One Big HUGE Post!

Wow! There are so many important things going on with Stampin' Up! right now! I thought you might appreciate it all in one big HUGE post instead or a bunch of smaller ones. So, here it goes, and in no particular order.

Right now, through October, Stampin' Up! is offering the following "BUNDLES" at a great discount.


Also, Stampin' Up! is trying something new! They are offering us the chance to buy single pieces from these select stamp sets: Word Play, Perfectly Penned, and Seasonal Sayings. (click on the stamp set names to see prices and packaging) The offer will be available now through January 2, 2013. This is awesome. I have been with Stampin' Up! for over 10 years and I have wished for this so many times with different sets. I love this company! We ask, they listen!

Now for the Digital news!




 Lower Print Prices
Stampin' Up! has lowered all My Digital Studio print product prices - permanently! That's right. Now you can print your photobooks, cards, calendars, and other projects for less. The quality of our print products is tops in the industry, and now our prices are competitive with the other big online printing companies too! See the new prices HERE.

Simple Shipping Prices
No more "split shipping fees" for orders containing both print products and traditional Stampin' Up! products. They've done away with that and made it plain and simple:  $6.95 or 10% of the order total. Sound familiar? Yep, it's the same as the current shipping rate on traditional Stampin' Up! products.

Printing cards for the holidays? The new cards only shipping costs are:
1-12 Cards = $3.00 Shipping
13 or more = $6.95 or 10%

New Design Features in MDS 2
Stampin' Up! has added four more new MDS 2 design features:
Crop Punches: Show off part of the punch and hide the rest
Paper Rip Option:  Create torn edges with Designer Series Paper, card stock, and photos
Import from other project: Toggle between projects to import elements onto current project
Multiple page view options: View your page with trimmed bleed areas (in addition to viewing in single pages and spreads)

See all 75+ new design features HERE and see the latest fixes HERE.

Update Your Software to Get the Lower Print Prices & New Features
To access the lower prices and new features, make sure to get the latest update for your MDS 2 software-even if you're using the trial version. Just go to Help and then Check for Updates and in a couple minutes you'll be all set. (Original My Digital Studio users should check for updates too.)

Now for this weeks MDS Downloads.

"Any Which Way." Print and cut SVG files. Check it out HERE!



 
Everyday Woodcuts - Digital Download HERE

 
Neon Notes Kit - Digital Download HERE
 
Quick Wit Costumes Templates - Digital Download HERE
 
Year End Review Infographic Postcard Template - Digital Download HERE
  
Stampin' Up! has so many wonderful downloads and you can see all of the latest ones HERE! There are new downloads added every Tuesday. 
Wasn't that a lot of great news?!
Thanks for stopping by to check them all out! XO, Mimi

WCMD Event Sneak Peek!

Have you R.S.V.P.'d for the World Card Making Day Event, on October 6th, at the Paper Rose Studio yet? Well, you had better hurry before to seats are all full!

Here is a little peek at some of the goodies you will receive just for coming. This is the stamp set and card kits and 3D item kit all tucked neatly into a "Page Planner" clear plastic envelope. But that's just the beginning!
In addition to the card class and stamp set, there will demonstrations and make and takes all day with a break for lunch and snacks. I will also have drawings throughout the day for goodies!

Cost is $25.00 for the day.
All you need to bring is a small class kit of scissors, bone folder, adhesive, pop dots.

October's H2U Class

This coming month at H2U I will be holding a class after lunch at 1:00 PM.

We will make three seasonal cards and a treat holder. 

The cost is $15.00.

Please R.S.V.P. to me by October 10th.

You will need to bring a standard class kit of scissors, bone folder, adhesive, dimensionals or foam pop dots.

World Card Making Day Event

 

Join me on Saturday, October 6^th from 10am – 4pm

and create (4) Everyday cards as well as a

BONUS project to celebrate the day!

$25 INCLUDES the "Flock Together"stamp set, 

(4) cards, BONUS project,

lunch, snacks & MORE!

You must R.S.V.P. by Sept 27th – Space will be limited

I will also have drawings throughout the day as well as demonstrations on some fun techniques.

Live out of town but don't want to miss out? 

Kits are available and you will be included in drawings and prizes.

I've Been a Little Busy!

I have been a busy bee these last couple days. My daughter asked me to make her a card for her bus driver. She thinks he is super awesome, and he is. He looks out for her and makes sure she stays safe. He has been her bus driver for a few years now. So, as soon as she asked me to make her a card, I thought of a template I had purchased as a download. It is for a School Bus, Firetruck and a Police Car. They are super cute and easy with great directions. You can find them HERE.

