Fast Digital Scrapbook Layouts

I'm really having fun playing with Stampin' Up!'s Digital Software, My Digital Studio.  I will always be a traditional scrapbooker, but boy is it quick and easy to make fabulous digi-layouts.  Hopefully, this will help get some of these photos off of my computer and into my scrapbooks!!

I did a two-page scrapbook layout using the Downtown Grunge Photobook Template Digital Download. It was so easy - all I did was insert my photos and add some journaling!  (Click on the photos for a larger view.)

When I purchased this download, I thought it would work great with a lot of the photos I have from my boys' sporting events.  I tried it with photos from the Stampin' Up! Convention and I really like how it looks here - what a versatile digi download!  And what I love about these templates is, you can mix it up, move things around, just use the elements or mix up the different paper backgrounds, etc., etc.  So much fun!!

**Don't forget - there are only a few days left to order from the Holiday Mini Catalog!  Click here to shop 24/7!**

The new Occasions Mini Catalog goes live on January 4th!  Email me to receive your copy!

Reminders:

• Check out the Clearance Rack - Shop 24/7!  Visit my online store.
• Join the Club! Stamp Club members get crafty every other month!
• Join Stamps 2 Go!  Click here to receive stamps, samples & a kit straight to your door!
• Come create with me!  View my calendar here.
• Host a Workshop!  Check out the new Hostess Benefits here.
• Order your Personalized Simply Adorned Charm!  Details here.
• Follow me on Facebook!  Click here.
• Going digi?  Check out the latest My Digital Studio downloads here.

Hand Stamped Tile Coasters

Eeek - only a few days left of 2011?!  How is that possible?  I've gotten behind on my blogging/stamping but have really enjoyed the time with my family!  I love this time of year and think I'll be lazy for the last few days of 2011!  lol.  I did want to share with you some photos from some of my December events.

These coasters were a popular choice at the Holiday Giftacular.  Here a few of the designs people chose to make.  They all turned out really cute and are super easy to make!

Stamp Sets Used:  En Francais (get this gorgeous background stamp here), Artistic Etchings, Creative Elements, Medallion (not shown)

And here are some snapshots of us getting crafty:

Now that Christmas is over, I'm gearing up for Valentine's - another holiday when I love to make fun gifts!  Join the fun in 2012 with Stamps 2 Go.  January's Stamps 2 Go will have some CUTE Valentines' projects.  Order by December 31st, and receive your choice of the Brights Designer Buttons or a pack of the 2011-2013 In Color 8 1/2 x 11" Smooth Card Stock for FREE!!**  Refer a friend to the program (who lists your name on the registration form) and you'll receive a FREE Classic Stamp Pad of your choice!

Thanks for stopping by.... I have a couple of extra kids over here today so I guess I better go feed them!  ;)

Reminders:

• Check out the Clearance Rack - Shop 24/7!  Visit my online store.
• Join the Club! Stamp Club members get crafty every other month!
• Join Stamps 2 Go!  Click here to receive stamps, samples & a kit straight to your door!
• Come create with me!  View my calendar here.
• Host a Workshop!  Check out the new Hostess Benefits here.
• Order your Personalized Simply Adorned Charm!  Details here.
• Follow me on Facebook!  Click here.
• Going digi?  Check out the latest My Digital Studio downloads here.

Christmas Stocking Gift Card Holder

There was a challenge over at Zibbet for handmade gift card holders so I decided to enter.  I made a stocking gift card holder using the Holiday Stocking Bigz Die.  Here it is:

Wouldn't this look cute hanging on the tree Christmas morning?

Products Used:
Paper:  Real Red, Lucky Limeade (LOVE this bright green for Christmas!)
Stamps:  Dear Santa
Inks:  Lucky Limeade
Big Shot:  Holiday Stocking Bigz Die, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder
Other:  Lucky Limeade Ruffled Ribbon, Sticky Strip

After I entered the challenge, I found out that my entry received the #1 Pick for the Weekly Fantastic Five Challenge!  I was so excited!!  I am slowly listing some of my handmade items up for sale.  You can view my "Sunflower Studios" store here.

