Thursday, October 22, 2015

Get ready for Halloween!

  •  Halloween Treat Holders
  • Halloween Card Ideas
  • 15% off Stampin' Up! Stamps - Oct 19-23, 2015

Trick or Treat


I'm always excited about Halloween projects.  There's something about the leaves turning to bright orange and red and the temperatures beginning to cool in Houston that makes me excited to use new stamps and papers and new embellishment -- especially the new, lacy spider web in the Stampin' Up! Holiday catalog! Here are a few fun ideas.

This Treat bag is perfect for a few wrapped candies.  You can make your own treat holder and cookie bags, fill them with homemade or store bought goodies and include a handmade card to show your love.




Stampin' Up! Halloween treat holders and greeting cards

There's still time to make these cute Halloween treat bags and card to be ready for trick or treaters!


The Mini Treat Bag Thinlet

 In addition to making this cute treat bag, this same design would work great on the front of a matching card.


Halloween treat bag  with Spider Web Doilies


Recipe

  • Stamps: Sweet Hauntings (sentiment)- 139702
  • Paper:  Happy Haunting Designer Series Paper, Pumpkin Pie
  • Ink:  Basic Black Archival Ink (Caution:  Using Archival Ink on clear stamps will turn them permanently dark; but they are still usable)
  • Accessories:   Hearth & Home Thinlit  Die (139666), 1/8" Sliver ribbon, Spider Web Doilies (139622),  Mini Treat Bag Thinlits (137547), Chalk Talk Framelet,  Big Shot Die Cutting machine, Cutting Plates, Magnetic Platform,

The Hearth & Home Thinlet Die

The Hearth & Home thinlet  die is an instant favorite!  Make a window;  make a hearth; make a double window.  You can do it all with this wonderful die.  Although dies retire, this is one you'll want for your permanent collection.





Stampin' Up1 Spooky Halloween card with Curvy Corner Trio Punch



I almost missed the new Curvy Corner Trio Punch in the Stampin' Up! holiday catalog.  Check out the great corner designs this punch creates on two layers of the card above.  The punch cuts 3 different shapes.  In addition to the two shown above, it also punches a small slit to use as a ribbon slide.



Recipe
  • Stamps: Happy Scenes (sentiment)- 139821
  • Paper:  Happy Haunting Designer Series Paper, Whisper White, Pumpkin Pie
  • Ink:  Basic Black Archival Ink (Caution:  Using Archival Ink on clear stamps will turn them permanently dark; but they are still usable)
  • Accessories:   Curvy Corner Trio Punch (1396830, Hearth & Home Thinlit  Die (139666), Big Shot Die Cutting machine, Cutting Plates, Magnetic Platform, Black (Neutrals) Candy Dots, Dimensionals.






Stampin' Up!  Sweet Hauntings treat Holder


Start with a 11" X 3-1/5" sheet of Basic Black paper.  Score at 4-3/4 and 6-1/4"  Add designer paper to front and back.  Add an optional box insert to hold candy more securely.  Punch holes in top and thread ribbon for bow.  Add stamped sentiments from the Among the Branches and hand cut one of the bottle stamps from the Among the Branches set.

Recipe
  • Stamps: Among the Branches (Spooky sentiment)- 119818
  • Paper:  Happy Haunting Designer Services Paper, Pumpkin Pie, Stamp Sentiment on Whisper White, Basic Black 
  • Ink:  Basic Black Archival Ink (Caution:  Using Archival Ink on clear stamps will turn them permanently dark; but they are still usable)
  • Accessories:   3" Circle punch, 3-1/2" Scalloped Circle punch, 3/8" Basic Black stitched ribbon
 

 15% off Stamps - last day

Shop Now




Yes!  you read that right!  From October 19 until October 23 -- just a few short days--any stamps you purchase are 15% off! This is the perfect time to order those Holiday  stamps in time to treat your friends and family to beautiful handmade holiday cards.


Want more ideas?

