Encouragement Card

This card was made for one of my husband's co-workers and the co-workers wife.  She was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 ovarian cancer.  They are having a tough time.  We wanted to let them know that we were thinking about them and praying for them.

Sorry that the colors are a little washed out in the photograph.  The colors used are Very Vanilla, Marina Mist, and Midnight Muse.  Marina Mist and Midnight Muse are a dynamic duo.  This card uses the new sets, Daydream Medallions and Blessings from Heaven.  Also used are the new Floral Frames Framelits.  My inspiration for the card came from the current catalog.  (page 116)  This card will be hand-delivered.

Happy Stamping........Julie

Layered and Textured

My friend and neighbor has just had a birthday.  I made her a card, but haven't been able to give it to her yet.  I don't think she will be checking this blog before I am able to give it to her; it should be safe to share it.  (-:

This was cased (with a few changes--softer colors, orientation, a different embossing folder) from a card by Sandi MacIver (May of this year).  Her card is beautiful.  I used the new Fancy Fan embossing folder which I just received and already really like.  (Embossing folders are what drew me to a Big Shot.)  It also uses the Fun Flowers Bigz die.

The card is really bulky with all those embossed layers, but it will be hand delivered....

Hope you get some crafting time today...Julie

My Stamping Space

I don't know about you, but I love to see other people's stamping spaces.  It is nice to see how they store things, how they arrange the space, and just the environment of where they create.   Sometimes they have great big spaces and sometimes surprisingly small.  (The walls are NOT pink by the way; it just looks that way because of the lighting in this corner.  I bought one of those multi-light floor lamps since I don't get very much natural light in this corner.  That is the biggest drawback to my space.  Other than that, it works very well for me.)

I love the Bygel rails from Ikea for the the old thumb punches.  My clear mount stamps are stored in wall mount dvd holders (again from Ikea). 

I have a small roll top desk that we bought used and my husband and I refinished it.  Since my space is short on horizontal surfaces, I went with wall mount ink pad and refill storage.

I have a little folding table on which I stamp.  (It gives more elbow room than the desk, and the chair swivels between them.)  The fact that the table folds up is great, since my space is an odd corner in my bedroom.  (My husband is very supportive and tolerant of my hobby.)  (May I also say that I love Stampin' Up's grid paper.  It makes laying out and lining up so much easier.  And it enables you to check the "straightness" of your sentiments.) 

Most of us probably have some of those white cube things from Michaels (which you should never pay full price for...)

I use a lateral file cabinet for card stock storage and a couple of bookcases for my wood mount stamps.  These are in one corner of my closet which is generously sized.

Hope that you are as happy with your crafting space as I am....Julie

Simple Cards

I like to visit another blog called Simplicity.  She always makes clean and simple cards.  I was inspired by some cards she did a while back and thought I would give the "clean, white look" a chance.  The first one is far better than the second, but I was trying different shapes and using my favorite recently discontinued set, Pocket Silhouettes.  (Don't worry; I have a new favorite...Serene Silhouettes.  Cards made with it coming soon.)

I can't remember where I saw a card similar to the following, but I liked it and it sort of fell into this same category.

(It used the Sale-a-Bration set, Bliss.  Such a lovely set...)

Be sure to scroll down; I posted rather late last night.

Have a great Saturday................Julie

A Get Well Card

My sister-in-law just had shoulder surgery.  She has to keep her arm immobilized (or nearly) for the next 3 weeks.  And she has 3 boys, ages 5, 7, and 9.  So, the I am praying for you sentiment is very appropriate...

The sentiment is from Blessings from Heaven.  The colors are Primrose Petals, Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake, Certainly Celery, and Blushing Bride.  Blushing Bride is sadly discontinued, but makes a dynamic duo with the Primrose Petals.  (The flowers and leaves were cut with some "contraband" dies.)

Hope you have a terrific weekend....Julie

It Has Been A Long Time...

But that is an understatement.  I have stamped a bit off and on, but they were more sympathy cards.  I just couldn't bring myself to show them.  Then there was a card for my Grandpa, but I sort of forgot to take a picture of it.  Anyway....

