My Digital Studio updates

Five More Card Stock Colors Available for My Digital Studio!

Last but not least! Pacific Point, Tangerine Tango, Pink Pirouette, Bravo Burgundy, and Elegant Eggplant are now available for free download for My Digital Studio. Keep your My Digital Studio card stock collection complete and up-to-date by downloading these five favorites today!
Click here to download: http://www.stampinup.com/us/enu/16011.asp

It is important that you have the most recent version of the My Digital Studio software prior to installing the color updates.


Updating your software:


If you have installed the initial update (version 1.0.1), simply click Help and select Check for Updates in the My Digital Studio software. The update will be performed automatically.
If you have not completed the initial update, download and install version 1.0.1 first, and then complete the steps listed above to get the most recent update.
After completing your own updates, we strongly recommend that you contact all of your customers who have purchased My Digital Studio, offer your assistance in updating their software, and suggest that they, too, download the last five colors in our digital card stock collection!

Where does the time go???

I can't believe that it's Friday already....my week FLEW by, and I don't even know if I saw it! I must have blinked and it was gone! Seems like just yesterday Aubrie was born and that little girly is already rolling over, eating cereal like a champ and sleeping all night long (which is unusual for my kids!). Now she just needs to break into a daytime routine for me and I'll be smitten like a kitten!

Will started Pre-School this week. He's at a different school this year and didn't know anyone in his class. I was really nervous for him - especially because this year he can ride the bus to school, and he has to switch buses once he gets to town. Being a shy kinda kid, I worried a bit about him. No need tho, he just took it all in stride and acted like it was no big deal. Whatta big boy! It sure saves me from a lot of excess driving all over tim-buck-to tho!!!

Anyway, there hasn't been a whole lot of real crafty time this week. I spent two days finishing up some stamp club and scrapbooking club projects for those who weren't able to attend this month. It's a service I'm more than happy to provide!!! Then I spent two days doing some much needed cleaning in the ol' crafty room. Had to move retired DSP papers into their new spot to make room for all the new DSP that I'm about to hoard!! I must do something with all of my retired paper - I'm running out of room!

And with that, my week was gone! UGH!!

Here is a card I've had in my stash to show you tho:

It was super quick, clean and quite simple.......

Gotta run now, boys are fighting!!

Whole Wheat? Or Bleached Wheat?

I'm a whole wheat kinda gal. It's a rare occassion when I buy white bread. I even prefer a wheat bun over white..... Today, I'm showing you some bleached wheat. Processed. Refined. What have you. My July Stamp Clubs worked on the Bleaching Technique. This gets you some really neat effects - and each turns out differently. Everytime. Here's the card:

See that highlight behind the wheat stems? Ya - that's where I've bleached the card. Then I went back over the top (once the bleach and cardstock were good and dry) and stamped the wheat image in Soft Suede Ink.

Doesn't that create such a neat look?

Tell me, what's one of your fave techniques? I always love to hear/read your comments - so leave me some comment candy, would ya?

Wishing Big...

Right now, I'm wishing this cool weather would stick around! I love the feeling of fall - but I won't get off on that tangent today....just read yesterdays post if you want to read about HOW much I LOVE fall....:)

Today, I want you to check out this masterpiece:

Yeah - I know, it's awful - awfully stinkin' cute that is! Wouldn't you like to get this for your birthday? It was really quite simple to create, and it's the make and take my August workshops have been making.

I'm sure you are familiar with the DSP by now - it's from Greenhouse Gala. The flower I die cut with the Birds and Blooms die. I like the simplicity of the white flower with the orange center. My thought is that it really stands out as my focal point.

Here's a cutie to show you today. She doesn't need a paci any more - she's got her toe! Little Aubrie will pull her foot to her mouth and squeeze her foot so hard that her toes turn red, and then she'll start sucking away! I wish I was that flexible! She's just been a cute little doll lately. And she finally likes her dad! It's funny to she her crane her head around to find him when she hears him walk in the door at night! I think she's won him over too - he mentioned the other day that he can't wait for her to lay her head on his shoulder!!!! :) He'll melt the day she does that!

