LovenStamps - The Blog --Meg Loven, Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

Video Tutorial for Pop-Up Christmas Trees

2009-11-12T08:00:00.005-06:00

Have you been looking at this Big Shot die and wondering how the tree fits together? Or maybe have you wondered if that cute tree was going to be tricky to assemble?

I'm happy to share my new O Christmas Tree Bigz XL Die Video Tutorial with you--and you can see for yourself how easy it is to put these elegant trees together. This video is part of my November Stamps in the Mail Club, and the Berry Christmas card is one of the November projects for that Club.

Don't forget, you can still sign up for the current round of my Stamps in the Mail Club, beginning in November!

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
Stamps: Berry Christmas Accessories: Big Shot, O Christmas Tree Pop Up Bigz XL Die

A Stamping "Thank You" for Your Service

2009-11-11T09:13:00.007-06:00

Veterans Day: A day to honor those who serve our country in the military, both at home and overseas.
My sincere and heartfelt gratitude to those who serve and to the families who send and support their loved ones.

Here is a 'thank you' card that I created using the My Digital Studio program from Stampin' Up!. In addition to using the card as an image on a blog or website, these cards can be printed at home, or through the Stampin' Up! Professional Printing service. All the elements I used are included in the original My Digital Studio package.

And the inside:
Thank you to all who serve and who have served in years past!

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
My Digital Studio: 118008 (includes FREE Decor Element if ordered in November or December -- choose from $16.95 or less)
Digital Elements:
Digital Stamps: Holiday Blitz stamp set (stars--Whisper White with Drop Shadow; Thank You--Night of Navy), For All You Do stamp set (greeting -- Whisper White)
Digital Paper: Night of Navy Cardstock, Real Red Dotted Stripe Designer Series Paper,
Digital Embellishments: Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon, Hodgepodge Hardware Silver Frame & Brads

Scallop Square Pivot Card: I think I mentioned that you need this die?

2009-11-10T08:00:00.000-06:00

Last week I showed you a fold-out card with the Scallop Square Die as a base. Here's another fun way to use the Scallop Square Die: as part of a Pivot Card.

This card uses the Kissing Technique, and as I mention in the video, there is NO INAPPROPRIATE CONTENT in this tutorial. If you found my blog by Googling "kissing tutorials", I think you're going to be disappointed. ;-)

The Medallion stamp (115223) here was the most popular stamp set ordered from the Stampin' Up! catalog this fall. And it goes perfectly with the Supernova Glitter colors...but then I think everything goes with Glitter!

If you'd like to get your own Scallop Square Clear Die for the Big Shot, you can still sign up for my November Big Shot Die of the Month Club--I'm extending the sign-up deadline until November 13th--get details or sign up online!

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
Stamps: Polka Dot (109276), Medallion (115223) or Sanded (109294)
Ink: Pretty in Pink, Melon Mambo
Paper: Pretty in Pink, Melon Mambo, Whisper White
Accessories: Big Shot (113439), Scallop Square Clear Die (115950), Sticky Strip (104294), Fine Supernova Glitter Stack (114287), Clear Rhinestone Brads (113144)

FREE Stamp Set of the Month Winner is...

2009-11-09T21:07:00.003-06:00

For October, the lucky FREE Stamp Set of the Month winner will receive the Limited Edition (and retired) Goody Goody Gumdrops stamp set. This was a Level 3 Hostess Stamp Set, available to those who hosted a Stampin' Up! party that totaled $500 or more.

I assigned everyone a number and had Random.org choose the winner.
And the winner is....
Susan W.! Congrats, Susan!

Good news! You can still enter for my November drawing! Just place an order through my online ordering system. You get an entry for each online order you place through my website during a month. For November, I'll be giving away the Level 3 Retired Hostess Set: Older & Wiser!

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!

Taste of Home Cooking Show: See You There!

2009-11-06T08:00:00.001-06:00

If you're going to be at the Taste of Home Show in Rantoul, Illinois tomorrow, I'll see you there!

Be sure to stop by and visit my booth. I have a special My Digital Studio sample for you :-)

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!

