Tuesday, March 04, 2014

Drama in Black and White


  • Dazzle without color
  • Black and white Easter Eggs
I read a comment from a photographer once who said, "Color wants to dazzle your eye and mind so much that at time it tires."  I'm constantly looking on-line for card ideas.  Sometimes I see so many colors together in a card that I wrinkle my nose and turn away because the color choices and card design lack synergy. I'm drawn back to back and white.  It's not just the simple absence of color; its the drama you can create with a simple black and white.  Almost any creation in black and white can create drama.  Take a look at the eggs in the basket I created as part of my Easter display this year. 
    
    The drama of black and white.  Click for larger image

    
 The  Occasions Catalog includes the Simple Stems stamp set used on this card.  Its a design I've used  before, updated with stamps available now. I cut three layers of flowers and added dimensions between the layers.  The sentiment is also raised on dimensionals.  The butterfly is hand-cut, with wings folded up from the body to add more texture to the card.
    Simple Stems Thank You Card.  Click to see a close up image.
    Recipe
    Stamps: Simple Stems (133098-w; 133101-c); Flowering Flourishes (131998-w,126367-c), Papillon Potpourri (132058-w; 123759-c) 
    Paper:   Whisper White, Basic Black
    Inks:  Black Stazon
    Accessories:  Small Oval and Large Oval punches, Essentials (126187) Paper Piercing Pack, Paper Piercer, Dimensionals.


    These eggs were so easy to make.  There great conversation starters.  Simply use your paper piercer to make small holes in each end of an egg.  Blow through the top hole until the contents of the egg flows out the bottom hole.  I made my husband a very large omelet Sunday morning with the contents from the blown eggs.  After washing the eggs I dried them and once dry, I used a Black Sharpie Pen to create the designs.


    Eggs designed with a Sharpie marker pen.

     The eggs were designed with a Black Sharpe and look wonderful in a white milk glass basket I've had forever.  What are you designing for Easter this year?

Quick Links

Enjoy!

Donna Ross
Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator
Private Classes for 1 or a small group of friends:  http://cardmaking.meetup.com/71/


Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Spring Blossoms with Simple Stems

With the weather in Houston turning balmy this weekend, it made me reach for the fresh Spring colors in the Sweet Sorbet Designer Series Paper along with the Simple Stems Stamp sets.
    
    
    Sweet Sorbet Designer Series Paper
The  Occasions Catalog includes the Simple Stem Stamp Set, which was cut into three layers with Dimensions between the layers.  I love cards with lots of layers and the die cut, ribbons and hand-cut flower layers make me think of colors I want to wear this spring.  I doubled the 3/8" Crisp Cantaloupe Ruffled Stretch Trim.   Candy dots worked perfectly in the upper corner.  The little  thank you sentiment is from Express Yourself stamp sets punched on Word Window and mounted on the Modern Label punched shaped.  I hope you enjoy this fresh card. 
    Recipe
    Stamps: Simple Stems (133101 - C), Express Yourself (130339-C)
    Paper:   Sweet Sorbet Designer Series Paper (133521), Pool Party, Whisper White
    Inks:  Calypso Coral, Gumball Green, Basic Black
    Accessories:   Modern Label Punch Word Window punch, Candy Dots, Deco Labels collection framelit (130102),  Big Shot Die Cut Machine and cutting Pads, Big Shot Magnetic Platform (130658), 

Quick Links

Enjoy!

Donna Ross
Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator
Private Classes for 1 or a small group of friends:  http://cardmaking.meetup.com/71/


Tuesday, February 18, 2014

St. Patricks day is just around the corner. You'll be ready with this MDS download


  • Sympathy card from Leadership 2014
  • St. Patrick's day party favors made easy with MDS download
  • Join Stampin' Up! for $99 and get $150 worth of products of your choice
One of my favorite cards I swapped for during Leadership in January was buried at the bottom of my bag until just today.  I'm so thrilled I found this.  I remember spotting this swap from across the lobby of the George R Brown Convention center.  Kathi had a crowd around her -- and you can see why.  This is a beautiful yet simple card.  Unfortunately, I didn't get Kathi's last name to give her credit for this wonderful card, but I'll be happy to add a link back to your site, if you contact me.
    
