Project 52 Week 3

I know we are just ending with the fourth week of January, but I didn't start this project until the second week, hence Week 3!  I am really happy with how this 2-page layout turned out.  I'm not sure if I mentioned before or not, but I am doing 2-page layouts rather than single pages and I am scrapbooking past and present rather than limiting myself to 2011.  I just started scrapbooking a year or so ago, but I have not done much of it, so this is a great way for me to begin catching up.  I am only able to do from about 2005 on as when we moved overseas I left all my photos behind.  I do have a few pictures from before we left, but not many.

For these pages I used two of the pre-made photo layouts and went from there.  I added a piece of Lap of Luxury Designer Series Paper as my background and created my Basic Gray layer by adding a square punch and stretching it to the size I wanted followed by using the color fill function to add the color.  I then added the Scalloped Trim Border Punch and color filled with Concord Crush.  The brads are from the Sending Love Epoxy Brads download.  The only difference on Page 2 is that I omitted the use of the brads.  For the journaling at the top of Page 2, I added a layer of Pretty in Pink card stock behind the journaling to ease readability. 

I'm really happy with the way these pages turned out.  And the fact that I've completed three 2-page layouts in the last three weeks boggles my mind.  It's more than I've done in the past three months! 

If you're ready to take the plunge and begin using My Digital Studio for all of your digital scrapbooking needs, now is the perfect time!  You can receive the wonderful So Much to Sale-A-Brate Digital Content CD absolutely FREE until March 31 with your purchase!  Don't waste a minute!  If you have your own demonstrator, contact her NOW.  If not, head on over to my website now and place your order!

Checking In

Hi everyone!  I'm happy to say that I am creating again.  I can't share anything quite yet, but I promise I will soon!  In the meantime,why don't you hop on over to The Busy Bee to register for her blog candy!  Hurry, she will pick her winner and make the announcement on Friday the 28th. 

It's Back!

My favorite time of the Stampin' Up! year!!! 

Dates: January 25-March 31, 2011


Promotion Details

Our biggest sales event of the year--Sale-A-Bration--is here! This year we've got four great Sale-A-Bration sets for hostesses and customers to choose from--as well as a Designer Series Paper & Quick Accents pack, a Ribbon & Button pack, digital downloads, and Décor Elements!

There are three ways for you to earn free products:

Spend: You will receive a free Sale-A-Bration product for every $50 they spend (before tax and shipping)!

Host: You will receive a free Sale-A-Bration product for every $300 in workshop sales*, in addition to our regular hostess benefits!

*Note: This benefit is only available on qualifying customer and workshop orders. Online orders do not qualify.

Join: New recruits will receive 15 percent off their Starter Kit (Standard or Digital+), plus a special Sale-A-Bration bonus bundle valued up to $50!

Starter Kits*                  Retail Value      Regular Price   SAB Price (15% off)
Standard Starter Kit       Over $310       $175.00           $148.75
Digital+ Starter Kit         Over $320       $175.00           $148.75

*The Stampin' Memories Add-On and Definitely Decorative Add-On can be added to these kits, but will not be discounted.

Starter Kit Bonus Bundle

Item        Page     Description                                     Retail Value
121620   165      Color Coach                                   $14.95
120806   183      Simply Sent Something Special
                                      (or any Simply Sent kit)        $11.95
117114   183      Live, Laugh, Love Set (or any
                                      Simply Sent stamp set)          $9.95
119883   202      Full Heart Punch (or any punch
                                       valued at $16.95 or less)     $16.95
THINGS TO REMEMBER
Orders qualifying for a free Sale-A-Bration product with a $50 purchase may be placed with a customer, workshop, or online order.

Online orders of $300 or more do not qualify for the free hostess Sale-A-Bration item.

All Sale-A-Bration products are exclusive to this promotion and will never be offered again.

