Stampin' Up! My Digital Studio pricing and image updates

 This week, Stampin' Up! released 5 new products for My Digital Studio*. Also announced were some money-saving options for bulk printing fees (beginning October 3, 2011).  Now it will be even more affordable to create and professionally print your own cards, tags and swatchbooks!

Link: Get the new pricing information here. (pdf file)

8 pieces/$5.95

14 pieces/$9.95

1 piece/$1.95

6 pieces/$3.95

80 pieces/$9.95

* While intended for My Digital Studio, these digital images can be used in most image editing software.

Thanks for stopping by!



Visit the My Digital Studio forum for ideas, inspiration and sharing related digi-crafting!

Need supplies? Shop Stampin' Up! Online

Stampin' Up! Greeting Card Kids plus bow tutorial

It's easy to feel like a kid with so many Stampin' Up! images to color in. This little cutie is from our Greeting Cards Kids set. The set contains four images (see them below) including this little girl in costume. Though I colored with markers this time, this set also lends itself well to coloring with other media such as watercolors, pencils and even crayons!

Some other features of this card:

• Add texture to your card using an embossing folder.  Houndstooth (item #123134) is always in season and would work well for masculine cards, too.
• A little bling goes a long way; top off a cheater bow with a Glimmer Brad (Subtles item #121004).
• Don't be afraid of color! Choose different colors from the same color family and add a neutral. Stampin' Up! has already done the work to combine colors that work together. Here, Rich Razzleberry and Tangerine Tango from our Brights collection team up to provide a bold, colorful look.

For more ideas using Greeting Card Kids, click this link to see other posts using this set.

Need an easy way to make a bow? Watch this short video and try one today. (Technique based on a demonstration shared at a Stampin' Up! training event.) Enjoy!


Thanks for stopping by! If you are new to this site and would like for updates to be sent directly to you, subscribe to future posts via live feed. It's easy - just click here!


Stampin' Supplies: 
Stamps: Greeting Card Kids, It's Your Day
Ink: Basic Black, Early Espresso, Stampin' Write Markers to color
Paper: Rich Razzleberry, Early Espresso, Tangerine Tango, Whisper White
Tools: 1 3/4" circle punch, paper snips, Big Shot, Houndstooth embossing folder
Embellishments: Rich Razzleberry taffeta ribbon, Brads Glimmer Subtles
Always within reach: Tabletop Paper Cutter (106959), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Snips (103579), Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner (102394), Stampin' Scrub (102642)

Need supplies? Shop Stampin' Up! Online

Greeting Card Kids - Available in Wood, Clear-Mount and Digital.

 

Double Shot Tuesday, no traffic required

When I lived in Atlanta, one of the things I liked about Tuesday was Double-Shot Tuesday on the local rock station. In the spirit of DST, here are two greeting cards and tips for your inspiration and enjoyment. And you don't even have to deal with I-85 traffic to enjoy them...

The first one is based on a card by Becky Carafa. I loved the clean look of her finished card, the colors and the detail in the background. My card uses the same layout and colors along with images from Nature Walk and sentiments from You're A Gem.

• To make the bird and text on the card base more visible, I inked up the stamps with VersaMark and then Chocolate Chip Classic Ink. Once stamped, I poured on Clear Embossing powder then heat set. The addition of the classic ink makes the final image darker.
• You can try this with other colors of ink as well; the color will show through the Versamark.
• Tip: Clean your stamp immediately after stamping each image. You want to start with a clean stamp each time; otherwise, you risk getting colored ink onto your Versamark pad.
• For the shimmery embossed leaf image, use White Craft Ink along with Iridescent Ice embossing powder.

This next card is based sketch#3 by a new sketch challenge group, Freshly Made. The colors used are from our Color Coach - a great tool for color inspiration!

• Use your shaped punches as interesting border punches! The Garden Green detail on the left is one label created using the Decorative Label punch. Cut in half and layer to create the look shown here.
• BFFs are not just for kids; adults need best friends, too! Let someone know how much you value them with a hug in an envelope - a greeting card :)
• Real buttons are bulky where the USPS is concerned. If using on your cards, I recommend that you either mail them in a bubble envelope or hand deliver. 
• Tip: If your card has a ribbon knot or if you are using brads, add an additional $.20 in postage and have your card hand processed. Be sure to write "Do Not Machine Process" on the envelope. (Thanks, Debby, for the reminder!)

Thanks for stopping by!

