Last Day Online Extravaganza

Stampin' Up!s Newest Digital Downloads

Stampin' Up! released 5 new Digital Downloads yesterday. Two are brand-new images for us and the other three provide a digital option for items previously available in a traditional format. (As in wood-mounted stamps and 12x12 Designer Series Paper.) To see more digital offerings, click here to be directed to my shop or here for the My Digital Studio forum.

Supply Details: Stamps: Ink: Paper: Tools: Embellishments: Always within reach: Tabletop Paper Cutter (106959), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Snips (103579), Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner (102394), Stampin' Scrub (102642)
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Stampin' Up! Vintage Vogue Accordian Fold

This Friday in class, we will be playing around with creating an Accordion Fold Card. This design was originally shared by Stampin' Up! Demonstrator Dawn Griffith and passed along by Demo Paula Goff.

First here is the outside of the card. Clean and simple because the "work" will go into creating the inside of the card this time.

And now the inside:

Isn't that fun? Class members will also get the opportunity to turn this into a Christmas card by using other stamp sets. If you are in the Melbourne (Florida) area and would like to attend a future class, be sure to contact me or check my calendar for scheduled dates.



Supply Details: 
Stamps: Vintage Vogue, Blessings from Heaven
Ink: Early Espresso, Riding Hood Red, Bravo Burgundy
Paper: Riding Hood Red, Very Vanilla, Early Espresso, Regals Designer Series Paper Stack
Tools: 1/2" circle punch, Scallop Edge punch
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)
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Free Printable Noche Buena

Recently, eighteen25 shared a free printable for fall. I printed it out, inserted it into a frame and propped it up in the kitchen as part of our Thanksgiving Decor. (Inexpensive but good-looking art - yay!) But, alas, we are past Thanksgiving now so it was time to update the frame with a Christmas theme.

Instead of looking for one on the web, I decided to use My Digital Studio to make my own. Even though I was born and raised in the States, my father is Cuban and my mother is from Colombia (South America). Our holidays have always been a mix of cultures so it was fun to personalize my sign and add a couple of tidbits of what Christmas means to me.

A little translation for you :)

• Noche Buena is celebrated on December 24th and usually involves family and friends, good music, dancing and lots of great food. Timbales (some of you may know them as bongos) and a percussion instrument called a Guiro are always fun to have to play along with the music.  (The link will take you to a youtube video showing how it is played.)
• Lechon (roasted pig) and Yucca Frita (fried yucca) are 2 of my favorite dishes. I have fond memories of the prep and actual meals involving both of these things. (Ok, great, now I'm hungry...)
• And the cinnamon rolls? Well, this is the one time of year where I clear the schedule to make batches of home-made rolls. So if you don't see as many posts this month, you know what I'm up to!

If these are some of your memories of Christmas, too -  feel free to click on the image above and download the image for your personal use. To create your own printable using My Digital Studio, click here to visit my SU! store - the downloadable version of MDS is on sale right now. Get it for only $39.95 and receive a free bundle of downloads, too! (Offer valid through Nov. 30, 2011)



Supply Details: My Digital Studrio
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DivaSC164 Fabulous Phrases and a leaf

Hi folks! (Edited to add card, see it below!)

We are still celebrating Thanksgiving here at the Benitez household. I am planning to sneak off later this morning to play with the latest Diva sketch, but until I get a few minutes let me go ahead and share the sketch with you. Enjoy!

And here's my take on the sketch, this card will go out to one of the family members who drove many hours to spend the day with us. It follows the sketch almost exactly, except for the additional panel in the center.

Supply Details: 
Stamps: Fabulous Phrases 
Ink: Early Espresso, Crumb Cake
Paper: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Always Artichoke, Riding Hood Red, Very Vanilla
Tools: Big Shot, Stripes embossing folder, Leaves #2 die
Embellishments: Brads (Metallics)
Always within reach: Tabletop Paper Cutter (106959), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Snips (103579), Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner (102394), Stampin' Scrub (102642)
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Stampin' Up! Jolly Bingo Bits

With Thanksgiving this week, I know it's time to step up the production of Christmas cards. Perhaps you are like me and struggle with making multiples of the same card?  Challenge yourself to use the same design and just change up some of the details to keep yourself from getting bored. For example, use different colors for the card base and alternate stamped images.

