Sunday, February 12, 2012

Valentine's Day Countdown

  • Full court press to complete Valentine's projects
  • Love Bots Download
  • My Digital Studio Express Software use Free for 30 days!

My sweet husband surprised me with two cards this weekend.  One for our Anniversary and another for Valentine's Day.   My husband doesn't buy cards for the intended celebration.  He buys cards that appeal to him and the receiver.  One card was really a Dr. Suess birthday card.  He just draws through the sentiment and writes his own.  The surpise was that the Valentine's Day card was an actual Valentine's day card...and a cute one at that!  Good job, Dear Husband!   

I'm down to the wire, now, on finishing cards for Valentine's Day.When your hobby is card making, its expected that you'll send wonderful hand-made cards for the holidays.  This card is a real time-saver, yet it sparkles and looks like cards taking much longer to make.

I used the Designer Cuts Cards & Envelopes from the Occasions Mini (125414).  I cut it apart, cut it down to 4 X 5-1/4, added a piece of Real Red Glitter Paper behind the laser heart cutout, and mounted the card on a Basic Black base card.  Before mounting I ran the card front through the Big Shot using the hearts from the Adorning Accents Textured Imrpessions Embossing Folder set and tied a Real Red Satin Ribbon across the bottom. Then I used the left over piece from the Designer Cuts, also cut to 4 X 5-1/4 and used it  inside my card.  Perfect for making very fast cards.  The laser cut set of cards and envelopes make ideal wedding, bridal show or Valentine cards and come with two different laser cuts.





Recipe
Stamps: P.S. I Love You (Sentiment)
Paper:   Basic Black, Designer Cuts Cards & Envelopes Set (125414), Real Red Glitter Paper (121790 - a carryover product from the Holiday Mini that is still available)
InksReal Red
Accessories:  Adorning Accents Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (125601), Big Shot, Small Oval Punch (120908), 5/8" Real Red Satin Ribbon (117286), Dimensionals

New Downloads for My Digital Studio are released every Tuesday. The January 17 Download included a template and images for one of the cute boxes offered by Stampin' Up! from one of the past catalogs. . . the valentine Love Bot treat boxes set (129343). I downloaded it as soon as I saw it, but didn't get a chance to play with it until just now.

I love that the box includes the template image so you can create all of your embellishments in what ever color or Designer Series Paper you want to use from My Digital Studio, or you can use the many elements that come with the kit.

Here's a couple of these cute boxes. The one on the left I created from the template alone, adding a background paper in a color that would match my cards and My Digital Studio design software (MDS) stamps and punch elements to create my To: - From: box. Once assembled, I added a pleated ribbon, embossed hearts and Silver Glitter paper.




The treat box on the right (above and below) uses the elements from the Love Bots kit (129343). I added a ribbon band that slides on and off to hold down the box flap. The template and kit embelishments make this an extremely versatile purchase since it can be used for fun, cute children's Valentine Treats (or Birthday treats) or you can use just the template and create matching treat boxes that are more sophisticated and match the papers and colors in your cards.

Here's a great idea if you're pressed for time and still need to help your children make treat boxes for their class mates for Valentine's Day or other occasions.  Take advantage of the free 30-day of the My Digital Studio Express Software.  (See details below on how to download and begin using today!).  Then order and download the Love Bots Kit (129343) for just $4.95.  You'll be able to use the box template, 11-piece stamp brush set, and 20 embellishments today.  What a great project for you and your Children to work on together!

Free 30-day trial of My Digital Studio Express

Here are the details for the free 30-day trial of My Digital Studio Express. Digital designing is one of the hottest crafting trends right now!. You'll enjoy mixing traditional stamping with digital designing and you can download the software and start using it immediately.



Item 129600-  My Digital Studio Express Trial


The free trial includes the My Digital Studio Express software.  This means you'll have full design functionality, access to the Stampin' Up! print services, and the opportunity to purchase My Digital Studio downloads.

At the end of the 30-day trial period, you can purchase either the My Digital Studio or My Digital Studio Express to continue using the software.  You will not need to re-download the program, but will simply enter the product key you received after purchasing the software ( If you purchase the disc version you'll find the key along with the shipped software, and if you purchase the downloadable My Digital Studio Express, you'll receive the product key via email.)

