Swaps received at Regionals

I just can't pass up the opportunity to share some of the card swaps I received at Regionals in Columbus, OH!  More to come tomorrow.  Enjoy!

Card Swap for Regionals

I made 50 cards to swap at Regionals, so I wanted to keep the design of the card simple, yet pretty.  I chose to use the Bordering on Romance stamp set, which I stamped in Pear Pizzazz and colored using a blender pen, Baja Breeze and Riding Hood Red.  I punched it out with the 1 3/4" circle punch and adhered it with dimensionals.  I used a 1" strip of the DSP Twitterpated (love the flower pattern!).  I also used a strip of Whisper White and punched with the Scallop Trim border punch.  The sentiment comes from the Kindness Matters stamp set, which you can get free during Sale-a-bration with a $50 purchase. I stamped it with Riding Hood Red ink, punched it with the Word Window punch and layered it onto a piece of Baja Breeze punched with the Modern Label punch. 

Girl Scout Cookie Thank You

In addition to teaching full time, being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, and so many other roles....I am also my daughter's Girl Scout Leader.  We recently sold cookies, and as part of earning a badge, the girls made these thank-you cards to pass out to their customers.  The cookies are arriving this week, so if you ordered some from us, you will be hearing from us soon!

The girls adhered a cookie to a card, stamped "thank you" using a variety of stamp sets,  and signed their names to the backs.

Columbus, OH Regionals

I was soooo excited to attend my first Stampin' Up! event--Regionals in Columbus, OH.  It was a fantastic, one-day event full of make and takes, demonstrations, meeting new people, swapping cards--so much fun!  I went with one of my downlines, and before we left, my upline made us both these beautiful lanyards to wear with our nametags.  It was fun to show off her creation and have other demonstrators want to take pictures of it!

I was especially happy that I got to meet Stampin' Up!'s founder, Shelli Gardner.  She is an inspiration and it was great to hear her speak.  Here is a picture of me (wearing the beautiful lanyard!), Shelli, and Debbie Kittle, my downline.

3x3 Owl Thank You's

I needed some quick thank you notes for some sweet valentine presents my students at school gave me.  I stamped the owl using a retired Punch Bunch stamp set and punched him out with the coordinating owl punch.  (Although this stamp set is retired, you could still build this owl using the punch and cardstock).  I punched out a scalloped square of the coordinating colors and stamped "thank you" from the Short and Sweet stamp set.  The little heart from glimmer paper adds just the right extra touch.  Thanks to Dawn's Stamping Studio for the inspiration!

Valentine "I Do"

Happy Valentine's Day!  Of course this day is all about love, so here are some perfect cards for those about to say "I do!"  I used the Texturz Plates for the backgrounds.  The one on the left features the diamond pattern, while the one on the right is a lovely swirl pattern.  Here's a close up to see the diamond pattern, as well as the gold embossing and the jewel added to the ring.

Texturz Plate and Mixed Bunch

For this card, I used the Mixed Bunch stamp set and coordinating punch to create the flowers.  The 'hi' is from the stamp set Fabulous Phrases.  But what I most want you to notice on this card is the white background that has been run through the Big Shot with a Texturz Plate.

See that pretty background?  The Texturz Plates create a more subtle impression than  embossing folders, but have a similar effect.  On the background piece, I used the multipurpose platform that comes with the Big Shot open to Tab 1, layered a plate, my paper, the silicone rubber pad and the impression pad.  To create a slightly deeper impression, on the smaller white piece, I closed the platform to Tab 2, layered a plate, my paper, the silicone rubber pad and then a clear cutting pad that comes with the Big Shot.  It was a slight difference, but the second way did make a deeper impression onto the paper. 

*This card was inspired by created by SU! demonstrator Michelle Surette.

Noble Deer Birthday

I used the retired Noble Deer card to make this card.  I also used some of the retired Spice Cake Designer Series paper, the Houndstooth embossing folder, and some twine.  The background paper and the deer use Soft Suede.  I needed a masculine birthday card, and I don't think he cared that the stamp and the paper were both retired.  ;)

Spice Cake Congratulations Card

Want to know a little secret?  I have the best husband in the whole world.  :)  He recently had a great accomplishment, so I snuck this card into his lunch box.  I love the simplicity of it, and it would be very easy to create using any Designer Series Paper.  I used the 1 3/8" square punch to punch 4 squares of coordinating patterned paper.  I stamped the "C is for Congrats" from the Occasions Alphabet stamp set.  Then I punched it out using the Postage Stamp punch.  The Occasions Alphabet is a different sentiment for each letter of the alphabet.  Check it out in my shop here. 

Mixed Bunch Embossed, Stamped and Punched

Also at the workshop this past weekend, I demonstrated how to make this card.  I used the Mixed Bunch stamp set to stamp the flower in Daffodil Delight.  Next, I used the coordinating punch to punch two flowers out of Whisper White.  I ran them through the Big Shot using the Houndstooth embossing folder, then inked the edges using a sponge dauber.  Finally, I stacked the flower together using some dimensionals, added an Old Olive button with glue dots and stamped "Happy Birthday" from the Sale-a-bration set Elementary Elegance.  I will also be teaching fellow teachers in the Alpha Delta Kappa teacher sorority how to make this card this coming weekend.  I can't wait to share stamping with some new people!