Then, imitate Ford or McDonalds and get all of your pieces ready. Tip: The Northern Frost die cuts 8 snowflakes at a time - what a time saver!

All that's left is to assemble!

Supply Details: 
Stamps: Jolly Bingo Bits, Many Merry Messages
Ink: Real Red, Pacific Point, Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Red Sharpie marker
Paper: Pacific Point, Old Olive, Real Red, Naturals Ivory, Whisper White
Tools: Big Shot, Northern Frost snowflake die, 1" circle punch
Embellishments: Jewels Basic Rhinestone, Taffeta ribbon
Always within reach: Tabletop Paper Cutter (106959), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Snips (103579), Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner (102394), Stampin' Scrub (102642)
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Jolly Bingo Bits (available in Wood, Clear Mount and Digital Format)

Stampin' Up! Online Extravaganza 2011

And let the holiday sales BEGIN!

Stampin' Up! is holding an Online Extravaganza! First, there are 2 items that are discounted 20% for today only:

The Simply Scored is our scoring board - a great tool we just released this fall. Use it to create boxes, envelopes, score piles of cards or to make paper rosettes, etc.

Our newly released Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps are a great tool for anyone who likes to bake  shortbread cookies or for playing with clay and Playdoh! And at this price-point - wouldn't it make a great gift for a teacher or for the baker in the family?

The following sale items are discounted through the end of this month.   Click here for a pdf file detailing the sale items (incl. prices).

• My Digital Studio Express and downloads
• Calendar
• Embellishment Bundles
• Decor Elements
• Stamps (of course!)
• Fabric
• Big Shot Candy Wrapper Die and Letterpress Plates

Ready to take advantage of the sale? Click here to be directed to my Online Extravaganza Shop.

DivaSC163 Beary Best Friends

Time is flying - it's the weekend! When you find you need a break from all the Thanksgiving prep work, why not play with our Utah Divas Intl sketch? And if you find you need additional inspiration, be sure to visit the UDI blog to see other samples created by the sketch team.

Ruthie gave us quite a sketch this week, didn't she? It's like a rorschach test! Is it a party hat? a Christmas tree? the sun over a mountain? And what does it say about me that I see a party hat first? lol

For my party-hat inspired card, I pulled out Beary Best Friends along with it's companion sentiment set, Beary Nice Wishes. These adorable sets are based on the Build-a-Bear brand, probably one of my boys' favorite stores to visit when they were little. Good times...

Yay! A Birthday!! Where's the cake?


Supply Details:
Stamps: Beary Best Friends, Beary Nice Wishes
Ink: Early Espresso, Marina Mist, Tangerine Tango ink pads and various Stampin' Write markers to color
Paper:  Marina Mist, Whisper White, Tangerine Tango
Tools: Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, 3/4" and 1" circle punches, Boho Blossom flowr punch
Embellishments: Jewels Basic Rhinestone
Always within reach: Tabletop Paper Cutter (106959), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Snips (103579), Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner (102394), Stampin' Scrub (102642)
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Build-A-Bear line includes Big Shot dies! click to view

Stampin' Up! Stocking Builder Punch

In today's card-making class, we will be playing with the Stocking Builder Punch. Here are our three samples; note that they are all the same base card, just different embossed backgrounds and 3 different uses for this same punch. First, the stocking as intended.... as a stocking!

Now, look what happens when you use a different embossing folder and flip the stocking:

A reindeer!! Isn't he cute!? He might get a red nose by the time class is done...

Now you may be asking, Adriana - what do I do with this punch the rest of the year? Well, dear reader, here is just one idea:

The mane is a scrap of So Saffron card stock. Use Paper Snips to cut tiny slits into it and curl them a bit for dimension. You could also fray some ribbon and give him some flow-y locks! 