Paper Bag Books: Thankful Journal

2009-11-05T08:00:00.002-06:00

I'm excited to be offering this project as a free class at our local Mahomet Community Library next week! So if you live in Mahomet, and there are still spots left, you can sign your kids (hee hee, or yourself) up to join us!

Since we're so close to Thanksgiving, I thought it would be nice to create a "thankful" journal. On each page of the book, I recorded something that is a blessing in my life this year. I'll keep the journal handy this fall, and then store it with my fall decorations when they are put away to make room for Christmas. Next year when I pull my fall decorations out of storage, I can flip back and be thankful all over again for my happy thoughts from last year.

Here is the quick "how to", in case you live nowhere near Mahomet, and you want to try this one yourself at home.

Start with 2 (or more) paper bags. Fold them in half and alternate so the openings are on the left/right sides. Use a strong punch like the Crop-A-Dile to punch through all layers of the bags at one time. Use ribbon or another fastener to bind the pages together.

The page sizes will depend on the size of your paper bags--you can make these books with huge grocery bags, if you want!

Decorate each page, plus add an extra insert page for each of the open bag ends. For my pages, I used all Earth Elements cardstock colors from Stampin' Up!. By sticking with a color family, I knew that everything would mix and match well.

The leaves on the pages are die-cut with my Big Shot Leaves #2 die, and the stamps were from the Autumn Harvest and True Friend stamp sets.

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
Stamps: Autumn Harvest (110372), True Friend (110378)
Ink: Not Quite Navy, Ruby Red, Old Olive, Summer Sun, Pumpkin Pie
Cardstock: Not Quite Navy, Ruby Red, Old Olive, Summer Sun, Pumpkin Pie
Accessories: Crop-A-Dile, Big Shot, Leaves #2 Big Shot Die, Scallop Circle Punch, Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon in Crushed Curry, Dusty Durango and Soft Suede

Scallop Square Train Fold-out: Why You Need This Die

2009-11-04T08:00:00.003-06:00

I'm always looking for cute 'kid' stamping ideas, and the Choo Choo stamp set absolutely fits that description! The Scallop Square card below is one I created for a little boy birthday, and what little boy doesn't love trains? Honestly, what stamper, after playing with this cute set, won't also love trains? ;-)

The colors are Not Quite Navy (one of my 'sleeper' favorites), Certainly Celery and Bashful Blue. I incorporated quite a few accessories into this card: the Large and Small Tag Punches, the My Way Punch for the arrows, and the die-cut number 3 comes from the Go Go Boots Big Shot Alphabet.

The card inside actually folds out in 3 panels. The fold-out is made from two pieces of 4-1/4 x 8-1/2" cardstock, each folded in half. Just attach one piece to the back of the Scallop Square diecut piece, then turn the fold the opposite direction on the 2nd cardstock piece and attach it inside the first white cardstock piece, so the center panels overlap.

I love how the Right On Track Stampin' Around Wheel extends the length of the card. If you needed a card for lots of signatures (like an office party, group baby shower gift, etc.) this would be a perfect solution--just add as many cardstock panels as you need!

But the coolest part of this card is the Clear Scallop Square Big Shot die used for the background. Since the Scallop Square Die is clear, you can SEE what you're cutting before you cut it! And with the front of this card having strips of cardstock, you have to place those strips before you die-cut your Scallop Square, so that they fit on the card front in the right spot. Since you can see through the die, you can line up your strips where you want on the die, and have the perfect fit every time :-)

Of course, if you're excited about the Clear Scallop Square die, you can order it online through my website any time. OR you can sign up for my Big Shot Die of the Month Club before November 10th, and get this die, plus ready-to-stamp card ideas and supplies!

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
Stamps: Choo Choo (113982), Right on Track Stampin Around Wheel (113838), On Your Birthday (111664)
Ink: Not Quite Navy, Certainly Celery, Bashful Blue
Paper: Not Quite Navy, Certainly Celery, Bashful Blue, Whisper White
Accessories: Big Shot (113439), Scallop Square Die (115950), Tag Punch (Large--105943), Small Tag Punch (108264), Certainly Celery 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon (109031), My Way Punch (arrows -- 110709), Go Go Boots Alphabet (#3 -- 113450)

Unique Ribbon Accent: Flippy Folds

2009-11-03T08:00:00.005-06:00

Flippy...what? Who came up with that post title anyway? Oh wait, yeah, that was me. But really, what do YOU think this ribbon looks like? It's kind of flippy, and it's definitely folded... right? Back me up here?

