Still in love with My Digital Studio

I can't believe I haven't posted a My Digital Studio creation this month.  I originally envisioned sharing at least one project plus a tip or two a week, but I've had so many hand stamped projects to share I haven't had a chance.  So I'm squeezing one in on a random Tuesday.

Created in My Digital Studio.  Colors: Soft Suede, Pear Pizazz, Pool Party, Very Vanilla.  Stamps: Kindred Spirits, Baroque Motifs.   Punches: Scallop Square, Modern Label, Square.  Accessories: Grosgrain Knot, Antique Brads.

This is my mom (right) with her two sisters at my house last March. My mom and the middle sister both live in California and the youngest sister lives here in Utah.  It was very unusual for them all to be here together at the same time so a picture was definitely in order.

Now for the My Digital Studio tip:  Included with My Digital Studio is a Square Scallop punch.  You can resize all the punches any size without distorting it.  But when you enlarge the scallop punch, the scallops get bigger too.  Like this:

This would have been just fine, but it just wasn't what I wanted for this project.  I wanted my scallops smaller and tighter together.  So I took eight square scallop punches and lined them up three across and three down to make a square frame.  I didn't worry about the middle because it was the bottom mat for the pictures.  Here I colored every other scalloped square Pool Party so you can get a better idea how it was put together (it's also easier to line them up if they aren't the same color):

And here is what it looked like when they are all the same color before I added the picture on top:

I wanted some dimension so I grouped them together and added the drop shadow to the whole thing. Almost all the seams (and the hole in the middle) disappeared when I put the Pool Party mat over it.

There was one seam that you could see (only because of the drop shadow) so I put the modern label punch over it to hide it. Easy Peesy.

Would you like to see more MDS tips here on my blog?  Let me know by leaving a comment below.

Holiday Mini Sneak Peeks: Spice Cake Product Suite

Really not trying to rush us through the last month of summer, but I love Fall!  I love that first crisp morning and pumpkins and falling leaves and I could go on all day.

And this year, Stampin' Up's fall suite in the Holiday Mini is adding to my excitement for the season.  It's called Spice Cake and it is just as yummy as it sounds.  Featuring the most beautiful Designer Series Paper ever, a beautiful leaf stamp set as well as fabric and buttons, it is just perfect for Fall or anytime really.  And if digital crafting is more you speed, the paper will be available as a digital download too.  Here is your sneak peek:

Colors: Soft Suede, More Mustard, and Very Vanilla. Stamps: Gently Falling and Fabulous Phrases. Punches: Small Oval and 2-1/2" Circle.  Accessories: Spice Cake Designer Series Paper, Soft Suede Taffeta Ribbon, Log Cabin Smooch Spritz.

Remember last week, I promised one more card based on the sketch challenge?  Here it is.  Last week I was on a big Soft Suede kick.  Especially when I discovered how cool the Log Cabin Smooch Spritz looks on it.  You can't tell from the picture, but it gives it just a hint of coppery shimmer.  The Gently Falling set is designed for two-step stamping.  Six outline stamps are complimented by six "filler" stamps in all of the common leaf shapes plus an acorn and a maple seed pod.  I have a thing for leaf stamps, and I adore this one.

Colors: Pool Party, Soft Suede, More Mustard, River Rock.  Big Shot: Scallop Square Duo, Alphabet Simple Letters. Punch: 2-3/8" Scallop Circle.  Accessories: Spice Cake Designer Series Paper, Fabric and Buttons, 1/8" Very Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon.

I love to create banners, but I hate to take pictures of them.  They never look as good in the picture as they do in real life.  So you'll have to use your imagination a bit.  This also features the Spice Cake Designer Series Paper as well as the matching fabric and buttons.  I made this to hang in the entry way to my house, but it has already been requested as a buffet project for September.

Colors: Pool Party, Soft Suede, Very Vanilla.  Stamps: Delightful Dozen. Punches: Postage Stamp and 1" Square Punch.  Accessories: Spice Cake Designer Series Paper, Very Vanilla Seam Binding.

I mentioned before that this paper was really good for anytime and here's the card that proves it.  Anyone who knows me, knows that I love paisleys.  And when I saw this paper I just wanted to hoard it and pet it and call it George.  But I made myself cut into it.  (I can order another package of paper after all.)  I thought it was pretty enough that it didn't need too much so I kept it very simple.  But did you notice the 1" square punch?  Finally we have one and it layers perfectly with the postage stamp punch too.

