trees are almost bare, but at least the sun is finally shining today! This week's activities will be a whirlwind too ... I'm not quite over my cold but there's no more time to nurse it ... my inks, stamps and papers are calling to me, lol!

Tonight in Guelph I'm running my PAPER MEDALLION WREATH CLASS (aka lolly wreath) and we have room for a couple more folk. If you'd like to join the fun, just shoot me a quick email or phone call! COST: $25, TIME: 7-9 PM ... just wait til you see how much easier it is to make this wreath using the Simply Scored tool!

 

Thursday night I'm teaching my TRI-FOLD PHOTO CARD CLASS in Clifford - you'll get to make two different cards, plus have the written instructions to make more at home. These hold three photos and make great holiday cards to mail to far-off family & friends! COST: $15, TIME: 7-9 PM. Call or email me to reserve your seat!

 

And the grand finale of this whirlwind week will be the ALS SCRAPBOOK DAY OUT in Guelph on Saturday, October 22nd from ... are you ready for this ... 9 am til midnight!!!! (Yes, hubby & I will be staying in a hotel room in town afterwards) This event is raising money for a friend's mom who was recently diagnosed with ALS and will need a lot of specialized equipment down the road. The organizers have invited several vendors to be on hand, and have gathered some AMAZING prizes to raffle off throughout the day! I will have my Stampin' Up! booth there all day and night, with a try-it-out table, retired stuff for sale, AND I will personally be scrapbooking with MY DIGITAL STUDIO - you can watch along on the monitor! I'm donating 20% of all retired stuff sales and 10% of all catalogue sales that I make on the 22nd. Let me know if you are going to be there ... and if you haven't registered yet, I'm sure we can get a few more people in even at this late date, so give me a call or email if you want to join in the fun!

That's my week ... I'll need to rest up on Sunday, 'cause I have THREE MORE crafty events on my schedule for the following week ... you can check it all out here on my EVENTS CALENDAR

cheers

FALL LINEUP OF SCRAPPIN' WITH DONNA'S CLASSES

I think I can answer yes to all three of these questions ... how about you?

• Do you like to stamp "in person" rather than through magazines, internet or all alone?
• Do you need a "gentle push" to get back to using your crafting supplies again?
• Are you looking for some fall activities for yourself, now that summer is coming to an end?

Here's my list of my FALL 2011 paper crafting CLASSES (weeknights; 2 hrs long) and STAMP CAMPS (weekends, 3 hrs or more) - the time to sign up is NOW, so click on the individual DATES for more detailed information and to reserve your seat!

 

1) PAPER CRAFTING KIT CLASSES are on the last Monday of each month from 7-9 pm in Guelph:

• MON SEPT 26 will introduce my NEWEST PAPER CRAFTING KIT: "FRAME IT UP" - MAKE 2 DIFFERENT TRI-FOLD FRAMES; EACH HOLDING UP TO THREE PHOTOS!
• MON OCT 24: ONE WEEK EARLIER TO AVOID A CLASS ON HALLOWE'EN NIGHT; INTRODUCING A BRAND NEW ADDITION TO MY LINE OF KITS; STAY TUNED FOR DETAILS!

 

2) PAPER CRAFTING TECHNIQUES CLASSES are on the 3rd Monday of each month from 7-9 pm in Guelph:

• MON SEPT 19 will be BIRTHDAY CARDS featuring STAMPIN' AROUND BUILDER WHEELS ... CREATE NEW DESIGNS BY COMBINING WHEELS! 
• MON OCT 17: Our project will be a beautiful PAPER MEDALLION WREATH, FEATURING STAMPIN' UP! DESIGNER SERIES PAPERS & THE NEW SIMPLY SCORED SCORING TOOL!

 

3) CARD CLASSES IN CLIFFORD - **NEW**

• THURS SEPT 22, 7 PM - 9 PM - Join me for my first ever card class in Clifford; we'll be making 5 very simple cards @ the Clifford Public Library; if we get enough interest, this will become a monthly event!

 4) GUELPH STAMPERS & SCRAPBOOKERS - through Meetup.com, we meet on the last Friday of each month from 7-10 pm to work on our UFOs (unfinished objects) while we chat & get to know other crafters.

• FRI SEPT 30 - a demonstration of the newest papercrafting craze - ZENTANGLE
• FRI OCT 28 - a demonstration of a tradional paper craft making a comeback - QUILLING

 

~ SPECIAL EVENTS~SPECIAL EVENTS~SPECIAL EVENTS ~

 

5) CARD TECHNIQUES FALL STAMP CAMP - you loved the Spring Techniques Stamp Camp, so here are another 12 cards, each featuring a different technique - in Guelph!

• SAT SEPT 24, 12 NOON TO 4:30 PM - 2 Registration Pkgs are available: $60 Deluxe and $40 Basic. For full details or to register you and your friends for this event, CLICK HERE

 

6) CULTURE DAYS CRAFT SHOW, TRUNK SALE AND SHOP-HOP - be sure to visit my booth @ Crafters Cupboard in Guelph!

• FRI SEPT 30, SAT SEPT 1 & SUN SEPT 2 - Culture Days is a Canada-wide event which encourages Canadians to learn about our culture and arts through interactive events. Crafters Cupboard has organized a 3 day event - click HERE for the details and be sure to drop by my booth to say hi!

 

7) SCRAPBOOKING DAY OUT - help Susan fight ALS ... what could be better than scrapbooking with friends while raising money that can change one person's life forever!

• SAT OCT 22, 9 AM - MIDNIGHT @ the Best Western Hotel & Conference Centre, Gordon St, Guelph
• Register early: $50 for the day; $65 includes supper
• Click on the date above for all the details

 

 

 

 

BUY 3 & GET ONE FREE!

Stampin' Up!'s Designer Series Papers are on sale this month - wahoo!!

Probably my favourite Stampin' Up! product and the accessory I sell the most of (so you must love it too) ..

During August 2011, buy any three DSP packages (yes, you CAN mix and match!) and pick a fourth package FOR FREE!

Use this limited-time offer to stock up on all your favourites, including brand-new designs from the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalogue AND the new designs in the Summer Mini Catalogue too.

Things to Remember

• Click on the photo above to view the promotional flyer.
• Orders may be placed online, in person, or by email (donna@scrappinwithdonna.com) or by phone (1-519-327-8482) (Canadian orders only, please)
• There is NO LIMIT to the number of free packages of Designer Series Paper you can get.
• Designer Series Paper ordered in Hostess freebies does not qualify for the promotion.
• Specialty Designer Series Paper or Hostess Designer Series Paper cannot be redeemed through this offer ... check out pages 184, 185 & 186 in the new 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalogue to see all the great packages you CAN choose from!)

I think I'll start with a couple of packages of Well Worn DSP and a couple of Letters to Santa. What are YOU going to pick?

Happy Shopping!

PAPER JUNKIE AND PROUD OF IT!

