Happy Halloween MDS-Style

I didn’t get a chance to get down and do any new stamping this week, but I wanted to post something for Halloween.  So I turned to My Digital Studio (MDS) and created this digital card in mere minutes.  I was able to create it from the comfort of my couch on my laptop using a stamp set that I don’t yet own (but just ordered)….Eat, Drink, & Be Scary (the pumpkin image).  I love how they have elements in the software program that aren’t available as actual products (i.e. basic gray brads, torn edge stamp, basic black grid patterns designer paper). 

Have you ordered your copy of MDS yet?  Order your copy here (click Shop Now to get started).

My Digital Studio, #118108, $79.95

** Or host a $400 workshop with me in November and get My Digital Studio at half-price!

My Digital Studio elements:

• Stamps: eat, drink, & be scary, fundamental phrases, ABC alphabet lower, torn edge
• Inks: only orange, basic gray, basic black
• Cardstock: only orange, basic gray, whisper white, basic black grid DSP
• Embellishments: basic gray brads
• Punches: square scallop (enlarged slightly to fit the pumpkin image)

Before & After Weight Loss Photos – 1 month

I’m so excited about the results of my weight loss that I had to share.  The photo on the left was taken the first day I started Isagenix.  The photo on the right was taken 1 month later.  At that point, I had lost 15 lbs and 32 inches.  I’ve actually just completed Day 40 on the program and I’m down 3 more pounds plus 8 more inches for a total loss of 18 lbs and 40 inches. 

If you’ve been struggling to lose weight and feel like you will never succeed, then I urge you to try this program.  I was feeling so hopeless until I found Isagenix.

Isagenix Info

I’ve had a lot of questions about & interest in Isagenix, so I thought I’d provide the information here.  The 30 Day Cleanse System is what I am using right now.  You replace 2 meals a day with an Isagenix shake and then have 1 healthy meal.  You will also be eating a healthy snack (i.e. apple, veggies) every 2 hours and drinking lots of water (1/2 your body weight in ounces).  Once a week, you will be doing a nutritional cleanse during which you drink the Isagenix Cleanse For Life liquid and eat IsaSnacks tablets and IsaDelights dark chocolates (optional).  The cleanse day will help your body eliminate toxins and impurities that you’re exposed to on a daily basis and may offer the following benefits: 

• Increased energy and endurance
• Loss of excess weight
• Increased resistance to oxidative stress
• Improved mental and physical performance
• Strengthened immune system
• Supports cardiovascular, respiratory and circulatory health
• Aids digestive health

Note: Nutrional Clenasing DOES NOT mean you have to be by a toilet all day…..that is Colon Cleansing! 

I have tried every diet you can think of and have been frustrated about being hungry "ALL" the time.  With Isagenix I can honestly say, I am NOT HUNGRY on this program!  I am also one that needs results right away, so I don't go gaining again, and this system WORKS for me!

I have LOADS more energy than before, and I can only see that getting better!  What happens is this system FLOODS your body with vitamins & nutrients that are missing in our diets (that is why we feel hungry all the time) and you will notice a difference in the first few days. 

I’ll be honest.  I debated for 3 months before starting Isagenix because I had several concerns:

• I was worried that the shakes would not fill me up.  Well, the shakes really do fill me up and you can add ice & fruit to make them more filling.
• I didn’t think I would be able to do a cleanse day since I have hypoglycemia.  The cleanse day is ALOT easier than I expected.  If I start to experience hypoglycemic symptoms, I just have a healthy snack.
• The cost of the 30-day System is somewhat pricey.  It turns out the price of the System works out to roughly $4.50 per replaced meal.  I was easily spending that by eating out and purchasing a lot of processed, prepped foods.  Besides that, I know that my health is worth this investment.  Isagenix has a 30-day money back guarantee, so I knew I could try it RISK FREE.  And if that’s not convincing enough, you can actually earn money with Isagenix and potentially get your products paid for (ask me how!).   

I sure wish I had started when I first heard about it as I’d be that much further in my weight loss journey.  Don’t let that happen to you!  Now that I’ve been on these products, I can truly say that they work!  Even if you don’t need to lose much weight, but want to be healthier and have more energy…these products will work for you too!  I am so excited about these products that I want to share it with everyone!! 

For those that have asked, I do sell Isagenix, but I would rather sign you up as an Associate.  Here's why:

1. You get a much bigger discount (Regularly $374, down to $260 for the 30-day System. 
2. You can then buy products whenever you want.
3. And even better, you can earn compensation!

