A little Zip in your Step....er....I mean card!

 Howdy folks!  I've got something super fun to share with you today!  This card is interactive, and full of surprises.

Well.
One surprise anyway!

Do you see in the photo above what I've created?  With the "Open" and arrows?
I've created a zipper!

And looky what happens when you open it:

Now tell me.  Isn't that fun!
I created the U R SWEET with the new Photopolymer set - Designer Typeset.  At first I didn't think I'd use the alphabet portion of this set much, but I'm finding it rather convenient.  I also used it to create the word OPEN.  Let's hope that Stampin' Up! continues to release many more of these clear Photopolymer sets.  I think I'm in love.
And the nice thing is, I can put the "open" back onto the card without wrecking it!  Which means, you can remove the zipper area and stamp underneath and then replace the zipper.  Awesome, right!?

Here's another one I created with the Sent with Love Bundle.  Oh, how I love this bundle!

What do you think?  Doesn't this make for a unique card?  Let me know - I'd really appreciate the comments!

Spring painting.... and My Digital Studio....

Oh - how I wish I had something really fun and greatly creative to show you.....

But I don't!  

I even spent the entire day yesterday without a child in the house - 8 hours of peace and quiet.

Guess what I did!  

It would have been an ideal day to get all crafty in my room. 

But I didn't.

I painted. 

And painted.

And painted.

Nothing creative, mind you!

You see, we live in a super old house.  Built in 1890.  My father in law was raised here, and I've actually met some of the kids from the family that lived here originally - granted, they aren't kids anymore! 

We have, probably original, woodwork all thru the house.  But it's not drop dead gorgeous woodwork.  I'm sure, cuz, it's a farmhouse, and back in the day, they farmers certainly didn't splurge on things like that.  It's Southern Yellow Pine.  Which I am told is rare around here and you can't find it anymore.  But, it's not a hard wood like you'd want for trim and such.  In fact it's rather soft.

Anywhoooo....

All of the woodwork in our kitchen and entryway had been painted white many moons ago.   And with three little kids running thru the house, it gets pretty grungy and dinged up.  You know, you just can't avoid those things when Mater and Lightning McQueen are racing thru the doorway and Mater spins out and rolls over five times right into the fence......

So, I spent the day, slightly sanding all of it, and putting on two nice fresh coats of white.  It does look so nice and crisp now.  But me, oh, my!  Up and down on a ladder all day - I'm beginning to feel like I'm not a young chick anymore!

I've thought about stripping all of the woodwork.  In fact we tried that in our mudroom (which used to be the milk separator room, then I believe a nursery - just judging from some of the wallpaper that was torn down in that room).  I started stripping the window in that room, and I stripped and stripped.  There were well over seven layers of paint on the window.  I eventually had to take it to a professional to run thru his mega, ultra magic planer.  And he said he didn't want to do any more b/c it was too hard on his planer!  So.  The window was all I stripped.  The rest of the woodwork in that room is.....painted!

Then the hubster came home with the kids, and he decided that was a good time to hang the new blinds I bought for our living room.  Guess what - more up and down on the ladder!  It's all good.  

Crossing those projects off our to-do list.  I still have more painting to do.  Maybe Thursday?  By then my left butt cheek might not be so sore!!!  :)  

But - it's Tuesday.....which means NEW DOWNLOADS!!!!  I had good intentions of creating something in My Digital Studio last night to share here.  But once I hit the couch, I was down!  And hubster had let the laptop battery die.  I certainly was not in any shape at that point to crawl behind the couch to plug it into an outlet!!!

So - I guess, I'll show you the new downloads today!!!

Sequins are all the rage right now - why not add some to your digital projects!!!

Oh - I gotta say - I love this one.  You might be wondering tho what you are going to do with Gray and Gray??  Guess what - this is one is set up to change the colors to match whatever the Bridal colors may be.  But don't just think wedding for this one.....you can easily change this up for lots of occasions!  Just simply change the wording....the colors.....viola!

This download has some really fun for spring designer papers in it!  You can click here to see more of any of these downloads.

While my muscles recoup today, I will hope to craft the day away so I can show you some goodness tomorrow!  Until then folks.....

April Showers....My Digital Studio

What's a gal to do when she's been struck by the nasty bug and she's got a kid with double ear infection?

Grab the laptop, snuggle on the couch with a cup of hot tea, and get busy scrapbooking, of course!

