Thursday, February 24, 2011

NEW UPDATED RETIRED PRODUCTS SALE LIST...

I have just added lots of new retired products to my Stampin' Up! Sale List.  There are dozens of stamp sets, ink pads (used and new), card stock, DSP, accessories and more--15 pages of FABULOUS finds!  I  will be adding more items as soon as I get past a few more hurdles in the next week or so.  Fingers crossed!  Lord knows there is a lot more to go through! 

You can CLICK HERE to see or download a .pdf file complete with pictures.  Use the link in this post or the link in my right sidebar or at the top of my blog.  The link in the signatures of my older posts is now outdated.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

BUILD A BLUSHING BLOSSOM...

I have been mired in tax paperwork this week, so I haven't had much time to work on new projects this week.  Maybe I will learn my lesson and keep track as I go... someday!  Ugh!  Tax man is coming Friday... 

Meanwhile I will share a project with you from my downline meeting last week.  It is a CASE of a card in the Occasions Mini Catalog with a couple of tweaks.  After stamping, and punching out the petals, use a bone folder to give each one a curl.  Then adhere each one with a Stampin' Dimensional to give your blossom lots of dimension (although the angle in this picture isn't really showing that).  Hope you enjoy it!


BLUSHING BLOSSOM SUPPLIES:
  • Stamp Sets – Build a Blossom (W#121905 $25.95, C#121994 $18.95), A Word for You (W#117032 $21.95, C#120582 $16.95)
  • Card Stock – Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, Pear Pizzazz
  • Ink – Blushing Bride, Pear Pizzazz Classic
  • Punches – Blossom Petals (#121808, $16.95), Modern Label (#119849, $16.95)
  • Accessories – Vintage Flower Adornments (#121879, $5.95), Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95)
  • Tools – Big Shot, Punch Windows Movers & Shapers Die (#121923, $25.95), Sponge Daubers, Bone Folder

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

MORE FEBRUARY DIGITAL DOWNLOADS

New digital downloads are here including images from retired stamp sets, new DSP and Easter Blossoms!  To see the new Digital Downloads, you can CLICK HERE for a pdf.  Also, CLICK HERE for last week's .pdf which I did not get a chance to post.  It includes the Beautiful Butterfly Shapes which are from our Beautiful Butterflies Die.

As always, you can purchase our digital images and download them for My Digital Studio OR as .jpgs or .pngs to use in any digital graphics/photo/scrapbooking software (ex. Adobe Photoshop Elements, Adobe Photoshop, Corel Draw, Jasc Paint Shop Pro or Ulead Photo Impact, Microsoft Office programs like Word, Publisher, etc.).  Check out MyDigitalStudio.net for tips, tutorials, samples and videos!

Check out the complete list of My Digital Studio download offerings in the Digital Designing section of my Online Store.  Remember that if you are purchasing only digital images, there are NO shipping charges!  Please contact me if you have any questions about My Digital Studio.  I will be happy to help you!

Saturday, February 19, 2011

QUESTIONS ANSWERED...

Today I thought I would answer a couple of recent questions I've been asked.

SUDSOL - Try the FREE Trial!The first asked what SUDSOL was from my post yesterday.  SUDSOL (Simply Unique Demonstrators Sharing On Line) is an online community of Stampin’ Up! demonstrators dedicated to providing creative and professional information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  They are there to support all demonstrators regardless of location, regardless of the support you are getting elsewhere 24/7.  Members have access to an extensive samples gallery, video tutorials, templates, patterns, business articles, forms and more.  They also enjoy the camaraderie from the most talented and supportive group of paper-crafters anywhere!

I am a fairly new member of SUDSOL, but I love it!  It is a fabulous resource for Stampin' Up! demonstrators to use when looking for ideas and inspiration as they plan for their upcoming classes or workshops.  There is a modest fee to join, but this group will boost your confidence and business ability like no other!  Plus, there are many ways to earn FREE membership after becoming a paid member.  If you are a Stampin' Up! demonstrator and not already of member of SUDSOL, please check it out here and take advantage of the FREE two-week trial.  I would appreciate it if you use me – Marie Shaughnessy – as your referral.

The next item was a request for the recipe for the Valentine's Day dessert I made my husband.  It is from Rachael Ray.  I used Grand Marnier for Michael's berries and Disarnno Amaretto for mine and then we shared each.  I am sure that they would also be delicious with Frangelico Hazelnut Liqueur.