I saw this gathered ribbon technique on a card that graced the cover of our monthly Stampin' Success demonstrator magazine. I just knew I had to try it! But I tweaked just a tiny bit--instead of gathering the ribbon across the entire card front, I only did a couple of folds.

I know you're wondering why... right? Aren't you? Well, I'm glad you asked. One of my pet peeves is cards that flop apart in the mail, so that they don't look as gorgeous coming OUT of the envelope as I like to think they were when I put them IN the envelope. So when I looked at that gathered ribbon, I saw a ribbon disaster waiting to happen. Yes, yards of ribbon (a slight exaggeration, maybe) piling out of an envelope, coming completely unstuck from their formerly graceful gathers on the card.

So in this sample, which happens to be one of the cards you will make in the first month of my new Stamps in the Mail Club Round (check for details here!), I used the Clear Rhinestone Brad to jab through all the layers of the ribbon, ensuring that no Flippy Folds of ribbon could escape from the gather.

Check out the "how to" video:

And like I mentioned, if you're excited to make this card for yourself, you can still sign up for the new Stamps in the Mail Club Round, beginning in November!

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
Stamps: Berry Christmas
Ink: Garden Green, Real Red
Paper: Soft Suede, Real Red, Whisper White
Accessories: Big Shot (113439), Petals-A-Plenty Impressions Folder, Clear Rhinestone Brads, Real Red 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Scallop Border Punch

A Razzle BERRY Christmas

2009-11-02T08:00:00.005-06:00

I don't know why, but Handsome Hunter is probably my 2nd-to-least used color of cardstock. Crazy, because it's a gorgeous high-saturation green, but somehow it's just "not me". Fortunately, Handsome Hunter is much easier for my fabulous friend, Glenda Travelstead. Her swap card from the Founder's Circle Trip last month (wow, was that only a month ago?!) inspired me to pull out my Handsome Hunter and pair it with Rich Razzleberry and the soft shine of Brushed Gold cardstock.

This card, using the Berry Christmas stamp set, was one everyone made at my last Christmas Card Crank:

We also used the with the Finial Press Textured Impressions FolderBig Shot to dry emboss the Handsome Hunter strip at the bottom. This is a super-simple card, but very impressive in person. The rich colors (ha! "Rich" for both Razzleberry and the Rich Regals color family!) make a strong statement.

The little "make merry!" greeting inside the card is also from the Berry Christmas stamp set. Don't miss out! If you're liking the samples from this set, you can still sign up for my Stamps in the Mail Club, beginning this month. You can only join Stamps in the Mail Club once every 3 months, since the round lasts for 3 months. So don't miss out now!! You won't be able to sign up again until February!

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
Stamps: Berry Christmas
Ink: Rich Razzleberry, Handsome Hunter
Paper: Brushed Gold Cardstock, Very Vanilla, Rich Razzleberry, Handsome Hunter
Accessories: Big Shot, Finial Press Textured Impressions Embossing Folder,

Textured Impressions Folders: Big Shot Outside the Box

2009-10-30T08:00:00.001-05:00

Yeah yeah, we're supposed to "think" outside the box, right? Well how about "Big Shot" outside the box? :-) I absolutely love to take a tool that I have on hand and learn a new way to use it. Not only is it fun to do something new, but it's also great to see the flexibility of my tools!

This is one of the cards from my last Christmas Card Crank class, and it features the Level 1 hostess stamp set, Patterned Pines. I *LOVE* this stamp set! The little trees are full of character, plus they go perfectly with Brocade Blue, one of my favorite colors. Plus this hostess set is a free choice with a $150 Stampin' Up! party, whether it's a book party, a face-to-face party or a stampin' addict order that you place for yourself ;-)

The coolest feature on this card (other than the Patterned Pines stamp set) is the Petals-A-Plenty Textured Impressions Embossing Folder used on the left side of the card. (Here's where the out-of-the-box-Big-Shot comes in!)

