Wednesday, August 8, 2012

july cards

I wanted to share the cards we made at the July Creative Card class. This one is very simple using a half sheet of Whisper White cardstock, punch out the oval with the large oval punch, then emboss the oval with the oval embossing frame, mark where the image goes lightly with a pencil then stamp the image in Stayzon, then color in with Daffodil Delight and Old Olive. Tie a knot with the Daffodil Delight seam binding ribbon. Finish it off with the wish big stamp from Word Play (120308 wood, 120651 clear) in Stayzon. 
Super simple.


This card was CASEd right out of the new catalog (page 113). I made it into a regular sized card. Theirs was a 6x3 card. I embossed with the rectangular frame embossing folder in the middle of the card, sponged over it with crime cake ink, and added a rectangle cut from Midnight Muse cardstock into the center of the frame. Then I punched out two scallop ovals from the First Edition DSP, then attached a piece of crochet ribbon to the ovals with dimensionals. I ran Very Vanilla cardstock through the Big Shot with the Apothecary Accents Framelits, the I stamped the flower image from Elements of Style (118611 wood, 120045 clear) in Soft Suede ink and then colored in with the Rose Red and Old Olive watercolor crayons and blended with the aqua painter. Stamped the "for you" image in soft suede. 

Finish it off with a spritz of Champagne Shimmer Paint (116806) and alcohol for that extra sparkle.


This one was very easy. We used Perfect Plum as the background, layered with Basic Black and Very Vanilla. I ran a piece of Perfect Plum through the Big Shot with the oval embossing folder, and then cut it out with the Labels Collections Framelits. I stamped the leaf image and the greeting from Just Believe (116948 wood, 120453 clear) in Old Olive on First Edition DSP and punched it out with the large oval punch.


I love the embossing frames. They give your projects that little extra something.

I hope you will join us for the next card class on August 15 at 6:30 p.m.

Gina

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

My Digital Studio 2 is Here!!!



  What Does MDS2 Include?
Introducing MDS 2, with more than 75 new features-IT'S HERE!!!!!
New SoftwareItemPrice
MDS 2Full softwareDownload 130644 
Disc 130645
$39.95
MDS 2+Full software plus over $500 in
content
Download 130646
Disc 130647
$79.95
FREE Upgrade to MDS 2For those who purchase My Digital Studio May 8, 2012 until MDS 2 is availableDownload instructions delivered via e-mailFREE
Upgrade to MDS 2For those who already have My Digital StudioDownload 130650$19.95

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 IS NOW AVAILABLE!!
Do you already have My Digital Studio and want MDS 2?  Don't worry; you'll be able to purchase an upgrade ($19.95) to enjoy all the new design features.

Got My Digital Studio? 
If so, I hope you've been playing with all of the amazing options...and it's only getting better!
Our new 2012-2014 In Colors (Gumball Green, Midnight Muse, Primrose Petals, Raspberry Ripple, and Summer Starfruit) are available for FREE when you update your software. Not only will you see them in your color palette, but you'll get the card stock as well.
If you haven't yet tried My Digital Studio, you may click here to get your FREE Trial started.  Once the 30-day free trial period is over, you can purchase the downloadable or disc version of the software to continue using it. You'll simply open up the trial version you already have on your computer, and will be prompted to enter the product registration key you received after purchasing the software. (You'll receive this key via e-mail if you purchase the downloadable version, and you'll find it along with your shipped software if you purchase the disc version.)

MyDigitalStudio.net
As a My Digital Studio User, you will be invited to join MyDigitalStudio.net.  This is an AMAZING resource full of tips, suggestions and thousands of ideas.  And the best part??  It's FREE!!!!  Want a glimpse?  Click Here.
There are many digital program offerings out there, but NONE are as versatile, customizable, or easy-to-use as My Digital Studio.  Use it for scrapbooking, cards, calendars, banners, newsletters/flyers, blogging, board books, journals, tags, recipe books...plus much more.  As always, the images are high-quality Stampin' Up! all the way. 
I hope you'll check it out!

Monday, August 6, 2012

August is a great month to join my team!