Yes, I DO love paper ... especially Designer Series Paper collections from Stampin' Up!

I can't wait to see all the new designs of DSP we'll have to collect and play with once the new 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalogue comes out on July 1st ... and I'm extra excited that we get one LAST CHANCE to buy more of our favourites from the current catty before they're gone at the end of June.

Even better ... Stampin' Up! has put some of the retiring DSP on sale! Check out the list below and place your order with me quickly - once the current stock is gone, that's it folks, no more.

List of retiring Designer Series Papers, as of June 6, 2011; 11 am:

pg 172 #117165: Nursery Suite Specialty Designer Series Paper - $14.95
pg 172 #117175: Presto Patterns Specialty Designer Series Paper - 25% off - $11.21
pg 172 #117390: Sweet & Sour Specialty Designer Series Paper - $14.95
pg 172 #117400: Wicked Fun Specialty Designer Series Paper - 40% off - $8.97

pg 173 #117162: Love Letter Designer Series Paper - $12.50
pg 173 #117164: Celebrations Designer Series Paper - $12.50
pg 173 #117167: Greenhouse Gala Designer Series Paper - $12.50
pg 173 #117389: Woodland Walk Designer Series Paper - $12.50

pg 174 #117159: Jolly Holiday Designer Series Paper - $12.50
pg 174 #117392: Blueberry Crisp Designer Series Paper - $12.50
pg 174 #119831: Sunny Garden Designer Series Paper - $12.50
pg 174 #120436: Lap of Luxury Designer Series Paper - 25% off - $9.38

pg 175 #117163: Elegant Soiree Designer Series Paper - 25% off - $9.38
pg 175 #117166: Newsprint Designer Series Paper - $12.50
pg 175 #117168: Play Date Designer Series Paper - 40% off - $7.50
pg 175 #117396: Build-a-Bear Workshop Pawsitively Prints II Designer Series Paper - 25% off - $9.38

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

BEGINNINGS AND ENDINGS

Just popping in on a supper break during today's OPEN STUDIO DAY, which continues until 10 pm tonight - R U COMING OVER?

I'm sending in one last order for April, so if you want to take advantage of the promotions ending April 30th, now's your chance. Also, Stampin' Up! announced today that their May promotion is starting early ... like NOW - wahoo!!

Here is everything that's ending and beginning this weekend.. call me ASAP with your orders!

OCCASIONS MINI CATALOGUE - ends April 30th. Have you got everything from your wishlist yet?

SPRING IS BLOSSOMING PROMO - ends April 30th; spend just $25 and you can buy 2 great new products that won't be released to the general public until July 1st!

NATIONAL SCRAPBOOK MONTH SALES PROMO - starts today, April 29th; get 30% off select scrapbooking stamp sets and select digital download bundles

NATIONAL SCRAPBOOK MONTH RECRUITING PROMO - purchase the Digital+ Starter Kit valued at $375 for only $150.50 Canadian! Plus, you can also get the Stampers Memories Add-On Kit valued at more than $95 for only $42 Canadian! Offer ends May 31st - join my team of Artful*Inkers and I'll get you started on your digital journey!

 

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

 

 

MORE New Digital Downloads for My Digital Studio

Our latest digital downloads are here - and MORE are on the way for the month of February! If you would like to view stampin' Up's complete list of My Digital Studio download offerings, just click here to go to my Online Store -  Digital Crafting department and browse to your heart's content!

And don't forget, these downloads are fully compatable with Photo Shop and other digi design software, as well as our own MY DIGITAL STUDIO  software!

Item	Description	Image	Price	Content
124038	Baja Breeze Patterns Designer Series Paper		$2.50	Four Baja Breeze Patterns Designer Series Paper
124036	Certainly Celery Patterns Designer Series Paper		$2.50	Four Certainly Celery Patterns Designer Series Paper
124039	Bashful Blue Patterns Designer Series Paper		$2.50	Four Bashful Blue Patterns Designer Series Paper
124040	Perfect Plum Patterns Designer Series Paper		$2.50	Four Perfect Plum Patterns Designer Series Paper
124010	Notes and Details Stamp Brush Set		$4.95	Eight-piece stamp brush set. Download includes a one-page 11" x 8-1/2" designer template.
124011	Thoughtful Overlays Stamp Brush Set		$4.95	Thirty-four-piece stamp brush set. Download includes a one-page 11" x 8-1/2" designer template. Artwork is exclusive to My Digital Studio!
124023	Sweet Stitches Fabric Brads		$2.50	Six digital designer fabric brads. Coordinates with the Oh Sew Suite line.
124021	Pompom Trim		$1.25	Download includes three pompom trims in Daffodil Delight, Melon Mambo, and Tangerine Tango. Coordinates with the Oh Sew Suite product line.
124487	Chocolate Bunny Stamp Brush		$2.50	One oversized chocolate bunny image.
124489	Island Oasis II Designer Series Paper		$6.50	Twelve Designer Series Paper patterns. Coordinating colors are Rich Razzleberry, Pacific Point, Melon Mambo, and Daffodil Delight. This download is a recolour of our popular Island Oasis Designer Series Paper.
124494	Tropical Party Stamp Brush Set		$4.95	Five-piece stamp brush set. Coordinates with Island Oasis II Designer Series Paper.
124493	Sweet Scoops Stamp Brush Set		$4.95	Eight-piece stamp brush set.
124540	Chat Room Birthday Stamp Brush Set		$7.95	Ten-piece stamp brush set. Uses a section of sentiments from the retired Chat Room Rub-Ons.
124495	Watercolor Trio Stamp Brush Set		$4.95	Seven-piece stamp brush set. Includes imagery from the now-retired Watercolor Trio Stamp Set that was featured in the 2010 Summer Mini Catalog.
125160	Chat Room Thoughts of You Stamp Brush Set		$7.95	Ten-piece stamp brush set. Uses a section of sentiments from the retired Chat Room Rub-Ons.

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

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

SIZZIX TRIPLE PLAY BLOG HOP: WEEK 6

Ooops, I did it again - I forgot to post the link to the week six of Sizzix' Triple Play blog hop ... which started last Thursday  .. December 9th (I'm so embarrassed, especially since I've been thoroughly enjoying my hop through the 50+ blogs - without sharing it with all of you... how rude of me!)

I'm here to make amends right now ... here's the link to week six- all the projects this week feature the Sizzix Bigz XL die called Album, Brackets. I think you're really gonna enjoy this week because I can see a lot of ideas we can adapt to use Stampin' Up!'s Sizzix Top Note Die instead - wahoo!

SIZZIX BLOG HOP, WEEK SIX:  Sizzix Bigz XL Die - Album, Brackets

Be sure to check out week six now so you are fresh and ready to see week seven's tour which starts this coming Thursday, Dec 16th! Week seven will be the final leg of the blog hop: I hope you've enjoyed seeing all the creative ways to use Sizzix dies as much as I have!

