MDS, Decor Elements, and Wood Blocks

A few weeks ago my upline Patty Bennett challenged a few of us in the Luv2Stamp Group to use the Wood Blocks from the Holiday Mini Catalog in different ways.  I am no original thinker, but I remembered playing with wooden block puzzles growing up (usually the blocks were about 1- 1 1/2 inches square).  I thought it would be fun to do a block puzzle using pictures of my kids and some other fun accents.  The blocks from the mini catalog are 3 x 3 inches and very lightweight (I am pretty sure they are not solid wood, but maybe a MDF fiberboard or something).  Regardless of their weight, they are very sturdy and easy to work with.  Here’s how mine turned out:

I used the brand new My Digital Studio software to create the photo pages.  It was really easy and quick since I was able to just drag the photos into a template.  I changed a few of the colors and re-arranged some of the embellishments.  The animals are from the Decor Elements vinyl “Nursery Alphabet”.  Those pages were also quick since all I had to do was transfer the vinyl to the cardstock.  Once all the pages were ready, I trimmed them to 3 x 3 inch square, reassembled on top of the blocks, and glued them in place.  I am planning on wrapping this up for Christmas for the kids to open.  I think they will really like seeing their own faces as part of a “toy”.  It is not a particularly tricky puzzle, with only 9 pieces, but sometimes the simplest toys are what keeps them amused for the longest time!

My Digital Studio

SO MUCH MORE THAN DIGITAL SCRAPBOOKING!!!

I have to be totally honest.  I am not a huge fan of digital scrapbook pages.  I have seen them around for a couple years, and they always feel so FLAT to me and I don’t really like the way the ribbon and other embellishments look fake.  BUT I ordered the new My Digital Studio (MDS) software from Stampin’ Up! and I believe I have had a true conversion. 

MDS offers all of the great products that many other photo printing services offer – bound photo books, greeting cards, calendars, etc., but the ADVANTAGE is that you get to use templates, layouts, or a blank canvas with exclusive Stampin’ Up! colors, artwork, patterned paper and embellishments!  Plus, since all of the embellishments and stamps are true to size, you can do “hybrid” scrapbooking, by printing your MDS page, and then mounting it onto regular cardstock or adding real ribbon, buttons, brads, or whatever to give it dimension so it is not so FLAT! 

The first thing I tried when I opened MDS was the Christmas Jingle Designer Template for a 12 x 12 photo book.  Literally in a matter of minutes, I had 12 pages done!  Here are a couple:

So all I had to do with these pages is drag and drop the photos from my December 2008 photo folder and type some journaling.  It was so EASY and FAST!!!!

Here’s an example of a card I made using the software:

I got the layout idea from Jaydee at her blog.  It also only took me a couple minutes, and I started with a blank canvas for this one.  After I messed around with this, I figured I would try and make it with real cardstock and stamps.  So that is what I’ll be working on today.

If you are interested in getting more information about My Digital Studio, I’ll be having an open house in early November, date TBA.

Holiday Banner Class

So it turns out I am a lazy blogger. But I am having a class next week that I wanted to tell you about:

Halloween is fast approaching! Do you need a fresh update on your decorations? Come and make this spooky little hanging banner for your haunted house. Or get a leg up on Christmas and sign up for the Merry banner. Why not make them both!!! Details below. I copied this great banner idea from Sandy Hancock's blog http://www.sandystamper.com/. Thanks Sandy!

Spooky and/or Merry Banner Class or Kit:

Tuesday, October 13^th 7:30 pm

Cost: $14 (make a 2^nd banner for an additional $12)

Please indicate how many of which banner you would like to make

Banner is ~3 feet long. Class includes pre-cut paper supplies, ribbon, and “jump ring” to hang banner on hook. Halloween and Christmas patterns will vary. There is no stamping on this project so I can offer it as a “long distance” kit. If you can’t attend on the class date, want to make it sooner, or live too far away to attend, you can order the class as a kit to go. Kit will include everything listed for class, plus instruction sheet on how to assemble. You will need to provide your own adhesive for both class and kit. A glue stick and/or glue pen would work great for this project.

Classes fill up quickly, so call or email to reserve your seat. Stamp classes will be held at my home (see address listed below). No refunds on cancellations. Payment by cash or check payable to me.

