Stocking Builder Punch

Often, some of the products in the mini catalogs are carried over into the following Idea Book & Catalog. This time, however, the Stocking Builder Punch (item #124095) featured in the Holiday Mini will not be carried over. If this is an item that's on your Wish List, be sure to get it before it's gone! This item will only be available while supplies last. Once the current inventory of this punch has been depleted, it will no longer be available.Don't forget to check out the great deals during the Clearance Blitz!

Hope you all have a Very Merry Christmas!
dd

Clearance Rack Blitz!

Just in time for Holiday shopping! Take advantage of some fabulous discounts. Nearly 200 new Clearance Rack items are being added to my Online Store at discounts up to 80% off ~ while supplies last! Only Online orders qualify for this promotion. Orders can include non-Clearance Rack items as well.

Some of the items include the old body style punches! There is no minimum purchase required to participate. Qualifying orders are eligible for Hostess Benefits/Stampin' Rewards. Clearance Rack items are only available while supplies last. There are no refunds or exchanges on these items.

You can view the entire Clearance Rack HERE!

Have fun shopping ~
dd

Gift Card Tutorial

Oh my poor neglected Blog ~ and you ~ my followers!

I finally finished putting together what I thought would be a simple tutorial for this great little Gift Card Holder. I don't like giving too many gift cards, but every year at Christmas, it seems that there are some people who would either prefer one, or I just can't come up with another idea! So, when I do give one, I like to make it fun to receive. When going through some of my samples, I came across this one. It's fun & easy so I thought I would also share it with you here!

The base is 4-1/4" x 11". So you can get 2 out of one sheet of 8-1/2" x 11" card stock. I used Early Espresso. Score this at 2-1/4" and 6-3/4". Fold on the score lines.


Cut 2 pieces of coordinating Designer Series Paper 2" x 4". I've used Letters To Santa here. With the folded holder facing you, adhere DSP to "top" and "bottom" of the front of the holder.

Open holder. With the right side facing up, and top facing away from you, punch a slot for the Gift Card using the Word Window Punch. The gift card is slightly wider than the punch, so to make the slot long enough for the card, just move the punch over a little and punch again, elongating the first punch.

Cut a piece of Whisper White Card Stock 4" x 4", stamp image & sentiment and adhere to the inside. I realized when doing this that I had chosen a retired stamp set ~ Jolly Old Saint Nick, but I love that Santa Face image.

The Belly Band is 1" x 10". Wrap it around holder, but not too tight. You want to be able to slide it up and down. I put the seam in the center front and cover it up with the Scallop Decoration.

I punched the 1-3/4" Scallop from Cherry Cobbler Card Stock, layered a 1-1/4" Early Espresso Circle Punch, and then the Santa image from the Jolly Bingo Bits Stamp Set punched out with the 1" Circle Punch.

Stamp a To/From on the front and you're done!

Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and that you find it useful this Christmas or any time you have the need to give a Gift Card!

dd

Online Extravaganza!

The Online Extravaganza has begun! Today through November 30 you can get incredible discounts ~ up to 60% off ~ on some of your favorite products!

I Love a Sale! Especially one I can enjoy from the comfort of my own home. No driving in traffic, no searching for the perfect parking spot, no toting shopping bags from store to store ~ that's right ~ get comfy, grab your computer & a cup of coffee or your favorite beverage and check out the great deals available during the Online Extravaganza!

Visit my Online Store to see the complete list of discounted items.

Thanks for stopping by ~ enjoy shopping!

Free Digital Downloads!

Mark your calendar to receive your FREE Digital Downloads in honor of Digital Scrapbooking Day!

Are you a digital scrapbooker? Do you like the hybrid look? Or, have you just been wanting to play with digital to see what it's all about?

Stampin' Up!'s celebration of Digital Scrapbooking Day begins tomorrow, Friday, November 4.

To get your FREE Digital Downloads*, visit MyDigitalStudio.net between November 4-7, answer a quick survey, and you will be directed on how to get your downloads.