The Spice Cake Product suite will be available to order starting September 1 when the Holiday Mini begins.  I know you will love it as much as I do.

A Dizzy Turtle

After I made my crayon-resist card the other day, I still needed a sketch challenge for the week. Or did I? Actually, my crayon-resist card became the Sketch Challenge for this week on Stampin' Addicts.  And by coincidence, it also met the requirements for this week's Accessories and More Challenge (use the new Pennant Die).

I could have stopped right there and called it good.  But I was in the juice on Wednesday.  So I made not one, but two more cards based on the sketch.  You  only get to see one today, but the other one will appear with some sneak peeks next week.

Colors: Wild Wasabi, Peach Parfait, Daffodil Delight, Baja Breeze.  Stamps: Turtle & Co. Big Shot: Polka Dot Embossing Folder, Perfect Pennants Die, Circle #2 Die.  Punch: Word Window. Accessories: Daffodil Delight 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Many Marvelous Markers, Crystal Effects, Just Add Cake Designer Series Paper.

"Hope you're back on your feet again soon!"  Get it?  I made this for a dear friend who is undergoing chemo right now.

And since I was still in the juice, as soon as I made this card, a big bright light bulb went off.  That turtle needs to spin so it can land on it's feet again.  I happen to really, really, really love spinner cards and this turtle needed to be on one for sure!

Colors: Wild Wasabi, Peach Parfait, Daffodil Delight, Baja Breeze.  Stamps: Turtle & Co. and Confetti.   Big Shot: Circle #2 Die.  Punch: Word Window, Modern Label, 2-3/8" Scallop. Accessories: Many Marvelous Markers, Crystal Effects, Just Add Cake Designer Series Paper, paper piercer, mini brads.

 You know you want to see it move.  Right?  I can play with these cards for hours.

(That's the very first video I've ever made and uploaded all by myself.  I can't believe it worked!)


I love this turtle. He's this year's Making a Difference set called Turtle & Co. When you purchase this set, Stampin' Up! donates $3 to the Ronald McDonald House Charities.   Such a great cause!  And he makes perfect get well and other cards for the young and not-so young men in your lives (and he has cute little friends too - a snail and frog). 

And besides the challenges over on Stampin' Addicts, these cards also fit the theme of the monthly contest over on soshelli.com.  So they are my entries for this month.  Cross your fingers for me.

Fabulous Creative Elements

I set out the other day to make a list of the top 10 things in the new Idea Book and Catalog.  The problem was, I couldn't stop at 10.  So much to love in this one.

But one of my favorite stamp sets from the new catalog is Creative Elements.  You know how you can tell I think it's fabulous?  I've made two cards with it in the last week and both times I reached for the "fabulous" stamp to compete the card.  I didn't even realize it until I went to take pictures of them both last night.

I mentioned one perk of being a demonstrator yesterday.  Another one is Convention.  This card is a CASE of a card presented by Stampin' Up Founder and CEO Shelli Gardner and her daughter Shalae Brown on the main stage at Convention last month.  I think it was my favorite of all the projects presented on stage during Convention and I knew I had to try it at home.

This card features all kinds of techniques.  First, emboss resist: I stamped the flourishes in VersaMark and used clear embossing powder then I stamped and sponged over it and rubbed away the excess ink over the embossing.  Then I ran the whole thing through the Big Shot with the embossing folder and lightly sponged Razzleberry mostly just on the bumps.  Then I spritzed it with a combination of shimmer paint and alcohol to give it some shine. It was a little work, but worth the effort.

This set really lends itself well to techniques. This time, I wanted to plan a project for my Technique Hostess Club called Crayon Resist.  I stamped the glossy white card stock with StazOn black ink.  Then I stole, I mean borrowed, a white crayon from my kid's crayon box, and colored in all the places I wanted to stay white.  Then I sponged Pool Party Ink all over that piece.  Last, I rubbed away the crayon.  I think this was one of the very first techniques I ever did at one of the first Stampin' Up Workshops I went to, way back before I ever intended to become a stamper.  It's an oldie, but a goody.  Love how elegant it looks with this technique.

