MERRY CHRISTMAS!

I just wanted to take a minute to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!  Thanks for visiting my blog this past year and for your purchases!  Without your help, I couldn't continue to be a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, so again thank you!  Have a wonderful holiday with your loved ones and "talk" to you soon!

My Digital Studio: Hybrid Project

Here's another great video from Stampin' Up! showing you how easy it is to use My Digital Studio software and how easy it is to use the software to make a beautiful home decor project! Please contact me if you have any questions and thanks for looking!

Filled with Love Promotion!

This is the Valentine's Special Stampin' Up! is offering; it is effective from December 17th to January 24th.  This Designer Series Paper is only shown in this special; it is not included in the new Occasions Mini Catalog.  Please contact me if you have any questions or you can ORDER ONLINE here, by going to "Shop Now".  Thanks for looking!

My Digital Studio 2011 Desk Calendar!

Because of my mother's recent illnesses and trips to the hospital, I haven't been able to meet my quarterly sales minimum, so I'm asking for your help!  Anyone who places an ONLINE ORDER of $50 or more through my Stampin Up Demonstrator Website: http://www.stampingmaria.stampinup.net/ (or click on the Stampin Up Logo at the top of my sidebar on the right) will receive a FREE 2011 MDS Desk Easel calendar from me!!  The calendar itself measures 5"x5" and the easel with drawer measure about 6"x6" ; it took me days to put this calendar together in the My Digital Studio software!  All the calendar pages are printed in color and I'll use different sheets of the Greenhouse Gala Designer Series Paper and coordinating ribbons to make the calendars. 

Here are more pictures of this calendar:

I created this calendar in September for my upline's Stamp Camp, then in October I added the drawer, then in November I submitted this project to Stampin' Up! for one of its monthly contests; I hope they like and you like it too!  Please contact me if you have any questions and thanks in advance for your order and for looking!  Maria.

PS: If you're only interested in buying the calendar or the instructions, please let me know.  If there's interest, I'll make them available.

Stampin Up Sale Spectacular!

For a complete list of everything on sale, click here.   In addition to great sale prices, you can get FREE SHIPPING on any merchandise orders of $150.00 or more (available for purchases of items on sale and those not on sale)!!  Please contact me to place your order or click here to place your ONLINE ORDER; it will definitely help me meet my quarterly sales requirement!  I setup my Stampin Up Online Store to help facilitate online ordering, so please check out my SU website too:  http://www.stampingmaria.stampinup.net/.

MOM UPDATE:  With mom being in and out of the hospital these past 2 months, I'm sorry I haven't had time to have a get together.  Currently, we got mom out of the hospital on Nov. 14th and she started getting sick again within a few days.  By Nov.18th, her kidneys started shutting down and she developed a bowel obstruction in her small bowels.  We now have "Hospital at Home" doctors helping us with these issues and we may be changing over to "Hospice Care" if the situation doesn't improve.  This past week has felt like a tiring roller coaster!  We're all praying for the best and your prayers are always appreciated!  My mom is a fighter and I'm sure she'll get better, it'll just take time.

New My Digital Studio Downloads

Luckily mom got out of the hospital on Sunday and is now settled in at home.  I finally got a little time to post and I'm dying to stamp something- so soon to come more!!  Anyway, here are a few more new digital downloads you can purchase for My Digitial Studio software from Stampin' Up! or for whatever digital scrapbooking program you have.  These downloads work with most other software programs and more are on the way for the month of November! If you would like to view SU's complete list of My Digital Studio download offerings, click here.

Demonstrator Sign Up Special from 11/15/10-11/30/10!

Even though my mom is back in the hospital, I had to post this GREAT Demonstrator Sign Up special!  For those who want to know, mom's fighting off a couple different infections.  Every year that she's paralyzed, it seems her body is having a harder time fighting infections and other maladies.

But on to the good stuff!  You can sign up to become a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator between November 15th-November 30th for 50% off the normal price!  You can choose between a Standard Kit and a Digital Kit; basically, you get around $300 of product for only $87.50!  Wow, I wish they had this offer when I signed up!  So contact me if you'd like to know more about becoming a demonstrator!  Thanks for looking and I'm off to the hospital.

