Kard Kit Kharma

Since I started scrapbooking and really dove into paper crafts I have met many wonderful new friends. That is really what this hobby is for me...a connection to people like myself that love to create! My crafty friends are a gift to me, and today I want to pay it forward, I have a gift for you!

I did this card based on a sample in the new catalog. I planned to recreate it's awesomeness from the moment I saw it on page 178. I was nearly crushed when I realized I didn't have the right stamp set. But improvising with what I had I came up with this simplified version; it's perfect for anyone at any experience level.

I would like to give you the supplies so you can make one too!

I have enough supplies to make several more...so here's my proposal. Purchase the Artistic Etchings stamp set, and I will mail you a kit with pre-cut and scored paper, complete instructions, and an envelope. You will need ink to complete your card, my supply list is noted below for additional items you might not have on hand. This offer is while supplies last, so I will update this post when I've exhausted my stash!

Stampin Supplies:
Stamps - Artistic Etchings
Paper - Rose Red, Chocolate Chip, Color Collection Designer Series Paper (Subtles)
Ink - Soft Suede Classic Ink Pad, VersaMark
Other - Stampin' Sponges, White Embossing Powder, Clear Blocks C and H, Heat Tool, Paper Snips

Artistic Etchings (118517 wood mount $18.95 or 120573 clear mount $14.95)

imagine&inspire.com

New Colors!

One of the cards I did for my "New Catalog Open House Celebration" uses all of the new In-Colors. The names are fun, as always:

• Raspberry Ripple
• Primrose Petals
• Gumball Green
• Summer Starfruit
• Midnight Muse

It was a little advanced since making ric rac can be tricky, but here's how to do it with a few pictures for a visual.

Punch a 1" strip of card stock with the Scalloped Border Punch. This strip is 1 x 4-1/4".

Stampin' Up! punches have been redesigned, the The Scallop Border Punch pictured is in the old body style.

Start in the center. Then scoot your paper over to one side to continue the pattern.

Use the silver image printed on the sides as a guide, the punched image will line up perfectly.

Move the card stock to the other side and line up the pattern with the guide.

Punch the rest of the border.

Now you should have a scalloped piece of card stock with a scrap strip.

Slip it back into the punch with the uncut side down.

With just a small bit sticking out, line the scallops up so the guide image is opposite from the punched side. I have a half scallop on the end. It is lined it up with the "valley" on the guide.

Slide it out and punch the small bit on the end.

This time lay the card stock over the silver guide image and cut.

Once again, side it over to the other end and complete the pattern.

Voila, ric rac!!

My card was done by adhering the ric rac with a little snail to the white card front layer. Then I simply embossed the whole piece before securing it to the card base. Once I added some flowers and the sentiment, this cute card came to life!

Stampin Supplies:
Stamps - Memorable Moments
Ink - Midnight Muse, Raspberry Ripple, Gumball Green
Card Stock - Whisper White, Summer Starfruit, Raspberry Ripple, Primrose Petals, Gumball Green, Midnight Muse
Other - Framelits Labels Collection, Textured Impressions Snowburst, Scallop Edge Border Punch, Boho Blossoms Punch, Jewels Basic Pearl, Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals, Paper Snips

The BIG List

You should have already seen the list of retiring stamp sets I posted on my Facebook Page. It's quite a long one, and this one is even longer! There are several items discounted up to 60% off at the beginning of the list, and if there is ANYTHING at all you'd like to order, do it ASAP. These items are only available while supplies last. Here's THE LIST. Anything with an "X" in the right side column is already sold out. You can also click on the image at the right to see pictures of everything still available right from my website.

I also want to take a moment to give you some information about our ink pads. You might notice that ALL ink colors are on the retired list, but this isn't because we're launching a whole new set of colors. What's actually happening is something awesome! Stampin' Up! has redesigned the pad portion of your favorite ink pads. They are referred to as "Firm Foam Pads." They will even include labels as seen below that you can place on the end of your pads to identify the colors quickly and easily!

You’re going to love these new Stampin’ Pads; they have many benefits like these listed below:

• Better ink coverage for your stamps!
• Light-tap stamping produces flawless images!
• Pad stays juicier longer, which means better ink pad longevity!

