I am sooooo ready for Spring!  So for this one, I broke out the bright, “Springy” colors from my stash.  The image is from the “A Flower for All Seasons” stamp set–very cute, fun and versatile.  I used a blender pen to color it in.  The fabulous trim was done using the Scallop Trim Corner punch (from the Occasions mini) and the Scallop Trim Border punch–which you can get for FREE if you purchase $50 in product. 

The cute “Welcome Neighbor” patterned paper can also be yours for FREE during Sale-a-Bration.  SALE-A-BRATION ENDS MARCH 31.  Have you taken advantage of the free stamp promotion?  Just purchase $50 of Stampin’ Up! product and choose from over 80 fantastic free items!  Click here to view the brochure.

Here’s a quick peek at the next digital project I’ll show you how to make using My Digital Studio software.  Stay tuned…!

I just love Stampin’ Up!’s new Perfect Polka Dots (item 117335, $7.95) embossing folder for the Big Shot!  Here’s yet another cool new way to use this essential product–with Window Sheets!  This new folder is incredibly versatile–you can use it on cards, scrapbook pages, 3-D projects–its results look and feel amazing!

This project came straight out of the monthly SU! demonstrator magazine, “Stampin’ Success”–just one of the perks of being a demonstrator.  On this project, I used a Medium Window Sheet (item 114323, $4.95), placed it in the embossing folder and ran it through the Big Shot.  Then, I punched the butterflies from the embossed sheet and the Designer Paper and cardstock.  Aren’t these colors fabulous? 

The base  is made from Bermuda Bay textured cardstock.  The other colors include Old Olive, Pretty In Pink and Chocolate Chip (Patterns Designer Series paper).  The Old Olive border at the top was made with the Scallop Edge Punch (item 112091, $15.95) and for the finishing touch, I added Pretty In Pink 1/4″ Grosgrain Ribbon (item 109032, $4.95).

You can get the Thank You Kindly stamp set used here FREE during Sale-A-Bration when you spend $50.  Click HERE to place an order on-line with me.  Then, click “SHOP NOW” in the upper right-hand corner.  Or, schedule a personalized workshop and earn even MORE FREE STUFF!  Contact me today!

Here is my submission for today’s Splitcoast Stampers Color Challenge.  The colors are:  Perfect Plum, Pale Plum and Soft Suede–quite the interesting color combo!  This week’s “dessert” option is to add a critter.  *LOL* and so I added the little butterfly from the Dreams du Jour stamp set.

The flowers from the Inspired by Nature stamp set are stamped in white craft ink.  I sprinkled the tops with copper heat emboss powder and added some color to the stems and petals with pastels.

You can see the ‘sparkle’ from the emboss powder a little better in this second picture.  It looks just like a shiny copper penny!  The sentiment is from my new favorite sentiment stamp set:  Teeny Tiny Wishes.  There are 24 different sentiments, one for almost every occasion.  You’ll use this set a lot!

The new Scallop Trim Border punch from the Sale-A-Bration catalog is a big hit.  I’m lovin’ this one.  Can’t wait to get my coordinating Scallop Trim Corner punch in the mail!  The dainty little scallops add just the right amount of pizzaz to any project.  The new design is great–the larger handle provides more leverage which makes punching much easier, the low profile makes storage a cinch–they even lock shut, and labels on both the top and end allow for easy identification.

Want to use some of these great new products or learn some of the techniques I used?  Book a workshop or attend one of my new Winter / Spring classes!  Contact me today for more details.  Click here to see my new class schedule.

Here’s one of my favorite stamp sets–Thoughts and Prayers.  I used what’s called the “thumping” technique on this one.  The base is made from Kraft cardstock, layered with Bella Bleu designer paper, Not Quite Navy and Very Vanilla.  Inks include Creamy Caramel, Not Quite Navy and StazOn Black.

Would you like to make this card with your friends?  Host a Stampin’ Up! workshop with me and I’ll show you how!  If you live far away, but within the U.S., you can do a Long Distance Workshop.  I’ll send you everything you need to make two projects.  You’ll get stamps, consumables, supply lists and of course a lovely hostess gift from me.  And don’t forget Sale-A-Bration is going on now through March 31st–you and your friends can earn additional FREE products!

Call or email me today to schedule YOUR personalized workshop!

I love love LOVE Stampin’ Up!’s Sweet Pea Stitched Felt Flowers and coordinating Designer paper!!!  So you can bet your booties I was thrilled when they announced Sweet Pea digital downloads for My Digital Studio (MDS)!

This card was made with MDS and the Sweet Pea Designer Kit which includes stamps, embellishments and the beautiful Sweet Pea designer paper.  I also used textured paper for the background… isn’t it just delicious!!!  I’m going to have several copies printed using Stampin’ Up!’s professional printing service.  I can’t wait!!

If you have any questions or would like to order the Sweet Pea downloads, OR the traditional products, send me an email or visit my demonstrator business website.

Toodles!

Stampin’ Up!’s new Simply Adorned line beautifully combines the best of two worlds: stamping and jewelry! Simply Adorned charms are designed to hold a creation YOU design yourself, making your jewelry truly unique.