Click here to download the flyer.

More New My Digital Studio Downloads!

These are the most recent downloads available for My Digital Studio-just in time for the Holidays.  The following labels include the Item Number, Image Name, and Price:

123957 Seam Binding Ribbon $1.95

123959 Deck the Halls Designer Buttons $2.95

123963 Come to Bethlehem Stamp Brush Set $1.95

123962 Welcome Christmas Stamp Brush Set $3.95

123727 Bright Christmas II Stamp Brush Set $3.95
 
123958 A Word For You Stamp Brush Set $3.95


If you would like to view the complete list of My Digital Studio download offerings, click here.  Please contact me if you'd like to order any of these!

My Digital Studio: Photos Video

Here's another My Digital Studio video made by Stampin' Up! Please watch yesterday's Introduction Video before watching this one; it'll make more sense and flow better if you do. I hope you enjoy it and contact me if you have any questions or would like to purchase the software at a discount!

My Digital Studio: Introduction Video

I wanted to share this Introduction Video made by Stampin' Up! with those of you who aren't familiar with My Digital Studio. It's a great scrapbooking and project creating software! This video will help my prior post make more sense to some of you. Contact me if you have any questions or if you'd like to purchase the software from me at a discount!

My Digital Studio Update and New Downloads!

I've been out of touch for the past couple of weeks because I was with my mother in the hospital and while there, I got sick too!  I'm finally getting mom settled and my "crud" is finally going away, so you'll see some stamped items soon!  Also, I'm planning a Holiday Open House this month; more information to come.  But for now...

First, Stampin' Up! has started a social network for people who have the My Digital Studio Software.  You can sign up and get information on updates and pricing, as well as get great scrapbooking and other project ideas; just click here http://www.mydigitalstudio.net/ !  Don't forget that in a prior post I mentioned that Stampin' Up! has decreased the printing price of all the My Digital Studio projects!  Yippee!  You can see a price list at this social network website.

Second, the My Digital Studio version 1.0.5 update is now available. With this latest update, you will receive functionality upgrades as well as access to seven new professional print output products--including a trifold card, a journal, a 5.5" x 6.5" calendar with easel, and four postcards. It is important that you have the most recent version of the My Digital Studio software prior to installing the Professional Print Product Update. Click here for information about updating your software.

Finally, Stampin' Up!'s most recent digital downloads are here, and more are on the way for the month of November! If you would like to view the complete list of My Digital Studio download offerings, click here.  You will see all the downloads available, but remember to look for the symbol that tells you which ones are already provided when you bought the My Digital Studio software.

Item Number: 123949
Tags til Christmas Stamp Brush Set $5.95

Item Number: 123950

Jolly Jingles Stamp Brush Set $7.95

Item Number: 123951

Decorative Label Punch $0.95

Item Number: 123952
Medium Oval Punch $0.95

Item Number: 123956
Christmas Cheer Digital Kit $9.95

Thanks for looking and contact me if you have any questions!

A Cute Christmas Stamp Set

I used A Cute Christmas Stamp Set to make this Christmas card.  I didn't like the face of the snowman on the stamp, so I added eyes using black marker and by doing this, I changed the snowman's look.  I was talking to my sideline Lauren Gilmore, about the snowman and she gave me the idea to add eyes.  Take a look at the snowman on page 32 of the Hoiday Mini Catalog (on my sidebar) and you'll understand what I mean.  That's the beauty of "make it your own"!   

Also, I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and use a color I don't nornally use, so when I decided to go for the Candy Cane Designer Series Paper, I knew I had to use Garden Green.  I added glitter to the snowflakes, the snow around the snowman, the background, and the phrase.  Yes, I love glitter!  I also used the Circle Scissor to cut the Real Red cardstock background for the phrase.  I first used the circle cutter on the Aviary Card I made last week, and now that I've used it to cut out these small circles, I think I'm finally getting the hang of it. 