I'm so excited for August recruits!  When you join my team, you will receive this awesome Halloween Printer's Tray Frame project...free!  That's on top of the $99 fully customizeable kit (over $190 value). If you are local, we can schedule a stamp day to make the trays.  If you are distance, we can share pictures.  Either way, it's a fabulous project and also a great time to join my team. Click here to sign up.




In addition, I am offering a special for those who attend an upcoming Regional that Stampin' Up! is putting on over late-summer/autumn months. Here's the rub:
  • What is a Regional?  It's a fun day of stamping and great demonstrations.  Kind of like a stamp camp.  EVERYONE is invited to attend! Click here for the full details.
  • Attend a Regional Seminar for $75 (see chart of dates/locations below) - I will be at the Denver Regional on September 8.
  • IF you join my team by November 10 and get your very first promotion (to Sr. Associate = $1000 in cumulative personal sales) by February 28, 2013, I will refund your Regional Seminar fee.  Awesome!
LocationDate
Hamilton, ONAugust 18, 2012
Providence, RIAugust 25, 2012
Denver, COSeptember 8, 2012
Chattanooga, TNSeptember 22, 2012
Tacoma, WASeptember 29, 2012
Lansing, MINovember 10, 2012
Registration is open for ALL regionals, so time is of the essence.  Please let me know asap if you'd like to join me so that I may register you (you must register through a demonstrator - that would be me!).  I hope you'll join me!