Not Feeling It

I have not been feeling crafty at all this week.  In fact, I've been downright out of it.  We received word on Monday that some very good family friends lost their 13-year-old daughter in a hiking accident on Sunday.  To say we are devastated is an understatement.  We were stationed with them in England and she and our 13-year-old daughter were still quite close and, in fact, were trying to plan to spend some time together this summer.  On top of that my husband is supposed to leave for an extended trip and we've all been gearing up for that, which is always difficult, but even more so since he hasn't been gone longer than a week or two in over five years.  I have three design projects due very soon, two by Thursday and one more by the beginning of February.  Unfortunately, I won't be able to share those with you quite yet.  As soon as I can, though, I will!  In the meantime, I do plan on getting back to it and sharing with you as soon as possible.  Thank you for understanding my absence.

Because I Care

My friend Lisa hosts our bunco group at her house every month.  Living in military housing overseas, our space is limited and as she and her husband have no children living at home and are in a 3-bedroom house, she seems to have the most room.  I am so grateful to her for allowing us to use her house every month -- it means I don't have to rearrange my furniture to accommodate the group or send my family away for 3-4 hours so we can play without having to edit our conversations!  I wanted to let her know how much I appreciate her graciousness and her friendship.  I decided what better way than with a handmade card!  After all, that's what we do, right?  I also wanted her to be able to use the card, so I wrote my message to her on a post-it note and attached it to the inside of the card. 

This is a very simple one layer card.  I love the Because I Care hostess stamp set!  It is so classy and elegant.  This one was quick and easy, yet to me it still has that WOW factor.  Hope you enjoy!

Supplies:
Whisper White Card Stock (100730)
Marina Mist Stampin' Write Marker (119679)*
Old Olive Stampin' Write Marker (100079)*
Because I Care Hostess Stamp Set (Wood Mount - 118384; Clear Mount - 120118)**
Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (113439)
Framed Tulips Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (121809)

* You can purchase all 38 markers in our Many Marvelous Markers set (119806) which comes with it's own storage case!

** Yours free with a qualifying workshop (a $150.00 workshop earns you a Level 1 hostess gift plus $15.00 in free merchandise)

UStamp Year End Blowout 2010 Project No. 2

My second project for UStamp has been posted.  I designed my first ever One Sheet Wonder.  A One Sheet Wonder is when you take one piece of Designer Series Paper (or create your own from card stock and stamps) and cut it into several pieces to create several cards.  I loved making this set!  I used the Ice Cream Parlor Designer Series Paper pack and Accessories Pack from the Sale-a-Bration Catalog.  It is really fun and bright!

Sale-a-Bration is coming quick!  Beginning January 25, for EVERY $50.00 (before tax/shipping) you purchase you will receive one Sale-a-Bration item ABSOLUTELY FREE!!!  It's my favorite time of year!  AND, if you are on the fence about joining the Stampin' Up Family Sale-a-Bration is a fantastic time to join!  The starter kit is 15% off -- $148.75 -- PLUS you will receive a $50.00 product bonus.  Feel free to contact me for more information.

Project 52 Week 2

So I mentioned last week that I was planning on participating in Project 52 on My Digital Studio.  Project 52 is similar to Project 365 (a challenge to take a photograph every day for an entire year) only we have been challenged to make a scrapbook page each week during 2011.  Since I prefer 2-page layouts to single page layouts, I have decided to do a 2-page layout each week for the year.  You can see my first spread here.  And now, for my Week 2 pages:

 

These pages were so easy to make! I used two of the photo only pages that came pre-installed on My Digital Studio. For the background paper on the second page, I used the Designer Center and added a custom background which allowed me to use a photograph for my background. I then added my pictures to each of the four photo boxes by dragging and dropping. I added a mat around each of the photo boxes to separate them from the background paper and there you have it!

Supplies:

My Digital Studio

Birthday Explosion Box

UStamp Year End Blowout 2010 was amazing for me as I was asked to be a Creative Crew Girl!  This is an amazing honor for me.  Not only does it mean I get to design two projects for each round of UStamp, but it means someone REALLY likes my work :) I showed you my explosion box and card several days ago.  Here is the whole project.  This is my favorite project of all those that I've designed so far.

