Coyote Hills 5k

Saturday I managed to walk (slowly) in the 5K for the Coyote Hills 5K fund raiser.  Coyote Hills is a Christian Children's home in the Columbia, MO area and seems to really make a difference in children's lives.  There was a vet there who came out of the home and had also gotten a loan from VU (sponsor of the 5K).

Click here to learn more about Coyote Hills Home.

I have not been able to sit down in front of the computer for very long lengths of time and I have not been able to stamp at all.  My lower back really started to hurt last week so I started to go to the doc several times a week for an aggressive  adjustments.  Doc had x-rays and determined that my pelvis is 23 cm off!  Normally folks come in and are only out by 2 or 3 cm so this would be why I hurt so much.  LOL!  I start PT as soon as we get the insurance company on the same page and the muscles relax.   Meanwhile, I am icing down my back and doing school work from the couch.  (-:  Every day it gets better and my kids are being such good helpers.

Good news!  I just saw on the news that the US Treasury dept just paid down on our national debt for the first time in six years!!!  Isn't that about the time someone came into office...scat...who said that?  Hopefully now the money pit has developed a bottom.  (-:

Hoping to stamp soon,
Stef

Bunny Basket

The other day I was with friends and we made this cute little bunny basket.  The punches were not SU punches (gasp) but would be easy enough to do with our punches!

Happy stamping!
Stef

My Regional Freebie

Hooray!  This was the free stamp set that I won at Regional; it is the Make a Wish stamp set from the Spring catalog.  We also got a pack of the Poetry Pack DSP in the Spring Catalog.  I love freebies!

Happy stamping!
Stef

My Paper Pumpkin Arrived

I had so much fun whipping up this box of cards the other night!  It came with directions, ink, paper, block, and fun!

Happy stamping!
Stef

Another Photopholymer stamp-Bombs Away Birthday!

Photopolymer: Bombs Away Birthday!

April 10, 2013 We're excited to announce that our second photopolymer stamp set is now available. Bombs Away Birthday (item 133411) is a fun, unique set that will certainly bring a smile to anyone. Try it out today! To learn more about our photopolymer stamps and get the flyer for the Bombs Away Birthday Stamp Set.

Below you can watch a few videos about these cool new stamp sets and also see a flyer for the new set.

Click here to see a larger image

Click here to see a larger image

Happy stamping!
Stef

Retiring list

Sorry there was no post yesterday; we went as a family to see the St. Louis Science Center and it was amazing! 

Here are the files for the retiring goodies!

Stamp sets leaving

Stamp accessories leaving

Happy stamping!
Stef

April Club Project 3x3 Faux Washi Tape

1.       Select thin strips of DSP in a variety of patterns. 

2.       Using several widths of clear tape cover the pattern you wish to keep.

3.       On a plate rub the back of the DSP with a wet sponge until the back pattern pills off and the white center pills off.  Be careful NOT to rub too much so that the desired pattern remains.

4.       Allow the strips to dry.

5.       Round the corners on the 3x3 card.

6.       Sponge Crumb Cake around the edges of the card.

7.       Stamp the sentiment on the bottom right corner.

8.       Punch a large and a small butterfly.  Adhere together.  Attach a rhinestone.

9.       Cut length of linen thread.

10.   Use Tombow multipurpose glue to adhere the strips to the card.

11.   Wrap the thread around the card.

12.   Adhere the butterfly.

Stamps:

·         Just for you (Pop-Up Posies Designer Kit) 131395 $12.95 (Spring page 18)

Colors:

·         Very Vanilla

·         Crumb Cake

Supplies

·         Print Poetry Designer Series Paper Stack 129312 $6.95 (Spring page 16)

·         Linen thread  104199 $4.50 (page 173)

·         Rhinestones  119246 $4.95 (page 175)

·         Sponges  101610 $3.50 (page 179)

·         Elegant Butterfly punch   127526 $15.95 (page 184)

·         Bitty butterfly punch 129406 $15.95 (Spring  page 13)

·         Clear tape, several widths

·         Disposable plate

Happy stamping!

Stef

Father's Day swap card

Hello and happy stamping to all of you!  What a relief to see on the news that the second and final suspect in the bombing is now in custody.  My children were chagrined that we watched so much of it during the week but they will remember for years seeing the drama unfold.  I can only imagine how scary it must have been for the folks in Boston to be in lock down for an entire day and for that unsuspecting man to find someone hiding in his boat...phew!

