Debbie's Designs

FREE My Digital Studio 30 Day Trial!

2012-02-02T12:00:00.000-05:00

If you missed yesterday's post, read all about the 30 Day Free Trial My Digital Studio HERE.

I thought I would post a 12 x 12 page I created in My Digital Studio to show you some of the stuff you can do with it. I don't post MDS very often as I do love it, but don't have time to play with it much. Here is a page of my granddaughter Kaitlynn when she was 22 months old:

Anyone can learn to use this software as it is quite user friendly and you can learn lots and see lots of samples on the My Digital Website that anyone can join in on.

Don't forget to scroll down to view my submission for the Create with Connie Challenge this week. Click on my "Order Stampin' Up! Online" below to access my store! Have a great day!

CCMC-187

2012-02-02T03:00:00.000-05:00

What a pretty color combination we have today at Create with Connie & Mary. When I first started with the Design Team, my first thoughts were....can I do this? and....I'm not sure how the color challenges will go for me cuz I usually prefer the sketch challenges. So far these are exactly what they are called "challenges"! Below is the combo for this week, come visit us!

My Card:

I've been wanting to use the new "Labels Collection Framelits" as an open frame so today was the day. What a great product we have in these framelits. You can position them anywhere you desire on your cardstock layers. With punches, you are limited as to how deep you can punch your image from the edge because the end of the punch gets in your way. With these there is nothing in the way.

Once I had my "hole" cut, I stamped an image on "Whisper White Cardstock", colored it in with my inks and a "Blender Pen" and then swirled some color on the outside of the image with "Sponge Daubers:

I even sponged color on the hand-cut butterfly. And the "Pearls Jewels" add the perfect amount of bling.

Card Supplies:

Inks: Jet Black StazOn, Concord Crush, Pool Party, Sahara Sand
Cardstock: Concord Crush, Sahara Sand, Whisper White
Accessories: Pearl Jewels, Pool Party Bakers Twine
Tools: Word Window Punch, Adorned Accents Edgelits, Labels Collection Framelits, Big Shot Machine, Stampin' Dimensionals, Corner Rounder Punch, Paper Snips, Adorning Accents Textured Impressions Folder
Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes, Summer Solstice, Bordering on Romance

Have a great day and thanks for visiting!

Stampin' 411 and a Snow Day!

2012-02-01T13:52:00.002-05:00

Yup.......you read that correctly.....Snow Day for us here! We are getting somewhat hammered with snow in Maine. I caught up on our business paperwork this morning and then decided to play. I checked out the Stampin' 411 site and this is their sketch challenge for this week:

My Card:

I've seen these cute little gingerbread people all over blogland and wanted to create one of my own. What a quick way to create him:

The gingerbread person is made with the "Fancy Flower Punch" and "Soft Suede Cardstock". I used my "Signo White Gel Pen" to make squiggly lines around the edge and to draw the mouth. The eyes come from "Basic Black Cardstock" and the "Owl Punch". Check out the bling for his buttons and a close-up of the ones on the photo below:

I used a red permanent marker and colored my "Rhinestone Jewels". You can color the "Rhinestone Jewels" any color you wish using permanent markers. I've also used them on the "Pearl Jewels". Don't forget to keep scrolling as I have another post earlier today. Have a great day!

Card Supplies:

Cardstock: Riding Hood Red, Wild Wasabi, Very Vanilla, Soft Suede
DSP: Everyday Enchantment (SAB)
Tools: Fancy Flower Punch, Small Tag Punch, Large Tag Punch, Houndstooth Textured Impressions Folder, Big Shot Machine, Sponge Dauber, Pinking Hearts Border Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots
Inks: Soft Suede, Signo White Gel Pen, Red Permanent Marker (non SU!)
Stamps: Sweets for the Sweet
Accessories: Rhinestone Jewels, Taffeta Ribbon in Riding Hood Red

FREE My Digital Studio 30 Day Trial!

2012-02-01T07:45:00.001-05:00

If you've ever been intrigued by the digital world, now is the time to try it out for FREE. Stampin' Up! is offering our "My Digital Studio Express" free for 30 days beginning February 1.....that you and friends can take advantage of. The best part is this is an ongoing offer!

With the FREE trial, you'll get:

Full access to the software at NO COST.
Full design functionality.
Exclusive artwork that comes with My Digital Studio Express.
Opportunity to purchase additional downloads from designer templates to stamp brush sets--and everything in between.
Access to our professional print services.
Sign up to view samples and inspiration at mydigitalstudio.net
MDS Catalog see all the additional artwork and weekly download updates.
MDS Training you’ll learn the ins and outs of the software, all you need to know about downloads, tons of techniques to use in your projects, and more. We’ll continually add more information, tips, and techniques, so make sure to check back often.

It's simple.....add the free My Digital Studio Express trial (item 129600) to my online shopping store HERE, and then download and install it and start the fun!

Wacky Wednesday-February Kit Tutorials!

2012-02-01T05:00:00.000-05:00

My February Cards & 3D Item Kit is available for purchase starting today. Do you have family members graduating this year? Kids from close friends? Someone who used to babysit for you?

And......do you realize that graduation is only a few months away? What a great way to start working on your graduation cards!

This tutorial kit has separate tutorials for (1) 3D Gift Card Holder and (4) different cards.......even one card with a fancy fold! 5 items total!

You will need the Petite Pocket Die to create the gift card holder. All other shapes can be substituted. You can purchase this kit with the PayPal button below. I will send the PDF documents to you within 24 hours of purchasing!

Free Designer Paper every month for the rest of 2012!

2012-01-31T19:19:00.000-05:00

Did the title of my post catch your attention? Join my team now through March 31st and you will receive your choice of a FREE package of Designer Series Paper ($10.95 or less) or digital download (any price) begins the month after you join Stampin' Up!