Ingredients:
Stamp Set: A Cute Christmas.
Paper: Whisper White, Garden Green, Baja Breeze, Real Red, and Candy Cane Designer Series Paper.
Ink: Garden Green and Baja Breeze classic ink pads, Black Stazon, and Garden Green, Real Red, and Basic Black markers.
Other: Big Shot Machine, Northern Frost Decorative Strip, Two-Way glue, Dazzling Diamonds, Real Red 1/8" Taffeta, 1" circle punch, Circle Scissors, Blender Pen, and Stampin Dimensionals.

Thanks for looking and let me if you have any questions!

Holiday Special and MDS Printing Price Reduction!

Here's the new Stampin' Up! Holiday Special!  The special is effective from October 19th to December 16th.  You get the option of purchasing several different bundles at a 20% discount!  Click on the image above to download a copy of the flyer! 

Also, Stampin' Up! has reduced the prices of all its My Digital Studio printing options!  Here's the flyer that discusses the pricing changes.

Thanks for looking and contact me if you have any questions!

Aviary Card

Hi everyone!  It's been too long since I stamped anything!  I made this card for a color challenge.  You can see a portion of the colors under the card.  I looked at my SU Color Coach and saw that Baja Breeze and Cajun Craze went together and they matched the colors on the color challenge sheet.  I also love the way Baja Breeze and Old Olive compliment each other, but I'll use those colors another time.  I added Pearls to the card and the one I put on the top of the bird cage is colored using a black sharpie.

Ingredeitns:
Stamp Set:  Aviary and A Word for You.
Ink: Basic Gray and Baja Breeze classic pads, Cajun Craze marker, and Basic Black pad and marker.
Paper: Very Vanilla, Cajun Craze, Baja Breeze, and Elegant Soiree Designer Paper.
Accessories:  Big Shot Machine, Circle Scallop #2 die, Circle Scissor Plus, paper piercer, Scallop Edge Border Punch, 2 1/2" Circle Punch, Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon, Pearls jewels, and Stampin Dimensionals.

Thanks for looking and don't forget to check out the SU Clearance Rack; increased discounts end on October 18th! Contact me if there's anything you'd like to order!

Clearance Rack Blitz!!

WOW!  Can you believe that from October 5th to October 18th, Stampin' Up! is increasing the number of products available in its Clearance Rack section and is offering them at HUGE discounted prices!  Click here to go to the Clearance Rack to see all products listed then be certain to contact me to purchase them at the "preferred price".  Be sure to act FAST because everything is available only while supplies last and all sales are final!  Thanks for looking!

Stampin' Up!'s Fabric Video

Stampin' Up! cofounder Shelli Gardner's daughter, Sara Douglass, quickly introduces Stampin' Up!'s brand-new Designer Fabric and shares some fun project ideas. The fabric projects can also be seen in the Holiday Mini Catalog; view the Mini catalog by clicking on the image in my sidebar. Contact me if you have any questions or would like to see more of the fabric! Thanks for looking!

Spooky Treat Box

Hi all! A fellow demonstrator showed how to make this box at the Phoenix, AZ Stampin Up Regional I attended in January. I'm sorry I don't remember who it was, but I love the box because it closes flat so you can mail it! The box that was demonstrated was smaller, so my sideline, Eva Davalos, came up with the measurements for a box that would be 3 1/4" x 3 1/4" so it could hold 3x3 cards or candy.

This is the top of the box; I used the Wicked Cool Stamp Set and the Wicked Fun Designer Series Paper. I don't know if you can see it, but to get the "bling", I added Dazzling Diamonds to the main image after I punched it out with the 1 3/4" Circle Punch. To make the box closure, I punched out a 3/4" circle and attached it to the box using a silver brad. Finally, after distressing the top layers, I added 1/8" Olive Taffeta Ribbon to the top of the box and the hat.


This is the inside of the box; like I said, it's great for holding 3x3 cards or yummy candy!

These are the templates for the inside box portion and the outside box wrap. You can click on the image to enlarge it so you can see the measurements.
These pictures show where you'll need to attach Sticky Strip to the inside box before adhering it to the box wrap. The first picture is the back (or bottom) of the box and the second picture is the inside (or top) of the box where you'll be putting candy. You can see that on the back of the box, only the bottom and 2 flaps get adhesive.
Thanks for looking and email me if you have any questions!

This picture shows what the inside of the box looks like once it's adhered to the box wrap.