**TIP** Instead of putting the whole card front in the folder, I just put the left 1-1/2" of the card into the folder:

This way only part of the card is dry embossed, and the rest is left flat for stamping. Very cool! Plus the White Organza Ribbon is a nice fancy touch for an otherwise clean-look card. And it would be a great card to produce in large quantities if you have a long Christmas mailing list.

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
Stamps: Patterned Pines (116525 -- Level 1 hostess set--available with a $150 min. party or order), Many Merry Messages (116586)
Ink: Brocade Blue (101102)
Paper: Brocade Blue (101166), Whisper White (100730)
Accessories: Big Shot (113439), Petals-A-Plenty Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (116824), White Organza Ribbon (114319)

Autumn Days Pop-Up Shadowbox

2009-10-29T08:00:00.002-05:00

Did you see my Christmas shadowbox card from earlier this month? Well guess what...? I'm excited to share a Video Tutorial with you! The Pop-Up Shadowbox is actually really easy to assemble.

This video for the Autumn Days version is from the last round of my Stamps in the Mail Club. The video begins with the cardstock pieces pre-punched and pre-scored, since that's how the projects arrive in the mail for Club members. Anything that needs to be punched or die-cut or scored is done ahead of time for you.

For recreating this card at home without the kit, you'll need the scoring details listed below.

And of course you can still sign up for the new Stamps in the Mail Club round, which begins in November and will feature a new round of fun projects and exclusive videos :-)

The holes in the card panels are punched with a 1-3/4" Circle Punch.
The scoring directions are as follows:

i. Card front: 3-3/4” x 8-1/2”, score at 1-3/4” and 6-3/4”

ii. Card back: 3-3/4” x 8-1/2”, score at 1-3/4” and 6-3/4”

iii. Center panel: 3-3/4 x 6-1/2”, score at 3/4 and 5-3/4”

Happy Stamping!

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!

Stamps: Autumn Days

Inks: In Color Stampin’ Write Markers

Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Dusty Durango, Kraft, Autumn Traditions Designer Series Paper

Accessories: Crushed Curry Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon, Linen Thread, Playground Designer Buttons, 1-3/4" Circle Punch

Berry Christmas Pop-Up Christmas Tree Card

2009-10-28T08:00:00.003-05:00

Isn't this a FUN & FLEXIBLE stamp set?! I'm having so much fun playing with ideas. And you CAN sign up for the next round of my Stamps in the Mail Club! This will be my 14th round, and it features the Berry Christmas stamp set from the Stampin' Up! Holiday Mini Catalog.

This is one of the cards that you'll make with your supplies in the November kit--a Pop-Up card using the O Christmas Tree Pop-Up from Stampin' Up! You'll even get an exclusive Stamps in the Mail Club Video Tutorial on how to create your Christmas tree card.

Stamps in the Mail Club lets you stamp at home with the benefit of pre-planned, pre-cut cards ready for you to stamp and assemble. As part of the club you'll get all the stamps and inks needed, plus a variety of matching accessory items--$30-35 in Stampin' Up! product each month. And if you already own an ink color or other item, you can substitute from your Wish List for the items you don't need.

And as if that wasn't exciting enough, my Stamps in the Mail Club also features video tutorials for all of the kit projects! I look forward to sharing these extra lessons with you as part of the Club.

Don't wait to sign up--if you're registered and paid before November 1st, your kit will ship on November 3rd and you can begin working on your projects right away!

If you missed the Project Preview, you can check out the other past Stamps in the Mail Club projects.

Use the PayPal button below to sign up, or visit my website for further details.

Select Printed or PDF file Instructions

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!

Halloween Candy Corn Treats for Kindergarten

2009-10-27T08:00:00.000-05:00

Hmm... what to make for my daughter's class Halloween Party on Friday? Something simple, since Kindergarteners aren't known for taking time to appreciate the wrapping surrounding candy... But something cute, since I'm excited about sending treats!

This past weekend I spent 2 days at a stamping retreat for demonstrators. What a GREAT relaxing weekend, and lots of time to STAMP! By the way, if you want to join us next time, you can always join my LovenStampfuls Demonstrator Group :-) Anyway, during the weekend I had plenty of time to come up with a fun favor!