You might notice the empty square at the bottom of the Merry Banner. Oops. I got interrupted while I was making the banner and didn’t get a chance to “embellish” that last square before I needed to take pictures of it. I have lots of Christmas stamps and die cuts that will go well there, so when you come to class you will have some choices or if you order the kit, I will include a couple options for you as well.

New Catalog Open House

Thanks to everyone who came to my open house today.  It was fun to see you all.  Here’s a picture of the samples everyone got to make:

Supplies used:
Stamp set: Heard from the Heart
Cardstock: Naturals White, Pretty in Pink, Melon Mambo, Razzleberry Lemonade DSP
Ink: White Craft Ink
Accessories: Scallop Square Die, Big Shot, Polk Dot Ribbon

Supplies used:
Stamp set: Sincere Salutations
Cardstock: Sahara Sand, Whisper White, Rich Razzleberry, Razzleberry Lemonade DSP
Ink: Rich Razzleberry
Accessories: Scallop Square Die, Big Shot, Polk Dot Ribbon

Whenever I start working with new colors, it is always a challenge for me to get comfortable with what combinations will look good.  I don’t feel like I have an eye for color so I tend to lean towards monochromatic combinations for simplicity.  If I feel like branching out, then I usually go with color choices that are already together in a DSP (designer series paper) pattern.  In these cards, I used the color combo from the Razzleberry Lemonade.  At first I wasn’t sure about the curry color, but after I looked through the different patterns in the pack, I realized that there were lots of possible combinations.

Here are some more samples I’ve been playing with using the new fancy favor die and the same Razzleberry Lemonade DSP colors:

 

These little favor box/bags are a great size for a couple of large cookies in a cello bag, or I put a handful of the mini size snickers/milky way/twix candy.  You can dress them up with a handle, or fun embellishments on the front.

What do you love in the new catalog?  Still need a copy—contact me and I can drop one off or mail you one. 

Another card to share with you today. I copied this one from last year's catalog. I really like square cards a lot! And darn that post office for charging extra to mail them! I heat embossed the square image from A Little Somethin' (retired). Heat embossing is something you can do to really "step up" the look of your projects. It is super easy. I keep my embossing powder in the sandwich sized plastic storage tupperware kind of thingy. It makes it much less intimidating to clean up. I just sprinkle the embossing powder over the paper with a spoon that I keep inside the box. The little flower on the yellow square comes from the Filigree Designer Brads series. Supplies used:
Stamp Set: A Little Something'
Cardstock: Kraft, Whisper White, Old Olive, So Saffron, Bella Rose DSP (retired)
Ink: Versamark
Accessories: White Embossing Powder, Boho Blossoms Punch, Trio Flower Punch, Filigree Designer Brads, Square Punch

another in color card

Here's another example of Rich Razzleberry with Orchid Opulence, it also uses the Great Friend stamp set. I copied the layout and colors from the new catalog:

Supplies used:
Stamp Set: Great Friend
Cardstock: old olive, whisper white, orchid opulence
Ink: Old Olive, Orchid Opulence
Accessories: punch windows movers die, paper piercing tool, brads, big shot

Rich Razzleberry and Melon Mambo

A new catalog means new In Colors. My favorites so far are Rich Razzleberry and Melon Mambo. Here's a few samples:

Supplies Used:
Stamps: A Little Somethin' (retired)
CS:Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink, Melon Mambo, Whisper white
Ink: Melon Mambo ink
Accessories: Melon Mambo Polka Dot ribbon, Movers and Shapers die, punch windows die, heart punch, texture plate, big shot

Supplies used:
Stamp Set: Great Friend
CS: Orchid Opulence, Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White
Ink: Rich Razzleberry
Accessories: Rich Razzleberry polka dot ribbon, movers and shapers die, punch windows die, scallop oval punch texture plates, big shot

Great Friend Item #113792 $17.95

I NEVER thought I would see the day that I added Orchid Opulence to my order. The original pack that is sitting in my paper files is almost 5 years old! So dust off your Orchid Opulence paper and ink because it pairs really well with Rich Razzleberry. There's a new DSP in the catalog called Cottage Wall that combines Old Olive, Orchid Opulence, and Rich Razzleberry and I can't wait to get it!

used stamps for sale

Stamp Sale!!! I have a ton of retired stamp sets that I am ready to sell. These are all "gently used". Most of the stamp sets have a little white dot with a price written on it. Please let me know if you are interested in purchasing any of these. Prices are somewhat negotiable. Stamp sets will be sold on a first come, first served basis. I will have these all on display at my new catalog open house on July 11th.

