Happy New Year!

Happy New Year, everyone!  Wow, that was probably the longest break I've ever taken from the blog. I am back from all the family and holiday "stuff."  Come back next week and check out all the new stuff I've got to show you!

Sick

:-{

Stylin' Stampin' Squad Blog Hop: Mar 2012

It's time for our monthly Blog Hop!  I'm very excited to share my projects with you today.  If you just came from Shellie's Blog, welcome!  This month's theme is Easter/Spring/Baby/St. Patrick's Day.  Wow, that was a mouthful.  I'm so ready for arrival of Spring, that I decided to make my card a Spring card.

I know you're scratching your head thinking, didn't this stamp set retire with the last Occasions Mini?  Well, the physical stamp set did, yes.  But what I'm using is the Digital Stamp Brush Set, which NEVER RETIRES!!!  How stinkin' awesome is that?!  Last year I did a whole series of Digital Easter Blossoms, because I just love it so much.  I'm so happy to be able to bring her out again this year.  BTW, you, too, can have this stamp brush set (#124436), for only $3.95!  You can order it online via MY STORE.  And if you haven't tried My Digital Studio software yet, Stampin' Up! is now offering a free 30-day trial for it!  You can read all about it HERE.  Although the trial does not come with much in the way of content, digital downloads are so inexpensive, you can purchase and download a couple to play with.  Plus, you can download it right away after you place your order.  Talk about instant gratification!

My Supplies List (all supplies and images by Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted):

Stamp Set(s): Easter Blossoms (Digital)

Ink: Crumb Cake, Soft Suede

Papers: Bashful Blue, Blushing Bride, Beau Chateau DSP

Accessories: Labels Framelits, Blushing Bride Ruffled Satin ribbon, Oval punch, Scallop Oval punch

Now, with arrival of Spring comes the arrival of Allergy Season.  Can't leave home without your Kleenex!

Now you can tote your tissues in this fabulously cute Tissue Holder.  You can find the tutorial HERE.  I don't know why I didn't do this as my very first sewing project ever.  It's so easy, you can easily make several at once.  The fabric is from the Twitterpated suite.

You know what else arrives with Spring?  Baby animals!

What do you think of this special SU fabric-outfitted baby owl?  Pretty cute, huh?  You know where I got the pattern???  Our MDS program!  Did you know that there is a punch download available for our Two-Step Owl (#122153)?  I called it up in MDS, enlarged it as big as I wanted.  I gave it a mat, so I can see the outline.  Printed it out and that became my pattern!  It's only $0.95 for the digital download.  It's got to be the cheapest pattern out there for the cutest owl out there!  For the eyes, I used Circles #2 die for the Big Shot.  For its beak, I just cut a piece of felt and put it behind the eyes and shirt.  I didn't bother with its feet, because it was too hard to cut out.

Well, that's the end of this stop.  If you like what I've made here, please feel free to look around my blog.  And if you like me enough, please follow me, subscribe to my blog or Pin me!   Next up is Creative Pam.  Go on over and see what she's got in store for you!

        

Blog Hop Participants:

1. Shellie G. of Creative Electica
2. Annie L. of Love Me Cards  <--- You are here!
3. Pam S. of Stampin' in the Sun!
4. Nancy B. of Lady Stamps a Lot
5. Anji C. of Altered Scraps Blog
6. Rose C. of Stamp with Rose
7. Tonya B. of Stampin' with Tonya
8. Amanda H. of Live Laugh Craft
9. Dawn S. of Dawn's Creative Chalet
10. Patricia T. of Sunnyone Stampin'
11. Heather W. of Heather's Stampin' Blog
12. Pamela W. of Stinky Tofu
13. Linda O. of Stamp at Linda's
14. Marla R. of Marla's Stampin' Spot
15. Michele M. of Michele's Stampin' Blog
16. Darcy J. of DJ's Stampin' Place
17. Nicole B. of Creations by Mommy
18. Pam S. of Sunny Girl Scraps
19. Kim R. of Stamping with Kim