Colors: Wisteria Wonder, Concord Crush and Whisper White.  Stamps: Creative Elements. Punches: Decorative Label and Lace Ribbon Border.  Accessories: Rhinestones

And last, but not least, is a card from my customer appreciation event.  No techniques on this one, but some new things to point out.  Concord Crush is one of the carry-over In Colors from last year.  I hardly ever used it because I just had a hard time pairing it with anything other than white or vanilla.  But I love it with Wisteria Wonder.  It's like they were made for each other.  I especially love Wisteria Wonder Card Stock stamped with Concord Crush ink.

The other new thing I love on this card is the Lace Ribbon Border.  It's one very large punch.  But it is so beautiful.  Look at all the detail in it. It really adds to a card.

Now tell me Creative Elements is not one of YOUR favorites from the new catalog.   If you want it for yourself, click on over to my online store and order it.  The set of 8 stamps in wood mount (item 122645) is $32.95 and in clear mount (item 122647) is $24.95. 

Ellen on Glitter

Someone asked so I have to share.  Here is Ellen on Glitter:

Holiday Mini Sneak Peeks: Fun and Festive

The Holiday Mini doesn't start until September 1.  But one of the perks of being a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator is the opportunity to pre-order new items and get to play with them a whole month before everyone else.  (And that's just one of the many perks).

My order arrived last week and I promised to provide some sneak peeks.  I'm hoping to do this once a week for the rest of the month.  This week's sneak peek is the Fun and Festive set.  The set features three stamps, one for each upcoming holiday: Halloween, Christmas and Valentines.  I knew when I saw it, I'd have to have it.

Colors: Pumpkin Pie, Lucky Limeade, Perfect Plum, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White and Basic Black.  Stamps: Fun and Festive. Tools: Many Marvelous Markers, and Small Oval Punch. Accessories:  Basic Black 1/2" Scallop Dot Ribbon, Dazzling Details, and Crystal Effects.  Tutorial for Pull-Up Candy Bar Holder from splitcoaststampers.com.

If you love sparkle, but hate glitter (don't forget what Ellen DeGeneres says about glitter), you will love the other new product featured on this project: Dazzling Details - an iridescent glitter glue.   All the bling with none of the mess.  After I colored the image, I added a layer just over the colored areas to give it lots of sparkle (I know it's a little hard to tell from the picture).

And isn't this Candy Bar Holder a great Halloween treat?  This may  be a project for my Spooktacular Buffet in October.  If you are a class regular or want to be, let me know and I'll add it to the lineup.

Colors: Garden Green, Cherry Cobbler and Whisper White. Stamps: Festive and Fun.  Tools: Spritzer and Marker. Accessories: Frostwood Lodge Designer Series Paper, Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding Ribbon, Garden Green Button, and Crystal Effects. 

The Christmas image says, "Have a Holly Jolly Christmas."  Tell me that song is not running through your head right now!  This time, instead of sparkle, I wanted shine so I just put a layer of Crystal Effects over just where I colored.  That is one of my favorite techniques, but sometimes I have a little trouble being patient enough for it to dry.

Colors: Cherry Cobbler, Regal Rose, Very Vanilla, Pink Pirouette, Pretty in Pink.  Stamps: Fun and Festive.  Big Shot: Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder.  Tools: Markers, Paper Piercer and Mat Pack.  Accessories: Dazzling Details, brads.

I know, Valentines is still six months away.  Seems a little silly to be showing you a card this early.  But I love this stamp.  It's so cute.  I also used it in a swap I am doing so I'll have another card using this same stamp set to show you in a few weeks.  Again, I just added just a touch of Dazzling Details to this one too. 

I've been so drawn to these line art images lately. I know some of my customers HATE to color images.  But I have always found it a bit therapeutic to color.  It takes me back to my childhood days of coloring books and crayons.  I used to beg my mom to buy me markers and the thicker-paged books.  Simpler times.   Now I have my very own set of markers and can stamp all the images I want to color anytime I want.  Heaven, I tell you!

Stampin' Addict Sketch Challenge 104 & Color Challenge 108

I have A LOT of nicknames.  In my younger years I was also Paula Koala, PJ, and PaulaJo.  And because Californians tend to shorten everything (rad, bromance, vaca, Cali to name just a few famous terms) I was even just Jo for awhile.  Now I'm mostly just Mom, Paula, Pahlua (because I misstamped my name once and it stuck) or my online name, scrapshappen.