Chocolate River over Drunken Berries
by Rachael Ray

Ingredients:
  • 1 pint strawberries, hulled and halved
  • 1 nip orange liqueur (recommended: Grand Marnier)
  • 3/4 cup dark chocolate pieces - reserve a few shavings
  • 1/2 cup cream
  • Pinch salt
  • Whipped cream, homemade or store bought
  • 2 teaspoons orange zest
Directions:
Soak berries in liqueur for 20 minutes.
Melt chocolate with cream and salt over low heat until smooth and combined.
Remove berries to 2 dessert bowls with slotted spoon. Drown drunken berries in chocolate river, top with mounds of whipped cream and garnish with orange zest and chocolate shavings.  2 servings

This is my own simple recipe for whipped cream that I have used for years:

Whipped Cream
by Marie Shaughnessy

Ingredients:
  • 1 C (8 oz.) whipping cream
  • 2 TBS sugar (can be powdered if desired)
Directions:
  1. Put a metal mixing bowl and metal whisk into the freezer or refrigerator for 15-20 minutes.
  2. Put the sugar in the mixing bowl.  Add the whipping cream.  If desired, add 1 teaspoon of extract to flavor cream to specific desserts.  Ex: almond, vanilla, etc.
  3. Whisk on high speed until the cream reaches stiff peaks.

Friday, February 18, 2011

TECHNIQUE THURSDAY, Neutral Shadows...

This project features a brand new technique called Neutral Shadows.  I saw a card on SUDSOL using the technique and fell in love with it, so I had to use it for this month's technique class.  I chose to keep the card very monochromatic and neutral, although I did add a bit of color on the blossoms. 

I don't know the official technique directions as the technique was from a subscription-based service, but the steps I came up with to achieve the effect follow the card recipe.  I used a mini stencil brush for my card, but you can also use a Q-tip.  This was my first attempt at the technique and you can see that the top half of the image has a little more of a darker shadow than the bottom half as I perfected the technique.  The shadow effect is a little softer with a Q-tip.  Enjoy!


NEUTRAL SHADOWS BLOSSOMS SUPPLIES:
  • Stamp Sets – Easter Blossoms (W#121905 $25.95, C#122057 $18.95)
  • Card Stock – Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake
  • Ink – Whisper White Craft, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, Regal Rose Classic
  • Ribbon – Chantilly 1/2" Crochet Trim (#118480, $6.95)
  • Punches – Scallop Oval (#119856, $16.95), 1-3/4" x 7/8" (Large) Oval (#119855, $15.95)
  • Accessories – White Stampin' Emboss Powder (#109132, $4.75), Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95)
  • Tools – Big Shot, Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder (#120175, $7.95), Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder (#117335, $7.95), Oval Scallop Frame Die (#114521, $19.95), Sponge Daubers, miniature stencil brushes or Q-tips

NEUTRAL SHADOWS TECHNIQUE DIRECTIONS:
  1. Stamp your image with White Craft Ink onto a white or very light piece of card stock.
  2. Heat emboss using White Embossing Powder. Allow to cool.
  3. Using a very small stipple brush or a Q-tip, add a light neutral ink to either side of the embossing to highlight. The idea is to keep the color “thin” or as close to the embossing as you can, but you can adjust this to your liking.
  4. Buff off any remaining or excess ink from the embossed image with a paper towel or tissue.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

DOWNLINE SHARE...

Today I wanted to show you a card that one of my newest downline members, Barbara Mock, sent me.  This is a wedding card that she made with some retired products-- the All Year Cheer III stamp set and Walk in the Park DSP.   Isn't it beautiful?  She has already began holding workshops for a small group of friends as well.  Way to go, Barbara!


Wednesday, February 16, 2011

MY STAMPIN' STORY...

In a post earlier today, I mentioned that I love my job, but it bears repeating... I LOVE my job!  Things have been hectic here this last month or so with vacation, surgery, hubby traveling, etc.  I love being my own boss.  It's awesome to be able to set my own hours around my family and obligations or to take a week or two (or more) off when I need or want to.  So, today, I thought I would share my Stampin' Story with you...