I sat down with the cute little Pumpkin Patch stamp set from the Holiday Mini Catalog and created these favors for Abby's class. I also thought I'd share my tips on mass producing projects like this. Basically, you do ALL of each step before going on to the next step:

Start out by stamping all the Pumpkin Patch pieces you need to punch. Then after stamping, punch the pumpkins.
Punch the layers you'll need for the 1-3/4" and Scallop Circle Punches.
Assemble all the medallions
Add the Stampin' Dimensionals to the back of each medallion
Use the Big Shot to diecut all of the Petal Card pieces, cut 2 flaps off all the Petal Cards.
Use SNAIL adhesive to tack the candy packets in place.
Fold and assemble all the treats! (yes, the Stampin' Dimensionals are what hold the flaps of the Petal Card in place)

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
Stamps: Pumpkin Patch (116499)
Ink: Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip
Paper: Close to Cocoa, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, Whisper White (100730)
Accessories: Big Shot (113439), Petal Card (113467), 1-3/4" Circle Punch (112004), Scallop Circle Punch (109043), 1-3/8" Circle Punch (104401), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), SNAIL adhesive (104332)

Last Deals of the Week: Pick A Party Kit!

2009-10-26T13:42:00.004-05:00

The final deals of the week are from October 26, 10 AM (MT) through October 31, 11:50 PM (MT).

Item	Page	Description	Regular Price	Special Price
116214	174	Princess Party Kit	$15.95	$9.99
116213	175	Pirate Party Kit	$15.95	$9.99

Visit my Online Store today to take advantage of these great offers! Or send me an email with your order and I'll get back to you with the total including shipping/tax.

**Did you know?** As a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, this week you can order any of the October Deals of the Week for yourself! So if you missed a Deal during October, and you've been considering becoming a demonstrator anyway, NOW is the time to sign up!

As a NEW Demonstrator BONUS, if you sign up with me before October 31st, not only will you get all the normal Demonstrator Benefits, plus the chance to order all this month's Deals of the Week for yourself, but I'll also send you a current Hostess Stamp Set of your choice--you could even pick a Level 3 hostess set!

Remember, this special is available ONLY through me, and you have to sign up by October 31st to get your free BONUS Hostess Stamp Set! Contact me now to get your password for becoming a demonstrator :-)

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!

Berry Christmas, Berry Easy Stamps in the Mail Club!

2009-10-26T08:00:00.001-05:00

It's that time again! Yes, my next round of the Stamps in the Mail Club begins in November, so if you'd like to try it out, now is the time!

Stamps in the Mail Club runs for 3 months--November, December and January, and each month you'll get $30-35 in product from the Stampin' Up! catalog, plus pre-cut supplies for 4 projects AND Exclusive Video Tutorials plus printed directions for each of the projects.

The cost each month is $40 plus $5, for a total of $45 each month. That's a great deal, considering you get projects, stamping supplies and extra video tutorials! At the end of the 3 months you have a fabulous set of coordinating supplies plus 12 ideas on what to do with them.

Here's what Debbie K, an 11-round Stamps in the Mail Club subscriber had to say: "I really enjoy the Stamps in the Mail Club because everything you need for a project or card is right there--everything is pre-cut. The directions are clear and easy, and then you have the directions that you can use on future projects. I love it."

And Dawn H, another Stamps in the Mail Club veteran shared this thought: "Stamps in the mail club is an awesome way to get creative ideas. A fabulous way to build up your supplies at little cost. Stamps in the mail is like taking a class, only you don't have to leave the comforts of your home. Everything is delivered to your door. I highly recommend Stamps in the mail! Besides the demonstrator is awesome!"

And as if that wasn't exciting enough, my Stamps in the Mail Club now features video tutorials for all of the kit projects! I look forward to sharing these extra lessons with you as part of the Club.

This round we'll feature the wonderful new Berry Christmas stamp set which you'll receive with your November kit, along with Stampin' Write Markers in Real Red and Garden Green. Already own them? No problem--just pick something else from the catalog instead.

If you'd like more details on my Stamps in the Mail Club, you can visit my website. You can even pay by PayPal, right there, or right here :-)

Use the PayPal button below to sign up, or visit my website for further details.