And the fun isn't over yet ... I just learned today that the Sizzix designers responsible for this blog hop will be launching a new website to continue the inspiration! Stay tuned for details...

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

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

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

NEW ADDITIONS TO MY ARSENAL

... my arsenal of paper punches, that is!! <grin>

Look at what showed up on my doorstep today ... the newest from Stampin' Up!'s punch collection; wahoo!!

From top to bottom:

* 3/4" x 15/16" small oval punch

* bat punch

* 2-1/2" extra large circle punch

I don't own all of Stampin' Up!'s punches yet, but someday......

Wanna play with ALL of my  punches? Bring your card stock and join me this Saturday for my 10-10-10 Crop: 10 hrs for $10 (hmm, that works out to $1 per hour!) to work on your own projects using all of my stamps, inks & tools - INCLUDING PUNCHES! Call or email QUICK to reserve your table!

cheers

Under the category of DID YOU KNOW?

- did you know that the SHOP NOW tab at the top of this page is not just for online shopping?

It actually has THREE purposes!

Indeed, you CAN place your Stampin' Up! order from the comfort of your own computer, 24/7, even in your pjs ... who's gonna know?

Secondly, the SHOP NOW tab also lets you browse all of Stampin' Up!'s current catalogues to see every page full of stamps, papers, embellishments, colour combinations and sample projects just as they appear in the actual hands-on-paper-copy of the catalogue! When would this be handy? Well, let's say you are at work without your catalogue but you want to plan your next project ... just click on the SHOP NOW tab and browse to your heart's content .. or at least until the boss comes back. <wink>

Now here's the real gem and best kept secret about the SHOP NOW tab ... there's a separate section full of projects and their recipes! Just follow this link, and be prepared to take a while to peruse all of these wonderful ideas for cards, scrapbook pages, and more!

Oh, and don't forget ... if you DO decide to place an online order, be sure you can see my name at the top of the page; if it just says Stampin' Up! you won't get the preferred pricing that I can give you as your demonstrator.

cheers

NEW DIGITAL IMAGES FROM STAMPIN' UP!

New Digital Downloads for My Digital Studio

August 17, 2010

The latest group of digital downloads for My Digital Studio are now available!

Item	Description	Price
122157	Striped Grosgrain Ribbon Color Pack	$5.95
123367	Flower Brads Brights Pack	$2.95
123374	Flower Brads Subtles Pack	$2.95
123381	Flower Brads Regals Pack	$2.95
123388	Flower Brads Neutrals Pack	$2.95
121438	Play Date Designer Series Paper	$6.95
123432	Play Date Quick Accents Kit	$7.95
123433	Play Date Embellishments	$5.95
121439	Forest Friends stamp brush set	$2.95
121440	Letters stamp brush set	$13.25
123431	Funky Four stamp brush set	$5.95

Use the search keyword DWNLDA in MY ONLINE SHOPPING CART to see these new images, and place your order today!

cheers

THE TROUBLE WITH DIGITAL PHOTOS ...

... is that they're so easy to take that we snap waaaaaayyyyy more of them than we really need! Next thing you know, your computer is overrun with the good, the bad and the just plain ugly, lol.

I ran across this article in July's HP Newsletter and thought it was pretty helpful ... hope you do too!

cheers,

Tips for organizing your digital photos

from: Hewlett Packard Newsletter; July 2010

Digital photos provide a fast, easy way for us to revisit our favorite memories. However, if your digital photos are clustered randomly on your computer's desktop or in your image library, they will be much harder to browse through, locate, and enjoy. We'll show you simple ways to organize your digital photos for easy image searching and sharing.

Thin your photos
The first step in organizing your digital photo collection is eliminating all of your unwanted pictures (such as shots with your thumb over the lens). You can also save time by deleting photos from your camera's memory card before downloading to your PC.

Create descriptive folders
You can still keep things organized by creating digital photo folders:

• There are many different ways to organize a folder system. One efficient method is to organize your folders by year, and then create subfolders for each month.
• You could also organize your folders by season (for example Summer '09) and use important events as subfolders.
• No matter which way you decide to arrange and label your folders, remember that consistency is key.

Use inspiration as a starting point
If you find yourself overwhelmed by the number of photos you have to sort through, pick a photo theme or a series of pictures that inspire you, and use that as a starting point for organizing your images. Here are a few examples to get you started:

• Family baby pictures
  Create a special album dedicated to all the members of your family when they were young. Or, use the birth of a new member as the inspiration to start organizing.
• Top-ten
  Think of a top–ten theme, such as top–ten favorite concerts or top–ten scenic photos, and make folders for all your top shots.
• Travel photos
  Comb your photo library for pictures of the places close to your heart.

Tips for naming your photo files
There are a few key things to remember when naming your photo files to ensure easy image searching:

• Use descriptive file names. Who would recall that HPIM0007.JPG is their favorite shot of the kids from a family vacation to Paris?
• Add details in the title for easy retrieval later on. For instance, use Eiffel_tower_2007.jpg rather than Vacation_2007.jpg.
• Name your photos immediately after you download them, or you may be left with folders full of obscure numerical file names, such as Untitled_0264.jpg.

After your photos are organized
Once your pictures are organized, you'll be inspired to view, print, and show them off.

FREE MDS DOWNLOADS!

If you own Stampin' Up!'s "My Digital Studio" software, good news! Stampin' Up! has just made available a FREE upgrade to give you all of their new IN COLOURS and new CORE COLOURS in both digital card stock and patterned Designer Series papers!

CLICK HERE FOR YOUR FREE UPGRADE (be sure that you have already installed upgrade 1.0.1 which was made available last year ... BEFORE you download the new colours upgrade. You'll find them both at the above link)

You don't own "MY DIGITAL STUDIO" yet? Do you want to know what it can do and how easy it is to do it? Give me a call and I'll set you up with a personal, one-on-one, hands-on demonstration right here in my studio!

You won't regret it - MDS is easy, fun, VERY user-friendly, and just a little bit addictive, lol. I love that I can take my laptop with me on vacation and design cards, flyers, scrapbooks, or whatever ... while I'm on the plane, waiting at the terminal, on the beach, or driving in the car. I can even download my vacation pics to my laptop and just drop them into my MDS pages, add some "real-time" journalling and presto - our vacation album is done before we even get home!

For more information about "My Digital Studio" click here

cheers,

New Digital Downloads for My Digital Studio

The latest group of digital downloads for My Digital Studio are now available!

Item	Description	Price
122147	Striped Grosgrain Ribbon	$5.95
122148	Narrow Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon	$5.95
122149	Wide Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon	$5.95

Use the search keyword DWNLDA in my Online Store to see these new images, and place your order today!

cheers,

New Digital Downloads for My Digital Studio

The latest group of digital downloads for My Digital Studio are now available!