Sunday, August 5, 2012

Stampin' Up! Regionals in Denver


Denver, CO, Regional Event Information

We’re thrilled to bring a regional event to Denver! Get ready to be inspired by exciting stamping demonstrations, mingle with other demonstrators and Stampin’ Up! staff, swap, and make fabulous projects. 
Registration:  July 26, 2012
(Demonstrator and guest registration)
Cancellation Deadline:  August 15, 2012
Last day to register
Regional Event Date: Saturday, September 8, 2012
Time:  9:00 AM–5:00 PM (ending time is approximate)
(Check-in is 8:00–9:00 AM)
Fee:  $75  US
Location:  Colorado Convention Center
700  14th Street
Denver     Colorado 80202
The Colorado Convention Center provides access to a 1,000 space onsite covered parking garage.
For further help with directions, please go online to www.mapquest.com or try another online map search. 
The seminar will be held in the Mile High Ballroom, located on the lower level.
What does your registration include?
  • All event activities 
  • Hands-on stamping and papercrafting techniques
  • Business tips
  • Presentations by Stampin’ Up! staff and local
    demonstrators
  • Swapping with fellow demonstrators
  • A boxed lunch
  • Make & Take projects
  • Hundreds of display samples for inspiration
Overnight StayIf you plan to stay overnight, several hotel options are listed below. Stampin’ Up! is not holding any room blocks or offering special rates at these hotels.
Hilton Garden Inn Denver Downtown 1400 Welton Street
Denver,  CO 80202
303-603-8000
http://www.hgidenverdowntown.com/
Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center 650  15th Street
Denver,  CO 80202
303-436-1234
http://denverregency.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels-denverregency/
Crowne Plaza Downtown Denver 450 Glenarm Place
Denver, CO 80202
303-573-1450
http://www.hoteldenver.net/
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel your registration before the cancellation deadline, you’ll be issued a refund, minus a $25 US processing fee. If you cancel after the deadline, the event registration fee is nonrefundable.
If you registered for two sessions and cancel one of them, the event registration fee is nonrefundable.
Special Needs
We can accommodate certain special needs. Please indicate your special need when you register.
An ASL interpreter will be present. If you have a transferred registration and you have a special need (for example, if you are hearing impaired or if you need a vegetarian meal) and you require special arrangements, please let us know at least one week before the regional so we can accommodate your request. (If you notify us of your request less than one week before the regional, we might not be able to make the arrangements you need.) Please e-mail your request to us at event@stampinup.com.
What Supplies to Bring
Please bring a notebook and pen to take notes during the event.
What to Wear
Please dress in comfortable, business-casual clothing. If you wish, bring a stamping apron to protect your clothing while you stamp. The hall will be temperature-controlled, but we recommend bringing a
sweater in case of temperature variances.
Food
A complimentary boxed lunch will be provided. We can provide vegetarian lunches if you request one when you register. Since this is a complimentary meal, other special dietary requests cannot be accommodated. If you have a special dietary need, please come adequately prepared.
Water will be provided throughout the event. The convention center may or may not provide beverages other than water; we recommend that you arrive adequately prepared.
Infants
We understand that it’s difficult for nursing mothers to be away from their infants for extended periods of time, so mothers are allowed to bring their infants to the event. Please bring only infants-in-arms. If possible, sit close to an exit and keep strollers and baby carriers on the sides of the room or near the exits to help us comply with fire and safety codes.
Nametags
You will receive your nametag by mail a week before the regional event. Please bring your nametag; you will need to wear it during the event. If you registered a guest, you will also receive your guest’s nametag.  If you don’t receive your nametag or your guest’s nametag, please go to the Special Services table at check-in.
Swapping
Remember that the purpose of swapping is to meet new friends, get new ideas, stamp a lot, and have fun! Please swap with anyone who asks to swap with you. As you create your swaps, please remember
the following:
  • The number of swap items you bring to the event (if any) is entirely up to you.
  • Remember to use only current Stampin’ Up! products for your swap projects.
To give a swap project to Stampin’ Up!, leave your stamped items in the swap-drop basket. Projects given to Stampin’ Up! will be taken to the home office and may be used for future events or as needed.
Ronald McDonald House Charities Projects We will accept donated cards with envelopes to give to Ronald McDonald House Charities. We’ll collect cards and envelopes and distribute them to various houses for their guests to use. If you would like to participate in this voluntary project, please follow the guidelines listed below:
  • Cards should be the standard quarter-page size (4-1/4" x 5-1/2"). Unlike swaps that are just a
    card front, your creation will need to be a complete card.
  • Cards for every occasion are acceptable. Thank you, thinking of you, seasonal, birthday, wedding, shower, anniversary cards, and cards that are blank inside are all needed.
  • Do not include personal information on the card.
  • Insert a card into an envelope before you put it in our donation basket. Do not seal the  envelope.
  • Bring the completed cards and envelopes with you to the
    event.
Registration Policies and Disclaimers
  • Attendees and guests must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Please confirm your event registration before making travel arrangements or hotel  reservations.
  • Fees for the demonstrator and guests must be paid for in full by the demonstrator, either by  credit card or electronic check, at the time of registration. You are welcome to register yourself, and then return a few days later to add a guest if space is still available. 
  • You must be present to receive all gifts, handouts, and promotional items.
  • You must attend on the date you are registered for. You will not be admitted on any date  other than the one you are registered for.
  • Door prizes will be awarded at various times throughout the event. To win, you must be  present and in your seat when your name is drawn. Door prizes cannot be returned or exchanged.
  • If you have a transferred registration, your name will be entered in our drawing for door prizes. You can collect your door prize only if your name is listed as a door prize winner; you cannot
    collect a prize if the name of the demonstrator you received your transfer from is listed. 
  • The distribution of flyers and the selling of products or programs is not allowed at any Stampin’
    Up! event.
  • Video cameras and/or tape recorders are not allowed at any convention event, and any equipment that is not in compliance may be confiscated. We encourage you, however, to capture your event experiences with a still camera. While any still photos may be used for downline training, please remember that they cannot be used for personal monetary gain. 
  • Event times and details are subject to change.

Friday, July 6, 2012

Retired Stamps at Open House

Are you ready for a great sale? Did you miss out on getting your favorite retiring stamp sets? If so, this message is for you. I need to make room for all the new goodies in the new catalog, so I have cleaned out my stamp room and that means great deals for you. I will also be offering free shipping on any new catalog orders.

You and your friends are invited to my open house Thursday, July 12, beginning at 7 pm. I will have all my retired stamp sets and accessories for sale at great prices. It is first-come, first-served, so get here early for the best choices. I will also have some completed cards and some card fronts for sale too, for those "I need a card quick" moments. You know you have them, and I do too.

