FANCY FOLDS FRIDAY, Graduation Day Cap Fold & Punch Art...

My youngest daughter graduated from college tonight and this is the card I made for her.  I cased the fold from Dawn Olechefske.and then used Colleen's favorite colors - red & black for the card.  For the tassels, I just frayed or "shredded" grosgrain ribbon.

This is what you see when you open the card up.  Of course, I had to include a little punch art with this wise little owl in his cap & gown!  To pump up his eyes, I added Crystal Effects to the black circles. 

Here is a picture of the graduation girl!

GRADUATION DAY CAP SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets –  Word Play (W#120308 $41.95, C#120651 $28.95), Teeny Tiny Wishes (#115370, $36.95), Love & Laughter (W#125475 $22.95, C#125477 $17.95)
• Card Stock – Basic Black, Whisper White, Basic Gray, More Mustard, Real Red Textured
• Ink – Basic Black, Real Red
• Ribbon – Real Red 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon (#109034, $4.95)
• Punches – Owl Builder (#118074, $16.95), Bird Builder (#117191, $16.95),  Round Tab (#119864, $16.95 retiring-while supplies last),  Lace Ribbon Punch (#122362, $14.96 on sale-retiring), 1" Square (#124094, $15.95),
• Accessories – Silver Brads (#104336, $6.95 retiring), Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95), Crystal Effects (#101055, $6.25)
• Tools – Paper Trimmer with cutting blade and scoring blades

GRADUATION CAP FOLD DIRECTIONS:
1.  Cut Basic Black Card Stock to 4-1/4" x 9-3/4".  In the landscape position, score the card @ 5.5".
2.  Place your card on your Stampin' Up! Grid with the fold at the left and the shorter front facing up.
3.  On each side of the card, make a pencil mark 2-1/8" from the fold.
4.  Turn the card over and repeat the pencil marks on each side. 
5.  Open the card up and mark the center point (2-1/8") of the top edge (short side) of the card.
6.  With the scoring blade on your paper trimmer, or your Simple Scored Board, score diagonally from the upper left side pencil mark to the lower right side pencil mark.
7.  Now score diagonally from the upper right pencil mark to the lower left pencil mark.  This will form an X with the center on the fold line.  Fold on the diagonal score lines.
8.  With your paper trimmer, cut from the mark made earlier on the top edge of the card (short side) diagonally to the top of your right score line (2-1/8" as marked).  Repeat on the other side.  Erase any remaining pencil lines.
9.  Fold the sides of the cap in towards the center.  You are finished!  Decorate as desired.

LOYALTY REWARDS - When you purchase $50 or more, you qualify for my Loyalty Rewards program!  This Frequent Stamper program is my way of saying "thank you" to my returning customers in appreciation of their business and is in addition to other Stampin' Rewards.  Earn FREE stamps with MarieStamps.com!

MAY FLOWERS, Flirtatious & Frilly Flower Card...

Today I have a frilly card to share with you from one of my beginner stamping classes.  I kept the sentiment generic so that it could work for different occasions.  It features the retiring Triple Treat Flower stamp and 5-Petal Punch.  It is such a fun stamp!  It makes it so easy to build a nice dimensional focal piece with just one stamp!  It took me a while to warm up to this one, but once I did, I really loved it.  So sad now that it is retiring!  Ditto for the gorgeous Flirtatious Specialty DSP.  Those lacy doilies are just to die for.  Be sure to scoop up these retiring products soon as they are available while supplies last only!  Enjoy!

FLIRTATIOUS & FRILLY FLOWER SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Set – Triple Treat Flower (#122909, $8.95 retiring), Friendly Phrases (W#126149 $18.95, C#126151 $14.95)
• Card Stock – Melon Mambo, Whisper White, Flirtatious Specialty DSP (retiring)
• Ink – Pumpkin Pie, Wisteria Wonder, Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight Classic
• Ribbon – Wisteria Wonder 3/8" Ruffled Ribbon (#124262, $9.95)
• Accessories – Basic Pearl Jewels (#119247, $4.95), Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95)
• Punches – Fancy Flower (#118073, $16.95), 5-Petal Flower (#119880, $16.95 retiring), 3/4" Circle (#119873, $10.95)

LOYALTY REWARDS - When you purchase $50 or more, you qualify for my Loyalty Rewards program!  This Frequent Stamper program is my way of saying "thank you" to my returning customers in appreciation of their business and is in addition to other Stampin' Rewards.  Earn FREE stamps with MarieStamps.com!

