MDS: Hello Friend Card

Friday was my day off, so I spent a little time scrapbooking.  I had planned to scrapbook most of the day but my doctor visit ran late, I had to make a few phone calls, and my laundry was mounded up.  I’m sure you can all relate.  {wink}  Anyway, I did get a few pages finished and I’ll be sharing those, and a new technique tutorial, with you as soon as I get the photos uploaded to my computer.  So be sure to check back.

In the meantime, here’s a 6x6 card I created in My Digital Studio using elements from our Sunny Day digital designer kit, which comes packaged with the software.  This year, our winter seems extra long and cold and I’m looking forward to Spring; thus, my bright & cheerful card!   

Faux “Rubber Stamp” Ornaments

My friend Ellen gave me the cutest gift for Christmas and I’ve been meaning to share.  Check out this adorable set of ornaments she found at a local crafting store.  I love them because they look like rubber stamps.  They are actually die-cut wooden blocks with die-cut “debossed” felt shapes on top.  Now I’m thinking that Stampin’ Up! needs to come up with a rubber stamp set with images similar to these.  Love ‘em! 

Scrapbooking 101: Use Shapes in Your Title

In my last post, I introduced the topic of using initials in your title, or in other embellishments, on scrapbook pages.  On a similar note, try using shapes as shorthand for a word or letter in your title.  For instance, you could replace the “o” in Snowflake with a snowflake shape or replace the “i” in Birthday with a candle shape.  In my example below, I used a heart to represent part of a word in my title….Sweetheart.

These pages feature photos of Mia taken on her Kindergarten Preview Day.  I used designer paper & a die-cut adhesive shapes from the retired Love Sparkles Simply Scrappin’ Kit.  It’s hard to tell in the photo but the Pretty in Pink cardstock is wheeled with our Love Swirls wheel.  I just love the Scallop Border Trim along several pieces….so girly for the subject of the page.  Be sure to check out the close-up photos to see some of the details.

For more Scrapbooking 101 posts, go HERE.

I’ve lost 41.4 lbs & 60.25 inches in 18 weeks on Isagenix.  For information on losing weight, improving your health, and/or making residual money, go HERE.  BE SURE TO CHECK OUT MY FREEBIES GIVE-AWAY THERE!

Stamp sets: jayne’s type alphabet, simple serif alphabet & numbers, love swirls wheel; Inks: chocolate chip, rose red, pretty in pink; Cardstock: chocolate chip, rose red, whisper white, pretty in pink; Embellishments: whisper white 1/4” grosgrain ribbon, love sparkes SSK; Tools: 1/4” circle punch, scallop circle punch, scallop border trim punch

Friendly Bird Cello Bag Topper & Some FREEBIES

I recently packaged up some goodies in a Large Flat Cello Bag and wanted to decorate it a bit.  So, I created this bag topper using some of Stampin’ Up!’s new products.  Check out the close-up photos to see how the design of the designer paper mimics feathers on a bird’s wing! Be sure to read below to see what’s in the bag & find out about my FREEBIE offer!
    

• Die-cut bird: Extra Large Two-Step Bird Punch (Occasions mini)
• Floral image: Vintage Vogue stamp set (Occasions mini)
• Patterned paper: Welcome Neighbor 6x6’ Designer Series Paper Pad (Sale-a-bration brochure)

To create your own bag topper for this size cello bag:
1) Cut a piece of cardstock measuring 5 x 6.5 inches.
2) Fold the cardstock in half on the shortest side.
3) Insert your filled cello bag between the pieces of cardstock.
4) Staple the cello bag to the back piece of cardstock.
5) Adhere the top pieces of cardstock to the cello bag with a few stampin’ dimensionals.
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What’s in the cello bag?…..a sampling of Isagenix products of course!