Please note: Five ink colors have undergone formula changes to improve functionality and color stability with the new firm foam pads. These colors are:

Basic Black

Basic Gray

Marina Mist

Perfect Plum

Tempting Turquoise

All five colors of the reformulated inks have been fully tested and approved. While using the new ink formula in the old Stampin’ Pads is fine, it is not recommended that you use the old ink formula in the new firm foam pads.
Here is an excerpt from the SU! Demo site:

"Q: What are some additional features of the new firm foam pads that I can share with my customers?
A: See additional features below:

• The firm foam is nice and flat and will not become wavy.
• The firm foam material does not imprint on the stamp images like the felt pad sometimes did. However, because the firm foam material is a foam base material, the stamp image can momentarily leave an imprint on the pad, which can transfer to a second stamped image. By inking your stamp on different areas of the pad or waiting momentarily for the ink to rise back to the top, you can easily avoid this situation.
• The firm foam material is soft and has a nice bounce to it. It's not hard like the felt is.
• The ink lay-down (how the ink is absorbed into the card stock) is even, not blotchy, and dries quickly. It has an increased opacity and stamps solid images beautifully."

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. If I can't answer your question I will be glad to follow up with SU! and get the answer!

Visit my website to see the retiring items before they're gone, and place your order! The launch of our new catalog is June 1, 2012!!!

Stampy Hugs,

Sally

SCORE!

I love my Simply Scored Tool. It's easy to make medallions or rosettes with. You can do custom boxes and such. And now with the new Diagonal Plate, everything that deals with scoring will be even easier! You can make a custom envelope for different card sizes. As a matter of fact, the Diagonal Plate includes instructions for creating common envelope sizes!

The plate includes the same 1/8" spacing as the Simply Scored, so each groove of the diagonal plate corresponds with the ruler--and all of your projects! Like the Simply Scored, it fits up to 12x12 Card Stock or Designer Paper. You just place the Diagonal Plate on top of your Simply Scored Tool and the back has non-skid rubber pads to keep it firmly in place.

Check out this video to see it in action:

Contact me or visit my website to order yours!
Available March 1 – May 31, 2012

http://sally.stampinup.net

Here are the item numbers and prices for the Diagonal Plate and coordinating products:

Item	Description	Price
125586	Simply Scored Diagonal Plate	$11.95
122334	Simply Scored	$29.95
125625	Simply Scored Place Markers (6)	$2.50
125586	Simply Scored Stylus	$4.50

...and you can click HERE for a flyer! =)

I Need You!

I really love what I do and I want to share the same opportunity with you! Did you know that you don't even have to sell anything to join my team? That's right. You don't have to hold workshops or stamp camps either. It is 100% ok to join just for the discount!

There are many crafters that join the SU! family just for the discount. You can choose to work it as a business, or reap the rewards of being a hobbyist. There are many perks to being a demonstrator besides just the 20% discount. Did you know we get an exclusive magazine every month full of wonderful ideas and inspiration? We also get first look and the ability to pre-order new things before the general population. There are annual events you can attend with fellow demonstrators...it's awesome!

If you do like the idea of a little extra income, you can even set goals and possibly earn an expense paid trip! SU! offers two of them each year. :)

Jan 24 - Mar 31, 2012

Now is an excellent time to sign up as a demonstrator! The Standard Starter Kit contains over $345 worth of stamping and business supplies—only $125 during Sale-A-Bration, and receive an extra bonus every month for the rest of the year, free paper or a digital download!!!

More Details

• FREE package of Designer Series Paper ($10.95 or less) or digital download (any price) begins the month after the new demonstrator joins Stampin' Up! 
• New demonstrator may alternate between Designer Series Paper and digital download each month.   
• Demonstrator must remain active during incentive period to be eligible for free items.
• Quarterly sales minimum $300 (every 3 months).
• I support my team 100% with quarterly meetings, emails, and other crafty get-togethers!
• Visit my website or feel free to call me for more information.        (214) 354-7685

Joyous Folds

It's easy to get caught up in the standard card size and fold so I looked for something I hadn't tried before. Behold the joyfold card. I used our new Labels Collection Framelits to give a new shape to one of the layers and I love the result. It came out fabulous!!!

click on any image to see it full size

Here are the basic instructions for making the joyfold card.
Card base: 4-1/4 x 8-1/2 Score at 5-1/2
Inside layer: 2-3/4 x 4 are the original dimensions. To use Framelits see below:

The 4th frame from the center makes the flap that fold over and tucks under the front sentiment.

The DSP layers are as follows:
2 pieces 2-3/4 x 4 (the flap on the left that's part of the card base)
1 piece 4 x 5-1/4 (inside of card)


Stampin' Supplies
Stamps: Elementary Elegance, Fresh Vintage
Paper: Poppy Parade, Lucky Limeade, Everyday Enchantment DSP
Ink: Early Espresso, Lucky Limeade, Poppy Parade, Tea Stain (Distress Essentials Kit)
Other: Aqua Painters, Curly Label Punch, Jewels Basic Rhinestone, Labels Collection Framelits, Stampin' Dimensionals, 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon (Baja Breeze)
Sale-a-Bration - Spend $50 and earn any of these items for FREE!

sally.stampinup.net

Crafting with the Kids

I had a fun workshop last Saturday for kids and moms to come and craft valentines. The kids were great, the moms we're great, and the cards were great!