I mean, I would love to keep the profit if you paid the full retail price for the 30-Day System, but I would rather you get the discount and other benefits so that you can afford to lose the weight too!  If you want, go check it out and email me if you have any questions or want to sign up! I’d love for you to join me & my growing team on this awesome journey!

http://tkieninger.isagenix.com – my Isagenix website

http://soskinnyontheinside.blogspot.com – my weight loss blog

Square Scallop Gratitude Journal

I created this gratitude journal for the 3-D swap at the demo retreat I attended last weekend.  I cased the idea from my upline, Julie Davison, who had created a similar type journal using the scallop circle die.  Our Square Scallop Clear Die, used with the Big Shot, cuts through thick chipboard like butter.  The front & back covers of the journal are made with a layer of chipboard and a layer of designer paper, glued together with our Tombow Multi-Purpose Adhesive.  Next, I cut 8-10 squares of whisper white cardstock for the inside journal pages.  Then I used the Crop-a-dile to punch through the upper corner cover & pages so that I could slide a ring through.  For decoration, I stamped a leaf image on each page of the journal.  I finished off the journal by decorating the cover & adding a polka-dot bow to the ring.

If you’d like to create similar projects from chipboard using the Big Shot & our thick dies, be sure to check out our On Board Long Board chipboard pack.  You get 6 pieces of 5-3/4 x 13-3/4” raw chipboard for just $6.95.  Item #114320

If you didn’t see the darling bag I decorated to hold the gratitude journal, then be sure to check out this post.

  Stamp sets: falling leaves; Inks: more mustard, soft suede; Cardstock: whisper white, more mustard, ruby red, autumn traditions DSP; Embellishments: always artichoke 1/4” grosgrain ribbon, soft suede polka-dot grosgrain ribbon, on board long board; Tools: big shot, square scallop bigz clear die, cutting pads, crop-a-dile; Other: tombow multi-purpose adhesive, shower ring (non-Stampin’ Up!)

Thankful Bag with Leaf Confetti

At the demonstrator retreat I attended last week, we all had the chance to bring in a packaged 3-D swap item.  Here’s the bag I used to store my swap.  I wheeled our Bright Blessings wheel along the front side of a large brown paper bag, folded the top down a few times, and tied it close with grosgrain ribbon.  For decoration, I adhered leaf die-cuts in several colors to the front of the bag.  If you look closely, you’ll see that I added faux dimension to the leaves by “drawing” leaf lines with a stylus.  Then, I added more leaf die-cuts inside the bag to serve as jumbo confetti (hopefully the recipient will be able to use them on future projects too!).  Next time you package up a gift, add some die-cuts to the bag as confetti….instant fun!

Be sure to check back tomorrow to see my actual 3-D swap!

Stamps: bright blessings wheel; Inks: soft suede; Cardstock: more mustard, ruby red, always artichoke, elegant eggplant; Embellishments: always artichoke 1/4” grosgrain ribbon; Tools: jumbo stampin’ around handle, big shot, leaves #2 die, cutting pads, stylus

Cookie Sheet Calendar

At my upline’s retreat this past weekend, a Cookie Sheet calendar class was offered.  Of course, I jumped at the chance to make this adorable monthly calendar designed by Kim.  We were able to choose our designer paper & colors, so each calendar was unique. 

The days of the week were printed out on the computer in a strip.  The letters of the month were stamped with the Jayne’s Type Alphabet & layered on scallop circle punch-outs.  The numbers of the month were printed out on the computer and layered on larger circle punch-outs, as were the special “holiday” images.  All letters, numbers, & holiday image pieces were backed with a circle magnet, which “sticks” to the cookie sheet even through the designer paper.  All of the extra letters & numbers/holiday images are stored attached to the inside (concave side) of the cookie sheet, where they are hidden until ready to be used.  We used a Crop-a-dile to punch holes in the top of the cookie sheet & then ran ribbon through it to serve as a hanger. 

Eat, Sleep, Stamp, Scrap

My 3rd upline, Kim Peck, hosted some of her downline, the ImPeckable Stampers, at a demonstrator retreat this past weekend.  Kim went all out for us organizing an event with door prizes, games, scavenger hunts, demos, swaps, displays, food, and more.  She even designed this gorgeous logo for us using My Digital Studio (MDS) and had it transferred to white t-shirts!  Love it!  Have you purchased your copy of MDS, yet?….the possibilities are endless!  Thanks for an awesome time, Kim!

Wonderful Willow, Page 2

Sorry for the lack of posts.  I left for a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator retreat, hosted by my 3rd upline, on Friday and just got home tonight.  I spent the weekend scrapbooking and doing a cookie sheet calendar class.  So, the good news is that I’ll have plenty of new stuff to post in the coming days.     

