Hi all!  Just a few newsy things in the Stampin' Up! world while we are headed into September...September? (Can you believe it?)

Beginning tomorrow, September 1, 2012,
you will get a  a FREE package of 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon with every $40 purchase. Choose from any of the 2012-2014 In Colors!
NO LIMIT! 
A spool of the 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon,
FREE with each $40 in product purchase.

Back to Spool Promotion
Begins September 1, 2012

AND...

This Spook-tacular promotion for new demonstrators
has been extended until September 16, 2012!

  Join my ink and inspirations Team of Stampin' Up! Demonstrators
by September 16, 2012,
and receive this precious Spook-tacular FREE gift with your Starter Kit...
the Howl-o-ween Printer’s Tray project kit absolutely FREE—a $60 value!

Start your own business as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator with a fully customizable Starter Kit for $99! 

• Your choice of up to $125 worth of any current Stampin' Up! products!
• A business supply pack valued at $65!.

Visit my Stampin' Up! Demonstrator business site HERE to learn more; or call me at, 409-719-2853, or e-mail me for more information!

One more bit of news!

31% Off Digital for 31 Days (+ some!)

Get 31% off 31 digital content options and most of our print products for all 31 days now extended through September 14, 2012! With digital goods on sale and the 30-day FREE trial of the software, August is the perfect time for them to enter the digital designing craze and see what it's all about.

What's on sale?
ALL cards, photobooks, individual pages, and tags!
That's right: print any photobook, board book, swatchbook, individual pages, greeting card, postcard, trifold card, or tag-all for 31% off.

PLUS, some of our best digital content. 30 downloads and 1 content disc!

Don't miss out on this 31% off Digital Special good now through September 14, 2012!

Stampin' Up! Toxic Treats Halloween Card

Hi All!  It's so late...I know!  But, before my head hits the pillow tonight, I wanted to share this Halloween card using Toxic Treats.  This set is in the Holiday Catalog but the image on this card was created In MDS2, printed, then used on this traditional paper card.  I purcased the Haunts and Harvest CD with oodles of digital images and embellishments.  

Love using My Digital Studio to produce quick and easy hybrid cards!  If you need information on any of the projects mentioned, leave a comment and I'll post the info.

Thanks for checking in; but, now...Zzzzzzzzzzz.

Stampin' Up! Patio Party Welcome Banner

Just a little update on the most recent banner I've made for my "back door" to greet our guests. I made this one using the Perfect Pennants Bigz Banner and my alphabet die.  This particular die is no longer available but there's a super one in the annual catalog that includes numbers as well...Typeset Alphabet Bigz (127553). Super set!

The designer paper is the Stampin' Up! Patio Party with fun and cheery colors and super patterns.  Just right for the end of summer before getting the fall colors out!

Banners are a fun way to decorate your home using your paper crafting supplies. 

Discover how you can create banners for your home, weddings, special occasions, holidays, or parties in my Online Banner Class.

The Online Banner Class contains six (6) step by step videos for you to view at your convenience. 

Order now!  You will receive an email with instructions to access the class within 48 hours.

ink and inspirations
Banner Online Video Class - $24.95

Bridal Banner, ink and inspirations

Valentine Banner, ink and inspirations

Christmas Banner, ink and inspirations

Halloween Banner

Get ready for the fall and holiday season!  Sign up today!

ink and inspirations
Banner Online Video Class - $24.95

Stampin' Up! Halloween Scalloped Envelope Treat Box
Video Tutorial

Hello All!  Today, I'm sharing the how-to for this Stampin' Up! Halloween Scalloped Envelope Treat Box that was featured HERE on my blog.

Watch the video below and let me know if you have questions!
Please share with your friends using one of the social networking buttons below the post; and, be sure to visit ink and inspirations on Facebook and "like" our page!

Stampin' Up! Halloween Scalloped Envelope Treat Box Video Tutorial

Stampin' Up! Spooky Bingo Bits and Scalloped Envelopes Pair Up for this Halloween Treat Holder

I've seen this darling Stampin' Up! Scalloped Envelope box time and again so I decided that I needed to create something fun for Halloween to share!

It's super easy with the Scalloped Envelope Bigz Die, a couple of cuts to make it all fit, and a little embellishing and you have a sweet little box that anyone would love to receive.

Tomorrow, I'll have a video tutorial so that you can follow along and make your own.
Are your receiving your weekly emails with video tutorials in my 12 Weeks of Halloween?  If not, be sure to sign up HERE! As a member of my list you'll also receive ink and inspirations monthly newsletter, first notice of Stampin' Up! specials and sales, as well as ink and inspirations special offers!

Read on for tips on this project...

inklings:

• The Spooky Bingo Bits stamp set used here allows for easy stamping!  Love, love, love it!  It's available in wood and clear mount.
• When using designer paper in your Big Shot with dies that have scoring marks such as one; cut only one at a time to avoid cutting through on the creased lines.
• Those thin, crumpled strips card stock used as filler really add to the projects overall appearance. That extra pop if color is awesome!
• The 1 1/4" and 1 3/8" Circle punches are just the right size for these images. Speeds up the whole process, too!