I have stamped some cards that do have pictures.  This is a card that I made for my Mom for Mother's Day.  Since it doesn't need to be mailed, its thickness doesn't matter.

I used the Blossom Petals Builder punch for the petals....lots of them.  Pool Party, So Saffron, and Whisper White are the colors, and Messages for Mom was used for the sentiment.

Let me know if you have any questions...Julie

3x3 Sticky Note Holder

Very clever!  This was in my 3x3 swaps and it is very nicely done.  (-:

Well, it has been an unusual week.  Yesterday I spent most of the afternoon in doctors offices and waiting on prescriptions.  It is official...I have been bitten by a brown recluse (or similar) spider.  Hooray!  I am on meds now so the redness and swelling is down but it is an icky looking spot on my thigh now.  

Happy Stamping!
Stef

Spooktacular Offer in August

Yes, you read that right! We’ve got a spooktacular offer for new recruits during the month of August. It was announced at Convention 2012 that during the month of August, all new demonstrators will receive a FREE Howl-o-ween Printer’s Tray project kit! This boo-tiful kit contains all the bits and pieces to create a super spooky Halloween decoration*—you won’t want to miss out on this exclusive offer!

Watch for more information to post on August 1.

*Project kit does not include ink

Stampin Around Wheel tips

I recently posted the square scallop basket from Meg Loven and thought I would post some tips for wheeling around the edges.  I can't remember where I learned these tips because they are floating around the internet but maybe it was from Meg?

I wheeled down two edges for a fast border.

 If you noticed, I started to wheel on my scratch paper and I also ended off the the scallop square on the scratch paper.

Find the seam on the wheel and line it up with the edge of your paper so that the seam is NOT on the cardstock.

 If you want a continuous design on the cardstock line up sticky notes on the diagonal score line and wheel between the sticky notes.  I also started to wheel on the notes so that my ends were not so obvious.

 Move the notes around the square and wheel.  Tip: I lined up the edge of the wheel (left side) with the score line on the left.

 Now your design does not overlap and it is continuous.

Happy stamping!
Stef

Scallop Square Basket Directions

 I borrowed this idea from Meg Loven and fell in love with how fast and easy it was.  The little sucker inside can be substituted for one of those wellness pops that are on the market now.  Little cough drops would be great in the basket as well.

Sunday or Monday I will be posting tips on how to wheel the design on the basket.  Keep watching!

Stamp Sets:
A Reason to Smile ($5 this month with a $50 purchase)
Delightful Dozen
Betsey's Blooms wheel

Colors:
Soft Suede
Pool Party

Supplies:
Handle for wheel
Big Shot and plates
Scallop Square clear die
White Grosgrain (retired)
Extra Large Oval punch
Decorative Label punch
Sucker
Hole punch
Comfort Cafe DSP

First cut out a scallop square with the Scallop Square die and the Big Shot.

Stamp the basket or use a wheel on it.  I used the Betsy's Blooms wheel on my basket; I just wheeled a design on two opposite sides.
Next score between the 3rd and 4th scallops on all four sides.

 Score diagonally in all four corners.  I love the Simply Scored for this part!

Punch holes in all four corners so that you can thread ribbon through the corners.

Burnish the score lines.

Thread the ribbon through the holes and add the goodies and label.  Voila!

Birthday 3x3 card

Happy stamping!  Here is my second post from my 3x3 swap.
Stef

3x3 Card Blitz Begins!

Hooray!  I love 3x3 cards!  They are perfect to tuck inside a gift and they make great inspiration pieces for a larger card.  Recently I participated in several 3x3 swaps and will be posting my favorites.  There are a few retired sets used so just keep that in mind.

The first one is my personal favorite.  (-:

Enjoy!
Stef

Coming Soon....MDS 2!