On to happier subjects!  Here is the swap I prepared for the mail yesterday.  It was simple and fun!

Stamps:  Teeny Tiny Wishes

Color:  Cajun Craze and Not Quite Navy

Supplies:  Word Window punch, Modern Label punch, Pennant punch, ½” circle punch, dimensionals, sponges, Parker DSP

Happy stamping!

Stef

Two Tags Box Regional Project

Isn't this a fun box?  Here is another Regional project.

Stamps:
Clockworks
One in a Million

CS and paper:
Calypso Coral, Whisper White, and First Edition Specialty Paper

Ink:
Calypso Coral, Gumball Green, Pool Party

Goodies:
Dahlias, Gumball Green
Dimensionals
Glue dots
Snail
Bone folder
Fancy Flower punch
Paper snips
Big Shot
Two Tags Bigz die
Simply Scored
Stamp-a-ma-jig

Happy stamping!
Stef

One in a Million Notebook Regional Project

It is hard to tell that I scored the gray at 1/2" in both directions...cute cover!


Stamps:
Clockworks
One in A Million

Cardstock and paper:
Basic Gray, Calypso Coral, Gumball Green, More Mustard, Pool Party, Whisper White

Ink:
Basic Gray, Calypso Coral, Gumball Green, More Mustard, Pool Party

Goodies:
Calypso Coral Bakers twine, 8"
Vintage faceted buttons
Dimensionals
glue dots
Snail
Bone folder
Fancy Flower punch
Sanding Block
Simply Scored
Paper Snips
Stamp-a-ma-jig
Stampin' Spritzer
4x6 note pad
mini spray bottle, water to help crumple the flower

Happy stamping!
Stef

New Wood-Mount Cases Introducing our new wood-mount stamp set packaging! These new cases are similar to our clear-mount boxes and fit perfectly on the shelf right next to them. They also have the images and stamp set name on the spine to make your search for the right set even easier. Starting May 31 all wood-mount sets will come in this new packaging and empty cases will be available with the launch of the new catalog. That means you can transfer all your old sets to these new boxes! There will even be a template for you to create your own label for your old stamp sets (available May 31). A pack of four half-size cases (3-3/4" x 5-1/2") will sell for $4.95 and a pack of four full-size cases (7-1/2" x 5-1/2") will be $6.95. Happy stamping! Stef

April's Best of 25 Stamp Set

For our 25-year anniversary, we're bringing back some of our favorite images from the last quarter century and combining them into 12 sets, which will release-one set per month-during 2013.  Even better, along with some great classic images, each "Best of" set will also include a never-before-seen image!

The image on the top right should work with the Elegant Butterfly punch; I believe that it is the new image.

Purchase 6 sets and fill your collectors card to earn a free stamp set of $14.95 value!

This month's set is Best of Butterflies!

Click here to view flyer.

Happy stamping

Hostess Get More!!!

How cool!  From today to May 30th hostesses will earn an additional $30 in FREE products if they host a $350 party!  It ends the day before the last day of the month (odd but true) so you won't want to miss out!

Call or email if you are interested in hosting a party or a book party.  Catalogs for all of your friends at the party will be free!

Happy stamping!
Stef

Oh Hello Doily Card Club Project

This card is fairly simply but I love the soda pop top medallion on it.  When I first got them (freebie for me from SU) I confess...I wrinkled my nose at them...until I saw what ladies were doing with them!  Did you know that you can run them through the Big Shot to flatten them?  Too FUN!  They make great charms for necklaces and my daughter is already begging me to make some for her.  I hope to get some jewelry done soon to post on my blog but it probably won't be until after Monday.  I have the big conference this weekend and still have to prep all of my projects for Monday's club.  LOL!

Stamps:
Oh Hello
Curious Curios

Colors:
Baja Breeze (retiring soon so I am using my stock)
Old Olive
Melon Mambo
Whisper White

Supplies:
Soda Pop tops (Spring Catalog)
3/8" Melon Mambo ribbon (Spring Catalog)
Big Shot
Oval Framelits
Color Spritzer
Sticky Strip/Miracle Tape
Dimensionals
Sponges
Heat tool
Clear embossing powder
Versamark pad

Happy stamping!
Stef

Oh Hello Club Project

Good morning!  Today is the first day our church's ladies conference and I am super pumped!  I did take time to take a pic of my first club project.  I used this card as inspiration and then added a few layers, etc. 