Item	Description	Price
121072	July Fourth stamp brush set	$5.95
122146	Round Tab Punch	$1.25
123174	King of the Grill stamp brush set	$5.95

Use the search keyword DWNLDA in my ONLINE STORE to see these new images, and place your order today!

cheers,

25% OFF SELECT DESIGNER SERIES PAPERS

Grab 'em while you can ... the following Designer Series Paper packs are 25% off, while supplies last. Come June 30th, they are gone forever, making room for new designs in the 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalogue!

I'm putting in an order tomorrow, so email me if you want in!

#115672 pg 160   Merry Moments Designer Series paper (12" x 12")    25% off - now $ 9.94
#115677 pg 161   Cast‐A‐Spell Designer Series paper (12" x 12")    25% off - now $ 9.94
#115678 pg 161   Tall Tales Designer Series paper (12" x 12")    25% off - now $ 9.94
#115675 pg 162   Razzleberry Lemonade Designer Series paper (12" x 12")    25% off - now  $ 9.94

#113992 pg 162   Tea Party Designer Series paper (12" x 12")    25% off - now $ 9.94

cheers,

NEW DIGITAL DOWNLOADS FOR JUNE

Have you discovered "MY DIGITAL STUDIO" yet? It's super-easy to use - for designing cards, scrapbook pages, posters, flyers, newsletters, blog headers, and SO MUCH MORE! Imagine having access to tons of Stampin' Up! stamp images, brads, ribbons, buttons, Designer Series Papers, textured card stock, etc, etc, etc - on your computer. Seriously, the mind boggles...

If you'd like to see a free demonstration of MY DIGITAL STUDIO, give me a shout, I'll put the coffee on and we can play.

And if you're already a digi-crafter, check out these new digital images released today by Stampin' Up!

Item	Description	Price
121070	Father’s Day stamp brush set	$7.95
121071	Travel Journal digital kit	$13.25

Use the search keyword DWNLDA in my Online Store to see these new images, and place your order today!

cheers

WOW, THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THIS MONTH!

New Digital Downloads for My Digital Studio

May 25, 2010

The latest group of digital downloads for My Digital Studio are now available!

Item	Description	Price
122138	Ticket Corner Punch	$1.25
122139	Boho Blossoms Punch	$1.25
122140	Cog Punch	$1.25
122141	Itty Bitty Shapes Punch	$1.25

Use the search keyword DWNLDA in my Online Store to see these new images, and place your order today!

cheers,

New Digital Downloads for My Digital Studio

The latest group of digital downloads for My Digital Studio are now available! Use these downloads with any digital designer program to create scrapbook pages, cards and lots more!

Item	Description	Price
121069	Go Graduate Plus stamp brush set	$7.95
122143	Jumbo Outline Alphabet stamp brush set	$13.25
122145	Contempo Alphabet stamp brush set	$13.25

Use the search keyword DWNLDA in my Online Store to see these new images, and place your order today!

cheers

TIME FOR A CHANGE-UP

Hello everyone ... I know, I know ... you came to see my swap cards featuring the new Summer Mini products from Stampin' Up! (that I promised to post YESTERDAY!) ... and they ARE coming ....

But (you knew there was gonna be a BUT, and this is a BIG BUT - hee, hee) ... I saw and heard sooooo many great ideas last weekend - for projects, classes, workshops, stamp camps, clubs, etc, etc, etc that my ol' ADD head is spinning in about 50 different directions, wanting to try them all!

So for the last 36 hours or so (give or take a few hours for sleep and my "QUICK AND EASY" Card class last night - HI GALS; thanks for all the laughs!!!) ... I've been working out the details for some new calendar events in May, June & July - we're gonna shake up the routine, baby - WAHOO!

First off: my Birthday Card/Scrapbook Blitz - May 17th's class is cancelled. Wednesday, May 26th's class is still a go, but you need to sign up NOW so I can order your supplies.

On the 26th, the studio will be open from 4:30 pm to 10 pm - you can come when it fits your schedule; just be prepared to stay approximately 2 hours to complete everything.

I've changed the class to include some choices for you ...

• You can have the "Tailor Made" Simply Scrappin' Kit as previously advertised (shown in picture to the right; great for masculine cards!)
• OR you can have the "Love Sparkles" SS Kit (pink, soft yellow, and Chocolate Chip - so sweet)
• OR you can bring a friend, use BOTH SS Kits and trade some cards with each other so you'll each have a stash of girl AND boy cards to take home.

This class costs just $25 and you'll receive 1/2 of the Simply Scrappin' Kit of your choice (see above for choices). Any leftover bits of the Kit are yours to take home. And speaking of choices, here are some more:

• you can make 16 cards, following the samples on display or using your own ideas
• OR you can use the same supplies to make sixteen 6x6 scrapbook pages, following the samples or not; it's your choice!

Ribbons and other embellishments will be provided; you must supply your own adhesive and please bring any basic tools you own (bone folder, 12" paper trimmer with scoring blade, & paper snips.) If you don't own any of these tools or adhesives yet, no worries - I have some to share. Better yet, place an order with me to purchase some tools &/or adhesives and I'll give you $5 off the class fee!

So grab a friend TODAY, call or email me TODAY with your names and your choice of Simply Scrappin' Kits, and I'll order your supplies THIS WEEK so they'll get here in time for May 26th!

*************************     **********     ***********************

Second item: my next 10-10-10 CROP DAY: It's on Saturday May 29th, starting at 1pm. For 10 glorious hours you can have the space, the peace & quiet, and all the stamps and tools you need to work on that project you've been meaning to get to - whether it's a stack of cards, a scrapbook album, a recipe book or other gift item .. whatever it is, this is the time to work on it!

I'm Spring cleaning in my Studio, so each guest on May 29th can expect to receive a goody bag of card stock, Designer Series papers, stickers, ribbons, and other embellishments - it may be retired products or not even Stampin' Up! stuff at all, but it's all good quality and great to use in your paper crafting! I have to make some room in my studio for new goodies and a possible new product line (more details later; mum's the word for now!)

So, ten hours to crop + $10 to attend + 10% off anything you order that day = a fun-filled, productive 10-10-10 CROP DAY in an intimate setting!

Register NOW (this week!) to save your seat before they're all gone!

*************************     **********     ***********************

Next up, my Annual RETIREMENT PARTY: On June Ist, Stampin' Up! will release the list of stamps and accessories they plan to retire (in order to make room in the next catalogue for fresh, new and trendy products!) Since the retiring accessories are available only until their warehouse stock runs out, I've decided to hold the party on TUES JUNE 1st, to give all of you the best chance at getting those items on your wishlist that are going to be retired. I won't go into all the details on this post, just be sure you save the date in your calendar - it'll be an OPEN HOUSE format, from 1-4 pm and 7-10 pm, with FREE make & take projects, some specials & give-aways - including our traditional bingo game that you won't want to miss!

Mark June 1st on your calendar, grab a friend and drop by to say goodbye!