But I have another name not very many people know about: Challenge Master. When Stampin' Addicts first got started I took on coordinating the Challenges.  We have six every week: Monday's 3D challenge (with awesome video tutorials), Tuesday's Techniques, Wednesday's Accessories and More, Thursday's Sketch, Friday's Colors and Saturday's Scrapbooking.  If you are ever in need of some inspiration, be sure to check it out: www.stampinaddicts.com.

I've mentioned before that I host the Sketch Challenge and then a group of very talented stampers do the rest.   This week's challenge came straight off of page 104 of the Idea Book and Catalog. (Coincidentally, it is also Sketch Challenge 104).  One of the things I love about our catalog is it really has some great inspiration for creating at home -- substituting other stamps and colors for those shown. 


So here is the card I made based on the sketch for this week:

Colors: Early Espresso, Melon Mambo, Pumpkin Pie and So Saffron.  Stamps: Daring Adventure. Accessories: Brads, Markers, Spritzing Tool.

I love the saying on this stamp set.  It makes me want to be brave and go climb a mountain or something. But after I made this card, I had an idea for another one:

Colors: Island Indigo, Calypso Coral, Pool Party, Lucky Limeade. Stamps: Delightful Dozen. Accessories: Designer Printed Brads, 3/8" Ruffled Ribbon.

 

Notice how the cards have the same sketch but the one on the bottom is flipped up so it looks completely different.  It was a happy accident actually.  But I was very pleased with the way it turned out.  (Sorry the Pool party ink didn't show up well in the picture, it looks much better IRL).

And because our usual color challenge hostess Crissy is vacationing with her family, I repurposed this card to be the color challenge this week too. That's color challenge 108 if you'd like to play along too.  Have I mentioned how much I LOVE the new colors?  I have?  Oh, sorry. Use them and you will too.  I promise.

So head on over to Stampin' Addicts and check it out!  You won't be sorry.

Nobody Faint!

I know.  Shocking.  Two times in one week.  We might even make it three if I'm lucky.

Seems like every year at this time, I start thinking about my kids going back to school.  And I start thinking about all the free time I'm going to have once they are safely occupied at their institutions of lower learning.  And then I start making plans and goals as to how to spend that free time.  And every year I say I'm going to spend some of it here, on my blog. And every year the shiny squirrels with their disco balls interfere.

Well friends, this is the year.  My youngest son is starting FIRST GRADE!!!! No more stopping the stampin' mojo at 11:30 to feed the boy and get him to school on time. Soon I will have blissful quiet all day long and can stamp and blog to my hearts content!  Can you hear the party music playing?  So this time, I really, really, really mean it.  At least until the next shiny squirrel appears.

Lest you think I'm totally heartless.  I am sad that my kids are growing up.  It happens in the blink of an eye.  But I am totally psyched to have them both in full day school now too.  Can they just stay 6 and 8 forever?

Now on to the project you came to see:

Colors: Crumb Cake, Pretty in Pink, Very Vanilla and Chocolate Chip. Stamps: Pennant Parade and Happiest Birthday Wishes. Punches: Cupcake and Petite Pennants Builder Punches.  Accessories: Scalloped Dot Chocolate Chip ribbon, Red Glitter Paper.  Big Shot: Perfect Polka Dots Impressions Folder.

You might recall that last year's Summer mini featured a really cute ice cream set.  Several of my customers were disappointed that it didn't carry over to the big catalog.  Now we have something even better: PUNCHES THAT MAKE ICE CREAM CONES!!!! It's like a gift from the stampin' gods.

To make your very own ice cream cone cards or scrapbook page, you will need the Cupcake Builder Punch (carried over from the Occasions Mini Catalog) and the brand new Petite Pennants Builder Punch.  The Pennant Parade stamp set is a nice addition too because it gives you that waffle cone look.  (Watch for more ideas using this set and punch coming soon).

And check out that new 1/2" Scalloped Dot Ribbon.  It has a grosgrain finish to it, but it is extra soft and easy to tie. It comes in 10 different colors too.  Almost as yummy as ice cream cones.

A New Look. A New Month. And a New Resolve!