Okey, dokey....that's it for today! Time for coffee!!!

Product share updates...

Howdy Peeps! I just want to let everyone know that there are still some spots open in my Vintage Accessories and Ribbon Shares. You can find all the details in this link. I am cutting the DSP shares up today, and those will be delivered/shipped to you this week. The other shares will all close at the end of the month, so be sure to get signed up. Again, this is a WONDERFUL way to get the ribbons without spending a fortune, and without having a bunch left over that you won't use.

Thanks everyone!

Ahh, a brief glimpse of Fall!

And I am here for you! The past two days have felt so much like fall is just around the corner. The mornings have been cool, the humidity has been low. The temperature has been in the low 80's. These are the days that I LOVE! Fall, I am officially declaring my favorite season! I used to have a major toss up between fall and spring. But Fall is going to win me over. There are too many windy days associated with spring up here on top of our hill. And wind. well. it blows! Here's to you fall. With your beautiful colors, your crisp air, your warm afternoons. And to your apple crisp. My favorite dessert. Well, one of my faves! I love all dessert - just ask my rear!

Onto today's card. (aren't you loving my new found blogging time!)

I followed Taylor's sketch on this one ( are you loving my new found sketch using time?) from over at Taylored Expressions. I do have to say, this card is much more impressive IRL than photographed here.

The flowers IRL are super sparkly - like they've been dusted with frost. It's really hard to capture that in a photo.

Anyone notice anything NEW on this card....yeah, I've put some sneak peaks on this one. Look beyond the flowers. See that B.U.tiful paper? It's new DSP that will be available Sept. 1. And are you wondering how I got that big scallop?

Yea - it's a new die for the Big Shot. It cuts a 12" long strip of scallop, plus some ric rac, and a zig zag, and a funky ribbon type of trim. It's all way too cha-cha!

Okay folks, that's all I've got for you today....I'll try and keep 'em coming at ya!

Stamps: Occassional Quotes
Paper: Early Espresso
Ink: Early Espresso, Cajun Craze, Autumn Spice DSP, old book pages
Accessories: Log Cabin, Vanilla Smooch Spritz, Big Shot, Tasteful Trim die, Scallop circle punch

Oh happy day!

Think happy thoughts, they'll be sure to brighten your day~! And so will this very bright card. Funny thing - before SU! changed up their core colors, I hardly had any colors from the Brights collection. Once they rearranged, I have all the brights!!! Amazing. The other thing - I've been using Rich Razzleberry more than I ever did when it was an In Color...

So here is my card:

Whatcha think??? Pretty stinkin' cute - eh? My colors didn't photograph very well, and photoshop couldn't/wouldn't help me out. That is a Rich Razz button on there....

This card was really quick, easy, clean & simple. In fact it follows the Clean & Simple Blog FTL103.

Thanks for stopping - until next time!!!

Stamps: Apple Blossoms
Paper: Tangerine Tango, Rich Razz, Whisper White
Ink: Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry
Accessories: Old Olive Taffeta Ribbon, Brights Buttons

Vintage Wallpaper meet Wedding...

Quick post for you today....I'm hoping to freeze some garden produce....so that will consume a good portion of the day. This card was one we did at Stamp Club back in June, when we used the brayer to add color to embossed images. This is the Vintage Wallpaper EF then I brayered over the top with Baja Breeze. Doesn't it really make the image pop? The large scallop at the bottom is actually several circles attached.

Because of the black card base, we duded up the inside...

Alrighty - TTFN!

I digress....again!