Digital Birthday

Today's card is inspired by Patty.  I've seen several cards that uses the Hello Doily big stamp as background.  Much to my delight, this stamp is available as a digital stamp!  As I was playing with My Digital Studio and trying to CASE Patty's card, I realized I didn't have a current flower set that is like what Patty used.  I then went through the Idea Book & Catalog and realized that Fabulous Florets is available as a digital stamp brush set.  It had been on my wish list that I totally forgot about.  Oops.  :)  Anyways, I quickly purchased it and downloaded it into my computer, and put this together.  I was able to put together 12 cards in a very short time.  I love using MDS!  The only thing that's stamped is the Birthday greeting.

Bonus: this card mails flat, because Seam Binding Ribbon is so thin!  Woo-hoo!  Only a regular First Class stamp is required.

My Supplies List (all supplies and images by Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted):

Stamp Set(s): Hello Doily (MDS), Fabulous Florets (MDS), Sincere Salutations

Ink: Crumb Cake, Pacific Point, Melon Mambo, Pear Pizzazz

Papers: Melon Mambo

Accessories: Pear Pizzazz Seam Binding ribbon

All Things Stampin' Up! Blog Hop

Welcome to the first-ever Blog Hop I have participated in!!! I hope you'll like these projects, 'cause I sure loved making these. :) And of course, PLEASE show me some love by leaving me a comment. Thank you!

First, I'd like to show you the projects as an ensemble.

With Thanksgiving this week, I thought I'd make some things that are appropriate for the occasion.  The first is a Hostess Appreciation card. :)  I actually don't have anything in the Domestic Goddess suite.  So I downloaded the paper and the stamp brush set digitally.  The beauty of using digital paper is that I only have to print as much as I need, so there's no ink wastage.  Another bonus for this particular stamp brush set?  Each utensil is its own image; unlike the stamp in the catalog, which is a set of 1.

My Supplies List (all supplies and images by Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted):
Stamp Set(s): Now You're Cookin' (digital stamp brush set, #123149)

Ink: Calypso Coral

Papers: Pool Party, Calypso Coral, Domestic Goddess DSP (digital, #122355)
Accessories: Pool Party Ruffled ribbon, Designer Frames embossing folder

Now, with a big dinner ahead of you, you will need to have place cards for everyone at the table.  This is my version.  I used the Top Note Die and Two Tags die for this.

My Supplies List (all supplies and images by Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted):

Stamp Set(s): Gently Falling

Ink: Soft Suede, Cherry Cobbler, Cajun Craze
Papers: Pool Party, More Mustard, Spice Cake DSP
Accessories: Top Note die, Two Tags die, Corner rounder punch, Modern Label punch, Word Window punch, Pool Party Ruffled ribbon, sponge

Lastly, a small party favor.  This is made by cutting a piece of DSP down to 5 1/2" by 8 1/2".  Using the Simply Score board, place the INSIDE of the box facing up.  Score at 2", 4", 6" and 8".  Turn 90-degrees, and score at 2".  See further instructions HERE.

My Supplies List (all supplies and images by Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted):

Stamp Set(s): Hodgepodge Happiness (retired)

Ink: Pool Party
Papers: Pear Pizzazz, Pool Party, Spice Cake DSP
Accessories: 1 3/8" circle punch, Scalloped Oval punch, Scallop Edge border punch, Crop-a-Dile, Pool Party Ruffled ribbon

That's the conclusion of my offerings for this blog hop.  I hope you enjoyed spending time here.

          

Here's a list of participants:

1. Shellie Hepner Grindy www.creativeeclectica.com

2. Annie Lee http://lovemecard.blogspot.com/  <---- You are here

3. Pam Steckman http://stampininthesun77.blogspot.com/

4. Nancy Berg http://ladystampsalot.blogspot.com/

5. Rose Villarreal Castillo www.stampwithrose.blogspot.com

6. Tonya L Ball www.stampinwithtonya.blogspot.com

7. Chelsea Malouf http://a-chelsea-morning.blogspot.com/

8. Dawn Snowangel http://dawnscreativechalet.blogspot.com/
9. Erin Bradley-Hindman www.erinbh.typepad.com

MDS Scrapbook Page

Super quick scrapbook page using the free download offered this past week by Stampin' Up!  This took no time at all.  I probably had a harder time selecting the pictures.  If you want to learn more about My Digital Studio software, just contact me!