If 5,000 customers to fill out the survey and get the FREE Downloads, Stampin' Up! will give everyone another FREE Download. Want to make sure you get it? Encourage your friends, family, coworkers, and scrapping buddies to go to MyDigitalStudio.net between November 4-7 to fill out the short survey and get their FREE Downloads.

Did you know that we have a facebook page? Spread the word by sharing the link from My Digital Studio's Facebook Page and "like" us while you're there.

There's also a gallery at MyDigitalStudio.net. Starting tomorrow, Friday, November 4, be sure to visit and take a look at what you can do with this amazing software.

The picture of me & Shelli in the right hand corner was created with the My Digital Studio Software! You can create more than just scrapbook pages. The designing software contains exclusive designs, artwork, colors and templates to create different sized scrapbook pages, cards, calendars and more! We also offer our professional print service at great prices.

*These downloads can be used in My Digital Studio as well as other editing programs capable of accessing .png and .jpg files. When you download, you will be given options for MAC and PC as well.

Gotta Love the FREE stuff!
Thanks for stopping by ~
dd

It's Good To Be The Hostess!

Have you been thinking about Hosting a Holiday Workshop? Well, do I have great news for you! Starting today through December 15, 2011, You will get an additional $35 in FREE Stampin' Up! products when you host a $350 Workshop. Yes, I said additional! So, when your workshop total is $350 before s/h and tax, you'll get the usual $50 PLUS $35 for a total of $85 in FREE product, just for inviting friends over to stamp!

Don't forget too, that when you host a $400 Workshop, you qualify for one item at half price! With the additional FREE product, you will also get $100 in FREE product!

It's Good To Be The Hostess! Gather your friends and family, and set a date before December 15, 2011, to get together for some stamping fun, and reward yourself with the products you love for FREE!

Want to start your own Stampin' Up! business? This is a great opportunity to get your business going strong! Get your starter kit & FREE Big Shot and you'll be ready to share your love of stamping with Hostesses anxious to take advantage of earning even more rewards!

Contact me today to book your Holiday Workshop or to Join My Team!

I Love my job! Thanks for stopping by ~
dd

Free Big Shot Promo Extended!

Great News!
If you were afraid you were going to miss out on getting your Big Shot for Free or $100 Free Product, fear no more!
Stampin' Up! has extended this awesome deal through
November 11, 2011.

When you sign up to become a Demonstrator now through November 11, you can choose a Big Shot for Free, or $100 Free product, in addition to the already fantastic Starter Kit. What better way to get your Stampin' Up! business off to a great start! You'll be ready to share the fun and creativity of Stampin' Up! products with your family, friends and neighbors just in time for the holidays!

Just a few reasons I Love being a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator ~

• Product Discount ~ I get a 20% discount on all the products I Love, making it easier to purchase the things I need to express my creativity!
• Extra Income ~ I make a little extra income based on my sales and recruiting. This helps to pay a couple of household bills each month.
• Flexible Schedule ~ I work when I want to! This is my business, so I can work as much or as little as I need to, to fit my daily routines.
• Support from Stampin' Up! ~ We have access to an exclusive website strictly for SU Demonstrators. There are workshop ideas, audio and video training on all kinds of topics and techniques, and a gallery with tens of thousands of creative samples shared by other Demonstrators.
• Friendships ~ I treasure the friendships I've made through Stampin' Up! Whether it's meeting new people at a workshop, chatting with a fellow Demonstrator I've met online, or sharing my Love For What I Do through the classes I teach, I'm always meeting new people and developing lasting friendships, with people who share my passion of creating.

I would Love to have You join my Team and begin sharing my passion with You!

Thanks for stopping by ~ Have a Safe & Happy Halloween!
dd

Spooky Cone

Wow ~ two weeks have past again without a post! For those of you who don't know, I started working again. It's just part time, but it's taking me and my family a little time to adjust to me being gone 8 hours a day, a couple of days a week. It's amazing what doesn't get done in those 8 hours. I think maybe they are realizing that I actually do more than just spend all my time in my craft room.

