My Digital Studio Launch

If you haven't seen Stampin' Up! My Digital Stuido (MDS), you HAVE to check it out!!! It's the best scrapbooking tool ever! I've made scrapbooks with other companies before, but Stampin' Up! really outdid themselves with the layouts and accessories that are available and not to mention how easy it is to use! And, the best part of MDS is that all of the colors and accessories match the catalog, so if you wanted to add your own 3D effects, it will all flow together.

I'll be uploading the book I've made so you can see first hand what it's about, or you can go to my Stampin' Up! website to learn all about it.

Starting today through October 31st, the My Digital Studio is included in an exclusive starter kit. So, for $185, you get:

My Digital Studio software
Party Hearty and Petal Pizzazz stamp sets
Whisper White card stock (8-1/2" x 11")
Earth Elements assorted card stock (8-1/2" x 11")
Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Real Red, and Tempting Turquoise Classic Stampin' Pads
Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, and Real Red Stampin' Write markers
Chocolate Chip 1/4" grosgrain ribbon
Real Red 1" double-stitched grosgrain ribbon
Button Latte Designer buttons
Stampin' Dimensionals
Mini Glue Dots
SNAIL Adhesive
Business supplies (product catalogs, order forms, training DVD, and other supplies)

Interested in joining my team? You can learn about Stampin' Up! and join right from your computer. Click on the left for my Stampin' Up! website and click on Start Your Own Business and then click on Join Now and enter password monicalermateam08 It's that simple!! Contact me with questions.

Trick or Treat

Now that I have kids, I love Halloween. I've never been a fan. Even in grade school, it was always a drag to get dressed up and participate in the school Halloween parade (of course, now schools arn't allowed to do this kind of celebration anymore. But, the kids are still allowed to give out Halloween treats so I enjoy doing that for the class). So, needless to say, I've never given out Halloween cards, but this card was too cute to pass up. I saw a version of this card on Tiffany Bauer's blog and changed it up a bit. Arn't the little bats the cutest things!





Stamp Set- Holiday Best, Batty For You

Paper- Basic Black, Perfect Plum, Whisper White, Cast-A-Spell DSP

Ink- Basic Black, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie

Accessorries- Coluzzle, Black Gingham ribbon, Key Tag punch (which is retired and I'm still upset about it!)


I cut out a couple of the bats and put them on dimensionals to give it more of a 3D look.

Shot Till You Drop

Stampin' Up! is launching a new section of the online store called the Clearance Rack. The purpose of the Clearance Rack is to clear out the inventory of surplus items that have been retired. Many of these retired items will be offered at a substantially reduced price.

All items are only available while supplies last and all sales of Clearance Rack items are final. No returns or exchanges will be accepted, except in the case of defective product.

You can only purchase these Clearance Rack items online, so click on Shop Now from my Stampin' Up! website and scroll down to the Clearance Rack. Today is the first day so don't miss out on your chance to stock up on your favorites!

Give Thanks

I've never really sent out Thanksgiving cards before, but I'm going to this year for sure. It's a nice way to give thanks to our friends and family who can't celebrate with us on Thanksgiving Day.

My friend, Lisa, actually bought this stamp at club last month and when I saw it, I immediately called her and asked if I could use it (isn't that awful?). Oh well, she was more than excited because she was planning on making Thanksgiving dinner invitations and she told me that whatever I designed, she was using. Soooooo, this is what I came up with. The actual design is very simple, but it's the watercoloring that makes it all come together. I just love, love, love to watercolor!!!

Stamp Set- Gifts of the Earth

Paper- Naturals White, Soft Suede, Elegant Eggplant, Ruby Red, Autumn Traditions

Ink- Elegant Eggplant, Soft Suede, Ruby Red, More Mustard, Always Artichoke, Pumpkin Pie

Miscellaneous- Ruby Red brads, Soft Suede 1/2" Polka Dot Grosgrain ribbon, Aqua Painter

Sweet Treat Cups!!!