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!

The Perfect Gift for Little Girls

2009-10-23T08:00:00.001-05:00

I know, Christmas seems far away, and we haven't even hit Halloween yet... but (don't shoot me here) there are only 63 shopping days left until Christmas! And if you want to get your shopping done early, now is the time to get cracking :-)

Do you have little girls on your shopping list? Maybe daughters, nieces, grand-daughters... have you ever noticed how much little girls like to put their name on EVERYTHING in sight? That pretty much applies from age 6-16 or maybe 26 ;-)

This is the perfect gift for those girls on your list--the Little Girls Gift Set!

Here's what the set includes:

Personalized Princess Stamp $9.95
Stampin' Around Wheel $6.50
Stampin' Around Handle $3.95
Ink Cartridge $5.25
Classic Stampin' Pad $5.95
Whisper White Notecards/Envelopes (20) $6.50
Total $38.10 (plus shipping/tax)

You can pick the Stampin' Around Wheel and ink color of your choice. The one I used for my daughter's stamp above is Orchid Opulence. You could even choose to add an extra Wheel or color of ink to your gift set--customize as you choose!

To order your own gift set, send me an email or use my 24-7 Online Ordering website.

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!

Dasher Goes Soft Suede

2009-10-22T13:34:00.003-05:00

One of my "old favorite" techniques is to make monochromatic cards. This card uses the Dasher single stamp from the "Under $10" page in the Stampin' Up! catalog.

Using only the Soft Suede color for the background paper and the ink, the fabulous design of the Dasher image really stands out. Don't forget that if you *really* like the Dasher stamp, you can sign up for my Dazzling Dasher Christmas Card Class or "To Go" kit. You can get the Dasher stamp as part of the class for 40% off!

Here are the steps for this card:

Fold a half-sheet of Whisper White cardstock in half. Stamp greeting from Many Merry Messages in Soft Suede ink on the inside.
Use the Stampin' Up! Big Shot die cut machine with the Petals-A-Plenty Impressions Folder to add the poinsettia pattern to a piece of Soft Suede cardstock. Layer on the card.
Stamp Dasher in Soft Suede ink on a Whisper White cardstock square. Use the 2-Way Glue Pen to add glue for the glitter. Shake Dazzling Diamonds Glitter over the glue, then tap off excess glitter. Layer with Stampin' Dimensionals on the Soft Suede background.
Stamp the greeting from Warm Words in Soft Suede on a scrap of Whisper White cardstock. Punch with the Modern Label Punch and attach to card with Stampin' Dimensionals.

Looking for a Christmas card idea for yourself? This would be a great one--perfect if your Christmas card mailing list is long :-)

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
Stamps: Many Merry Messages (116586), Dasher (116816), Warm Words (115108),
Ink: Soft Suede (115657)
Cardstock: Whisper White (100730), Soft Suede (115318)
Accessories: Big Shot (113439), Petals-A-Plenty Textured Impressions Folder (116824), Modern Label Punch (116630), 2-Way Glue Pen (100425), Dazzling Diamonds (102023)

Dazzling Dasher Card Class or "TO GO" kits!

2009-10-21T08:00:00.000-05:00

Have you checked out the Dasher stamp from the back of the catalog? It's on the "Under $10" page, and I LOVE this little guy! Also on that page is the Merriment single stamp--with the words "Merry & bright" it goes along perfectly with my favorite reindeer.

Join me for my "Dazzling Dasher: Camp Keep It ALL", and make all 8 of these cards (2 each of 4 designs), the designer box plus you can add the Dasher & Merriment stamps to your kit at 40% off! Cost for the class is just $25: choose to add the stamps for only $10 more ($15.90 value)!

Dazzling Dasher: Camp Keep It ALL
"TO GO" Kits mailed to you
OR attend Thursday, November 19th
6:30 to 8:30 pm
Za's Restaurant by Marketplace Mall, Champaign, Illinois
DETAILS or REGISTER ONLINE >

Use the cards yourself or give them as a gift this holiday!