How would you like to save 20% of on all of the items on your wish list? And you don't need to ever demonstrate if you choose not to. You can enjoy all the discounts and maintain your hobby! Here's what it's all about:

Save $50 on the Stampin' Up! Starter Kit that normally sells for $175 and you can customize it to your liking!
Enjoy FREE Designer Series Paper or Digital Downloads for the remainder of 2012!
Enjoy 2 more months of Sale-a-bration and possibly earn additional Demonstrator Benefits.
Plus you will have me as your Upline where I am here to coach and help you!
Buy the Kit, do no more. Enjoy your kit.........any more questions....contact me today. I would love to have you on my team!

Tuesday Tips or Technique!

2012-01-31T05:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Tuesday Tips or Technique Day! Today I have a great tip for you.

Have you ever sat down eagerly waiting to stamp, inked up your image and stamped on a perfectly cut cardstock piece only to be disappointed with the stamped image results? That can be so frustrating. Well today I will show you how you can correct this without wasting your perfectly cut piece of cardstock:

Supplies Needed:

Imperfectly stamped image
Blender Pen
Ink color used on stamped image

Below is what I am talking about. Most of the stamped images that this happens to are the bolder image stamps, such as the popsicle below. I purposely stamped this image so that it looks terrible:

Here is a close-up of the image. Look at all the missed spots:

Using the Rich Razzleberry Ink Pad for this image, I dipped my Blender Pen right into my Ink Pad and colored my image where the ink missed:

Keep adding ink until all the spots are covered. As you swirl your Blender Pen around, it also wets the ink that is already there and blends in with the fresh ink. Allow to dry between applications. The ink is still a little wet on my image but when fully dry, you would never be able to tell that I colored it!

Have a great day and I'll see you again tomorrow!

UPDATE: To answer this question from Debbie: Thanks for the tip! Have one question do you clean the Blender Pen after this? And if so how do you do this? Because you are using the very tip of the Blender Pen to color with, it doesn't take very much ink to color in the image. It is sort of similar to coloring with Stampin' Pastels or Water Color Pencils with your Blender Pen....once you are done, use a a scrap piece of paper to "wipe" off the ink from your Blender Pen. Stroke the Blender Pen back and forth on your scrap paper until the tip is clear.

Monday Merchandise-Scented Embossing Powders!

2012-01-30T05:00:00.000-05:00

Good morning blog readers. Today for Monday Merchandise I am showing you a new product in the Occasions Mini Catalog:

Scented Stampin' Emboss Powder!

Appealing scents to coordinate with your appealing projects! Clear embossing powder's in 3 yummy scents enhances any project! Apply over stamped image to give your nose a delightful surprise. Clear color lets you create colors to coordinate with your scent. 0.5 oz. Available in Cherry #127035, Melon #127034 and Vanilla #125590!

Click on my order Stampin' Up! Online button below to go shopping 24/7!

Super Sunday!

2012-01-29T05:00:00.000-05:00

For today's "Super Sunday" I decided to create a card for you using the "Freshly Made Sketches". This team of designers focuses on "clean cards"....with lots of embellishments. This is the sketch challenge for this week:

My clean card:

I used the new stamp set called "Rue Des Fleurs" which of course is a french title. For those of you that know me well, I was born from Canadian parents so the very first language I learned was french. "Rue Des Fleurs" means "road of flowers" and the stamped image that I used proves that. Look at the detail in the flowers flowing from the ink pen:

I started out by cutting a "Labels Collection Framelits" in the center of a piece of cardstock. I put aside the label and used the "hole" in my cardstock as a stencil. I then stenciled "Pool Party Ink" and "Early Espresso Ink" on a piece of "Whisper White Cardstock" that I cut out with the "Top Note Die". I cut the top note in half and sponged all 4 sides with a "Sponge Dauber" and "Early Espresso Ink".

I used a trio of "Glimmer Brads" at the bottom of my card. The DSP is from the "In Colors Paper Pack":

The trim at the top of the card and also at the bottom of my top note shape was cut again, with the "Top Note Shape" in "Not Quite Navy Cardstock" and cut to fit as trim pieces:

I used "Baker's Twine" to embellish a little more along with the "Pool Party Ruffled Ribbon". I hope you have enjoyed today's card and will come back to visit. Have a great Sunday and thanks for stopping in!

Card Supplies:

Tools: Big Shot Machine, Top Note Die, Labels Collection Framelits, Stampin' Dimensionals, Sponge Dauber, Mini Glue Dots
Accessories: Baker's Twine, Glimmer Brads, Pool Party Ruffled Ribbon
Inks: Pool Party, Early Espresso
Stamp Set: Rue Des Fleurs
Cardstock: Not Quite Navy, Whisper White
DSP: In Color Paper Pack

CCMC-OCC2

2012-01-28T03:00:00.000-05:00

I've been involved in the Create with Connie & Mary challenges now for quite some time as a design team member and before that as a player. When I first started out, I really didn't care for color challenges and now that I've done them for quite some time, I actually love them. They grew on me. This is the color challenge for today:

Even though this card looks complicated, if you pick it apart, it really isn't. There are only a few layers to contend with. The Designer Paper does all the work for you:

I really enjoyed this card as I got to play with so many new products from the Sale-A-Bration Catalog. You still have plenty of time to earn some of these products just for placing a $50 order:

Fresh Vintage Stamp Set
Everyday Elegance Ribbon & Brad Pack
Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper

Other SU! Supplies:

Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Lucky Limeade, Poppy Parade, Calypso Coral
Tools: Big Shot Machine, Labels Collection Framelits, Modern Label Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals, Paper Snips
Inks: Stampin' Write Markers

Today is also my brother Roger's birthday, Happy Birthday Bro!