Then, last wee, a good friend of mine told me it was her in-laws 50th Anniversary. I quickly asked her if I could make the card for her. I mean, how often do you get to make a 50th Wedding Anniversary Card for someone?! I was so excited. I hope my husband and I are still around for our 50th. I love how this turned out and so did she.

Last, and not least, Hobby Lobby just opened in town. I met up with my dear friend Pat to take a leisurely tour. How exciting for us! It is such an awesome and HUGE store. They have lots of yummy fabric, party supplies and home decor. Not to mention all of the fabulous crafts.
Well, I guess that's it for today. Thanks for stopping by. XO, Mimi

What's on Your Bucket List?

I have had this little book on my mind for a while. Actually, ever since I purchased the bucket die.
Well, I finally made it. I used Jillibean soup papers, lots of fibers, rub-ons, stickers, flowers, etc.

 I would love to have a little class for you to make one. The cost would be $10.00. Let me know if this looks like something you would like to do.
Hope you're having a great day! XO, Mimi

The Other Christmas Card Club Card

This was the third card for this month's Christmas Card Club Class. I was waiting for the Snowflake Die to come in so I could cut all of the beautiful silver snowflakes.
It just glistens! I think this is my favorite so far.

Anatomy of a Masterpiece

I thought that title would get your attention. LOL!
I wanted to share with anyone who is interested, how I got the antique look of the wedding card I posted yesterday.
Gather your supplies. You will need a sponge brayer, ink pad, embossing folder and paper.









In order to get the "touch of color" on the embossed areas, I used a sponge brayer and lightly ran it over my Crumb Cake ink pad.

Lightly run the brayer over the negative side of the embossing folder. The negative side has the spaces that will NOT be raised once embossed or the "background", as I call it.

Now, place your paper in the folder and close it, carefully.

Run the folder through the Big Shot, as you normally would.

Voila! It's done.

Now, decide if the color is too dark or light and adjust your pressure when picking up the color with the brayer and applying it to the embossing folder. I had to make a few "samples" before I got the light shade I wanted. Have fun! Hope you learned something. XO, Mimi

Do you have a "Stamping Idol"?

I do! Actually, I have a few. But, this one is very near, if not at, the top of the list! Her name is
Teneale Williams and she is a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator from Sydney Australia. She is amazing. Every one of her cards is a work of art and has such detail and is so thought provoking.
I have tried to copy some of her cards for quite a while.
This card was one that I knew I had to make. I have a cousin that is getting married and I wanted to make an extra special card for him and his new wife.

Here is my attempt to emulate one of my idols.

The top photo is of the front of the card and the bottom photo is the inside of the card.

The paper is all Very Vanilla and the embossing folders are Vintage Wallpaper and Stripes and Scalloped Heart of Hearts. The ink is Crumb Cake. The ribbon is vanilla taffeta (retired).

I took pictures of how it was made. I will post them tomorrow, after I get them edited.

Thanks for stopping by! XO, Mimi

September's Freebee!

Hello Friends. Sorry it has taken me till the 13th to post what my give-away will be for this month.
I thought, with Christmas rapidly approaching, I should let you win a package of card makin' goodies.
Don't they look yummy!?

There is an assortment of 12 x 12, double sided Christmas Designer Series Papers, a couple yards of the 1/4" Cherry Cobbler Sweater Trim and some fun buttons.
All you have to do is order $25.00 or more from any current Stampin' Up! catalog, from me, and I will put your name in the bucket to be drawn on the first Wednesday of the month.
Don't forget, if you order $40.00 or more, you get to choose an entire roll of ribbon for free AND get your name in my drawing!
Have a fabulous day!! XO, Mimi

Christmas Card Club Cards

Try ro say that fast five times. LOL
Well, it's that time of the month again. Our Christmas Card Club is on Monday at 6 PM. We will make 12 cards. That's four each of three different designs. The cost is $20.00 and you need to RSVP by Friday so I can get all of the kits ready for Monday.
Here are the two of the cards we will be making this month. Sorry, I don't have a picture of the third one. I am waiting for an order to come in, tomorrow, with the rest of the supplies I need to complete it.

As promised, when I first suggested the club, we will be playing with lots of the goodies from the Holiday Mini Catalog.
These cards use embossing folders, embossing powders(even the scented ones), fun punches, framelits and yummy embellishments.
If you have already pre-paid for the entire four months, you do not need to RSVP. I know you will be here.*wink*
If you missed the first month, don't worry, you don't have to come to ALL of the club nights to participate. You can pick and choose which ones you want to come to.
Have a great day! XO, Mimi

An All-Star Dad!