Not that I got a lot done, but I think I could get used to this way of scrapbooking!  Why? You ask?

Well, heck - I can do this anywhere!  I don't need to take adhesive, paper, box of photos with me!  It's all on my 'puter!

This page came together pretty stinkin' easily!  Most everything came out of this week's download - April Showers.  And that all works perfectly for Aubrie's April Birth.  I wanted to be clever, since her middle name is Mae - April showers bring Mae Flowers......but I couldn't get it to sing to me.  So, cleverness, it went out the window.  I can't be clever when I feel like doo-doo!

I added some things from the Delicate Adornments kit, to help soften the page up a bit.

In the end, I'm pretty pleased with this page!  Hey - I've got another page done - I should be pleased right!!!


Supply List:

Background
     Designer Series Paper\_Designer Kits\April Showers - designer series paper\April Showers - 2

Embellishments
    Delicate Adornments\Delicate Adornments - lace
    Paper Doilies\Paper Doilies - pool party
    _Designer Kits\April Showers - embellishments\April Showers - border
    _Designer Kits\April Showers - embellishments\April Showers - chevron cloud
    _Designer Kits\April Showers - embellishments\April Showers - drops of joy
    _Designer Kits\April Showers - embellishments\April Showers - hot air balloon 3
    Glimmer Brads\Basic Gray - glimmer brad
    Delicate Adornments\Delicate Adornments - very vanilla

Stamps
    _Designer Kits\April Showers\April Showers - pattern cloud, Color = BASIC GRAY 118,122,121

Punches
    Extras\Happy Hello\Happy Hello - small flower, Fill Color = 68,193,173

Oh Happy Day! w/ Oh! Hello!

Howdy folks!  I've got a super quick post today for you....this Momma needs to go to bed, seems as if round 352 of sickness is striking our house.  Would someone please let Mother Nature know that it was officially Spring 6 days ago, and it's time to deliver the weather that accompanies it.  I need to open my windows and air out this home before it needs to be quarantined!

Alex just spent a week on the couch with a horrible chest cold.  That is amazing for him.  He doesn't usually sit still if we'd pay him in brownies. Will spent one of those days home from school with the same thing. The week before that, Aubrie was sick for two days.  I've been under the weather for the past 3 days myself, and tonight, low and behold, Alex starts to complain about his ear.  I look at it - and sure enough, it's draining.  It's like a vicious cycle around here.  We are typically a darn healthy house.....not lately.

So, today....I've created my own sunshine.  I also decided that I need a lot of it:

Can you see how I skipped the Stamp-a-ma-jig and went a slightly easier route?  It's all about mass production here.  But, as I created this, it dawned on me that this stamp set is awesome for scrapbooking!

Okey doke - sorry to cut this short.....I better get some zzz's cuz I have a feeling I won't be getting much sleep tonight......

Technical Tuesday....My Digital Studio

My sweet little gal, Aubrie is approaching her third birthday.  THREE.  

And I feel guilty.  

Really guilty.  

I don't have a single scrapbook page produced, printed, or anything else for that matter.

So, guess what?

I'm gonna be making nice with My Digital Studio and I'm gonna get myself some scrapbookin' done!

Wanna join me on my journey?  

Here's a page I created last night while I watched The Voice. (which means I created it during commercials! and how much time does that actually consume?  15 minutes?)

I did use a template - Delight in the Day Photobook.  What I like about those templates/premade pages, is that they are super easy to change up.
For instance, I had to move the "family" phrase and the circle it was on.  I made some photo areas bigger, and some patterned paper smaller.  I also added the ribbon and knot.
So simple.
Once I have the book finished, I'll send it off to be printed.  So, let's hope that's in the next week, and not the next year!!!

You know what else?  Stampin' Up! has greatly reduced the price of this great software - to $19.95.

Seriously, how awesome is that?  I mean I've spent $19.95 on things that I didn't ever use.  But this I USE!  A LOT!  I just haven't been using it to scrapbook.  Which is about to change drastically.

And one thing I really like - Stampin' Up! releases new digital downloads every Tuesday.  They are trendy, fun, and economical too.