I let Sydney and Natalie make their cards about an hour before guests started to arrive so they could spend their time as my assistants and socialize with the other kids. This worked pretty well. They showed off the Big Shot and how to use the Adorning Accents Embossing Folder (the strip of hearts) with it. And they were pretty good about making sure everyone made their card in the right steps to avoid any mistakes.

I had every intention of taking pictures of the kids making their cards. I asked my teen, who was hiding out in another room (on the 'puter in her pjs) if she would be my paparazzi. She declined and I never thought about it again until everyone was gone.

So, since I couldn't let that stop me I decided to take a picture of my girls with their cards and share some cuteness with you...

Ok Natalie, keep your eyes open this time.

Not you, Sydney, that is a silly face. And Nat, your eyes are still squinty.

OK Nat, close your eyes and I'll say when.

OMG, I give up! LOL

We are currently working on Sydney's Valentine box for school. It's a Valentine Village made from milk cartons! I'll share the photos here or on my Facebook page as soon as we finish!

My Digital Studio Express FREE Trial

Our FREE 30-day trial of My Digital Studio Express* is now available. Make sure to get it, and let your friends in on it too! My Digital Studio Express includes one stamp brush set, 12 Designer Series Paper patterns, 81 embellishments, 26 punches, and 5 designer templates. Your 30 day trial period starts as soon as you launch the program. It does not matter when you download the program, your 30 days will start as soon as you actually launch (open) the program.

How do you get it?
You can download the software and access the free trial (item 129600) just as you would a Stampin' Up! digital download or any online purchase. Just visit my online store and there is even a link to the free trial on the upper right.

 

Online Community!

Did you know that MDS has it's own online community? Check it out and be inspired!!! =)

http://mydigitalstudio.net/

 

What do you do once you try it and like it?
Once the 30-day free trial period is over, you can purchase the downloadable or disc version of the software to continue using it. You'll simply open up the trial version you already have on your computer, and will be prompted to enter the product registration key you received after purchasing the software. (You'll receive this key via e-mail if you purchase the downloadable version, and you'll find it along with your shipped software if you purchase the disc version.)  

 

*MDS Express is not the full product version. Click HERE to see what is included.

 

My Digital Studio Features & Benefits

Exclusive Stampin’ Up! Content

• Stampin’ Up! artwork and accessories available in a digital format.
• Stampin’ Up! colors allow for perfect coordination when embellishing professional print projects with traditional embellishments. Add depth and dimension when you combine digital with handcrafted elements.
• With My Digital Studio, your favorite images and colors do not retire—you can keep using them for years to come!

Software & Content Options

• The full version of My Digital Studio includes nearly 2,000 unique elements—stamps, embellishments, designer and photo templates, punches, Designer Series papers, card stock, and more. If you have the Express version you can purchase a booster pack to add additional content found in the full version.
• Intuitive functionality for easy navigation and project creation.
• Automatic photo fill for effortless design.
• Boxed software comes on two DVDs, making installation quick and simple.
• PC and Mac compatible.
• Training and quick start materials available to help you learn more.
• My Digital Studio can be used as a design tool, allowing you to create projects digitally before crafting them with paper.
• My Digital Studio boxed software is competitively priced at $79.95.
• Download the My Digital Studio End User Software License Agreement.

Digital Downloads

• Download new stamp brush sets, embellishments, kits, punches, Designer Series Paper and templates to My Digital Studio on a regular basis.
• Digital downloads are compatible with other design programs.
• Digital downloads feature exclusive Stampin’ Up! artwork and colors.
• Many embellishments are true to size, making it easier to combine digital projects with paper crafting.
• Download the End User License Agreement for Stampin’ Up! Digital Content.

Print

• Professional print service integrated in software, allowing you to order photo albums, calendars, cards, and individual pages.
• Stampin’ Up!’s professional print services ensure that printed colors match with our traditional products. Because personal printers and other print services use different settings, their prints may not match Stampin’ Up!’s exclusive colors.
• Don’t limit yourself to print projects! You can also create digital projects like DVDs, interactive albums, and e-cards.
• rint your projects from your home printer. (Depending on your printer’s settings, printed colors may not match Stampin’ Up!’s exclusive colors.)
• Stampin’ Up!’s professional print services use only the highest quality products— papers and sewn-reinforced album covers (linen, leather, and photo covers).