You'll be able to keep any downloads you purchase during the 30-day trial period for enhancing your My Digital Studio Experss software.

To get the free trial version, add My Digital Studio Express (item 129600) to your online shopping cart, and then download and install it.

http://www.mydigitalstudio.net/:  This website is designed for demonstrators and customers alike. It's the place to go for all things My Digital Studio! On this site you will find training videos, sample projects from other My Digital Studio users, a discussion forum, and the full Stampin' Up! digital catalog along with many other useful My Digital Studio tools.  

My Digital Studio and My Digital Studio Express video: This video will help you learn the difference between the My Digital Studio and My Digital Studio Express programs. 
Complete list of My Digital Studio Express downloads: This resource lists all the downloads included in the My Digital Studio Express software. It's a helpful resource to have available when your customers ask what downloads are included in the 30-day trial.
  
My Digital Studio print pricing and specifications: This resource is a great reference not only for print pricing, but also to see the plethora of print products available through My Digital Studio.  You'll be excited by all the printing possibilities!

Order more downloads or other Stampin' Up! merchandise during Sale-A-Bration and Earn free items for every $50 you spendBest time of the year to restock your supplies or order those sets you've wanted for Spring projects is during Sale-A-bration  Get free merchandise while you're buying what you need! For every $50 you spend from Jan 24 - Mar 31, 2012, you receive a free product from the Sale-A-Bration catalog.  Download a free copy of the Sale-A-Bration brochure now to see what you can earn.

If you haven't yet purchased from the new Occasions mini catalog, you'll earn extra rewards when you select your free products with every $50 you spend from the Sale-A-Bration brochure.  

Enjoy!


Donna Ross
Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator
To place an order: http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/donnaross/ - 24/7 Shopping at my Stampin' Up! Website

Tuesday, February 07, 2012

Getting ready for Valentine's Day

  • Yet more Valentine projects
  • Sale-A-Bration - Free merchandise with each $50 order
  • Download and use My Digital Studio Express Software Free for 30 days!
  • $175 Starter Kit now $125, plus it pays for itself with free monthly Designer Series Paper or Digital Downloads

While at Leadership, there was one Lolly on display that really caught my attention.  I just had to duplicate it once I was home.  Here's my C.A.S.E. of the one I saw on display.  The new over-sized half pearls really added the finishing touch.  I used the Fresh Vintage Stamp Set (125115-w; 125117-c) for the center of the Lolly.  And the new1/8" Organdy Ribbon in Calypso Coral added to the whimsy of this fun piece. This ribbon can be one of your FREE Sale-a-Bration selections with a $50 order.   It is part of the Everyday Enchantment Ribbon & Brad Pack (127279).  Of course the Simply Scored Scoring Tool (122334) was used to make the this Lolly.  Two strips of 12" designer series paper were scored at 1/2" and joined together with the Sticky Strip. 





I thought it worked well with one of my recent card  posts and would make a fun, coordinated gift set this Valentine's day.





While I was busy making the Lolly, I also glanced over at another of my recent cards and decided to make a treat holder that matched it.  Here's the treat holder.






The treat holder is made using the Sizzix Pillow Box Die (113446) and the Big Shot.  I also used the P.S. I love you stamp set for the images and tag.  I punched a strip of Real Red Glitter paper with the Scallop Trim Border Punch (118402) and used the Jewelry tag punch (117190) on the "I love you" tag.  The ends of the pillow box are held in place with 1/8" Real Red Taffeta Ribbon.  Both the card and the Treat Holder were run through the Big Shot using the Perfect Details Texturz Plate.

And here the card and the treat holder together.  I tried several camera settings and worked with the brightness and contrast settings to show you the details, but I couldn't seem to capture the design from the Perfect Details Texturz Plate. The cardstock is River Rock, but by the time the photo was dark enough to show the details of the Texturz plate, the color was much darker than River Rock.



