Creating Cards with My Digital Studio

Tonight, I'll be hosting the first of three classes on My Digital Studio.  A lot of my customers have purchased this fabulous program and I can't wait to show them some of the fun things you can create in just a matter of minutes.  There have been many new downloads added within the last few months.  I have posted tracking sheets on my My Digi Doc blog if you are looking for a way to keep track of the downloads you own.

One of the things I will show in the class is how to take one of the new Designer Templates to create hybrid cards at home.  For the first card, I started with an invitation template.

Play Date Invitation Designer Template     Item 125164    $1.95

 
The card on the left was printed exactly like the template through Stampin' Up!  The card on the right, I modified to be a birthday card for a 5-year old.  I changed the number on the balloon, changed the greeting, and added a white flower brad.  I printed this on my home printer, trimmed the cardstock to 4" x 5-1/4", and mounted it to a Real Red card.  This is a great template to use for last-minute birthday cards.  I was able to create this card in less than 5 minutes!

For the next card, I used the Regal Rose Flower Bouquet Birth Announcement Download (Item 125163, $1.95).  There is also a similar card available for boys.

  
I decided to use this template to create a Valentine's Card that my 4-year old daughter would be proud to give to her preschool friends.  I added her picture, changed the greeting, punched holes for a pencil, and tied on a pretty pink ribbon.  Here is a close-up:

 
Now is a GREAT time to purchase My Digital Studio!  During Sale-a-Bration, you'll receive a FREE item from the Sale-a-bration catalog with your order.  One of the selections is a Digital Content CD that contains all of the images within the catalog.  You'll be able to add these images to your My Digital Studio program for even more design options! 

All orders of $50 or more qualify for Sale-a-Bration benefits.  This includes orders of digital downloads.  Visit my Stampin' Up! website today to start shopping now.

Happy Stampin'

Melissa

 

SALE-A-BRATION Starts Today!!!

Chicks & Chocolate Class

 
There was suppose to be a Chicks & Chocolate class this weekend, but unfortunately I didn't have enough people register before the deadline.  I'm going to reschedule the class for sometime in March, but thought I would share 2 of the yummy projects with you today.

Both of these projects were made with the new Petal Cone Bigz L Die (item #121810, $32.95).  I overlooked this die when I first saw it in the Occasions Mini catalog, but I am truly amazed at how versatile it is!

 I made the banner by cutting the large die cut into two pieces; therefore, you'll cut 3 times with your main color of Early Espresso and will have one "pennant" left over.  I cut the half scallops from Blushing Bride cardstock.  The pennants were embossed with the Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder.  I stamped the letters with Early Espresso ink onto Whisper White card stock, then punched them out with the 1-1/4" circle punch.  The letters are from the stamp set Lovely Letters.  I layered the layered onto punched circles then adhered them to the front of the pennants with dimensionals.

 

After I assembled the banner, I decided it needed one more thing.  I sprayed the entire banner with a mixture of alcohol and Frost White shimmer paint.  It adds a pretty and subtle shimmer.

 
I alson made one of the petal cones as it was designed.  The cone is created by adhering two of the die-cuts together with sticky strip.  I could not believe how easy this went together!  I stamped the Bella Toile background stamp onto the Blushing Bride cardstock and embossed the half scallops with the Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder. The cone is finished off with a Vanilla Vintage Flower adornments and a selection of coordinating ribbons.  I also sprayed the cone with the shimmer paint mixture.

As for that cupcake peeking out from behind the petal cone......I'm sorry to say it is no longer with us.  I had planned to fix a variety of chocolate treats for this class and my kids begged me to go ahead & fix the cupcakes.  They were yummy, by the way.

So if you don't want to miss out on fun classes like this one, be sure to check my class schedule regularly.  There will be a Sale-a-Bration kick off party next Sunday, January 30th from 2-4pm at the Stamp Shack, 118 S. Buckeye Street, Kokomo, IN.  There is no charge to attend and we will have make & takes, fabulous displays, and door prizes.  Please RSVP by Wednesday if you plan to attend.

