Rubber Stamped Layered Labels Congratulations Card

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Rubber Stamped Layered Labels Congratulations Card
Sometimes you need to say "congratulations" to someone so it is good to make some rubber stamped cards to have on hand. This versatile card is made with the stamp set Layered Labels, found in the Stampin' Up! Catalog on page 103. I actually used the sample on that page to duplicate this card. And the Apothecary Accents Framelits Dies (p. 191) make it easy to cut out the frame with the Big Shot. I stamped the same frame again in Real Red and used my Paper Snips to cut out just the word "Congratulations".
The card base is Marina Mist card stock and the designer paper is the new fun Polka Dot Parade. The bow is made with a little piece of Daffodil Delight Seam Binding Ribbon. And for a little bling, I added a couple of Rhinestone Jewels. You gotta have some rhinestones now and then!!
The Layered Labels stamp set and the Apothecary Accents Framelits Dies work so well together to help you make lovely cards and other projects for all occasions.
You can find these stamping supplies and more at my Stampin' Up! Online Store! Put in your own order online….or if you prefer, call or email me with your order any time.

New My Digital Studio Downloads…A Halloween Party Ensemble

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New downloads for My Digital Studio are released today! It's quite the assortment, with a whole Halloween Party Ensemble, a Jewish Celebrations stamp brush set, Christmas papers, punches and more; and Fancy Frames (they look like real picture frames!) Just think what projects you can make with these!

Click on the images below to enlarge:

MDS Downloads_Sept 11 2012

MDS Downloads_Sept 11 2012 Prices

Don't forget you can get the FREE 30-DAY TRIAL of My Digital Studio and purchase any extra downloads you would like!  You can even get your projects printed!

To see the most recent downloads, click here for my Online Store.

To see the whole area of My Digital Studio, click here for my Online Store.

And don't forget the 31 Days of Digital, 31% off select digital content and print products, extended until Sept. 14…..only 3 more days!  This promotion ends Friday, September 14, 2012.

Perfectly Preserved Stamp Set and My Jar Quilt

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Perfectly Preserved Stamp Set
Images copyright Stampin' Up! 2012

When I first saw the Perfectly Preserved Stamp Set with its jar and some fruits and vegetables for its contents, I couldn't help but think of my jar quilt!

Many years ago I took a quilting class where we were going to make a quilt that would look like jars lined up on a black background filled with different things.  It was five jars across and then 4 jars going down. The jar shape was made out of print fabric that could have bugs or monsters or whatever you wanted "in" your jar and another strip of fabric for the lid of the jar. Little triangle pieces of black fabric would make the shape of the jar.

I'm not an expert seamstress so mine started as a disaster! In my own defense, I think it was the sewing machine that clumped all the thread together. What a mess! Some other lady taking the class tried ripping mine apart so I could start over, even as the teacher was worrying that the lady was using her class time to try to fix my quilt! I actually thought I had some part of mine put together but apparently not!   Like lots of unfinished craft projects, this was found in a drawer barely started!

Jar Quilt Pieces

I don't remember if the sample quilt had "jars" of bugs or not, but I knew I didn't want mine to be all about bugs….so I found fabric pieces of baseballs, monsters, play money, soccer balls, candy corn, vehicles and many other things. I think it would have been cute if only I had finished it! Maybe someday!!  

I think you could use the same idea with the Stampin' Up! Perfectly Preserved Stamp Set, use some other stamps, like sports balls or butterflies or ornaments or whatever to "fill" the jar! It doesn't have to be about food!

You can find the Perfectly Preserved Stamp Set in the Stampin' Up! Holiday Catalog on page 29.  If you are also interested in the matching Cannery Set Framelits Dies, then get the Perfectly Preserved Bundle and save 15%!

Let me know if you need any help in ordering or just go to my Online Store any time! And don't forget, if you spend $40, you can choose a free roll of 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon.  Spend $80 and get two rolls!  You'll love that ribbon!

A Text a Stamping Mother Would Love!

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My son was coming home today with his girlfriend to attend a friend's wedding this evening.

This was the text I received from him this morning:

"Could I possibly commission you for one of your world famous handmade cards? 🙂 "

Wouldn't any stamping mother just love that??!

So if we ever think that what we do isn't valued or appreciated by our family, this is one of those moments that we have to savor!