• IsaDelights – A decadent, dark chocolate treat that helps you remain strong to your commitment to healthy eating.  You may experience increased energy, reduced cravings, lighter mood, and greater brain and heart health.
• Want More Energy Sticks – A refreshing drink powder loaded with electrolytes and nutrients that replenish essentials that are lost during stress and exercise. The B vitamins and ionic trace minerals safely charge your body with natural, caffeine-free energy to support peak mental and physical performance.
• Oatmeal Berry SlimCakes – With fewer than 100 calories, slimcakes are so scrumptious, you won’t believe they’re packed with fiber, omega-3s from flaxseed and a delicious blend of antioxidant-rich blueberries and cranberries.  A heart healthy snack.
• Peanut Crunch IsaLean Bars – Meal replacement bar packed with premium undenatured whey protein, healthy fats and energy-boosting carbohydrates.  Great as a part of your Total Health and Wellness or Cleansing and Fat Burning Systems to maximize weight loss while safely lowering caloric intake.

My FREEBIE Offer to You:
I just passed my 40-lb weight-loss milestone with Isagenix, so in honor of that, I’m offering some FREEBIES!  Sign up as an Isagenix Associate with Autoship under me by January 31st, and you’ll receive:

• Your own package of Isagenix sample products
• A set of Isagenix business cards

And my always-free support:

• Personal weight-loss and business coaching
• Monthly Group Cleanse forum on Facebook – starting February 8th!

Lose weight, regain your health, and make money with Isagenix!!  Don’t believe it?  I’ve lost 41.4 lbs & 60.25 inches in 18 weeks using Isagenix and I’m earning commission as well.  What are you waiting for?!!! 
And when you enroll, you’ll get Isagenix products at wholesale prices and have 30 days to enroll your Friends and Family in Isagenix with a free membership ($19 value).  Not only will you have instant recruits, but it will make your weight-loss system more fun! 
Email me for more information or go to my Isagenix Weight-Loss Blog and visit the links in my sidebar.  To sign-up, see THIS LINK.

Scrapbooking 101: Embellish with Initials

It’s been awhile since my last Scrapbooking 101 post, so I figured it was time for another.  One technique I like to use on scrapbook pages is to add an embellishment in the form of an initial.  You can choose the initial you use from

• the title of the page (ex: S for Snow Day)
• the main subject of the page (ex: B for Birthday)
• the people in the photographs (ex: T for Tara)
• etc.

On my page, I chose the initial M because the main subject of the page is Mother’s Day and mothers.  I stamped the M on cardstock, then punched it out with my circle punch.  I added this to the bottom of a tag-shaped die-cut and then tied a ribbon around the top.  Just a fun way to draw attention to my initial.  Try adding an initial embellishment or two on your next page!

About the page: On Mother’s Day in 2005, our church held a Baby Dedication Day for its members and any babies born within a certain time period.  Seth was 3 months old at the time and my mom drove up for the occasion.  It was a great opportunity to get photos of our family and mom and I with the kids afterwards.

Note: the rose red cardstock on the side is not part of the page….I just used it to help distinguish the white page from the white background.  But seeing it here in the photo, I’m thinking that some rose red accents might look nice on the page.  Hmmm…maybe a few changes are in order!

See my sidebar for more Scrapbooking 101 posts!

If you’re interested in losing weight and/or making money, email me or visit my Isagenix weight loss blog!

Stamp sets: lovely letters alphabet, all holidays; Inks: regal rose, tempting turquoise; Cardstock: whisper white, tempting turquoise, regal rose, island blossoms simply scrappin’ kit; Embellishments: white gel pen, whisper white organza ribbon, playground designer buttons; Tools: big shot, standard cutting pads, two tags bigz die

A Right Mess

This is what happens when a 4-1/2 year old raids Mommy’s craft room and decides to do a little stamping alone.

Fellow stampers: Please try not to cringe when you note the broken stamp pad case and ink stains on the table.  The ink pad was fixed and the ink stains wiped right up.  However, go ahead and cringe when you note the ink stains on the wood blocks as those are permanent!  {wink}

Snow Day 12x12 Pages

I found the cutest 12x12 scrapbook layouts online a couple of weeks ago and used them as the base for my pages here.  But darned if I can locate the site again to give proper credit.  Whoever you are, your pages were just gorgeous!