Happy Stampin'

Melissa

 

 

 

 

 

January Stamp Club Projects

I really scored some great goodies at Leadership Conference and was able to share the wealth with my club members.  Because I was short on creative time, I CASE'd several of the projects that I saw on the display boards at Leadership.  I did have to modify them slightly to fit the products that I had available.

 This is a super simple 8" x 8" scrapbook page featuring the Sweet Stitches Designer Series Paper and the Daffodil Delight pompom trim.  The flower was created by cutting Daffodil Delight & Tangerine Tango cardstock with the Fun Flowers Bigz L Die and the Big Shot.  I added a fabric designer brad to the center.

 
I love the Vintage look of this card.  It really caught my eye on the display board.  The artist had tied a beautiful bow at the bottom of the beveled windowpane----I decided to spare my customers the angst of creating the perfect bow. 

Supplies for this card:  Clearly for You Stamp Set, Very Vanilla cardstock, Baja Breeze cardstock, Always Artichoke cardstock, Springtime Vintage Designer Series Paper, Framed Tulips Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Baja Breeze Seam Binding Ribbon, Beveled Windowpane, Designer Label Punch

I was very fortunate to win the Take a Spin stamp set and a package of game spinner hands during one of the Leadership Conference prize patrols.   I can't say that I was crazy about this stamp set, but it's actually a lot of fun!  The finished card measures 5-1/2" square.

Supplies for the Spinner Card:  Take a Spin Stamp Set, Whisper White cardstock, Pacific Point cardstock, Pear Pizzaz cardstock, Real Red cardstock, Bashful Blue cardstock, Celebrations DSP, game spinner hand, markers (real red, pacific point, pear pizzaz)

Local customers are welcome to join stamp club at anytime.  A 12-month commitment is required.  Email me if you would like complete details.

I am considering offering a long-distance version of my monthly stamp club.  If you would be interested in joining a club, please let me know.  I need to see if there is enough interest for me to proceed.

Happy Stampin'

Melissa

 

Leadership Make & Takes Part 2

 

Today, I'm sharing the rest of the Make & Takes we created at Leadership Conference. 

We decorated one of the clear stamp cases with Botanical Gazette DSP.  The case can be used to store a few cards or you could put a small notepad inside.  The card is a simple & elegant card that could be used for many different occasions.

 
These are two more inserts for the large Simply Adorned charm.  Stampin' Up also provided us with ribbon to use with the charms.  I love both of these and can't wait to show them off.

 
The final project is a card made with My Digital Studio.  We simply added the ribbon.  So fun!

Don't forget!  My series of classes on My Digital Studio begin on Wednesday, January 26th.  If you live near Kokomo, Indiana, contact me today for more information and to register.

Happy Stampin'

Melissa

 

 

Leadership Make & Takes Part 1

The Make & Takes from Leadership were absolutely amazing this year!  Check out this beautiful brooch made with the Springtime Vintage Fabric.  The fabric flowers were cut with the Fun Flowers Bigz L Die.  I believe they cut each fabric at least twice, creating 18 flowers.  We sprayed the flowers with spray starch and allowed them to dry.  We then layered the flowers with ribbon, scallop circles punched from the First Edition DSP, and a paper daisy painted with champagne mist shimmer paint.  Everything was adhered together with hot glue.  It is a beautiful, shabby chic look!

 
Stampin' Up! also gifted us with the large Simply Adorned charm and long chain.  They included a crown charm, trinket key, vanilla pearl bauble, strips of fabric, and ribbon pieces that we used to embellish the simple chain.  Here are a few more pics of the details:

 
I'll be posting the rest of the Make & Takes tomorrow, so be sure to check back.  They are awesome!

Happy Stampin'

Melissa

The Wall of Wonder

 
One of the display areas at Leadership was called the Wall of Wonder.  You can enlarge the photo above to read all about it.  Here are a few of my favorites from the Wall.  Enjoy!