Digital Christmas Lodge

I signed up on LeeAnn Greff's 12 Weeks of Christmas newsletter a couple of weeks ago.  For Week #3, it was a gorgeous card using Christmas Lodge stamp set and couple of other techniques.  I was completely smitten with this card that I had to replicate it.  The only problem is I DON'T HAVE CHRISTMAS LODGE!!!  Aaaaargh!  My Digital Studio comes to the rescue again!  This stamp set is available as a digital download (#125611).  Halelujah!  I printed the Lodge on River Rock and we're in business!  I really wanted to be able to print the big tree and the sentiment from the same set on the base layer.  But my printer does not allow printing all the way to the edge.  It would look kinda funny with a cut off tree, yet with a border, so I had to go without.  To improvise, I used the tall tree from Lovely as a Tree, and the sentiment from Four the Holidays.

Other cool things about this card.  I got to use my Texturez Plate.  I haven't used it in ages.  But it's a softer look than the embossing folders, since the impressions are not as deep.  Lastly, about that snow.  I simply followed LeeAnn's instructions.  First you use the Signo White GelPen to color in the snow.  Wait for it to dry.  Then I used Dazzling Diamond (glitter glue) all over the white.  Put it aside to dry.  That's it.  Isn't just a simple simple card for awesome effect?

Let me tell you another secret.  Since I was waiting for the Lodge piece to dry, I had put together the rest of the elements of the card.  Even without the Lodge piece, the rest of the card actually looks very elegant, too!  Super easy, easily reproducible for mass producing your holiday cards.  Just another option for ya!

My Supplies List (all supplies and images by Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted):

Stamp Set(s): Christmas Lodge (MDS), Lovely as a Tree, Four the Holidays

Ink: River Rock, Bravo Burgundy

Papers: River Rock, Bravo Burgundy

Accessories: Texturz Plate, Crochet Trim ribbon, Signo white gelpen, Dazzling Diamond

Teachers Gifts

I had some clear-mount cases lying around.  I've been wanting to do this for a long time.  I thought these might be perfect for my daughter's new teachers, so I got busy.

 The cover piece is DSP cut at 7" x 10".  I used My Digital Studio to design the "notes" layer.

This is the inside.  The pocket on the left is made with 5 1/2" x 6".  With 5 1/2" side on top, score 1/4" on each side.  With 6" on top, score at 3".  Fold the score lines and apply tape on the 1/4" portions.  Use a circle punch to create a notch.

Another option, is using the same DSP as the front piece, after you cut the 7" x 10" for the cover, use 1/2 of the bigger left over piece to create the envelope.  This piece is 5" x 6".  With 5" on top, score 1/4" on each side.  With 6" on top, score at 3".  With the 7" x 2" piece left over, you can cut it down to 5" x 2" and cover the top of the notepad.

I got the notepads from Office Depot.  The size I got is 5" x 8", in a pack of 12.  I then took it to the Business Center counter and asked them to cut the pads down an inch.  The cutting only cost me $1.25 for the whole pack.  You could also get the 4" x 6" notepads and possibly have room left over for a pen, too.  Just have to remember to get skinny pens, so they'll fit in the case when closed.

New Digital Downloads Available

These are coming so fast, I can hardly keep up!  For all digital downloads contained in the software and additional downloads through end of January, you can find them in the new MDS Downloads Catalog HERE.