Have you seen these cute little sweet treat cups yet? Oh my god, they're in the holiday mini and if you don't have them yet, they're a must! They come in a package of 12 for only $2.95!! And, they coordinate perfectly with the Sweet Centers stamp set. This stamp set hits all the holidays - Halloween, Thanksgving, Christmas, Valentine's, Easter, and a hotair baloon that can be used for birthdays and thank yous. It's a must have stamp set!

The problem that I was stuck on was that in order to get the little treat in the cup, the person who received it would have to rip the card. This was really bothering me so I decided to poke around some blogs and I found the perfect solution - a little sliding "door". Thanks to Becky at Inking Idaho for thinking this up!!!! You can find her and the directions for this sweet treat at http://www.inkingidaho.blogspot.com/

So, this is cased from Becky and we're making it tonight at my stamp class.

Stamp Set- Sweet Centers, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Paper- Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White

Ink- Black StazOn, Pumpkin Pie Stampin Write marker

Miscellaneous- Sweet Treat Cup, 1 3/4" Circle punch, Round Tab punch,

Pumpkin Pie Grosgrain ribbon, Glue Dots

Here's what the inside looks like with the slider closed.

Here's what the inside looks like with the slider open.

Thankful, Grateful, Appreciative

Fall is in the air, well at least in the stores! It's still 98 degrees but I'm in holiday mode already. So here's a Thanksgiving card we'll be making on Thursday night. I love cards that open in the middle, definately one of my favorite designs!

Stamp Set- Wandering Words, Sweet Centers

Paper- Chocolate Chip, Rich Razzleberry, Crushed Curry, Very Vanilla, Razzleberry Lemonade

Ink- Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin Pie, Rich Razzleberry and Crushed Curry Stampin Write markers

Accessories- Chocolate Chip 5/16" Jumbo brad

The Last of the Birthday Cards...

Here's the last of the birthday cards. I think I'm set for the rest of the year...phew!

I'm getting ready for my class this Thursday night and it's all about Fall. I love to make Halloween treats for my friends and family and I always make something fun for Brenden's class. We'll also be making a couple of Thanksgiving cards. Stay tuned...

Stamp Set- The More the Merrier, On Your Birthday

Paper- Old Olive, Orchid Opulence, Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White, Cottage Wall DSP

Ink- Rich Razzleberry

Accessories- Rich Razzleberry 1/2" Polka Dot Grosgrain ribbon, 1", 1 1/4" and 1 3/8" Circle punches, Modern Label punch

Stamp Set- Inspired by Nature

Paper- Creamy Caramel, Whisper White, Garden Green

Ink- VersaMark, Garden Green, Summer Sun, Close to Cocoa Chalks (no actual inks)

Accessories- Whisper White 5/16" Jumbo brad, Photos Corners punch, Butterfly punch, Big Shot with Cuttlebug Embossing Folder

Stamp Set- Circle Circus, On Your Birthday

Paper- Creamy Caramel, Basic Black, Whisper White

Ink- Creamy Caramel, Basic Black

Accessories- 1 3/4" and 1 1/4" Circle punches, Basic Black 1/4" Grosgrain ribbon

Stamp Set- Birthdays Count (retired)

Paper- Kraft Pendant Notes, Tea Party, Certainly Celery

Ink- Close to Cocoa

Accessories- So Saffron 5/8" Grosgrain ribbon (retired), Yellow Circle Fire Rhinestone brad, 5-Petal Flower punch

More Birthday Wishes...

People are always very surprised/impressed by the cards their making in class and wonder how I find the time. Well, there is no reason to invent the wheel, and I certainly do not design everything I make. I love to design and I think it's a lot of fun, but it is time consuming and sometimes I just don't have the patience, so I get ideas from classes that I attend, swaps I participate in or different websites. I try to have my classes where at least half are my designs and the others are cased.