Let's take a look at the This and That release today:

MORE IMAGES

This And That Epic Day Kit - Digital Download 133465 Price: $11.95 This download was added on 3/26/2013 Download includes: * 22-piece SVG stamp brush set * 12 Designer Series Papers * 101 embellishments Features: * All the This and That traditional products in digital form Colors: Basic Gray, Calypso Coral, Crumb Cake, Daffodil Delight, Gumball Green, Island Indigo, Pool Party

Did you read that description?  22 piece stamp brush (which is really just a stamp SET!), 12 Designer Papers, and this one freaks me out: 101 embellishments!  ONE HUNDRED AND ONE!  Not Dalmations - EMBELLISHMENTS!  For a mere 11.95  Really folks.  What's not to love?  (mine is currently downloading!)

You can find all of the newest My Digital Studio downloads by CLICKING HERE.

Why don't you join my on my quest to create some scrapbooks?  I'd love that!

SUPPLIES USED:

Embellishments
    _Designer Kits\Delight in the Day - embellishments\Ruffled Ribbon - Pool Party
    _Designer Kits\Delight in the Day- embellishments\Delight in the Day - circle 7
    Staple & Stitching\Staple
    Staple & Stitching\Staple
    2011-2013 In Color Ruffled Ribbon\Ruffled Ribbon - pool party knot

Stamps
    _Designer Kits\Delight in the Day\Delight in the Day - quote 1, Color = BASIC GRAY 118,122,121
    _Designer Kits\Delight in the Day\Delight in the Day - family, Color = BASIC GRAY 118,122,121

Punches
    1.25 Square Punch, Fill Color = POOL PARTY 169,221,199
    1.25 Circle Punch, Fill Color = WHISPER WHITE 255,255,255     

Fabric Frenzy

Did you read that?  50% off all fabric!  Holy snikies! (As Aubrie - my 2 year old - says)

You don't have to be a seamstress to get into this!  I don't mind sewing, but can really just do a straight stitch, I don't get much fancier than that!!!!

You'll have to watch this video to see some great (many non-sewing) projects.

You can jump on this great discount by clicking here.

This and That - and everything in between....

Wow!!!  SaleABration has come to an end.....But new things are coming our way!  And let me introduce you to something that I'm very VERY excited about!!!!

THIS and THAT!

It's a scrapbook, it's a date book, it's a memory album......it's what you make it!  And that I love.

When I was growing up, I had a School Days Memory Album.  I kept things in there from my school days - pics of friends, Valentine's, notes, etc.  This and That reminds me of that - only its much more beautiful!  In fact, I can't wait to give one of these to my niece!  I wish I would have had it two weeks ago for her birthday.

Look at all of these fun things that come in the bundle:

You can purchase these things separately, but you can also purchase them together in a bundle - and it's discounted 15% off from now until April 30th.  They won't have the special bundle price after that.

131268	Epic Day This and That Journal	$10.95
130814	Epic Day This and That Designer Series Paper	$10.95
130133	Remember This and That Rotary Stamp	$5.95
131271	Epic Day This and That Designer Stickers	$4.95
131269	Epic Day This and That Designer Washi Tape	$4.95
133350	Epic Day This and That Bundle Includes the five This and That products listed above. Only available in a bundle until April 30.	$32.08 15% Off Retail Value!

I can't wait for the UPS man to deliver this to my door!!!  What fun it will be!  Are you ready to have some fun with this???  You can - get your bundle today!  Grab it in my online store now!

Guess what else?  Stampin' Up! is giving away a trip!!!  To San Diego......enter for your chance to win!

CLICK HERE FOR A CHANCE TO WIN THE TRIP!

Winner, Winner! Chicken Dinner!!!

Here they are folks!  Can I get a drumroll please!

I'm going to do this Miss America style:  

Our third runner up is:

Laurie - you are winning a package of handmade cards!!  Along with the goodie bag that you won for being the first to order!  Great job and thanks for the order!

The second runner up is:

Congrats Brenda!  You are the winner of a $15 prize package!!!  I'll send you an email with the details! 

Are you ready???  

The FIRST RUNNER UP IS:

Congrats Char!!! You are the winner of a $25 prize package!  I'll email you with all of the details!!



Alright Folks.....here we go!!!  The big winner of tonight's Mystery Hostess Party is......



Drumroll please!!!!



Here she is..........

K'Lynn!!!!  You are the winner of a $65 prize package and one half price item!!!  I will email you also with the information!

Thanks to all of you that participated - you will be receiving a special gift from me (nobody goes home empty handed) and I'll also be emailing you the complimentary Online Class.  