Color Coach (#120148 - English version)

Stampin' Supplies: 
Card One: Nature Walk, You're a Gem; Ink: VersaMark, White Craft ink, Chocolate Chip; Paper: Chocolate Chip, So Saffron, Bashful Blue; Tools: Heat Tool, Iridescent Ice and Clear embossing powders
Card Two: Best Friends Forever; Ink: Bashful Blue, Early Espresso; Paper: Chocolate Chip, Bashful Blue, Garden Green, Tangerine Tango; Tools: Big Shot, Perfect Details Texturz Plate, Buttons #5 sizzlit, Decorative Label punch; Embellishments: Itty Bitty buttons, Linen Thread
Need supplies? Shop Stampin' Up! Online

Stampin' Up! Bashful Blue Marker tip

Just a few days ago I shared a card created using black heat embossing. I had a couple of questions about the coloring and wanted to address it here. First let me show you a close-up of the image in question:

After heat embossing, these flowers (from the Every Moment stamp set) were colored in using Stampin' Write Markers. A trick shared on numerous how-to-color blogs is to add a line of color around the outside of an image using a light blue or soft gray. The flowers above are outlined in Bashful Blue.

This one detail somehow helps to define the image on the page and separates it from the background. It's a subtle addition, but if you will try it I think you'll see the difference it can make right away. If you don't own this light blue marker, then you can also try a light gray marker or a Blender Pen tapped onto ink in either of these colors.

Just a quick note: the first time you try it I recommend you have your normal intake of caffeine. Shaky hands may not give you the effect you are looking for...

Thanks for stopping by!


-->See the full card here.<--
Always within reach: Tabletop Paper Cutter (106959), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Snips (103579), Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner (102394), Stampin' Scrub (102642)
Need supplies? Shop Stampin' Up! Online

Bashful Blue Stampin' Write Marker (item#105111) $3.50

 

How to Alter Brick Pavers Stampin' Up! style

A few years ago, my boys brought home brick pavers decorated to look like snowmen. These adorable snowmen have graced our front porch and weathered the sun and heat of Florida very well - unlike the real ones ;)

But the sun and heat did take a toll on their clothing, so I thought it might be time for a make-over. And why not make them beach ready while they're here?
This quick video shows how they come together - Enjoy!




Thanks for stopping by!

Stampin' Supplies: Candy Cane Christmas fabric (item #121715), 1/4" Real Red Grosgrain ribbon (#109034), Jewels Basic Rhinestone (#119246), Buttons (assorted)
Other: Wide Grosgrain Ribbon (ret.), Brick Pavers, White Paint , Sharpies or additional paint for facial features, and Hot Glue gun
Need supplies? Shop Stampin' Up! Online

Little Lambs DivaSC155

Welcome to another sketch challenge with the Utah Divas! Here's a fresh sketch created by Tammy. Will you play with us today?

I threw in two extra challenges: to use a stamp set I haven't used all month and to make something for a boy. For some reason, I tend to grab the same stamp sets and use them constantly even though I have quite a collection of images. And my first choice usually involves flowers... which means I make a lot of girl cards! Sound familiar to anyone?
Well, let's change track today. One of the not-used-enough stamp sets in my stash is Little Lambs - a really cute set with a Christian theme.

Click to view a larger image. The embossing is easier to see on the stars :)

A note about the texture on the card front:
Created with our Square Lattice folder, little crosses are embossed onto the card. When you run your paper through in this folder, you are left with two options. One side has the "square lattice" for which it is named. If you flip the paper over, the design used to create the lattice also creates small crosses. Here's a closeup of the folder so you can see:

Nice to have options isn't it?
For additional options and ideas using this sketch, click over to the Utah Divas blog where you will find links for the sketch Divas and their great cards.
Thanks for stopping by!



Stampin' Supplies:

Little Lambs (W$22.95/CM$16.95)

Stamps: Little Lambs
Ink: Wild Wasabi
Paper: Marina Mist, Wild Wasabi, Whisper White, Just Add Cake Designer Series Paper, Glimmer Paper (red)
Tools: Big Shot, Square Lattice embossing folder, Stars #2 die, 1 3/4" and 1 3/8" circle punches, Heart to Heart punch
Embellishments: none.... can you believe it? lol
Always within reach: Tabletop Paper Cutter (106959), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Snips (103579), Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner (102394), Stampin' Scrub (102642)
Need supplies? Shop Stampin' Up! Online

Gently Falling with Clear Embossing

Welcome, Autumn!