Here are a few more cards from my 10/10/30 Birthday card class:

Stamp Set- Good Friend, On Your Birthday

Paper- Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, Razzleberry Lemonade DSP

Ink- Soft Suede, Crushed Curry, Melon Mambo, Old Olive

Accessories- Soft Suede 1/2" Polka-Dot Grosgrain ribbon, Pumpkin Pie Flower Fusion, Silver brad, Key tag (retired)

Stamp Set- Heard From the Heart

Paper- Whisper White, Pretty in Pink, Chocolate Chip Patterns DSP

Ink- Chocolate Chip

Accessories- Big Shot, Flower Daisies #2 Bigz Dies, Chocolate

Stamp Set- Party Hearty

Paper- Whisper White, Brilliant Blue, Taken With Teal, Bravo Burgundy

Ink- Brilliant Blue, Taken With Teal, Bravo Burgundy

Accessories- Bravo Burgundy 1/4" Grosgrain ribbon, 3/4" Circle punch

**I don't know why, but my camera would not show the Whisper White paper or background so it looks really yellow...

Birthday Card Class 10-10-20

With summer vacation coming to an end, the new school year starting, and a filled birthday/anniversary calendar in August, I haven't held my monthly card class since July, but, itching to stamp, I decided to have a 10-10-20 Birthday card class last month. It was good to see people stamping and definately inspired me to get some classes scheduled. So, I'm having my monthly card class next Thursday, Sept 24th and a Stamp-A-Stack Christmas card class on October 1st. Interested in attending??? Give me a call!

Here's a couple cards we did at the 10-10-20 Birthday card class:

Stamp Set - Look Who's Turning

Ink - Rich Razzleberry

Paper - Rich Razzleberry, Orchid Opulance, Whisper White, Cottage Wall DSP

Accessories - Circle Ice Rhinestone brad, Whisper White 1/4" Grosgrain ribbon, Large and Scallop Oval punches

This card was 100% copied right out of the catalog (page 71). I loved it when I saw it and had to make it!

Stamp Set - On a Pedestal

Ink - Old Olive, Real Red, Melon Mambo, Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Pretty in Pink

Paper - Pretty in Pink, Melon Mambo, Close to Cocoa, Whisper White

Accessories - Chocolate Chip 5/8" Grosgrain ribbon, Scallop Edge punch, Pretty in Pink button (retired), Mat Pack and Paper-Piercing tool

Stamp Set- Just Beachy, Fun & Fast Notes

Ink- Black Staz On, Sahara Sand, Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Always Artichoke, Basic Black

Paper- Sahara Sand, Chocolate Chip, Always Artichoke, Hostess DSP (retired), Watercolor Paper

Miscellaneous- Word Window punch, Pewter brads, Dimensionals, Blender Pens, Going Grey




More to come....

May the Force Be With You...Always

My six year old son is obsessed, obsessed, obsessed with Star Wars. He just celebrated his birthday, and for the third time, wanted a Star Wars themed party. I really wanted to make his invitations and thank you cards, so I went on ebay and found a Star Wars stamp set. I was so excited when I found it, but I had found it on the first day of the posting so I had about seven days to wait to see if I was the winning bidder. Well, I won!!

Here are my creations:

Although these stamp sets are not Stampin Up! (this is only the third time I've ever bought non-Stampin Up!), all other accessories and papers are Stampin Up!

And, on that note, what a difference Stampin Up! makes!!! There is no comparison and no argument that Stampin Up! has the absolute best products!!

Here, I used the Simple Birthday Thanks stamp set and used a Star Wars stamp as the "cherry".

This stamp set is perfect for my six year old. Only having the patience to write a few words at a time, I think this is a little more personal than me writing out his thank you's for him and gives him some writing practice outside of school. He wasn't thrilled, but he got them done!!

I will be posting my 10-10-20 Birthday class cards for your inspiration! Stay tuned!

Talk soon...

Baby Shower Favor

My nanny's daughter is having her first baby, a little girl, and her shower is next weekend so I volunteered to make a little favor. I'll be spending some time this weekend making 16 of these. It's the cutest little thing...

Stamp Set- Tag Time (this set is now retired, but I have to mention that it was my very first stamp set and I just love this little baby and a perfect size for my project!)

Paper- Pink Pirquette (retired), Whisper White, Basic Grey

Ink- Black Staz On, Pink Pirquette

Miscellaneous- Matchbox Bigz XL Die, Elegant Bouquet Textured Impressions Emobssing Folder, Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon, 1", 1 1/4", & 1 3/8" Circle punches, Blender Pen, Mini Glue Dots, Dimensionals

Happy Baby!!