Alrighty - one more card with that stinkin' cute stamp set....that's not SU! But I love it, and I love to stamp, so, once more I digress, and show you something from another stamp company - who I do love! This card has a meaning to it....a dear friend of mine swears that pickle juice is the key to curing a hangover. I believe she stocks up on pickle juice in her fridge for the few occassions that she might have a hangover. We've all been there right? (The last time I had a hangover, nothing but good came out of the deal! Aubrie Mae is her name! ) Any way, she was in need of some pickle juice recently, so I just HAD to create this card for her! Isn't it spiffy...

Yeah - and that's sweet. pickles. Not the sugary sweet variety. My hubbie laughed when he saw this...he understood. He knows Jessica and her pickle fetish.

I also used Mojo Monday's sketch for this card....gasp....I KNOW! Two sketches in one week - what's going on with me!

And there I used that cute little ribbon technique that I'm so fond of lately. Don't you love how that jar has a seperate lid that you can put on, take off, disregard....

That's all for today folks....I'm off to stamp something. You should too!

I digress....

I know that I have shown you Stampin' Up! products for many years. In fact, I haven't purchased stamp sets from other companies very often - 5 sets is all. And today, I am showing you one of them....like I said - I digress.... Four of those stamp sets are from Papertrey Ink. Two of those are coordinating sets....so REALLY, I just have 4 stamp sets from other companies! (FYI - the other set is from Martha Stewart, and I haven't used it - it's gingerbread, men and I was going to make gingerbread men for Alex's Christmas Tree.) Anywho. I have a set from Papertrey called Friendship Jar, and another set called Friendship Jar Fillers. And here they are, both in action.....

I HAD to have this set. I have a lot of old Mason/Kerr/Ball Jars around the house. I use them in my kitchen and in my craft room. So, these sets just screamed to me....So, I broke down. I haven't played with them a whole lot. I just drool on them and let the ideas flow thru my head. This card I created also fits the bill for Karen Giron's Sweet Sunday Sketch. It has been WAY too long since I've played along, and I'm making a pact with myself that I will do more of her and other challenges. It's a great way to find ideas and sketches that appeal to you. Back to my card. Ummm....gotta say - I Love it!!! Guess what. While Rich Razzleberry was an In Color, I rarely used it. Purple is just not my color. However, my love of purple coneflowers is another story. I wanted to make these flowers purple coneflowers....and Rich Razzleberry gets some play time!...and some patterned paper time too! Geez - go, Rich Razzleberry, go!

I simply colored those flowers with a blender pen and the top of the ink pads. The green is a combo of Garden Green (too greeny) and Always Artichoke (too artichoky!), but together, they were perfect! Ahh. I love finding sweet perfection.

The sentiment - I love it!

Alrighty, that's my card for the day.....oh, and it's square too - 5 1/4. :)

Until next time - go stamp something!

Perk Up Peeps!

So, you all know that I really like my coffee. And I had to have this Morning Cup Stamp Set. Wouldn't this be a fun card to receive when you are feeling under the weather?

I am loving this set - it's so stinkin' cute! Colors here are Wild Wasabi, Choc Chip, and Baja Breeze. Again, I used watercolor paper and markers. Designer paper is Greenhouse Gala. The ribbon is retired Choc. Chip Satin (one I'll surely miss). Recently, I've been playing alot with different ribbon techniques - this is one that I like to use.

I cut out that little coffee cup and popped it up for some dimension. The little steam image is stamped on the same piece as the pot. Isn't it just adorable???

Alrighty - busy day - off to a family reunion that's two hours away, then back for a wedding here this evening. See, lazy days of summer - my ***!!!!! ;)

Ahh, coffee!!!

Have I ever told you how much I love my morning coffee? Yeh - well, I do! With flavored creamer and sugar! My flavor this month is Vanilla Caramel. Mmmmm, so yummy! I drink coffee every day, regardless of how hot it is outside. I've gotta have my fix. Even when I was pregnant, had to have it....except for a few icky weeks, I couldn't stomach it. But I did switch to half caff, just so I didn't over stimulate the little missy inside! And I still drink half caff while nursing, although occasionally I drink the fully leaded stuff for a little splurge. It doesn't seem to effect her or me....

