Another Year Coming To An End

It's hard to believe another year is coming to an end. A Stampin' Up! year, that is. In just a few more days, the newly named "Last Chance Stamp Set List" will be released. This year, the lists of Stamp Sets, Accessories and Decor Elements that will be discontinued will all be released on the same date; June 1, 2009. We can begin ordering from the New 2009/2010 Idea Book & Catalog on July 1, 2009. As stated in a previous post, this new catalog will stay in effect for the entire year! Speaking of the new catalog...if you want to reserve your very own copy, contact me today so I can have it ready for you on July 1.

Stampin' Up! on YouTube

Are you a visual person? Do you learn better by actually seeing something demonstrated? I do, that's why I was really excited when I saw that Stampin' Up! is now offering videos on YouTube. All you have to do is go to www.youtube.com/stampinupvideo. There are several videos all ready featuring different techniques from how to use the Big Shot to Decor Elements. Each video is usually no more than 10 minutes. These are great if you need a quick reminder of how to apply a new Decor Element, or if you want a fresh idea for party favors. This is also a great way for you to meet some of the wonderful, talented staff at Stampin' Up! Take a moment and click on over to view these fun informative videos.

I'm on my way to work now, I'll share another project with you tomorrow. Another sunny day here. Enjoy!
dd

Choo Choo

This is another adorable set, Choo Choo, that is available in the Occasions Mini Catalog. I don't even have any little boys anymore, but I couldn't resist this set. The railroad track was created using the coordinating Right on Track Wheel. This makes it so easy to make the track as long as you want. How cute would it be to make your own party decorations and wheel the train tracks all around a plain table cloth and then stamp the train cars all over in bright colors.

I used Brilliant Blue, Real Red, and Summer Sun. I sponged the background first; the sky with blue, and the ground with Close to Cocoa. Then I wheeled the tracks with Basic Black. I hand cut each train piece and used Stampin' Dimensionals to pop them up off the tracks. Here is the clever part. I made the little smoke puffs with the Trio Flower Punch...one punch...three puffs of smoke! I used Stampin' Dimensionals on them as well. The sentiment is from the stamp set On Your Birthday. I used my Stampin' Write Markers to color directly on my stamp to get both the Brilliant Blue and Real Red color to stamp at the same time.

Thanks for taking the time to stop by and see me!

dd

Post It Cover/Card

This is a project that I just had to try when I saw it on one of my favorite blogs. I love my post it notes, so why not make them pretty? I also thought this would be a fun end of school gift for teachers. I don't have any kids in school any more, but I know some of you do, and you're always looking for cute little gift ideas. This is simple and quick too! It could also be personalized by using a Monogram Stamp. How cute would that be?

This particular project measures 4-1/4" x 4-1/8", which is actually quite a bit bigger than any post it notes that I have. Of course I didn't realize this until after I had completed it. Just another excuse to go get some more post it notes...right? Simply adapt the size by measuring your post it note, and adding 1/4" to the width and doubling the length plus adding 1/4" (for scoring) when cutting your cardstock.

I used Baja Breeze Cardstock, and Parisian Breeze Specialty Designer Series Paper. This is one of the packs of paper I got free when I ordered 3 packs of DSP. The stamp set is Great Friend from the Occasions Mini Catalog. This set coordinates with the Matchbox Bigz XL Die, which I used to cut the Baja Breeze layer of the label. The label and the words were stamped with Close to Cocoa Classic Ink on Whisper White Cardstock, and hand cut. The butterfly was stamped on white with Baja Breeze Classic Ink and hand cut as well. Sponging the edges of the DSP and the cardstock added the finishing touch.

The Buy 3 Get One FREE Special ends May 31st. That includes the Walk in the Park DSP found in the Occasions Mini Catalog. You can place orders from this catalog through June 30, 2009. And don't forget, if you're considering joining my team, you can do so now for as low as $75.00! Contact me or visit the website to find out how.