    Leadership Swap - Jan 2014


    Recipe
    Stamps: Serene Silhouettes (132073-w; 127324-c)Sentiment:  Brighter Tomorrow (retired) Alternative:  Love & Sympathy or Simply Sketched.
    Paper:   Modern Medley, Basic Black, Smoky Slate, Very Vanilla
    Inks:   Basic Black
    Accessories:  White Candy Dots from the Neutrals collection
To place an order for any products above:  Visit my Stampin' Up! Store 


Luck 'O The Irish Ensemble - Digital Download - Item 137092

Where else will you find all the items you need for a party for $9.95.  The Luck 'O The Irish Ensemble MDS Digital Download (added on 2/11/2014), includes all of these

  • Double-sided designer postcard template
  • 7 page décor template (8-1/2 X 11) -- so you can print it at home. ,
  • 16-piece SVG stamp brush set
  • 14 embellishments
  • 2 punches


Luck 'O The Irish Digital Download - 137092 - US$9.95 - Click for larger image



All of these fun items, including a tiny leprechaun's hat are included in this download.  Use your favorite Greens - Certainly Celery, Gumball Green plus Crushed Curry, Whisper White and Basic Black.


Here is a close up of some of the cute items you can make with this download.  Click for larger image.

All of these items are included in this one digital download - for only US$9.95 - 137092.  Click for larger images. 



All of these images come with your download.  They can be colored any colors you want and re-sized to fit your project.  Use them for a party or to dress up a black board or decorate a class room.  Use the download with My Digital Studio, or import it into your favorite digital design software.  (P.S.  I used photo templates from My Digital Studio to add these MDS download images to my blog.  You'll find yourself using this versatile design software for so many projects, once you decide to try it.)


Join Stampin' Up!

As a Stampin' Up Member, you get
  • $150 product for $99 for your start up package
  • 20% discount on products
  • great ideas; even better friends




Take a look at three different suggested orders you could choose for your Sign Up package.
  1. First package - if you've never stamped and are new to stamping and scrapbooking and you want a selection of supplies to get started preserving your memories.
  2. Second package - If you're re-signing and want to order the Big shot package for enhancing your creative gifts
  3. Third package - If you're into digital designing and want to own My Digital Studio design software and some of the popular downloads for creating memorable parties and photobook templates and swatchbook templates for great personalized gifts. 
  4. Or create your own sign-up package choosing just the products you want to own. 

Sign up to save 20 percent on products purchased as a hobby demonstrator; sign up to earn a little extra cash for a vacation or a special purchase; or sign up to turn your hobby into a business -- without working retail hours or the expense of carrying inventory.  

An  extra bonus for signing up now -- that's never been offered before -- is a free conference pass to the yearly Stampin' Up Convention in Salt Lake City in July 2014-celebrating 26 years of business.  I added that in light of all the recent closings of long time scrapbooking companies. With ~55,000 demonstrators world-wide, Stampin' Up! is one of the strongest companies you'll find to join -- very important in today's economy. So if life got in the way of your joy of stamping and scrapbooking, now is a great time to re-join because of the special offered for new Stampin' Up! demonstrators to attend  this year's conference.

Join thousands of other Stampin' Up! demonstrators in classes taught by Stampin' Up! home office expert and some of the most successfully demonstrators in the industry, on Stampin' Up!'s newest products and techniques for traditional or digital scrapbooking and cardmaking.  Take photos of thousands of new ideas for scrapbook pages, cards and paper crafts that will feed your creativity for months to come, special events and receptions, awards, free stamps and products from the Prize Patrol during General Sessions, tours of the Stampin' Up! campus and lots of fun with other stampers and crafters.   

Creative outlet, creative cards, gift cards Enjoy creative accomplishments


Quick Links

Enjoy!