If you need more stamping, Creative Cards class is Wednesday, July 11 at 6:30 p.m. It is a week earlier due to Stampin' Up! Convention the following week. Please RSVP for this class so I will have a packet ready for you.

I hope to see you this week for either or both events.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Time to say goodbye to some faves

As we welcome summer, it also marks the time to say goodbye to some stamp sets to make room for new and improved ones. So, for this month's class, I pulled out an old greeting set that has been well-loved over the years. I'm talking about the Sincere Salutations set.

This card is so simple, but summery. Old olive serves as the base of the card, followed by a layer of Melon Mambo. Top that off with a pice of Basic Black ran through a texture plate for some texture, and lastly a piece of Confetti White card stock. The sentiment is stamped in Melon Mambo ink and the knot-bow is also Melon Mambo. For the watermelon slice, I used the two larger circles on the Circles #2 die, the largest circle in Old Olive and the next largest in Confetti White cardstock. The melon part is punched from Melon Mambo cardstock with the 1 3/4 inch circle punch. Cut all these circles in half for two melon slices. For that authentic watermelon look, use the blossom punch in black for the seeds. Mmmmm, yummy!

I just love the look of this set, as you can tell by looking at my stamps--they are well-used. It's elegant and simple, and perfect for almost any occasion. Don't miss out on getting yours. They are only available for one more week, and then they are gone for good. To order, click here to go to my ordering website.

Monday, April 30, 2012

Marking up your die cutters, it's a good thing!

I just did my first video! It's a bit blurry because I was using my Canon camera on manual focus, and apparently I can't focus! Check it out anyway and let me know what you think. (Oh and by the way, not sure why it sounds like I am lisping, I don't think I do that in real life. Hmmmm.


Anywhoo, it is a great idea to see those edges of your dies. Try it out and let me know what you think.

Gina

(I really need to change that top banner of my blog, it's May Day tomorrow for Pete's sake.)

Monday, April 16, 2012

Wow, I have been MIA for a while now! Time sure flies by. I can't believe it's already spring.

I wanted to share this super cute card with you. Thanks for my friend Cindy Russell for showing us how to do this. I know it's way past Easter, but this is so adorable I just had to share this project. We made this at an Ink Inc Shoebox Swap. The Shoebox Swap is one of the perks we enjoy as a demonstrator where we all get together for fun, sharing and of course, stamping. Want to know more? Just ask me.

Back to the bunny. This card was made with a multitude of punches (including one that has retired). The background was made with the Woodgrain background stamp (117100 - $17.95) with Soft Suede ink (115657 - $5.95) on a half sheet of Crumb Cake cardstock ((120953 - $$6.95). Punch out a rabbit hole using the 1-3/4" punch (119850 - $16.95). Also punch out circle in Whisper White Cardstock (100730 - $8.50), four large ovals (119859 - $15.95), one ornament punch (119847 - $16.95), two 3/4" circles (119873 - 10.95) and three large flowers from the Boho Blossoms punch (119858 - $16.95). You will also need four small oval pieces punched out (this is the retired punch) and a small triangle cut from Pretty in Pink cardstock (100459 - $6.95), and some small circles from the cupcake builder punch (121807 - $16.95). i know that sounds like a lot of punches, and if you don't have them all, right now you are in luck because a lot of them that are in the old style are on clearance. You can go here to order them, but do it soon because when they are gone, they are gone.

Okay, back to the bunny. On the ornament punch cut off the hangy deal (I know, technical right) part of paper to create the bunny head. Sponge all the edges of the white and pink punched pieces to give them a little dimension. Position the white circle about 3/4 of the way up on the "rabbit hole" on the crumbcake piece, and adhere. Add two large ovals for the feet, and then two pink pieces to finish the feet. Add two of the flowers, layering offset to create the cottontail. If desired, use the Pretty in Pink marker to add lines to the feet. You are now done with the outside of the card.