*************************     **********     ***********************

Final item for this LONG post (sorry about that, but I'm just so excited to get the word out!) -

You are invited to a CANADA DAY PARTY in my back yard! Thursday, July 1st from 1-5 pm we'll have hotdogs on the grill, stampin' activities for the kids at the picnic table, and best of all ....

... cases of the NEW 2010-2011 CATALOGUE & IDEA BOOK, and the BIG WHITE TENT will be back, full of retired stamps, inks, papers & embellishments that I'm GIVING AWAY! Yes you heard me, they're all FREE - all you have to do is place an order from the new Catalogue that equals the value of the stuff you pick up in the tent .. and the retired items are yours to take home, along with a copy of the new catalogue!                     (This card was created by my demonstrator friend, Dina.)

I know that some people live too far away to attend this event, and some of you may have to work on July 1st (that's so UNFAIR) in order to get either the Friday or Monday off in lieu, so I'm prepared to make sure you folks can still get in on the deals - you just won't get any hotdogs! ... GRIN .. just hang in there & stay tuned to my blog for the details - coming soon.

*************************     **********     ***********************

OK, that's enough for one post, don't you think? With the way everyone's summers are filling up on the calendar, I just wanted to make sure you had advance warning of these four very special events.

cheers

SIX New Digital Downloads are Available

Document your children's spring sports with this latest group of digital stamp brush sets--now available!

Item	Description	Price
121065	Athletic Department stamp brush set - digital download	$9.95
122263	Jersey stamp brush set - digital download	$13.25
122264	Scoreboard stamp brush set - digital download	$7.95

Put a little summer in your projects with this latest group of digital downloads--now available!

Item	Description	Price
121067	Summer Splendor Designer Series paper	$6.95
121068	Geometric Lines Designer Series paper	$6.95
122142	Presto Patterns Overlays stamp brush set	$5.95

These downloads can be used with Stampin' Up!'s "MY DIGITAL STUDIO" designing software .. AND with other brands of designing software too!!! Just specify which version you want when you are downloading.

Use the search keyword DWNLDA in my Online Store to see these new images, and place your order today! Be sure my name appears at the top of your page in the Online Store to receive preferred customer prices!

cheers

NATIONAL SCRAPBOOKING MONTH PROMOTION

May is National Scrapbooking Month--the perfect time for me to share my  love of scrapbooking with you!

Stampin' Up! is offering a special promotion for the month of May: purchase a qualifying scrapbooking stamp set OR the My Digital Studio software and receive a FREE package of Designer brads -- you can choose from four brad designs!

The qualifying products and Designer brads are listed below. You can shop online, or call or email me with your order (Canada only, please)  .. just make sure you do it before May 31st .. or better yet,  make a list of friends and family with whom we could share the fun of stamping and scrapbooking, then call me to schedule a May scrapbooking workshop!

Stamp sets

Page	Description	Wood-Mount Item	Wood-Mount Price	Clear-Mount Item	Clear-Mount Price
81	Extreme Elements	115181	$35.95	---	---
119	Framed with Love**	114389	$36.95	---	---
128	Certified**	113706	$36.95	---	---
129	Circle Circus	115778	$38.95	---	---
12*	Elements of Style	118611	$36.95	120045	$26.95
13*	Mementos	119910	$36.95	120105	$26.95
13*	Elements de style	119900	$36.95	120099	$26.95
14*	Rough Type	118659	$35.95	120072	$24.95
22*	Sentimental Journey	118513	$31.95	120075	$23.95
25*	First Day	118521	$31.95	120051	$23.95
25*	Camino a la Escuela	120152	$31.95	120154	$23.95

*From Summer Mini Catalogue
**Last Chance stamp set!

My Digital Studio software

Page	Description	Item	Price
32*	My Digital Studio	118108	$106.95

*From Summer Mini Catalogue

Designer brads

Page	Description	Item	Retail Price	Price with Qualifying Purchase
179	Flower Designer brads	112579	$8.50	FREE
179	Filigree Designer brads	112577	$8.50	FREE
179	Circle Designer brads	112571	$8.50	FREE
179	Star Designer brads	112572	$8.50	FREE

IS IT SATURDAY YET???

I'm so excited to be back at my scrapbooks again ... after an EIGHT YEAR lapse; can you believe it? For some strange reason I stopped scrapbooking just about the same time that I discovered Stampin' Up!, lol!

It's that instant gratification from making a quick and easy card - compared with the HOURS I would agonize over a single page in my family albums...the cards won out, hands down.

So what made me finally open those albums again? As I looked at my photos sitting in a shoebox or on my computer, it made me so sad to know that my family can't look at them too & recall all those memories (god forbid that they get the photos out of order) so I knew it was past time that I do something to fix the problem. Now, I'm resolved to simplify my layouts and just GET THOSE PHOTOS OUT OF THE BOXES AND ONTO THE PAGES!

First, I booked a Saturday every six weeks or so to hang out in my studio and work on my albums. The dates are in my planner. Done.

Next I gave the day a name, added some fun music and a pot-luck meal and I invited everyone to come join me. Done.

Our first 10-10-10 Crop day was held in February and it went really well! The group was small, but we all had our own projects to work on throughout the day, with breaks here and there for snacks, a chat, and to share photos & stories with each other. I even had a little Make & Take project for everyone to do when they needed a break, but everyone was so focused on getting their pages done that we forgot all about it! <grin>

What does 10-10-10 stand for? Well, the crop day is 10 hours long, it costs just $10 for the entire day, and I'm giving 10% off any Stampin' Up! orders placed on Saturday. Not that this event is about sales or business; it's really a motivator to get those memories recorded for our families to enjoy.

Want to join the fun this Saturday? Contact me asap to reserve your seat ... and start planning your layouts and your contribution to the potluck supper!

cheers

NEW DIGITAL IMAGES FOR APRIL

Whether you own the "MY Digital Studio" designing software form Stampin' Up! or whether you use another type of software, you're gonna love this month's new digital images available for download ...

To see these images (and all of the past images in the collection) go to my online SHOP NOW  link, choose DIGITAL CRAFTING then MY DIGITAL DOWNLOADS, and place your order today!

Item Number	Name	Price
121061	Vintage Overlay Stamp Brush Set - Digital Download	$7.95
121062	Vintage Vogue Stamp Brush Set - Digital Download	$5.95
121064	Well Scripted Stamp Brush Set - Digital Download	$5.95
121066	Rough Type Stamp Brush Set - Digital Download	$13.25
122131	Extra Large Two-Step Bird punch - Digital Download	$1.25
122132	Extra Large Fancy Flower punch - Digital Download	$1.25
122133	Medium Jewelry Tag punch - Digital Download	$1.25
122134	Pinking Hearts Border punch - Digital Download	$1.25
122135	Pinking Hearts Corner punch - Digital Download	$1.25
122136	Scallop Trim Border punch - Digital Download	$1.25
122137	Scallop Trim Corner punch - Digital Download	$1.25

DIGITAL NIGHT AND DAY

OK, I know I promised on yesterday's post to return today to share a couple of tricks I did on the stair step card ... but I had two "Mom & Me' classes today and I'm EXHAUSTED! Don't get me wrong; I absolutely LOVE stamping with the kids and moms .. it's probably the most relaxed stamping class I run! But I think I'm still a bit under the weather 'cause I keep nodding off at the computer, lol.