I have another cute Halloween project for you. This is one you'll want to give to those special little goblins. It was created using the Big Shot and the Bigz L Petal Cone Die. You will need to cut 2 cones. This die works best using the Extended Premium Crease Pad, cutting just one layer of paper at a time. Using the Crease Pad will ensure your fold marks are scored properly making assembling your cone a lot easier.

Before putting the cone together, I embossed each piece using the Spider Web Textured Impressions Embossing Folder. Then to add a spooky touch, I used a Sponge Dauber with White Stampin' Pastels and gently rubbed over the spider web. You'll also want to add your Designer Buttons strung on Hemp Twine before assembling your cone. Use a bit of Sticky Strip to tape the end of the twine inside the cone. Just use it like regular tape, without removing the top protective plastic strip.

Now, you can assemble your cone. Decorate the flaps with Frightful Sight Designer Series Paper, add a Scallop Dot Ribbon handle, secured with Glimmer Brads and you're ready to fill it with Spooky Treats!

Once again, a project I couldn't have done without my Big Shot! Do you want one? Would you like to join my Team and get one for FREE? Do you already have one and want $100 FREE product of your choice? There's only a few more days for you to take advantage of this great incentive! I would love to have you on my Team of talented stampers. Contact me today and we'll get your *Big Shot or *$100 FREE product on it's way so you can get started on all your Holiday projects!
*You will receive your Big Shot or $100 Free product in addition the Starter Kit you choose.

Thanks for stopping by today!
dd

I Was Stalked...

I was featured on the Crafty Blog Stalkers Blog! This is very flattering to me. It lets me know that people really are looking at my blog, and that they like what they're seeing!


She used the Accordion Rosette to top a gift of fresh baked bread ~ yum! You can see hers HERE.

Just a reminder that we have a lot of great things going on this month ~

• The introduction of the Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps. Includes Wood Handle, 3 interchangeable images, recipes and tips for creating adorable Holiday shortbread cookies.
• Buy 2 Simply Sent Card Kits and get a coordinating Stamp Set for FREE! These make great gifts, or are a great way to get your Holiday cards done in a snap!
• FREE BIG SHOT (OR) $100 FREE PRODUCT OF YOUR CHOICE!
  

Do you love crafting? Do you love to share it with your family & friends? Would you love to get a discount on your stamping and scrapbooking supplies? Would you like to earn some extra income? Do you love FREE stuff? Then you should think about joining my Team in October! When you do, you will get a free Big Shot or $100 in free Stampin' Up! product ~ your choice ~ along with your new Starter Kit. The Starter Kit is also customizable, so if you already own some of the items, you can substitute for items you need. The Starter Kit is only $175 and contains over $345 worth of Stamp Sets, Cardstock, Ink, Accessories and Business Supplies. With your freebies, you will be getting approximately $445 worth of product and supplies for only $175! Everything you need to get your business started just in time for the Holidays!

Click HERE to see more about the benefits of becoming a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator.

Contact me or, you can sign up online HERE to get started today!
Thanks for stopping by ~
dd

Holiday Trio

Aren't they adorable! This is the Holiday Trio we made in class yesterday. These were made with the Big Shot, the Fancy Favor Bigz XL Die, a few Punches and some fun Embellishments.

These Fancy Favor Boxes are perfect for little candy treats, small gifts and gift cards. Or, you can just hang them on your Christmas tree! They are simple to make and pretty economical too. You can cut 2 boxes from 1 sheet of 12x12 cardstock. Just imagine the smiles from an elementary classroom when these little guys are passed around filled with Holiday treats.

And, right now, if you want to get your Big Shot for FREE, you can! Join my Team of talented stampers during the month of October, and your new Big Shot will come to your door with your New Starter Kit. Just in time for your Holiday crafting!

Contact me if you'd like to learn more about joining the Stampin' Up! family.
Thanks for stopping by~
dd

Out on a Limb

A couple of weekends ago I spent the entire weekend with seven of my stamping friends. We had an organized swap where we each created 5 cards and 3 other projects to trade. Then throughout the weekend we stamped tons of cards and several more projects. We rented the meeting room in a hotel, hauled our stamping supplies in, filling the room, and stamped the days and nights away!