I was glad that I had several wedding cards already in my stash so he and his girlfriend were able to go through my pile and pick one out.  She happened to love the one with the little wedding birds from Easy Events. Naturally I don't have a picture of it, but the stamped birds are centered on the card with the (retired) Lace Ribbon Punch behind it across the card and a couple of rhinestones.  I think the background was embossed with the Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder.  So you get the idea!

Easy Events Stamp Set

This is a great stamp set as I've said many times.  It covers most occasions and you can even leave off the words and just use the image! You can order the stamps in either wood- or clear-mount.  You can even cut the words apart from the image and use them separately.

If you need a good versatile stamp set, this would be one I would recommend.  Just visit my Online Store!

Don't forget the free ribbon promotion with every $40 you spend!

 

Keep a Journal of Your Child’s Senior Year of High School

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Senior Year Notebook

Now that it is “back to school” for most everyone by now, I remembered this idea of keeping a journal about your child’s senior year of high school which I blogged about back in 2007! Wow!
I read this idea in a magazine:  
During your child’s senior year of high school, keep a daily journal of what happened in your child’s life…now here’s the challenge….keeping it positive! Not so easy at that point in time everyday! I kept the notebook by my bedside and was pretty good at writing something every night. I didn’t tell anyone that I was doing it; in fact, I didn’t decorate the front of the notebook until right before graduation. Now I was under no illusion that my child was going to think this was fantastic at the time….but I told them that in twenty, thirty, forty years from now when they found this in a box of their “stuff” they would probably find it quite interesting and valuable.
I’ve had some mothers tell me they do this every year for their child.  I doubt I could have kept it up that long and that well, but at least I did for this one important year! This isn’t a scrapbook and it’s not my lofty thoughts…it’s just a notebook with the date and a write-up of what happened that day (unless it was something ugly!) (C’mon, we all know those days exist!). Some might be short, some longer.
You could do whatever suits you…the point is, just do something that will be a keepsake (someday!) for your child.  And please do it in your own handwriting! I’m a big believer in handwriting….maybe I’m old-fashioned like that. I think to see someone’s handwriting brings them back to you. It’s part of our personality.
Let me know if you decide to do this and how it turns out!

Wherever You Go Stamp Brush Set

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The "Wherever You Go" Stamp Brush Set was one of the latest digital downloads released for My Digital Studio this week. "Stamp Brush" means it acts like a regular stamp.  One of the new features of MDS2 is that some stamp brushes are SVG files which means they can be enlarged without pixelating, and if you have an e-cutter you can use them with that. I didn't realize as I first looked over the new downloads that this one was designed like an overlay. These can be used over photos to perhaps create home decor and be framed.

Wherever You Go Stamp Brush Set
You can find out more about this stamp brush set here.

To get some great ideas on how to really use this set, check out the MDS site where one of the Stampin' Up! MDS experts has written a post about it and you'll see her fabulous artwork.

Let me know if you have any questions about trying My Digital Studio Version 2!

A Spooky Halloween Tag

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Spooky Halloween Tag

You might need a Spooky Halloween Tag and here is a Wicked Cool one! Yes, it is stamped with the Wicked Cool stamp set (don't you just love those witch's boots?!) And don't forget, with every $40 purchase, you can choose a FREE roll of 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon during the month of September! I used the Gumball Green Stitched Satin Ribbon on this tag, tied with the 1/8" Basic Black Taffeta Ribbon.

Other supplies on this tag:

  • Basic Black, Tangerine Tango, Gumball Green, Perfect Plum Card Stock
  • Howlstooth & Scaringbone Designer Series Paper #126906
  • Toxic Treats Stamp Set (Trick or Treat)
  • Four Frames Stamp Set
  • Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch #119275
  • Decorative Label Punch #120907

Just a fun handstamped spooky Halloween tag, just in case you need one!

If you need any Halloween stamping supplies, I would love to be your Demonstrator!

You can find my Online Store here….or just email me with your order.