Can't attend? You can still sign up--Order by November 9th and project kits will be mailed by November 20th and will include pre-cut cardstock and embellishments, plus detailed assembly instructions. Just provide your own Chocolate Chip ink pad and Dazzling Diamonds Glitter.

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!

Deal of the Week: Hardware Stock Up Sale!

2009-10-20T12:51:00.002-05:00

Throughout October, get all-new Deals of the Week—with select products up to 50% off! See below for this week’s Deals of the Week:

Dates	Item	Page	Description	Regular Price	Sale Price
October 19, 10:00 AM (MT) through October 26, 9:50 AM (MT)	114348	179	Basic Jumbo grommets	$6.95	$4.49
	109857	179	Mini Library clips	$12.95	$8.99
	122571	179	Circle Designer brads	$5.95	$3.99
	112581	179	1/2" Library clips	$6.95	$3.99

Visit my Online Store today to take advantage of these great offers! Or send me an email with your order and I'll get back to you with the total including shipping/tax.

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!

Halloween Years Past: My Digital Studio Monday

2009-10-19T08:00:00.001-05:00

Big topic of conversation at our house these days: Halloween Costumes! I thought I'd share one of the 12x12" digital scrapbook pages I created to highlight some of the past costumes from our family.

Yup, the page is 100% My Digital Studio, which reminds me to tell you -- I'm excited to show you My Digital Studio in action, via some free LIVE Webinars over the next few weeks.

My Digital Studio Webinar
Wednesday, October 21st
10 - 10:45 am CT
See the details or register online!
Click here to check my Webinar & local Clinic schedule >

The big picture on this page shows Abby in her kangaroo outfit. She was excited to wear the costume so that she could "have a baby in her tummy, just like Mom." Tucker was born exactly 1 month after the picture was taken.

Here are the "ingredients" for the My Digital Studio page:
Background Paper: Pumpkin Pie Blooms
Stamps: Textured (Whisper White, 58% Opacity), Extreme Elements (Splatter, Whisper White, 58% Opacity), Torn Edges (Flower Edge, Chocolate Chip)
Embellishments: Hoppy Memories Kit (Border 1, Border 9 and Border 10), Pumpkin Pie Grosgrain Ribbon Knot,

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My Digital Studio (118108)

Simple and Sweet Christmas Card

2009-10-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

Need to make a bunch of Christmas cards? Need to do them with a relatively small investment in supplies? This is a GREAT card design for you!

I included this card in my Christmas Card Crank last month, and I'll have 4 fabulous new designs for the class on Monday. There's still time to sign up! (click here to get the details)

I used to be one of those people who HATE to cut out little tiny things. But then I discovered the Stampin' Up! Paper Snips. Yay! I'm still a lazy stamper--I prefer not to cut out little pieces, but when I do have a need, I can't be without my Snips :-)

The card was also featured as a Make N Take at the Stampin' Up! Convention this past summer. Yup, just one more reason to become a Demonstrator... you get to attend Convention!

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Stamps: Tree Trimmings (116722), Many Merry Messages (116586)
Ink: Real Red, Garden Green, Chocolate Chip
Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Kraft
Accessories: Fire Rhinestone Square Brads (109112), Real Red 3/4" Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon (115608), Paper Snips (103579)

FREE Stamp Set of the Month Winner is...

2009-10-15T08:00:00.002-05:00

For September, the lucky FREE Stamp Set of the Month winner will receive the Limited Edition (and retired) Goody Goody Gumdrops stamp set. This was a Level 3 Hostess Stamp Set, available to those who hosted a Stampin' Up! party that totaled $500 or more.

I assigned everyone a number and had Random.org choose the winner.

And the winner is....
Marissa W.! Congrats, Marissa!!

And if you didn't win? Good news! You can still enter for my October drawing! Just place an order through my online ordering system. You get an entry for each online order you place through my website during a month. For October, I'll be giving away another Goody Goody Gumdrops stamp set! Remember to check out the latest Deal of the Week and Clearance Rack when you visit my online ordering website!

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!

You've Been BOO'd!

2009-10-14T08:00:00.001-05:00

This morning my kids were excited to open the cute gift bag left on our doorstep -- we'd been "BOO'd!" If you have no idea what I'm talking about, let me explain...