Have a great day everyone and thanks for stopping by!

Free Friday-Lisa's Workshop!

2012-01-27T05:00:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago I demo'd for Lisa's workshop and these are the cards from that workshop:

Want a quick way to create some hearts.....of all sizes.......and all textures? The new Fashionable Hearts Embosslits Die. I also used the Full Hearts Punch with the Red Glimmer Paper for the largest heart:

Card Supplies:

Cardstock: Sahara Sand, So Saffron, Poppy Parade
DSP: Sweet Shop, Red Glimmer Paper
Inks: Poppy Parade
Stamp Set: With All My Heart
Tools: Big Shot Machine, Scallop Squares Duo Die, Fashionable Hearts Embosslits Die

This next card was created using Apothecary Art, the new Adorning Accents Edgelits and the new Labels Collection Framelits:

And what about the Attic Boutique Designer Paper? I am so in love with all of these new products! I so like the way I lined both sides of my DSP strip with the Edgelits:

Card Supplies:

Cardstock: Whisper White, Soft Suede
Inks: Soft Suede, Blushing Bride Stampin' Write Marker
Tools: Big Shot Machine, Labels Collection Framelits, Large Square Punch, Adorning Accents Edgelits, Vintage Wallpaper Textured Impressions Folder, Sponge Dauber, Stampin' Dimensionals
Stamp Sets: Apothecary Art
DSP: Attic Boutique

The girls all took turns creating their own card below:

I copied a card from Chris Smith for this sample. I just love how she used the Newsprint DSP with the remainder of the layers. For this one we used 2 new products, the Blossom Punch and the matching stamp set called Mixed Bunch. The cute trim running vertically in Basic Black Cardstock was cut from the Tasteful Trim Die:

Card Supplies:

Cardstock: So Saffron, Basic Black, Very Vanilla
Inks: Jet Black StazOn
Stamps: Mixed Bunch, Sincere Salutations
Tools: Big Shot Machine, Tasteful Trim Die, Blossom Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals
DSP: Newsprint

Don't forget that this is a great time to schedule your own workshop. Not only do you get the hostess benefits but an added bonus with Sale-A-Bration going on right now through March 31st. So many more freebies for you to earn. Contact me today!

CCMC186

2012-01-26T03:00:00.000-05:00

Good Morning friends & blog readers. I hope your week is going by as fast as mine is. This time of year is when I start counting down to spring. With all the cold winter months here in Maine we all look forward to the end of March when things start looking up. The Create with Connie & Mary team has a sketch challenge for you today and I thought "spring" when I created my card. I followed this sketch:

My Card:

Isn't the card background layer so fancy and elegant? Guess what? You can earn this "Everyday Elegance Simple Sent Kit" during Sale-A-Bration by purchasing $50 and earning it for free! Yes I said Free! You get 8 printed, embossed, die-cut cards-4 each of 2 designs, 16 self-adhesive tags and 8 white envelopes. Love the edging!

What do you think of my butterfly....or flutterfly as my 3 year old grand-daughter Kaitlynn calls them. It was made with the Mixed Bunch Stamp Set and the Blossom Punch. I cut the bottom layer with Cherry Cobbler Cardstock and stamped the other with Cherry Cobbler Ink on Whisper White Cardstock. I curled the ends with my Bone Folder and used a Stampin' Dimensional to plop the body up on the first layer. I added a Glimmer Brad to the center and added a small dot of Cherry Cobbler Dazzling Details. I even snuck in a Hat Pin for the butterfly body:

I thought adding a "get well" sentiment was appropriate for the butterfly. What a great way to bring a smile to someone's face if they are not feeling well.

Have a great day and enjoy viewing my co-designer's creations at Create with Connie & Mary!

Card Supplies:

Cardstock: Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White
DSP: Attic Boutique, Everyday Elegance Simple Sent Kit
Inks: Soft Suede, Cherry Cobbler
Accessories: Glimmer Brads, Hat Pin, Cherry Cobbler Scalloped Dots Ribbon
Tools: Cherry Cobbler Dazzling Details, Blossom Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals, Paper Snips, Corner Rounder Punch
Stamps: Mixed Bunch, Sweetly Said

Stamping 411-SSC239

2012-01-25T16:01:00.000-05:00

My hubby had to have a procedure done this morning and he is now sleeping so guess what......2 posts from me today! I have some free time as he recoups so I thought I'd make a card and also get things ready for my Techniques II Class tonight.

I saw this sketch challenge on the Stamping 411 website:

And this is my cute little punch art card:

I created a cute embossed basket to hold some Easter eggs and then added more eggs off to the side for my trio strip. Here is a close-up of the basket:

The eggs were made using the Small Oval Punch and the Just Add Cake DSP. The basket was first cut with the 1 3/4" Circle Punch in So Saffron Cardstock, cut slightly more than half in size and then I used the Scallop Edge Border Punch for the edging. The base of the basket is the Small Oval Punch shape cut in half the long way and glued to the half circle. I then embossed the whole basket with the Vintage Wallpaper Textured Impressions Folder. Add a bow and a few Rhinestone Jewels for bling!

I glued 2 eggs together to form each trio below:

The panel is also embossed with the Vintage Wallpaper Textured Impressions Folder. Lots of fun! Thanks for stopping by and don't forget I have another post from this morning so keep scrolling down to view it!

Card Supplies:

Cardstock: Pretty In Pink, Whisper White, So Saffron
DSP: Just Add Cake
Accessories: Rhinestone Jewels, 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon
Tools: Big Shot Machine, 1 3/4" Circle Punch, Small Oval Punch, Word Window Punch, Vintage Wallpaper Textured Impressions Folder, 3" Circle Die, Scallop Circle #2 Die, Stampin' Dimensionals, Sponge Dauber
Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes, Always Elegant
Inks: Pretty In Pink

Have a great day!