Googly Ghouls Sparkly Halloween Card

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Googly Ghouls Sparkly Halloween Card

I hope you enjoy this Googly Ghouls Halloween card with some sparkly Iridescent Ice embossed over the ghouls!  I think you can see the sparkle in the photo. I simply stamped the Googly Ghouls with Stazon Black ink #101406, colored in with markers, tapped the Versamark pad #102283 all over it and embossed with the Iridescent Ice embossing powder #101930.  We have a new Heat Tool in the new Stampin' Up! catalog as well, on page 159, #129053. And for a finishing touch, I added some Googlie eyes #127539.

As I was putting this card together, I found I just loved the combination of this sheet of the Howlstooth & Scaringbone Designer Series Paper #126906 with the Raspberry Ripple #126842 and Basic Black #121045 card stock. I'm going to have to make something else with that combination!

Don't forget that the Stampin' Up! Holiday Catalog has "Bundles" on the inside of the front page to save you money!  And if you are in a Halloween mood, be sure to check out the Ghoulish Googlies Bundle on page 27.  Choose which stamp set you want, wood- or clear-mount and the Ghoulish Googlies Designer Kit together and save 15%. You'll get the stamps, the googly eyes, the bags, the tags, and the Baker's Twine. Believe me, it is such a fun purchase!

To get your Halloween stamping supplies, just go to my Online Store here.

Stampin’ Up! My Digital Studio….Newest Downloads!

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Even though it feels like Monday, after the Labor Day holiday yesterday, today is Tuesday and that means one thing…..new downloads from the Stampin' Up! digital papercrafting design software, My Digital Studio!

MDS Downloads_Sept 4 2012
MDS Downloads_Sept 4 2012 Prices

Just click on the images above to go to the pdf where you can see the downloads better.  Once there, zoom in a bit. AND you can also go HERE to my Online Store to see the newest downloads (and go back and look at the past ones because they never get old!)

Let me know if you have any questions! Just email me at Karen@KarenStamps.com

 

                  

It’s Labor Day…..the End of Summer! Why Not Scrapbook It?!

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Tower Grove Park 8x8 MDS Scrapbook Page

Images copyright Stampin' Up! 2012

Labor Day weekend seems to mark the end of summer, so why not look back over your summer activities and scrapbook some photos!  My Digital Studio makes it so easy and fun, especially the new My Digital Studio Version 2.

I decided to make an 8×8 scrapbook page with My Digital Studio of my husband and his sister going back to the park where they used to play as children and go on picnics.I started with a template and then changed it how I wanted it. This new Version 2 has so many great new features!  

Here is the template I started with:               

                  8x8 Template

You can easily see the few changes I made. So even when you start with a template, if you don't like some part of it (or all of it!) you can change every single thing!  Or you can just insert your photos and you're done!

If you would like to try My Digital Studio version 2 and get some of those summer photos scrapbooked, you can download the free 30-day My Digital Studio trial!

You’ve GOT to See This Embellishing Video from Stampin’ Up!!

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Stampin' Up! went a little crazy (to say the least!!) in embellishing with the 3/8" Stitched Satin In Color Ribbon that you can get FREE in September with every $40 purchase.

Watch this video!!

So make up your order of at least $40 worth of Stampin' Up! products…maybe $80 would be better…for TWO rolls of Free ribbon!  Who wouldn't like FREE ribbon?!

You can shop at my Online Store or contact me by email with your order!

Click here to Choose from these ribbons:

Item

 

126848

Description

 

Gumball Green 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon

Retail Value

 

$ 8.95

 

 

126847

Midnight Muse 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon

$ 8.95

126844

Primrose Petals 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon

$ 8.95

126845

Raspberry Ripple 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon

$ 8.95

126846

Summer Starfruit 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon

$ 8.95

 

What do YOU want to embellish with your free ribbon???!

Free Ribbon from Stampin’ Up! in September!

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              Ribbon Promotion Chart

Can you believe September is here? And now that summer is over, kids are back in school, we're all back to regular schedules….it's time to start embellishing with free ribbon from Stampin' Up! With every $40 you spend during September, you get a FREE package of 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon (an $8.95 value)! 

How's that for "Back to 'Spool' "?!!

This ribbon is available in the newest In Colors!  I have the Gumball Green and can't wait to get some other colors as I use the Gumball Green ribbon often.

This offer has no limits!  So go crazy ordering!  The only thing is Hostess Dollars can not be used for this offer.

Check out the Back-to-Spool Free Ribbon Offer from Stampin' Up!