Here’s my version of the pages.  I used our silver Shimmer Paint (still available as a write in on an order) to stamp the flourishes from the Season of Joy stamp set on the edge of the pages.  The large white snowflakes were cut with the Big Shot & our Snowflakes #2 Sizzlet Die Set.  The blue stamped snowflake images are from our Christmas Punch hostess stamp set.

I originally designed these pages as a stamp club project, but that didn’t work out.  So now I just need to add some photos of my kids and journaling to complete the pages.

Stamp sets: schoolbook serif alphabet, christmas punch, season of joy; Inks: whisper white, night of navy; Cardstock: whisper white, night of navy, brocade blue; Embellishments: silver cord, silver brad, silver shimmer paint, night of navy 1/4” grosgrain ribbon; Tools: big shot, multi-purpose platform, standard cutting pads, snowflakes #2 sizzlet dies

Make a Difference: Haiti Disaster Relief

 

Help make a difference in the lives of those who continue to suffer from the effects of the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12. From now until February 28, 2010, Stampin' Up! will set aside $2 from the sale of every I {Heart} Hearts stamp set and donate it to the American Red Cross’ Haiti Relief and Development Fund. The Red Cross is already well-established in Haiti, and this money will be used to provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need.

Product Name - Item # - Price

I {Heart} Hearts (clear-mount, block D recommended) – 118571 - $18.95       

I {Heart} Hearts (wood-mount) – 117010 - $26.95

Help make a difference in the lives of the Haitian people.  Click here to order your set today or send me an email.

In addition to the funds raised from the sale of this stamp set, Stampin' Up! purchased supplies and assembled 5,000 hygiene kits to send to Haiti. Check Shelli Gardner's blog for more information about this effort and photos of Stampin' Up! employees assembling the kits.

Isagenix Weight Loss Results

It’s been awhile since I’ve posted my Isagenix weight loss results here on my stamping blog.  I’m pleased to report that I’ve released

37 lbs & 59.5 inches in 17 weeks!

I’m shrinking….in a BIG way!  Here’s a breakdown of some of the inches I’ve released in just 4 months.  This was done simply by following the Isagenix 30-day Cleansing and Fat Burning System, without regular exercise. 

Inches Released:

• Arms – 2.75-3.25
• Chest – 3.5
• Waist – 6
• Abdomen – 8
• Buttocks – 7.25
• Thighs – 3.5-4

I’ve lost some inches in other areas, but I’m most excited about these because these are from my biggest problem areas.

How many of you want to see some inches gone from your mid-section?  I bet it’s most of you!  Most store-bought cleanses will cause you to lose muscle and water weight, which you will quickly gain back and then some.  With the Isagenix Cleanse, you will flush impurities (toxins), burn stored fat, and build lean muscle rapidly. 

So what are you waiting for?!!  Email me and get yourself on Isagenix! 

Can’t wait?  Then read How to Sign Up as an Isagenix Associate so you can start losing weight & inches in less than a week (and get the products at wholesale prices)!

Added Bonus: The first 5 people to sign-up as an Isagenix Associate under me will get a pack of Isagenix sample products from me FREE!

For more info, visit my Isagenix weight loss blog: http://soskinnyontheinside.blogspot.com/.

Shoebox Swap Share #4

Last post of Shoebox Swap projects, I promise.  Though I know you don’t get tired of looking at projects with new products from the Occasions mini catalog and Sale-a-bration (SAB) brochure, right?!! {wink}

The first card features images from the new Garden From the Heart stamp set (Occasions).  I love how she used watercolor pencils and a blender pen to shade the line art image.  Designer: ??

