ONLY TWO WEEKS TIL CHRISTMAS...

Did you know that Christmas is only 2 weeks from today?  Yikes!  I'm still trying to finish decorating, haven't even started wrapping and have SO much to do!

What would you like for Christmas?  Want Stamps???   Would you love to get Stampin' Up! goodies for Christmas?  Share your WISH LIST with your loved ones!  I will help them customize an order just for you and it will be delivered right to their door -- no lines, no traffic, no hassle!

CLICK HERE to download your Wish List and share it with your family & friends!

Or maybe you just want $$$ from your friends & family to buy new products from our next new Mini Catalog in January?  Or need a neat gift idea for a crafty friend?  I have the perfect solution!  A Stampin' Up! GIFT CERTIFICATE from me for a Stampin' Up! Shopping Spree!  What could be better?

SCALLOP CHRISTMAS TREE FOLD...

I enjoyed making my Teabag Fold Tree technique card so much that I decided to try another with Scallop Squares.  I used the two squares from the Scallop Square Duo die and the Scallop Square Punch. I used Shimmer Mist on the Petals-a-Plenty embossed piece, but the uniform shimmery effect is not picked up by the camera.  It looks more spotted on there.  :(   Drat!

Time to get back to preparing for my Holly Jolly Stamp Camp tomorrow...   Can't wait to see everyone's faces when they see the adorable Penguin Box and Christmas Tree Pyramid Explosion Box along with our other projects!  Oh, and maybe I should try to finish my Christmas decorating, too?  30+ boxes of Christmas decorations do not put themselves up!  Groan....

SCALLOP CHRISTMAS TREE FOLD SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – Teeny Tiny Wishes (#115370, $39.95)
• Card Stock – Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive, Jolly Holiday DSP
• Ink – Real Red, Old Olive Classic & Markers
• Punches – Modern Label (#119849, $16.95), Word Window (#119857, $15.95), Scallop Square (#119884, $16.95), Ticket Corner (#119867, $6.95)
• Accessories – Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95), Shimmer Mist made with Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint (#116806, $5.95) and  70% alcohol
• Tools – Big Shot, Scallop Square Duo Die (#120903, $21.95), Stars #2 Die (113461, $15.95), Petals-a-Plenty Dots Embossing Folder (#116824, $7.95)

TECHINQUE TUESDAY, Tea Bag Fold Tree...

This is the second card from my Technique Tuesday class.  This one features the Teabag Fold Tree technique.   I learned this technique many, many years ago when I was making lots of origami.  It's funny, but you forget about those "oldies, but goodies" techniques until someone newer to papercrafting reminds you that there are lots of people who don't know these techniques!  One of my downline wanted to learn this technique, so we tackled it this week. 

I made the card very simple so that all the focus could be on the Tea Bag Tree technique.  After completing the tree, you can use the 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon as garland and brads or circle punches for ornaments, if desired.  I also made a another card with this technique using the Scallop Squares Duo die and the Scallop Square Punch that I will share tomorrow.  Enjoy!

TRIM THE TREE SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – Contempo Christmas (W#118734 $15.95, C#120594 $11.95)
• Card Stock – Real Red, Old Olive, Jolly Holiday DSP
• Ink – Real Red, Old Olive Classic
• Punches – Modern Label (#119849, $16.95)
• Accessories – Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95)
• Tools – Big Shot, Stars #2 Die (113461, $15.95), Punch Windows Movers & Shapers Die (#115953, $29.95), Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder (#117335, $7.95)

TEA BAG FOLD DIRECTIONS:

1. Cut four squares measuring 3", 2 1/2", 2" and 1 1/2" from DSP.
2. With right side down, fold paper diagonally corner to corner (forming triangle) both ways unfolding after each fold. Then, fold in half (forming rectangle) both ways. Use a bone folder when folding to get good creases. Unfold.
3. Fold paper in half by creasing on the diagonal folds and pushing the half fold towards center as shown in sample above. 
4. Then fold the two front flaps forward towards the center making sure they meet in the middle directly under the peak.
5. Repeat for all 4 squares. Adhere to your card beginning with the smallest one. Place the next tip inside the pocket of the previous one until all are done.  Add a stem to your tree, if desired.

TECHNIQUE TUESDAY, Dryer Sheet Technique...