Donna Ross
Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator
Private Classes for 1 or a small group of friends:  http://cardmaking.meetup.com/71/

Tuesday, February 04, 2014

Heartfelt thoughts as Valentine's Day nears

  • Heartfelt Valentine Card
  • My 3 favorite My Digital Studio downloads this week
  • Paper Pumpkin kits now include more plus FREE marker set!
Creativity is such a funny animal.  I had a completely different card in my head when I started making today's card.  ...Well, I DID picture a white card with a red glittery heart.  My original plan called for a fancy double embossed card front mounted on a white base card ... until my Framelit cut a heart in the center of my card instead of embossing.  But it really doesn't matter, because I like how this card turned out!  We've been talking a lot at work about designing new products and how sometimes you get part way down the road and you need to pivot in a different direction.  Well, that what I did.  I started in one direction and pivot in another direction when my original direction didn't work out.  It's all about remaining flexible and moving quickly. 

Love is the condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own.


Robert Heinlein
    
    

It wasn't until I was holding the Banner Blast stamp set in my hand while searching for a different sentiment set that I realized how perfect this set, with its matching Banner punch, would work on my card.  


There's something about hearts and love and caring for another person that makes Valentine's Day a really special holiday...Think about it. Aren't the best holiday's about love?  Your Anniversary... The loving spirit of giving during Christmas.. .And then there's Valentine's Day.  Love the quote below.

 
    Recipe
    Stamps: Banner Blast ((133551-w, 133554-c)  Tip:  I usually buy clear mount stamps to conserve storage, however, when a set has several small pieces, like this set; I find that buying wood instead of clear mount saves me time.  First from mounting on clear blocks every time I use them, and, second, they are less easily lost on my messy scrap tables. 
    Ink:  Real Red
    Paper:   Whisper White cardstock, Red Glimmer Paper (121790)
    Accessories:  Banner Punch (133519) (Can only be earned as a free gift with a $50 purchase during Sale-A-Bration, 1/8" Real Red Taffeta Ribbon, Occasions Paper-Piercing Pack (129387), Stampin' Pierce Mat (126199), Small Heart Punch (117193), Large Heart Punch (119883), Hearts A Flutter Framelits,  Big Shot Die Cut Machine, Magnet base, and cutting Pads, Beautifully Baroque (130917)Embossing Folder
    
    To place an order for any products above:  Visit my Stampin' Up! Store
     

My favorite My Digital Studio downloads  for 4-Feb (this week)


1.Kaleidoscope Design Series Paper Digital Download (137068)

This download includes 3-piece SVG stamp brush set (overlays)
 and 9 Designer Series Paper




This is a digital version of the Kaleidoscope Designer series Paper I used for projects showcased during last week post, featuring fresh new geometric designs featured in clothing and home decorating products this season.

So you can order these paper as both paper version (Kaleidoscope Designer Series Paper (132995)) or as digital versions (137068) -- you choose! (Or like me, order them both!) 


 
 
2. My second favorite download from the new weekly MDS downloads is the Perfect Pennants Stamp Brush Set (137042).  This MDS down load includes a 9-piece SVG stamp brush set.
 
 
 


3.  And my third favorite download comes from the Weekly deals page.  The Sweetest Ever Valentine's Designer Template (129009) which if on sale for only $5.95.  See all this week's Weekly Deals here .





This download was introduced 12/27/2011.  It includes 2-page 8-1/2 X 11 décor designer template, 18 piece stamp brush set and 8 embellishments.  It is designed specifically to gift treats like Lollipops, mini chocolates, Cello bag topper, candybar wrappers and additional labels and tags to add to any treat.  Remember that you can customize colors on stamp brushes.

See what's trending in digital stamping and scrapbooking by visiting, My Digital Studio Site.  Video tutorials, classes, Gallery and a community of users for tips and inspiration.

Last few days to order your Paper Pumpkin monthly kits and get Free in-Color Markers

Dates: January 11-February 10, 2014

Just  a few more days to get the free markers when you sign up for Paper Pumpkin monthly kits.  Cancel any time or putting your kits on hold is easy.  And you're in for great surprise if you're already one of my Paper Pumpkin subscribers.  The new monthly kits now include more product for the same price! 