Today is my wonderful Husband's Birthday and I wanted to share with you, the card that I made for our daughter to give to him.

 

I got the idea from a card that I "pinned" on my Pinterest Board HERE. I love it and my daughter thought it was perfect!!!

Also, I wanted to announce the winner of the "reason to Smile" stamp set. Darlene Wilson, come on down! LOL! I will include the free stamp set with your order, when it comes in.

I hope you all have a great weekend. I will be watching my All-Star kid play softball. XO, Mimi

Stampin' Up! special...FREE Ribbon!!

If you're anything like me and you love ribbon...then you'll love this month's Stampin' Up! special...FREE Ribbon!! 

Back to 'Spool' Promotion Details

While the kids are heading back to school, Stampin' Up! is going back to 'spool'!  For the month of September, get a FREE 10 yd spool of 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon - an $8.95 value - for every $40 you spend.  Spend $200 and get all five colors for FREE!
Choose from the following 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon Colors:

• 126848  Gumball Green
• 126847  Midnight Muse
• 126844  Primrose Petals
• 126845  Raspberry Ripple
• 126846  Summer Starfruit

 The Fine Print

• When you place a qualifying order with me, you will also get your name in the drawing for my monthly Freebee.
•  Any order type qualifies for this, phone, hostess club, online or party.
• This promotion has no limits-for every $40 you spend, you'll get a free package of 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon. Go crazy!
• Sorry-hostess dollars don't count toward this promotion.  
• You need to take advantage of this deal by Sunday, September 30th.

Check out this crazy video shared by Stampin' Up! - you'll have a laugh to start your day!

Join the Club!

Have fun and budget your creative passion – join a club!

When you purchase a small amount of Stampin’ Up products each month, as part of a club, you will be able to slowly build up your crafting supplies while staying within your budget! 

Skip the lines and the inconvenience of the craft stores and enjoy the exclusivity of Stampin’ Up! product!

 Use your monthly purchase towards a fun new stamp set, stock up on ink pads, or purchase coordinating card stock. 

Or how about choosing from many of our embellishments, scrapbooking paper, die cutting misc, and even fabric?! 

The choices are limitless!

When you are part of the Hostess Club, you get a night out with friends to enjoy a fun crafting project with me.

When it's your month to be the hostess, you will get at least $25.00 in FREE Stampin' Up! products. That includes selections from the exclusive to Hostesses section of the catalogs.

All you have to do is spend $25.00 or more, each month and when it's your turn to be hostess, you will bring light refreshments.

I already have one club up and running. However, I have a couple friends that didn't get in the first one and are looking for at least 4 more stampers to commit, in order to give them a club. 

If this sounds like fun to you, let me know and let the fun begin!

Somebody Pinch Me!!!

I had a play day with a great friend of mine, Maria, today and this is what we made. Yes, it took us ALL day to make. Mostly because we talked and laughed most of the time away. This was not an original idea. It was made by a very talented Stampin' Up! Demonstrator from Germany. She was kind enough to share her artwork on the Stampin' Up! Demonstrator website. Of course, her original was better than ours but we had an awesome time trying t duplicate hers.
We used the Stampin' Up! Sizzix die called Autumn Accents. It is on page 33 of the Holiday Mini Catalog. We also used the embossing folder called Woodgrain, background stamp called Woodgrain and the set called French Foliage.
The picture does not do it justice. It is so much more pretty, in person.

Now for the "Pinch Me" part, I won tickets to the JLO & Enrique Iglesias Concert in Miami this Saturday night. OMGoodness!!! I am so super excited! My daughter was going to go with me but then found out she had a prior engagement so my gal-pal Maria is going with me. We are so super psyched!! I will be sure to let you know about our crazy time. Because when it involves Maria and Mimi, it's always CRAZY!!
Have a great day!! XO

A Reason to Smile

I know, I know. On one of my last posts I promised a sample using the FREE stamp set of the month. Well, even though it is looong over due, here it is. I'm so sorry it took me so long. I wish I had some great excuse like I won a trip to the Bahamas or won the lottery and had to go into hiding while the hype dies down and that is why I have been absent from blog posting. But, alas, there is no good excuse, just me slacking off. *sigh*

Anyhoo, there is still time to place a $25.00 order and get your name in the drawing to receive this pretty stamp set for FREE! It's that simple.