Then make out your shopping list and visit my Stampin' Up! Online Store today!


 

Start Your Own Stamping Business! And Howl-o-ween Project Bonus Extended!

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            Spooktacular Offer

Stampin' Up! always offers one of the best opportunities to start your own business and realize your goals that you set for yourself.

To become a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator and start your own business, all you have to do is purchase the customizable Starter Kit.  You choose $125 worth of product of your choice and pay only $99! Choose from the annual Stampin' Up! Catalog or the current Holiday Catalog.  Choose traditional stamping products or digital…or both!  It's your choice with this new Starter Kit!  Plus you will also receive a Business Pack valued at around $50 to help you get your business off to the start you want.

As an added bonus during August, a new demonstrator would also receive the above pictured Howl-o-ween Project Kit and Printer's Tray.  Due to the great response, Stampin' Up! has decided to extend this special offer until Sept. 16! If you're not into Halloween, use the printer's tray for Christmas or just any project!  Have fun with creativity! This kit will ship with your Starter Kit.

Should you become a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator just to get this cute kit?  Probably not. But if joining Stampin' Up! was something you've been considering, starting your own business to make some extra money for your family, earning some extra money for the holidays, finding a new outlet for your creativity, finding something new for this time in your life….then go ahead and join and just for a fun extra, get this fabulous Spooktacular project!  I guarantee you will always treasure it as a reminder of the day you became a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator!!

For more information about becoming a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, check out the information from Stampin' Up! here. And after doing your own research for a preview, please contact me and ask me any questions you have.

If you are reading my blog, you must have an interest in papercrafting and creating, and you can probably tell how much I enjoy and love Stampin' Up! and the opportunities this company provides.  When the time is right for you and your family, it is easy to sign up online….you don't even have to mail in papers and wait…although you can…but if you sign up online you can become a demonstrator in minutes!

Think about it and let me know how I can help!

Scentsational Season Candy Cane Christmas Card

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Scentsational Season Candy Canes Christmas Card

The Scentsational Season stamp set and matching Holiday Collection Framelits Dies will practically make an easy Christmas card FOR you! Just stamp the image and run it through the Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine with your framelits die and you've got easy cutting! I ran the Gumball Green card stock through the Big Shot with the Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder. For some added color and trim, I used the Finishing Touches Edgelits Die to make those pretty edges on top and botton. Since I didn't really leave room for a greeting, I stamped the little "Merry" tag from Tiny Tags and adhered it to the candy cane. I think it turned out pretty cute!

It's not too early to be thinking about Christmas cards!  Why not start on them early so you can ENJOY the process and not rush?!

For all your beautiful stamping supplies, please shop my Stampin' Up! Online Store!

***If you are interested in this stamp set and these Framelits Dies, be sure to check out the Scentsational Season BUNDLE on page 16 of the Stampin' Up! Holiday Catalog! Purchase both together and save 15%! You can still choose from wood- or clear-mount stamps!

Merry Minis Christmas Card

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Merry Minis Christmas Card
Stampin' Up! has a really cute Punch Pack in the Holiday Catalog called Merry Minis #126882, perfect for making a Christmas card! To save time stamping, I just punched the little tree out of designer series paper in the Festival of Prints Paper Stack #126904. These sheets are small, 4 1/2" x 6 1/2", but you'll be able to use the designs for more than Christmas!

I used a greeting from Word Play, colored in with Lucky Limeade and Cherry Cobbler markers and punched out with the Labels Collections Framelits Dies #125598. After I punched out the Cherry Cobbler layer piece, I thought it looked a little bland…but then I remembered the Festive Paper-Piercing Pack #127857. I used that (and the Stampin' Pierce Mat #126199) and the Paper-Piercing Tool #126189) to put a little pierced border around the inside edge of the Cherry Cobbler piece.  Lovely!

Paper-Piercing Tools

Don't you love the Silver Glimmer paper at the bottom edge?!  Stampin' Up! carries three colors of Glimmer Paper now….Red and Silver in the regular Stampin' Up! Catalog and the new Champagne Glimmer Paper #127885 in the Holiday Catalog. Check it out!

If you would like a Stampin' Up! Holiday Catalog to hold in your hands rather than look at online, please email me at Karen@KarenStamps.com.