I'm doing a Valentine's Card Buffet Class this week-end and all of these designs are part of the class.  Check out my class, if you are in the Houston area!  Register here:  http://www.meetup.com/NW-Houston-F-M-1960-Spring-CardMakers/


Free 30-day trial of My Digital Studio Express

Don't forget to take advantage of the  free 30-day trial of My Digital Studio Express.  Digital designing is one of the hottest crafting trends right now!.  .

To get the free trial version,
add My Digital Studio Express (item 129600) to your online shopping cart, and then download and install it.

Order during Sale-A-Bration and Earn free items for every $50 you spend

Best time of the year to restock your supplies or order those sets you've wanted for Spring projects is during 
Sale-A-bration  Get free merchandise while you're buying what you need! For every $50 you spend from Jan 24 - Mar 31, 2012, you receive a free product from the Sale-A-Bration catalog.  Download a free copy of the Sale-A-Bration brochure now to see what you can earn.

In addition, learn more about how hostess earn products more during Sale-A-Bration.

Demonstrator starter kit only $125 during Sale-A-Bration


And,  joining Stampin' Up! as a demonstrator during Sale-A-Bration pays for itself in free merchandise monthly!  The $175 starter kit (with $340 worth of product and supplies) is only $125 during Sale-A-Bration... and you get either a free package of Designer Series Paper or a Digital Download every month for the rest of 2012.   Learn more and sign up on-line.  You can sign up on line at the "Join Now" button!

Check out upcoming classes using new products, if you are in the Houston area!  Register here:  http://www.meetup.com/NW-Houston-F-M-1960-Spring-CardMakers/
Enjoy!

Donna Ross
Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator
To place an order: http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/donnaross/ - 24/7 Shopping at my Stampin' Up! Website

Saturday, February 04, 2012

Try My Digital Studio Free for 30 days!

  • More Valentine projects
  • Download and use My Digital Studio Express Software Free for 30 days!
  • Sale-A-Bration benefits - Free merchandise with each $50 order
  • $175 Starter Kit now $125, plus it pays for itself with free monthly Designer Series Paper or Digital Downloads

Yet another card I created for swapping at Leadership Conference mid January in San Antonio.  I've posted even more photos from the conference in the photo albums on my Meetup site
This card is made using two of the prints from the Everyday Enchantment Designer Series paper -- free with a $50 order from the Sale-A-Bration catalog.   Demonstrators were able to pre-order stamp sets and papers, so was able to use this at Leadership.




Recipe
Stamps: Floral Fillers stamp set (122780-w) (122782-clear), Sentiment of your choice from Loving thoughts (125843-wood; 125845-clear)
Paper:   Calypso Coral, Lucky Limeade, Baha Breeze, Pool Party, and Poppy Parade prints from the Sale-A-Bration Everyday Enchantment InksBlack StazOn, VersaMark
Designer Series Paper Pack (Free with $50 order)

Accessories:  Black Brads, Heart Punch, White Embossing Powder, Powder Pal, Embossing Tray, Heat Gun, Mat Pack, Mat pack template, Paper piercer, Cupcake Punch, Basic Black Dotted Scallop grosgrain ribbon, Dimensionals


A FREE tutorial on how to make this card:

Base card:
4-1/4 X 11 – Calypso Coral

Background layers
5-1/4 X 4 - Basic Black
5-1/16 X 3-7/8 – Poppy Parade print from the Sale-A-Bration Everyday Enchantment
Designer Series Paper Pack (Free with $50 order)

Image layer
5-1/4 X 1-15/16 – Basic Black
5-1/4 X 1-9/16 – Pool Party print from the Sale-A-Bration Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper Pack
2 X 2-3/4 – Calypso Coral, Lucky Limeade, Baha Breeze

9” Basic Black Scalloped Dots Grosgrain Ribbon (Turned to Black only side)

1. Fold the base card
2.  Adhere the Poppy Parade print from the Sale-A-Bration Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper pack to the Basic Black background.
3. Using the Mat Pack template and the paper piercer, poke three holes for the black brads.  Add the black brads. 
4. Adhere the background layer to the Base card.
Stamp your three hears using VersaMark ink using the heart from the Floral Fillers stamp set (122780-w) (122782-clear), using white embossing powder
Hint:  be sure to dust your cardstock with the Powder Pal before embossing.
5. Punch a diagonal hole in the corner of one heart and thread black scalloped  grosgrain ribbon through the diagonal hold.  I used the candle shape from the Cupcake Builder Punch (121807)
6. Adhere Basic Black and Pool Party print from Everyday Enchantment DSP and adhere it to the base card and background layer.
Hint:  Loosely place your layer into position and stamp your sentiment before permanently adhering the banner to the card.
7.  Before adhering the banner to the card, place your ribbon and heart onto the banner and adhere ends of ribbon to backside of card.  Adhere to background and Base card.
Add remaining two hearts popped up on dimensionals.