Wednesday Wacky!

2012-01-25T05:00:00.002-05:00

It's 3-D today for "Wednesday Wacky". The ingenious Jackie Topa came up with a terrific way to create this cute little box:

What is really great about this box is that the supplies used are from the "Everyday Elegance Simply Sent Kit", Item #122377, $11.95. And what is also great is that you can earn this kit for FREE with a $50 order during Sale-A-Bration!

Kit Description:
Elegant cards in an instant—thank-you cards or any-occasion cards. We’ve done all the work for you. Precut and color-coordinated—all you have to do is customize and send them off! Coordinating Everyday Wishes Set and ink sold separately.

Kit creates 8 total cards (4 each of 2 designs) and coordinates with Baja Breeze, Cherry Cobbler, and Whisper White.

Kit Contents:
■ 8 printed, embossed, die-cut cards (5-1/2" x 4-1/4")
■ 16 self-adhesive tags (8 each of 2 designs)
■ 8 White envelopes (5-3/4" x 4-3/8")

And here are all the steps you need to follow to make one of these for yourself:

Step 1:

Cut a piece of matching cardstock that measures 9 3/4" x 8 1/4". I used Cherry Cobbler to match the Cherry Cobbler Card I am using from the kit. On the 9 3/4" side, score and fold at 3 1/4" & 6 1/2". On the 8 1/2" side, score and fold at 2 /12" & 5 3/4". Remove 3/4" off of the 2 center panels with your Paper Snips as shown above. Add Sticky Strip as shown on 4 of the tabs:

Step 2:

Remove the backing from your Sticky Strip and assemble your box to look like the one above.

Step 3:

Using (1) of the cards from the Everyday Elegance Simply Sent Kit, cut your card by omitting 3 scallops as shown above. You will be using the panel with the 3 scallops. You can actually make 2 boxes with each card:

Step 4:

Score and fold at 1 3/4", 4 1/4" and 7 5/8". Add Sticky Strip to the underside as shown:

Step 5:

Remove Sticky Strip backing and glue to the bottom and side of the box as shown. The photo above shows the box flipped over to show the bottom of the box:

Step 6:

Using your Ribbon Punch, punch out an 11" strip of Whisper White Cardstock:

Step 7:

Cut punched strip in half using your Paper Cutter:

Step 8:

Cut a piece of ribbon 11" long:

Step 9:

Add a piece of Sticky Strip to the edge of your ribbon on the underside and glue your ribbon punch strips on each side:

Step 10:

Glue the ribbon around all 4 sides of the box. You will be covering the front of your box with the sentiment so don't worry if the ribbon doesn't go all the way around. What you see in the photo is the front of the box:

Step 11:

Stamp sentiment on adhesive tag that is included in kit and glue to the front of the box with Stampin' Dimensionals:

Step 12:

Cut a solo scallop from the leftover piece of card and create a tag for your box. I used the Corner Rounder Punch on the 2 Cherry Cobbler corner. Punch a small hole in the tag with a hand-held punch. Add a sentiment of your choice to the front:

Step 13:

Thread a piece of ribbon through the hole in your tag and tie the ribbon around the box, ending and tying a bow at the top. This will keep your lid closed. Add Pearl Jewels to each scallop, one on each side of your sentiment and one on your tag:

Completed Box! Isn't this super cute! Thanks for the idea Jackie!

Don't forget that you can scroll to the bottom of this post and click on the green "Print Friendly" icon and this will convert this post to a PDF document you can print out for future use!

Have a great day and make sure you visit tomorrow for the Create with Connie & Mary challenge!

Sale-A-Bration is Here!

2012-01-24T08:06:00.000-05:00

Choose a FREE Sale-A-Bration Product

for every $50 you spend!

Exclusive stamp sets & accessories as well

as a selection of catalog stamp sets, digital content CD's,

designer fabric, buttons, and even embossing folders!

Now more than ever there is something for everyone!

View the Sale-A-Bration Brochure:

PDF Download

Sale-A-Bration project supplies:

PDF Download

Tuesday Tips or Techniques-Storage Tip for Edgelits & Framelits!

2012-01-24T05:00:00.000-05:00

Did I tell you how I just adore our new Framelits & Edgelits Dies? Well, I do! I worry though, about storing them so to keep them nice & neat and so that the metal dies don't end up warping. Today's "Tuesday Tip" is a little something to help that.

Magnetic Sheets.....yes, Stampin' Up! sells Magnetic Sheets in the Idea Book & Catalog. I measured the envelope that the dies are stored in and cut a Magnetic Sheet just a tad smaller with my Paper Cutter. The dies "stick" to the magnets and stay in place:

Here are photos of the Labels Collection Framelits Dies. I also added an address label on the bottom corner of each sheet with the "sandwich" instructions for the Big Shot Machine for quick reference:

I did the same for my new Edgelits Dies:

and for my Hearts Collection Framelits:

The Magnetic Sheets slide right into the envelopes, snap them shut and you have instant organization and storage all in one! Don't peel the paper backing as your Magnetic Sheet will become sticky if you do!

I hope you have enjoyed today's "Tuesday Tip" and I hope you plan on doing this with your new dies! Have a great day!

Magnet Sheets, Item #119816, $9.95

Make your own magnets using magnet sheets and your Big Shot or other cutting tools. Great for fridge magnets, paper dolls, business card magnets, and more. Three 6" x 13" sheets per package

Monday Merchandise-Color Spritzer Tool

2012-01-23T05:00:00.000-05:00

Good morning blog readers. I hope you had a very nice weekend. As for me, I am so anxious for winter to get a move on out of here. One good thing about the winter months is all the free time for stampin'!