Decorative Towels

UStamp Get a Jump on Your Jingle 2010 was so much fun!  I don't feel very creative, but every once in awhile I surprie myself and do something I like.  Here's my first project.

And the coordinating card with envelope:

Stylish Blogger Award

Oh my goodness!  Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would ever receive any type of blog award.  My friend Laurie Gibson from Laurie's Rubber Room blessed me with this Stylish Blogger Award!  I am beyond speechless!  Thank you Laurie, for this amazing honor!



For accepting this, there are a couple of things I need to do.  First, I need to tell you 8 things about myself that you may not know. So, here goes:

1. At my first Stampin' Up! workshop I bought a stamp set and wheel combo that was on special.  It sat in my closet untouched for 2 years before I was reintroduced to (and hooked on) Stampin' Up!
2. I was a full-time working mom for the first 8 years of my daughter's life and the first 5 years of my son's life.  While had the utmost respect for the women who stayed home with their kids, I never thought I'd be happy as a stay-at-home mom.  Boy was I wrong!  I hope I never have to go outside my home to work again!  I love being here for my kids whenever they need me.
3. I work at home as an independent contractor for a transcripton company and I LOVE it!  I go to work every day in my pajamas. 
4. My husband and I spent a grand total of 30 days together before we were married!  We met when he was home on leave (he's in the military and was stationed 7 hours away from where I lived), were engaged 3 months after we met and married 7 months after that.  He was stationed in Korea, came home on his mid-tour (approximately half-way through) so we could get married and then headed back to Korea to finish his tour.  As of next month we'll be married 18 years!
5. I can't carry a tune, but I will sing along with my favorite songs at the top of my lungs and I don't care who hears me!  I'm a firm believer that it's okay to embarass my kids in public ;)
6. I really want to learn to use my husband's DSLR camera so I can take amazing pictures.
7. I am training to run a 5k.  I've started over three times already!  However, I am 100% certain that I WILL DO IT!! 
8. I do not think I have a creative bone in my body!

Now I have to pass this award onto 8 other "Stylish Bloggers". Here are my choices:

Gilda Fellows http://yourfellowstamper.blogspot.com/

Mary Rindal http://www.maryrindal.com/

Alesha Walls http://aleshawalls.blogspot.com/

Jenn Picard http://www.anewinkonlife.com/

Danielle Daws http://www.danielledaws.blogspot.com/

Dannie Graves http://www.danniesdesigns.com/my_weblog/

Allison http://embellishedpaper.blogspot.com/

Heather Summers http://stampwithheather.typepad.com/

These ladies are super talented and I am always inspired by their work!  If you haven't seen their blogs, you should check them out!

Cards With Cool Moves

This particular round of UStamp really had me stepping outside my comfort zone!  All designers created a card that moves.  I chose to do a pop-up twirl card.  Boy was that different for me! 

The card on the left is my pop-up twirl card.  Here's the inside:

And here is a close up of my standard card. 

Baby Bundle

Here's my project from the Early Fall 2010 Edition.  I love these cards!

Scalloped Envelope Box and Card

Here is one of my projects from UStamp Hey Big Shot 2010.  This was a fun project to create.  Hope you like it.

 

Baby Bib Card and Rattle Party Favor

This is the second project I designed for UStamp.  This was a lot of fun to make!

I can share!!!

I really wanted to share the complete UStamp project I showed you recently.  I wasn't sure if I could.  I checked with Dawn Rapsas (the owner and moderator of UStamp) and she said ABSOLUTELY!  So, I decided to go back to the beginning and share all my projects with you in their entirety.  I can't share directions, but I can share the photos!  I also won't be sharing the supplies.  I'll be sharing my projects with you over the next few days, beginning with my first project; a utensil holder for our 4th of July table! 

