My Digital Studio: Home Decor

     The My Digital Studio digital designing software is great for creating cards, scrapbook pages, journals and calendars. But did you know you can also create home décor? Join Holly Linford as she shares examples of easy-to-make home décor items using My Digital Studio (pg 181, $79.95).

Note:  From now until November 30th, My Digital Studio can be purchased for only $39.98 as part of Stampin' Up's Online Spectacular - that's 50% off the original price!  But to take advantage of this offer you must use item # 118108. Click on the link to the right to place your order through my website.

Candy Cane Christmas DSP May Run Out!!

     This was just posted on the demonstrator side of the Stampin' Up! website...
    
     Because of unusually high demand for the Candy Cane Christmas Specialty Designer Series Paper (available in the Holiday Mini, item 120809), there is a possibility that Stampin' Up! will deplete it's inventory within the next week, and they will be unable to order more. If you are interested in ordering this paper I would do so ASAP.  But please remember, if the Candy Cane paper is unavailable there are other beautiful holiday alternatives:  Jolly Holiday (item 117159) and Deck the Halls (item 120810).
     You can place an order through my website 24/7, just click on the link to the right.

Holiday Wreath

     Hello!  Today's project is one that I originally saw in the Better Homes and Gardens Holiday Crafts magazine.  The sweater and felt poinsettia wreath (pg 100) got my creative juices flowing.  While the magazine did give step-by-step directions I decided to tweak them just a bit. 

     For the base I used a sturdy 8" foam wreath I found at a chain craft store.  I couldn't bare to cut the sleeves off a perfectly good sweater for the fabric base so I chose to use a similar colored felt.  The felt was cut into 1" strips and then wrapped around the foam base.  It was secured with a dot of Tombow Multipurpose Glue (pg 197, $3.95).

      I don't have a poinsettia die and wasn't able to find one at the local craft store so I decided to use the Birds and Blooms Sizzlits die (pg 211, $21.95) instead.  I cut out 50 or 60 (although it felt like thousands!) of little flowers from red felt using my Big Shot.  It was difficult to find the perfect "sandwich" to run the felt through the BS and since the felt is a thicker material I ended up trimming a bit of each flower from the leftover felt.  Once everything was cut out my Sizzlits dies were permanently stained red and the clear cutting pad I was using as the top layer is now permanently warped.  And did I mention that about half way through cutting the flowers a tiny little metal piece of the BS fell out.  I have no idea what it is or where it came from but my Big Shot continues to work as normal so I'm assuming it wasn't a really important piece.  I hope.  Cutting the felt flowers was a bit time consuming but a great project to do while you're watching your soaps!

     The flowers were layered and attached to the wreath with red pearl-head pins.  Not a single stitch was made to create this project - woohoo!  While it doesn't look exactly like the photo in the magazine I'm pretty proud of my little creation!

Tools & Accessories: Big Shot, Birds and Blooms Sizzlits die

Stampin' Up's Online Spectacular Begins Today!

     For 9 days only - now thru November 30 - enjoy up to 50% off on select Stampin' Up! products! It's our version of the "Black Friday" sales. If you've ever thought of purchasing the My Digital Studio but thought it was a bit too expensive now is the time - it's only $39.98 (that's 50% off and I'll be purchasing this myself!)!  Why go out in the wet and cold this weekend? Shop in your jammies now!


A full list of products included in this promotion is found here: Online Spectacular!  Please check out this list, I wouldn't want you to miss this fantastic opportunity!

Just a few things to note about this promotion:
•There is no minimum purchase required to participate in the discounted products promotion.
•For product bundles, you must use the bundle item numbers provided. Bundle discounts will not be applied if individual item numbers are used.
•Additional products from current catalogs may be purchased on the same order.
•Discounts range between 20 and 50%.
•In order to receive free shipping, orders must be $150 or more before tax and shipping.
•Every $150+ order also earns free items through our hostess rewards program.

To shop NOW, go to my shopping area by clicking on the Holiday Spectacular box in the upper right. Then choose Products then click Shop Now.

All About Stamps

     While Stampin' Up! offers a wide variety of products for paper crafting and home décor, at the core will always be our stamps. Shannon West goes back to basics, reminding us why we love stamping!

A New Use for the Ornament Punch

     Hello!  I actually made this card quite a while ago but figured I'd post it on my blog in case you were wondering what to do with your ornament punch after the holiday season.  I can't take credit for the idea of this card but I also can't remember where I first saw it (I know it was on SCS, but where?!).

     To make the card I sponged the More Mustard card base with More Mustard classic ink.  I punched out two ornaments in Old Olive and vellum and then trimmed the top off each ornament (turning it into the leaf shape).  I then used a bone folder to draw the veins in the vellum leaves and sponged each leaf with a bit of More Mustard and Old Olive ink.  The Old Olive and vellum were layered, linen thread attached to each at the top and then the leaves were attached to the card.