So here's Plan B: I WILL post the tricks using the blender pen and the punch on MONDAY, and for today I thought I'd quickly share an 8-1/2 x 11 scrapbook page I created using Stampin' Up!'s "My Digital Studio" software, the newest uber-easy, super-fun way to be creative! (Yeah, I'm hooked on digi-designing now, thanks to MDS).

I plan to add an old black & white picture of my grandparents in the white area, but I couldn't wait to show you the page, so you'll have to imagine it with a photo.

DIGITAL ITEMS I USED (100% Stampin' Up!):

Night & Day Designer Series Paper; Baroque Motif (swirl) stamp; Medallion stamp; Whisper White card stock; Define Your Life (definition) stamp; Night & Day (word) stamp; Textured (background) stamp; Torn Edges (eyelet border) stamp.

Want to see how I made this page, step-by-step? I'm offering FREE one-on-one demonstrations in my Stampin' Studio ... call or email me to book a time!

cheers,

Donna

ANNIVERSARY PRESENTS..

It's anniversary #33 for hubby and I; I spent it in bed with a cold while my better half worked all day. Really romantic, eh?

Thankfully I felt well enuf tonight to get up ... we're spending a quiet evening in front of the tv and exchanging home made presents - I never thought he'd go for the "make it ourselves" idea, but I was really surprised to receive two of my favourite photos together in a frame. (I love all of his photos, but I didn't think he paid any attention when I was admiring these two several weeks ago.) Huh, after all these years, he can still surprise me!

In return, I used all MY photos from our road trip last year to make him a 2010 calendar with My Digital Studio - it was so easy! I had it printed through Stampin' Up's printing service and it really turned out well. Here are a few of the pages ...

***************************************

Amherst, NS Page:

The circle of words is a stamped image that I made larger, then I layered it under the photo to hide the bottom half of the phrase because it didn't suit the layout.

***********************************

************************************

Beach Combing Page:

I matted all of the photos in "Basic Grey" and made all of the stamped images and journalling text in "Brocade Blue" throughout the calendar to give it continuity.

***********************************

 

Covered Bridge Page:

I used the Opacity feature to lighten the stamped images wherever the journalling overlapped, so that the words could still be read easily.

***********************************

cheers,

Donna Henley

Certified My Digital Studio Instructor

"MY DIGITAL STUDIO" IS NOW AVAILABLE!

You've seen it in the Holiday Mini Catalogue, and you've heard all the online chatter about it, and finally, starting today, October 1, My Digital Studio software and MDS Uploads are available to purchase - WAHOO!!!

(MDS Uploads are for those of you who already have a digital designing software program such as PhotoShop, etc & just want Stampin' Up!'s exclusive stamp images, Designer Series paper, and embellishments in a digital format)

To launch this awesome new product line, Stampin' Up! has two great ways for you to get your own copy and save big $$$ in the process:

• Sweet Rewards Hostess promotion: As you know, our Sweet Rewards Hostess promotion is well under way. Hostesses who hold a $330 workshop can choose any item from the Holiday Mini for just $14. Now, with the release of My Digital Studio, we've sweetened the deal! Hostesses can also get 50% OFF My Digital Studio when they host a $525 workshop--that's over $50 in savings!

• Digital+ Starter Kit: Introducing a new Starter Kit option that includes My Digital Studio! The "Digital+" Starter Kit includes the My Digital Studio software program with Stampin' Up!'s exclusive artwork in a digital format, as well as two rubber stamp sets and many of Stampin' Up!'s traditional embellishments. This Starter Kit is a new option to help you start your own Stampin' Up! business, and is not an add-on to the standard Starter Kit. 

Digital+ Starter Kit Price: $239 (over $385 value!)

Digital+ Starter Kit Contents:

• My Digital Studio software
• Party Hearty and Petal Pizzazz stamp sets
• Whisper White card stock (8-1/2" x 11")
• Earth Elements assorted card stock (8-1/2" x 11")
• Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Real Red, and Tempting Turquoise Classic Stampin' Pads
• Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, and Real Red Stampin' Write markers
• Chocolate Chip 1/4" grosgrain ribbon
• Real Red 1" double-stitched grosgrain ribbon
• Button Latte Designer buttons
• Stampin' Dimensionals
• Mini Glue Dots
• SNAIL Adhesive
• Business supplies (product catalogues, order forms, training DVD, and other supplies)

MY DIGITAL STUDIO software, and MDS uploads  ...  I am so excited to introduce this awesome new product line to you; and I'm sure you are going to love it as much as I do! Plan to attend a free demonstration at my Stampin' Studio later this month ... stay tuned for details!

cheers

MY DIGITAL STUDIO - FAQs

What a time I picked to go on vacation - Stampin' Up! launched their new Holiday Mini AND their new digi software, "MY DIGITAL STUDIO"  - busy, busy, busy!

I've put together a sheet of all the questions I've been asked about MY DIGITAL STUDIO, compiled with some great information from Stampin' Up! - you can access the article HERE and also in the LEFT hand column under "My Crafting Articles"

Coming soon: "MY DIGITAL STUDIO: try before you buy" class - stay tuned for details!

cheers

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: GROWTH CHART

This just in from Stampin' Up!: "Demonstrators and customers alike love the Décor Elements Growth Chart special offer so much, it is now the top selling Décor Elements item for the month of August! Lucky for you, this offer is still available until September 30, during the Just for Kids campaign."

Stampin' Up! has received a lot of great photos and tips from demonstrators who have been selling and using this new, limited-time Décor Elements item; let me share a few of them with you...

Ideas for Marking Heights

Alana, a demonstrator from Alberta, uses the Décor Elements sheets (page 158 of the Idea Book & Catalog), the My Way punch (item #110709), and the White Gel pen (item # 105021)to create height markers for her Growth Chart.

Julienne, a demonstrator from Illinois, put her Growth Chart up in her playroom, and uses the cute birds made with the Birds & Blooms Sizzlit die (item #113485) to track her kids' growth. "Since my growth markers are movable," she says, "I plan to take photos of the children at various milestones and then record the date and measurement in a 'Watch me Grow' mini book."

And here's my personal favourite ... all you teachers out there, take note:

Dale, a demonstrator and second-grade teacher from Louisiana reports, "Everyone at my school decorates their classroom doors, so I decided to use the growth chart on mine. This was the first Décor Element I had put up . . . and I'm hooked!"