I’m finally getting around to posting the 2nd page for my Wonderful Willow layout.  To see the first page, click here.

Inks: tempting turquoise, chocolate chip, summer sun; Cardstock: pacific point, tempting turquoise, good morning sunshine DSP, chocolate chip  & pacific point prints pattern DSP; Embellishments: chocolate chip jumbo brads, so tweet on board chipboard; Tools: stampin’ sponge

Weight-Loss Update & a Challenge!

I’m interrupting our regular stamping broadcast with an update on my weight-loss adventure.  It’s been 1 month since I started on Isagenix and I’m excited to say that

I’ve lost 16 lbs and 33+ inches! 

Woo hoo!  I’ve posted before and after photos on my So Skinny on the Inside weight loss blog as well as the changes I’ve experienced, so go over there and check it out.  I also have a challenge for you:

Try Isagenix RISK FREE for 30 days and join me on my journey! What do you have to lose.....besides the weight?!!

Check out my blog and if you have questions or want to get started, email me for details!

Grateful Wreath

Stacey’s Curtain Call Color Challenge Act 6 was up last week and though I did a card for the challenge, I missed the deadline as I’m just posting the card tonight.  Funny…the winner of the challenge happened to do a leafy wreath design too (though hers is prettier than mine!). 

I used my new Falling Leaves stamp set & Bright Blessings wheel.  Love ‘em!  Stamp sets: falling leaves, bright blessings wheel; Inks: mellow moss, dusty durango, ruby red, so saffron; Cardstock: so saffron, mellow moss, very vanilla, dusty durango; Embellishments: mellow moss 1/4” grosgrain ribbon, rich regals brads; Tools: stampin’ around handle, paper snips, paper piercer & mat

Technorati Tags: falling leaves,bright blessings,curtain call color challenge

Wonderful Willow 12x12

I completed this 12x12 scrapbook page back in September.  This is the first page of the 2-page layout.  It features photos of Seth & Mia while we were in vacation in Baraboo, WI this past June.  They had a huge willow tree that the kids just love to play under.  Stay tuned for the 2nd page.

Stamp set: cheep talk; Inks: chocolate chip, pacific point; Cardstock: tempting turquoise, pacific point, whisper white, good morning sunshine DSP, tempting turquoise patterns print, chocolate chip patterns print DSP; Embellishments: chipboard, rub-ons, tempting turquoise 1/4” grosgrain ribbon; Non-stampin’ up!: electronic die-cut machine

Happy Anniversary, Honey

Brian and I celebrated our 11th anniversary on October 3rd with a shopping trip at the Galleria and the nearby Crate and Barrel, followed by dinner at Maggiano’s in St. Louis.  My mom was kind enough to watch the kids and give us a much-needed break. 
I knew that a special card was in order for our anniversary, so I broke out the Sweet Treats stamp set and coordinating Sweet Cups.  Rather than adding candy to the cups, I added some retired Stampin’ Up! beads that I’d been hoarding.  So that he could still read the greeting (I {heart} YOU) inside the cup, I only filled the cup part-way…..….shaker-style.  To give the card a masculine feel, I added herringbone texture and placed the ribbon so it was polka-dot side down.  Needless to say, he loved it.
Stamp sets: sweet centers, teeny tiny wishes; Inks: bermuda bay; Cardstock: bermuda bay, soft suede, whisper white; Embellishments: bermuda bay polka-dot grosgrain ribbon, beads; Tools: big shot, multipurpose platform, impressions pad, silicone rubber, stampin’ up! backgrounds I texturz plates

Scrapbooking 101: Coordinating Pages in a 2-Page Layout

Today’s post features the 2nd page of my 2-page layout (see my last post for Page 1).  I tend to work on one page at a time when I’m scrapbooking and when it comes time to create the 2nd page of a 2-page layout, I like to tie them together.  Here are a few tips for coordinating your pages in a 2-page layout:

1. Use the same color cardstock as the base for both pages.  I made both of my bases black.
2. If you are using designer paper, use it on both pages.  I used the swirly pattern paper & the snowflake pattern paper on both of my pages.
3. Use similar embellishments on both pages.  I used 2 red brads on both pages.
4. Duplicate part of your 1st page on your 2nd page.  I used a full page of color blocking on my 1st page and then mimicked the look on the 2nd page with a smaller “color block” created with 2 photos and my journaling strip. 

For additional Scrapbooking 101 posts, click here.