My love of rubber stamping started about 16 years ago.  I have always loved art and crafts (especially papercrafting), but never felt I had any talent as a freehand artist as much as I wish I did.  When I saw my first stamped image, I was hooked!  At the time there was a local stamp store that I loved to take classes at to learn fun new techniques.  Unfortunately it closed several years ago and Michaels or AC Moore just weren't cutting it.  Although I had vaguely heard of Stampin' Up!, I had never really known what it was until three years ago when I met my upline at a craft show.  I was in LOVE with all the fabulous stamps and beautifully coordinating products!  I met with her again later that week and I jumped in feet first!  I knew I "needed" everything, so I had to have that discount!

My plan was to be a hobby demonstrator, so I could receive my 20% discount and have it delivered right to my door!  Plus, I got to see all the new stamp sets well in advance and could order the new stamp sets a whole month before everyone else!  Then there was the FREE Stampin' Success magazine and access to the Demonstrator website - both with TONS of ideas to keep me busy for years.  It couldn't be any easier or better than that!

After about a year, someone asked me to do a workshop.  Hmm....  Well, I figured I would give it a shot.  My workshops started, and I began making new friends and building a downline (my first downline actually signed up at that first workshop).  Soon I was adding classes and a year and a half ago, my blog.  I got out of the house and I have always been able to totally support my habit while earning additional income, too.  I love that my family also gets involved.  My oldest daughter helps with designing and demoing at workshops and classes.  My younger daughter will help carrying my supplies for me and I reciprocate by helping her when she wants to make a special project.  My husband helps me with mailings, setting up for classes and often tends to attendee's needs when they come in.  They love it!

My downline is growing again, and I hope to keep meeting new people and sharing the hobby I love so much!  To me, that is the best thing about being a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator--finding other people that are as crazy as I am about stamps and papercrafts and helping them learn to be creative through the art of rubber stamping.  I love to hear the “oohs” and “aahs” when I find a fun project to share with my customers and fellow demonstrators!  And of course, I make lifelong friends along the way!

It is so easy to do this job!  Stampin' Up! has FABULOUS products and provides everything you need to start a business.  You don't have to be creative and come up with projects yourself.  Stampin' Up! has an endless supply of ideas on the demonstrator website and in their gorgeous monthly magazine, Stampin' Success.  And I will be here to help you with tutorials and projects.  There is never any shame in CASEing (Copy And Share Everything) your projects!

I know this is a REALLY long post, but if you got to the end of it, you are obviously interested, right?  So check out my Join My Group page or contact me for more information.  I would love to help you jump in with both feet, too, and have the same great experiences that I have had!  Let's chat!

EXPLORE YOUR CREATIVITY!...

Stampin' Up! cofounder and CEO, Shelli Gardner has a great love of creativity, and she is sharing it with you in this video along with an overview of Stampin’ Up!’s exclusive coordinated products that Stampin' Up! offers to help you explore your own creativity. 

I always love to hear Shelli speak!  She is such a warm and genuine person that truly cares about everyone.  She believes in living by the principle of integrity and strives to be a company that is honest, fair and kind with all their employees, demonstrators and customers.  The principles of this company are one of the reasons I  joined the Stampin' Up! family.  I wanted to be part of a company committed to doing what was right and good.   I LOVE my job!

Explore Your Creativity with Stampin' Up!
with Shelli Gardner


Tuesday, February 15, 2011

BLISSFUL SALE-A-BRATION...

This is a card I did for a downline swap tonight.  I kept it very simple and demonstrable, but elegant.  I used the Bliss stamp set which is one of the Sale-a-Bration sets that you can choose for FREE with a $50 purchase.  It's such a beautiful set.  Both the focal piece and the sentiment piece are embossed.

I also did a second card that is just a step up from the first.  The added ribbon meant changing the white to vanilla.  I sized up the Pearl accent.  And  I also popped each layer of the sentiment out with Stampin' Dimensionals on this version.  Just a little more layering and elegance.  Enjoy!


BLACK & WHITE BLISS SUPPLIES:
  • Stamp Sets – Bliss (W#121851, C#123217 - free with $50 purchase)
  • Card Stock – Basic Black, Whisper White
  • Ink – Basic Black Craft
  • Punches – Scallop Oval (#119856, $16.95), 1-3/4" x 7/8" (Large) Oval (#119855, $15.95)
  • Accessories – Basic Pearl Jewels Accents (#119247, $4.95), Black Stampin' Emboss Powder (#109133, $4.75), Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95)
  • Tools – Big Shot, Framed Tulips Embossing Folder (#121809, $7.95)

STEP-UP ADDITIONS:
  • Card Stock – Basic Black, Very Vanilla
  • Ribbon – Basic Black 1-1/4" Grosgrain (#115615, $9.95

Sunday, February 13, 2011

DRIVIN' DOWN THE HIGHWAY OF LOVE ...