Thanks for stopping by. XO, Mimi

Christmas Card Club Cards

Here is a preview of the Christmas Card Club Cards that we will be making this month.

We will make 4 of each of the 3 designs for a total of 12.
The cost for each month is $20.00.
However, if you prepay for all four months, you will receive a 10% discount.
We will meet on the third Monday of each month starting in August on the 20th at 6:00 PM.
I can also hold the class during the day, if I have enough people request it.
You will need to R.S.V.P. by  Friday 8/17.

Swap Card and Busy Weekend

Isn't this a sweet Baby Boy card? I think so. I didn't make it though.
It was one that I received in a swap with some of my Stampin' Up! Sisters.
It was made by my friend Kathy.
I love that it is in the Tampa Bay Rays Baseball colors.
She made all of those little red stitches with a marker, by hand.
They are so perfect!

 

I apologize for my recent absence. I have had my sweet granddaughter on and off the past few days as my daughter moves. I have also been cleaning out a bunch stashed supplies. I have more than any one person should ever have and need to purge some of it. Yikes!

Thanks for stopping by. 

XO, Mimi 

Missing a friend, a Swap Card and Stamp of the Month

A friend and member of our "Family" has been called Home. Miranda Cecilia Pulis left us on Sunday afternoon. She will be greatly missed by us. She touched so many lives.
So, that, on top of it being summer and having kiddos running around, I have had a busy weekend and I am having a rough time getting moving this week.

This card is one that I made for a swap with my Stampin' Up! sisters. I copied it from one that I saw on line HERE. I changed it up in just a couple places and am very happy with how it turned out. I didn't have the CoreDinations paper so I embossed and sanded Cherry Cobbler paper. It feels like it is flocked. Real cool. I also put a holiday stamp sentiment on it and added the candy cane.

Stamp of the Month: This month I am giving away the "Reason to Smile" stamp set.
I will show you a sample with it tomorrow.If you would like a chance to win, simple place an order of $25.00 or more. I will put your name in the jar and draw a winner at the end of the month.
Can't get much easier!

Monster Munchies Just for You!

I couldn't help myself.
When I saw the set "Monster Munchies", I envisioned little monsters, in a jar, for munching on. LOL!
I know, I'm a little twisted. Here is the result of that thought.

 I used the monsters from Googly Ghouls and the tag from Monster Munchies and they are in the jar from Perfectly Preserved. I put Crystal Effects on all of the eyeballs. I had to pair them with the retired paper Frightful Sight because I just didn't feel that the new paper worked with this card.
I am very happy with how it turned out. Hope you enjoy it.
I'll be back real soon with the stamp of the month.

We've got a Winner!

Wednesday evening was our Hostess Club meeting and I meant to have someone pull a name for the stamp set of the month but got distracted, as usual.
So, I had my daughter's friend pull a name out and it was, none other than, LORY!
I swear ladies, this was not rigged!
I say that for the sake of my hostesses because they know it was Lory's Birthday and she was also the hostess of the month. I am so happy for Lory.
She had a fun birthday and now has another goodie!

This is the card I made for her along with a cake box (sizzix die) filled with yummy chocolates. They are made with the retired paper I have been hoarding. I love the color pallet, Melon Mambo, So Saffron and Rich Razzleberry.

This is a little goodie I got at a yard sale on Saturday for .50. Can't wait to dress it up. I will show you when it's done!

Have a great Sunday!
I will have the Stamp Set of the Month for you tomorrow.
XO, Mimi

WARNING! Long Post with lots of Specials!!

Wow! Stampin' Up! is really making so many changes, for the good! And there are so many specials.

Without further adieu,
Today is the day that the new My Digital Studio is released. I have heard so many great things about this software. If you want to try it before you buy it, go to my website to sign up for a free trial. If you already have the original MDS, you can download the upgrade for just $19.95.

That's not all.

31% Off Digital for 31 Days

Get 31% off 31 digital content options and most of our print products for all 31 days in August! 