Flower Folds Die Card

I love this beautiful and joyful flower card I made for a swap! I actually used the new SU Color Coach for guidance and I think the colors combine really well.

Ingredients:

Stamp Sets: Sweetheart and For You Flower single stamp.

Inks: Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, and Early Espresso.

Paper: Whisper White, Old Olive, Daffodil Delight, Early Espresso, and Play Date DSP.

Other: Scallop Trim Border Punch, Flower Folds Bigz XL Die, Big Shot machine, Stampin Dimensionals, sponge, Daffodil 1/8" taffeta ribbon, Polka Dot Embossing Folder, 1 1/4" circle punch, and 1 3/8" circle punch.

To make the flower, I used the 2 smaller petals on the Flower Folds Die then I sponged them with Pumpkin Pie ink before layering them together with Stampin Dimensionals.

I got the design idea from a beautiful card another demonstrator shared, Connie Collins. I changed some of the layout and the colors and voila! It's great to get ideas from other demonstrators! Don't forget the current SU special promotion if you're interested in becoming a demonstrator!

Thanks for looking and contact me if you have any questions!

SU Letterpress Plates Video!

Here's another Shannon West Stampin' Up! training video - yes, I love them!! Shannon shows us different ways to use the Big Shot Letterpress Plates in the new Holiday Mini Catalog. If you'd like to know more or if you'd like to order the plates, please contact me to receive "preferred pricing"! Thanks for looking!

Watercolor Wonder Crayons by Stampin' Up!

Shannon West always does a great job demonstrating new techniques! This is a Stampin' Up! video showing you the different ways you can use Watercolor Crayons. SU's watercorlor crayons are artist quality and last a long time; so they are a great investment if you love to watercolor!! It's amazing that watercorlor crayons, pastels, and inks all give you a different look, so I'm glad we have options!

Thanks for watching and contact me if you'd like to try these watercolor crayons!

Island Oasis Card Tote

Here's another project I made with the Island Oasis Designer Series Paper and the On Board Briefcase chipboard. I adhered a cardstock box to 2 decorated pieces of briefcase chipboard; the box is about 1/2" wide and almost 6" long. Since the box is long, the completed tote can hold full-sized cards (4 1/4" x 5 1/2") and envelops. It makes a really cute gift for anyone!

I used the Island Floral Bigz Die and the Big Shot machine to cut out the flower petals I layered and adhered to the front of the tote. Again, I should have shaded the petals before I put the flower together, but didn't have time. The tote has a pocket on the front to hold stamps or other items; the pocket is about 1/4" wide. I got the idea for this card holder from Glenda Calkins, another fellow demonstrator who was kind enough to share! Thanks Glenda!

Thanks for looking and contact me if you have any questions!

Island Oasis Mini Accordian Album

I made this cute Mini Accordian Album using the Island Oasis Designer Series Paper, the Tropical Party Stamp Set, and the On Board Briefcase chipboard. All of these were available in the SU Summer Mini Catalog. I also used the SU Island Floral Bigz Die to cut out the large flower on the cover of the album; this die is still available and it make gorgeous flowers! I got the idea for this mini album from a fellow SU demonstrator; Jan Farring. Jan was kind enough to share her creation on the Stampin Up demonstrator website; thanks so much Jan!

This is a close up of the flower on the cover. I curled the edges of the flower and scored the leaves. I didn't have time to shade the petals, but next time I will.

These are the first 2 pages in the album. I cut 5 pieces of Tempting Turquoise cardstock to 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" and scored them at 4 1/4". I then did the valley/moutain folding and attached the pages to create the mini album.

Here are pages 3 and 4 of the mini album.

And here are pages 5 and 6 of the mini album. I used various ribbons and gold brads for accents. Thanks for looking and contact me if you have any questions!

Day of Gratitude Card

This card is posted on Stampin' Up!'s website and it's made with a stamp set out of the NEW Holiday Mini Catalog. I wanted to share it with you because I thought it was so beautiful with the warm colors and great layout! You can go to http://www.stampinup.com/ to get a list of the products used to make this card, but be certain to call me to purchase the items to receive the "preferred pricing" amounts! Thanks for looking!

NEW Promo & Mini Catalog!