For February:
February 1, 2011
February 8, 2011
February 15, 2011
February 22, 2011

For March:
March 1, 2011
March 8, 2011
March 15, 2011
March 22, 2011
March 29, 2011

You can only purchase digital downloads online through MY STORE.  Stampin' Up!'s digital downloads can work outside of My Digital Studio software.  It will work with any photo editing software that can take .jpeg or .png files.  These are great deals if you would like to try out some Stampin' Up! exclusive papers or images.  As always, feel free to CONTACT ME if you have any questions!

Cupcake Birthday Bash Event!

CUPCAKE BIRTHDAY BASH!

APRIL 16, 2011 10AM @ Annie's House

We will make 6 Cards and projects.

Why?  Because no one can make just one cupcake card!

CUPCAKE BUNDLES: 

    

CLASS ONLY:  $15 or FREE with $25+ order (before S/H/T) placed between now and day of class

CUPCAKE CLEAR STAMP SET OR PUNCH ONLY:  $20, W/CLASS $30

        (ADD $8 FOR WOOD-MOUNT)  

CUPCAKE CLEAR STAMP SET AND PUNCH:  $40, CLASS IS FREE!

        (ADD $8 FOR WOOD-MOUNT)      

                  

*Add papers and/or inkpads to qualify for free Sale-a-Bration item for each $50+ order!

**Please bring your own adhesive.  You can add SNAIL adhesive to your order and will be available for you at the Bash.

Please RSVP with your bundle choice.

Payment must be received by by 3/27/11 to reserve your space and place order for SAB benefits.

***If I get more than $150 in orders by 3/27/11 for this event, I will randomly draw a name to receive a Level 1 Hostess stamp set!  If I get more than $300 in orders, there will be surprises for EVERYONE!  Contact me NOW.

If you would like to make these cards, but cannot make it to my house at this time, I can prepare a Card Kit for you to assemble at home, along with instructions emailed to you.  You can pick up the kit at my house, or I can drop it off for you.  If you need me to mail it to you, please add $4.75.

Click on the flier to see bigger image.  Made with My Digital Studio.

Easter Blossoms - DIGITAL Day #10

I think this is the last day of this series.  I really, really, really hope this set comes back in the new 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog.  I can't get enough of this set!  Well, since the Occasions Catalog runs through end of April, you just might see a few more of these cards in the near future!  I just don't want you to be sick of my blog. :D

This card is CASE'd from Jill.  I only changed a couple of elements.  I don't have the Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder, so I used Finial Press embossing folder.  I also added 1/8" Marina Mist Taffeta ribbon.  Lastly, I added some flowers from the Punch Pack with Pearls.  I sponged the embossed layer, the main image and the sentiment.

Also CASE'd from Jill.  I used Corner Rounder punch and scrunched the ribbon, instead of tying in a knot.

 I'm not sure exactly where the inspiration for this one came from, or is it CASE'd?  Or, did I actually design this one myself???  I kind of doubt it.  But I can't find where I might have gotten the idea from.  If you know, please kindly let me know and I will credit the original post.

This came about partly because I had a piece of this embossed scrap and can't stand to waste it.  I also wanted to try out the new Vanilla Rosettes that I got.  I colored it using our Stampin' Write marker.  It is soooo easy!  And stunning, isn't it?  I also love that I can tear our cardstock, and there's no white core showing through.  Our cardstock is dyed all the way through.  Wait, I just realized this is not Easter Blossoms.  Oh well.  It's still pretty using the Springtime Vintage DSP.

My Supplies List (all supplies and images by Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted):

Stamp Set(s): Easter Blossoms (digital download), Punch Bunch (FREE Sale-a-Bration set)

Ink: Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Baja Breeze

Papers: Marina Mist, Early Espresso, Baja Breeze, Always Artichoke, Crumb Cake, Springtime Vintage DSP

Accessories: Finial Press embossing folder, Marina Mist 1/8" Taffeta ribbon, Punch Pack,  Basic Pearls, Scalloped Oval punch, Oval punch, Corner Rounder, Crumb Cake Seam Binding ribbon, Baja Breeze Seam Binding ribbon, Scallop Circle punch, Vanilla Rosette, Elegant Lines embossing folder