Back into Groove

I developed these pictures last week and put them to good use with my newest sketch, yay me! To see more pages done with this sketch and/or to use it and share, look at THIS. Actually I think this was another form of procrastination, but it was nice to take my time with a page and I'm pretty stisfied with the outcome. One page down...4 million 200 seventy-seven to go! hahaha

Journaling says:
September 2009
Natalie cried after her right ear was pierced.
...but she left the store smiling!

Stampin' Supplies:

Stamps: Cheep Talk, Jumble Alphabet

Paper: Windsor Knot DSP, Pink Flamingo DSP, Orchid Opulence, Pacific Point

Ink: Rich Razzleberry

Accessories: White gen pen, Sizzix BIGZ Flower Dasies #2, Scalloped Border Punch, Perforating Tool, Corduroy Buttons, 1/16" hole Punch, Corner Rounder, white acrylic paint

Techniques: machine stitching

Making Holiday Plans

The holiday season can be overwhelming, and without my multitude of lists I would be LOST! Every year I tote around my shopping list, a list of who to send cards to, and a list of those who shall receive chocolaty goodness from my kitchen! I also tend to keep my Christmas stamps and any receipts with my lists. This helps me stay on top of things...or so I delude myself to believe! lol

Originally I carried an envelope around with all my lists and such, but since that's not very crafty I made myself a little "pocket folio" one year that's held up pretty well. It was super simple, made from an 8-1/2x11" sheet of cardstock decorated with pretty papers, and it has been well loved!

This year I've decided to make a new one. I saw a version done with a standard manila file folder sometime in December last year, so I knew that's what I'd be doing in 2009.The photo above is the front when it's all tied closed. Below is how it looks when it's opened up.
The design is really simple and easy to duplicate. Mine is a letter sized manila folder with a center tab. I opened it up, scored and folded the bottom up 4". Then scored each side at 4-1/4" to create the additional panels with pockets. I decorated most of it with Designer Series Paper sandwiching in some ribbon so the whole thing can be tied shut. Of course I've also included some fun stamped images! For more details on the colors and products used to make this organizer, visit my website.

My First MDS Project

I've been dabbling with digi scrapping for almost two years now and even though I still have a deep love for true paper crafting, I just HAD to get myself a copy of My Digital Studio, from Stampin' Up! As a demonstrator I went through a certification process so I could learn about it and have the knowledge to help others. It's so easy to use; I can see myself doing many projects with it. Some all digital and a few hybrid things.
As part of my certification I had to create something using the software, so I decided to make a 2010 calendar. It's not only practical, but it came together quickly. The elements available are so easy to drop in and there are even templates you can use to help you with your layout. Here's a screen shot:


It's the lead in page for the month of June. The pictures folder is on the left side and I just dropped my photo in, selected some "stamped" images, and added a ribbon. The small preview images along the bottom are all the pages of the calendar, and you can simply click on any of them if you need to make an edit. This image below is the calendar page itself that coordinates with the one above.


There are designer papers to use as well and I incorporated them into several of my other pages, but I didn't want every page to be "the same." I'm super excited to get it. The printing/shipping service is really fast. I uploaded it for printing on Saturday evening and it'll be here tomorrow. I can't wait to hang it in my kitchen!

Want to know more about My Digital Studio? Watch the video on my website! There are also two great promos this month that include My Digital Studio:

• Get 50% off My Digital Studio when you host a workshop totaling $400 or more
• Spend $50 on anything in the Gift Giving Guide and receive a free Decor Element ($16.95 value)