Introducing MDS 2, with more than 75 new features-coming late 2012! New My Digital Studio Software-Available Late 2012 New Software Item Price MDS 2Full software Download 130644 Disc 130645 $39.95 MDS 2+Full software plus over $500 in content Download 130646 Disc 130647 $79.95 FREE Upgrade to MDS 2For those who purchase My Digital Studio May 8, 2012 until MDS 2 is available Download instructions delivered via e-mail FREE Upgrade to MDS 2For those who already have My Digital Studio Download 130650 $19.95 With this new My Digital Studio software you'll be able to: Design in spreads Create with custom canvas sizes Add more than one color to a single stamp image Resize vector stamp images while keeping them crisp See color combination suggestions And much more The new software will be available late 2012. Until then, purchase My Digital Studio (item 118108) or My Digital Studio Express (item 124483) and upgrade to MDS 2 for FREE when it becomes available. So don't wait! Do you or you already have My Digital Studio and want MDS 2? Don't worry; you'll be able to purchase an upgrade to enjoy all the new design features. Happy stamping! Stef

August Special 31% Off Digital for 31 Days

Get 31% off 31 digital content options and most of our print products for all 31 days in August! Feed your My Digital Studio addiction. With digital goods on sale and the 30-day FREE trial of the software, August is the perfect time to enter the digital designing craze and see what it's all about. What's on sale? ALL cards, photobooks, individual pages, and tags. That's right: print any photobook, board book, swatchbook, individual pages, greeting card, postcard, trifold card, or tag-all for 31% off. 30 downloads and 1 content disc. Yup, that equals 31. If you are interested  in digital downloads, remember, you must go to my online store to purchase them. Here's the list of content: Item Digital Content Retail Price 31% Off Price 127217 Floral District Collection Disc $ 23.95 $ 16.53 118115 Night and Day Designer Series Paper $ 4.95 $ 3.42 129929 Candid Frames $ 2.95 $ 2.04 129921 Check This Out Page Templates $ 4.95 $ 3.42 129609 Blossom Builders Embellishments $ 5.95 $ 4.11 128999 It's All Me Kit $ 9.95 $ 6.87 127441 Whimsical Note Journal Template $ 1.95 $ 1.35 128342 Pinwheel Daily Calendar Template $ 9.95 $ 6.87 127599 Party Animal Kit $ 9.95 $ 6.87 127600 Autumn Traditions Kit $ 9.95 $ 6.87 127620 Grateful Heart Thanksgiving Ensemble $ 14.95 $ 10.32 126027 Playful Polka Dots Kit $ 9.95 $ 6.87 130066 World Traveler Photobook Template $ 17.95 $ 12.39 131221 Storybook Specialty Designer Series Paper $ 4.95 $ 3.42 130850 Joyful Times Kit $ 9.95 $ 6.87 124463 One Great Year Digital Kit $ 9.95 $ 6.87 127175 Limited Edition Embellishments $ 2.95 $ 2.04 129607 Walk in the Park II Kit $ 9.95 $ 6.87 129934 #HASHTHIS Stamp Brush Set $ 7.95 $ 5.49 129923 Book of Birthdays Swatchbook Template $ 12.95 $ 8.94 121071 Travel Journal Kit $ 9.95 $ 6.87 129924 Get it Done Kit $ 5.95 $ 4.11 129005 Sweetly Nested Framable $ 4.95 $ 3.42 127758 Delight in the Day Photobook Template $ 19.95 $ 13.77 130862 Blast Off Ensemble $ 19.95 $ 13.77 129890 Little Milestone Birthdays Greeting Card $ 7.95 $ 5.49 128892 Designer Gift Cards $ 4.95 $ 3.42 127580 And a Happy New Year Photocard Template $ 1.95 $ 1.35 127435 Thanks Tons Greeting Card Template Set $ 2.95 $ 2.04 127587 Sending Glad Tidings Designer Tags Kit $ 7.95 $ 5.49 127762 Gratitude Framable Designer Template $ 1.95 $ 1.35 Happy stamping! Stef

New Digital Downloads

If you have My Digital Studio you may want to check out these new downloads for the month of July!  I love my MDS and use it for most of my scrapbooking.  If you are interested in purchasing any of these additions or even your own copy of My Digital Studio then check out my online store to purchase.

Back to School Ensemble

Be of Good Cheer Kit

Delicate Doilies Punch

Everything Eleanor stamp set

Wonderful Whimsies Designer Series Paper

Happy stamping!
Stef

Club Project Angry Bird Card

Just a reminder that this will be our card for this month.  I look forward to teaching this one at club this month.  It was popular when everyone saw it at club in June. 