The second card features images from our new Vintage Vogue stamp set (Occasions) and patterned paper from our Sweet Pea Designer Series Paper (DSP) Pack (Occasions).  I love the pretty paper and taffeta bow (though I am bow challenged – Libby’s looked much better).  Designer: Libby Moore

The third card features images from our Good Neighbors stamp set (SAB), a greeting from our new Chat Room rub-on pack (Occasions), scallop border created from our Scallop Trim Border Punch (SAB), and patterned paper from our new Sweet Pea DSP pack (Occasions).  I love the scene created with small stamps (but wish I had taken my time a little more so my stamps were lined up better).  Designer: ??

The final card features images from our new Messages For Mom stamp set (Occasions) and scallop border from our new Scallop Trim Border punch (SAB).  Love the scalloped card edges & the bow sitting on top.  Designer: ?? 

Tutorial: Heart Candy Box with Spiral Confetti

The Clean and Simple Card challenge #50 over at SplitCoastStampers was to use the color teal on a card along with white and a third color of your choice.  I decided to make a 3-D project instead of a card because it’s my blog and that’s how I roll!  Actually, I’m not trying to be defiant, I just came across this Heart Candy Box template and couldn’t resist making one for myself immediately!

Stamp sets: holiday best hostess set, sweet swirls wheel; Inks: regal rose, taken with teal; Cardstock: taken with teal, regal rose, whisper white; Embellishments: whisper white taffeta ribbon, linen thread ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To make the Heart Candy Box:

1) Access the template HERE.  You can print it out directly on your cardstock and cut it out on the solid lines OR print it out on scrap paper, cut it out, and trace around the cut-out.  Fold on the dashed lines.  Apply a line of Sticky Strip or other strong adhesive to the outside of one of the flaps.

2) Fold the cardstock into a box, remove the backing on the Sticky Strip adhesive, and adhere the two flaps together.  You will end up with a heart-shaped box.

3) Decorate the outside of the box as desired.
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To make the Spiral Confetti:
1) Cut thin strips from a piece of cardstock.  Your cardstock should be a couple of inches longer than your box.  If you want your confetti to be decorative, stamp on the cardstock before cutting your strips.

2) Take one end of your thin strips and wrap them around the end of a pen or pencil a couple of times.  The ends will resemble a spiral when removed.

4) You can place the spiral confetti inside your box or package loosely OR place a little adhesive on the non-spiral end and adhere them inside.

  

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I’ve lost 37 lbs & 59 inches in 17 weeks on Isagenix plus I’m earning commission!  Email me for details or check out my Isagenix weight loss blog

Shoebox Swap Share #3

Round three of sharing projects from a recent demonstrator Shoebox Swap.  All projects use at least one new item from the Occasions mini catalog or Sale-a-bration (SAB) brochure.
This card features a bunny image from the new Chocolate Bunny stamp set (Occasions) as well as a border created with our Scallop Trim Border punch (SAB).  Love how the designer used the scallop circle punch on the bunny’s ears to make it seem like someone has taken a bite!  Designer: Rachel Chamberlain

The Top Note Genie Bag features images from our Vintage Vogue stamp set (Occasions) and patterned paper from our new Sending Love Specialty Designer Series Paper pack (Occasions).  Love that this double-sided paper has glitter on one side!  For a tutorial on making your own top note genie bag, click HERE.  Designer: ??

This next project is created with our Box #2 Bigz XL Die & the Big Shot.  It features images from our I {Heart} Hearts & Well Scripted stamp sets (Occasions) as well as textured polka dots created with our Stampin’ Up! Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder (Occasion).  Love how the small heart was coated with a layer of Crystal Effects to give it a shiny puffy sticker look.  Designer: Mary McNeely

This chocolate holder features patterned paper from the Sending Love Specialty Designer Series Paper pack (Occasions) and a greeting from the Whimsical Words stamp set (SAB).  Love how the holder was created using our Petal Card Bigz Die in the Big Shot!  Designer: Julie Davison

One more round of sharing tomorrow.  But stay tuned for a new project in my next post.
I’ve lost 37 lbs & 59 inches in 17 weeks on Isagenix & I’m earning commission!  Email me for details or check out my Isagenix weight loss blog.