NEW MDS 2 WITH 75 FABULOUS FEATURES COMING SOON...

We're ecstatic to introduce MDS 2, debuting in the new annual catalog!  This digital design software boasts more than 75 new features for optimal designing.  The new version will be available late 2012 (although Sara says it may be sooner!).  Whether you're new to digital designing or an experienced pro, you will love it!

With this new My Digital Studio software you'll be able to:

• Design in spreads
• Create with custom canvas sizes
• Add more than one color to a single stamp image
• Resize vector stamp images while keeping them crisp
• See color combination suggestions
• And much more!

The new software will be available late 2012.  Until then, purchase My Digital Studio (#118108) or My Digital Studio Express (#124483) and upgrade to MDS 2 for FREE when it becomes available.  So don't wait!  Do you already have My Digital Studio and want MDS 2?  Don't worry; you'll be able to purchase an upgrade to enjoy all the new design features.  And don't forget that you can still try My Digital Studio Express FREE for 30 days!  DETAILS HERE!

New My Digital Studio Software-Available Late 2012
New Software	Item	Price
MDS 2    Full software	Download 130644 Disc 130645	$39.95
MDS 2 + Full software plus over $500 in content	Download 130646 Disc 130647	$79.95
FREE Upgrade to MDS 2 - For those who purchase My Digital Studio now until MDS 2 is available	Download instructions delivered via e-mail	FREE
Upgrade to MDS 2 - For those who already have My Digital Studio	Download 130650	$19.95

Here is a video on the new MDS2 program with Sara Douglass:


If you received this post via email, please click here to see the video on my website.

MDS 2 FAQ

Got questions? Here’s all you need to know about MDS 2.

Q. When will the new software be available for purchase?
A. Late 2012. It will be available at some point during the holiday catalog sales period, but an exact date has not been announced.

Q. What’s included in the new version of the software?
A. We’ve got more than 75 new fantastic features waiting for you to explore. See the above list for some of the new features.

Q. What is the difference between MDS 2 and MDS 2+?
A. MDS 2 includes the complete new software and design tools. MDS 2+ includes the full software PLUS over $500 US/$600 CAN in digital content.

Q. What content will be included with MDS 2+? And if I order My Digital Studio now and upgrade for free, is there a way for me to get all the content that comes with MDS 2+?
A. When MDS 2+ is launched, we will provide a PDF that shows what content is included. The majority of the content in MDS 2+ is artwork that has already been released and made available for purchase, so you may find you already own a lot of it. You’ll be able to purchase the MDS 2+ content as individual downloads.

Q. Why is MDS 2 listed in the Stampin’ Up! annual catalog, but not available for purchase?
A. The annual catalog lasts an entire year and we want the most accurate products represented during that timeframe; MDS 2 will be available for the majority of the catalog period since it will be released late 2012. Plus, we just couldn’t wait. We’re so excited for you to experience all the new features and wanted you to know it’s right around the corner!

Q. If I already have My Digital Studio and don’t upgrade to MDS 2, will I still be able to use the software, purchase downloads, and order print products?
A. Of course, but with all the new features included in the upgrade, you’ll want to spend the $19.95 US/$24.95 CAN to take your designing opportunities to another level!

Q. Will Stampin’ Up! continue to offer support for My Digital Studio (#118108) and My Digital Studio Express (#124483) once MDS 2 becomes available?
A. While we won’t be selling the older version of the software once MDS 2 is available, you can continue to use it.  Our call center will support any issues that come up with the older version of the software.

Q. If I already own the software and purchase the upgrade, what comes with it?
A. The upgrade contains over 75 new software features to make designing easier.  It doesn’t include new artwork.  The upgrade will contain several additional punches and a few additional page photo designer templates.  You can purchase downloads, released weekly, at www.stampinup.com/downloads.

Q. Does MDS 2 include new output products and professional print options?
A. No. However, when new print products become available they will only be available through MDS 2, and not earlier versions of the software.

Q. If I upgrade to MDS 2, will it keep all the downloads I’ve already purchased as well as projects I’ve created and saved?
A. Of course!

LOYALTY REWARDS - When you purchase $50 or more, you qualify for my Loyalty Rewards program!  This Frequent Stamper program is my way of saying "thank you" to my returning customers in appreciation of their business and is in addition to other Stampin' Rewards.  Earn FREE stamps with MarieStamps.com!

COLLEEN'S ANGRY BIRDS PUNCH ART BIRTHDAY CARD...

Happy Birthday to my baby girl who is 26 today!  I always struggle with making her cards.  She's not a girly girl and I've already done cards with many of her interests.  I thought about a Mario card and I still may do that one in the future.  I ended up deciding on an Angry Birds card as she has been playing it a lot after finding it recently.  So, of course, that meant I would be using Punch Art for this one.  I found a picture online (see below the card) and used it as my inspiration.  I did have to move the birds around to fit them all on the card, but otherwise, they are pretty close to the picture.

The sentiments I used were from the fun Smarty Pants stamp set for the front and On Your Birthday set for the inside.  These have been two of my favorite sentiment sets and I am so sad that they are retiring at the end of the month - especially Smarty Pants!  Be sure to get them before they go!  Here is the inside of the card:

This card was definitely a labor of love!  There was a lot of hand-cutting in this one to shape the beaks especially.  They all started with one petal of the 5-Petal Punch and were then cut and shaped.  This punch and several others are retiring.  Don't miss out on them!  As a punch art enthusiast, I am a firm believer in needing EVERY punch!  LOL.  Most of the other punching was just done on the edge and around as most of my punch art.  Enjoy!

5 ANGRY BIRDS PUNCH ART SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – Smarty Pants (#115070 $18.95), On Your Birthday (#111664, $33.95), Woodgrain (#117100, $17.95)
• Card Stock – Bashful Blue, Basic Black, Whisper White, Basic Gray, Real Red, Tempting Turquoise, Wild Wasabi, Pear Pizzazz, More Mustard, Tangerine Tango, Blushing Bride
• Ink – Pacific Point, Real Red, So Saffron, More Mustard, Soft Suede, Basic Gray Classic, Old Olive, Lucky Limeade, Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker
• Punches – Two-Step Owl (#118074, $16.95), 5-Petal Punch (#119880, $16.95 retiring-while supplies last),  1-3/4" Circle (#119850, $16.95), 1/2" Circle (#119869, $5.95), Full Heart (#119883, $16.95), Heart to Heart (#119881, $16.95 retiring-while supplies last), Extra Large (Wide) Oval (#119859, $16.95), Small Oval (#120908, $10.95), Cupcake Builder (#121807, $16.95), Boho Blossoms (#119858, $16.95), Snowflake (#119852, $16.95 retiring), Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer (#122464, $23.95 retiring)
• Accessories – Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95)
• Tools – Color Spritzer, Big Shot, Circles #2 Die (#114526, $15.95), Crop-A-Dile (#108362, $29.95 retiring), Sponge Daubers

LOYALTY REWARDS - When you purchase $50 or more, you qualify for my Loyalty Rewards program!  This Frequent Stamper program is my way of saying "thank you" to my returning customers in appreciation of their business and is in addition to other Stampin' Rewards.  Earn FREE stamps with MarieStamps.com!

OCCASION MINI STAMP SETS AVAILABLE NOW!!!...

Did you love some of the stamp sets in the Occasions Mini Catalog?  If so, you are in luck!  Because of the short time period between the end of the Occasions Mini Catalog and the launch of the 2012-2013 annual catalog on June 1, Stampin' Up! has decided to make the carryover stamp sets available early starting TODAY!  Almost all my favorites made it – WAHOO!  I will shed a few tears for Rues Des Fleurs and P.S. I Love You, but am VERY happy about the others.

The following stamp sets are available for purchase now.  Just click on the individual numbers listed to see the stamp sets.  I hope you will enjoy this extra little sneak peak of the annual catalog!

Stamp Sets	Item Number
	Wood-Mount	Clear-Mount
Apothecary Art	125525	125527
Etiquetas florales  (spanish)	--	125941
Art floral (french)	125964	125966
Baby Prints	125470	125472
Bordering on Romance	125480	125482
Love & Laughter	125475	125477
Loving Thoughts	125843	125845
Mixed Bunch	125535	125537
Mouthwatering	125675	125677
Tea Shoppe	125545	125547
Salon de thé  (french)	125934	125936

LOYALTY REWARDS - When you purchase $50 or more, you qualify for my Loyalty Rewards program!  This Frequent Stamper program is my way of saying "thank you" to my returning customers in appreciation of their business and is in addition to other Stampin' Rewards.  Earn FREE stamps with MarieStamps.com!

NEW CUSTOMIZEABLE STARTER KIT ONLY $99...

Lower Cost + Complete Customization = The Stampin' Up! Opportunity is Better Than Ever!

Something new and exciting is coming your way!  Beginning today, May 1, Stampin' Up! is offering a brand new, fully customizable Starter Kit for new demonstrators.  And the best news?  It's only $99!  This flexible, lower-priced kit will give you the perfect start to YOUR BUSINESS—YOUR WAY!  When you purchase the kit, you will receive:

• YOUR CHOICE of up to $125 of ANY Stampin' Up! products—stamps, accessories, tools, digital downloads, and more!
• A Business Supplies Pack valued at $65
• FREE shipping

The total kit is valued up to $190, but the Stampin’ Up! opportunity can be priceless!  Test-drive FULL Stampin' Up! demonstrator benefits and discounts through Oct. 31, 2012 with NO further obligation including the following:

• Be the FIRST to receive the new catalog and purchase new products in advance!
• Enjoy a 20-40% discount on all your Stampin' Up! products 
• Earn FREE stamps, cash & product awards, incentive trips and awards!!!
• Attend Stampin' Up! regional or national events!
• Receive the exclusive Stampin' Success magazine each month full of exciting projects and information
• Have access to the demonstrator website with fabulous video tutorials and projects 
• And so much MORE!

I welcome both hobby stampers and business-minded demonstrators to my no-pressure group!  I'd LOVE to have you join my nationwide team!!

READY TO JOIN NOW?  CLICK HERE and choose the Join Now button in the left column.

Can't decide what you would like in your kit?  Check out this PDF for a list of suggested items.

QUESTIONS?  I will be happy to answer any questions you have.  Please don't hesitate to call me at 757-463-2714 or email me at YourStampTeacher@gmail.com.

NEED TO KNOW MORE ABOUT BECOMING A DEMONSTRATOR?  Check out my Join My Group! page for more information including FAQs, Benefits of Joining My Team and Types of Demonstrators.

LAST DAY TO ORDER FROM OCCASIONS MINI & SUMMER SMOOCHES PREVIEW...

Today is the FINAL DAY for to order from the 2012 Occasions Mini Catalog.   Some of the fantastic products featured in the Occasions Mini will still be available past today, but most will not.  View the 2012 Occasions Mini Catalog Carryover Flyer below to see if your favorites will be carried over.  If not, be sure to purchase them today!

CLICK HERE to shop the Occasions Mini Online Store.

Occasions Mini (Flash Version)
2012 Occasions Mini Catalog PDF
Occasions Mini Stampin' Supplies List

Today is also the LAST DAY to order your Summer Smooches Suite Preview products.  CLICK HERE to shop the Summer Smooches Online Store.  All orders with Occasions Mini Catalog and/or Summer Smooches Suite products MUST be placed by 11:50 PM (MST).

LOYALTY REWARDS - When you purchase $50 or more, you qualify for my Loyalty Rewards program!  This Frequent Stamper program is my way of saying "thank you" to my returning customers in appreciation of their business and is in addition to other Stampin' Rewards.  Earn FREE stamps with MarieStamps.com!

SIMPLE SUNDAY, Tea for Two

Today I wanted to use up some scrap pieces that have accumulated on my desk, so I pulled out some previously rejected teacups I made with the Tea Shoppe stamp set from the Occasions Mini Catalog ending tomorrow. All I had to do was stamp the sentiment, run the card front through the Big Shot with the embossing folder, add some color specks with the Color Spritzer and pop the teacups out on Dimensionals. 

To get the mirror image tea cup, I simply stamped the teacup and cut it out.  Then I inked up the teacup with VersaMark and pressed the BACK of the teacup piece down onto the stamp.  Since the cup part is symmetrical, it was easy to do and I only had to add more VersaMark to the handle before embossing with Clear Embossing Powder.  Enjoy!