WOW! If you sign up to be a demonstrator between September 1, 2010-October 18, 2010, you'll receive this beautiful craft tote FREE (a $40 value)! So, click on the flyer on the sidebar and contact me to discuss recruiting options!

Also, the NEW HOLIDAY Mini Catalog starts September 1, 2010 and runs until January 3, 2011. Click on the sidebar to get view the mini catalog!

Thanks for looking!

Stamp Camp Sneak Peek #3

This is another project you'll get to make at Stamp Camp; I love Santa's face! It's a CD tin covered with the Jolly Holiday Designer Series Paper and it holds a magnet and tags. Just note that your tin may look different because everyone will get a different sheet of designer paper out of the paper packet. Also, everything is punched out, so there's no time wasted on cutting things! Hope you can make it on August 28th; let me know!

Stampin' Up! Color Renovation Video

(Click on the Refresh button if you can't see the video)

I wanted to share this SU video with you because it shows and explains the new color families in the 2010-2011 SU Idea Book and Catalog. Please contact me if you'd like to purchase the Color Coach or any other items discussed in the video. If you go to Stampin' Up!'s website, you can view all the products, but you won't be able to get "preferred pricing" unless you purchase through a demonstrator, so please contact me and I'll be sure to get you the "preferred pricing" and other goodies I offer!! Thanks for looking!

Stamp Camp Sneak Peek #2

This is another project you'll be making at Stamp Camp; isn't it festive! You'll get to use the "Jingle all the Way" Decor Element vinyl rub on and see how easy they are to use! Everyone will get a different Designer Series Paper background from the new Cute Christmas paper in the Holiday Mini Catalog. Let me know if you have any questions!

Stampin' Up's August Project

Happy Thoughts card ingredients:

Stamps
•Apple Blossoms - Level 2 Hostess Set

Paper
•Baja Breeze Card Stock
•Whisper White Card Stock
•Old Olive Textured Card Stock

Ink
•Marina Mist Classic Stampin' Pad
•Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad
•Peach Parfait Classic Stampin' Pad
•Baja Breeze Stampin' Write Marker
•Marina Mist Stampin' Write Marker
•Old Olive Stampin' Write Marker
•Peach Parfait Stampin' Write Marker

Accessories
•Bitty Buttons
•Stampin' Dimensionals
•Crop-A-Dile
•Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch
•White crochet thread

Thanks for looking and contact me if you have any questions!

Stamp Camp Sneak Peek #1

Happy Monday everyone! Here's one of the projects you'll get to make at our Stamp Camp on August 28th. Isn't it a cute party favor box?! You can change the image and use it for Halloween, Christmas, Easter, any other event! The photo doesn't show it, but on the white embossed Top Note Die on the front of the box, there's yummy glitter and a rhinestone on the tag! Hope you can make it, just contact me. Places are limited, so let me know soon!

NOTE: I think we might offer the stamp camp projects on their own if you can't make it to stamp camp, but want to make the projects - let me know if you're interested.

August Activity!

On August 28th, me and a couple of my sideline demonstrators are offering a fun Stamp Camp! You'll get to make 6 WONDERFUL projects and get some great ideas! If you're interested, please contact me. I'm hoping to show some sneak peek pictures soon!

I finally finished my 2 August swap cards - here they are:

The Butterfly card is an extension of the card I had folks make at my New Catalog Open House. You can't tell, but I sprayed the card and sponged the butterflies with Champagne Mist Glimmer Paint and added a couple of Pearls to the card too.

On the asian-inspired card, I applied the "rock and roll" technique using Peach Parfait and Poppy Parade. I then cut out the petals and adhered them to the card using Stampin' Dimensionals and SNAIL. Let me know if you have any questions.

I can't believe how long it takes me now adays to make cards! Some of you know that I take care of my paralyzed mother and the help I had during the summer has been going away, so I'm putting in lots more hours. When I'm home, I feel so tired! I was dog sitting and it turned out that I added another dog to our group. She's an Australian Shepherd mix. So now we have 2 dogs and that's new for me! I'm trying to organize my time better and take vitamins hoping this will help with my tiredness! Anyway, thanks for stopping by and I'll have pictures of the pups soon!