Shoebox Swap Share #2

Sorry for the silence over the last couple of days.  My dad has been in the hospital with heart, lung, and kidney problems so we made a trip down to visit him about 4 hours away.  Fortunately he is stable and trying to mend so they can do surgery to remove a large kidney stone.  It was a relief to see him in person – I just wish we lived closer as it’s hard being away when he is having health issues.
Anyway, I’m back with a few more projects from a recent demo Shoebox Swap I attended.  These features products from our new Occasions mini catalog & Sale-a-bration (SAB) brochure.  See my last post for additional samples.  And stay tuned as I did a little scrapbooking on Friday and hope to share those pages with you in the next day or two!
This first card features an image from our Good Neighbors stamp set (SAB).  The greeting is from the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set in our regular Idea Book & Catalog.  I just love the color blocking on this card!  Designer: Ann Holtrop
This second card features floral images from the Vintage Vogue stamp set and a coordinating jumbo wheel called Very Vintage (Occasions).  The pretty border was made with our Scallop Trim border punch (SAB).  Gorgeous colors and hand-cut layer behind the main flower image!  Designer: Cheryl Soerensen
The third card for today also features images from the Vogue stamp set and Very Vintage jumbo wheel (Occasions – both).  Same stamp sets, but different images.  Love the layered look of the main focal image and the pretty colors!  Designer: Rae Ann Littrell (I think!)   
The final card for today features a frame image & greeting from the Vintage Labels stamp set (SAB).  I love the stunning simplicity and the textured background created with the Big Shot and the Stampin’ Up! Backgrounds I Texturz Plate.  Designer: Erin Scott

Shoebox Swap Share #1

At the shoebox swap last week, I made some beautiful projects designed by some fellow Stampin’ Up! demonstrators.  All of the projects use new products from the Occasions mini catalog and the Sale-a-bration brochure.  I thought I would share a few project with you each day as they are too cute to keep to myself.  I’ll indicate which products are new and the catalog in which they occur.  We had a large group, so I don’t know who designed each project, but I’ll give credit to those I do. 

All 3 of today’s featured projects have a decorative edge created with our Scallop Trim Border punch (Sale-a-bration).

The first card features images from the I {Heart} Hearts stamp set (Occasions) & the I {Love} Love jumbo wheel (Occasions).  I love the offset hearts and having the ribbon tucked through one of the open scallops.  Designer: Flo D’Elia

The 2nd card features a greeting from our Well Scripted stamp set (Occasions) and ultra cute embossed butterfly die-cuts created in the Big Shot with the new Stampin’ Up! Beautiful Wings Embosslits Die (Occasions).  I love the colors on this card as well as those 3-D butterflies!  Designer: ?? 

The final card for today features an image from our Eggcoutrements stamp set (Occasions) and patterned paper from our Shades of Spring designer series paper pack (Occasions).  I love the pretty paper as well as the texture of the card base, which was created with our Perfect Details texturz plate.  Designer: ?? 

Stay tuned over the next few days for even more projects featuring our newest products!

So Happy For You New House Card

My upline hosted a Shoebox Swap last week for her downline and some sister demos.  I had a great night stamping with friends and trying many of the new products from the Occasions mini catalog and Sale-a-bration brochure. 

For the card I designed, I chose to use the new Good Neighbors Sale-a-bration stamp set that you can earn free with a $50 order or $300 workshop.  It happens to be the only new stamp set that I have now.  Rather than order a bunch of the new products on a demo pre-order in December, I decided to hold off and place my order this month so that I can earn free Sale-a-bration products!  If you didn’t know, demonstrators are alot like you….we love to get free stuff too!

I created a faux scene on my card by stamping house, tree, & cloud images on 4 adjacent curly label die-cut pieces.  My greeting is from the Nursery Necessities stamp set and I thought it would be the perfect saying for someone who has just purchased or leased a new home.  My color combo was taken from the ColourQ Challenge #13.