Bye Bye old In Colors

As I sit here and finally get organized and switch out all retired stamps, colors, and accessories to make room for all my new stuff (I know, I'm a little late), I'm sad to see the old In Colors retired. I really loved all of the colors, as I'm sure I will love the new In Colors. My last class in June was the last time I used these colors and I used them on every card as a good bye (sniff sniff).

Here's what we made at my last class and a tribute to the old In Colors -


I saw this idea at Diana Gibb's and thought it was so cute using the Inspired By Nature stamp set with the Horizontal Slot punch.






And this card I received at our last monthly meeting swap. On Tracy's (I'm so sorry, I don't have her last
name, but you all would know her as Diana's bff), her corner was an actual corner bookmark, but I just put it on as decoration. Super cute idea with the bookmark though.

Deal of the Week #2...

Now through July 12th, you can purchase the Sizzix Big Shot Doctors Bag (#113474) for $49.99 (regular price $69.95).

Even if you don't have a Big Shot (which, you really should get one because they're the coolest tool ever!!), this bag is great for travelling or storing your Stampin Up! punches and/or accessories. I love my bag and you're sure to love it too!

Have Fun Doing What You Love

From July 15 — August 31, you can join the Stampin' Up! family for as little as $85 with the Mini Starter Kit. Have fun helping friends and family create exciting projects, while earning free products and even a little extra cash!





The Mini Starter Kit contains the following products:


Item Code Page #* Description Retail Value**
115360 118 For All You Do stamp set $28.95
115658 155 Rich Razzleberry Classic Stampin' Pad $5.95
115656 155 Melon Mambo Classic Stampin' Pad $5.95
115659 155 Crushed Curry Classic Stampin' Pad $5.95
115656 155 Dusty Durango Classic Stampin' Pad $5.95
115655 155 Bermuda Bay Classic Stampin' Pad $5.95
115657 155 Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Pad $5.95
100730 155 Whisper White card stock (8-1/2" x 11") $7.50
115315 155 In Color assorted card stock (8-1/2" x 11") $7.95




*All page numbers refer to the 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog

**All products may be substituted for like items; see Mini Starter Kit order form for details.

Circle, circle, circle

As a demonstrator, we get sneak peaks into new products coming out, so I received new products from the 2009-2010 Idea book and joined a swap. It was so exciting seeing new stamp sets and colors and ribbons.

Here are my creations:

I love this new stamp set. There are endless possibilities...

Stamp Set- Circle Circus, On your Birthday

Paper- Basic Grey, Melon Mambo, Whisper White

Ink- Basic Grey, Melon Mambo

Miscellaneous- ½” Polka Dot Melon Mambo Grosgrain Ribbon, 1¾” 13/8” punches

Stamp Set- The More the Merrier

Paper- Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black, Whisper White, Razzleberry Lemonade DSP

Ink- Staz On Jet Black, Pumpkin Pie

Miscellaneous- Pumpkin Pie, Creamy Carmel, Close to Cocoa, and Old Olive Stampin Write Markers, ¼” Black Grosgrain Ribbon, 1¼”, 13/8”, and Modern Label punches

Deal of the Week...

Every week during the month of July, Stampin' Up! will offer one discounted product as a "Deal of the Week." No limits and no minimum purchase required.

Now through July 5th, you can purchase the Scallop Edge Punch (#112091) for $10.99 (reg price $15.95). You can purchase this directly from my Stampin Up! website today!

Don't miss out. This is a great way to purchase new products that you love, want, and need at a discounted price. Check back every week for the new deal.

Last Chance - Don't Miss Out

Well, it's that time of year again...Time to say goodbye to many well loved colors, stamps, and accessories. You have until June 30th to stock up on some of your favorites before the new 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog arrives on July 1st.

Reserve your copy of the new catalog today!!! Contact me if you'd like me to put one aside for you.

Below is important information for you :

Dates: June 1-30, 2009

Dozens of products from the Spring-Summer 2009 Idea Book & Catalog are retiring. Now's the last chance for you to get them--these items are only available through June 30, 2009.

http://www.stampinup.com/us/documents/Retired_Lists_0609_US_num.pdf

Summer is (un)officially here...