January Stamp Camp

It's almost time for Stamp Camp again!  This month we will be creating an adorable mix and match note card set with a coordinating box.  I used the tutorial created by fellow demonstrator and UStamp designer Betty Traciak for one of the demonstrator challenges issued by Stampin' Up a year or two ago.  She did a phenomenal job!  But then, she always does.  I am trying really hard to use up all of my retired supplies rather than let them collect dust, not only because I am trying to get past my hoarding issues (yes, I do hoard paper and embellishments!) but to clean out in preparation for our move some time this year.  I do buy new paper when it comes out if it absolutely screams my name (which so many of them do), but I've promised myself to limit those purchases until I've depleted the 25+ packages of Designer Series Paper that I've purchased over the last few years.

The great thing about this project is that it is so easy to change up and you can use whatever Designer Series Paper you want!  I LOVE it!

Supplies:
Oval All Stamp Set (Wood Mount only - 113790)
Old Olive Card Stock (100702)
Rich Razzleberry Card Stock (115316)
Orchid Opulence Card Stock (retired)
Whisper White Card Stock (100730)
Old Olive Classic Ink (102277)
Rich Razzleberry Classic Ink (115658)
Soft Suede Classic Ink (115657)
Cottage Wall Designer Series Paper (retired)
Note Cards and Envelopes (107311)
Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)
1-3/4" x 7/8" Oval Large Punch (119855)
Scallop Oval Extra-Large Punch (119856)
1/2" Circle Small Punch (119869)
1-1/4" Square Large Punch (119865)
1-3/8" Square Extra-Large Punch (119877)
Paper Cutter (104152)
Sticky Strip (104294)
SNAIL Adhesive (104332)

Project 52 and Mojo 162

Stampin' Up has issued a Project 52:  The One-Page-a-Week Challenge! over at MyDigitalStudio.net and I decided to play long.  One of my goals this year is to scrap more, so this is the perfect challenge for me.  I started late in the game so I did a 2-page layout to cover the first two weeks of the year.  I used the Mojo 162 sketch over at Mojo Monday and turned it into a scrapbook page.  For the second page, I created a mirrored page and then turned it upside down (I had to manually move my elements from the bottom of the page to the top of the page).  I'm really pleased with how the pages turned out and am looking forward to creating more fun pages as the year progresses!   I hope everyone enjoys the rest of their weekend as we head into Week 3 of 2011!

Supplies:
My Digital Studio software (118108)

Don't Miss Out!

Don't miss a day of the LIVE FUN!!

Opening Day Invites go out February 11, 2011

Last Project posted March 3, 2011

*****

EARLY BIRDS ARE AWESOME!!

Early Birds SAVE $5

PLUS

a chance to win a

$100 Stampin' Up! Shopping Spree!!

Early Bird Pricing ends January 14th.

Join us now for only $19.99

Early Bird Shopping Spree Drawing:

Everyone that registers for Early Bird Pricing

will be entered into a drawing to win

1 of 2 Stampin' Up! Shopping Sprees valued at $100 each!!

Winners will be announced Monday, January 17th.

Join us for UStamp with Dawn & Friends!! Oh My Word!! Edition 2011!! Every project will have something to say and you will want to be there to hear all about it!!

Here are a few words from Dawn Rapsas, the creator of UStamp with Dawn and Friends!

I am especially excited to announce that for the very first time, UStamp with Dawn and Friends!! will be showcasing every single project with at least one word. Sometimes a single word says it all and sometimes several words are the right fit. Big words, little words and everything in between...come and be inspired by projects that speak to all of us and get your creativity soaring!!

The Occasions Mini Catalog, Sale-a-bration Brochure and IB&C Hostess Products as well as some other seasonal catalog favorites, take Center Stage for this event!! Talk about FUN!! This is going to be another CAN NOT MISS Event that everyone will be talking about!!