Here's a picture of all the things we did!

I have so many things to share. I'll start with an adorable Halloween card created with the Out on a Limb Stamp Set. I love this cute little witch, flying over the roof top. The moon was made by punching a hole with the 2-1/2" Circle Punch and layering Vellum behind it. It's even more adorable when you put a battery operated tea light behind it!

There's also several promotions for the month of October. If you've been thinking about joining my Team, you can get a Free Big Shot when you do! Looking for a fun Holiday Gift? Try our brand new Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps! Do you know someone who likes stamping, but doesn't know where to start? Another great gift idea are the Simply Sent Card Kits. During the month of October, when you buy 2 kits, you get a coordinating stamp set Free! Click on the links, or contact me for more information about any of these great deals.

Thanks for stopping by today ~
dd

Big News!

If you've been waiting for just the right opportunity to do what you love, while getting a 20% discount on your favorite products, now is the perfect time! During October, you'll get a FREE Big Shot (OR $100 in other product!!!) when you join the Stampin' Up! family as a Demonstrator.

• Use the Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine and Stampin' Up!'s Exclusive Dies** to create uniquely beautiful projects in a flash.

• In addition, the New Demonstrator Starter Kit ~ just $175 ~ valued at over $345, containes stamp sets, card stock, ink, accessories, and business supplies ~ everything you need to start your new business.

There are so many benefits to being a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator ~

• A 20% product discount!
• A free monthly issue of Stampin' Up!'s Demonstrator-only magazine, Stampin' Success!
• Sneak peeks at brand-new products!
• Invitations to exclusive Stampin' Up! events!
• Regular get-togethers to stamp!
• Free access to an online community of 30,000+ crafters/stampers and creative artists, as well as 160,000+ project samples!
• Plus, access to an exclusive video & training for your new Big Shot!

Don't miss this BIG Deal! Contact me today to learn how you can take advantage

of this great opportunity and get your FREE Big Shot!

You may also sign up online at my website:
http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/debbied/jointhefun

**Big Shot dies sold separately.

I'd love to have you take advantage of this Big Deal & join my Team! Contact me today so we can begin stamping together!

Thanks for stopping by ~
dd

Simply Adorned Inserts Class

Wow! I knew it had been a while since I'd posted, but I didn't realize how long! I have been really busy & things have been pretty crazy, and I apologize for my absence. I'm hoping I can get back to my more organized self and begin posting on a more regular basis.

I had a class Monday morning for the Holiday Jewelry Inserts for the Simply Adorned Necklace. We made 4 more inserts. One each for Halloween, Fall, Christmas and Winter. Again, it was so much fun to see the ladies express their creative freedom, and make their inserts to fit their personalities. I wish I had thought to take pictures of all of them. Here is a picture of the mine.

Have you ever thought to yourself that you don't have time to make cards, or that you're not creative enough? The Simply Sent Card Kits are the perfect solution! During the month of October, when you purchase 2 Simply Sent Card Kits (pages 192-193 in the catalog) you'll get a coordinating Stamp Set from the same pages for FREE!

The Simply Sent Card Kits come with 8 Printed Cards, Adhesive Accents, Ribbon*, Adhesive Pearls*, and 8 White Envelopes. These kits make it so easy to create cards for any occasion.

*not available in all kits

Contact me to order your Simply Sent Card Kits today!

Thanks for stopping by ~
dd

My Blog Was Featured...

My blog was featured on Tiffany Bauer's Crafty Picks #32. You can see all of her picks HERE.

Check it out, she has some great projects.
Thanks Tiffany ~ this is very exciting!
dd

A Rare Saturday Post

Because I promised I would post earlier in the week and didn't have time to do it ~ Here's a little project for Saturday!