Here's how Dale plans to use the growth chart at her school:

"On the first day of school, I always take a picture of each student . . . so I will take it in front of the grow chart. At the end of the year, I'll take a second picture and send both of them home with our last writing project which will be a book about how they have grown to be better students during the year. I also plan to use the growth chart during Math and let the students compare the length and height of various objects. I'm going to invite other classes to send their tallest and shortest students to be measured on our door, and we'll compare the differences to the tallest and shortest in our room."

"Since my main focus is getting my students to be better readers, I also plan to use the chart to graph the number of books they have read at home . . . so I will be putting other numbers where the metric ones were and adding student names and small punched shapes to the door to show how many books they read."

"Last but not least, my new door decoration has already had lots of comments and questions about where I got it. It's a great conversation starter!"

Remember, the Décor Elements Growth Chart is only available through September 30, so order yours today!

cheers,

DIGITAL SCRAPBOOKING: MY FIRST ATTEMPT

I'm playing around with a few "free to try" digital scrapbooking programs this week because I want to learn about it before Stampin' Up! releases their new "My Digital Studio" software later this fall.

(Yep, it's coming soon, 'cause there's a preview of it in the upcoming Holiday Mini catalogue - I CAN'T WAIT!!!)

Anyway, I made this little album using Smilebox - I signed up for the 2 week free trial (but I have to remember to go in & cancel my membership before they start charging my card - shhh, don't tell my hubby!) Smilebox is pretty limited in what you can do with your pages compared to "My Digital Studio", but it's a place to start & learn. See what you think...

cheers,

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

NEW: STAMPIN' UP! CHANNEL ON YOUTUBE!

How kewl is this!!!!
Stampin' Up! has launched their own channel on YouTube ... so far there are eight different videos, each showcasing some of Stampin' Up!'s various product lines including:

• BIG SHOT DIE CUTTING MACHINE
• DECOR ELEMENTS - HOME DECOR
• STENCILS - HOME DECOR
• SCRAPBOOKING, &
• RUBBER STAMPING (naturally!)

There are eight videos so far, with more to be added on a regular basis - WAHOO!!! You may have seen some of these first eight videos on www.stampinup.com or on  my business website's project gallery, but NOW they are soooo much easier to view ...

Just click on the STAMPIN UP! VIDEO link in the right column of this page & it will take you directly to Stampin' Up!'s YouTube channel

... OR ...

Click on the CREATIVE RESOURCES link in the right column of this page & you can watch all the videos right here on my blog

... OR ...

If you are a regular YouTube viewer, you can suscribe to Stampin' Up!s channel by going here: http://www.youtube.com/user/stampinupvideo

So go grab a cuppa your favourite brew, sit back & ENJOY!!

"GOOD FRIEND" SCRAPBOOK

Leigh-Ann & I had a lot of fun Monday night making these mini scrapbooks from ... can you believe it ... paper lunch bags! There are ten pages and three pockets with pull-out cards, and yet we finished making our books in no time at all.

They're really easy once you make your first one - we were brainstorming different themes and stamp sets to use for our next attempt (think: A Day at the Zoo, In My Back Yard, Summer Camp, or if we can find some white bags - Baby Brag Books!)

Oh, and check out these adorable cupcakes that Leigh-Ann brought to the class!

If you wish you had been with us on Monday, no worries: I'm running this class a second time on Wednesday May 20th, starting at 7:30 pm. The cost is $25, which includes all the pre-cut card stock, Designer Series Paper, stamping, punches, ribbons and embellishments - like those kewl new corduroy buttons & brads! - but sadly, no cupcakes this time. <grin>

Call me: 519-823-8891 or email me: donna@scrappinwithdonna.com

TODAY to reserve your seat.

"SWEET" SCRAPBOOK PAGE

I promised in yesterday's post that I'd share the scrapbook page featured on this month's Stampin' Up! magazine for demonstrators called "Stampin' Success" ... be sure to read yesterday's post to find out how you can get your very own copy of this inspiring magazine!

2 Sweet Page (8" x 8")

(Click on the photo for a closer look. All products Stampin' Up!©)

Paper: Whisper White textured card stock (5-1/4" x 1-5/8"); 2 Sweet Simply Scrappin' Kit

Accessories & Tools: Button Bouquet; Stampin' Dimensionals; Crochet thread

Instructions

1. Adhere Designer Series paper (2-1/8" x 8") to Elegant Eggplant textured page. Adhere Kiwi Kiss self-adhesive strip to page, flush with edge of Designer Series paper. Adhere thin Basic Gray self-adhesive strip along right edge of Designer Series paper.
2. Print journaling on Whisper White textured card stock. Adhere to page. Adhere Kiwi Kiss self-adhesive heart to page.
3. Fold Kiwi Kiss self-adhesive tab over top edge of photo. Adhere self-adhesive greeting to tab. Adhere self-adhesive flower to tab using Stampin' Dimensionals. Adhere photo to page.
4. Layer circle, arrow, row-of-stars, and star self-adhesive die cuts using Stampin' Dimensionals between circle/arrow and arrow/star layers. Adhere to page.
5. Layer flower self-adhesive die cuts. Thread crochet thread through holes in Kiwi Kiss button, and adhere button to center of layered flower. Adhere to page.
6. Layer star and two sizes of heart self-adhesive die cuts. Adhere to page using Stampin' Dimensionals.

2 SWEET A DEAL ...

As if this month's $99 Starter Kit Special isn't enough incentive to join my team and save tons of money on your hobby, here's ANOTHER great reason to sign up:

Every month Stampin' Up! sends us demonstrators a great little magazine called "Stampin' Success" - chock full of projects, ideas, contests and incentives to "Inspire, Create & Share" (that's our new tagline - I like it!)

The cover of May's issue features a easy 8x8 scrapbook page and a cute box full of flowers - all made with Stampin' Up!'s "2 Sweet" Simply Scrappin' Kit (page 165, $23.95, item #113943). I've included the directions to the box at the end of this email & I'll upload the scrapbook page tomorrow.

Imagine getting this magazine delivered to your door each month, PLUS having access to the Stampin' Up! Demonstrator Website where six new cards are uploaded EVERY DAY for us to try out at home ... and there are lots more perks to being your very own demonstrator & part of my team, too ... call me for more info quick before the Starter Kit Special ends May 31!

Thinking of You Box

Paper: 2 Sweet Simply Scrappin' Kit

Accessories & Tools:Kiwi Kiss 5/8" striped grosgrain ribbon; Button Latte; Stampin' Dimensionals; Sticky Strip; Scallop Edge punch; 1-3/4" Circle punch; Crochet thread; Wire

Instructions
1. Cut box from Pale Plum textured card stock using PATTERN (just email me if you want a PDF copy of this pattern)
2. Scallop top edge of box using Scallop Edge punch, and assemble box.
3. Wrap wide Basic Gray self-adhesive strip around box.
4. Tie Kiwi Kiss 5/8" striped grosgrain ribbon around box.
5. Punch circle from Elegant Eggplant textured card stock using 1-3/4#" Circle punch. Adhere thinking of you self-adhesive circle to center of card stock circle using Stampin' Dimensionals. Adhere to box.
6. Create flowers by layering self-adhesive die cut pieces, popping up the flower centers using Stampin' Dimensionals.
7. Thread crochet thread through holes of Whisper White button, and adhere button to center of one flower.
8. Adhere flowers to wire stems, using Sticky Strip to secure flowers to wire. Do not peel second piece of backing from Sticky Strip. Tuck flowers inside box.