Applies not just to business, but to every aspect of life...don't you think?

It's about effort...

Keep This Memory- My Digital Studio

Some moments you just want to hold in your memory forever.  This is one of those moments for me.  Dad and daughter sharing a moment in time. 

This is where My Digital Studio shines.  Easily framing those photos of precious moments you want to remember forever.  This one will join other pages in my One Little Word/ A Day in the Life 2012 Digital Project.

Look for a companion page to accompany this one some time soon!

Here are a few of the digital elements I used on this page...
Background
     Designer Series Paper/_Designer Kits/Vintage Overlays - designer series paper/Vintage Overlays - texture 3

Embellishments
    _Designer Kits/Keep This Memory - embellishments/Keep This Memory - red stripes (re-colored)
    Staple & Stitching/Whisper White - Stitching Straight
    Staple & Stitching/Whisper White - Stitching Straight
    Staple & Stitching/Whisper White - Stitching Straight
    _Designer Kits/Keep This Memory - embellishments/Keep This Memory - title ticket
    _Designer Kits/Keep This Memory - embellishments/Keep This Memory - banner (re-colored)
    _Designer Kits/Keep This Memory - embellishments/Keep This Memory - tag 3 (re-colored)
    _Designer Kits/Keep This Memory - embellishments/Keep This Memory - love arrow

Punches
    Basics/1.25 Square Punch

Try the MDS2 (My Digital Studio 2) FREE for 30 days! More details HERE!

Stampin' Up! Greeting Card Kids Back to School Gift Box

Hi All and Happy Friday!

If you saw my post here yesterday, I shared some easy notepads that I made with that fun Storytime Designer Series Paper from Stampin' Up!  I love the images in this set of papers.  Lots of fun possibilities for making some quick gifts or gift packaging.

Today's project is one of our Kraft Gift Boxes (4 for $2.95) using this same Storytime paper and this cute little image from the Greeting Card Kids (wood, clear) set.

The image was colored with our markers and Aqua Painters on watercolor paper.  An Aqua Painter is brush with a little "plastic well" that you fill with water.  When you squeeze the well, the water flows down to the brush and this allows you to watercolor by moving the color around that you apply with markers. Makes you feel like an artist!

The little pleated medallion in the corner was cut with the Bigz XL Designer Rosette Die. The Midnight Muse (deep blue) backing was also cut with the Big Shot and the Scallop Square Duo Die.

This little box would be cute filled with peppermints for the teacher's desk!  It's even large enough to hold a small apple!

Let me know if you have questions about this back to school teacher gift or any of my projects.  Thanks for stopping by!

FREE Howl-o-ween Project Kit
when you join Stampin' Up! in August!

Call me at 409-719-2853 or e-mail me if you'd like to learn more about becoming a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator!

Fun Notepads for Back to School
Featuring Stampin' Up! Storytime Designer Paper

Back to school for kids here in our town is on Monday!  The summer flew by for me so I'm sure it feels like that to students even more so!

Today and tomorrow, I'll be sharing the last of my Back-to-School gift/fun ideas; but this Storytime Designer Paper is so fun; perfect to have on hand  for any time during the school year!  Click to Tweet

These little notepads are super simple to create!  No kidding...make one in about 15 minutes! 

• Just fold over strips of copy paper with designer paper cut about 1/4" longer and wider than your white copy paper. 
• Staple in the middle with an open stapler on a cushion or pillow.
• Bend the ends of the staple closed to bind your book.
• Embellish the front of your notebook with images from the designer paper, stamped images, buttons, etc.
• Giving as a gift? Group 2 or 3 together and tie with a ribbon. Sweet!

You can find the Storytime paper and other supplies to create this easy project in the Online Store.  While you're there, be sure to check out the Clearance Rack for some great deals!  Let me know if you have questions or need help with your order!

See you tomorrow with one more Back-to-School gift project! Stamp happy!

Back-to-School Masculine Gift for Teachers

Back to school time, right?  So, I wanted to share a masculine project and here are two little notebooks created from the Natural Compostion Specialty Paper, Friendship Preserves (wood, clear) stamp set, and a bit of the Core'dinations card stock.

I used Soft Suede and Early Espresso ink to sponge the covers and embellished with some banner pieces from the First Edition Specialty Paper and Neutrals Patterns Designer Paper Stack.

The size of the notebooks were determined according to the size of the paper I began working with. I just pulled some paper from my printer, measured the "book covers" and cut my paper accordingly so that it folded in half to fit inside.  The stars were hand sketched then cut out of the Core'dinations card stock to provide a little interest over top of the banner pieces.

Bundled Masculine Gift Set of two Notebooks

Tied together with some Linen Thread makes for a nice presentation, don't you think? 
Let me know if you have questions or need supplies!

Want to discover how easy it is to create masculine cards using your supplies?