So, when I saw this adorable set in the new catalog - Morning Cup, it went immediately on my wish list. And one of the perks of being a Stampin' Up! demo - I was able to pick 4 free stamp sets due to my sales during Sale-A-Bration. So, this set was free. I love that!!!


Here, I used my markers and watercolor paper to give it some life-like shadows, etc. This is really simple, and I usually just pull some color off of my marker with a blender pen and then start where I want the darkest color, and gradually pull the color out into the light areas - where the sun or light would be hitting it. This is my favorite coloring tech.

Once again - I ruffled up the ribbon. This proved to be a bit more difficult this time, as I had to cut a piece of sticky strip in half the long way......challenging. And this fine ribbon didn't want to ruffle as well as say the satin ribbon does. Still, it worked (I made sure of that!) and I love the look to it!

So, what about you - what's your morning vice? Coffee, tea, soda......My hubbie has a Pepsi first thing every morning - blech!!!

Hello - another swapped card....

Remember how I told you that I participated in a card swap? Well, this was card #2 that I did up. This time I chose Broadsheet Alphabet. I just had to have this set this year - I have a thing for alpha sets - I think I like them mostly because I can use them on scrapbook pages (huh - do I make scrapbook pages???) I kinda struggled with this one, and don't {heart} the final, but it'll do. One thing I do love - the look of Craft ink - it doesn't soak into the paper, so stays true to color. Notice the polka dots and the "Hello" - they are both Chocolate Chip Craft Ink. And I will admit that I was terribly disappointed when SU decided not to carry any Choc. Chip ribbons - but the Early Espresso works just as well. They are similar enough, it's not noticable.

I don't have a lot for today....see ya tomorrow....

Jot this down....

One of the worst things about getting back from vacation - an empty refrigerator!!! It's second on my list of dreaded things - right next to laundry! (which I am still attempting to complete!) So. to make grocery shopping a little more pleasurable, how about whipping up one of these delightful note pad holders? You can head over to Nichole Heady's blog for the free download of the template.

I used my new favorite yellow for this gem - Daffodil Delight, and some Greenhouse Gala DSP - it really brightens things up! And this really only takes moments to put together - even when you've got a four year old and a two year old tugging on your arm, and the baby crying to be fed!

(Have I mention that I'm ready for school to start?)

This notepad holder will fit two notepads, so that you are sure not to run out! Simply adorable!

HEY - want to remind you too - get signed up to get your product shares. I've still got some openings that need filled so I can get them ordered! See this post with the deets!

Lazy Days of Summer????

...that is NOT why I've disappeared! Things here have been so incredibly busy, I'm beginning to feel my head spinning! It's like I don't know which way to turn next! I do not know who coined the phrase, "Lazy days of Summer," but they couldn't be more wrong! Running kids to swimming lessons, painting within the house, Aubrie's baptism, vacation to Denver....it's been a full July, and now that August is here, I almost feel relieved! I think there is time to relax a bit....but I'll wait and see what it brings! Right now, I've got 3 suitcases of laundry to do!!!

In the meantime....I meant to have some of these blog posts done before we left for vacation, but it's one of those things that had to get pushed to the back burner....

Anywaaaayy.... I participated in a group swap, and the stamp set I chose to use was Apple Blossoms, one of the Level One Hostess Sets. I love the graphic images in this set. I wasn't sure
what colors I wanted to use, so I played eeny, meeny, miney, mo with my new Color Coach, and
came up with Marina Mist, Old Olive and Cajun Craze.....just a little out of my comfort zone.

Needless to say, the colors do work well together.

You can see here how I stamped the little sentiment. It was not how I planned, but I made it work.....

And this is one of my new fave ribbon techniques. It's like it just gets puddled onto the card. Kinda like a flirty prom dress or some long curtains that puddle onto the floor....