Today for "Monday Merchandise" I am showing you a product called the:

"Color Spritzer Tool"

I'm sure you've seen some of my cards that end up with "specs" of color here and there, all over my card or just in certain areas. That is what this tool does for you. No one should be without it. Keep reading for a product description below:

Catalog Description:

The Color Spritzer tool can turn a Stampin’ Up! marker into an airbrush. Use this technique to create beautiful airbrushed effects. It’s great for card making, scrapbooking, and all types of paper crafting. This is a must for your creative "tool belt!"

■ PVC bulb with an insert for placing a marker with adjusting screw nozzle
■ Black with matte finish
■ Easy to use
■ Marker not included

Item #107066-$12.95

Super Sunday!

2012-01-22T05:00:00.000-05:00

Today for my Super Sunday, I picked a new challenge site to participate with. I ran across this wonderful site from another blogger and thought I would check it out. So should you! It's called "The Friday Mashup!".

I really liked the color combination. Scroll down to read more about it:

Here is the "Mashup" Challenge :

Make a project using "Paper Piercing".
Or Make a project using the colors "Blushing Bride, Riding Hood Red & Early Espresso".
Or "Mash it Up" and create a project with the "Color Combo & Paper Piercing".

This is my card for the color challenge:

I was so enthralled in my own creation that I completely forgot I wanted to add the "combo" part of the challenge after I had all my photo's taken. I had the option of adding "paper piercing".......I totally forgot!

This is the close-up of the flower image from "Fabulous Florets". I used Whisper White Cardstock cut with the new Labels Collection Framelits and my Big Shot Machine. I inked in VersaMark Ink, sprinkled White Embossing Powder and heat set with my Heat Tool. I then grabbed Blushing Bride and Riding Hood Red Inks and sponged color with Sponge Daubers, starting with the lightest color first and adding a little bit of the darker ink in the center. Add a Rhinestone Jewel in middle of the flower and plop it on the 2nd layer with Stampin' Dimensionals.

Here is the sentiment layer:

I stamped only part of the image with Riding Hood Red Ink from the Sale-A-Bration stamp set called Sprinkled Expressions. I omitted the little flowers included in this image by covering them with Masking Tape, adding ink and then removing the masking tape before I stamped the image. This omits part of the image. I then cut out the sentiment with my Small Oval Punch, added a Stampin' Dimensional and layered over Whisper White Cardstock cut with the Scallop Oval Punch. White on white always looks elegant to me. I added 2 Rhinestone Jewels to each side of the sentiment. This layer will serve as the stopping point for my easel card. It keeps the card from sliding down and holds it open, in place.

This is a side view of the card:

Notice how the sentiment layer holds it open? I had to substitute Poppy Parade Ribbon as I do not have any Riding Hood Red. I thought the colors were close enough as far as using the ribbon. I hope you have enjoyed my card for today. Stop in and say hi below in my comment section, I would love to hear from you!

Card Supplies:

Cardstock: Whisper White, Early Espresso
DSP: Neutrals Patterns Paper Pack
Tools: Labels Collection Framelits, Heat Tool, White Embossing Powder, Sponge Daubers, Stampin' Dimensionals, Scallop Oval Punch, Small Oval Punch, Mini Glue Dots
Accessories: Rhinestone Jewels, 1/2" Stitched Poly Ribbon in Poppy Parade
Stamps: Sprinkled Expressions, Fabulous Florets
Inks: Blushing Bride, Riding Hood Red

Have a great day!

CCMC-OCC1

2012-01-21T03:00:00.000-05:00

It's Saturday Challenge time at Create with Connie & Mary! And look at the sketch challenge we have in store for you:

Awww.....isn't this card the cutest? And it is almost all created with "NEW STUFF" from the Occasions Mini Catalog:

I just love this stamped image from the Take It To Heart Stamp Set. I decided to color just part of it with a Not Quite Navy Stampin' Write Marker so that I would have the two silhouette's riding their bike on a bit of dirt. The shape used is the Labels Collection Framelits. I cut two, one in Whisper White Cardstock and one in Crumb Cake Cardstock. For the Crumb Cake layer, I tore the bottom to make the dirt, embossed it with the Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder and sponged the edges with Crumb Cake Ink. And those embossed hearts oh my! Easy, peasy with the new Fashionable Hearts Embosslits Die.

Card Supplies:

Stamp Sets: Delightful Dozen, Take It To Heart
Inks: Whisper White Craft, Stampin' Write Markers, Crumb Cake
DSP: Sweet Shop
Cardstock: Whisper White, Not Quite Navy, Crumb Cake, Riding Hood Red
Tools: Big Shot Machine, Labels Collection Framelits, Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder, Fashionable Hearts Embosslits Die, Sponge Dauber, White Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Stampin' Dimensionals
Accessories: Island Indigo Bakers Twine, Everyday Enchantment Ribbon & Brad Pack

Just a note, all of you subscribers who enter a card into the challenge are eligible for some prizes so make sure you enter, must be a subscriber to be eligible! Visit Create with Connie & Mary to play and to get all the info. And best yet, you can still subscribe to the Occasions 2012 Subscription!

We will have 6 weeks of challenges during this subscription period and after that completes, I will resume my Saturday Simple!

Free Friday's-Freshly Made Sketches-#18

2012-01-20T05:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday! It's been a tiring week for me traveling for our business and 2 card classes this week. Welcome Friday! I am working from home today to catch up on our business. The paperwork never ends!

I decided to participate with the "Freshly made Sketches" this week. Linda (Hi Linda!) posted this sketch for us to follow:

And my card for the challenge:

How do you like my dangling 3D heart? I stamped the heart image 6 times, cut out with the Heart Punch, scored in half and glued half a heart at a time to each other. Before gluing the last heart, I added Baker's Twine in the center and then glued the last heart on top of the twine. Because the open circle on my card is positioned far from any cardstock edges, I had to hand-cut the circle with an Exacto-knife.