I spent the better part of today playing with My Digital Studio to create this fun background and header for my blog.  Have I mentioned lately how much I love My Digital Studio?  I was really afraid it would be difficult, but it turned out to be a lot easier than I expected.  It helps that blogger has vastly improved it's user interface too.

The fun kit that I used is the Noteworthy Digital Content CD, exclusively available as a hostess item.  It has 12 different Designer Series Papers, 25 embellishments and 36 stamp images.  If you want a copy for yourself, ask me about how to earn it for free.  It features my favorite of the 2011-2013 In Colors: Pool Party, (But I reserve the right to change my mind about the favorite thing.  Really I love them all!) as well as Cherry Cobbler, So Saffron and Early Espresso.


And since it's the beginning of a new month, of course there is Stampin' Up! news as well.  During the month of August, Stampin' Up is offering lots of customers' favorite promotions: buy three packages of Designer Series Paper and receive a fourth package free!  I don't remember them having this promotion so close to the start of a catalog before -- but I love that!  I ordered mine today.  Don't wait to get yours!  For more information, click on the button on the right for the promotion.  Or click the Shop Now button on the top right.

And finally, a new resolve.  Seems like this blog has become an after thought to me. I only post when I have classes to share.  I have a list of excuses for that, but I know you don't really care about that part. So I am resolving today to make this blog a bigger priority.  I won't promise to post every day or even a certain amount of days each week.  But I will post several times a month.  (How is that for vague?)

I'll kick it off today with last week's Sketch Challenge over on Stampin' Addicts:

Supplies: Just Add Cake Designer Series Paper; Wild Wasabi, Poppy Parade, Whisper White and Baja Breeze Card Stock; Swirls and Curls Verses (from the Summer Mini Catalog); Boho Blossoms Punch and Itty Bitty Shape Punches; Mini Brads

You probably know that I host the sketch challenge over there but like so many other things this summer, it has also fallen through the cracks some weeks.  But I'm promising to be better about that too.  You can check them out and play along here: Stampin' Addict Sketch Challenge Forum.  This particular sketch is number 103.  It's a great way to use some of that Designer Series Paper that is on special this month. :)

Other quick tidbits of news:  I placed my Holiday Mini Catalog preorder this morning so hopefully I'll have some sneak peeks for you soon.  And I've added a new member to my team!  Welcome Sarah Crow!  She took advantage of the $99 starter kit special this weekend.  I'm so excited for her!

So let me know what you think of the new design and let me know what types of things you would like to see posted here!

New 2011-2012 Idea Book and Catalog

I've been a bit MIA lately.  But now that my family reunion is over, I'm ready to get back to business!  

The brand new 2011-2012 Idea Book and Catalog is out and as always, it is full of fantastic new products.  There is truly something for every taste and style in this one.  Not only that, the book itself is absolutely GORGEOUS!!!  It is just packed with fabulous samples that you will look at it over and over and refer to it frequently when you are stamping for ideas.

HOSTESS BENEFITS

With the new catalog, Stampin' Up! has changed its hostess benefit program.  And there has never been a better time to host your own workshop!  Instead of different levels of stamp sets, they are offering hostess dollars that can be spent on exclusive discounted hostess products or on anything from the catalog.  And starting with a $400 workshop, you can earn 50% off full-priced items.  (Just this week, I got a Big Shot for 50% off using hostess benefits.)  See  the above chart for more information.

During July, you can join the Stampin' Up! family as a demonstrator for only $99! This limited time Starter Kit—valued at $185—comes with the following:

• Easy Events Clear-Mount Set*
• Pennant Parade Wood-Mount Set*
• Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad
• Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad
• Pumpkin Pie Classic Stampin' Pad
• Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad
• Brights 8-1/2" x 11" Assorted Card Stock
• Just Add Cake Designer Series Paper*
• Chocolate Chip 1/2" Scallop Dots Ribbon*
• Note Cards (20)
• Clear-Mount Block C
• Blender Pen (1)
• SNAIL Adhesive
• Business supplies

(*Brand new item from the 2011-2012 Idea Book and Catalog)

Plus, join in July and get a FREE Christmas Keepsake project kit—a $40 value! Imagine an afternoon spent chatting with friends while creating something beautiful—isn't that what Stampin' Up! is all about? But act now because this special kit is only available as part of this limited-time offer. 

To find out more about any of these things, contact me today.