This card was in my swaps last month.  It also has a fun fold that all of the ladies loved.  Thank you to Michelle Hornback in KY for this cute card!

Happy stamping!
Stef

Colors:
Real Red 
Basic Black
Whisper White
Crumb Cake
Garden Green (grass-4 1/4 x 1")
Summer Starfruit (beak)

Stamp Sets:
None


Accessories:
Circle Punch, 2 1/2", 1", punch pack
Word Window (cut in fourths for eye brows)
Sponges (sponge for clouds)
Five Petal Flower (snip two petals off for the "hair" tuft
Paper Snips (for grass and to cut corners off yellow cardstock for beak)

Club Project Scallop Square Basket

Isn't this basket cute?  I borrowed this idea from Meg Loven and fell in love with how fast and easy it was.  The little sucker inside can be substituted for one of those wellness pops that are on the market now.  Little cough drops would be great in the basket as well.

Stamp Sets:
A Reason to Smile ($5 this month with a $50 purchase)
Delightful Dozen
Betsey's Blooms wheel

Colors:
Soft Suede
Pool Party

Supplies:
Handle for wheel
Big Shot and plates
Scallop Square clear die
White Grosgrain (retired)
Extra Large Oval punch
Decorative Label punch
Sucker
Hole punch
Comfort Cafe DSP

New Scrub Pads

I love the new scrub pads! My old one is the smaller and more stained one...of course!  The new one has little "stoppers" on both sides of the case to keep it from sliding around when you scrub your stamps.  If you look closely you will see that one corner of each new pad is cut diagonally so that you can easily pull them out to clean.  Below the diagonal cut is a symbol for wet or dry so that you can keep one side wet and one side dry in the cleaning process.

If you go to one of my clubs you can take a peak at my new pad up close to see what you think.  I am pleased with this new design and have enjoyed using it.  In the past previous new designs had me skeptical about this one but I was pleasantly surprised.  Proper tools make all the difference!

Happy stamping!
Stef

New sizes for the embossing folders

As you can tell, the top folder is the new Chevron folder and the bottom folder is the old tulip edge folder.  The bottom one fit a fourth of a sheet of card stock but the top one is long enough to accommodate a longer 6" strip of card stock.  I was elated because my favorite trick is to make a 6" page as a focal point for a larger and simpler layout.  We also do a 6" page in club because it makes everyone happy.  I have a few ladies who are not fond of cards and a few ladies who are not fond of scrapbooking.  The ladies can keep the page or fold it in half to make a simple card that will fit into a regular letter envelope.

Back to the folders...I noticed that the Chevron folder has impressions that are longer than the Fancy Fan or the Houndstooth folders; the Chevron pattern is about 1/4" longer than the other patterns.  I am not quite sure why the folders are different but it seemed important enough to point out in case you are working on a certain project. It was wonderful to make my 6" page and not have to run the folder down one end of the 6" strip and again down the other side.  These new folders will make my project more simple and clean.

Overall, I am pleased with the new folders but wish that they were a smidgeon wider as well.  I heard that the size was adjusted to accommodate the sizing used in the European market (?) so we benefit as well.  I had fun playing with the new folders and can't wait to get my "paws" on the new ones in the Holiday mini; let me tell you, I can hardly wait to get that box!!!

I highly recommend the new folders; you will love them, new size and all!

Happy stamping!
Stef

Club Project Everything Eleanor Page

Hello!  This is a makeover of my previous card; both projects showcase the Versamarker Shadow technique that we will be doing at club.  I am ashamed to admit that I had the Versamarker for over a year and it was still in the package before this project.  Now I have pulled it out many times to add pop to an image.

I just checked the catalog and the Versamarker is not in the new catalog!  I will have to play with other options today...

Here is my original card; it was my monthly submission to the swap in which I participate.  I decided to add the embossing folder to the band because it just needed a pop of texture in the project.  Who can resist playing with one of the new folders?  I just love the longer size because now I don't have to overlap the folder impressions to create a longer strip.  Hooray!  I plan to have a post soon that showcases the difference in sizes now that Stampin Up has changed the size of the folders.