I also have some breaking news..... Stampin' Up! announced that the Stocking Builder Punch is only available while supplies last and will not be carried over from the mini catalog.  (gasp!)  So.... get it while you can because it is C.U.T.E.!!

Stocking Builder Punch - #124095 - $16.95
Only available while supplies last!!










Well, that's it for today!!  Don't forget to check out the clearance rack - there are still some great deals!  Thanks for stopping by!!

Reminders:

• Check out the Clearance Rack - Shop 24/7!  Visit my online store.
• Join the Club! Stamp Club members get crafty every other month!
• Join Stamps 2 Go!  Click here to receive stamps, samples & a kit straight to your door!
• Come create with me!  View my calendar here.
• Host a Workshop!  Check out the new Hostess Benefits here.
• Order your Personalized Simply Adorned Charm!  Details here.
• Follow me on Facebook!  Click here.
• Going digi?  Check out the latest My Digital Studio downloads here.

Holly Berry Bouquet Gift Basket Tutorial

I love making these little gift baskets.  They're great to hold treats, baked goods, gift cards, etc. for friends, neighbors and teachers.  We made these at the Holiday Giftacular Class.  What fun!

Products Used:
Paper:  Chocolate Chip (12x12), Holly Berry Bouquet DSP, Very Vanilla, Pear Pizzazz
Stamps:  Easy Events
Ink:  Chocolate Chip, Real Red & Old Olive Markers
Punches:  Circle, Scallop Circle
Other:  Real Red Ribbon, Crop-a-dile

For the tag I used the stamp set Easy Events.  This is such a versatile set and comes with 8 different stamps.

Easy Events
#123225 (clear mount) $24.95
#116958 (wood mount) $32.95

Wondering how to make these fun little baskets?  Keep reading....  :)

Gift Basket Tutorial

1. Take a sheet of 12 x 12 card stock and score at 4" and 8".  Turn 90 degrees and score again at 4" and 8".  Fold at score lines.
2. Take 2 sheets of DSP and cut into 3.75 x 3.75" squares.
3. Take 8 of the squares and cut them in half diagonally.  You should end up with 16 triangles.
4. Glue all of the squares on both sides of the card stock to create the pattern you like on the basket.
5. Now the tricky part...  Pinch the 2 middle squares together creating a doubled triangle with the corner piece.  Use a bone folder to score and crease the corners at a diagonal.  Do this for all 4 corners.
6. Use the crop-a-dile to punch small holes in all of the diagonal corners.  You'll be punching through 2 layers of card stock at a time.
7. Thread the ribbon through the holes, pull it tightly together and make your bow.  Add a cute tag if desired!

I hope that wasn't too confusing!!  The hardest part is getting those corner folds - once you get that down it's easy!!  Our new Simply Scored tool makes the scoring a breeze!!  Happy crafting!  I'd love to hear how yours turns out!  :)

Reminders:

• Check out the Clearance Rack - Shop 24/7!  Visit my online store.
• Join the Club! Stamp Club members get crafty every other month!
• Join Stamps 2 Go!  Click here to receive stamps, samples & a kit straight to your door!
• Come create with me!  View my calendar here.
• Host a Workshop!  Check out the new Hostess Benefits here.
• Order your Personalized Simply Adorned Charm!  Details here.
• Follow me on Facebook!  Click here.
• Going digi?  Check out the latest My Digital Studio downloads here.

New Stamps 2 Go & Stamp Clubs Forming!!

I hope you're all enjoying your Saturday!  We are officially on Christmas break over here - which means no alarm clocks for 15 days!  Woooo hooooo!!

So... I've listened to your requests and I'm so excited to share with you two new "clubs" I'll have available for 2012!  

The first is Stamp Club.  This Club is for those of you that are local and want to meet every other month (in my house or yours if you want to form your own club) to make fun projects - cards, gift items, tags, 3d projects, etc..  You'll commit to placing a $25 order every other month to slowly build your stamping supplies, meet with other crafters to create fun projects, earn FREE products during your "hostess" month, and enjoy other little perks along the way.  Stamp Club is "open" and members can join at any time.  For more information on Stamp Club visit here:  http://creativechat.blogspot.com/p/stamp-club.html or follow the tab on the top of my blog.