Here is a side-ways photo of the dangling heart:

And my red rhinestones? I used a red permanent marker and colored my Rhinestone Jewels...really! I also sponged the edges of each and every layer on my card with Cherry Cobbler Ink and a Sponge Dauber:

The sentiment is from Teeny Tiny Wishes and stamped on a banner cut from the Petal Cone Die. I added a red colored line of Rhinestone Jewels also:

Supplies Used:

Cardstock: Whisper White
Inks: Cherry Cobbler, VersaMark
Tools: Paper Doily Sizzlit's Die, Houndstooth Textured Impressions Folder, Petal Cone Die, Full Heart Punch, Cherry Cobbler Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Stampin' Dimensionals, Sponge Dauber, Paper Snips
Stamp Sets: Take It To Heart, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Accessories: Rhinestone Jewels
Misc: Red Permanent Marker

Have a great weekend everyone. If it's as cold for you as it is here in Maine, stay in and get some stampin' done!

CCMC185

2012-01-19T03:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Thursday and welcome to another challenge at Create with Connie & Mary! Today is a color challenge.The color challenge for today is one of my favorite. My first thoughts "Peach Parfait & Calypso Coral, what?" But look how beautiful and elegant my card turned out:

The Peach Parfait adds just enough pop to my other two colors and I just needed a slight layer of it too. I am so glad Stampin' Up! decided to go the "Framelits" route. I just love these new dies. And the choice of sizes accommodates so many different ways for you to layer your cards. I used one size that perfectly matches the "Apothecary Art Stamp Set" and then I added a larger sized framelit tucked side-ways under the embossed image:

I added just a touch of stamping to create a subtle background on the Whisper White Framelit layer. The image is from the "Bordering On Romance Stamp Set":

What I like about the Apothecary Art Stamp Set and this image in particular, is that you can add a sentiment in the center or do as I did and add a strip of ribbon. Glue it on with Sticky Strip! The label and the sentiment were both stamped in VersaMark Ink and sprinkled with Black Embossing Powder and heat set with my Heat Tool....gorgeous in person!

Card Supplies:

Cardstock: Peach Parfait, Calypso Coral, Lucky Limeade, Whisper White
Inks: Basic Black, Lucky Limeade, VersaMark
Stamps: Apothecary Art, Bordering on Romance
Tools: Labels Collection Framelits, 1" Circle Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals, Sticky Strip, Heat Tool, Black Embossing Powder
Accessories: Large Pearl Basic Jewels, 3/8" Pleated Satin Ribbon in Pear Pizzazz
DSP: Brights Patterns Paper Pack

Visit Create with Connie & Mary to see what else we have in store for you!

Wednesday Wacky!

2012-01-18T05:00:00.000-05:00

Just in time for Valentines Day or any other occasion! I'm a little late for my January Kit tutorial as I've been busy creating for the Create with Connie & Mary Occasions Edition. This is my new tutorial for January that you can purchase below:

Supplies:

Cardstock: Whisper White, Pretty In Pink
Designer Paper: Flirtatious
Stamp Sets: Sweet Cake, Delicate Doilies
Inks: Melon Mambo, Wisteria Wonder, Daffodil Delight
Accessories: Silver Brads, Blushing Bride 3/8” Pleated Satin Ribbon, Filigree Designer Brads, White Baker’s Twine
Tools: Big Shot Machine, Modern Label Punch, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Sticky Strip, Boho Blossoms Punch, Full Heart Punch, Scalloped Heart of Hearts Embosslits Die, 2 3/8” Scallop Circle Punch, 1” Circle Punch, 1 3/8” Circle Punch, 1 ¼” Circle Punch, Ribbon Border Punch
Misc: Designer Paper Cardboard, Mini Whisper White Envelopes

Click on the "Buy Now" button below and I will email the tutorial within 24 hours! Enjoy!

January 2012 Mailbox & Card Kit

Tuesday Tips-Curly Label Punch

2012-01-17T05:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Tuesday friends. Today is Tuesday Tips. Have you ever used a punch to create a decorative border for a layer on your cards? If you take a peek at the card below, notice the decorative edge on my ice cream cone layer:

I created this decorative edge using the "Curly Label Punch". Keep reading and I'll show you how.

Step 1:

Using a pen or pencil, draw a line about 1/2" from the edge of your cardstock piece.

Step 2:

Flip your punch over so you can peek through the window. Line up the curves of the decorative edge so that the 2 curves sit on the line you just drew.

This is what your cardstock piece should look like:

Step 3:

Slide your punch over so that a small portion of the piece you just cut shows inside the window. If you look close enough, you will see what I mean on the left hand side of the punch. You can also click on the photo above for a larger view. Repeat this step until you have achieved the length you want.

I always cut my cardstock piece a little longer than what I need so I can center my second layer over the decorative layer and cut the sides to look like they are even:

The photo above shows you how I have centered my cardstock layer. Cut off excess cardstock and the photo below shows you the completed layer. Notice how the ends of the decorative layer are even with how I ended my design:

For the image below, I colored my ice cream cone with Stampin' Write Markers in Not Quite Navy, So Saffron and Rose Red from the stamp set "Mouthwatering". I then used my "VersaMarker" and colored over my So Saffron ink. Sprinkled "Cherry Scented Embossing Powder" and heat set with my "Heat Tool". It smells so good and dries clear!

Card Supplies:

Cardstock: Not Quite Navy, So Saffron, Whisper White
DSP: Sweet Shop
Inks: Not Quite Navy, Stampin' Write Markers VersaMarker
Tools: Heat Tool, 1" Circle Punch, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, Curly Label Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals
Accessories: Dotted Scalloped Ribbon in Melon Mambo, Mini Library Clips

Thanks for visiting me today. Come back tomorrow for Wednesday Wacky!