At Halloween, there is a neighborhood game that involves making up some cute treats, taking them to a friend's house, and leaving the treats along with a poem and a "BOO" sign. Here's the poem:

The air is cool the season fall

Soon Halloween will come to all

The spooks are after things to do

In fact, a spook brought this to you

"BOO" is a shield from witching hour

Just hang it up and watch its power

On your front door is where it works

It wards off spooks and scary jerks

The treats that came with crypted note

Are yours to keep, enjoy them both

The power comes when friends like you

Will copy this and make it TWO

Then others here among our friends

Will give warm fuzzies that do not end

We'll all have smiles upon our face

No one will know who "BOO"ed whose places

Just one short day to work your spell

Or a big ZAP will strike your tail

And don't forget a nifty treat,

Like something cute or something sweet

Please join fun, let's really hear it

And spread some "BOO"s and Halloween spirit.

So you copy the poem and the sign, hang your own "BOO" sign in the window so your neighbors know you've already played, and take treats to two more of your neighbors.

Of course I had to make something stamped to take to my neighbors ;-) So in addition to the homemade soft pretzels (yum!) I stamped a couple of quick cards to add to the package:

To make the cards, I folded a piece of Pumpkin Pie cardstock in half, then cut it with my Top Note Big Shot die so that the fold was inside the cutting edge. The fold doesn't get cut but the rest of the card does, and these cute notes are the result!

The Designer Series Paper is from the Cast-A-Spell pack, and I also used the pumpkin image from the Autumn Harvest stamp set. I watercolored the image using my Watercolor Wonder Crayons (Earth Elements pack) and my AquaPainter--definitely my favorite way to watercolor. And it's pretty easy, too... last fall I had about 250 kids use my AquaPainters with this stamp set, and both the kids and the AquaPainters survived :-) (check out that event here)

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!
Stamps: Autumn Harvest (110372), Sweet Season (116471)
Ink: Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black
Paper: Pumpkin Pie cardstock, Cast-A-Spell Designer Series Paper (115677),
Accessories: Big Shot (113439), Top Note Die (113463), Wide Oval Punch (112082), Watercolor Wonder Crayons (106696), AquaPainter (103954),

Deal of the Week: 35-50% off select Big Shot Dies!

2009-10-13T09:14:00.004-05:00

THIS WEEKS DEALS:

Page 200: Perfect Setting Bigz XL die $25.99 (reg. $42.95 -- 40% off!)
Page 195: Flower Burst Embosslits die $5.99 (reg. $11.95 -- 50% off!)
Page 201: Pop-Up Three Tier Cake Bigz XL die $25.49 (reg. $39.95 -- 37% off!)

Place an order in my online store directly, or send me an email. Offer available until Monday, October 20th at 10 am MT when the new Deal of the Week is announced!

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!

Baby Boy Announcement, In Digital Style

2009-10-12T08:00:00.002-05:00

Did you know that My Digital Studio (the new digital papercrafting software from Stampin' Up!) can do greeting cards, in addition to the scrapbook pages and calendar pages I've already shown you?

Even though my son will be 2 years old next month, I decided to use his baby picture to make up the baby announcements that I *could* have used (if My Digital Studio had been out back then!).

The card uses the So Saffron Grid Designer Series Paper for the background, and the embellishment on the front is from the Rock-A-Bye Simply Scrappin' Kit, plus a piece of Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon -- all digital.

One of the other cool features of My Digital Studio is that you get to print all three faces of your card -- the front, plus the two inside 'pages'. For the front of my card, I added Tucker's picture above. It was super-simple to add the picture, change it to black & white, crop and then zoom in to highlight Tucker's cute little face and fuzzy head.

For the inside of my card I added the So Saffron Grid paper to all the pages, and then another piece of Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon so that it looks like it's actually tied around the front of the card. If you wanted, you could add more embellishments, greetings or photos on this page, too. On the 'normal' part of the card inside where you write your greeting, I added Tucker's baby information.

Cards can of course be printed at home, but it's trickier to get the fronts and backs all lined up. The printing through Stampin' Up! is perfect, very easy, and quick! The cost was $2.95 for the card, included the envelope, and the card arrived in about 6 days.

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!

My Digital Studio (118108)