Simply Adorned charms are lockets–they open up so you can insert your custom stamped image. The Charming stamp set, along with Rub-Ons, glitter, ribbons, and other embellishments, can help you create your unique charm insert. And don’t forget that you can embellish the chains with ribbon, felt flowers . . . the possibilities are endless! The frame surrounds tempered beveled glass on the front and flat glass on the back. Because there’s glass on both sides of the charm, you can display an image on one side or both. You can create a custom heirloom piece that you’ll never want to change, or you can swap artwork in and out, depending on your mood and your wardrobe. How COOL is that !!!

Although Simply Adorned charms are designed to be jewelry, they also make delightful key chains or Christmas tree ornaments. Insert a stamped image or photo of your loved ones, tie a ribbon through the clasp, and you’re done!

FAQs

Q: What size are the charms?

A: The charms are available in three different sizes: 1″ x 1″, 1″ x 1-1/4″, and 1-1/2″ x 2″. The size listed refers to the charm insert; the metal frame around the insert is slightly larger. You can use the included insert as a template to create the perfect-sized piece of artwork for your frame. It is important that your insert matches the insert template exactly. The hinge on your charm can break if your insert is too large and overlaps onto the frame.

Q: Is the toggle clasp meant to be worn in the front or the back?

A: Our stainless steel chain features a toggle clasp and includes an exclusive Stampin’ Up! charm identifier. The beautiful leaf charm is designed to be worn on the front to enhance the overall design of the necklace, or worn on the back for a simpler look.

Q: What materials are used to make Simply Adorned jewelry?

A: The charms are nickel-plated zinc alloy with tempered beveled glass on the front, and tempered flat glass in the back. The chains are anodized stainless steel with a nickel-plated zinc alloy charm and toggle.

Q: How do I clean my charm?

A: Use clean water and a cotton applicator to clean the jewelry surface. Do not use alcohol or other chemicals to clean your jewelry as they will damage the finish.

Q: How many layers can I fit inside the charm?

A: The number of layers that fit inside each charm depends on the type of materials used. The space in the charm is 2 mm; as card stock, Designer Series paper, ribbon, and adhesives all differ in thickness, it is difficult to specify the number of layers that will fit inside. It is important to remember that you can break the hinge on your charm if your inserts are too thick. Never force the charm closed. If the charm does not close easily, remove a layer or two from your insert and try again.

Q: How is the jewelry packaged?

A: Each piece comes in a Chocolate Chip box (box for charms: 3-1/4″ x 2-1/2″ x 1″; box for chains: 9-1/2″ x 2-1/2″ x 1″).

Above is the versatile “Charming” stamp set that coordinates perfectly with the charms.  While the artwork is a perfect match for your charm inserts, the stamps in Charming can also be used for cards, scrapbook pages, and so much more !!

Valentine’s Day is just two weeks away! Have you made your Valentine’s cards yet? I used this week’s fun Splitcoast Stampers sketch to create this card:

Here’s the ‘recipe’:

1. Start with Certainly Celery for the base (8 1/2 X 5 1/2)
2. Layer Vellum paper on top of the base (4 1/4 X 5 1/4)
3. Cut three 4 1/4 X 1 inch strips from the Bella Bleu DSP collection and adhere to the vellum.
4. Cut one strip each of 5/8″ Certainly Celery and 1/4″ Very Vanilla ribbon and adhere over the DSP as shown.
5. Cut a piece of Crushed Curry cardstock 4 X 3 (Here, I used Textured cardstock).
6. Cut a piece of Chocolate Chip cardstock 4 1/4 X 3 1/4.
7. Layer the Crushed Curry on top of the Chocolate Chip.
8. Using the Very Vintage Jumbo Stampin’ Wheel (from the Occasions mini catalog), roll the image onto Confetti Cream cardstock using Chocolate Chip ink.
9. Punch-out six strips using the Word Window Punch.
10. Adhere to the Crushed Curry cardstock as shown and add Silver Brads.
11. Punch-out the hearts using the Heart to Heart Punch and Chocolate Chip Patterns DSP.
12. Stamp the “love” sentiming using the Tiny Tags stamp set (Clear Mount set used here, from the Occasions mini) and Chocolate Chip ink.
13. Punch out the sentiment using the new Medium Jewelry Tag Punch (from the Occasions mini) and adhere it to the heart using a Red Rhinestone Brad.
14. Adhere hearts to card using Stampin’ Dimensionals.

And that’s all folks! More “heartsy” projects to come. Speaking of hearts, from now until February 28, 2010, $2 from every I {Heart} Hearts stamp set will be donated American Red Cross’ Haiti Relief and Development Fund. The Red Cross is already well-established in Haiti, and this money will be used to provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need.

Visit my demonstrator website to order yours today!

With My Digital Studio, you have the versatility to custom design your invitations your way.  Choose the colors you want, the design you want–even the font.  Plus you can print as many as you need.  And don’t forget, if you print your invitations using Stampin’ Up!’s professional print service, the colors are vibrant and true-to-life.  Your cards will be delivered straight to your door and include envelopes.

If you would like me to design and print your wedding invitations for you, please email me for information on wedding packages.

This is my very first video!  I hope you enjoy it (please, try not to laugh LOL…oops, I just did HA!)  Please send me your feedback and let me know what you think.  If there is anything else you’d like to see demonstrated using My Digital Studio, let me know and I’d be happy to create a tutorial.

Lights, camera, ACTION!