Ink: More Mustard, Old Olive
Paper: More Mustard, Close to Cocoa (retired), Very Vanilla, Old Olive, Vellum
Tools & Accessories: Ornament punch, bone folder, linen thread, Stampin' dimensionals, sponge dauber

Inspired By a Thank You

Hello! Today's
project was inspired by a thank you card I recently received from a new member of our stamping group (thank you Helen!) and by Amy Celona's
Birthday Card Gift Holder.
     I began with a basic 5 1/2 x 4 1/4" card base and decorated the front with images from the Fall Whimsy set (I was so sad to see this set retire - I'm glad I hung on to it!).  It's hard to tell from the photos but the Old Olive card stock is popped up on dimensionals.

     I know it's hard to see from the photos but the inside of the card is a gift card holder.  To make this, I cut a piece of Very Vanilla to 10x4" and scored at 3, 5 and 7".  The strip was folded into a "W" and adhered to the top and bottom of the card.  DO NOT adhere the middle of the

"W" to itself, the gift card will not fit inside!  I used the Word Window punch to create an opening for the gift card.

Stamps: Fall Whimsy (retired)

Ink: Old Olive, More Mustard, Cajun Craze

Paper: Very Vanilla, Old Olive, More Mustard

Tools & Accessories: Buttons (shades have retired), hemp twine, dimensionals, word window punch

Quick and Simple Christmas Card

     Hello!  Today's card was inspired by the need to create tons of Christmas cards this season with very little time to make them all!  I also have the really bad habit of ordering tag stamp sets from Stampin' Up! with every intention of making tags for Christmas gifts but then for some reason I always end up using the store bought tags (gasp!).  So I decided that instead of adding to my stamp set collection I would actually use them this year. 

     The first card I made with Tags 'Til Christmas (here) was also a simple card.  I absolutely love the extra-large Decorative Label punch (pg 25 of Holiday Mini, $16.95) that coordinates so well with two of the stamps from the set and I think that's what inspired me to use the punch on this card.  In total, this card took less than 10 minutes to make.  A quick and simple card for sure!

Stamps: Tags 'Til Christmas

Ink: Cherry Cobbler

Paper: Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Jolly Holiday DSP

Tools & Accessories: Extra-large decorative label punch, paper piercing tools, Stampin' dimensionals

"Simply Amazing" Promotion from Stampin' Up!

     What do you call it when you get over $310 in crafting and business supplies for only $87.50? You can call it an amazing deal, but we’re calling it an amazing opportunity! From November 15-30, you can purchase either our Standard or Digital+ Starter Kits at 50% off the regular retail price of $175 (plus free shipping!), and enjoy these great benefits as a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator.     Wait... don't stop reading if you're thinking "but I have no interest in selling anything and don't want to be a demonstrator."  You don't have to!  Please read on...


     Another way to look at this promotion is to think of it as a bundle of products of your choosing at up to 73% off WITH NO STRINGS ATTACHED!  You pay $87.50 for up to $320 in products and LITERALLY get $232 in products absolutely FREE.  This is a never before seen deal and will most likely never be seen again after November 30th.  If I wasn't already a demo this is definitely the time I would sign up!  Or even if I was interested in building my stamp collection/supplies this would be the perfect opportunity to do so!

Here are a few frequently asked questions:
What's the catch? None
What happens if I buy the kit and then don't do anything? Nothing
Can I keep the kit no matter what? Yup
So I never have to hold a single workshop or place a single order?  Correct!
It sounds too good to be true. I agree but it's true!
Do I get any choices about what's in the kit? Yes! Many! In the Standard Kit there are 28 items and you may customize 21. In the Digital Kit there are 22 items and you may customize 16.
Why is Stampin' Up! offering such a deep discount? Simply to generate a huge push to recruit as 2010 winds down and we inch closer to a corporate goal to recruit 10,000 new demonstrators in 2010. We are almost there. Simple as that.
Any other perks to consider? Yes, dozens and dozens. Here are a few:

• Extra 10% off your first order of $150+ within the first 45 days. A $150 order is eligible for free hostess benefits. Your $150 in product is worth about $183 with the freebies yet this special discount would bring the price down to $105. And this order counts towards your minimum.
• You can earn free stamp sets via our Stampin' Start program.
• You get the first 2 months of your demonstrator website free if you sign up right away and that allows you to welcome online orders 24/7.
• A free subscription to an exclusive monthly magazine. 
• You have a way to earn extra income if you decide to go this route. Enough to pay for a monthly bill or a child's activity.

If you're interested in taking advantage of this incredible offer wait until November 15th and then visit my Stampin' Up! website.  Click on "Start Your Own Business" and follow this instructions on the screen!  If you have any questions before then please don't hesitate to ask!

SC294, Take Three: Blue Birthday

     Hello!  Today's card was inspired by SC294 - again!  I was asked to make a fun birthday card by a parent of one of my students and I was honored!  I immediately thought of polka dots and balloons and headed straight towards the Bitty Birthday stamp set.

    The balloons on the card were stamped on Bashful Blue DSP (retired), cut out and placed on dimensionals.  I drew the string for the balloons with a black Stampin' Write marker.