  Stamp set: good neighbors, nursery necessities; Inks: chocolate chip, tempting turquoise, melon mambo; Cardstock: chocolate chip, tempting turquoise, melon mambo, whisper white; Embellishments: soft subtles brads, pretty in pink 1/4” grosgrain ribbon   

Looking to lose weight and/or earn residual income in 2010?  Let Isagenix be the means to take you there!  Email me for details.

CIC #57: For All You Do Card

Kristina Werner is back with another Color Inspiration Challenge.  Wish it were going to be a permanent thing, but it’s just a “one-off” challenge. This color combo was a doozy….so many colors to work in on one card, but I did it and I love the outcome!     

Know what else I love?  Isagenix’s 30-day Cleansing & Fat Burning System.  I’ve lost 36 lbs & 57.5 inches in 16 weeks, plus I’m earning commission!  Where else can you lose weight & make money?!!!  Email me for details! 

Stamp set: for all you do; Inks: baja breeze, more mustard, cameo coral, ruby red; Cardstock: so saffron, baja breeze, more mustard, cameo coral, ruby red, whisper white; Embellishments: whisper white 1/4” grosgrain ribbon, rich regals brads

MDS Hybrid Card

Several posts back, I shared a gift certificate that I created in My Digital Studio.  The certificate was intended for my daughter as a IOU for her birthday.  When I went to print out the certificate, it seemed a little plain so I decided to jazz it up a bit.  I adhered it to a piece of chocolate chip cardstock and then embellished it with some white ribbon, a designer button, and a punched heart.  I love the hybrid look…..talk about instant pizzazz!  That’s the great thing about My Digital Studio…..you can create cards and scrapbook pages digitally and then enhance them with 3-D embellishments.  It’s the best of both worlds.  Here’s a comparison….

Here’s the digital version:

And here’s the hybrid:

CCCC#11: Greetings Earthling Card

I’m a day late posting this card for Stacey’s Curtain Call Color Challenge.  I actually had the card finished a couple of days ago but got busy posting other projects.  I used the Greetings, Earthling! stamp set for this one as the color seemed masculine for me and I’m always in need of cards for the men/boys in my life.  My alien looks a little sickly….he doesn’t look quite that streak-y or yellow-ish in real  life.  Guess its the lighting and the photo.

I also used SplitCoastStampers Sketch Challenge #261.  Great layout for my card!

Stamp set: greetings, earthling!; Inks: always artichoke, old olive; Cardstock: always artichoke, old olive, whisper white, going gray, summer picnic DSP; Embellishments: always artichoke 1/4” grosgrain ribbon, whisper white jumbo brads

Tutorial: Large Scallops Using the Full Heart Punch

While working on a card, I wanted to scallops around an image punched with our 1-3/4” circular punch.  Our Scallop Circle punch is too small and I wanted larger scallops anyway.  So I turned to Stampin’ Up!’s Full Heart Punch to make the scallops.  Here’s a quick photo tutorial so you can try it for yourself:

1) Punch cardstock with your Full Heart punch.  Then use Paper Snips or scissors to cut off the top curves of the heart to make half circles (one is shown as an example on the right).

2) Apply adhesive to the back edge of your circular cardstock piece.  Adhere the half circle pieces to back edge of your cardstock so they stick out about the same amount.  For our 1-3/4” circle punch, 7 half circles punched with the Full Heart punch fit nicely.  Normally the back of your cardstock would be plain, but mine has an image on it as I didn’t get a good stamped image on my first try and flipped the cardstock over to try again.  I’m sure you can all relate!

3)  Here’s how your scalloped image will look from the front.

4) And here’s how it will look on a card.

You can do the same technique using a circle punch in order to vary the size of your scallops.  Simply punch a circle that’s about the size of scallop that you want, cut it in half and follow the directions as noted above.