Details: NEW Paper Pumpkin subscribers who sign up at My Paper Pumpkin before February 10, 2014, will receive a FREE set of 2012-2014 In Color Stampin' Write Markers -a $14.95 value.  And the Feb and March kits are fabulous! We we're given a "behind the curtains" preview of the next two kits--Feb and March--,  very impressive amount of product you'll get in these kits!

Watch this video that shows what the January 2014 Paper Pumpkin Kit looked like.  You can see all of the products unwrapped as part of the kit.  These kits are great for new stampers who want to try stamping and have finished projects within a short stamping session, but don't want to make a big investment in stamping supplier. Each monthly kit include what you need to make the cards plus instructions...or use your creativity to come up with your own designs.   It is a great social activity for any age.
  • This special offer is only valid for new subscribers.
  • Customers must sign up at My Paper Pumpkin
  • The markers will be sent with your Welcome Kit. No coupon code is required. Anyone who signs up for a Paper Pumpkin membership during the promotion dates will receive a set of 2012-2014 In Color Stampin' Write Markers.

Quick Links


Enjoy!

Donna Ross
Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator
Private Classes for 1 or a small group of friends:  http://cardmaking.meetup.com/71/




Tuesday, January 28, 2014

13 Great free Sale-A-Bration gifts to choose from

  • Someone who changes everything . . .
  • 13 Free Sale-A-Bration gifts to choose from
  • Introducing -  Texture Boutique Embossing Machine
  • Create the perfect Valentine with three new Valentine My Digital Studio Digital Downloads
My dear husband is the person in my life who changes everything!  Who is the person in your life that changes everything?  I used the See Ya Later Stamp Set from the Sale-A-Bration flyer to make today's card.  It made me stop and think about all the wonderful things my husband does for me... just because I mentioned  it once.  Yes, he actually listens!  He's not big on the romantic gifts or fancy dinners out, but he knows how much I love nature.  In the past 18 years that we've lived in our home, he's turned the dense forest behind our house into a beautiful private park -- just the way I envisioned when we selected this lot to build on 18 years ago!  This card is for him.

Someone who changes everything from the See Ya Later set, 133533-w, 133536-clear
 
Recipe
Stamps: See Ya Later, (133536-c, 133533-w) FREE with $50 order
Paper:   Silver Foil Sheets (132178), Whisper White, Smoky Slate
Inks:  Versamark (Silver Embossed)
Accessories:  1/8" silver ribbon, Chalk Talk Framelits, fancy fan embossing folders
Big Shot Die Cut Machine and cutting Pads, Circles Collection Framelits, Decorative Label punch, Dimensionals

Today is the start of Sale-A-Bration, which is why I chose the See  Ya Later stamp set.  It is one of 13 free gifts you can choose with your $50 order (excluding Tax and Shipping) from now until 31-March, 2014.  Download the flyer now and start your first order to get your free products.  Order again before the end of March and earn more free gifts.  If your order is close to $99, consider joining Stampin' Up! and you'll get to choose $150 worth of products for only $99, plus, get a 20% discount on products on your future orders.
 
 

http://su-media.s3.amazonaws.com/media/catalogs/NA/20131119_SAB_EN/20131119_SAB_en_US.pdf
Sale-A-Bration - Until 31-Mar-2014 - Free gift with $50 order* (less tax and shipping)

 

 

Introducing -  Portable Texture Boutique Embossing Machine


We saw this great little tool during Leadership, but had to keep this new product under wraps until today.  Introducing...the Texture Boutique Embossing Machine, Item 132657, US$29.95.

Texture Boutique Embossing Machine, Item 132657 - New, limited stock


It's embossing made easy.  Texture Boutique is the perfect, portable tool to create embossed cards, tags, embellishments and more.  Use it with Stampin' Up! exclusive Textured Impression Embossing Folders.  This is a great tool as a portable option to your Big Shot.  Stampin' Up! purchased a limited supply for purchase now, and will not backorder this item.  The next time it will be available again is in the upcoming annual catalog.  So order yours today...or wait until July when the new catalog arrives.