 
Want more ideas?  Take a look at the swaps I made and received during Convention and uploaded to the photos section of my Meetup site.  See something you like?  Leave me a comment here.  I'll be putting together a general card class shortly and this is one way for your desires to be known


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, August 04, 2015

Stampin' Up! 2015 Convention Swaps




  • Butterfly Basics Convention Swap
  • Boho Chic Stampin' Up Convention Swaps
  • Card ideas

  • Stampin' Up! 2015 Convention Swaps


    Here's another swap I did for Convention.  I'm still straightening up my craft room following the weeks leading up to Convention and the clutter created in my craft room from designing and  assembling 5 different designs for Convention swaps.




    The biggest challenge with this card was die cutting the butterflies in bulk.  I usually order two of each thinlit die set so when I'm producing cards in large numbers, the work is reduced by half by having two of the same thinlit go through the Big Shot at once.  In this case, I had already made a couple dozen butterflies before my second thinlit arrived.  I found that the thinlit that I had used multiple times before and the new thinlit didn't cut the same.  Because one was very used, I needed to a shim under that butterfly  thinlit to get it to cut completely through our wonderful, thick Stampin' Up! card stock.  After a couple of attempts to line up one with shim, one without I found it was faster just to use one die at a time.   Next time I'll remind myself to order duplicate thinlits at the same time and use them together to keep them working well.

    Here's the recipe for this card.




    Recipe
    • Stamps: Butterfly Basics (137154)
    • Paper:  Basic Black, Very Vanilla, Elegant Eggplant, Timeless Elegance Designer Series Paper
    • Ink:  Basic Grey, Elegant Eggplant Marker, Old Olive Marker
    • Accessories:   7/8" Sahara Sand Lace Trim, Wisteria Wonder 1/2" seam binding, Oval Framelits, Basic Pearls, Butterflies Thinlit die, Big Shot Die Cutting machine, Cutting Plates, Magnetic Platform

     Demonstrator Advantage


    Demonstrators can view many of the live transmissions from the 2015 Stampin' Up! Convention  via video If you missed the streamed sessions showing wonderful card and craft ideas  from the upcoming Fall and Holiday catalog at Convention 2015, take a look at the videos for ideas for the upcoming season.

    And if you have been thinking about joining Stampin' Up! as a demonstrator to earn discounts on what you buy or as a way to earn a little extra money for the holidays, don't forget: 

    • Demonstrators who sign up August can place orders for the new fall & winter catalog products, in addition to selecting items from the main catalog
    • Did you know that if you host a Stampin' Up! party with your friends, that rewards you earn from the sales during a party you host can be applied to the Stampin' Up! starter kit.
    • Check out more info about becoming either a hobby demonstrator or as a fun, rewarding career, here.
    • Check out all the great items you can select from the 2015-2016 Stampin' Up! Catalog and Idea book.  You can download it right now



    Boho Chic Swaps from Convention


    Here are some of the great swaps I received this year at Convention.  I've uploaded more at the photo link on my Meetup Site.  I'm working on fall card classes, so if you see something you would like me to include leave me a message either here or on my Meetup Site.




    Three cards all used the Boho Chic Textured Impressions Embossing Folder differently










    Want more ideas?


    Want more ideas?  Take a look at the swaps I made and received during Convention and uploaded to the photos section of my Meetup site.  See something you like?  Leave me a comment here.  I'll be putting together a general card class shortly and this is one way for your desires to be known

    Quick Links

    Enjoy!

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

    Sunday, July 26, 2015

    Stampin' Up! Convention 2015

  • Stampin' Up! Convention 2015 Wrap-up
  • Convention Swaps
  • New Project ideas - see link in my store

  • Stampin' Up! Convention 2015 Wrap-up


    Well I'm back in Houston after spending the last 4 days in Salt Lake City at the Stampin' Up! Annual convention.  It was my 10th year with Stampin' Up! and Stampin' Up helped me celebrate with a special booth for breaks while on the display floor,  and a gifts including Stampin' Up! products, and stamp sets in addition to the 10 year pin with two diamonds. 