2009-2010 Idea Book and Catalog

It is time for a new catalog! I'll be having my new catalog open house on Saturday, July 11th from 10-1. Free make and takes, door prizes, used stamps for sale, and of course new catalogs will be available for $5 or free if you host a workshop.


Click on the catalog picture in the sidebar on the left to view the catalog.


Contact me at buechers@msn.com for more info about my upcoming open house.

Valentine's Bundle

Valentine's Day is fast approaching! Do you have your exclusive Love You Much Product Bundle yet?

Stampin’ Up!’s Love You Much Bundle contains a stamp set, designer paper and a 3-heart punch - the perfect products to create fun Valentine's Day projects that say "I love you" from the heart. And through January 31, 2009, you can purchase the Love You Much Bundle at 20% off the retail value! The Love You Much Bundle includes the following:






You can order this bundle using item code 115405 On Line 24/7 HERE, or feel free to contact me with any questions or your order and I'll help you place it.

Stamp Class Choices

Since I am trying to start a few new stamp events, I thought it might be helpful to explain what choices you will have for stamp classes each month:

Regular Stamp Class: I will still be holding regular stamp classes each month that focus on stamping cards "in bulk", and/or other seasonal related items (mini-albums, home décor, etc.) for a fee--usually about $15-$20 per project or set.

Hostess Club: This is a new event I am hoping will interest those of you who do like to purchase your own supplies. As explained in previous email, if you would like to join the hostess club, you commit to submitting a minimum $20 order each month for 6-8 months (depending on how many members in the group), and during that time period, you will be assigned a month to receive the hostess benefits (minimum $15 free merchandise and a level 1 hostess stamp set). Each month I will have one "free class" open to those in the club where there will be time for more detailed instruction on products and stamping techniques as well as some fabulous make and take projects. I am really excited about this and hope you are too!

Open houses: Occasionally, I will host an open house during a new catalog period or other time to showcase new products or sale items. These events are always free and usually include make and take projects as sometimes door prizes, free give-aways, and used items for sale.

Workshops/Parties: I always appreciate when one of you is willing to host a workshop/party at your home. If you have never hosted one or attended one, it is a free event for you and your friends to learn about stamping with make and take projects that everyone will have a chance to try. It's a great girls night out and since your guests get to get their hands inky and go home with something for free, it's always fun for everyone!

So here are some dates I have scheduled in January and February for events (dates subject to change). Mark your calendars and try to come out and bring a new friend! More details with project sample photos will be posted soon.

January

Saturday, January 10th or Tuesday, January 13th: Valentine's cards and tags and/or mini album

Tuesday, January 27th: New Catalog Open House and Hostess Club night: This will be a free event open to everyone, and those who would like to commit to the hostess club can do so at this event (we'll try and get organized and set up). New catalogs will be available to pick up and I will have used or retired merchandise for sale. Anyone who comes will get a chance to make something with new stamps and accessories.

February
(this is a great month to host a workshop/party at your home since it is during the "Sale-a-Bration" promotion period where anyone who places a $50 order gets to choose a free, limited time stamp set)

Saturday, February 7th or Tuesday, February 10th: Stamp-a-stack card class featuring Sale-A-Bration stamp sets

Tuesday, February 24th (tentative date): Hostess Club night

March

Saturday, March 7th or Tuesday, March 10th: Stamp class TBD

Tuesday, March 24th (tentative date): Hostess club night

Retired Accessories--order before they are gone!

Stampin' Up! just released their retired accessory list. These products will no longer be available after January 18th. Items are available in limited quantity and once they sell out, they are gone for good. Order soon if you would like anything on the list. You can call or email me with your order or go to www.melissab.stampinup.net to order online.