The second is the Stamps 2 Go Club.  This club is for those of you that have a hard time getting to classes, who live further away, and who want the convenience of working on projects in your own home and on your own schedule.  This would also be a fun way to host your own craft night with friends and/or spend some quality time with your kids.  You will still gradually build your stamp supplies while receiving the "Stamp of the Month", actual samples, and a kit to recreate the projects.  You may join at any time and choose from 1 - 12 month subscriptions.  For more information on the Stamps 2 Go Club visit here:  http://creativechat.blogspot.com/p/stamps-2-go.html or follow the tab at the top of my blog.

**Sign up for either of these clubs by December 31st, and receive your choice of the Brights Designer Buttons or a pack of the 2011-2013 In Color 8 1/2 x 11" Smooth Card Stock for FREE!!**  Refer a friend to the program (who lists your name on the registration form) and you'll receive a FREE Classic Stamp Pad of your choice!

Feel free to contact me with any questions!

And finally, I have to leave you with a little something to look at...

These are some fun little photo magnets I made.  Don't these make a cute gift?  I used our digital software, My Digital Studio, to shrink the photos to the right size, adhered them to wood squares, applied our magnet strips to the back and attached them to a little card!  Fun!  I used the stamp set, Hand-Penned Holidays which is only available through January 3rd.

Thanks for stopping by!

Reminders:

• Check out the Clearance Rack - Shop 24/7!  Visit my online store.
• Come create with me!  View my calendar here.
• Host a Workshop!  Check out the new Hostess Benefits here.
• Order your Personalized Simply Adorned Charm!  Details here.
• Follow me on Facebook!  Click here.
• Going digi?  Check out the latest My Digital Studio downloads here.

Contempo Christmas Card & Clearance Rack Blitz!

So... I was told yesterday that a certain someone (who will remain unmentioned) is getting tired of looking at my last Thanksgiving post!!  LOL!  I have been super busy with Christmas activities, my son's birthday, etc., etc. and I've neglected my cyber-friends. So sorry!

But, I'm back on track... caught up on my orders, no classes for a couple of weeks, and all of the entertaining is done until Christmas!  Shew!

I want to share with you a card we made recently at a friend's workshop:

Products Used:
Paper:  Early Espresso, Very Vanilla, Old Olive
Stamps:  Contempo Christmas
Ink:  Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso
Punches:  Ornament, Eyelet Border
Big Shot:  Snow Burst Embossing Folder
Other:  Quilted Satin Ribbon in Cherry Cobbler, Dimensionals, Pearls

This card uses one of my favorite Christmas stamp sets, Contempo Christmas.  This is the stamp set that got me hooked on Stampin' Up! over a year ago when I attended my first Stampin' Up! event!  I LOVED how the ornament stamp had a punch to coordinate, the sentiments were so sweet and the images looked great when adorned with a rhinestone or pearl jewel!  Too cute!  Here are the four stamps that come with this set:

Contempo Christmas
#120594 - Clear Mount - $11.95
#118734 - Wood Mount - $15.95

Holy Cow!!  Wait until you see all of the fun goodies that were just added to the Clearance Rack!!  Some of my favorite retired Designer Series Paper, punches for under $10, Stampin' pastels, lots of ribbon.... Make sure and check it out here where you can shop 24/7!

Thanks for visiting!  Now, go do something creative!  :)

Reminders:

• Check out the Clearance Rack - Shop 24/7!  Visit my online store.
• Come create with me!  View my calendar here.
• Host a Workshop!  Check out the new Hostess Benefits here.
• Order your Personalized Simply Adorned Charm!  Details here.
• Follow me on Facebook!  Click here.
• Going digi?  Check out the latest My Digital Studio downloads here.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Just a quick post to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!  Here's a quick and easy card I made for Thanksgiving.  I love the Button Buddies stamp set!  It is so cute how it coordinates with our buttons!