I know I showed you this paper during my last post, but I LOVE the new Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper...FREE with a $50 order and I wanted to you see all the lucious prints in this one package!  I'm placing as many orders as possible during Sale-A-Bration just to get my hands on as much of this paper as I can!  Here's a closer look at the great designs and colors in this paper pack.




Free 30-day trial of My Digital Studio Express
One more special I want to make sure you know about is the free 30-day trial of My Digital Studio Express.  Digital designing is one of the hottest crafting trends right now!.  And while mixing traditional stamping with digital designing may not seem intuitive at first, you may be surprised at how easy it to do.


Item 129600-  My Digital Studio Express Trial


The free trial includes the My Digital Studio Express software.  This means you'll have full design functionality, access to the Stampin' Up! print services, and the opportunity to purchase My Digital Studio downloads.

At the end of the 30-day trial period, you can purchase either the My Digital Studio or My Digital Studio Express to continue using the software.  You will not need to re-download the program, but will simply enter the product key you received after purchasing the software ( If you purchase the disc version you'll find the key along with the shipped software, and if you purchase the downloadable My Digital Studio Express, you'll receive the product key via email.)

You'll be able to keep any downloads you purchase during the 30-day trial period for enhancing your My Digital Studio Experss software.

To get the free trial version, add My Digital Studio Express (item 129600) to your online shopping cart, and then download and install it.

  • www.MyDigitalStudio.ne:t  This website is designed for demonstrators and customers alike. It's the place to go for all things My Digital Studio! On this site you will find training videos, sample projects from other My Digital Studio users, a discussion forum, and the full Stampin' Up! digital catalog along with many other useful My Digital Studio tools.  


  • My Digital Studio and My Digital Studio Express video: This video will help you learn the difference between the My Digital Studio and My Digital Studio Express programs. 


  • Complete list of My Digital Studio Express downloads: This resource lists all the downloads included in the My Digital Studio Express software. It's a helpful resource to have available when your customers ask what downloads are included in the 30-day trial.

  •   
  • My Digital Studio print pricing and specifications: This resource is a great reference not only for print pricing, but also to see the plethora of print products available through My Digital Studio.  You'll be excited by all the printing possibilities!


  • Order during Sale-A-Bration and Earn free items for every $50 you spend

    Best time of the year to restock your supplies or order those sets you've wanted for Spring projects is during Sale-A-bration  Get free merchandise while you're buying what you need! For every $50 you spend from Jan 24 - Mar 31, 2012, you receive a free product from the Sale-A-Bration catalog.  Download a free copy of the Sale-A-Bration brochure now to see what you can earn.

    If you haven't yet purchased from the new Occasions mini catalog, you'll earn extra rewards when you select your free products with every $50 you spend from the Sale-A-Bration brochure.  

    Demonstrator starter kit only $125 during Sale-A-BrationAnd,  joining Stampin' Up! as a demonstrator during Sale-A-Bration pays for itself in free merchandise monthly!  The $175 starter kit (with $340 worth of product and supplies) is only $125 during Sale-A-Bration... and you get either a free package of Designer Series Paper or a Digital Download every month for the rest of 2012.  You can switch each month.  Digital Download one month; package of Designer Series Paper the next month.  Contact me if you want to learn more.  Or learn more and sign up on-line.  You can sign up on line at the "Join Now" button!






    In addition, learn more about how hostess earn products more during Sale-A-Bration.

     
    Check out upcoming classes using new products, if you are in the Houston area!  Register here:  http://www.meetup.com/NW-Houston-F-M-1960-Spring-CardMakers/
    Enjoy!