Item #
Product Description
Availability
111377 ACCENTS & ELEMENTS ROOF GARDEN
112012 ACCENTS & ELEMENTS SEASON TO SHARE
112088 ACCENTS & ELEMENTS TRUE ELEGANCE
102782 ALBUM LEATHER BLACK 12X12 Not Available
104188 ALBUM LEATHER BLACK 6X6
105384 ALBUM LINEN POST MELLOW MOSS 6X6*
104516 ALBUM LINEN POST NAVY 6X6
105381 ALBUM LINEN POST REAL RED 6X6*
103977 BUTTONS BOLD BRIGHTS*
103978 BUTTONS EARTH ELEMENTS
103981 BUTTONS EARTH ELEMENTS & NEUTRALS
105446 BUTTONS RICH REGALS
105445 BUTTONS SOFT SUBTLES
103604 DAYS-TO-REMEMBER CALENDAR 12X12
102174 DAYS-TO-REMEMBER CALENDAR 8 1/2X11
112465 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER BANBURY
112462 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER GEORGIA PEACH
112463 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER GHOSTLY GREETINGS
112040 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER GREEN TEA
112470 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER HAIKU
112460 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER HAWAII PAPAYA
112469 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER HOLIDAY TREASURES
112458 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER JUNIOR VARSITY
112459 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER MAINE BLUEBERRY
112466 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER MUIRFIELD
112149 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PARISIAN SUMMER
112467 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PRESTWICK
111355 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER SUMMER PICNIC
112039 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER WINDSOR KNOT
112963 ELEMENTOS PARA TARJETAS DIAS FESTIVOS HECHOS A MANO SIMPLY SENT
106523 ENVELOPE TEMPLATE FIVE-IN-ONE CARD COVER
104104 ENVELOPE TEMPLATE MINI
107298 ENVELOPES CONFETTI WHITE MEDIUM
110695 ENVELOPES OPEN END KRAFT SMALL
109115 ENVELOPES OPEN END VERY VANILLA SMALL
103372 METAL EDGE TAGS ALUMINUM WHITE SQUARE
107925 ON BOARD BITTY BOOK*
109190 ON BOARD CLIPBOARD 9X9*
109180 ON BOARD SIMON UPPER
112086 ON BOARD SOMETHING SEASONAL
107923 PAGE PROTECTORS RING 3.25 X 3.25
104942 PUNCH 1/4 INCH CIRCLE
104943 PUNCH 1/4 INCH SQUARE
107273 PUNCH 3/4 INCH SQUARE
104389 PUNCH DOUBLE CIRCLE*
100391 PUNCH HANDHELD 1/8 INCH CIRCLE Not Available
104830 RIBBON GINGHAM CARAMEL
104829 RIBBON GINGHAM LIGHT BLUE
104828 RIBBON GINGHAM LIGHT PINK
104831 RIBBON GINGHAM MOSS
109037 RIBBON GROSGRAIN MORE MUSTARD 1/4 INCH
110282 RUB ON ANCHORED
111806 RUB ON CHILLS & THRILLS
111805 RUB ON SCHOOL DAYS
111417 RUB ON WORD FLURRIES
110283 RUB ONS TAKE NOTE
112193 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN I WISH
112186 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN PINA COLADA
112068 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN SUMMER HOME
112043 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN U R SWEET
112061 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN WINTER RETREAT
112016 SIMPLY SENT CARD ELEMENTS HANDMADE HOLIDAY
109868 SIMPLY SENT CARD KIT LIFELONG NOTES
103647 STAMPIN STORE MINI
105813 WRITE ME A MEMORY FONT CD VOL II
*This item is discounted and included on the Inventory Blowout.

Spooky Spider

I've never been much of a home decorator...but I am trying a little harder these days. I love love love Halloween and have been seeing great ideas all over the place to add a little festivity to the walls and shelves of my house. Stampin' Up! has this great vinyl spider available right now until the 31st of October. I copied the idea straight from the promotional flyer. I think it turned out really cute! If you want one of your own, contact me to place an order!

Some other projects I have been working on the past couple of weeks...

A Halloween Banner using the sizzix big shot die cutting machine and exclusive pennant die.

Season of thanks shadow box

Another vinyl project...this one uses the season of thanks vinyl on the front of a shadow box I got at Michaels. The cool thing about this one is that it will be really easy to change the contents and backdrop to Christmas, Easter, etc.

See, I told you I was trying harder!

These last two projects I am offering in a class format in couple of weeks, so if you are interested in making them yourself, let me know.