Now these are just 3 ways to use this punch. There are more. But I wouldn't want you to pass out from all the wonderfulness so you'll just have to check back to see more great ideas. :)

******Be sure to stop by again or Subscribe to future posts via Feed because on Monday, Stampin' Up! is announcing a wonderful Holiday Extravaganza sale. All I know so far is that some items will be heavily discounted and some specials will be for only 24 hours. Starts Monday - Don't miss out!*******

Stocking Builder Punch

Supply Details: 
Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes, Bright Hopes
Ink: Early Espresso, Wild Wasabi
Paper: Wild Wasabi, Early Espresso, Whisper White, Marina Mist, Real Red, Crumb Cake
Tools: Stocking Builder Punch, Big Shot,  Petals-a-plenty, Perfect Polka Dots and Stripes embossing folders, Snowflakes die
Embellishments: Marina Mist Taffeta Ribbon, Baker's Twine (Cherry)
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 24/7

Stampin' Up! Best Friends Forever

Before I share a project today, let me publicly say a big Thank You to Linda Callahan and Freshly Made Sketches. Linda chose my card (shared Monday) from among those submitted with last week's sketch, so for this week I get to be a "Perfect Princess". (I'll be sure to tell my hubby... lol) If you would like to play along with their latest sketch, there is a new one posted today. Click the link above to access the site.

Next time you want to use some of our wonderful Designer Series Paper, consider adding it to the inside of the card! This card is based almost exactly on one by Kim Jenkins. I love that you can see the DSP along the bottom border and was struck by how striking the butterfly is against the stamped flourish image. Such an easy card to create; at the same time, it's anything but boring!

For the inside, just be sure to place a strip of neutral card stock so that you can write your message. And since you have saved so much time, don't forget to decorate the envelope, too!

Supply Details: 
Stamps: Best Friends Forever, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink: Soft Suede 
Paper: Naturals Ivory, Pumpkin Pie, Marina Mist
Tools: Big Shot, Beautiful Butterflies Embosslit, Scallop Border Trim punch
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)
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Best Friends Forever

Stampin' Up! How to alter chipboard

Do you have chipboard in your stash of supplies? They can be used as-is in all their chipboard/kraft colored glory or you can alter them for added panache!

Here are three favorite ways to alter chipboard:

• Stamp a design directly onto your piece. Yes, heat embossing works, too!
• Trace your shape onto Designer Series Paper and cut out. Adhere to the chipboard piece using a Glue Stick or Tombow Multipurpose Adhesive.
• Or - the easiest way - add color with Craft (pigment) Ink. The piece you see above was colored by tapping an Old Olive Craft Stampin' Spot directly onto the surface. Set it aside while you finish the rest of your card and it will be dry enough to handle when you are ready. And as you can see, you can add additional detail with layers of cardstock or embellishments, like the jewels added here.

 Want more ideas? Click here for a 4 page pdf detailing ways to use chipboard! (Content originally shared Jennifer Murai.) Enjoy!


Supply Details:
Stamps: Blessings from Heaven, Circle Circus
Ink: Basic Gray Stampin' Write Marker, Old Olive Craft Stampin' Spot
Paper: Basic Gray, Whisper White, Old Olive, Brights Designer Series Paper Stack
Tools: 1" circle punch, Big Shot, Beautiful Butterflies embosslit, Ruler
Embellishments: Jewels Basic Rhinestone, On Board Merry Medley chipboard 
Always within reach: Tabletop Paper Cutter (106959), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Snips (103579), Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner (102394), Stampin' Scrub (102642)
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Brights Collection - Craft Stampin' Spots

FMS10 How to ruffle ribbon

If you are ever stumped for ideas when you sit down to make a card, I definitely recommend starting with a card sketch. These layouts are a great way to kick-start your creativity.  The sketch you see here is last week's sketch challenge as provided by Freshly Made Sketches. They provide new sketches every Wednesday. (Click on the link provided to be directed to their blog.)

In a recent class, we dragged ink pads across More Mustard card stock in order to create a faux-wood panel as a background. (We used More Mustard, Sahara Sand and Soft Suede Classic Ink along with Whisper White Craft ink.)  This panel created a great backdrop for the sketch and our Elizabeth stamp.

Once mounted onto the card base, it needed a little "something else" so I decided to add some ruffled ribbon. Begin with a line of Sticky Strip, then add ribbon - pulling up and pinching the ribbon every so often to give this ruffled look.