Stamps:
Everything Eleanor

Colors:
Crumb Cake
Night of Navy
Regal Rose
Pretty in Pink or Pink Pirouette
White Craft pad

Supplies:
Grosgrain ribbon, navy (retired)
Pearls
Butterfly punch (new and oh so cool!)
Dimensionals
Big Shot
Fancy Fan embossing folder (LOVE it!)
Punch pack flower punch
2 3/8" Scallop circle punch
Scallop edge punch
2 1/2" circle punch
Versamarker pen
Sponges....lots and lots of sponges!

Happy stamping!!!
Stef

It's a great month to be a hostess!

Hooray!  I love free stuff!  Just yesterday I got free BBQ sauce and a free blouse when out shopping.  If I love free stuff then I REALLY love extra free stuff!  If you are thinking of a book party or regular party then now is the time to do it.  If you combine this special with the Reason to Smile special (spend $50 get the stamp set for only $5) then you have an even better offer.

During June and July, hostesses who hold a minimum $450 workshop will receive an additional $50 in hostess FREE merchandise dollars--that's in addition to the $65 they already receive for a $450 workshop!

Your Party Sales	Regular Hostess Benefits	Additional Hostess Benefit	Total Hostess Benefits
$450*	$65 plus 1 item at 50% off	$50	$115 plus 1 item at 50% off

*Excluding tax and shipping

Happy stamping!
Stef

My updated retired list

Item	Page #	Retail Price	Asking Price	Claimed
Xyron machine (non-SU)		$35.00	$17.50
Xyron cartridge		$20.00	$10.00
Wow Flowers		$10.00	$3.00
Season of Friendship (wood)	102	$23.95	$12.00
Sweet Centers (wood)	60	$29.95	$15.00
Classic Alphabet  (wood)	Previously retired	$39.95	$20.00
Wild West Alphabet (wood)	Previously Retired	$39.95	$20.00
Lovely Letters Alphabet (wood)	169	$43.95	$22.00
Dot, Dot, Dot	152	$9.95	$5.00
A to Z	152	$9.95	$5.00
Packed for Birthday	Mini catalog	$9.95	$5.00
Homemade	20	$8.95	$4.50	Gone
Tree Trimmings	34	$14.95	$7.50	Gone
Party This Way	67	$14.95	$7.50	Gone
Fine Flourish	152	$9.95	$5.00	Gone
Solid Stripes	152	$9.95	$5.00
Fifth Avenue Floral	110	$24.95	$12.50	Chery
Fox and Friends	88	$14.95	$7.50	Jane
I (Heart) Hearts	46	$18.95	$9.50	Gone
Funky Four	88	$11.95	$6.00	Gone
Pines & Poinsettias	Holiday Mini 21	$14.95	$7.50
Totally A-maze-ing	Occasions Mini 31	$22.95	$12.00	Gone
Punches
Butterfly punch	210	$16.95	$10.00	Lori
Heart to Heart punch	210	$16.95	$10.00
Flower Trio punch	Previously retired	$16.95	$10.00
Snowflake punch	210	$16.95	$10.00
Photo Corners punch	Previously Retired	$16.95	$10.00	Merle
Small oval punch	210, 211	$16.95	$10.00	Gone
Wheels
Graduation Day	Retired	$5.95	$2.50
Bronco	Retired	$5.95	$2.50
Jumbo Baby Rattle	Retired	$7.95	$2.50
Jumbo Petals	Retired	$7.95	$2.50
Easter Eggs	Non-SU	$5.00	$2.50
Do Not Open Until Christmas	Non-SU	$5.00	$2.50

I also have lots of ribbon and embellishments.

New White satin ribbon		$	$5.00
New Pretty in Pink satin ribbon			$5.00
Metal tags	Retired	$9.95	$2.50
Almost full Black Satin ribbon			$4.00
Certainly Celery Satin ribbon (1 yd)			$1.00
Artichoke denim ribbon	Retired		$4.00
Bashful Blue Satin ribbon (about 1 yd			$1.00
Assorted library clips mini			$2.00
Wide twill tape			$1.50
Rhinestone brads clear circle			$1.00
Brads neutrals 5/8” assort (nearly full)			$5.00
Décor Elements Parisian Damask Kraft Large	New in package		$5.00

Happy stamping!

Stef