This little Jelly Jar Pin Cushion went together pretty quickly. I really wanted to do it with the new Holly Berry Bouquet Designer Fabric in the Holiday Mini, but I haven't received mine yet, so I went with the ever so cute Candy Cane Christmas Fabric in the big catalog. It's very cute too, and worked just fine.

I used the 3-1/2" Circle Die to cut the fabric with my Big Shot. Then, I put Sticky Strip around the edge, on the underneath side of the flat insert of the lid. I put a tuft of fiberfill on top, covered that with the fabric and wrapped it around adhering it to the Sticky Strip underneath. I Love Sticky Strip. When I am doing a 3D project, it is always my adhesive of choice. To finish the underneath side, I added a circle of Real Red Cardstock, punched with the 2-1/2" Circle Punch.

I filled mine with the new Holly Berry Bouquet Buttons, but you could fill it with colorful straight pins, a little sewing kit, bobbins, candy, the possibilities are endless! I have a couple of sewers in my family & think these will make cute little gifts.

The lady at the grocery where I bought the jelly jars was so excited. She asked me what I was canning. I think she thought I was a little nuts when my response was, "Ummm buttons?"

Thanks so much for stopping by today & enjoy this Holiday weekend!
dd

New Month - New Mini!

Just a quick post today to remind you that ~

Today is the first day we can place orders from the Holiday Mini Catalog! This catalog is 43 pages of total awesomeness! There are products for Halloween, Fall, Christmas, Valentine's Day, Easter & More!

If you don't have a catalog, you can check it out on my website HERE. If you'd like to have your very own copy, just let me know & I'll get one to you right away!

The sales period for this mini is September 1 through January 3, 2012. Book your Holiday Workshops now!

I have a busy day today, but I promise I'll share a project with you tomorrow. Thanks for stopping by & enjoy browsing through the new mini!
dd

Bingo Bits Bracelets

This weekend, I had my Bingo Bits Bracelet Class. We made 2 bracelets, one for Halloween, and one for Christmas using the Spooky Bingo Bits and Jolly Bingo Bits Stamps Set.

We started with the Simply Adorned 8" Bracelet. Then we stamped the images on Shrinky Dink Plastic with Stazon Ink. This is a quick drying permanent ink that works great on nonporous surfaces.

We had so much fun stamping and punching out several different shapes to create the charms for our bracelets. Some of the shapes we used were the Scallop Circle, Postage Stamp, Ornament, the Scallop Triangle from the Petite Pennants Builder Punch, and from the Holiday Mini Catalog, the new Stocking Builder Punch. We added a Black Crystal Bauble to our Halloween bracelet, and a Clear Crystal Bauble to our Christmas bracelet. Everyone also had their choice of adding a Key Trinket or a Crown and Pumpkin Pie, Real Red and Basic Black 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon.

Even though we all used the same products & materials, everyone's bracelets turned out a little different. I love to watch as all the ladies enjoy their creative freedom. I must say, this was probably the quietest class I've ever had. Everyone was in such deep concentration.

Just a couple of reminders that the end of the month is only 1 day away and that means ~
Wednesday, August 31, 2011 is ~

• The last day to order from the Summer Mini Catalog.

• The last day for the Strength & Hope Campaign. Stampin' Up! is donating $2 from the purchase of this set to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Seen in the Summer Mini.

• The last day for the Buy 3 Get One Free Designer Series Paper. Don't miss out on this great deal. Stock up now on all the DSP you'll be needing for your holiday crafting projects.

Don't forget, you can place orders online, anytime! Just go to my website & click on Shop Now.

Thanks for stopping by~
dd

I'm So Excited!

What a perfect way to start my day! It started just like every other day. I got my cup of coffee and sat down at my computer to check my emails and other stuff before my Mom and sisters came over for the day to work in my flower gardens. I always go through first and delete the ones I have no interest in, and send the ones to my spam folder that manage to make through. One in particular caught my eye, and I hesitated to open it, thinking it was spam. It said New to You Creative Challenge Winner, and it was just from a persons name that I didn't know. I thought, "Yeah, right, what kind of scam is this?" Then, it hit me that I had entered a project on the So Shelli Creative Challenge Blog back in July. I clicked on it, and sure enough, my project was chosen by Shelli as one of the winners! I was so excited! I was home alone, and had no one to tell. I couldn't wait for my Mom and sisters to get here so I could tell someone! As a winner, I get to choose a free stamp set! The July Challenge was to use anything from the new catalog that was inspiring us. I entered my Flirtatious Canvas Bag. Our new fabrics have inspired my to get out my sewing machine which I haven't used in quite some time.