Tip: If your fingers choose not to cooperate, a Stylus makes it easy to pull up just the right amount of ribbon. Just lay the end of the stylus under the ribbon where you want the pleat and hold it in place while you push the free ribbon down onto Sticky Strip. (In the photo below, my finger would push down just to the right of the stylus.) Remove the stylus, move down to where you want the next pleat and continue. You'll be happy to know that the Sticky Strip is a bit forgiving, you can pull the ribbon back up and try again if you need to.

Supply Details: 
Stamps: Elizabeth, Fabulous Phrases
Ink: Soft Suede, Sahara Sand, More Mustard, Whisper White
Paper: More Mustard, Soft Suede, Very Vanilla
Tools: Simply Scored (incl. Stylus), Sticky Strip
Embellishments: Early Espresso Quilted Ribbon, Brads (Metallics)
Always within reach: Tabletop Paper Cutter (106959), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Snips (103579), Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner (102394), Stampin' Scrub (102642)
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DivaSC162 Blossom Bouquet Tree

Hi everyone and welcome to another weekend sketch challenge. I'm making it quick today - lots of housework to do - so let's get right to it. First here's the sketch:

And here's my card. It uses our Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer punch to make a cute little tree!

 Some additional notes:

• The hills were created by tracing the edge of a plate onto Wild Wasabi card stock. Just trim with Paper Snips and layer to create your rolling hills.
• The apples are 1/4" circles.
• The 2 layers of tree (tops) were both punched from the Blossom Bouquet punch as were the clouds. For the clouds, just insert a thin strip of Pool Party card stock into the punch or punch an entire flower and trim to size.
• The sentiment was stamped first, then die cut using our Scallop Rectangle Clearlit. This sizzlit has a clear window, so you can easily line up and cut exactly where you want to!

Don't forget, to see additional ideas using today's sketch, be sure to visit the Utah Divas Int'l blog for links to ladies on the Diva Sketch Team. 



Supply Details: 
Stamps: Friend to Friend (retired)
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Paper: Pool Party, Wild Wasabi, Certainly Celery, Poppy Parade, Whisper White
Tools: Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer punch, 1/4" circle punch, plate, Big Shot, Scallop Rectangle Clearlit
Always within reach: Tabletop Paper Cutter (106959), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Snips (103579), Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner (102394), Stampin' Scrub (102642)
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Stampin' Up! Happiest Birthday Wishes

Yesterday, I was blessed to spend time with three friends who love to stamp. We made a morning of eating, stamping, talking... and eating some more! Interestingly enough, we stayed away from the chocolate. Amazing...

Now, I must confess. Often when a group of us gather to craft, I don't usually end up with much to show in the way of finished projects. I'm a talker; I have yet to discover if it's a blessing or a curse... but let's just say I enjoy company when I have it so the cards get finished at a later time. But, thanks to the influence of the 3 ladies around me, I actually managed to get some things done yesterday! Here is a set of 4 cards based on a card created by Heather Summers.

The banners need a little something. Heather's had a little punched out star on each. Another idea would be to add the initials of the person celebrating their birthday or the number of years they are celebrating. (Kids love to celebrate what # they are; adults not so much...lol)  I'll add something before I send out the card so that I can personalize it a bit... but technically, I finished :)

As a side note, if you need a yummy recipe for tonight try this tomato soup recipe by Our Best Bites. I'll be out and about all day today and wanted to have something easy and tasty to prepare when I get home. Paired with grilled cheese sandwiches, there will be happiness at the table tonight. :) If you like what you see, subscribe to their blog and you will see all sorts of yumminess on a regular basis. Be forewarned, they share amazing desserts.



Supply Details:
Stamps: Happiest Birthday Wishes, Crazy for Cupcakes
Ink: Crumb Cake, Not Quite Navy
Paper: Riding Hood Red, Not Quite Navy, Crumb Cake, Marina Mist, Naturals Ivory (lining on inside of card)
Tools: Petite Pennant Builder Punch
Embellishments: Baker's Twine
Always within reach: Tabletop Paper Cutter (106959), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), Paper Snips (103579), Stampin' Mist Stamp Cleaner (102394), Stampin' Scrub (102642)
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Crazy for Cupcakes (Available in Wood Mount)