Well, as my life gets settled back into a somewhat normal routine, I'll be back more often! I think I'm more ready for Will to get back to school so that we get back to a more scheduled day! I like routine!

Alrighty - that's all for today folks, I hear the laundry room calling my name. Has anyone developed a laundry FOLDING machine yet?

TTFN!

Product Share info has been updated - some shares are about to close again - be sure to get your name in. This is a super way to sample products and find out what you absolutely can't live without!

I'll be back later with more open house info!

Virtual Open House, day 3

Are you familiar with all of the cool things that you can do with the Big Shot? You can make soemthing like this headband:
Or this hair band:

These are pins that I made to pin onto a VERY plain t-shirt to jazz it up. And on, they are super cute!

And check out these refrigerator magnets:

Yes - all cut with the Big Shot. You see, you can cut all types of things with the Big Shot. This year, Stampin' Up! is even carrying magnetic sheets, cork, and several colors of vinyl. All things that you can cut with your Big Shot.

Big Shot Materials List for Bigz and Originals Dies
The following materials work well when creating die cuts with the Big Shot machine and Bigz and Originals dies. Please note the maximum thickness of several materials. As a rule of thumb, you can cut a material with your Big Shot machine and Bigz or Originals dies if you can cut it using your Craft & Paper Scissors.

Thick corkboard
Thick chipboard (59 mil)
Colored magnet
Ruffle board
Paper wood
Balsa wood (3/32")
Bass wood (1/16")
Metal mesh
Aluminum (.016)
Tin (.008)
Adhesive and non-adhesive mat board
Drawer liner
Shelf liner
Vinyl
Static cling vinyl
Shrink film
Fine sandpaper
Clear acetate (20 mil)
Vellum
Card stock
Patterned paper
Flocked paper
Contact paper
Textured paper
Metallic paper
Linen paper
Suede paper
Embossed metallic paper
Basketball embossed paper
Faux alligator textured paper
Self-adhesive glitter paper
Fabric
Canvas
Iron-on fabric
Soft plush fabric
Burlap
Velvet
Corduroy
Lace
Heavyweight denim
Terry cloth
Funky fur
Thin leather
Quilt batting
Warm & natural batting
Fusible fleece
Self-adhesive craft metal
Self-adhesive cork
Self-adhesive foam
Self-adhesive magnet
Self-adhesive felt
Adhesive and non-adhesive rubber
Pop up sponge
Poly foam
100% pure beeswax (cut with parchment paper on top & bottom of beeswax.)

Now, isn't that an awesome list of things!!!

Here's a deal for you....purchase a Big Shot from me between today and July 21st and receive any one of the Originals Dies on page 213 of the 2010-11 Idea Book and Catalog for free!! Yep - that's right peeps! Hop on this deal, and you can get started right away crafting away. Contact me today to get yours ordered!!!!

Virtual Open House, day 2

Hola! So, have you been checking out the catalog, and are you in AWE of the so many new items??? You can see the new catalog HERE.

And you know, this is day 2 of my Virtual Open House. The same as my IRL Open House, you are eligible for some great freebies and door prizes. Here's how this is going to work:

You can email me an order or you can place an order on my website.

If you email me an order and you are the:

1st order - you will recieve $15 off your order

2nd order - pick a free package of buttons of your choice!

3rd order - take $5 off your order

4th order - you earn a package of 8 1/2 x 11 In Color Cardstock

5th order - you earn a package of DSP of your choice!

If you place an order on my website and you are the:

1st order - you will get a $15 gift certificate (good for a future order)

2nd order - pick a free package of brads of your choice

3rd order - you will earn a $10 gift certificate (good on a future order)

4th order - you earn a package of 8 1/2 x 11 In Color Cardstock

5th order - pick a package of DSP of your choice!

Fun stuff huh! I did similar things at my actual open house, but the prizes were mixed among the order forms, so it was a surprise when they grabbed their order forms!!!