I invite you to join me in Mainly Manly Cards.  Twice a month, you'll receive ideas to create masculine cards.  Sign up HERE!

inklings:

• The raised glossy images on the Naturals Compostion paper resists the ink when sponging!  This really accents the pattern or images.
• The color of the Naturals Composition paper is a nice kraft/ neutral and works will most colors.  Choose an accent color for sponging for more interest!
• Windows Framelits in the Holiday Catalog are the perfect match for the Friendship Perserves set. Buy the Bundle and save 15% 

Stampin' Up! You're Amazing Gift Card Holder for Back to School

This gift card holder featuring the You're Amazing stamp set is perfect for a welcome back to school teacher gift!  The following video tutorial contains the how-to with supplies and tips.

Great for any time of year; this festive and colorful card with a inside pocket will be one you'll create over and over again!

Watch the video and let me know if you have questions!

Stampin' Up! Video Tutorial You're Amazing Back to School Gift Card Holder

--->Click HERE to order your Stampin' Up! supplies in my Online Store!

Back to School Gift Card Holder- Stampin' Up! You're Amazing

Sharing another Back-to-School gift idea using Stampin' Up! You're Amazing and World Spectacular Designer Paper.  This one is a gift card holder!  How about a $5 gift card to Starbucks tucked inside? Perfect!

Last week, I shared my thoughts on the power of giving.

The gift, itself, is not what's important; it's the feeling that comes with the act of giving.  I know most of us have given of time, talent, or treasure, anonymously, and experienced that feeling of joy in knowing that you have made a difference in the day or the life of another.  And, if we all "paid it forward" what a different world this  would be.

I read a quote once that has never left me and I'm sorry to say that I am unable to give credit, but it goes like this...

If you knew what I knew
about the power of giving,
You would never let a single meal pass
Without sharing it in some way.

That's amazing! And, You're Amazing! Thank you for letting me share!

Tune in tomorrow for a Stampin' Up! video tutorial with the how-to for this back-to-school gift card.  And, the second edition of the 12 Weeks of Halloween goes out tomorrow...be sure you're on the list to receive it!

Thanks to my business coach, John Sanpietro and Dale Carnegie for this one...

Have a great Sunday!

MDS2 On the Move

I finally had some time to play with the new My Digital Studio (MDS2) last night and created this layout by starting with a designer template.  There are so many features within the program that allow you to change these great templates that are designed by the Stampin' Up! My Digital Studio design team.  Gotta love that!

A little background on this layout...

Both of our married daughters and their husbands have moved within the last month.  Talk about a whirlwind of activity and an emotional roller coaster!  I'm sure many of you have children that live "away"...some since college... but, that is not the case for us.  My husband and I have been blessed to have our daughters live close by until now.  So, needless to say, it's been quite an adjustment.  Their careers and callings have led one to Dallas and one to Baton Rouge.

This layout just seemed perfect for these two photos that I captured during the moving process.  It is our hope and prayer that they continue to reach and achieve their goals and dreams and know how very proud we are of each of them.

Thanks for letting me share. :)

Here are some details and elements of this My Digital Studio layout:

Background
     Designer Series Paper/_Designer Kits/Back to School - designer series paper/Back to School - 12

Embellishments
    _Designer Kits/Keep This Memory - frames/Keep This Memory - hexagon frame
  _Designer Kits/Keep This Memory - borders/Keep This Memory - ticket ribbon
    _Designer Kits/Keep This Memory - borders/Keep This Memory - numbers
    _Designer Kits/Keep This Memory - elements/Keep This Memory - life quote 3 (re-colored)
    _Designer Kits/Back to School - embellishments/Back to School - mixed ribbon 1 (re-colored)

Stamps
    _Designer Kits/Keep This Memory - stamps/Keep This Memory - pattern, Color = 135,53,27
    Splatters/Ink Splatters/Ink Splatter 4, Color = 0,0,0

Punches
    Basics/Hexagon Punch,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper/_Designer Kits/Back to School - designer series paper/Back to School - 9
    Basics/Hexagon Punch,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper/_Designer Kits/Back to School - designer series paper/Back to School - 2
    Basics/Hexagon Punch,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper/_Designer Kits/Back to School - designer series paper/Back to School - 1
    Large Photo Corner Punch,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper/_Designer Kits/Back to School - designer series paper/Back to School - 4
    Large Photo Corner Punch,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper/_Designer Kits/Back to School - designer series paper/Back to School - 11
    Large Photo Corner Punch,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper/_Designer Kits/Back to School - designer series paper/Back to School - 5
    Large Photo Corner Punch,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper/_Designer Kits/Back to School - designer series paper/Back to School - 4
    Large Photo Corner Punch,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper/_Designer Kits/Back to School - designer series paper/Back to School - 1
    Large Photo Corner Punch,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper/_Designer Kits/Back to School - designer series paper/Back to School - 7

You can try MDS2 FREE for 30 days. Hop on over and check out the details!

Have a great Saturday!

The NEW My Digital Studio--Try It FREE!

Digital designing has never been so easy!  The new and improved My Digital Studio (MDS2) from Stampin' Up! offers you the ease of digital crafting to fit your life and  your special moments... your way!

Take a look...

MDS 2...CLICK HERE TO TRY IT FREE!