Lego Birthday

Some of my cards are for sale in a local store, and they asked me to create some boy birthday cards.  I found this idea posted by Jen Brum, and I just had to try it!  The key to making them look like lego blocks is to use dimensionals to pop up the 1/2" circles.  The happy birthday sentiment came from the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set.

Conversation Candies

At a workshop this weekend, I got to catch up with some old co-workers of mine.  It was great company...and we had fun stamping!  This card uses the Conversation Candies stamp available in the Occasions Mini catalog.  We used Old Olive, Real Red, Chocolate Chip and Bashful Blue markers to color the rubber; then we stamped the image.  The workshop attendees learned how to use the Scallop Trim Border punch and I also demonstrated a little ribbon trick used on this card.  We also used a dimensional to pop up the Bashful Blue heart which says, "Love You."  Thanks for a great workshop, Ann!

Featured Product: Heart Pressed Letterpress Plate

Need help figuring out what to spend $50 on to get a free Sale-a-bration product?  OK, not likely, a wish list is easy to fill up with a look through the catalogs!  But if you have a Big Shot, here is a product to consider:  the Heart Pressed Letterpress Plate.  Only $7.95, this plate can add lots of love to your upcoming Valentine's Day cards.

To use the plate, you simply ink it up with an ink pad by directly pressing the pad to the plate.  You carefully place your cardstock on top, and create a sandwich with a Big Shot Cutting Pad.

For this card creation, I then punched a heart out of the printed paper and adhered some Real Red Satin Ribbon around it.  Next, I adhered it to Real Red cardstock.  Finally, I used the new Heart Framelits and the "love you" sentiment from the P.S. I Love You stamp set and a dimensional for the tiny heart. 

Here is a video from Stampin' Up! with some more helpful hints about using the Letterpress plates.  *Note:  In this sample, I used Classic ink and regular cardstock, unlike the Craft ink or watercolor paper suggested.

FREE 30 Day Trial of My Digital Studio Express

Stampin' Up! is offering a free 30 day trial of My Digital Studio Express.  If you've ever wondered if digital scrapbooking and card making is for you, now is the time to find out! 

Here are some FAQs:

Q: How long can we take advantage of the My Digital Studio Express trial?
A: This is an ongoing offer. We want all our demonstrators and customers to be able to try My Digital Studio.

Q: What digital content comes with the My Digital Studio Express Trial?A: My Digital Studio Express includes one stamp brush set, 12 Designer Series Paper patterns, 81 embellishments, 26 punches, and 5 designer templates. You can view a list of the included content here.

Q: What's the difference between My Digital Studio and My Digital Studio Express?A: My Digital Studio Express is My Digital Studio software that you can download directly to your computer without having to wait for discs to be shipped to you. The program functionality is exactly the same as the disc version of the software with less digital content. You can watch a quick video explaining the difference between My Digital Studio and My Digital Studio Express here.

Q: Can I get the My Digital Studio Express Trial on a disc?
A: No. The My Digital Studio Express Trial is only available as a download over the Internet. However, the file is not large, so even if you have a dial-up internet connection, you will still be able to download the program.

Q: What are the system requirements to use My Digital Studio?A: You can see the system requirements for My Digital Studio here.
 

Q: How do I order the My Digital Studio Express Trial?
A: You can purchase My Digital Studio Express Trial by visiting my online store and ordering HERE. You can order the free trial by itself, or you can add it to an order with stamping supplies or digital downloads. If the My Digital Studio Express Trial is the only item you order, you will not be asked for any credit card or payment information. If you are new customers to my online store, you will need to create an account.

Q: How do I install the My Digital Studio Express Trial software after you have ordered it?
A: You can access your My Digital Studio Express Trial download through the Downloads section of your account. Make sure you select Mac or Windows, and the download and install wizards will walk you through the rest of the process.

Q: Is the trial version of the software different from the paid version of My Digital Studio Express?
A: No. When you order the My Digital Studio Express Trial, you will receive the full version of My Digital Studio Express. The software will function exactly the same as if you had purchased the software--you can design, purchase downloads, and print. The only difference is that you can only use the trial version for 30 days.

Q: Can I place a print order with the trial version?
A: Yes. You have full access to everything you can do in My Digital Studio for a full 30 days. This includes full designing functionality, printing, and the ability to purchase downloads.

Q: Do my 30 days start as soon as I download My Digital Studio?
A: Your 30 day trial period starts as soon as you launch the program. It does not matter when you download the program, your 30 days will start as soon as you actually launch (open) the program.

Q: Will the trial still last 30 days even if I order it in the middle or end of the month?
A: You can order the My Digital Studio Trial at any time. The trial period is not tied to the calendar. The trial period will begin as soon as you launch the program, and you will be able to use it for the next 30 days.