Inks: basic black; Cardstock: whisper white, basic black; Embellishments: bold brights brads, real red 1/4” grosgrain ribbon, rub-on; Non-Stampin’ Up!: patterned paper

Technorati Tags: scrapbooking 101,12x12 layouts,12x12 scrapbook page

Scrapbooking 101: Color Blocking Layouts

If you’re stuck on thinking of new layout ideas, you can’t go wrong with a basic color blocking look.  Just place your pictures at random intervals around the page and use several different styles of patterned paper or cardstock to create “blocks” either up and down or across your page.  My Christmas Elf page uses the color blocking technique and because of the various patterns throughout the page, few embellishments are needed.  I’ll post the 2nd page of this layout tomorrow. 

For additional Scrapbooking 101 posts, click here.

Stamp set: season of joy; Inks: basic black; Cardstock: real red, whisper white, basic black; Embellishments: bold brights brads, playground designer buttons, black hemp twine; Non-Stampin’ Up!: patterned paper & die-cut machine

Technorati Tags: season of joy,scrapbooking 101,12x12 layouts,12x12 scrapbook page,designer buttons

MDS: Weight Loss Blog Make-over

I started a new weight loss journey 3 weeks ago and have been documenting my progress in a blog ever since.  Now that I have Stampin’ Up!’s My Digital Studio, I couldn’t wait to do a blog make-over.  Go check out my new blog banner & blog background.  While you’re there, I encourage you to read through a few posts to find out more about my life on the Isagenix 30-day Cleansing and Fat-Burning System.

So Skinny on the Inside

I’m looking for a few partners to join me in my Isagenix venture….whether you want to lose weight and feel great or earn money (or both!).  Try Isagenix RISK FREE for 30 days and you’ll be amazed!  Email me if you have questions, want to make a purchase, or want to become my partner.  I’d appreciate it too if you’d forward my blog address to any friends and family who want to give it a shot. 

 

Give Thanks Card

Here’s the final card that we stamped at my Stamp Club last month.  Though I changed just about everything else, the layout was CASE’d from my upline Julie Davison, who in turn had CASE’d it from someone else.  You can see Julie’s beautiful card here.

We used our gorgeous Autumn Traditions Designer Series Paper, Holiday Best hostess stamp set (greeting), and Autumn Days stamp set (leaf).  To cut out the large circular piece of cardstock, we used the Circle Scissors Plus and Glass Mat.

• Autumn Days stamp set, #115452, $23.95
• Autumn Traditions DSP, #115668, $9.95
• Circle Scissors Plus, #112530, $29.95
• Glass Mat, #112531, $$19.95

Click HERE to order these or other Stampin’ Up! products online, anytime!

Stamp set: holiday best, autumn days; Inks: soft suede, ruby red, elegant eggplant; Cardstock: kraft, whisper white, elegant eggplant; Embellishments: elegant eggplant 1/4” grosgrain ribbon; Tools: scallop edge punch, circle scissors plus, glass mat

Technorati Tags: holiday best,autumn days,circle scissors plus,glass mat,scallop edge punch,autumn traditions designer paper

My Digital Studio: JDRF Walk 12x12

My copy of our new My Digital Studio software arrived today and I finally found time to get it loaded this evening.  I couldn’t resist making a page to share.  This is a page from a ready-made scrapbook album already bundled in the software.  All I did was replace a heart embellishment inside the scallop circle with the title (JDRF walk), reduce the size of the bottom photo and center it under the top photo, and add/format the text.  Super easy and I was done in less than 15 minutes (and that’s only because it was my very first time using the software, so it took a little time to figure out where things are located and to locate where to export my page).

You’ve gotta see this software to believe it.  Trust me, you’re gonna love it.  The software comes bundled with tons of digital elements exclusive to Stampin’ Up!: cardstock, designer paper, punches, ribbon, brads/buttons/hodgepodge hardware, stamps, simply scrappin’ kits, and much, much more! 

• My Digital Studio, 118108, $79.95

Click HERE to order these or other Stampin’ Up! products online, anytime!

Don’t forget: you have 2 additional options for getting this software:

1) host a $400 workshop and get My Digital Studio for 1/2 price, or

2) sign up as a demonstrator with our new Digital+ Starter Kit (besides stamping & business supplies, this kit includes My Digital Studio!) 

Email me for book a date for your catalog party or if you have questions about signing up.

Technorati Tags: my digital studio,my digital studio scrapbook page,mds page

Ornament Side Step Card

This adorable card, which we stamped during Stamp Club last month, was CASE’d from my talented upline Julie Davison.  I changed the colors a bit and switched the side that the side step was on.  You can see Julie’s card and a tutorial for making this fun fold card here.

I love how our new Ornament Punch coordinates with the Delightful Decorations stamp set.  For the greeting, my stampers had their pick of 4 greetings from the Four the Holidays stamp set.  All of these products are available in our Holiday mini catalog.

• Delightful Decorations stamp set, #116517, $21.95
• Ornament Punch, #116794, $15.95
• Four the Holidays stamp set, #116921, $13.95

Click HERE to order these or other Stampin’ Up! products online, anytime!

Stamp sets: four the holidays, delightful decorations; Inks: real red, not quite navy, old olive; Cardstock: real red, whisper white; Embellishments: earth elements brads  

Technorati Tags: four the holidays,delightful decorations,ornament punch,side step card

Isagenix - Week 2 Weight Loss Update

Saturday wrapped up Week 2 on Isagenix and I’m so excited to say that I’m down 10.6 pounds & 18 inches!!!

Besides being the easiest system I’ve ever tried to lose weight, it’s also been the fastest. And the best part is that I’m not hungry and I feel better than I have in years!  Even though it's not stamping related, I just had to share my news! 

Regardless of what the scale or tape says, I feel AMAZING! It’s been kind of like an awakening. I have SO MUCH ENERGY and NO SUGAR CRAVINGS. Since starting Isagenix, my only beverage has been water and I’ve had no cakes/cookies/desserts, yet I DON’T FEEL DEPRIVED at all. What a change for someone who WAS ADDICTED TO SUGAR. I no longer have bouts of complete exhaustion like before. My mood is much more stable and I feel like a MENTAL FOG HAS BEEN LIFTED. My brain is functioning in a much clearer, focused state. It’s like my body has been waiting for me to feed it the proper food and now that I am, it’s running like a well-oiled machine. The weight loss is an added bonus.

By the way, my mother just signed up and started her first day on the system Saturday…go Mom!  And if you want to follow my progress, check out my new weight loss blog.
 
If you have questions about Isagenix or want to join me on my journey to health, email me or go to my Isagenix website. I am really excited to share these products with you because I know that they can CHANGE YOUR LIFE!

Scrapbooking 101: Tone on Tone Paper

For this page, I wanted to use a strip of Always Artichoke cardstock across the top.  Had I left it plain, it would have been too stark and boring.  So, I created tone on tone paper by stamping an image across the cardstock using the same color ink.  It’s a great way to get the look you want in patterned paper because you pick the color and images.

Sorry this picture turned out so bad.  I'll try to get another one posted.  See my previous post for the first page to this Fall Fun layout. 

Stamp sets: jayne’s type alphabet, baroque motifs; Inks: always artichoke; Cardstock: always artichoke, more mustard, ruby red, elegant eggplant, kraft, autumn traditions DSP; Embellishments: elegant eggplant 1/4” grosgrain ribbon; Tools: square punches, big shot, leaves #2 originals die, cutting pads, stylus

Technorati Tags: big shot,leaves #2 die,jayne's type alphabet,baroque motifs,12x12 layouts,12x12 scrapbook page

Deal of the Week is Back

The Deal of the Week is back for the month of October!

This week it is all about punches.  Choose one of the featured punches and receive 30% off. These punches are only on sale through Sunday of this week.

 

5-Petal Flower Punch, #109041, $10.99

My Way Punch, #110709, $11.99

Trio Flower Punch, #109183, $10.99

Please order online or email me to place your orders. Don't forget that if you order online, you can take advantage of the Stampin’ Up! Clearance Rack!

Technorati Tags: deal of the week,stampin' up!,order stampin' up!

Scrapbooking 101: Faux Dimension For Your Die-Cuts

My scrapbookers stamped this cute 12x12 scrapbook page earlier this week at stamp club.  I found a sketch for the layout online.  I’m loving those leaves die-cut with the Big Shot and our Leaves #2 Originals Die, the Jayne’s Type alphabet, and the Autumn Traditions Designer Series Paper. 

If you look at the close-up, you’ll notice that we used the Stylus to “draw” leaf lines on the leaves to give them a 3-D look.  Use a stylus to draw patterns on your other die-cut shapes to give them faux dimension 

Stay tuned for the 2nd page of this layout.  For more Scrapbooking 101 posts, click here. 

 Stamp set: jayne’s type alphabet; Inks: always artichoke; Cardstock: always artichoke, more mustard, ruby red, elegant eggplant, kraft autumn traditions DSP; Tools: stylus, big shot, cutting pads, leaves #2 originals die

Technorati Tags: big shot,leaves #2 die,scrapbooking 101,jayne's type alphabet,autumn traditions designer paper