Dates: June 1-30, 2009

Promotion Details:

1. The Summer Fun Hostess Bonus Promotion has two parts:
   Hostesses who hold a $250-$399.99 workshop will receive an additional $20 in hostess free merchandise dollars.
2. Hostesses who hold a $400 or more workshop will receive an additional $40 in hostess free merchandise dollars.

Dates: June 15 - August 31, 2009 or while supplies last

Promotion Details

This summer, we've partnered with Country Living magazine to create a unique craft kit, which they will feature in their July 2009 issue. Our goal in furthering our relationship with Country Living is to gain greater exposure for Stampin' Up! You will love how it can help create special memories with a fun and convenient, coordinated summer barbeque!

Item # Description Price
118070 Country Living Summer Cookout Kit $24.95

The exclusive Country Living Summer Cookout Kit includes the following products:

8 die-cut table tents (2 each of 4 colors)
Die-cut components, bamboo skewers, and envelopes to create 8 shish kabob invitations
12 die-cut coasters (3 each of 4 colors)
16 die-cut tags (4 each of 4 colors)
24 12" x 12" printed food wrapper sheets (12 each of 2 colors)
4 printed recipe cards
5 yards linen thread
Ruby Red Classic Stampin' Spot
Night of Navy Classic Stampin' Spot
Dig In stamp set (item number 116700)

Note: the kit does not include tablecloths, plates, or flatware.

Happy Birthday Mom!!

It was my mom's birthday last week and I made her a few things. At this point, it's so hard to shop for her, so I thought a few blank cards would be great...who can't use blank cards at any given moment??


Here's the finished product...I was able to fit six cards total (three on each side).

The holder is made from one piece of designer series paper (or any 12x12 piece of paper). I saw this "tutorial" on Splitcoast Stampers (there really wasn't an actual tutorial, just a couple of basic instruction).

This entire project was made with the Delicate Dots Designer Series Paper from sale-a-bration. I also used Certainly Celery, So Saffron, Bashful Blue, and Sahara Sand cardstock. I also used 5/8" So Saffron and Certainly Celery grosgrain ribbon.

By the way, she LOVED it!!

Cute Little Easter Basket

These are the cutest little Easter baskets! We made these last month in my stamp club and all the girls LOVED them. Thanks to my adopted upline, Rhonda, I got a quick tutorial from her and fell in love! They're incredibly easy to make...gotta love the big shot! And, I do :)

1. What you need is to cut four scallop envelopes from your big shot.

2. Take all four and lay them in a row in front of you

3. Trim off the right side flap from each envelope

4. Use sticky tape on each left hand flap and attach it to the envelope to the left (you'll start with the second envelope in so the very first envelope tab is not attached to anything).

5. Now you'll have a row of envelopes. Fold each one in to form your box and now you'll be able to attach the last left tab. Fold in the bottom tabs like you're closing a cardboard box.

6. I used an 11" strip by 1 7/8" strip for the handle and punched it with the eyelet border punch.














7. Decorate the sides and fold down and glue dot the flaps.














8. Use flowers to hide the strap on the sides.













Now you have the cutest ever Easter basket! These would make super cute party favors or little treat boxes for your loved ones.

Let me know if you need further instruction...I'd be happy to help!

Spring is in the Air

It's been so nice out lately...love it! That only means one thing, that soon it will be warm enough to swim and I can't wait!

In honor of the weather, I'm posting my new favorite stamp set...Just Buzzin' By. It's so cute! Below is a bookmark that we made in our stamp club and a card I made for a swap. The little bees are the cutest little things!!

Stamp Set- Just Buzzin' By

Paper- More Mustard, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, Patterns Pack DSP (retired - Fall Winter 2008 Idea Book)

Ink- Chocolate Chip

Miscellaneous- More Mustard Stamp Write Marker, Two-way glue with Dazzling Diamonds

Stamp Set- Just Buzzin' By

Paper- So Saffron, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, Jackpot DSP

Ink- Chocolate Chip

Miscellaneous- Chocolate Chip and So Saffron Stampin Write Markers, Two-way glue with Dazzling Diamonds, 1 3/8" and 1 1/4" Circle Punches, 1/4" Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon