Halloween Treats Made Simple

So...for these little cuties, I made a very simple template on MDS based on something I had seen on Pinterest.  I created the circle so it would fit inside a 1 1/2 in punch.  Then I layered it on some retired Crushed Curry card stock and voila.  I used Stampin' Up's skinny cello bags for the candy corn and they are complete.

Click here to download the JPG

20 to a page makes for a very inexpensive printout!  Thanks for stopping by!

Perfectly Preserved Hybrid

This is a card I did for my last stamp meeting and I'm sad to say I am just now getting around to posting it.  The school year is consuming a lot of my time.  This card is a hybrid using the Perfectly Preserved stamp set.  The card has a double Z fold and is closed with an adorable belly band.  The image on the belly band was created all digitally except the "for you" label and of course the 3D flower.  I just love hybrid cards because the computer makes things more more easily reproduced and accurate (for those of us who refuse to use the Stamp-a-ma-jig), but keeping the real--handmade element in tact.  Let me know what you think!  Thanks for stopping by!

MDS--at the Beach

Ok...I created this page last night with the guidance of Heather Summers's MDS class.  If you were ever thinking about MDS and were concerned you didn't know enough, worry no more.  Seriously, she has so many wonderful tips and tricks that make MDS so easy and fun!  This photo trick was the cool tip yesterday and I simply had to try it!  Go to her blog and pay the $20 to join the class.  You won't regret it!  Have a wonderful day!

MDS...other than scrapbooking

 Ok...I am loving the new MDS.  You simply must try it out!!!  With a 30 day free trial, who can go wrong?  Well, we went back to school a few weeks ago which is why I've been so absent in the stamping/blogging world.  However, I got on MDS last night to create some numbers for my classroom.  We are approaching math with a new adaptive program this year which is very cool.  It's a little intimidating for many of us, but we are getting more and more comfortable with the idea.  Our classes are divided into modalities each 6-day rotation.  Each of the groups will go somewhere different on a daily basis according to what they know.  The boys can move from group to group at their own pace.  In order to make this visual for my guys, I created numbers on MDS, laminated them, and put magnets on the back.  This way, I can move the magnets around daily to show the boys where they are going.  Probably way to much information, but here are the MDS pages I used to create the numbers.

Mojo 253

Do you believe it??  I actually got a card made for Mojo MONDAY on a Monday.  This is my kids' first day of school, and I don't go back until Wednesday.  So, I'm spending my last few days of freedom trying to get ahead!  

This is my take on this week's Mojo Monday challenge.  I just love the new Howlstooth and Scaringbone DSP because it's not only great for Halloween cards, but also for Thanksgiving and generic fall cards.  This card uses the woodgrain embossing folder and  just a smidgen of DSP.  Then I used the Autumn Accents die that coordinates with the Wonderfall stamp set.  I cut out three leaves in various card stock and roughed them up a bit.  Then I used the Brushed Bronze Designer Button (can I just say that I love those because they are ALL THE SAME!!!)  I used the sentiment from last year's set Day of Gratitude and cut it out with the Bitty Banner Framelits.  Thanks so much for stopping by!!!

A little Christmas in August

Well...we need a break from the heat wave around here! So I thought I'd make a Christmas card inspired by the Mojo Monday sketch. This card, though relatively simple, has many elements. The Early Espresso card stock has been run through the Woodgrain embossing folder and slightly sanded.  The Very Vanilla has been daubed and stamped in Crumb Cake with the Snowflake Soiree stamp set.  The ornaments are from the Ornament Keepsakes and then cut out with the coordinating framelit dies.  If you buy both of these items at the same time, Stampin' Up! gives you a 15% discount on the bundle.  The "merry merry merry" stamp is from the Border Banter stamp set.  I love this stamp because it makes it look like you took the time to line up the stamp several times, when in actuality, you don't have to!  I LOVE that feature!  Thanks for stopping by!

My Digital Studio

MDS: A Day at the Beach

Well, we are out of town for the week, so I decided today's post would be an MDS page of our first day here.  The drive took about eight hours from Memphis to Perdido Key.(which is a cinch compared to the 12 it takes to get to Iowa)  As I was working on this page (which was inspired by Heather Summers) I was thinking about all of the wonderful things I'll be able to do once MDS 2 comes out very soon!  At Convention last week, we got a sneak peek at some of the awesome features that MDS 2 will have.  We'll be able to change colors of embellishments, crop stamps, and SO much more.  I can't wait!

This page uses Crumb Cake as the background followed by an overlay and splatter from Extreme Elements.  The rest is just a little DSP from Noteworthy, punched letters, and photos!  Thanks for stopping by today.

Mojo 251 CAS Masculine Thanks

Well...back from Convention and gone again tomorrow! What a whirlwind adventure! This is my take on this week's Mojo Monday Challenge. I'm using the stamp set (Friendship Preserves) that my mom won while we were at convention (available Aug 1)I decided to go for a simple masculine card because those are the ones I never have enough of. I used the Natural Composition Specialty DSP and layered it on a Very Vanilla card base. I stamped the "Thanks" sentiment in Early Espresso on a 3 X 3 square and then used Festive Paper Piercing Pack (available Aug 1) to outline the shape. I also distressed the edges using my distressing tool and daubed it with Crumb Cake! Thanks for stopping by!

Free Stuff from Convention!

So...I haven't been lucky enough to win anything from the SU Prize Patrol, but my sweet mom just won!!! Inside the bundle is the Friendship Preserves Stamp Set, the new paper piercer and mat, as well as the holiday piercing templates! Way to go, Mom!

At Stampin' Up! Headquarters

My mom and I took a trip to tour the SU! Headquarters and got to see where all of those boxes get filled!

Swaps are ready for Convention!

This is just a small portion of the swaps I'm taking with me to the Stampin' Up! Convention.  I'm so excited, I can barely stand it.  My mom is meeting me out there and we are going to have a girls' weekend without any kids at all!  This will be the first time I leave my 16 month old.  She's in good hands with her daddy, but I will miss her terribly!

The swap card you see here uses a few things from the new annual catalog.  I used the So Sorry stamp set (which I love) for the sentiment.  The flower comes from the Mixed Blossom stamp set.  You can't really see it in the picture, but there's a pearl in the center of every flower.  I used the Fancy Fan Embossing Folder and the scallop punch.  CAS!!! Looking forward to Convention.  I'll try to update as much as possible!

Mojo 250--It's Halloween Time

Well, for today's Mojo Monday challenge, I decided to use a few new items from SU that will be available August 1st.  The DSP seen here is called Howlstooth and Scaringbone.  How cute is that?  The two different patterns you see here are front and back of the same piece of paper.  I stamped the little girl from Greeting Card Kids and punched her out with my 2 1/2 in circle punch and layered her on a 2 3/4 piece cut with my Circle Scissors Plus.  The "BOO" sentiment is from Tiny Tags.  It's punched on a 1 in circle and then layered on a NEW PUNCH (1 1/4 scallop)  SO excited about that one.  Thanks for stopping by!  Enjoy your day!

Mojo Monday 249 (a little late)

I just LOVE Christmas cards with unconventional Christmas colors.  Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the traditional red and green, but sometimes I like these more!  This is my take on this week's Mojo Monday challenge.  Yes, I know it's not Monday, but what can I say.  For this? I used the new Evergreen stamp set (available Aug.1).  I stamped the back stamp on very vanilla 2 X 3 1/2 in crumb cake and the top on vellum in soft suede.  I used the Tasteful Trim die for the scallop piece in the middle and daubed it in crumb cake.  The sentiment comes from the new Greetings of the Season stamp set (available Aug.1)  I finished off the card with some very vanilla ribbon and a few pearls.  Voila!  Clean and simple, yet elegant!  Thanks for stopping by!

Reason to Smile plus a World Treasure

This is a card I created for my stamp club using the Reason to Smile stamp set from July's promotion.  You can get this stamp set for only $5 when you purchase $50 worth of SU! products.  It's a two-step stamp set that is very versatile.  

I used several other new elements on this card.  I used two framelets dies and the new punch pack.  I daubed everything in crumb cake except the raspberry ripple scallop square.  I used the new raspberry ripple ribbon as well.  The sentiment is from the World Treasure stamp set (you know, the one with the peacock).  I LOVE that set.  I hope you enjoy!  Thanks for stopping by!

Mojo Monday and CASE

This is a card I created for my last stamp camp and it just so happens to fit this week's MOJO challenge.  I was originally inspired by a card on Mary Fish's blog that's been removed.  Glad I CASE'd is before she took it off.  She used different DSP, but the idea was the same.

I love this set.  It's a hostess set that is so versatile.  I just love that it goes withe Keep Calm fad!  This card features new DSP and 3 of the new in colors!  Enjoy!

A Betsy's Blossoms take on a CASE

Well, I've been out of commission for quite some time, but I'm out of school for the summer, so hopefully I can post more often.  The end of the year is the hardest time for teachers and students and there just wasn't enough time to do what I really wanted to do.

Okay, onto the card.  I have to admit, this card was inspired by/CASEd by this card here.  I used this at my stamp camp last week and everyone loved it.  This card features the new Betsy's Blossoms stamp set which I simply LOVE.  It also features new DSP that combines lucky limeade, rich razzleberry, and daffodil delight!  No new in colors here!  The outline around the DSP is done haphazardly with a rich razzleberry marker.  I really like the effect it adds to the card.  Sort of a faux stitching!

Here's a close up on the bird.  I stamped it in early espresso and rich razzleberry.  Then I cut out the wings of the latter and adhered the big one with a dimensional.  I think it really ties it in nicely!  Let me know what you think!

Sweet Shop is Sending me Soaring

Please excuse the title, but I'm tired.  For some reason, short weeks are very long for teachers.  One more day...one more day!  Ok, this is a card we made in my stamp club on Sunday.  I don't do 3 X 6 very often because unless I have 12 X 12 card stock, I find that it wastes too much paper.  However, I had some 12 X 12 Wisteria Wonder lying around, so I changed the size of the card a bit.  I used the Sweet Shop DSP from the Occasions Mini (only available until the end of April) and layered it with some Lucky Limeade and So Saffron (Thanks, Heather Summers)  I used the Send me Soaring Stamp set and stamped the clouds in Pool Party, The kite and sentiment in Old Olive, and the string in Wisteria Wonder.  Oooh...and I finished it off with some baker's twine wrapped around the side.  I really like how it turned out!  Please let me know what you think.  

9 month MDS and Class

Ladies...have I got something wonderful for you.  Starting any time, you may try a FREE version of MDS for 30 days to see if you like it.  You can go to my website and get it immediately.  In addition to that, Heather Summers (a fabulous Canadian demonstrator) is offering an MDS class online.  You can go any time you are free and watch all of her wonderful videos.  She's got awesome tricks to help you create original pages efficiently and allow you to explore your creativity.  This page was inspired by one of her lessons.  I used different paper and embellishments, but the layout is very similar.  The class costs $20 and is totally worth every penny.  Go check out her page!  Hurry!!!

Inspiration from the Great Mary Fish

Okay...so granted the lighting is awful, but my sweet husband took the photo for me so I wouldn't have to.  This card was inspired/CASEd by the great Mary Fish.  You can see her card HERE.  I'm happy to say that I changed it a bit.  Her cards are so wonderful, sometimes I just make an exact ditto of hers and call it a day!  Thank you Mary for the inspiration!  

The one HUGE difference between hers and mine was that I wanted my card to be a standard size.  I know I'm a skinflint, but I hate to waste that much card stock on a 3X6 card base.  Because I changed the size, I decided I needed to do a little more scoring.  I just love the little detail it adds.  I scored 3 times at the top with quarter inch increments and the same at the bottom.  I corner rounded the front and back (just like Mary) For the sentiment, I simply colored the words in Wisteria Wonder and stamped away.  My kids, my husband, and I made 20 of these in about an hour.  It's a very quick and easy card!  We LOVE assembly line cards.  The kids were punching and we were scoring and stamping.  So much fun!  Enjoy and have a wonderful day!

Sale-A-Bration Going on Now

Click here to order $50 worth of merchandise and select any of the SAB promotional items to get FREE!!!  If you spend $100, pick two items to get free.  The more you order, the more free items you can get.

SAB Loving Thoughts

Hey all!  See, I told you I would try to blog more often.  Every other day isn't so bad.  Someday, in my dreams, when I can do this full time, maybe I will be able to blog every single day!!!  WOWZERS!  Ok, so I got the inspiration for this card on Stampin' Connection, but I can't remember from whom.  SO sorry!  I just love the simplicity of it.  I used a Poppy Parade for the base and then cut a layer of the SAB DSP.  I have to say that this is my favorite DSP from Sale A Bration since I've been a demonstrator.  I love every single sheet!!!  Ok, I cut a 3X4 piece of Very Vanilla and layered a piece of Poppy Parade underneath.  There are two pieces of ribbon wrapping behind the stamped layer which coordinates (of course...thank you SU!)

The flower is punched with the new Blossom punch.  I punched it once in Poppy Parade and once with another piece of SAB DSP.  I tied it all together with a brad from the SAB bundle and another two pieces of the lucky limeade ribbon.  What do you think?

Sale-A-Bration Starts Tomorrow!!!

YAY!!!  It's almost here!  I am SO excited about this year's Sale-A-Bration.  I just love the paper and stamp sets that are in it and I can't wait to share them with you all.  This card got its inspiration from Jenny Peterson at Lakeshore Stamping.  I often go to other bloggers for inspiration and hers is one I find VERY inspiring!  I used the SAB DSP for this and wanted to make it an Easter card.  To create the edge, I used the edgelit die and coordinating embossing folder.  It makes such a beautiful, crisp and clean edge.  I think I'm in love! I wanted to show off the pleated ribbon from the Occasions Mini, so I left the sentiment for the inside.  I used Easter Dove

which has a really nice, simple, religious sentiment.  I lined the bottom portion with DSP which not only gives the inside a little pizazz, but because of the layout of the card, it shows through to the front!  Beautiful!  Here's a close up of the front.

I stamped using a SAB set on the frame as well as the card base.  Then I daubed the outside of the frame to give it a little dimension.  I used the satin pleated ribbon and "tacked" pearls on either end for a finishing touch!  I created the frame with the new Framelit dies.  I ran the soft sued through the big shot with the second and third framelits! What do you think??

MIA and New Etsy Site

Ladies...I am so sorry I've been MIA for so long.  The holidays came and went and then back to school proved to be an adjustment.  I've got LOTS to share with you all though, and I promise, I will try to make an appearance on my blog a little more often.  I had my January stamp club a few weeks back and I have a lot to show you from it.  As I've been doing some cleaning out, I've found a ton of old paper and product that is now retired, so I've decided to start an Etsy site to sell my handmade crafts.  I am one of many on there, but I'm hoping to get a few bites.  The link is HERE.  Feel free to pass it along to others!  Thanks so much!