See this new Embossing Machine in action:




 

Create the perfect Valentine with three new Valentine My Digital Studio Digital Downloads

 
My three favorite MDS Downloads this week include:

1.  Countdown the Love Template 

This kit includes an envelope a day for 14 days with fun messages and activities to share with someone you love.  The download includes 9-page designer template (8-1/2 X 11), 56-piece SVG stamp brush set, 5 Designer Series Papers, and 6 embellishment.   




Countdown the Love Template MDS Download, Item 136845



2.  Love you to the Moon Stamp Brush Set Download. 

This is a 7-piece SVG stamp brush set of the stamp from the  Occasions catalog by the same name.


Love You To The Moon stamp Brush Set MDS Download, Item 136851




3.  Language of Love Stamp Brush set Download

This is a 4-piece stamp brush set of one of my favorite stamp sets from the Occasions catalog.


Language of Love MDS Stamp Brush Set Download, Item 136852



See four more new downloads including a great Calendar download that includes 3 video tutorials showing 3 digital calendar projects.  This download makes a desktop wallpaper, a 1 page yearly calendar, a 12 month calendar, and a 10" X 5" easel calendar template.

 

Quick Links

 
 
Enjoy!

Donna Ross
Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator
Private Classes for 1 or a small group of friends:  http://cardmaking.meetup.com/71/


Saturday, January 25, 2014

Close-up on Kaleidoscope card ideas


  • Close up on Kaleidoscope cards
  • See how much more the Paper Pumpkin kits includes in video below
  • Sale-A-Bration starts Tues, Jan 28 - get ready for new project ideas
 
Remember the three cards I showed earlier this week?  I was asked to show a close up of each card, so look below for details of each.  These are great idea starter for using many of the new products from the new Occasions catalog
    
    Three ideas all using Kaleidoscope Designer Series Paper.  Click for larger image.
    
 
The  Occasions Catalog that went live earlier this month, includes the Pomp & Circumstances set used on the first card below.  The twine is part of one of the Sale-A-Bration Accessories kit you can get free with $50 (excluding tax and shipping) purchase next week Tuesday when Sale-A-Bration kicks off.  My niece graduates next month and I'm ready with a modern, hip card that I know she will enjoy.
     
     
    Click for larger image
     
     
     
    Recipe
    Stamps: Pomp & Circumstance (134165-w, 134168, c),
    Paper:   Kaleidoscope Designer Paper (132995), Basic Black, Whisper white, Crushed Curry, Strawberry Slush, Bermuda Bay
    Inks:  Bermuda Bay, Basic Black
    Accessories:  Basic Metal Buttons (133319), Summers Starfruit Twine (from the Sweet Sorbet Accessory Pack, one of the free gifts with a $50 Sale-A-Bration purchase), Decorative Label Punch (120907), Deco Labels collection framelit (130102),  Big Shot Die Cut Machine and cutting Pads, Circles Collection Framelits,
     
     
     
     
    Click for larger image
     
     
     
    Recipe
    Stamps:  Starburst Sayings (133182-W, 133185-c)
    Paper:   Kaleidoscope Designer Paper (132995), Basic Black, Whisper white, Crushed Curry,
    Inks:  Bermuda Bay,
    Accessories:  Starburst Framelit Dies (132967), Big Shot Die Cut Machine and cutting Pads, Circles Collection Framelits, Candy Dots Brad Bases (132293), 1-1/4" Striped Summer Starfruit Grosgrain ribbon (132981), glue dots. 
     
     Tip:  when adding a heavy ribbon to a card, I'll use several glue dots and then heat them with my heating tool.  The glue dots hold more like hot glue and I don't worry about the ribbons falling off.
     