Mystery Hostess Party...coming to an end!

EDITED TO ADD:  We will have TWO Winners tonight!!!  TWO WINNERS!!!!  Wanna make it THREE???  Get your orders in by 8pm CST TONIGHT March 20th!!!!

Are you ready for a good time?  I always am!

Let's send this last week of Sale-A-Bration out in style!!!

How?

Let's have a Mystery Hostess Party.  What's that, you say???

But this time, you don't have to clean or bake, or get dressed up!

Let me explain:

Starting March 14th:

The party is open to all those throughout the United States!

For every $25 you spend (pre tax and shipping), your name will go into a hat.
All of the orders will be compiled into ONE workshop, to come up with a workshop total.
On March 20th at 9pm CST, I will draw one winner.

That winner will get the hostess benefits from the week's party.

Just think - if 10 people participate at just $25 each, that's a $250 party - and the winner collects $40 in free merchandise, plus, since it's Sale-A-Bration, they get a free pack of Shimmer Paper!
If 16 people participate, that's a $400 party and the winner gets $65 in freebies and 1 half price item, AND Shimmer Paper, AANND! the Sale-A-Bration bundle (Sycamore Street DSP, Sycamore Street Ribbon and Button pack, and Madison Ave. Stamp Set) .

Once we get over the $400 level, we'll have a drawing for the second hostess!


Now, hold on.....if you place a $50 order, your name goes in the hat twice and you can select a FREE Sale-A-Bration item!  Place a $100 order, your name goes in the hat FOUR times and you can select TWO FREE Sale-A-Bration items!

As a bonus for you:
The party is coming to YOU!
Everyone that participates will receive an email that will direct them to a collection of videos.  Those videos will show you projects that I would do in a real, in-house party.  You can watch the collection when you have time, and hey! - you can watch them in your pajamas if you wish!!  No need to get dressed up for this party!

Don't worry - everyone that participates will also get some Happy Mail from me!  EVERYBODY WINS!!!!

Here's how to play along:

Go to my website and place your minimum $25 order.

There, you will see this at the bottom of your screen:

There you will want to put THIS CODE: S3CEDGAY  (You can copy and paste to make your life easier.)  That code will show Jennifer Arkfeld as the hostess, but when the winner is drawn, it will transfer to that person.  

DEADLINE TO ORDER IS MARCH 20th at 8pm CST.

Anyone throughout the US can participate.  Your order will be shipped directly to YOU! 

Watch the Mystery Hostess Sale-A-Bration Party Page for more fun things throughout the week!  

LET'S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!!! 

Celebrate! with Designer Typeset Photopolymer Stamps!

Have you been pondering testing out Stampin' Up's newest Photopolymer Stamp Set - Designer Typeset?  I'm really excited about this option!  A truly clear stamp from Stampin' Up!  With the Stampin' Up! brand to back it up, you know that these stamps are high quality, offering the best quality in stamps.

Certainly, the ease of use of this set will please you.  Creating sentiments that say just what you want them to say is easy to do, and adds to the versatility of these new clear stamps.  Let me explain!

 Here, I stamped my sentiment.  I did stamp the letters individually, and they were pretty easy to line up!  I opted not to place all of the letters on the clear block at once, because I didn't want the letters to be spread out so much, so I stamped one at a time.  But here's what I do really like.  I wanted to have my sentiment look as tho it was part of a banner.  I placed both of the banner images on each end of the sentiment.  Then I placed my clear block right over the top:

The banners are now on my block, right where I want them.  I inked up the banners in Summer Starfruit and stamped:

The banners are placed perfectly!

Then, I just have to cut out!  I used an exacto knife and ruler, and that made it easy peasy!

But, do you want to know what else is awesome about this new option.  You get 57 images for $13.95!  That's no joke folks!  You can't get any better than that!  You can put letters right inside the pennant images so that your banner spells out something fun.

I used the pennant image to create a fun banner for the top of the card.  Don't forget to embellish it!  Little punches and gems are a good idea!

REMEMBER!!!  Today is the last day of my MYSTERY HOSTESS PARTY! 

Supply List:

Designer Typeset Primrose Petals CS Patio Party DSP Primrose Petals Ink Summer Starfruit Ink Jet Black Stazon Ink Basic Rhinestones Punch Pack Delicate Designs EF Big Shot

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