My husband is heading out of town again, so we celebrated Valentine's Day tonight.  I made him his favorite for dinner - lasagna.  For dessert I made Drunken Strawberries in a Chocolate River with homemade whip cream.  Yummo!  We had a nice night.

This is the Valentine card that I made for my wonderful hubby, Michael.  I probably shouldn't have used pink, but I was getting a little tired of all the black and red cards I'd been making, so he will have to deal.  But, hey, it includes a truck, right?  A red and pink truck, but a truck!  Enjoy!



THE HIGHWAY OF LOVE VALENTINE SUPPLIES:
  • Stamp Sets – Valentine Defined (W#121941 $26.95, C#123057 $18.95), Loads of Love (#115022, $23.95), Just Perfect Alphabet (#115358, $19.95)
  • Card Stock – Whisper White, Regal Rose, Real Red
  • Ink – Real Red, Chocolate Chip, Regal Rose, Basic Black, Basic Gray, Chocolate Chip, Daffodil Delight, Bashful Blue Classic
  • Punches – Scallop Oval (#119856, $16.95), 1-3/4" x 7/8" (Large) Oval (#119855, $15.95)
  • Accessories – Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95)
  • Tools – Big Shot, Framed Tulips Embossing Folder (#121809, $7.95), Aquapainter, Stampin' Sponges

Saturday, February 12, 2011

NEW MY DIGITAL STUDIO CATALOG AVAILABLE...

I'm excited to announce an exceptional new resource for you--a My Digital Studio Catalog PDF!  It includes all of the MDS software artwork (contained in the boxed-version) and downloads from the October 2009 launch through January 2011.  The catalog gives a snapshot of the entire product line with artwork thumbnails followed by product details.  Because MDS is regularly coming out with new artwork, the catalog will be updated every month and available to you on MyDigitalStudio.net in the just-added Resources section.   

Use this catalog as a resource to manage the downloads you have and which ones you still want to purchase.  The catalog includes a box next to each download so you can manage your current inventory of downloads.  Print it out and place in a binder if you would like a hard copy to read anywhere anytime.

As always, please contact me if you have questions about this FABULOUS program!

Friday, February 11, 2011

GOOD NEWS...

Just wanted to share some good news.  As you may have read previously, I had surgery two weeks ago.  It was a lumpectomy for two lumps and biopsies.  Today I got the biopsy results and they were benign.  Whew!!!   Thanks to those who have emailed me their prayers.  They were very much appreciated!

No new project for today.  It's been a long day with multiple doctor's appointments and then Bunco.  The Valentine Heart Pouches were a big hit with the ladies!  I'm glad they liked them.  Now it's time to go nighty-nite as I am dead on my feet!    Til next time...

Thursday, February 10, 2011

PETAL CONE VALENTINE HEART POUCHES...

Today I have the project I made for my Bunco group to show you.  This is a simplified version of a project from my Valentine's class.  It is made with the Petal Cone Die from the Occasions Mini Catalog which is such a fun die!   

Normally you would use a Crease Pad when using this die, so that the fold/score lines would be prominent.  When cutting the cone for this project, I just used the cutting pads since I would not be using the fold lines (except for the tab).  It is perfect heart shape!  Just cut two of the shapes and use the tabs to adhere them together to form the pouch.  You can add a ribbon handle if you like, so that it can hang.

Only a few of the 12 hearts are shown.  I decorated all the hearts differently.  All the hearts feature the glittery Sending Love DSP from last year that is still available in the Clearance Rack on my website for only $4.99.  What a bargain for this yummy paper!   The sentiment used for all the hearts is from the Something to Celebrate stamp set which is a Level 2 Hostess set from the Occasions Mini Catalog.  This is a fabulous set with sentiments that cover all the Spring holidays as well as anniversaries, birthdays and more!  Book your workshop today to earn this awesome set for FREE!

The supplies listed are for all the hearts overall, although not all the supplies were used for each individual heart.  Enjoy!