I hope you're all enjoying your day!

dd

ScrapBook Secrets

Today I want to share with you a new book available that was written by a friend of mine. ScrapBook Secrets. Some of you may recognize the author...Kimber McGray. She taught classes at the Scrapbook Store where I was the Store Manager. Obviously, she has been busy since the closing of the store. She had her first book signing this weekend at Market Day, in Zionsville. I had not seen her in a while, so I went and got my copy of her book, had it signed, and visited with her for a while. It was so good to see her and get caught up.

I had to work Saturday after our visit, but as soon as I got home, fixed dinner and cleaned up, I grabbed my new book and read it from cover to cover. It's fabulous! It's full of great layouts, step-out photos clearly showing just how to do each step, and it's written as if you're sitting there talking to Kimber herself.

This is one of those books that you'll want to keep close by while you're working on your scrapbook pages. There are so many great little tricks & tips, I'm sure you'll be reaching for it often. There are even references of how you can incorporate these "secrets" in your card making.

You can get your copy of Kimber's book at Archiver's, or on Amazon.

Congratulations Kimber!

Don't forget about the DSP sale. Buy 3 packs, get one FREE, through the end of May. Contact me, or, you can order online.

Looks like it's finally going to be nice all week here! Looking forward to the sunshine :)

dd

Surprise!

I actually have a project to share today!

I honestly don't know how I used to get everything done. I feel like I was so much more productive when I was working full time. The only thing I can think of, is that I didn't sleep well before. I think I have finally gotten my headache issue under control, so I am sleeping like a baby. How nice it is to sleep through the night, and wake up headache free! I am definitely a much happier person, so why not more productive? :)

I had seen this card a while back made by another SU Demonstrator, and thought it was really cute. It's so simple, and I love the bright colors... doesn't it just make you happy? This would be the perfect card to brighten any one's day!

The colors used are Tempting Turquoise, Real Red, Yoyo Yellow, Only Orange and Whisper White. The color bars were created using the Word Window Punch. The little circles behind the brads were punched from cardstock using the 1/4" Circle Punch. The stamp set is Celebrate Everything. This is a great little, very versatile set.

Also, just a reminder that there are just a couple more weeks to take advantage of the Designer Series Paper Special. Buy 3 Packs Get 1 FREE! Remember, this includes the Specialty Papers too! This is a great way to stock up on your favorites, or order some that have been on your wish list. I just got my order, and I'm loving all my new paper. I ordered 3 packs of the $9.95 DSP and got a Specialty pack that usually sells for $11.95 for FREE! Look for new page kits featuring some of these great papers. They are all double-sided for double the fun!

Contact me today to place your order, or visit my website and place your order online. Be sure to choose me as your Demonstrator to get the best pricing.

Have a fabulous day! The sun just popped out here...hope it's shining on you today!

dd

Page Kit #3

My apologies for being away for so long! These last couple of weeks have been very busy. We had inventory at work, and I worked every day that week. Then, the following week, we had a corporate "visit", and again, I worked every day getting the store pretty & perfect for the visit. That went pretty well. Out of the 7 stores that were visited in the area, there were only 2 that she said looked very nice. Ours was one...but of course, there are always thing they recommend we need to work on...always room for improvement. Enough of that....

In the spare time that I did have, I was working on wedding invitations for a friend, which I did get finished. One day while working on those, I needed a break and decided to finish up Page Kit #3. Here it is...finally!

This is the Designer Series Paper Good Morning Sunshine. I love the funky floral design. The Spring title was cut using the Big Shot and the Serif Essentials Alphabet. The buttons are the Corduroy Buttons, and can be found in both the big catalog in a variety of colors, and the Occasions Mini Catalog. These page kits sell for $10.00 for the 2-page layout. Let me know if you would like to place an order.

Don't miss out on the latest Stampin' Up! Specials! In honor of National Scrapbooking Month, when you buy 3 packs of Designer Series Paper, you get a 4th pack for FREE! Also, if you are considering joining my Team, you can do so now for only $75.00. You can become a demonstrator with the limited-time Scrapbooking Starter Kit. Contact me for more information, or click on the picture on my sidebar.

I hope you all enjoy your day!

dd