I spent the day outside today working in my flower beds. No stamping. I have my Bingo Bits Bracelet Class this weekend so I'll share that with you next week.

Thanks for stopping by ~
dd

Trying Something New

I've been trying to figure out how to do Card Kits, or Classes to Go for quite some time now. After some research, guidance from another Demonstrator and a lot of debate, I've decided to give it a try!

This is what I've come up with. Each month, I will choose a stamp set and design 5 cards using that set. When you order the featured set, you'll receive the stamp set and all of the supplies needed to make the cards for the price of the stamp set plus a few extra dollars for supplies and shipping. I will cut, punch, emboss etc., your card stock. You will just need basic supplies, inks and adhesive. With your order, you will also receive photos and step-by-step directions sent via email, to help you assemble your cards.

This month I'm featuring the Button Buddy Stamp Set for my first Card Kit On The Go. This set is so adorable and very versatile with eight images for so many fun occasions.

You have your choice of ~

Clear Mount

• Local cost ~ $29
• Priority shipping ~ $34

Wood Mount

• Local cost ~ $38.50
• Priority shipping ~ $44.50

Here are 2 of the 5 cards for this kit ~

The sentiments I've used are all from the Happy Greetings Stamp Set found in the Occasions Mini Catalog. This set, and all of the products in this mini are available through August 31.

If you'd like to get one of my very first Card Kits On The Go, please contact me at DeeLeeD@aol.com by Tuesday, August 30th. I will either send you a PayPal Invoice, or get your credit card information at that time.

The stamp sets will be ordered on or after Tuesday, August 30. I will assemble the Card Kits On The Go, and then they will be sent out to you in early September.

This is a great way for you to keep your card stash stocked. You'll always have a variety of cards stamped and ready to go whenever you need them!

Let me know what you think &
Thanks for stopping by ~
dd

Boo!

From one Holiday to another! Well, I was inspired when I received my free package of Frightful Sight Designer Series Paper. Yep, I took advantage of the August promo and stocked up on some DSP. You can get a free package too! When you order 3 packages of Designer Series Paper, you get the 4th package free. Click HERE to see all the great choices.

Halloween really isn't that far away, especially when it comes to planning your cards and projects. I tried a new technique on this card. Cutting, Embossing and Inking Wood Sheets. First, I cut the letters from the Wood Sheet with the Big Shot and the Simple Letters Alphabet. Then I embossed the letters using the Square Lattice Embossing Folder. Next, I sponged them with Basic Black Classic Ink. I think it gives it a very spooky look.

The background was embossed with the new Stripes Embossing Folder. The cute little spider is from another new stamp set, Spooky Bingo Bits. This is a great set with 24 spooky images. I punched it out with the 3/4" Circle Punch and layered it on a Mini Vintage Tag with a Stampin' Dimensional. The sentiment is from Teeny Tiny Wishes, punched out with the Word Window Punch, layered on Basic Black Card Stock punched out with the Modern Label Punch. I finished it off with a Pumpkin Pie Glimmer Brad.

August 31 is the last day to order from the Occasions Mini Catalog and the last day of the Buy 3 Get 1 Free Designer Series Paper Promotion. You can see the mini on my website, and don't forget to stock up now on DSP for all your Holiday projects and card making!

Thanks for stopping by ~
dd

Countdown to Christmas Calendar

I'm very excited to share today's project with you! It's another sneak peek at a couple of the fabulous products that will soon be available. A new die for the Big Shot, and you know how much I Love my Big Shot, an adorable stamp set and finally a One Inch Square Punch! Are you ready?