    Donna Ross
    Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator
    To place an order: http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/donnaross/ - 24/7 Shopping at my Stampin' Up! Website


    Saturday, January 28, 2012

    Everyday Enchantment Valentine

    • A Valentine swap I made for Leadership
    • Photos from Leadership
    • Sale-A-Bration benefits - Free merchandise with each $50 order
    • $175 Starter Kit now $125, plus it pays for itself with free monthly Designer Series Paper or Digital Downloads

    Here is another card I created for swapping at Leadership.   I hope you've had a chance to purchase from the new Occasions mini catalog, and select your free products with every $50 you spend from the Sale-A-Bration brochure.  We received so many tips and ideas for using these new products during the Stampin' Up! Leadership Conference last week in San Antonio.  I've posted a few of the photos from the conference on my Meetup site.  I'll continue to post more cards over the next couple of weeks.

    This card is made using the new Pleated Satin Ribbon, the new Hat Pins, Take it to Heart, and P.S. I love You stamp sets-- all from the Occasions mini-- and it uses Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper --free with a $50 order--from the Sale-A-Bration catalog.  Demonstrators were able to pre-order stamp sets, so I've been playing with these new sets, accessories, and new papers since early December--my Christmas present this year.   





    Recipe
    Stamps: Take it to Heart (125520-w; 125522-c), P.S. I love You (125460-W; 125462-C), Valentine Love (122695-W; 122697-c)
    Paper:   Everyday Enchantment DSP (126154 -only available Free with a $50 order during Sale-a-bration), Baja Breeze, Riding Hood Red, Very Vanilla 
    Inks:  VersaMark, Baja Breeze
    Accessories:  Cherry Scented Stampin' Embossing Powder (127035) --it is also available in Vanilla Scent (155590) or Melon Scent ( 127034), 3/8" Riding Hood Red Pleated Satin Ribbon (125569), Red Sticky Tape, Paper Piercer, Powder Pal, Heat Tool, Embossing tray, 1/2" Baja Breeze Seam Binding, Full Heart Punch, smallest size Basic Pearls, Full Heart Punch

    I love the new Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper...FREE with a $50 order.  Take a look at the great designs and colors in this paper pack.



    With Sale-A-bration in full swing, now is the perfect time for you to restock any supplies you're low on and get free merchandise while you're buying what you need!  For every $50 you spend from Jan 24 - Mar 31, 2012, you receive a free product from the Sale-A-Bration catalog.  Download a free copy of the Sale-A-Bration brochure now to see what you can earn.

    And,  joining Stampin' Up! as a demonstrator during Sale-A-Bration pays for itself in free merchandise monthly!  The $175 starter kit (with $340 worth of product and supplies) is only $125 during Sale-A-Bration... and you get either a free package of Designer Series Paper or a Digital Download every month for the rest of 2012.  You can switch each month.  Digital Download one month; package of Designer Series Paper the next month.  Contact me if you want to learn more.  Or learn more and sign up on-line.  You can sign up on line at the "Join Now" button!






    In addition, learn more about how hostess earn products more during Sale-A-Bration.
    




    Check out upcoming classes using new products, if you are in the Houston area!  Register here:  http://www.meetup.com/NW-Houston-F-M-1960-Spring-CardMakers/
    Enjoy!

    Donna Ross
    Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator
    To place an order: http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/donnaross/ - 24/7 Shopping at my Stampin' Up! Website

    Thursday, January 26, 2012

    Mixed Bunch Valentine Card and Sale-A-Bration

    • One of my Leadership Swaps
    • Valentine Card Class this week end
    • Sale-A-Bration benefits - Free merchandise with each $50 order
    • $175 Starter Kit now $125, plus it pays for itself with free monthly Designer Series Paper or Digital Downloads

    It is such an exciting time of the year!  Returning from Stampin' Up!s Leadership conference, we saw how to use so many new products.  And now with the new Occasions mini catalog, and Sale-A-Bration in full swing it is a fun time to share with you some of the new products we received at the Conference.