Stamps:
Oh Hello

Colors:
Crumb Cake
Early Espresso
Lucky Limeade
Island Indigo
Very Vanilla
So Saffron

DSP:
Tea for Two DSP

Supplies:
Big Shot
Ovals framelits
Vanilla flower trim
Champagne paint
Spritzer bottle
Rubbing Alcohol
Sponges
Snail
Pearls
Dimensionals

Happy stamping!
Stef

Thanks So Much Card from Regional

This is a cute card and I loved the punched "bites" from the circle punch on the sides of the card.

Stamps:
Clockworks Stamp set
One in a Million stamp set

Cardstock:
White, Basic Gray, Pool Party, Naturals Ivory

Ink:
Basic Gray, Gumball Green, Pool Party

Goodies:
Pool Party Bakers Twine
Naturals buttons
Glue dots
Snail
Bone folder
1" circle punch
paper snips
sponge dauber
Stampin' Spritzer
Rubbing Alcohol

Happy stamping!
Stef

New and Improved Basic Black Ink Pad

I have been hit or miss with my postings lately and I apologize.  Last week we had unexpected guests for the entire week...in our basement where I do all of my crafting.  This week is our church's Ladies Conference and I am in the thick of things there.  Maybe I will post some fun pics next week from the conference.  I am the official photographer and scrapbooker extraordinaire.  LOL!  I am also the "Spa Lady" (walking and talking skit who takes the microphone away from the gal in charge at any given moment so that she can recite a goofy poem or say something dumb).  I have a fun costume all planned out.  (-:

My regional goodies are upstairs and waiting for the sun to come out so that I can take some good pics.  We had quite the storm this morning, aye?

Here is the latest news from the SU home front:

	After months of testing and working with our vendor, we are ready to provide you with a status report! What's changed? As mentioned in our last current update, we have accepted a formula with our supplier that shows improvement. The new formula has a reduced dye concentration that will allow it to better absorb into the cardstock. Reducing the concentration didn't change the rich black color we all know and love; it only affects how the cardstock takes the ink. What about drying time?Because the ink absorbs better into the cardstock, it will dry in under a minute in some cases. It can take longer depending on the run of your cardstock and the age of your ink pad. If you are using an old ink pad, one of the refills with the improved formula will rejuvenate your pad. Also keep in mind that larger stamps or a more solid image may require a longer drying time. What's the deal with Whisper White Cardstock? We initially discovered that our specification tolerance is too broad, meaning that there is a broad variance in ink absorption and drying time. Our Whisper White Cardstock is not a custom cardstock for Stampin' Up! like our other cardstock colors, so we don't have control over its tolerance. We have since requested that our supplier provide us with cardstock within a tighter range of tolerance. Still, our tests proved that the new ink formula works better on most, not all, of our Whisper White Cardstock. The performance of the ink depends on the run of the cardstock. It is not possible to tell when a packet of Whisper White Cardstock was produced. If you are concerned with the quality of your cardstock, we recommend using StazOn ink, instead of Basic Black. What if I need to exchange or return my Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad?If you have experienced problems with your Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad, contact Demonstrator Support. Please have your pad in hand-it will help the agent know how to best help you. When can I get my hands on the improved Basic Black ink?The improved Basic Black ink pad and refill are currently being sold. Surprise! Remember, depending on the Whisper White Cardstock you are using, you may still experience smearing and high drying times. We recommend that you use StazOn instead of the Basic Black Classic ink pad. We are pleased with these results so far. Not only has our Basic Black ink formula improved, but the testing process has also shown us how to make improvements to the quality of our Whisper White Cardstock. We will continue to see improvement in the future.  Happy stamping! Stef

Color Refresh 2013

Color Refresh

Free shipping April 6-8

FREE Shipping on EVERYTHING for Three Days!

April 4, 2013 We're excited to let you know that we are offering FREE shipping on EVERYTHING April 6-8 (excluding expedited orders)! That's right. There are no minimums or limits and all order types qualify (customer, demonstrator, workshop, online). Did we mention that the free shipping is on everything?

I will have an order going in at 8 pm on April 8th so let me know ASAP if you want in on the great day...you will save 10%!  

 Click here for a list of the current specials.

Happy stamping!
Stef

Big Changes for My Digital Studio!

Here is the latest from the MDS website!  If you purchased MDS from me at the higher price (at any time) please contact me for free digital downloads.