And, don't forget to check out all of the great product shares that I posted yesterday. As soon as the groups become full, I will order up! (The product shares will stay open as long as need be, until the groups fill.)

Alrighty peeps, that concludes todays excitement, but stay tuned for more of your viewing pleasure tomorrow!!!!!

Virtual Open House

edited to add: my Buy Now buttons were not working, they appear to be okay now, let me know if you have problems!

Howdy folks! I want to give a big shout out to those of you that made it to my Open House - it was a lot of fun, and good to see all of you! For those of you that weren't able to make it, don't fret - over the next week, I'll be hosting a Virtual Open House right here on the ol' blog-o!!!

First up - Product shares. We all want a ton of stuff out of the new catty - right? I know I do, and I have to keep things in check. One thing that I really want is the new Designer Papers. I think SU! did a fab job this year on the paper styles! I want them all - don't you! Well, if you were to purchase all of them, it would cost you over $200. Well, how about sharing your paper?

Designer Paper Share

There are 16 packages of designer paper, including 4 packages of Specialty Paper. With this product share, I will cut the paper into 6x6 squares. You will get a sqaure of each paper from each collection. The patterns will differ among shares because the patterns aren't symmetrical. This is an excellent way to get your hands on all of the paper without breaking the bank!

Group One has 8 spots open. Please allow 10-14 days for delivery from the date the spots are full. To pay via PayPal, use the link below, otherwise email me to set up other payment options.

Price $22.00 (closed)






Vintage Sampler Product Share

Some of the new things that I love the most in this catalog are Vintage looking items. If you love the look of distressed, vintage projects, this assortment is for you!
Here's what is included:

• Antique Brads - 5 pieces -1 each of 5 designs
• Mini Vintage Tags - 3 tags
• Vintage Trinkets - 12 pieces - 6 pins, 6 buttons
• Crochet Trim - 2 yards - approx 1 yard each trim
• Love Letter DSP - 6 pieces of 6x6 squares
• Newsprint DSP - 6 pieces of 6x6 squares
• Elegant Soiree DSP - 6 pieces of 6x6 squares

Groups have 4 spots (Group One full, Group Two open with 2 spots left ) Please allow 10-14 days for delivery from the date the spots are filled.

Price $14.00

Ribbon Shares

I know all of you {heart} ribbon as much as I do, so, let's share some ribbon. You'll soon fiigure out which is your favorite! Sign up for one, two or all of the groups. Groups of ribbon are split between types/styles of ribbon. These will be set up in Groups of 5, as soon as 5 people fill a spot, I'll order the ribbon and get it off to you.

All ribbon comes in the following colors unless otherwise noted:

Whisper White, Very Vanilla, Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie, Pretty In Pink, Real Red, Rich Razzleberry, Night of Navy, Marina Mist, Certainly Celery, Old Olive, Early Espresso, and Basic Black.

3/8" Taffeta Ribbon - $22.00

13 colors, 2 yards of each color. 26 yards total. (Group One - 2 spots still open)

1/8" Taffeta Ribbon - $19.00

13 colors, 3 yards each color, 39 total yards (Group 1 full, Group 2 open with 5 spots)

5/8" Satin Ribbon - $28.00

13 Colors, 3 yards each color, 39 total yards (Group 1 full, Group 2 open with 4 spots left)

5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon - $22.00

13 Colors, 3 yards each color, 39 total yards (Group 1 - 3 spots open)





1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon - $26.50

11 colors (does not include Whisper White or Very Vanilla), 2 yards each color, 22 total yards (Group 1 - 2 spots open)





Poly Stitched Ribbon - $11.50

5 Colors (Blushing Bride, Peach Parfait, Poppy Parade, Concord Crush, Pear Pizzaz), 3 yards of each color, 15 yards total (Group 1 Full - Group 2 - 3 spots open)

Again, if you don't want to pay via PayPal, email me to make other arrangements.

Keep watching all week for more, more, more!