Q: What happens after the 30 day trial period is over?
A: When you launch the software after the 30 day trial period is over, you will be prompted to enter a product key. You will not be able to use the software again until you have entered a product key. You can get a product key by purchasing My Digital Studio or My Digital Studio Express. The product key prompt will include a link to the software page of MyDigitalStudio.net, which will tell your customers where to order the software.

Q: How do I purchase My Digital Studio after the trial period is over?
 A: Simply add My Digital Studio (item 118108) or My Digital Studio Express (item 124483) to your next order. If you order My Digital Studio Express, you will not need to reinstall the software. A product key will be e-mailed to you; after you complete your purchase, just enter that product key when the program prompts you to. If you purchase the disc version of My Digital Studio, you will need to use the installation discs in order to access the included digital content. The installation wizard will walk you through the process, including entering the product key (which you'll receive with your shipped discs). You will not lose any downloads or projects from your 30-day trial period.

Q: What happens to digital downloads I purchase during the 30 day trial period?
A: You will have continued access to any downloads you purchase during the trial period. If you choose to purchase the software, you will simply need to enter a product key, and you will be able to use all your downloads like normal. If you do not purchase the software, you will still have access to your downloads through your download manager, and you will be able to load them to the digital design software of your choice.

Q: Can I use My Digital Studio digital downloads in other design programs?
A: Yes. The My Digital Studio digital downloads will work with any digital design program.

Q: Will my saved projects be lost when the free trial ends?
A: You will not be able to edit any of your projects through My Digital Studio after the trial period has ended unless you purchase the software. If you do chose to purchase the software, you will be able to access all your projects. If you don't choose to purchase the software, we recommend you save your projects as jpg files. You will then be able to use them like you use any of your jpg (picture) files.

Q: Can I have two free trials?
A: No. The My Digital Studio Express Trial will only work once. After your 30 days are over, you need to purchase the software to continue using the program.

Q: What if I don't want to purchase the software at the end of the trial period?
A: You can uninstall the software at any time.

Q: Are there other free My Digital Studio downloads available?
A: We do occasionally offer free My Digital Studio downloads. These are generally promotions that run for a short amount of time, and will be announced in a current update. Download some of our free digital downloads for the 2010 In Color Card Stock and Designer Series Papers. You can find links to those downloads here.

Q: Will My Digital Studio work on my iPad?
A: No. We do not have a My Digital Studio app at this time.

Q: How do I use My Digital Studio?
A: We have several videos and resources available for you on the training section of MyDigitalStudio.net that will help you learn how to use the program.

Ready to try MDS Express?  Click here to go to my store for the download!

Framelits Blessing

For this card, I used the Labels Framelits to cut some Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper.  The sentiment comes from the Blessings from Heaven stamp set.  The ribbon is another feature of Sale-a-bration; it's a wonderfully thin and shiny Organdy ribbon and works well straight across a card like this.   I cut off the bottom of the card front and attached a piece of Lace Ribbon Border punch. 

God has blessed me time and time again.  I have so many blessings in my life, I could send this card to many of you!  I may have to make multiples of it!  Thank you, God!

Framelits Friendship

Do you have a good friend you'd like to drop a card to?  This would be the perfect one!  And here's a new technique for you to try--I used a Whisper White card base and a layer of embossed Whisper White on top.  It's a very clean tone-on-tone look.  I added some labels cut from the Twitterpated Designer Series Paper with the Labels Framelits and some new Riding Hood Red Pleated Satin Ribbon.  The sentiment comes from the stamp set Language of Friendship, which you can earn for free from the Sale-a-bration promotion OR buy from the Idea Book & Catalog.

Hello on Groundhog Day

Happy Groundhog Day!  What's your prediction, early spring or 6 more weeks of winter?
This card is ready for spring!  I used the Elementary Elegance stamp set, one of the great free products you can get through Sale-a-bration, along with some Twitterpated Designer Series paper, found in the Occasions Mini Catalog.  I added a strip of cardstock punched with the Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border and a couple of brads to finish it off.

Celebrate with Blossom Bouquet

What's your latest reason for celebration?  A birthday?  A retirement?  Keeping a resolution through the first month of 2012?  Whatever the reason, here is the perfect card to help you celebrate.

I started with a card base of Pool Party and added a layer of Calypso Coral that had been embossed with the Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder.  I stamped the "celebrate" from the Sale-a-bration stamp set Outlined Occasions in Pool Party and attached the ribbon, which comes from the Sale-a-bration Everyday Enchantment Ribbon and Brad Pack.  Next, I used the Scallop Trim Border and Scallop Trim Corner for the Lucky Limeade cardstock and layered a piece of Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper on top.  I punched four Very Vanilla squares using the Postage Stamp Punch, and four flowers using the Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer punch.  Finally, I used Everyday Enchantment brads for the center of the flowers. 

Like this card?  Get your Sale-a-bration materials that were used to make it!  See this posting on how Sale-a-bration works.