Products Used:
Paper:  Whisper White, Early Espresso, Patterns Designer Series Paper in Brights
Stamps:  Button Buddies, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink:  Early Espresso, Old Olive
Punches:  Circle, Scallop Circle, Square
Big Shot:  Striped Embossing Folder
Other:  Designer Buttons in Brights, Linen Thread, Glue Dots

Creative Chat Favorite:

Button Buddies - Clear-Mount Stamp Set           Item #122737           Price:  $21.95
We’re buddies, aren’t we? Images in the Button Buddies Set pair well with our Designer Buttons to give all your projects a one-of-a-kind style. Whether it’s a pink nose on a pink pig, or an orange shell of a slow moving snail, adding a button will add dimension to any project!  Set Quantity: 8 I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!  I am so blessed to have my family, friends, my home, my Stampin' Up! business and all of my wonderful customers and cyber-friends!  Happy Stamping! Reminders: Shop the Holiday Extravaganza - Shop here through Nov. 30th. Check out the Clearance Rack - Shop 24/7!  Visit my online store. Come create with me!  View my calendar here. Host a Workshop!  Check out the new Hostess Benefits here. Order your Personalized Simply Adorned Charm!  Details here. Follow me on Facebook!  Click here. Going digi?  Check out the latest My Digital Studio downloads here.

Holiday Photo Block Decoration

Oooooh, I'm so excited about this project!  I covered one of our Decor Blocks in Designer Series Paper. I stamped and punched out an ornament and used the Big Shot to cut out the letters.  I adhered a cute picture of my boys on one side and topped it off with some of our 1 1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon.  What a fun, handmade gift!

Products Used:
Paper: Cherry Cobbler, Jolly Holiday DSP (retired-oh, how I miss this paper!)
Stamps:  Contempo Christmas
Ink:  Cherry Cobbler
Punch:  Ornament
Big Shot:  Alphabet Simple Letters
Other:  Decor Blocks, 1 1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon, Rhinestone Jewels, Dimensionals

Creative Chat Favorite:

Décor Blocks       Item #116829       Price: $9.95 
Create fun holiday décor with Décor Elements blocks embellished with images from our Décor Elements (vinyl) or covered with Designer Series paper. The smooth MDF blocks are ready to cover--no sanding required.
■ 4 blocks per package
*CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE*

We'll be making this December 1st at Bentwater's Ladies' Night Out (non-residents welcome) and another version of it at the Holiday Giftacular.  I am also taking custom orders for these - email me for more info.  Or, purchase your blocks here to make your own!  :)

Reminders:

• Shop the Holiday Extravaganza - Shop here through Nov. 30th.
• Check out the Clearance Rack - Shop 24/7!  Visit my online store.
• Come create with me!  View my calendar here.
• Host a Workshop!  Check out the new Hostess Benefits here.
• Order your Personalized Simply Adorned Charm!  Details here.
• Follow me on Facebook!  Click here.
• Going digi?  Check out the latest My Digital Studio downloads here.

Cute Hand Sanitizer Gift

I love to make little gifts for my hostesses.  :)  Last week, I decided to make this fun hand sanitizer holder to bring to my hostess's workshop.  (I really need a cuter name... but, it's not really a box, or a pouch, or a bag.... lol)  Anyway, here it is:

I originally got this idea from Erica Cerwin over at Pink Buckaroo Designs, but revamped mine a little bit to open and close on the top.  It's a fun little gift for hostesses, neighbors, teachers, the mailman, etc.!  The mini pocket hand sanitizers from one of my favorite stores fits inside perfectly - and who doesn't need hand sanitizer?!  We'll be making a Christmas version of this at the Holiday Giftacular!  I'll try and post a tutorial next week!

Don't forget about the BIG Online Extravaganza going on through November 30th! Lots of great items on sale up to 60% off - I placed my order yesterday!  :)  Click here for the pdf version of the sale items or visit my online store to shop 24/7!

Reminders:

• Shop the Holiday Extravaganza - Shop here through Nov. 30th.
• Check out the Clearance Rack - Shop 24/7!  Visit my online store.
• Come create with me!  View my calendar here.
• Host a Workshop!  Check out the new Hostess Benefits here.
• Order your Personalized Simply Adorned Charm!  Details here.
• Follow me on Facebook!  Click here.
• Going digi?  Check out the latest My Digital Studio downloads here.

Stampin' Up! Online Extravaganza!!

Stampin' Up!'s HUGE Online Extravaganza sale is here and just in time for your holiday shopping!!