Back from another long break

After a busy summer, I am back, and SO EXCITED to share all the great new stuff from Stampin' Up! The new catalog is out with great new stamp sets, ribbon, patterned paper, and accessories. Stampin' Up! has also announced it's partnership with Sizzix. Customers will now be able to purchase the Sizzix Big Shot die cutting machine through Stampin' Up!, as well as exclusive dies great for papercrafting, scrapbooking, home decor, and fashion to name a few. The other exciting news is that Stampin' Up! will also now offer self-adhesive vinyl through it's Decor Elements line. Vinyl wall decor is a hot new trend and Stampin' Up! has hit the mark with images that will look great in your home.

Look on the sidebar and click on an image for more info on these exciting new products!

Some new cards to share

After a 2 month hiatus, I am ready to start having stamp classes again... Card Buffet Class: Saturday, May 17th 12:30 pm, or Tuesday, May 20th 7:30 pm Cost $16 Five different cards will be available to choose from--you tell me how many of each card you'd like to make with a minimum of 10 cards total. Want to make more than 10? Each additional card will be $1.50. Choose from Wedding, Graduation, Birthday, and Friendship, and Teacher Thank You. Please indicate how many of each card you would like to make when you sign up and which day you'd like to attend. Bring your own adhesive. Classes fill up quickly, so call or email to reserve your seat. Stamp classes will be held at my home (see address listed below). No refunds on cancellations. If you sign up for class and are unable to attend, I will gladly stamp and assemble your projects for an additional fee. Cards cased from Patty Bennett, Jen delMuro, Kristina Werner, Dawn McVey.

New Stampin' Up! Catalog is available

The new Spring-Summer Collection 2008 Stampin' Up! catalog is now available online here, or contact me to get a hard copy. Catalogs are $5 each or FREE if you host a workshop.

Stampin' Up! also has a Valentines Day Promotion available during the month of January. As well as extra incentives for hostesses during January.

Sale-a-Bration begins on February 1st and goes until March 15th. More details to follow.

January and February classes

Saturday, January 12th 12:30 pm (NEW TIME), or Tuesday, January 15th 7:30 pm.
Stamp-a-stack: New Catalog--Designer Series Paper
Cost: $16

Class will include all supplies and envelopes needed to make 10 cards and envelopes featuring stamps and accessories from the new Spring-Summer Collection 2008 with an emphasis on using Designer Series Paper for card making. Please bring your own adhesive or pre-order a SNAIL refill for $5 extra.

Saturday, February 9th, 12:30 pm
THE MAN CLASS
Cost: $16

Calling all men, here's your chance to always have a special card ready for the women in your life. Simple and quick, this class will include valentine's (1), birthday (2), anniversary (1), and mother's day (1), themed cards--a total of 5 cards and envelopes. Surprise your wife, mom, mother-in-law, sisters, or any woman in your life with your crafting talent! Bonus: man snacks will be served, plus sports games showing on the HD satellite plasma (well, hockey at least). Don't miss it! (Adhesive included)

Brown paper packages tied up with string

In the past 24 hours I made 10 of these tags! Plus, I wrapped and boxed all the stuff that is shipping out to my family to go to the post office. I am a little late, so I don't think it will all arrive in time for Christmas morning. But Christmas is a week long celebration in my opinion, and anything that arrives after Christmas is just a bonus!

More Christmas

I modified the little memory book for my youngest neice, Elsa. Even thought the bigger books aren't exactly "delicate", I thought it would be easier for 6 year old hands to manipulate these pages on a jump ring, rather than trying to slide a book in and out of the cover. There are plenty of blank pages for her "artwork", and it can easily be added to as well.

Christmas projects & gifts

I don't think anyone in my family ever looks at this, so it's probably pretty safe to post a few of the projects I am making for Christmas gifts here.

I have 6 nieces in grade school, so I made them each a little mini album to capture their memories from this school year. Inside are pages with titles like...This is me, My teachers, Some of my friends are, My favorite subjects, etc.

I figured it would be a fun way to keep a record of their handwriting, a few photos, and some of their thoughts about the school year.

I got the idea from the Stampin' Success magazine, and did very little alteration. They were sort of time consuming, but I started a couple of months ago and did most of the stamping and cutting. I took some time the last few days to assemble and print the inside pages. Now I just need to get them wrapped and in the mail in time for Christmas!