 
 
 
 
 

Sharing my swaps

I didn't have time to complete a ton of swaps for Leadership, but I did manage to come up with 2 different card designs.  The first card is a modification of one of my Birthday Bash stamp-a-stack cards using the Create-a-Cupcake stamp set.  I punched the cherry from the red glimmer paper with the Build-a-Cupcake punch.  This is such a fun & cheerful birthday card!

 
I also signed up for a WOW card swap and pulled out the Easter Blossom stamp set to create the card below.  Mary Brown has a fabulous tutorial on her blog for creating these beautiful bows---no tying required!

 I would say that the most popular accessory that I received on swap cards was the framed tulips embossing folder.  This is definitely a must-have!  It frames your artwork beautifully.

Remember, you can order products anytime on my Stampin' Up website.  I'll be back tomorrow with more from Leadership Conference 2011.

Happy Stampin'

Melissa

 

SO.....VERY.....TIRED

All I can say is, "WOW! This Leadership Conference really kicked my butt!"  It was by far, the best Stampin' Up event I've ever attended, but it was non-stop the entire time.  I thought I would be able to blog about the events on Friday, but we got back to our room late and I was pooped.  Saturday was the long drive home, and it was great to recap the fun with my carpool buddies Dawn & Susan.  The family must have missed me because they wanted my undivided attention when I got home.  Luckily my husband let me sleep in on Sunday morning, then I had Stamp Club this afternoon.

Here are a few more photos from my trip and of the beautiful resort:

 

My roommates, Kathy and Colleen, who kept me up way too late each night!  I still adore them both.
 

I loved these hot air balloons and seeing them float through the sky.
 

One of the many beautiful water features within the resort.
 
Palm trees.....nothing like the feeling of a simulated tropical vacation.

I've got lots of projects to share, but I need to take some more photos and do a bunch of editing.  If by any chance, you are thinking about becoming a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, be sure to check out my FACEBOOK page as I have posted details about a FREE Starter Kit for a business-minded demonstrator.  There are a few stipulations, but this is a wonderful opportunity for the right person.

Happy Stampin'

Melissa

Having Fun in Nashville

 
I am having a blast at Leadership training in Nashville.  On Wednesday, managers & above boarded buses to go to the Wild Horse Saloon.  We enjoyed a great Southern-style meal (pulled pork, beef brisket, mashed potatoes--YUM), and then music from Dave Robbins & Brother Trouble.  They even taught us to line dance!

The saloon had lots of "horses" that I posed with for pictures.  They even had horses upside down on ceiling!  At the end of the night, we received a new stamp set.  Once I get it inked up, I can share some samples.  Here is a quick snapshot of my Night in Nashville:

On Thursday, there were classes in the morning and a general session in the afternoon with many exciting announcements.  I'm very impressed with all of the changes that Stampin' Up is making for its demonstrators.  I absolutely LOVE this company!!!

I did manage to get in some swapping.  I forgot to take a picture of my swap card before I left home, so you'll just have to forgive the quality of this picture---:0)

 In the evening, we were served a nice sit-down dinner.  Sorry.....I was hungry and didn't stop to take pictures of the food.  It was good in case you were wondering. 

We had a little bit of time before the party in the evening, so we decided to explore the resort.  It is AMAZING and I've only seen a little bit of it.  Every evening, they have a water, music, and light show.  My pictures don't do it justice, so I'll try to upload some video later. The party kicked off with a challenge to use limited supplies to create cards for the Ronald McDonald house.  Then, as a group, we had to create a card that would be entered into a contest.  Shelly, the co-founder of Stampin' Up will be selecting the winners tomorrow.  I'm not sure what criteria she'll be using, but our card wasn't bad.  Keep your fingers crossed that we win!

Then there were product demonstrations, displays, and shopping!  Two of my stamping buddies even won prizes, so it was a good night. 

Needless to say, I am pooped.  It's time to get a good night's sleep before another day of festivities. 

Happy Stampin'

Melissa