CLICK HERE for the pdf version of the sale items or visit my online store to start shopping!

I woke up this morning and couldn't wait to run to my computer and check out what Stampin' Up! included in their sale!!  As usual, I'm not disappointed!!

24 HOUR SALE TODAY ONLY!!!  For the next 24 hours, two of Stampin' Up!'s brand new products will be discounted - Simply Scored Scoring Tool and Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps.  The 24 hour sale ends at midnight MST today!

Item	Description	Retail Price	24-Hour  Sale Price
122334	Simply Scored	$29.95	$23.96
125152	Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps	$16.95	$13.56

Choose a FREE Digital Download Bundle when you purchase My Digital Studio Express.  Click here to see the bundles you can choose from.  This is such an awesome deal for those of you that want to start using our digital software for scrapbooking, photo gifts, cards, tags, etc.  It is so much fun! 

A few things to remember about the Online Extravaganza:

• Save 20-60% on Stampin' Up! Products from Nov. 21-30th!
• 24 hour-only special on Simply Scored and Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps
• Choose a FREE digital download bundle when you purchase My Digital Studio Express
• No minimum purchased required 
• For product bundles, you must use the bundle item number provided
• Click here for the online pdf link of sale items
• Visit my online store now to start shopping!!

**Don't forget to register for the Holiday Giftacular Class on December 9th and create some wonderful handmade gifts for your friends and family!**  

Santa Matchbox Treat

Woo hoo - we're getting into the holiday spirit over here!  My kids have the week off of school next week for Thanksgiving!  (Which means no alarm clocks for NINE days!) So excited!  I'm hoping to start decorating and shopping for Christmas soon!  :)

With Christmas being right around the corner, we've been working like crazy planning the most popular class of the year!  We're calling this year's gift class the Holiday Giftacular!  I wanted to make a cute, inexpensive treat as one of our projects.  I came up with this little punch-art Santa Matchbox Treat:

I think this punch-art Santa is adorable!!  I can't take credit for coming up with this idea on my own - I'm not sure who originally came up with it, but I've seen it all over the Stampin' Connection Gallery.  (Stampin' Up!'s demo-only website)  Here's the inside:

Who doesn't love chocolate?!  Such a fun idea for the holidays!!

You can see all of the projects available to create at the Holiday Giftacular here or by clicking the link on the top right-hand side of my blog.

What is the Holiday Giftacular?!  It's a FUN & FESTIVE event you don't want to miss! We have lots of handmade gift items to choose from.  You pick what and how many you'd like to make.  Pre-order by November 25th and we'll have your kits prepped and ready to go.  Stop by between 10-2 or 6-10 pm on Friday, December 9th to create your gifts.  Stacey and I will be here to help you along the way!  So grab your friends and come get started on your Christmas shopping!

Hope to see you there!  Thanks for stopping by!

Home for the Holidays Christmas Card

Ok, so I'm still playing with My Digital Studio and celebrating Digital Scrapbooking Day with Stampin' Up!'s FREE downloads!!  Today I used the Home for the Holidays Ensemble to create a Christmas Card:

A couple of these pictures are from last year and will need to be updated... but, I wanted to show how quick and easy it was to make a card using the FREE download!  The template in the download is actually a thank you card.  So, I changed the sentiment and wah-lah!

There are some really cute elements in this download.  Lots of fun things that can be used for Christmas tags, labels, treat toppers, cards, and scrapbook layouts.

**Click here to check out the Home for the Holidays Ensemble**

**Click here to get your FREE downloads**

Hurry, tomorrow is the last day to download all of these freebies!!  I'd love to see what you create with them!

Reminders:

• Check out the Clearance Rack - Shop 24/7!  Visit my online store.
• Get a FREE Big Shot!  Join Stampin' Up! through November 11th!
• Come create with me!  View my calendar here.
• Host a Workshop!  Check out the new Hostess Benefits here.
• Earn FREE Stamps!  Learn about my Rewards Program here.
• Order your Personalized Simply Adorned Charm!  Details here.
• Follow me on Facebook!  Click here.
• Going digi?  Check out the latest My Digital Studio downloads here.