Stamp Therapy

click to enlarge

Well today, Jan 24th, is another BIG day. The beginning of the Sale-a-Bration promotion!!! This sweet door hanger I made uses the beautiful Everyday Enchantment DSP, as well as the coordinating Ribbon and Brad Pack found in the Sale-a-Bration mini catalog.

These items can not be purchased. You can only earn them for FREE when you place a qualifying order of $50! Spend $100 and choose 2 items in the SAB mini for FREE, spend $150 and you qualify for hostess benefits AND you'll get a 3rd SAB item as well as an exclusive shopping tote for Hostesses only. Visit my website to see more and place your order today, or if you'd like to take it to the next level and invite your friends to a workshop, call/text me and we'll get you on my calendar!

Stampin' Supplies

STAMPS - Jayne's Type Alphabet, Rough Edge Alpha (retired)

INK - Poppy Parade, Soft Suede, Pool Party

PAPER - Everyday Enchantment DSP*, Very Vanilla

OTHER - Everyday Enchantment Ribbon & Brad Pack*, Heart Punch, Adorning Accents Edgelits, Paper Daisies

*SAB Exclusive

Sally

214-354-7685

Leadership/Regional Notes

I just got back from the annual Stampin' Up! Leadership conference. It was my second time to attend, and just like last year...it was amazing! I traveled to San Antonio with my sister Barbara and her downline Laura; since we're in Texas, we drove.

The 3-day event included make-n-takes, swaps, business tips and classes, and lots of sharing! Step one at any Stampin' Up! event is to pick up your "bag." This year they gave us this cute tote.

The make-n-takes were the first day and they gave us NINE of them with two stamp sets. The bag they came in had a little disclaimer stapled to it. "...you won't be able to make all of them...save the rest for later." LOL

We also had gifts from Shelli Gardner (CEO and Co-Founder of SU!) on the table when we walked in!  Three kinds of CHOCOLATE and this little folio that matches our bag! Thank you Shelli!!!

The first project I did was a card they gave us double supplies for. One for me, and one to donate to The Ronald McDonald House. They had a basket set up so we could leave them for Stampin' Up! to make one big donation. Here's the one I kept, isn't it cute?

Mixed Bunch stamp set and Blossom Punch from the Occasions Mini

Here are pictures of some of the other projects I've completed since then. I only got one other card started that night. It was actually after I got home when I finished it and did these other projects! :)

Click on images to enlarge

There were some gorgeous displays to see, so Laura and I walked around and took pictures of the displays before returning to the room. There were different themes showcasing the stamps, fabrics, and accessories in the Occasions Mini. Here is just a small sample of what we saw...

Everyday Enchantment  - earn it free with a $50 purchase

 

Day 2 and 3 both began with a general session followed by classes. We had colored wristbands for the prize patrol, but no one in our group won...although Shelli always gives us free stuff anyway! The first giveaway to everyone was a breathtaking stamp set called Everything Elanor...I can't even show you because it won't be available until the new 2012 catalog! They bundled it with some Large Basic Pearls. Shortly after that her daughter Sara gave out some Basic Pearls, Basic Rhinstones, the Sale-a-Bration Content CD for My Digital Studio, and a roll of Pool Party Ruffled Ribbon!!!

My sister Barbara and I with our stamps and pearls freebie

I want to give a shout out to Carrie Cudney Donna Griffith and Patsy Waggoner! Carrie's class was entertaining as well as informative, we did a lot of laughing in there. It was called Why Women Buy and it gave true insight into the female mind.
I also really enjoyed the class presented by Donna and Patsy called Retaining & Engaging Your Downline. She provided some great ideas for staying connected with my downline and providing them with motivation when they need it. Thank you ladies for all your hard work!

Laura, me, Barbara, and my friend Dee...we four hung out together through most of Leadership

Saturday was the San Antonio Spring Regional. We stayed for that too since it would be silly to miss it, right!? There were 2 more make-n-takes for the Regional. I think everyone was eager to make the little kite card...so precious!!! You can turn the wheel and change the kite image on the front!

It was Barbara's lucky day at the regional. She won a stamp set and paper pack from the prize patrol! Yay Barb!!! No free stamps for me, but you KNOW all of us got something that day prize patrol or not! We all got a 5x5 art journal with a challenge list of 15 things to do inside it. I'm excited about doing mine! The rules are (1) Don't go in order and (2) Don't compare yours to others.
Have a look at Carrie Cudney's art journal (sorry it's blurry, this is a photo of the big TV screen when she held it up), it says "create" on the cover. Love it Carrie! Oh and Shannon, yours is FABULOUS on the inside! ;)