Click here for the website and view great tutorials.

I still have company but hope to post some goodies by the weekend.  (-:  I miss stamping....

Happy stamping!
Stef

We’ve been working on some big changes, and we just can’t contain ourselves anymore. So, raise your hands if you want to know what we’ve been up to? (Yes, we can sense your virtual curiosity.)
Alright, here it goes:

1. We’re changing the name of the software to MDS. Now, you might be asking yourself, didn’t it just change to MDS 2 last year? Yep, it sure did.
2. We’re lowering the price! What has been known as MDS 2+ is now $19.95 US/$24.95 CAN and will be called . . . yes, you guessed it, MDS. It’s the same great software and content at a fantastic new price.
3. Coming soon: all of you who have been holding onto the original My Digital Studio software will be able to upgrade for FREE. We’ll let you know as soon as it is available. (Can we get a woot, woot?)

Yep, THAT just happened.
Other stuff you may want to know:

• We will still offer a free 30-day trial version of the MDS software for anyone who had not previously tried the MDS 2 Trial.
• The original My Digital Studio software (not the product line) is going away, including support for it. The free upgrade will be available soon!  
• MDS 2 (the software that didn’t have much content) is going away.
• You can still get the software on a disc (item 130647) or as a download (item 130646). Just keep in mind the disc will say MDS 2+ on it because it will take us awhile to switch everything out.

Share your excitement below. (Virtual high-fives all around.)
We understand that when a price changes after you have made a recent purchase it can be frustrating. If you purchased the software at the old price from March 1 to March 17, 2013, the following will be added to your Download Manager by Wednesday, March 20:
MDS 2+ or MDS 2

• Up To Date Planner Template (item133271, retail value $14.95 US/$18.50 CAN)
• Hello There Kit (item 133374, retail value $9.95 US/$12.50 CAN)
• Everyday Woodcuts Embellishments  (item 132191, retail value $5.95 US/$7.95 CAN)

MDS Upgrade

• Hello There Kit  (item 133374, retail value $9.95 US/$12.50 CAN)

Stampin’ Up! My Digital Studio Team  

Current Specials

Petite Curly Label Punch Now Available

April 2, 2013The Petite Curly Label Punch that you saw in the Sale-A-Bration brochure is now available for purchase! You can buy it through May 31, and it will also be available in the new 2013-2014 annual catalog.
 

Click here to see flyer

This and That is still being offered and it is SO much fun!  I just got my box full of goodies and can hardly wait to dive into it!

Click here to see flyer

 The Sent with Love is another great bundle!

Click here to see flyer

Click here to see flyer Spring is definitely in the air, and we can't wait to show you all the new product in the 2013-2014 annual catalog. Here's your pre-sneak peek look at A Round Array! We've bundled it with the coordinating 7/8" Scallop Circle Punch (introduced in the 2013 spring catalog) just in time for Sale-A-Bration for 15% off! Dates: March 15 - May 30, 2013 Price Description Item # $23.95 Spring Surprise Bundle* (English; clear) 133899 Spring Surprise Bundle (Spanish; clear) 133897 Spring Surprise Bundle (French; clear) 133898 What if you already have the punch? Don't fret! Just buy the set! Price Description Item # $14.95 A Round Array Stamp Set* (English; clear) 129090 Variedades Stamp Set (Spanish; clear) 131682 Médallions séduction Stamp Set (French; clear) 131616 *Only offered in clear-mount. Wood-mount option will be available in the 2013-2014 annual catalog. Best of 25 Years Stamps As part of our 25-year anniversary celebration, we're bringing back some of our favorite stamp images from the last quarter century and combining them into 12 sets, which will release-one set per month-during 2013. Even better, along with some great classic images, each "Best of" set will also include a never-before-seen image! Click here for January's set Click here for February's set Click here for March's set Click here for April's set

We have a house full of company this week so my posting may be hit or miss.  I still need to take pictures of my Regional projects so that I can post them.  (-:

Happy stamping!
Stef

Praying Hands card from swap

Thank you to Samantha Ovitt in Vermont for this card!

Stamps:  Praying Hands, Blooming with Kindness, En Francais

Ink:  More Mustard, Early Espresso

Paper:  Whisper White and More Mustard

Goodies:  Honeycomb folder, Rhinestones, Elegant butterfly punch, Crumb Cake ribbon

Thank you and happy stamping!
Stef