Stamps: Bitty Birthday
Ink: StazOn Black, black Stampin' Write marker
Paper: Bashful Blue card stock and retired DSP, Marina Mist, Whisper White
Tools & Accessories: Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dot embossing folder, brads, 5/8" grosgrain ribbon, Stampin' dimensionals

Guess Who?!

     Hello!  I know it's a little late and this has nothing to do with stamping (kinda like the $12 pie and 5k posts!) but I couldn't resist posting a picture of my Halloween costume - Mr. Potato Head!  I can't take credit for the original idea for this costume, I give that to my parents.  My parents have a great sense of humor and really get into the Halloween holiday.  Last year they dressed up as Mr & Mrs. Potato Head for a Halloween party and ended up winning first place in the costume contest.  My very talented mother actually made both costumes from scratch! 
    Working with 5 year olds I thought this would be the perfect costume for me, and I was right.  Not only did the kids love it but the other teachers thought it was hilarious!  And just by coincidence, I had one of my little munchkins dress up at Woody and another dress as the green dino from the Toy Story movies - we could have gone as the cast of the movie!!

Halloween Bean Bags!

     Hello!  I really am addicted to making this adorable little totes!  They are so super easy and I have yet to have a recipient who wasn't thrilled with the "cuteness" of this paper tote!  These totes were created by Kay Sha over at Creations on Paper and were given to 3 teachers at school who make my job so much easier.  They were filled with an assortments of chocolate Lindt balls that I picked up at the factory outlet store in Stratham.  Yes, I am lucky enough to live near a chocolate outlet where they sell incredibly delicious (almost addictive) chocolate at a discounted price. 

    Wouldn't these make cute gift card holders for Christmas?!  Just fill the bottom with a bit of tissue paper and you've got a unique way to jazz up an otherwise boring card holder.

Stamps: Tags So Much (retired)

Ink: Black StazOn, White Gel pen

Paper: Very Vanilla, Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black

Tools & Accessories: Big Shot, Lattice Textured embossing folder, tag punches, linen thread

Bean Bags!

     Hello!  Today's project was inspired by Kay Sha's ADORABLE little designer totes over at Creations on Paper.  If you're not familiar with Kay she is a genius with paper and has created some beautiful works of art.  The second I saw these totes on Kay's blog I knew I just had to make one - they are so stinkin' cute!  Kay calls hers "Designer Totes" but I like to call mine "Bean Bags" after the famous Maine company whose bag these resemble.  Head over to Kay's blog and click on the "Designer Tote" link on the right side to purchase her tutorial.

   Over the past few weeks I've made quite a few of these and I think I may be addicted!  This Rich Razzleberry one was made as "recruiting gift" for a potential new stamp club group member.  Ummmmm, ok.  Let's be honest and call it what it really was - a bribe!!  I mean, it was filled with Hershey chocolates and who can say no to any question when presented with chocolate first?!

Stamps: Not a single one!

Ink: White gel pen

Paper: Very Vanilla, Rich Razzleberry

Tools & Accessories: Big Shot, Lattice embossing folder, STRONG adhesive and chocolate!

Oh, Boy (or Girl)!

     Hello!  Here's the second of 5 baby cards I'll be making in the next few months.  This was inspired by twoboysandagirl's card over at SCS.  The measurements are 3 1/4" x 6 1/2", giving me a little less space to work with than I'm used to.

   It is so hard to design a card for a baby without knowing the sex.  I tried to make this as generic as possible and it was tough.  I guess I could wait until the baby is born to make a card but I like to be prepared - if I don't make them now I may never get to them!
    
Stamps: Nursery Necessities
Ink: So Saffron, Pretty In Pink, Certainly Celery, Bashful Blue
Paper: Crumb Cake, Certainly Celery, So Saffron, Very Vanilla
Tools & Accessories: Scallop square & border punches, star punch, dimensionals

Faux Suede Flowers

     Hello!  Today's card is 100% CASE'd but I can't remember who the original artist is!  If this is your creation or it looks familiar to you please let me know so I can give credit where credit is due. 
     I used a technique called Faux Suede for the flowers.  It's very simple but gives your projects such a unique look.  For this card, I punched out two flowers in coordinating colors (Rose Red and Regal Rose).

  Next, I rubbed the entire flower between my fingers and a bone folder, exactly as you would if you were curling ribbon.  By doing this, you are breaking the fibers in the card stock.

     After a few moments you'll notice the paper start to split into two pieces.  Gently peel these pieces apart.

 If at any point it's difficult to peel, go back over that area with a bone folder.

When you're finished you'll have two flowers.  Repeat the process with the second color of card stock.



Stamps:  Vintage Labels (retired)
Ink: StazOn Black
Paper: Regal Rose, Rose Red (retired), Going Gray, Whisper White, Certainly Celery
Tools & Accessories: Bone folder, Fancy Flower & Two-Step Bird extra large punches, Scallop Edge Border punch, pearl accent