I pretty much squealed when I saw this sample and these products in the Holiday Mini Catalog. They went at the top of my Wish List. We are so fortunate as Demonstrators, to have the opportunity to pre-order items so we can prepare our samples and have them ready when the mini catalogs are released.

This project features several new products in the mini. The new Peekaboo Frames Bigz Die, the 25 & Counting Stamp Set & coordinating One Inch Square Punch and if you look closely, you'll see the new Mini Jingle Bells. I used the Letters to Santa Designer Series Paper from the current catalog, but you know there is going to be Christmas DSP in the mini. Not just one series, but two! Oh yeah, you're gonna Love it!

I've used lots of other products on this project too, and I'm not going to list them all today. If you have a question about something you see, just leave me a comment. I'll be happy to answer any questions any one may have. One I know you're going to want to know is what size frame. This is a 12x12 Scrapbook Page frame that I found at my local craft store. I mounted my project on a piece of chipboard, and did not put the glass back in, so you can "peek" under the frames.

Here's a closeup of some of the details.

And how I completed day 25.

Thanks so much for your kind words about my Rosette Tutorial. I hope you have as much making them as I did, and Thanks today for stopping by!
dd

Accordion Rosette With Tutorial

Today I have a little treat for you. Well, kind of two treats. A sneak peek of some of the products you'll see in the Holiday Mini, along with a step-by-step tutorial on how to create one of the newest crazes in card making and scrapbooking ~ Accordion Rosettes. Let me warn you though, once you make one, you're going to want to make more. These are addicting!

Most of the product I've used here is new product that will be introduced on September 1, 2011 in the Holiday Mini Catalog. Oh my goodness, let me warn you again, this mini is packed full of 42 pages of awesomeness!

This is going to be a rather long post so if you want to get a cup of coffee or a soda grab that now. Here we go ~

Here's the Accordion Rosette I created with the new Spice Cake Designer Series Paper ~ one word ~ Yummy! This rosette is just over 6" across. I plan on using it as an embellishment on a Fall Scrapbook Page. You can make them just about any size you want.

For the 6" Rosette ~
1) Cut 2 strips DSP 3-1/2" x 12" and score at 1/2" along the 12" side. Choose the front of your rosette and fold the 1/2" strip from the back to the front and adhere. With the double sided DSP, you now have a strip of coordinating paper on the front of your rosette.

2) Score at every 1/4" across both strips. This is amazingly easy with one of the new tools being introduced in the mini ~ hint hint. Fold accordion style.

3) Using Sticky Strip, adhere both ends together, forming a tube. I recommend Sticky Strip rather than Snail because it is a much stronger adhesive and won't pull apart.

4) Gently pull the top of the tube together and ~

5) Push it down. There's your Rosette ~ embellish to your liking!

6) I punched a 2-1/2" circle and used Sticky Strip to adhere it to the back to stabilize the rosette while I decorated it.

I used the Scallop Circle #2, Two Tags Die and the Big Shot. The leaves are from the new Gently Falling Stamp Set from the Holiday Mini, as is the Designer Button. These new buttons are 1-1/2"! I wanted something with more of a contrast that would coordinate with my paper to put in my button, so I cut a very thin strip of DSP with my Table Top Cutter to weave through the button holes.

Here's a close up of some of the details ~

Can you imagine a Christmas tree decorated with these, or making all of your Christmas tags like this? Oh, the possibilities! Now is the best time to stock up on card stock to create your rosettes, with the Buy 3 Get One Free Promotion through August 31.

Leave me a comment & let me know how you liked my second step-by-step tutorial.
Thanks for stopping by ~
dd

Hello My Friend

I must say I'm very pleased with today's card. This stamp set, My Friend, was one of the first ones to go on my Wish List from the new catalog. I just Love the swirly hello sentiment.