TEA FOR TWO SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – Tea Shoppe (W#125545 $34.95, C#125547 $27.95), Hello Doily (#122845, $17.95)
• Card Stock – Confetti White (retiring), Blushing Bride (retiring), Baja Breeze
• Ink – Regal Rose Classic, VersaMark, Baja Breeze, Regal Rose Stampin' Write Markers
• Accessories –  Basic Pearl Jewels Accents (#119247, $4.95), Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder (#109130, $4.75), Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95)
• Tools – Big Shot, Elegant Bouquet Embossing Folder (#115964, $7.95), Heat Tool, Color Spritzer

LOYALTY REWARDS - When you purchase $50 or more, you qualify for my Loyalty Rewards program!  This Frequent Stamper program is my way of saying "thank you" to my returning customers in appreciation of their business and is in addition to other Stampin' Rewards.  Earn FREE stamps with MarieStamps.com!

CAS FRIDAY, Baby Girl Footprints...

It's Friday– and that means it's CAS time!  This is a card I made for a friend of Jenni's who recently had a baby girl.  I kept it really simple.  The flower uses the Faux Suede technique.  Looking at the picture, I'm thinking I should have added a leaf.  I'm sure I will go back and add it later, knowing me!   The stamp set is the Baby Prints set from the Occasions Mini Catalog that ends on Monday, April 30.  It's adorable!

It's my birthday today, so I'm off to get Mani/Pedi's with my girls and then dinner at Bravo's on the Plaza!  It's a gorgeous day for it and I can't wait!

BABY GIRL FOOTPRINTS SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – Baby Prints (W#125470 $27.95, C#125472 $21.95)
• Card Stock – Whisper White, Pretty in Pink, Melon Mambo Textured (retiring)
• Ink – Melon Mambo, Pretty in Pink
• Ribbon – 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain (#128057, $9.95 retiring)
• Punches – Fancy Flower (#118073, $16.95), 1-3/8" Circle (#119860, $15.95), 1-1/4" Circle (#119861, $15.95), 3/16" Corner (#119871, $6.95)
• Tools – Big Shot, Scallop Square Duo (#120903, $21.95), Perfect Polka Dot Embossing Folder (#117335, $7.95), Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95), Sponge Daubers

LOYALTY REWARDS - When you purchase $50 or more, you qualify for my Loyalty Rewards program!  This Frequent Stamper program is my way of saying "thank you" to my returning customers in appreciation of their business and is in addition to other Stampin' Rewards.  Earn FREE stamps with MarieStamps.com!

TECHNIQUE THURSDAY, Emboss Resist High Tea Thanks...

Today I have a monochromatic thank you card I did with Tea Shoppe stamp set from the Occasions Mini Catalog.  It is one of my favorite sets from the Mini.  I am really hoping that it comes back in the new catty!  For this card, I used a simple Emboss Resist technique (tutorial at the end) for the Hello Doily stamp.  It is a perfect stamp for this technique.  After embossing the doily, I sponged Concord Crush over it, to highlight it.  Then I added the tea cup and teabag (the tag punch is awesome for this) and stamped the sentiment.  Enjoy!

HIGH TEA THANKS SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – Tea Shoppe (W#125545 $34.95, C#125547 $27.95), Hello Doily (#122845, $17.95)
• Card Stock – Wisteria Wonder, Whisper White
• Ink – Wisteria Wonder, Concord Crush (retiring) Classic, Whisper White Craft, VersaMark
• Ribbon – Wisteria Wonder Baker's Twine (#125576, $2.95)
• Punches – Jewelry Tag (#117190, $10.95), Extra-Large Tag (#119866, $16.95)
• Accessories –  Basic Pearl Jewels Accents (#119247, $4.95), White Stampin' Emboss Powder (#109132, $4.75), Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder (#109130, $4.75), Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95)
• Tools – Heat Tool, Paper Piercer, Sponge Daubers

For those who may be new to stamping and don't know the Emboss Resist Technique, here it is:

EMBOSS RESIST TECHNIQUE:
1.  Stamp your image with Versamark or Craft Ink onto card stock.  This technique works especially well on Glossy card stock.

2.  Emboss using White (with Versamark) or Clear (with Craft Inks) Embossing Powder and your Heat Tool. Allow to cool.

3.  Sponge or bray any color(s) classic ink around the embossed image.

4.  Buff off any remaining or excess ink from the embossed image with a paper towel or tissue.

LOYALTY REWARDS - When you purchase $50 or more, you qualify for my Loyalty Rewards program!  This Frequent Stamper program is my way of saying "thank you" to my returning customers in appreciation of their business and is in addition to other Stampin' Rewards.  Earn FREE stamps with MarieStamps.com!