    The first day of convention this year, we previewed the new fall and holiday catalog which will be available to customers beginning Sept 1.   I can't show it to you yet, but thousands of North American demonstrators who were at Convention spent several days watching the creative teams at Stampin' Up! and several top demonstrators show us projects we can make with the new kits and stamp sets from this catalog.  Demos attending convention were able to place a special order for these new catalog items while at Convention, giving us a two week head start planning our fall and winter projects.

    If you've been waiting to sign up with Stampin' Up! as a demonstrator, August 1 is the perfect time to do so. 
    • Demonstrators who sign up Aug 1 can place orders for the new fall & winter catalog products, in addition to selecting items from the Big Catalog -- the main catalog
    • Did you know that if you host a Stampin' Up! party with your friends, that rewards you earn from the sales during a part you host can be applied to the Stampin' Up! starter kit.
    • Check out more info about becoming either a hobby demonstrator or as a fun, rewarding career, here.
    • Stampin' Up! 2015-2016 annual catalog
      is now available for download.
    • Check out all the great items you can select from the 2015-2016 Stampin' Up! Catalog and Idea book.  You can download it right now


    






    Swaps and display boards

    I had great fun at convention swapping again this year.  I was in 4 organized swaps and also participate in general swaps with anyone and everyone throughout the day.

    Here's one I'll share with you today.  Stay tuned for more over the next few week.  

    Recipe: 
    This card was for Lissa's Convention "Now Tis is Convention Quality" Swap.  I've participated in this swap for several years now, and the quality continues to get better every year.






    • Stamps: And Many More
    • Paper:  Basic Grey, Fancy Foil Designer Vellum, Go Wild Design Series paper Stack, Rich Razzleberry Designer Series Paper Stack
    • Ink:  Basic Grey
    • Accessories:  Tea Lace Paper Doilies, 2-1/2" Circle Punch, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Elegant Butterfly Punch, Bitty Butterfly Punch, Butterflies Thinlet die, Big Shot Die Cutting machine, Cutting Plates, Magnetic Platform


    Want more ideas?

    Take a look at my Stampin' Up! store.  There's a new section called Projects that will give your great ideas you can make your own.  Its in the left hand navigation bar, near the top.

    Click for larger Image.  Look for Projects for Craft project ideas



    Want more ideas?  Take a look at the photos I took during Convention and uploaded to the
    photos section of my Meetup site.  See something you like?  Leave me a comment here.  I'll be putting together a general card class shortly and this is one way for your desires to be known

    Quick Links

    Enjoy!

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

    Monday, June 08, 2015

    Brick Wall Textured Impression Folder


    • Brick Wall Textured Impressions
    • Getting ready for Stampin' Up! Convention in July. 
    • Final days for My Digital Studio product support 

    Still un packing my boxes of new product from my new catalog order.  Found a sample in the catalog that I had to try.  Love the new Brick Wall Textured Impression Folder. 

    Mint Macaron card with Brick Wall Textured Impression Folder cover
    Click for larger image..  Thoughts & Prayers and new Brick Wall Textured Impression Folder
      
      Recipe:  Stamps:  Thoughts & Prayers Inks:  Mint Macaroon Ink and VersaMark Papers:  Whisper White, Mint Macaron, Go Wild Designer Series Paper Stack, Tip Top Taupe Accessories:  2015-2017 In Colors Blossom Accent, Petite Petals Punch, Framelit Ovals, Brick Wall Textured Impression Folder

    Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog





    Convention - July 2015

    Getting excited.  Only a few more weeks until Stampin' Up! Convention, and I'm signed up for three different swaps.  Still working on designs.  Fun, but always stressful until I settle on final designs I like.  Are you planning to attend?  See my previous blog if you're thinking about signing up as a demonstrator so you can attend Stampin' Up! Convention in Salt Lake City in mid July.  Details about a special $99 sign-up kit were in my previous post.