I used the new Fancy Fan Letterpress Plate to create the background. I inked up the plate with Versa Mark, placed my Baja Breeze card stock on top of it, and ran it through my Big Shot. This embosses the card stock and gives it the tone on tone look at the same time. The base of the card is the new In-Color, Island Indigo. Check out the new Ruffled Ribbon. This comes in all of the new In-Colors. The lacey border was created with the new Lace Ribbon Border Punch. I just cut it in half and put it above and below the Whisper White Card Stock used for the sentiment.

See the stamping on the little butterfly? This is another stamp from the My Friend stamp set. I stamped a scrap of paper with Baja Breeze Classic Ink, and then used the Beautiful Wings Embosslit Die and my Big Shot to punch it out. I've used all 3 different sizes of Basic Pearls to put the finishing touches on my card. Two medium pearls on the body of the butterfly, 3 large pearls on the ribbon, and the tiniest one on the swirl in the words my friend.

Don't forget to stock up on your DSP this month. Buy 3 packages and Get 1 FREE! Contact me for more details, or visit my website.

I hope you enjoyed your visit. Thanks for stopping by!
dd

Christmas in July

Well, it was still July when I made this card. We had our Group Meeting last weekend and this is the card I made to share.

We did our shoebox swap again, because we all enjoy it so much and it's a great way for all of us to get several new samples to share. Each Demonstrator designs a card and prepares everything for every other Demonstrator to make it. Then, we all rotate stations making each card. It's great to relax and make cards that someone else has designed & prepared. We also bring other samples to share, have product demonstrations, discuss business and eat great food. I always look forward to these days. They are such an inspiration and I truly enjoy spending time with my Stampin' Up! family.

I used several components on this card. I don't think I can complete a project without my Big Shot. I used it, along with the Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, the New Fancy Fan Letterpress Plate, the Scallop Circle #2 and Circle #2 Bigz Dies. The trees were stamped using the Masking Technique. I used my new Pennant Parade Stamp Set and coordinating Petite Pennants Builder Punch with Stampin' Dimensionals to pop up the center tree. I added some of the New 3/8" Lucky Limeade Ruffled Ribbon, a Mini Vintage Tag, and Cherry Cobbler Bakers Twine. For the finishing touch, I topped each tree with a Basic Rhinestone.

If you have questions about becoming a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator and want to join our "family" and be a part of our next group meeting, contact me any time. I'd love to chat with you about what I do!

Thanks for stopping by ~
dd

Buy 3 Get 1 Free!

A new month ~ a new promotion! I don't know how they do it, but every year the Stampin' Up! catalog just gets better & better. This year, I am in Love with all of the new Designer Series Paper, so I was super excited when I heard about the latest promotion.

Starting today, through August 31, when you buy 3 packages of Designer Series Paper, you get a 4th one FREE! Now is the perfect time to stock up for your holiday projects, scrapbooking needs, or just add to your stash. You can bet that's what I'm going to do!

There is no limit to the number of FREE packages you can earn. The more you order, the more you get FREE! Specialty Designer Series Paper and Hostess Designer Series Paper are not included in this promotion and can not be redeemed through this offer. This does include all of the regular Designer Series Paper in the 2011/2012 Idea Book & Catalog as well as the Nautical Expedition DSP in the Summer Mini.

Don't need 3 packs of paper right now? Get together with a friend to place an order and then share your FREE pack! Each package of DSP comes with 12 total sheets of paper ~ 2 each of 6 double-sided designs ~ perfect for sharing.

Contact me today to place your order and get your FREE Designer Series Paper, or visit my website and order online!

Thanks for stopping by ~
dd

Flirtatious Bag with Flower

I thought my bag from my previous post was a bit plain, so I added a matching fabric flower.

I cut the flowers with my Big Shot and the Flower Folds Die. One of the greatest things about cutting fabric with your Big Shot, is that you can cut up to 8 layers at one time! So I only had to run the fabric through one time to get all 6 flowers. I sprayed them with fabric stiffener, crumpled them a bit and let them dry. Then I layered them, off setting them so I could see all of the cute patterns. I added a Designer Button with a bit of Baker's Twine tied in the center and hand sewed it to the bag.

I think it's just the perfect finishing touch!

Thanks for checking in today ~
dd