Today in Central Florida it will reach 90 degrees. Again. Not hot by Texas standards, but not the temps that come to mind when someone says "autumn". So today in class we'll turn the ceiling fans on high (along with the A/C) and we'll just pretend it's cooling off outside while we play with some beautiful leaf images from Gently Falling. You can see one of them, a maple leaf, in our sample card.

Some of my ladies are newer to stamping and wanted a review of embossing techniques. So aside from seeing a demonstration with colored embossing powders, they will also be making the above card using a clear embossing powder technique. It's easy, but oh-so-pretty!

If you are new to stamping or need a refresher on heat embossing techniques, try the link above or these additional ideas:
Easy way to use multiple colors of embossing powders
Faux Leather technique


Thanks for stopping by!



Stampin' Supplies: 

Gently Falling

Stamps: Gently Falling, En Francais
Ink: VersaMark, Crumb Cake, More Mustard
Paper: More Mustard, Cajun Craze, Very Vanilla
Tools: Heat Tool, Brayer
Embellishments: White embossing powder, Regals Brads, Twill Tape
Always within reach: Tabletop Paper Cutter (106959), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Snips (103579), Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner (102394), Stampin' Scrub (102642)
Need supplies? Shop Stampin' Up! Online

Dry embossing vs heat embossing

What is your favorite?
Dry embossing (like the background shown here) or
Heat embossing (like this shiny, sparkly tree?

Thanks for playing along!

Stampin' Supplies: 
Stamps: Snow Swirled
Ink: VersaMark, Marina Mist
Paper: Naturals Ivory, Marina Mist
Tools: Big Shot, Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder, Heat Tool, Large Oval punch, Decorative Label punch
Embellishments: Silver embossing powder, Jewels Basic Rhinestone
Always within reach: Tabletop Paper Cutter (106959), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Snips (103579), Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner (102394), Stampin' Scrub (102642)
Need supplies? Shop Stampin' Up! Online

Make it pop with Heat Embossing

Heat embossing is a technique that always provides a WOW when you see it. When I first started making cards, I didn't realize that I could replicate those beautiful shiny sentiments like the ones on the "expensive" cards.  Well, you can. But heat embossing is for more than words; you can also use it to help make colors POP!

These flower images from our Every Moment stamp set were heat embossed using VersaMark and black embossing powder. Once heat set, the bold black outline coupled with bright coloring really makes a bold impression. As promised, don't they POP?

Thanks for stopping by! Friday's post will include a sample using clear embossing powder as well as 3 helpful links. Hope to "see" you then!



Stampin' Supplies: 

Every Moment

Stamps: Every Moment, Pursuit of Happiness
Ink: VersaMark, Basic Black, Popply Parade and Lucky Limeade Stampin' Write markers
Paper: Poppy Parade, Lucky Limeade, Whisper White
Tools: Corner Rounder punch, Heat Tool
Embellishments: Black embossing powder, Basic Jewels Rhinestone
Always within reach: Tabletop Paper Cutter (106959), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Snips (103579), Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner (102394), Stampin' Scrub (102642)
Need supplies? Shop Stampin' Up! Online

A Perfectly Penned DivaSC154

Happy weekend, everyone!

Today, Tammy Fite has challenged the Utah Divas sketch team to use the sketch you see here. I've shared one idea below, but you can see more by visiting the UDI site and following the links to the team member sites.

If you are new to sketches, you may not realize that you can change out some of the shapes that are shown. For example, the snowflakes are place holders for any element you want to use (die cut or punched shapes, flowers, images - your choice)! And the stripes could be strips of paper, lengths of ribbon... you get the idea. Sketches are my favorite springboard for making greeting cards!

Some notes on the construction of this card:

• Happy Birthday (from Perfectly Penned) replaces the top snowflake on the sketch. 
• Two flowers made from die cut watercolor paper replace the remaining two flakes. 
• Both flowers were rubbed directly onto a Melon Mambo ink pad to add color. I used an Aqua Painter to smooth out the color; a bit of the texture from the paper and the ink pad remained on the petals and gives them a cool mottled look. 
• A Sponge Dauber was the perfect tool for adding a bit of Rich Razzleberry ink to the petal tips and flower center.
• Dry embossed lines replace the 5 horizontal lines on the sketch. 

That last thing was probably stretching the rules of the challenge a little... Sorry, Tammy - I went a little crazy playing with my new Simply Scored scoring board. Kids and their toys...

Don't forget to check out the UDI link above for more ideas. If you decide to play along with us, link to your card so we can check it out! Thanks for stopping by!