     

    Final days for My Digital Studio product line support.

    • June 9 is the last day that Stampin' Up! will support the My Digital Studio product line. After June 9, all of the MDS websites will be taken down. That list includes MyDigitalStudio.net, related content on the stampinup.com demonstrator website, the download manager, YouTube videos, Facebook, and Pinterest.
    • Make sure that you download and back up your digital downloads and software before June 9. For help with backing up files, see MyDigitalStudio.net/backup.
    • Your My Digital Studio software will work for the foreseeable future.
    • Stampin' Up! has worked with StoryRock, My Digital Studio creators, to provide you an upgrade path.  MyMemories version 5 software is free to download.
    • MyMemories version 6 software is normally available for US$39.99, but StoryRock has cut the price to US$19.99 for anyone who purchases the software via this special offer.  See more details about the offer here.

    Quick Links

    • Want to purchase at a discount?  Sign up for $99 between now and the end of June (regularly $125) plus get two free stamp sets
    • NEW - Weekly Deals -- every Tuesday, while supplies last - now available!
    • Download a free copy of the 2015-2016 Annual catalog
    • Reminder:  Download your MyDigitalStudio (MDS) software before the MDS download center closes on June 8, if you want to keep a back up of your file.
    • Contact MyMemories to download a free copy of a previous version or purchase a US$39.95 copy of the latest version of the software for a reduced rate for MDS user for only $19.95.  The StoryRock developers created the original version of My Digital Studio and the  MyMemories Suite works very much like MyDigitalStudio.  You can move all of your MDS downloads and projects into MyMemories Suite and continue enjoying digital scrapbooking with your MDS downloads.
    • Clearance Rack - Products available while they last
    Enjoy!

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


    Friday, June 05, 2015

    New 2015-2016 Stampin' Up! card samples Bohemian Boarders


    • Boho Chic with Bohemian Boarders card sample
    • Retired MyDigitalStudio downloads work with MyMemories software.

    Playing with the new stamps and backgrounds from the new catalog.  The left is a single layer background.  The version on the right includes a background of Mint Macaron and a little Gold Glitter paper scrap that was sitting on my work table.  My big order from the new catalog arrive last night and I had today off.  My craft room was a very busy place -- finding room for new goodies.
     
      
      Stampin' Up! Bohemian Boarders
      

      A couple versions of this easy to make card:


      Bohemian Boarders, Boho Chick and Bohemian Designer Washi Tape


      The background on this version used the Boho Chic Embossing folder. One of the stamps from Bohemian Borders fits perfectly over the embossed background.  I'm going to make a few more to have on hand.  The one thing I would change now that its finished is I want to try a few with Lost Lagoon rather than Mint Macaroon.  

      Recipe: 
      Stamps:  Bohemian Borders photopolymer stamp set (138938), Happy Happenings
      Inks:  Mint Macaroon Ink and Stampin' Write Marker, and Delightful Dijon Stampin' Write Marker
      Papers:  Whisper White,
      Accessories:  Boho Chic Textured Impressions embossing folder   (138286)  Dimensionals, Bohemian Designer Washi Tape (138386), Tags and Label Framelit Dies, Updated Essentials Paper Piercing Pack, Gold Baker's Twine, Big Shot

    Stampin' Up! Bohemian and new Tags & Label Framelit Dies


    This version has a Mint Macaron basecard layer.  I also experiment with using the Stampin' Write Marker to get bolder outlines on the raised image.   Notice the Bohemian Designer Series paper in the background.  I love this bold, colorful design.  However, if this isn't your style, you'll be interested to know that you can mute colors to something softer by using a sponge and your white ink pad.  Sponge the paper until you achieve a more muted tone you're happy with.  There's also a more muted pattern on the back side of these designer series papers.
     

    Retired MyDigitalStudio Downloads works with MyMemories suite!