     
     
    Click for larger image
     
     

    Recipe
    Stamps: Perfect Pennants, (133227-w; 133230-c),
    Paper:   Kaleidoscope Designer Paper (132995), Basic Black, Whisper white, Crushed Curry, Strawberry Slush, Bermuda Bay
    Inks:  Bermuda Bay,
    Accessories:  Triangle Punch (133375), Basic Metal Buttons (133319), Scalloped Tag Topper Punch (133324), Summers Starfruit Twine (from the Sweet Sorbet Accessory Pack, one of the free gifts with a $50 Sale-A-Bration purchase),   Big Shot Die Cut Machine and cutting Pads,  and  Primrose Petal 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon (126844); Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Dimensionals, Glue Dots

To place an order for any products above:  Visit my Stampin' Up! Store
 


The Kaleidoscope Designer Series Paper (132995) includes 12 different paper designs so you'll have lots more to select from when making your geometric projects.





Stampin' Up! Sale-A-Bration starts next week


Get ready for some really cute projects made with new items Stampin' Up! will be introducing next week as part of Sale-A-Bration.

A few of the new items are shown in this project.  The new You're Lovely Stamp set, the Sweet Sorbet Designer series Paper and Pool Party twine from the Sweet Sorbet Accessory pack.  All are different free gifts you can choose from with your $50 purchase during Sale-A-Bration.
New You're Lovely stamp set on tag and stamped on bottom of muslin gift bag
 -- from the Sale-A-Bration flyer available Tue, 28- Jan
 
If you're a newbie to stamping, Sale-A-Bration works like this.  For every $50 you spend (excluding shipping and tax), you receive a pick of a free gift from the Sale-A-Bration flyer.   There's lots to choose from.  The products are exclusive -- the only way you can get them is with each of your $50 purchases from the main catalog or the Occasions catalog between Jan 28 - Mar 31.  If you've been holding off on placing your order from the Occasions catalog, next week Tuesday is the day to place your order to take advantage of Free picks.   The on-line ordering system reminds you to select your free gifts before you check out.  Visit my blog on Tuesday to download a copy of the Sale-A-Bration flyer to see which Free gifts you'll choose. 
 

Buy Paper Pumpkin monthly kits and get Free in-Color Markers

Dates: January 11-February 10, 2014

 
Just  a few more weeks to get the free markers when you sign up for Paper Pumpkin.  And you're in for great surprise if you're already one of my Paper Pumpkin subscribers.  The new monthly kits now include more product for the same price! 

Details: NEW Paper Pumpkin subscribers who sign up at My Paper Pumpkin before February 10, 2014, will receive a FREE set of 2012-2014 In Color Stampin' Write Markers -a $14.95 value.  And the Feb and March kits are fabulous! We we're given a "behind the curtains" preview of the next two kits--Feb and March--, I must say that I was very impressed with how much you'll get in these kits!


Sign up for Paper Pumpkin during this promotion and
receive a set of In-Color Stampin' Write Markers - $14.95 value

The video below show what the January 2014 Paper Pumpkin Kit looked like.  You can see all of the products unwrapped as part of the kit.  These kits are great for new stampers who want to try stamping, but don't want to make a big investment in stamping supplier. 

Each monthly kit include what you need to make the cards plus instructions...or use your creativity to come up with your own designsSign up with your BFF, mother or sister and  get together for an afternoon of chatting and crafting with your kits.  This also makes a great gift for someone in a nursing home who is still active, but doesn't have space for a full craft room.  Once a month you'll have a special surprise when you visit.  Give her an extra kit or bring your own so she'll have someone to stamp with.  It is a great social activity for any age.





Watch this video to see what was in the January 2014 Paper Pumpkin kit.
I got a sneak peek at the February and March kits and ABSOLUTELY loved how much product was in each of them. More products; and great value for the stamper who wants to do different projects each month, but doesn't want to invest in a lot of suppliers. 
  • This special offer is only valid for new subscribers.
  • Customers must sign up at My Paper Pumpkin
  • The markers will be sent with your Welcome Kit. No coupon code is required. Anyone who signs up for a Paper Pumpkin membership during the promotion dates will receive a set of 2012-2014 In Color Stampin' Write Markers.

Quick Links

 
 
Enjoy!

Donna Ross
Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator
Private Classes for 1 or a small group of friends:  http://cardmaking.meetup.com/71/