Monday Merchandise-Color Coach

2012-01-16T05:00:00.000-05:00

For Monday Merchandise today, I am showing you one of my very favorite tools in the catalog:

The Color Coach!

I use this tool quite frequently when I was to mix things up a bit or when I just can't seem to come up with a color combination:

Catalog Description:

Let this coach help you put together custom color schemes to express your unique creativity. Whether you want a quick reference of all colors in a collection, a card for every color, or blank cards to record your own color combinations, this swatch book Is for you!

■ Text in English, Spanish, French, and German
■ Includes 55 double-sided cards with removable metal post fastener
■ Includes color theory cards and individual color swatch cards
■ On individual color cards, one side shows color, the other side lists coordinating colors
■ Card size: 2-3/4" x 4-1/2"

Item #121046 -$14.95

Remember, I am always only a click away to easy ordering. You can order 24/7, even in your jammies. Click my Shop 24/7 button below to go to my store!

Super Sunday-Stamping411-SSC238

2012-01-15T09:49:00.000-05:00

Good morning everyone! Today is Sunday and as you know, with my new blog line-up, I pick a challenge each Sunday and join in. Today I am picking a sketch challenge from Stamping 411. I've never participated with their challenges even though I frequent their website quite often. Sketch challenges are my favorite and here is the one for today:

And my card:

I decided to use a stamp set that will be available to you in the Sale-A-Bration Catalog that debuts on January 24th. Sale-A-Bration is that time of year where you earn a FREE product from the catalog for every $50 ordered. Coming soon!

Card Supplies:

Cardstock: Wild Wasabi, So Saffron, Whisper White, Perfect Plum
Inks: Perfect Plum
Accessories: So Saffron Taffeta Ribbon, Pearl Jewels
Tools: Label Framelits Collection, Fashionable Hearts Embosslits, Small Oval Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots, Stripes Textured Embossing Folder, Dazzling Details

Have a great day and if the weather for you is like it is here......below ZERO, stay in and get some stampin' done! Thanks for stopping by!

Create with Connie & Mary Preview!

2012-01-14T03:00:00.000-05:00

Hello to my Blog Readers and Create with Connie & Mary visitors! I am delighted to let you know I have again been asked to be a designer for the Create with Connie & Mary Occasions Edition Subscription and to also let you know that this is "Preview Week" and I am our last preview. Have you enjoyed all of the teasers so far this week? If you haven't visited yet, click HERE to see what you've missed for the past 2 weeks! I am also offering a FREE subscription today so you will need to leave me a comment at the bottom of my post to qualify. TODAY ONLY! and this is your last chance for Blog Candy from all of us designers!

For my "Teaser" today, I have used lots of new goodies from the "Occasion Mini Catalog". Take a peek for yourself:

Two brand new stamp sets: "Take It To Heart" and "Candy Conversations".

Now how about all of those new accessories? Here's a list of what's new that I used on this card:

Pool Party Baker's Twine
Blushing Bride 3/8" Pleated Satin Ribbon
Attic Boutique Designer Series Paper
Framelits Hearts Collection Dies

The new "Pleated Satin Ribbon" makes it so easy to follow the curve of my heart because the ribbon is already pleated for you and goes on so smooth. I used "Sticky Strip" to attach it permanently....and what about that new unique cut edge on my card bottom? That was created with the new "Edgelits Adorning Accents Dies". I added the "Pleated Satin Ribbon" on the cut also using "Sticky Strip":

I hope you have enjoyed my "Preview Week Teaser". Don't forget to leave me a comment below and you might get lucky and be chosen for a FREE subscription to Connie & Mary Occasions Subscription! And don't forget to visit Create with Connie & Mary to sign up for the "Early Bird Special". You get $5.00 off the regular subscription rate of $34.95. From today through January 14th (TODAY!) you can purchase your own edition for $29.95! Click here to be directed to their site: Create with Connie & Mary

Supplies for card:

Cardstock: Shimmery White, Whisper White
DSP: Attic Boutique
Accessories: 3/8" Blushing Bride Pleated Satin Ribbon, Pool Party Baker's Twine
Stamps: Take It To Heart, Candy Conversations
Tools: Big Shot Machine, Black Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Small Heart Punch, Hearts Collections Framelits Dies, Adorning Accents Edgelits Dies, Stampin' Dimensionals, Sticky Strip
Inks: VersaMark, Pool Party, Stampin' Write Markers in Pool Party & Blushing Bride

Free Friday-Freshly Made Sketches #17!

2012-01-13T05:00:00.000-05:00

I am trying a new challenge today for my "Free Friday". The challenge is from "Freshly Made Sketches" and they base their challeges on "Clean & Simple". Here are the rules to follow:

We are looking for clean-lined creations but unlike Clean and Simple challenges, we encourage lots of detail and embellishments as long as they maintain a "clean" look to your card. We like to avoid distressing, torn edges but rather we try to create with lots of "white space" and clean edges.