PETAL CONE VALENTINE HEART POUCH SUPPLIES:
  • Stamp Sets – Something to Celebrate (Hostess Level 2),
  • Card Stock – Very Vanilla, Real Red Textured, Pink Pirouette, Pretty in Pink, Red Glimmer Paper, Sending Love Specialty DSP (available in my Clearance Rack)
  • Ink – Real Red, Regal Rose, Pretty in Pink Classic
  • Punches – Full Heart (#119883, $16.95), Heart to Heart (#119881, $16.95), Two-Step Owl (#118074, $16.95), Blossom Petals Punch (#121808, $16.95), Scallop Oval (#119856, $16.95),Modern Label (#116630, $15.95), Fancy Flower (#118073, #16.95)
  • Ribbon – Pretty in Pink 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain (#109032, $4.95)
  • Accessories – Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95), Sending Love Brads (retired)
  • Tools – Big Shot, Petal Cone Die (#121810, $32.95), Fun Flowers Die (#121812, $32.95), Scalloped Heart Of Hearts Stampin' Up! Embosslits Die (#117332, $11.95), Hearts Set Sizzlits Die 4-Pack (#113448, $19.95)

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

VALENTINE HEARTS BITTY BOX...

I was looking for a very quick little gift to make for my Bunco group for Valentine's Day and trying out some different projects.  I ended up deciding on a different one as this way a little time consuming with all the little hearts to glue - I have to make 12.  It was still very simple to make though.

The box is made with the Bitty Box & Envelope Die.  I punched the top of the box with the Full Heart Punch.  To reach the center of the box top with the punch, just fold the front flap of the box under and then slide into the punch, center and punch.  Adhere a 2" x 2" Window Sheet to the underneath of the heart punch window.  I filled mine with Valentine M&M's, but it took away from the hearts when photographing, so I removed them for the picture.  This box is fantastic for favors for birthdays, weddings and showers.  Enjoy!


VALENTINE HEARTS BITTY BOX SUPPLIES:
  • Stamp Sets – I {Heart} Hearts (W#117010 $26.95, C#118571 $19.95)
  • Card Stock – Whisper White, Pink Pirouette, Regal Rose, Melon Mambo, Chocolate Chip
  • Ink – Pretty in Pink
  • Punches – Full Heart (#119883, $16.95), Heart to Heart (#119881, $16.95)
  • Accessories – Thick Window Sheets (#114324, $6.95), Mini Glue Dots, Sticky Strip
  • Tools – Big Shot, Bitty Box & Envelope Die (#115967, $42.95)

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

NEW DIGITAL DOWNLOADS INCLUDING MORE DIE IMAGES...

New digital downloads are here including images from retired stamp sets and DSP.  Also, more new shapes taken from our Big Shot Dies.  These images are vector files like our punch images.  This means that they can be scaled up or down without losing image resolution.  They can also be paper-filled.  They are FABULOUS!

As always, you can purchase our digital images and download them for My Digital Studio OR as .jpgs or .pngs  to use in any digital graphics/photo/scrapbooking software (ex. Adobe Photoshop Elements, Adobe Photoshop, Corel Draw, Jasc Paint Shop Pro or Ulead Photo Impact, Microsoft Office programs like Word, Publisher, etc.).  Check out MyDigitalStudio.net for tips, tutorials, samples and videos!

Check out the complete list of My Digital Studio download offerings in the Digital Crafting section of my Online Store.  Remember that if you are purchasing only digital images, there are NO shipping charges!  Please contact me if you have any questions about My Digital Studio.  I will be happy to help you!

To see the new Digital Downloads, you can CLICK HERE for a pdf.

Friday, February 4, 2011

CAS FRIDAY, Love You Much...

Still recovering...  So, Jenni made this Clean & Simple Valentine to share with you today.  Enjoy!


CAS LOVE YOU MUCH SUPPLIES:
  • Stamp Sets – Love You Much (#113756, $25.95)
  • Card Stock – Real Red, Regal Rose, Very Vanilla, Whisper White
  • Ink – Real Red Classic, Regal Rose Stampin' Write Marker
  • Punches – Small Heart (#117193, $5.95)
  • Accessories – Basic Pearls Jewel Accents (#119247, $4.95), Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95), Dazzling Diamonds (#102023, $4.50), 2-way Glue Pen

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