Last night was my Technique Tuesday class. Since it is holiday time, we made Christmas cards to accompany our new techniques.  First up is the Dryer Sheet technique.  This technique has a similar effect to Dazzling Diamond Dust, but is much more diffuse giving you a very soft almost out-of-focus look.

I'm not sure how I liked it for this particular card (see an alternate version below).  I've done some I really liked before, but the stamp sets I used have since retired.  The stamps used can make or break this technique style.  Bold stamps and stronger colors work best.  Enjoy!

SOFT WINTER SCENE SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – A Wish for Peace (#111614, $16.95), Serene Snowflakes (#115438, $20.95)
• Card Stock – Whisper White, Bashful Blue, Night of Navy, Brushed Silver
• Ink – Bashful Blue, Night of Navy Classic, Encore Silver Metallic (retired), Daffodil Delight Stampin' Write Marker
• Ribbon –Night of Navy 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain (#119773, $9.95)
• Accessories – Dazzling Diamonds (#102023, $4.50), Anywhere Glue Stick (#104045, $3.95), Used Dryer Sheet
• Tools – Sponge Daubers

DRYER SHEET DIRECTIONS:

1. Using a neutral piece of cardstock, stamp and color your image.
2. Cover the entire surface of cardstock with Anywhere Glue Stick
3. Press a used dryer sheet onto the adhesive, beginning in the center and smoothing out all the wrinkles.
4. Trim dryer sheet or wrap around and secure on the back of CS.
5. Pour Dazzling Diamonds all over it. Rub or press the glitter in, then tap off the excess.

After the class, I made this card using the Dazzling Diamond Dust technique (although I didn't use the Glossy card stock for this one) which I felt better suited this design. 

DAZZLING WINTER SCENE SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – A Wish for Peace (#111614, $16.95), Serene Snowflakes (#115438, $20.95)
• Card Stock – Whisper White, Bashful Blue, Night of Navy, Brushed Silver
• Ink – Bashful Blue, Night of Navy Classic, Encore Silver Metallic (retired), VersaMark, Daffodil Delight Stampin' Write Marker
• Ribbon –Night of Navy 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain (#119773, $9.95)
• Accessories – Iridescent Ice Stampin' Emboss Powder (#101930, $4.75)
• Tools – Sponge Daubers

DAZZLING DIAMOND DUST TECHNIQUE DIRECTIONS:

1. Stamp your images on glossy cardstock and color as desired.  Allow to dry completely.
2. Press the Versamark pad on your stamped piece using the “direct-to-paper” method covering the entire piece of cardstock.
3. Cover with Iridescent Ice Embossing Power. Tap off the excess and heat emboss until it appears shiny and brighter.
4. Variations:

• Use a brayer and cover your cardstock with one color. Add powder and emboss. Use that for a great sparkling background.
• Using a Stipple brush, stipple ink on for a different look.

DECEMBER DIGITAL DOWNLOADS ARE HERE...

Our latest digital downloads have arrived--and more are on the way for the month of December!  As always, you can purchase our digital images and download them for My Digital Studio OR in versions to use in any digital graphics/photo/scrapbooking software (ex. jpgs).  Get started on your digital projects today!

Check out the complete list of My Digital Studio download offerings in the Digital Crafting section of my Online Store.  Please contact me if you have any questions about My Digital Studio.  I will be happy to help you!

Item	Description	Image	Price
125148	2011 Notable Desktop Calendar Kit		$14.95
125145	Calm and Bright Photo Card Template		$1.95
125146	Holiday Greetings Photo Card Template		$1.95
125147	Good Cheer Photo Card Template		$1.95
123968	Leadership 2011 Stamp Brush Set		$1.95
123981	Serene Snowflakes Stamp Brush Set		$1.95
123982	Blueberry Crisp Designer Series Paper		$4.95
123987	Woodgrain Stamp Brush		$1.95
123985	Woodland Walk Designer Series Paper		$4.95
123986	Just Believe Stamp Brush Set		$5.95
123983	Curly Cute Stamp Brush Set		$3.95
122180	Year in Review Digital Kit		$9.95

NEW PHOTO CARD TEMPLATES...

Beginning tomorrow, December 7, Stampin' Up! will offer complete Photo Card and Calendar Designer Templates that can be purchased as downloads. These fully editable designer templates are perfect for last minute projects.  Just add photos and text--the layout has already been finished for you!  Or use the template as a starting point, then customize by resizing, adding to, or deleting the template elements.

