Ribbon technique

At convention, we had a great session showing ways to use ribbon on projects.  Of course, there are the traditional ways to use ribbon that we all know, but we were also shown a technique where you punch out a shape and use ribbon behind the punch to "colour" and add texture to the shape.

That description doesn't really make sense, but here's a card (not one of the examples we were shown at that session) that will show you what I mean.  

If you take a close look at this card, you can see that they used Old Olive polka dot ribbon "behind" the tree shape, Red and White stitched grosgrain behind the candy cane and Early Espresso ribbon for the Gingerbread Cookie shape.

It's a cute and simple technique and a GREAT way to use up ribbon scraps!  

So, based on this card, this is how you would make it:

1.  You punch (or die cut in this case) your shapes on the front panel (crumb cake cardstock)

2.  Then set the cardstock down on your base (white cardstock) and use a pencil to trace the shapes onto the base piece.  

3.  After that, adhere strips of ribbon on the white card base so that the entire "pencilled" shape is covered.  

4.  Use dimensionals to adhere the Crumb Cake over your base!

So fun!  You should try this technique, and if you do, send me a picture of your project!  

Enjoy your day,

Andra

Back to School

I'm back to school this week and it feels like I never left!

Here are some sweet "back to school" themed projects I have bookmarked to "make some day"...

I love this card! So fun and colourful!

I adore this sweet little box filled with "lunch" notes for kids.
Click here to go to her blog and see more details.

This is such a cute project!  Click here to to Becky's website to see more information.

These little school kids look so cute!

This card has a really clean, modern feel to me.  Love it!

Hope you're inspired to make a few Back to School cards for children (or teachers) you know!

Have a perfect day!
Andra

Haunting...

This deal is "haunting me"!  (hee hee!)

You have until Friday to take advantage of the current great Starter Kit offer.  If you're interested, send me a quick email and I'll help you figure things out.  

If you like to buy items at a discount, this is a great deal for you!  

There is NO catch and NO downside!  I promise.  

Andra

An extension of the MDS 31% off promotion

Great news from Stampin' Up!:

Good news: We decided to extend the 31% Off Digital sale until September 14! We know you and your customers are wrapping up summer stuff, getting everybody back to school, and things are busy. Now everybody can have a little more breathing room to finish their projects to send off to the print services. And don't forget about the 31 digital content items on sale too. Make sure to tell your customers to snatch up their favourites before September 14.

This is great news for me for sure because I was racing to try to complete my FIRST MDS Photobook and I was worried I wouldn't get done.  Now I can relax and work on it for a couple more weeks!

If you haven't downloaded your FREE month-long trial of MDS 2, you should!  There's no downside to FREE and you can still print things at the sale prices!  :)

31% OFF DIGITAL

Get 31% off 31 digital content options and most of our print products until September 14! 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, now 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	$    29.95	$  20.67
118115	Night and Day Designer Series Paper	$      6.95	$    4.80
129929	Candid Frames	$      3.75	$    2.59
129921	Check This Out Page Templates	$      6.50	$    4.49
129609	Blossom Builders Embellishments	$      7.95	$    5.49
128999	It's All Me Kit	$    12.50	$    8.63
127441	Whimsical Note Journal Template	$      2.50	$    1.73
128342	Pinwheel Daily Calendar Template	$    12.50	$    8.63
127599	Party Animal Kit	$    12.50	$    8.63
127600	Autumn Traditions Kit	$    12.50	$    8.63
127620	Grateful Heart Thanksgiving Ensemble	$    18.50	$  12.77
126027	Playful Polka Dots Kit	$    12.50	$    8.63
130066	World Traveler Photobook Template	$    21.95	$  15.15
131221	Storybook Specialty Designer Series Paper	$      6.50	$    4.49
130850	Joyful Times Kit	$    12.50	$    8.63
124463	One Great Year Digital Kit	$    12.50	$    8.63
127175	Limited Edition Embellishments	$      3.75	$    2.59
129607	Walk in the Park II Kit	$    12.50	$    8.63
129934	#HASHTHIS Stamp Brush Set	$      9.95	$    6.87
129923	Book of Birthdays Swatchbook Template	$    15.95	$  11.01
121071	Travel Journal Kit	$    13.25	$    9.14
129924	Get it Done Kit	$      7.95	$    5.49
129005	Sweetly Nested Framable	$      6.50	$    4.49
127758	Delight in the Day Photobook Template	$    24.95	$  17.22
130862	Blast Off Ensemble	$    24.95	$  17.22
129890	Little Milestone Birthdays Greeting Card	$      9.95	$    6.87
128892	Designer Gift Cards	$      6.50	$    4.49
127580	And a Happy New Year Photocard Template	$      2.50	$    1.73
127435	Thanks Tons Greeting Card Template Set	$      3.75	$    2.59
127587	Sending Glad Tidings Designer Tags Kit	$      9.95	$    6.87
127762	Gratitude Framable Designer Template	$      2.50	$    1.73

Tools to Help You Sell
We've provided a flyer for you to promote the sale to your customers. You'll also find an e-card and e-newsletter available with your DBWS on August 1. Make sure to send these out!
   