Simply Scored (item#122334)

Stampin' Supplies: 
Stamps: Perfectly Penned
Ink: Basic Black, Melon Mambo, Rich Razzleberry
Paper: Rich Razzleberry, Basic Black, Watercolor
Tools: Simply Scored, Big Shot, Daisies #2 die, Aqua Painter, Sponge Daubers
Embellishments: Jewels Basic Pearls
Always within reach: Tabletop Paper Cutter (106959), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Snips (103579), Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner (102394), Stampin' Scrub (102642)
Need supplies? Shop Stampin' Up! Online

Halloween Greeting Cards

Making cards for the spooky season? Check out these wonderful swap samples, all featuring new images and embellishments from the 2012 Holiday Mini Catalog. I have included the artists name and a link to their website (if it was provided on the back of the swap) so you can visit them for more inspiration.

This first sample was created by Shelley uses a new set, Festive & Fun (page 38). I love the color combination on here; who knew Daffodil Delight would look so fun with Early Espresso?

The next card, created by Tanya Boser, uses images from Piece of Poison (pg 9) along with the new Peekaboo Frames Sizzix die (pg. 36).

And here it is open:

As my son said when I showed him, "TRICK!"

Elizabeth Price also used Piece of Poison to create this WOW card, featuring a large rat! EW! Great details and combination of color on this one.

Next is this adorable joy fold card created by Crissy. Like the card above, Crissy used the spider web embossing folder in the background. I like how the added ink really makes the web stand out. The owl is from the Holiday Mini hostess stamp set, Warmest of Wishes (pg 5). This set contains 5 images covering several different occasions.

Last, but definitely not least, is this center step card made by an anonymous artist. I really wish I could give this person credit - this card is just so cute! The images are from Out on a Limb (pg 12). The pumpkins, wearing mustaches(!), really make me smile!

So were those not some great Halloween cards? Definitely some great ideas shared in this batch and some layouts that would work for any occasion. I hope you enjoyed the samples as much as I did. If you can, visit the linked artists and give them some thanks. Thanks to YOU for stopping by!



Stampin' Up! Catalogs Link. See pages 23-27 of the Idea Book & Catalog for addtional Halloween images and coordinating items.
Need supplies? Shop Stampin' Up! Online

Video Tutorial - How to make a shaker card

 Here's a short tutorial showing you how to fast and easy it is to make a shaker card using our new Shaker Frames. Enjoy!

If you have any questions or suggestions for future projects, please leave a comment here! Thanks!



Need supplies? Shop Stampin' Up! Online

New Digital Downloads

More Digital Downloads were released today. One of the new elements is Autumn Vine Designer Series Paper. If you shopped with Stampin' Up! last autumn, you may remember these patterns from the 2010 Holiday Mini catalog; they were available as traditional (aka paper) Designer Series Paper.

Visit my Stampin' Up! website to access all of our available Digital and traditional supplies. (The new digital options will be showcased on the right side of the page.) If you are already on the .stampinup.net site, simply click SHOP NOW to access the store.

Thanks for stopping by!

It's A Wrap - Greeting Card and Candy

Before we get to today's post: Stampin' Up has informed Demonstrators that our supplier for the Embossing Buddy (item 103083) will no longer be able to supply this item. As a result this item is no longer available for order until we can find a new supplier. (The backorders on file now will be filled.) 

Now, on to today's project!
Have you seen the new It's A Wrap stamp sets? We have an all-season one in the Idea Book & Catalog and a new holiday edition in the Holiday Mini catalog. (See both sets below.)  These stamps fit perfectly on Avery 1" x 2 5/8" address labels, making it super easy to add a fun band to your candy. But you can also use these stamps on other projects. Here is a card I made recently for a card swap; the wrapped candy is also shown just in case you haven't seen that yet. Enjoy!

Thanks for stopping by!



Stampin' Supplies:

It's a Wrap Holidays

Stamps: It's A Wrap Holidays (W 122770, C122772)
Ink: Always Artichoke
Paper: Naturals Vanilla, Bravo Burgundy, Baja Breeze, Always Artichoke, River Rock
Tools: Simply Scored, Big Shot, Leaves #2 die
Embellishments: Twill Tape, Silver Brads
Always within reach: Tabletop Paper Cutter (106959), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Snips (103579), Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner (102394), Stampin' Scrub (102642)
Need supplies? Shop Stampin' Up! Online

It's a Wrap Occasions

  It's A Wrap Occasions (W123590, C123592)


*Note: Hershey's Nuggets were used in the photo above. Hershey's has shared information with us about covering their candy with these labels. Read this information here.