    Although Stampin' Up! has discontinued support for MyDigitalStudio software and has stopped offering digital downloads of stamps and shapes from the Stampin' Up! product line, you can continue to use your software until such time as computer operating system updates or Java updates make it unusable.  Your software will still work, but on June 8 you will no longer be able to sed your items to a Professional printer through the software.

     
    I took a recommended path and purchased a copy of the latest version of MyMemories software.  MyMemories Suite was developed by StoryRock, the same company that developed MyDigitalStudio.  The products work very similarly.  I downloaded a copy last night and played with it to get a feel for how it worked before I invested time in moving my files to the MyMemories Suite.

    There is a special going on until June 8 that allows you to purchase the newest US$39.95 version of MyMemories for $19.95, if you were a MDS user. At the same site, I also ran across a free version of MyMemories, but it was not the latest version.  However, the free copy allows you to send your document to print services, which will not work in MyDigitalStudio after May 8. Even if you don't plan to switch immediately, I recommend downloading the MyMemories free version for MyDigitalStudio users so you have an upgrade path for the future. . . especially if you want to continue using your investment in great Stampin' Up! artwork.

    You can move your existing downloads and continue using your My Digital Studio downloads in MyMemories.  Also, by changing the extension on your MDS projects from .mds to .mms, you can also continue to work on your MDS projects in the MyMemories Suite.  The MyMemories site has detailed information on how to do the migration of files.  There is also information on YouTube for visual learners that make it effortless to migrate.  Don't delay.  If you need to backup your MDS download purchases, you only have until June 8 to do so.  After that, the MDS download center goes away.  Make the switch to the MyMemories software by June 8 to take advantage of the reduced rates.

    Reminder:  Place any $25.00 order through June 30 on my on-line Stampin' Up! store and I'll mail you a new catalog.  (sorry, U.S. addresses only).  This is the perfect set to order to qualify for a free catalog.

    Quick Links

    • Want to purchase at a discount?  Sign up for $99 between now and the end of June (regularly $125) plus get two free stamp sets
    • NEW - Weekly Deals -- every Tuesday, while supplies last - now available!
    • Download a free copy of the 2015-2016 Annual catalog
    • Reminder:  Download your MyDigitalStudio (MDS) software before the MDS download center closes on June 8, if you want to keep a back up of your file.
    • Contact MyMemories to download a free copy of a previous version or purchase a US$39.95 copy of the latest version of the software for a reduced rate for MDS user for only $19.95.  The StoryRock developers created the original version of My Digital Studio and the  MyMemories Suite works very much like MyDigitalStudio.  You can move all of your MDS downloads and projects into MyMemories Suite and continue enjoying digital scrapbooking with your MDS downloads.
    • Clearance Rack - Products available while they last
    Enjoy!

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


    Tuesday, June 02, 2015

    New Stampin' Up! 2015-2016 Catalog is live!


  • New catalog is live
  • Catalog transition day
  • Two free stamps when you sign up for a Stampin' Up! starter kit


  •  

    Catalog transition day!


    It's here!  And you can download it right now


    Stampin' Up! 2015-2016 annual catalog is now available for download.


    Talk about a unique experience!  The sales periods for the 2014-2015 annual catalog, the 2015 occasions catalog, and the 2015-2016 annual catalog will overlap on June 2.  Yes!  You can order from all 3 catalogs one day only, on June 2.  

    Here's the deal:  June 2 only:
    • All carryover items from the 2014-2015 annual catalog and 2015 occasions catalog will keep their 2014-2015 prices on June 2, while brand-new items in the 2015-2016 annual catalog will follow the 2015-2016 printed price. Beginning 3 June, all 2015-2016 pricing will take effect.
    • Current reward program benefits will remain in effect on June 2. Beginning June 3, all new reward benefits will take effect.
    • On June 2, if you purchase more than $150 (less tax and shipping) you may choose host items from the 2014-2015 annual catalog, the 2015 occasions catalog, or the 2015-2016 annual catalog.
    • Beginning June 3, hosts will no longer be able to choose host items from the 2014-2015 annual catalog or the 2015 occasions catalog, and the new Stampin' Rewards program will begin.