This month's designer templates include photo card options that let you digitally create homemade greetings for the holidays.   Double-sided printing allows plenty of room for a personal message on the back.  These templates also make merry invitations--say for a cocoa and cookies Christmas party--or as an e-mail announcement for a holiday workshop bash!  You can even export your finished photo card as a JPG to your personal blog--for a bit of holiday cheer!  And don't forget to start off the new year with a professionally printed calendar created using our stylish and features-packed 2011 Desktop Calendar Kit Template!

There's still time for you to personalize holiday cards or gifts and print using our professional print services at new lower prices! Click here to review shipping times--and have a wonderful, digital design-filled holiday!

NEW HOLIDAY BLOG DESIGN...

Finally had some time this weekend to finish my new holiday blog design!  If you receive my posts via a reader or subscription, please be sure to click here and check out my new design and let me know what you think!  I appreciate your input.

I used My Digital Studio to make my new background, header and signature.  I used several of the new digital downloads including the Jolly Holly Designer Series Paper, the Seam Binding Ribbon, the Deck the Halls Designer Buttons and the Designer Label Punch.  You can check them all out here:  Newest Digital Downloads.  The ornaments are just photos of ones I made on one of my recent Christmas cards.   I just love My Digital Studio - one of my best purchases!  Now to design my family photo card and newsletter...  Enjoy!

STAMPIN' SCRUB UNAVAILABLE...

Our Stampin' Scrub manufacturer has notified us they are unable to obtain raw material for the Stampin' Scrub.  We've been told to expect an extended delay in availability of this item as the manufacturer locates new materials.  We will resolve this as quickly as we can, but we expect this process to take several months.  The Stampin' Scrub will be unavailable to order for the forseeable future.

Because of the delayed availability of the Stampin' Scrub, it will be removed from the Starter Kit, and new demonstrators will be allowed to choose an additional $25.95 stamp set (excluding hostess sets) instead.  Stampin' Up! will also include suggestions of how to clean your stamps in the interim so your Starter Kit stamps can be cleaned using other methods.

Please know that Stampin' Up! is working just as quickly and carefully as we can to get this resolved for you. Sorry for the inconvenience - I know it is frustrating!  I will post more information once they hear from the manufacturer and can provide an update.

CAS FRIDAY, Silver & Gold Decorations Card...

Wow - everything has been crazy busy lately!  Running, running, running from one thing to the next and never enough hours in the day.  Nothing new there though!  :o)  Tonight is my monthly Bunco night.  We ended up having it a week earlier than normal and I forgot until last night that it was the Christmas one and I hadn't made my cards and little candy for everyone!

So I in the wee hours of the morning, I needed to make twelve quick and easy Christmas cards.  I  settled on this simple, but elegant design.  I love the shimmery, glittery prettiness of the Iridescent Ice embossing with the Encore metallic ink pads.  I sooooo miss these stamp pads to show at workshops, etc.!  They were my go to Christmas pads.  *sniff*  I also love that I was able to use the Day of Gratitude medallion stamp and showcase this stamp set's versatility in being used for more than one season.  Enjoy!

SILVER & GOLD DECORATIONS SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – Medallion (#115223, $17.95), Day of Gratitude  (W#120835 $26.95, C#121148 $18.95), Curly Cute (W#117014 $19.95, C#120510 $14.95)
• Card Stock – Whisper White
• Ink – Encore Silver Metallic (retired), Encore Gold Metallic (retired), VersaMark
• Accessories – Antique Brads (#117273, $5.95), Iridescent Ice Stampin' Emboss Powder (#101930, $4.75), Gold Stampin' Emboss Powder (#109129, $4.75), Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95)
• Tools – Mat & Paper piercer, Heat Tool

I also did a version in Very Vanilla with Silver Glimmer Brads:

CANDY CANE DSP OUT OF STOCK...

The Candy Cane Christmas Specialty Designer Series Paper (#120809) is now out of stock as previously predicted and is no longer available to order.

Don't forget our other beautiful holiday paper selections--Jolly Holiday Designer Series Paper (#117159) from the Idea Book & Catalog, and Deck The Halls Designer Series Paper (#120810) from the Holiday Mini.