WE DID IT! WHEW!!!

We did it! 24 hours of Scrapbooking; what a BLAST!!!!

The last of the scrappers & stampers have just left - this was an AMAZING way to spend NSD weekend; I can't wait to do it again next year!

Tomorrow I'll be posting just how many layouts we all managed to complete over the weekend - a few of the gals had to go home to count them up, lol.

Thanks to scrappers Linda, Jenn, Leigh Anne, and card-makers Esther & Joanne who shared their time and inspiration throughout the weekend - you all kept me so motivated .. now let's keep up the pace!

Here's the last pages I worked on today before breaking to help my sister with her album - these are some of my fav photos of my daughter when she was four. I had so many that I couldn't contain them to a standard 2 page layout, even though they are 12x12 pages, lol.

ONE LAST LAYOUT TO SHARE TONIGHT

Here's my last layout of the night ... I'm off to bed 'cause I have six more hours of scrap-a-thon tomorrow with folks coming by to join in - that is the BEST motivator!

After the 24 hour crop is officially over & all the croppers have a chance to tally up, I'll be posting the accumulated total number of scrapbook pages we completed this weekend ... any guesses as to the number?

BTW, I'm getting some really good feedback from this event ... so much so that I'm thinking that there should be more cropping weekends on my event calendar - on a regular basis!

cheers
Donna

6 PM - THE TREASURES YOU FIND WHEN YOU DIG

So, I read on TwoPeas about people who hoard their favourite photos, waiting for the perfect products to come along that will do them justice ... well, did that ever hit a nerve close to home; I have tons of faves from when my kids were little that I have been saving, but no more!

Off I went on a hunt for some of my dd's pics & discovered a stack that I had mailed to my mom over the years (she recently handed them back to me, saying "You're the only one in the family who will do anything with these" ... yikes, can you imagine??)

Anyway, I started to merge mom's photos with mine (chronologically) and discovered three that go together in a sequence - I had forgotten they even existed! Off I went to find a frame that would hold all three - of my dd and my mom many years ago - the photos just make me smile every time I look at them - here's the results ... what do you think?

3 PM AND STILL SCRAPPIN'

that's a total of six hours last night and six hours today so far ... I'm lovin' this!

I just entered one of TwoPeas' National Scrapbook Day Challenges - we had to use the list of five products that were given: something blue, something clear, chipboard, die cuts and stars - how fun is that!

Here's my layout (this one I did today from scratch) - the subject is my son's first Half Marathon .. enjoy!

My count is ten 12 x 12 pages completed so far this weekend ... mind you some were already half done & waiting for the "perfect time" to finish them - but there's no such thing; I just needed to jump in and Get 'er Done!

cheers
Donna

Two more layouts finished ... PROGRESS!

I've finished two more double page layouts that I found tucked away, half done. I'm hardly making a dent in the pile, but it's all about the baby steps!

Who else is scrappin' today?

Donna

IT'S NATIONAL SCRAPBOOK DAY!

FRIDAY NIGHT OF MY 24 HR CROP

Just checking in before the Saturday session of cropping in my studio starts up ... what a great night we had last night! Everyone else seemed to finish at least two double layouts but I was too busy chatting & reacquaInting myself with my scrapping supplies, lol.

I found a pizza box of partially-done layouts and decided to jump in there & finish them up, so I can say I did five 12x12 pages, but I had a head start. <grin> I even did something for the first time ever - ripped apart a finished layout & started over, keeping only the photos from the original. It was just too clumsy and not doing the pictures of beautiful butterflies & foliage any justice.

I should have taken a "before" picture, but didn't think of it until too late... but here's the "after":

The gals will be back any minute now (they just left their stuff in my studio last night so they can pick up where they left off) .. gotta go!

Hope your NSD is productive, creative, and a lot of fun!

cheers, Donna

NEW STAMPIN' UP! PROMOTION FOR MAY!

In honour of National Scrapbooking Month, Stampin' Up! has a fantastic promotion running in the month of May for Scrapbookers and Card Makers alike!

The Scrapbooking Promotion has 3 exciting parts:

PART 1:
Buy three packs of Designer Series paper (including our Specialty Designer Series paper) or 12" x 12" textured card stock, and get one FREE!

Before you ask, let me tell you that it's ok to mix & match your order of Designer Series Paper packages and Textured card stock - you can order all of your favourites and still get every fourth package for free!

PART 2:
Buy a sneak peek stamp set from the 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalogue--Jumble Alphabet (set of 52; double-mounted)--at a 20% discount!

Item #	Description	Regular Price	Sale Price
115199	Jumble Alphabet stamp set	$57.95	$46.36

I LOVE the new Jumble Alphabet stamp set! It's exactly as it sounds - imagine if you threw all your alphabet stamps in a drawer and randomly pulled out individual letters - some might be formal, bold and serif while others may be whimsically doodled. There are 52 stamps in this set - a capital AND small-case version of all 26 letters in the alphabet .. and all different! At 20% off the regular price, the Frugal Stamper declares this a great deal! 

PART 3:
Become a demonstrator for only $99 with the limited-time, Scrapbooking Starter Kit!
The Scrapbooking Starter Kit contains the following:

Item Code	Description	Retail Value
113510	Schoolbook Serif Alphabet stamp set*	$50.95
113059	Simply Scrappin' Petal Party	$23.95
108697	Earth Elements Assorted textured card stock (12" x 12")	$13.95
105240	Whisper White Craft Stampin' Pad	$8.95

*Substitutable for any stamp set up to $51.95 value.

Please note: Each of the products listed above may be substituted for like items.  Please see the Scrapbooking Starter Kit Order Form for details.The Scrapbooking Starter Kit also contains all the business supplies contained in the standard Starter Kit:

• Getting Started DVD
• Getting Started Guide
• Guest Invitation Postcard (100)
• Idea Book & Catalog (8)
• Occasions Mini Catalog (8)
• To My Hostess Envelope (10)
• Recruit Folders (5)
• Recruit Brochures (20)
• Hostess Brochure (20)
• Hostess Benefits Form (10)
• Customer Order Form (50)

How's that for a triple play? Stampin' Up! hits another one right out of the park! (It MUST be Spring; I'm dipping into my baseball analogies, lol)

To see the flyer (and a sample of the Jumble alphabet) click here