    This card is made using the new Mixed Bunch stamp set.  We received this set free at Leadership.  In addition to the stamp set, the Occasions mini catalog includes a new punch that fits all three flowers in this set

    Here's a swap card I made for Leadership:




    Recipe
    Stamps:  Mixed Bunch (125535 - wood; 125537 - clear mount),  P.S. I love You (125460-W; 125462-C)
    Paper:  Whisper White, River Rock, Red Glimmer Paper
    Inks:  VersaMark
    Accessories:  Perfect Details Textured Plate, Big Shot Die Cut Machine, Gold Brads, Gold Embossing powder, Heat Tool, Piercing Tool, Fashionable Hearts Embosslit Die, Mat Pack, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Dimensionals

    I did a lot of card swapping at Leadership this year, and we'll be making this card and many of the cards I received as swaps during my upcoming Valentine's class, Sunday, January 29.  Join us if you are in the Houston area!  Register here:  http://www.meetup.com/NW-Houston-F-M-1960-Spring-CardMakers/


    Also, Sale-A-bration is in full swing!  That means for every $50 you spend from Jan 24 - March 31, 2012, you receive a free product from the Sale-A-Bration catalog.  Download a free copy of the Sale-A-Bration brochure now to see what you can earn.

    In addition, hostess earn products more during Sale-A-Bration.



    And,  joining Stampin' Up! as a demonstrator during Sale-A-Bration pays for itself in free merchandise monthly!  The $175 starter kit (with $340 worth of product and supplies) is only $125 during Sale-A-Bration... and you get either a free package of Designer Series Paper or a Digital Download every month for the rest of 2012.  You can switch each month.  Digital Download one month; package of Designer Series Paper the next month.  Contact me if you want to learn more.  You can sign up on line at the "Join Now" button!

    Enjoy!

    Donna Ross
    Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator
    To place an order: http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/donnaross/ - 24/7 Shopping at my Stampin' Up! Website
     
     

    Saturday, January 21, 2012

    Stampin' Up! Leadership 2012 - San Antonio, TX

    • Leadership – San Antonio Texas
    • Leadership Bag and Gift
    • Samples from Leadership Convention


    This week I’m in San Antonio, Texas, with 1,400 of my fellow demonstrators for the Stampin’ Up! Leadership Convention followed on Saturday by a one-day Regional Stampin’ Up! event.

    As always, Stampin’ Up! provided Convention bags and lots of prizes, surprises and give-aways to us.  This year the Leadership Convention bags were fabric, and held our free stamp sets, two free markers, Designer buttons, and ribbon.  Here’ what the bags look like.  Lots of pockets and Designer buttons holding the pockets closed when not in use. 

     



    In addition, during our first day of Make & Takes, we were also given a matching journaling cover made from the same fabric.





    The fabric theme was continued by Stampin' Up!, by dressing home-office make & take helpers in matching fabric aprons. 






     Each of the aprons was a different style. 






    Why is it great to be a Stampin' Up! demonstrator?  Besides running your own business, because at Conventions, the prize patrol is busy giving us free stamp sets from the Sale-a-bration catalog, a sneak peek set given every demonstrator from next year's catalog, which I cannot show your yet,  plus new larger basic half pearls, rhinestones, ruffled ribbon, a CD for My Digital Studio digital design software of all the Sale-A-Bration content, and a package of new Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper...whew! (Sale-a-bration begins January 24 where you can earn free products for every $50 you spend! or join as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator at the reduced rate of $125 to earn 20% discounts on Stampin' Up! products). 

    Of course, Convention wouldn't be complete without Stampin' Up! showing us fun, unique ways to use these wonderful new projects. 

    Here are a few of the displays showing samples made from these new products.















    Over the next few days I'll be sharing more photos from Leadership Convention displays, card samples, and my swaps with other demonstrators.  I'm also attending Regional - a one-day event for demonstrators and guests, which follows Leadership Convention.


    Visit my blog and register using your email address so you are notified as I post new ideas from the Occasions mini catalog and the Sale-a-bration catalog:  http://www.stampedsophisticates.com/

    Enjoy!

    Donna Ross
    Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator
    To place an order: http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/donnaross/ - 24/7 Shopping at my Stampin' Up! Website