Do I really need to say again how much Color Combo's ROCK??!! I know, you know!! Why change a REALLY GREAT thing, right??!! The Oh My Word!! Edition 2011 event will include a different Color Combo with every project and by the end of the event, ALL 40+ of the SU! colors will have been used in a project. 40+ different projects with at least one word, with 40+ coordinating cards & envelopes, with PDFs, in 20 days...you will be bursting with inspiration!! We are talkin' revving your Creative Mojo to the MAX!! Seriously??!! This is a tremendous value that you CAN'T pass up!!

Don't we all deserve a few minutes of fun to help us re-charge and enjoy what we love??!! Of course we do!! One of the many great things about UStamp with Dawn & Friends!! is that YOU create when YOU are ready. LOVE the projects, but don't have time to make them yourself right away?? No worries!! The website will remain open for many months, ready when you are to create so you won't miss out.

Here is what you can expect when you join us...

* 40+ Projects...every single one with at least one word!!

* 40+ unique Color Combos...using every single SU! Color...no color gets left behind

* 40+ co-ordinating cards with co-ordinating stamped/embellished envelopes

* ALL 40+ Projects include downloadable PDF with Photo's

* Designer hosted chats with LOTS of prizes

* Open Chat Room 24x7

* Gallery to share your re-creations

* A totally cool blinkie for your website/blog

Don't delay!  Join us today!

I am excited to say that as a Creative Crew Girl, I will be designing two projects to share with you.  I can't wait!

Gotta Love Cupcakes!!!

Who doesn't love a cupcake???  I'll tell you what, the new Occasions Mini is FANTASTIC!  This Create a Cupcake stamp set and coordinating Build a Cupcake punch are right there at the top of my list!  Here is a card I created for a swap using the same layout as the card posted here only instead of a 4-1/4" square card it is a full-sized A2 card.  I made 26 of these lovelies!  I love how it turned out!

Supplies:
Chocolate Chip Card Stock (119686)
Marina Mist Card Stock (119682)
Bashful Blue Card Stock (105120)
Subtles Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack (117152)
Early Espresso Classic Ink (119670)
Marina Mist Classic Ink (119668)
Create a Cupcake Stamp Set (Wood Mount 121915; Clear Mount 121982)
Build a Cupcake Extra-Large Punch (121807)
Jewels Basic Rhinestones (119246)
1/8" Taffeta Ribbon Marina Mist (119257)
Paper Cutter (104152)
Big Shot (113439)
Tasteful Trim Bigz XL Die (120893)
Mini Glue Dots (103683)

New Digital Downloads for My Digital Studio

I really need to stay on top of letting y'all know about product announcements!  I apologize for not doing such a good job with that. 
Our latest digital downloads are here--and more are on the way for the month of January! 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.



121821      Love Impressions Designer Series Paper      $2.95




1240009     Love Impressions Embellishments     $3.95



124016     Cupcake Punch     $0.95



124017     Create a Cupcake Stamp Brush Set     $5.95

124013     Artistic Etchings Stamp Brush Set     $3.95

124014     Notably Ornate Stamp Brush Set     $3.95



124490     Love Bandit Stamp Brush Set     $5.95



124015     Bring on the Cake Stamp Brush Set     $7.95



125158     Chat Room Love Stamp Brush Set     $5.95

125159     Chat Room Occasions Stamp Brush Set     $5.95

124012     Love Letter Designer Series Paper     $4.95



123601     XOXO Stamp Brush Set     $1.95



122169     Botanical Gazette Designer Series Paper     $3.95



123603     Nature Stamp Brush Set     $1.95



123602     Vintage Flowers Embellishment Kit     $1.95



122172     Springtime Vintage Designer Series Paper     $4.95



123604     Sewing Stamp Brush Set     $3.95



122170     Sweet Stitches Designer Series Paper     $3.95

You do not have to own My Digital Studio to take advantage of these wonderful digital downloads!  They can be used with any program that supports .png files.  However, if you don't have My Digital Studio, I highly recommend it!