Open the card to the inside and adhere the remaining flower for the other side of the cottontail. Add the remaining large white ovals and smaller pink ovals for the ears, then layer the ornament punch (pointy side up) for the head. Add the two 3/4 inch circles for the cheeks, to small dots from the cupcake punch (or you can just color them in) in black for the eyes, and a small scrap triangle of pink for the nose.

Draw the whiskers in with the black marker. Tada! You have a super cute bunny to send to that special someone.

Don't forget, card class is this Wednesday. Come and make some great cards for $20. Please let me know if you plan to attend so I can have your packet ready.

Happy Stampin'!

Gina

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

It's almost time for 2012

I hope you all had a great holiday and got to spend time with your family and friends. I enjoy this time of year, getting to visit with my aunts, uncles and cousins. It's kinda sad that we only get together a few times a year, but I always enjoy seeing them, even if it is only for a short time. Most of my relatives live here in Colorado, so that makes it a little easier to get together, we just get busy with day-to-day activities. Like stamping! :0)

Can you believe in just a few short days, 2011 will be behind us and we will begin 2012. It seems the older I get, the faster time flies by. Speaking of time flying by, there are only a few more days left of the Holiday Mini Catalog, so if you absolutely love some of the stuff in there, you may want to order it soon. The last day to order out of that catalog is January 3, 2012, so if you absolutely love those mini jingle bells, you may think about placing an order either with me or from my website by clicking here.

From what I have heard, the little white card boxes, the stocking punch and stamp set, and the silver glimmer paper are not making the carryover list, so definitely if you want those, you should order them by January 3. I love those little boxes, and you can customize them any way you would like, including the tabbed dividers inside. 
The stocking punch can be used for much more that just a Christmas stocking. You can use blue or pink and make cute little baby booties for a card, or flip it upside down to create a stick horse. You can also cut out little blades and turn the stocking into ice skates for a great winter card.

And the glimmer paper is to die for, and you can customize it with ink and sponge daubers to create a color to coordinate with your projects. I am so sad to see these go.

Check out the clearance rack going on now too. The old style (black whale-looking) punches are being discontinued, but work just as well as the new ones, so you could stock up on the ones you don't have for a great price. Click here to go to the Clearance Rack page.

I am working on some new things to come in 2012, including a possible online hostess club where you can stamp from the comfort of your own home.
 
Also January, February and March are a great time to book your workshops with me. Sale-a-Bration is just around the corner, and you could earn exclusive stamps and accessories that will not ever be in a future catalog. The only way to get them is during Sale-a-Bration and they are so super cute, you are just going to love them.

Lots to come in the new year, so keep checking back and tell your friends too.
I hope you have a safe and happy New Year's day.

Gina

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Snow day

I know we live in Colorado, but contrary to popular belief, we have very few major snowstorms here. It usually snows and then clears up in no time. This was not the case Wednesday night. It started snowing hard while we were in Longmont Wednesday about 5:30 or 6 p.m. It was pretty and really big flakes. It became a little stressful though driving through it, even though we were in a four-wheel drive truck. The normal 20-30 minute drive home took way longer than that.


By 6 a.m. Thursday morning, we had a lot of snow. The weather forecasters weren't kidding. I opened the door to let the dogs out and the snow was all the way up to the bottom of the door. The dogs looked at me like "you have got to be kidding. I'm not going out in that." Needless to say, I stayed home. My car sits really low to the ground and ground clearance was not good. Even the trash trucks were sliding around in our cul-de-sac.

The good thing is I finally got some ornaments on our tree. Not all of them, mind you, but I did get on my favorites. Here's some of the pics.



Here's our Bronco ornament. The little mouse referee looks like he is flipping you off (he's not really)



Here's a pinecone that Jeremy made when he was little.



Here's a little wooden guy and a moose that he bought for me at a school craft show.


Here's our Christmas spider (in Bronco colors of course)


A snowman that Josh made in school



A Christmas tree that we made in Cub Scouts.


Josh's pinecone ornament.


A reindeer


A swan with a teddy bear given to me by my friend Sharon. 



And of course, you have to have the Christmas Pickle hidden in the tree somewhere.

Thanks for letting me share my snow day with you. I hope to post the cards we did at card class tomorrow. Stay tuned.

Gina