    • On June 2, all Online Store categories will be replaced with new categories in support of the 2015-2016 annual catalog. The new categories will contain NEW and CARRYOVER items in the 2015-2016 annual catalog. All other items will be searchable and orderable, but not categorized. The Retiring Products category and any remaining available items will be active through June 2.
    • What a great opportunity to order new products while earning rewards to get that last "must-have" stamp set or designer paper from the retiring catalogs. 


    Sweet stack project kit

    Make this fun kit of 20 favor boxes using the Sweet Stack Project Kit (138812)  $US21.00!






     

      
      

      Kit includes: 
      Complete the kit using the Sweet Stack Stamp Set (item 138948). Stamps, ink, and adhesive sold separately. Instructions included.

      * 10 die-cut cake boxes to make one 7" (17.8 cm) diameter cake layer
      * 10 die-cut cake boxes to make one 9" (22.9 cm) diameter cake layer
      * Die-cut printed accents
      * Alphabet stickers
      * Kraft chipboard cake stand, pedestal, and border
      * Baker's twine for banner
      * Banner sticks
      * Paper straws for candles
      * Coordinates with the Sweet Stack Stamp Set (item 138948), sold separately

      Coordinating colors: Crushed Curry, Island Indigo, Watermelon Wonder, white

    Join Stampin' Up June 2-30 and get 2 free stamp sets!


    As a Stampin' Up Member, you get
    • $125 worth of product in a starter kit for $99 plus two free stamp sets of your choice
    • 20% discount on products (30% discount on your first order over $150 placed within 45 days of joining)
    • great ideas; even better friends



    
    Get started with US$99 Stampin' Up! starter kit
     

    Download a copy of the new catalog above and take a look at what you could choose for your Stampin' Up! starter kit package.

    • Sign up to save 20 percent on products purchased as a hobby demonstrator
    • Or, 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.  
       
    What's a demonstrator?
    • Demonstrators run their own home-based business selling creative products that inspire people and give them helpful ways to enhance their lives. And they get to work with customers and hosts to give great parties that introduce new people to Stampin’ Up!
    An  extra bonus for signing up now --two free stamp sets from the catalog in addition to your starter kit. 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.

    Former demonstrator?  If life got in the way of your joy of stamping and scrapbooking, now is a great time to re-join because of the specials offered.  And, you still have time to sign up for Convention, July 23 - 25, Salt Palace in Salt Lake City.  You'll be with all your friends again, swapping and laughing and seeing the latest paper crafting techniques and products. 

    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.   Take photos of thousands of new ideas for scrapbook pages, cards and paper crafts that will feed your creativity for months to come. 


    Join your friends at 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.  I'm registered to attend and hope you'll sign up so we can stamp together at Convention 2015.

     Place any $25.00 order through June 30 on my on-line Stampin' Up! store and I'll mail you a new catalog.  (sorry, U.S. addresses only).  This is the perfect set to order to qualify for a free catalog.

    Quick Links

    • Download the Occasions Catalog now and place your final orders.
    • Want to purchase at a discount?  Sign up for $125  Or sign up between June 2-30 and get Stampin' Up! starter kit worth $125 for $99 -- and get your choice of 2 free stamp sets
    • NEW - Weekly Deals -- every Tuesday, while supplies last - now available!
    • Download a 2015-2016 Annual catalog.
    • MDS digital downloads end June 9.  SU recommends moving to MyMemories Suite from StoryRock as you will be unable to print from the MDS software.  StoryRock is the original developers of My Digital Studio for Stampin' Up!.  MDS playlist of YouTube videos on the Stampin' Up! channel will be available (for the foreseeable future) via the following link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB85C76B5B74DB19A
    • Clearance Rack - Products available while they last
    Enjoy!

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