Sounds great doesn't it? If you know me well, you know I don't like clutter on my cards so I think this fits me quite well. Here is the sketch to follow:

And my card:

We as demo's were given a challenge of our own last month (I think it was). We were asked to join in on a "Workshop Book-a-thon" and we were asked to go +1 from the last Book-A-Thon, which means I had to book 3 workshops.....and I did it compliments of Lisa, Deb, Norma and Vicki.....thanks girls. What did we get for completing our goal? The stamp set that you see displayed on my card. This set is so cute. It is called "Gnome Sweet Gnome". I decided to create a little scenery for my female Gnome:

To accessorize my card, I used the new "Island Indigo Baker's Twine", once on one of my cardstock strips and again as a small double-looped bow:

Card Supplies:

Cardstock: Old Olive, Marina Mist, Whisper White
DSP: Brights Patterns Paper Pack
Accessories: Island Indigo Baker's Twine
Tools: Pinking Hearts Border Punch, Word Window Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots
Stamp Set: Gnome Sweet Gnome
Inks: StazOn Jet Black, Stampin' Pastels, Blender Pen, Blush Blossom Stampin' Write Marker

Just a quick reminder, make sure you visit Create with Connie & Mary tomorrow as Connie unveils a new preview project with a free tutorial. My turn will be on Saturday as I show you a preview card. Both days will have BLOG CANDY for a free Occasions Edition so make sure you visit both of us!

CCMC184

2012-01-12T03:00:00.000-05:00

The Designer Paper I am using today will be available for you for FREE in the Sale-A-Bration and it is to die for this year. I love it! I love the patterns and I love the colors. We have a sketch challenge for you this week at Create with Connie & Mary. The sketch below was a blast:

I used both Sale-A-Bration products and Occasions Mini products on my card for this week's challenge:

I really like the way this card came together so easily for me this time. Do you like the new decorative edge at the bottom of my Calypso Coral Cardstock layer? And what about that skinny, tiny, cute little ribbon?

Don't you also love the way Stampin' Up!'s ink coordinates with all the colors in the DSP? The stamped images just flow with the remainder of the layers on this card. And the Rhinestone Jewels....the perfect way to embellish your card:

The scalloped edge is created with 2 new products: the new Adorning Accents Edgelits Die and the new Adorning Accents Textured Impressions Embossing Folders. The edgelits come in a set of 2 and the embossing folders come in a set of 3!

Did you know Create with Connie & Mary is about to roll-out the new Occasion Mini Subscription on January 15th? You can still sign up for the Early Bird Special!

Click HERE to get all the details today! Saturday will be my debut for the "Preview Week Projects" and I'll have a little surprise for you. Make sure you visit and thanks for stopping by!

Card Supplies:

Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Calyso Coral
DSP: Everyday Enchantment (Sale-A-Bration)
Accessories: Rhinestone Jewels, Everyday Enchantment Ribbon & Brad Pack (Sale-A-Bration)
Tools: Big Shot Machine, Postage Stamp Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, Modern Label Punch, Adorning Accents Edgelits Die, Adorning Accents Textured Impressions Embossing Folders, Stampin' Dimensionals
Inks: Calyso Coral, Lucky Limeade, Riding Hood Red
Stamp Sets: Apothecary Art, Fresh Vintage (Sale-A-Brat-ion)

Wacky Wednesday!

2012-01-11T05:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Hump Day! I love it when half of the weekdays are gone and we are on our way to the weekend!

My "Wacky Wednesday" presents to you today a matching card and goodie box set. My 3 year old grand-daughter Kaitlynn needed a birthday set for a little friend of hers and I had this all made up. Dana Newsom posted this little one-eyed critter goodie box on our demo site and I thought it was so cute. I also turned the critter into a matching card:

The one-eyed critter makes me giggle a little. It's one of those "he's so ugly he's cute"!

My daughter had to use this set for a little birthday party my 3 year old grand-daughter Kaitlynn was invited to and I forgot to write down all the measurements. When I created the card, I measured it so that when adding in the horns and the card part, the measurement equaled 5 1/2" so that it would fit in an envelope.

The eye is created with the 3/4" Circle Punch, 1" Circle Punch and the 1 1/4" Circle Punch. Add a squiggle in the iris using the White Signo Gel Pen. The teeth are hand-cut and the mouth hand-drawn. The hair is a separate cardstock piece that is also hand-cut with zig-zag triangles and glued in place with Stampin' Dimensionals.

For the goodie box, I used the Fancy Favor Box Die and cut off the fancy top and made the cut straight with my paper cutter. The eye was made the same way as the card. The horns for both projects are created with the 1" Circle Punch. Add a strip of cardstock layered with two colors and glue in place. Add a handle to the goodie box by cutting a cardstock piece 11 1/2" x 1" and attached on each end with brads:

All of my Riding Hood Red Cardstock pieces are sponged with Riding Hood Red Ink:

Project Supplies:

Cardstock: Riding Hood Red, Whisper White, Basic Black, Lucky Limeade
Inks: Riding Hood Red, White Signo Gel Pen, Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker
Tools: Big Shot Machine, 3/4" Circle Punch, 1" Circle Punch, 1 3/4" Circle Punch, Sponge Dauber, Paper Snips, Sticky Strip
Accessories: Brads

Tuesday Tips or Techniques-Framelits & Edgelits!

2012-01-10T05:00:00.000-05:00

First, just a reminder that we at Create with Connie & Mary are still running the Early Bird Special for the Occasions Subscription. Visit today to see who is offering "Blog Candy" for a chance to win a FREE issue of the subscription!

Now on to today's Tuesday Tips or Techniques. I have a promise for you today........I promise you will love the new "Edgelits" & "Framelits". I almost think I like these better than my punches! The "Framelits Dies" let you see where you are placing the design before you cut and the "Edgelits" cut unique card edges.

For my Tuesday tip today, I will be demonstrating to you how I use them. First the "Framelits". I stamped and embossed my image below form the "Take It To Heart Stamp Set":

I then place my "Hearts Collection Framelits Dies" where I want it to cut.......and my TIP for today is to use masking tape to secure the framelit in place:

Run through your Big Shot Machine and everything stays intact and perfectly cut:

Do the same for the "Edgelits", find the perfect spot on your cardstock or DSP, tape in place and cut:

I just love the delicate look of these dies:

Have a great day and please come back tomorrow for Wednesday Wacky!