The Fine Print

• Print product bulk pricing isn't included as a part of this sale-sorry! (But not too sorry because it's still a sweet deal.) 
• You can only get the digital downloads and print products through a demonstrator or online order. So make sure to have your DBWS website up and running to cash in on those online orders.
• The Floral District Collection Disc can go on a workshop order (as well as a demonstrator or online order, of course). 
• There's no limit to how many sale items you can order. Go crazy!
• Get your orders in by Friday, September 14. Submit OEX and online orders by 11:50 PM (MT). Going old-school with a phone order? Call by 6:50 PM (MT).
• Still trying to keep up on all this? Get more info about MDS 2, the new software, here.

So cute!

Wow!

Check out this fabulous project that Dawn Olchefske posted on her blog!  I just had to share it!  Makes you want the Perfectly Preserved die set, doesn't it?  It certainly makes me want it!  :)

Click here to go to Dawn's blog and learn how to make these adorable little jar/boxes!

Have a perfect day!
Andra

A great ad idea!

I love that they combined an ad with teaching techniques!  Watch for this to be in magazines and online!

Another great ad

Here's another great ad that you'll see in magazines and online:

Stampin' Up! ad campaign

Stampin' Up! has a new ad campaign so watch for some of these ads to be in your favourite magazines!  

The ads will be run in Chatelaine and Today's Parent (Canadian Magazines) and in Better Homes and Gardens, Family Fun and Parents (US Magazines).

They will also be run in a number of online sites so keep an eye out!  

Here is the first one:

Download a FREE Trial of MDS 2!

Hi everyone,

Have you tried My Digital Studio (MDS) yet?  If not, this IS THE time!  You can download a FREE month long trial version of MDS 2!  Do it!  It's fun and easy!

In order to get the MDS free trial, go to my Demonstrator Business Website and do an ONLINE ORDER.  Type in the number 130910 and you'll be charged NOTHING and can download it right away!  :)

More info:

MDS 2 Free Trial 130910 Regular Price: $0.00 Preferred Price: $0.00 LEARN ABOUT PREFERRED PRICING Express yourself and impress your friends when you create projects using MDS 2, My Digital Studio’s digital design software. With the FREE 30-day trial, you’ll get: * Full access to the software at NO COST for 30 days * Full access to design tools to create cards, photobooks, calendars, and more * Full access to a sample of exclusive artwork from MDS 2+ * The chance to buy additional downloads that you can keep after your trial expires * Ability to order your projects from our professional print services To use the software more than 30 days, buyMDS 2 (software only)or MDS 2+ (software plus $650 in content).

I have had MDS for a long time and didn't do much with it until recently.  (I had some computer issues so it made it almost impossible to run on my machine...however, I put a big new hard drive in my MacBook and I am ready to play!)

I downloaded the free trial and will be buying the MDS 2 upgrade when the trial is over.

Check it out!  It's fun and easy!

If you want to learn how to use it, may I recommend Heather Summer's MDS 2 online class?  She is an amazing Demonstrator and is uses MDS beautifully!  Her online class just began and I am taking it.  I took an MDS online class with her last year also and love her videos and tutorials!

Learn about her class here!

Anyway, it won't cost you anything and you might just love it!  It's easy to add pictures to layouts - just drag and drop and it's simple to customize!

Have fun!
Andra

Debbie's Stamping Space

Hi everyone,

Here's another fabulous stamping space to check out!

Debbie is a lovely person.  She has been stamping and creating for a long time and has worked hard to organize her space.  She took great pictures of her space and you can view them online here:

Debbie's Stamping Space

Here are the pictures separately too.

Debbie's desk!  So organized and functional.
Did you build it or buy it somewhere?  

I love the chair and I love the paper storage under her desk.

I know she told me where she bought this amazing storage unit...maybe IKEA?
I'll check and update this.

HELLOOOO!!!!!  MUFFIN TINS for organizers!
Amazing idea and so cute!  

This makes me feel nice just by looking at it!  I seriously love organizing.  

Wow - what an amazingly organized drawer!  I love it!