Feed your My Digital Studio addicted customers and tempt the ones that aren't. 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.
Some of our best digital content. 30 downloads and 1 content disc. Yup, that equals 31.
Here's the list of content:

Item	Digital Content	Retail Price	31% Off Price
127217	Floral District Collection Disc	$  23.95	$ 16.53
118115	Night and Day Designer Series Paper	$    4.95	$   3.42
129929	Candid Frames	$    2.95	$   2.04
129921	Check This Out Page Templates	$    4.95	$   3.42
129609	Blossom Builders Embellishments	$    5.95	$   4.11
128999	It's All Me Kit	$    9.95	$   6.87
127441	Whimsical Note Journal Template	$    1.95	$   1.35
128342	Pinwheel Daily Calendar Template	$    9.95	$   6.87
127599	Party Animal Kit	$    9.95	$   6.87
127600	Autumn Traditions Kit	$    9.95	$   6.87
127620	Grateful Heart Thanksgiving Ensemble	$  14.95	$ 10.32
126027	Playful Polka Dots Kit	$    9.95	$   6.87
130066	World Traveler Photobook Template	$  17.95	$ 12.39
131221	Storybook Specialty Designer Series Paper	$    4.95	$   3.42
130850	Joyful Times Kit	$    9.95	$   6.87
124463	One Great Year Digital Kit	$    9.95	$   6.87
127175	Limited Edition Embellishments	$    2.95	$   2.04
129607	Walk in the Park II Kit	$    9.95	$   6.87
129934	#HASHTHIS Stamp Brush Set	$    7.95	$   5.49
129923	Book of Birthdays Swatchbook Template	$  12.95	$   8.94
121071	Travel Journal Kit	$    9.95	$   6.87
129924	Get it Done Kit	$    5.95	$   4.11
129005	Sweetly Nested Framable	$    4.95	$   3.42
127758	Delight in the Day Photobook Template	$  19.95	$ 13.77
130862	Blast Off Ensemble	$  19.95	$ 13.77
129890	Little Milestone Birthdays Greeting Card	$    7.95	$   5.49
128892	Designer Gift Cards	$    4.95	$   3.42
127580	And a Happy New Year Photocard Template	$    1.95	$   1.35
127435	Thanks Tons Greeting Card Template Set	$    2.95	$   2.04
127587	Sending Glad Tidings Designer Tags Kit	$    7.95	$   5.49
127762	Gratitude Framable Designer Template	$    1.95	$   1.35

Now is a GREAT time to join my Stampin' Up! Team

 

Holiday Mini Catalog starts today! 

Let me tell you, every time I think that there's no possible way that Stampin' Up! can get any better, they come out with a mind blowing collection like this! If you don't already have one, email me. I have plenty to share. 

I have been collecting lots of fabulous samples using the new products and pinning them. Check out my Pinterest board HERE!
Check it out on line HERE!

First Annual Christmas Club at the Studio

This year I am trying something new. It is Christmas Club at the Studio.


This is the perfect club for anyone who wants to send handmade Christmas cards but doesn’t feel like they have the time.
We will meet once a month during August, September, October and November to create 12 Christmas cards each month—4 each of three designs—for a total of 48 beautiful handmade holiday cards, at the end of the four sessions.
 The cards will include advanced techniques, fun folds, and lots of Christmas bling! I will be designing a variety of styles and color schemes so there will be something for everyone.

 We will be using the wonderful new products from the 2012 Holiday Catalog! Let me tell you, there are some fabulous products in there, like Core’dinations cardstock, new embossing folders and Big Shot dies, new papers, and of course, new stamp sets with matching Framelits!
Our club sessions will be on the third Monday night of the month. The dates are August 20^th, September 17^th, October 15^th, and November 19th.   Cost is just $20 per person per month for the four month commitment. If you pay in full at the first meeting, you will receive a 10% discount.

 Can you imagine having all of your handmade Christmas cards finished by Thanksgiving? Plus, you get to enjoy a fun evening out with friends, doing what you love to do, once a month!

• If you are not able to come, due to other commitments or because you live too far away, let me know! We can also work something out by mail.

•  If you need more than 48 Christmas cards total? Consider signing up for two spots! You won’t be able to get them all finished in one session, but you could do all the stamping and prep work and then assemble at home at your leisure.

Blast Off!

OMGoodness, this set is so darling. As soon as I saw it in the new catalog, I wanted it. However, since I have only girls, I didn't get it right away. After seeing so many adorable samples on Pinterest, I caved in and got it. I'm so glad I did. It just makes me smile.
I used a glimmer brad, lots of rhinestones and some Dazzling Details to make it sparkle. I also used some DSP from the new Holiday Mini.
Have a fun day! Thanks for checking in. XO, Mimi

It's Almost Time...

It's almost time to order from the new Holiday Mini Catalog. My goodness, there are so many cute and wonderful things in this book to play with. This is a little peek at some of the DSP and stamps and new framelits. Just look at those cute little gingerbread men. They look good enough to eat.
That's all for now. Have a great Monday! XO, Mimi