So neat and tidy!

Punch heaven!

Wonderful ribbon organizer!

Great use of a closet!

Closer view.

Right side of the closet.

Closer view

Thank you, Debbie, for sharing pictures of your great stamping space!  I love it!

Enjoy your day!
Andra

Stamping Space Contest Deadline

Good morning,

Just a quick note today to let you know that the Stamping Space Contest deadline is Friday, August 17.

Send me your pictures for a chance to win!

Thanks,
Andra

Misha's Stamping Space

Hi everyone,

I'm happy to share pictures of another great space today!

Misha is a Demonstrator in my group.  She has creativity and artistic ability running through her veins.  I love her work!

Misha moved into a new house within the last 2 years and has carved out a new
place in her basement for her to craft and create.  

This is her storage space.  It holds her ink, stamp sets, punches, ribbon and old Idea Books.
 

Misha said that although this desk is not a practical work space, she loves it because it is an antique.
I think it's wonderful!  

Misha is hoping to "liven" up the space with some items on the walls.  She's thinking of making a fabric covered cork board to hang above her desk.  I think that's a great idea!

Also, Misha asked me about the stuffed Owls that are all over the shelves in my stamping studio.  I did NOT make them - my sweet sister-in-law, Caroline made them!  I mailed fabric to her (she and Shawn live in Halifax!) and she created a pattern and made them for me.  I love them!!!

Thanks for sharing pictures of your Stamping Space, Misha!  I love it!

Enjoy your day,
Andra

ps - send me pics of YOUR space!  Remember the contest: I will randomly pick someone who has sent me pictures of their space to win a prize pack to use/decorate their space!

Lora's Stamping Space

Hi everyone,

I'm really enjoying seeing pictures or hearing stories about your creative workspaces!  It doesn't matter if your space is big or small, "perfect" or a "work in progress", I'd love to see it!

I don't have to share your pictures on my blog if you don't want me to, but a few people have said it's ok if I post their pictures.

Lora is a Demonstrator in my group.  She is a wonderfully talented and creative person.  She has a fabulous space.  I love the red walls!!!  She told me that she has just recently finished organizing her space and was glad to get some pictures of it looking so good!

Lora and her parents custom built her ink pad and ribbon holder.
I think they built all of her storage shelves too!

I love the chalkboard Decor Elements on the wall.  I miss those! 

Great use of a corner desk! 

I love how everything is visible and within easy reach!

Thanks for sharing pictures of your Stamping Space, Lora!  

Have a great day everyone,

Andra

Fall plans...

Hi friends,

I have some new specials/deals/offers for the fall.

The first is a Stamp Class reward card.  You will actually receive a little card from me and when you attend one of my Stamp Camps or Classes, you will get a "punch" (or maybe a small stamp - I haven't decided yet!).

After you attend 10 of my events, your next class is FREE!  No matter what the cost of the next class, it will be free.  It's a pretty straightforward discount card, but I'll try to write some details about it in the Events and Specials section of this blog in the next few weeks.

The second is an Order rewards card.  For every $25 you order you will receive a "punch" or "stamp" from me.  If you place an order and the merchandise amount is only $24, it won't count.  If it is at least $50, you will get 2 punches.  That part is pretty clear.

It gets tricky when I offer a class with an ordering special (ie: the class is $25 or FREE with a $50 order).  In this situation, if you decide to place a $50 order, you'd get the class for free AND get a punch on the Stamp Class reward card, but you would NOT get 2 stamps on this card.  You can't use both cards.  I suppose you could decide to just use this card and NOT the other card also.

There are a few more details to share about it, but again, I'll put it on my blog at a later date.

The free gift (there wasn't room to write it on the card) is a stamp set of your choice worth up to $20!!!

I have also worked out the details for my Fall Online Club and am really excited about it!  I have designed a sweet little pamphlet with all the details.  I will post about this another day.  

I have a LONG list of Stamp Classes I want to have this fall, so be prepared for information about them soon.  I just need to figure out dates and details and I'll let you know!

Enjoy your day!
Andra

My Brother's Birthday card

Hi,

I made a card for my brother last week also.  It's directly CASEd from Mary Fish, but I love it!  We might have to make it at a class!

Stamp sets: You're Amazing

Cardstock: Marina Mist, Real Red, Summer Starfruit

Ink: Basic Black

Accessories: 1 3/4" circle punch, 1 1/4" circle punch, 3/4" circle punch, Apothecary Accents Framelits, Big Shot, Real Red (Brights) Glimmer Brads, Dimensionals.  

Thanks for the inspiration Mary Fish!  It's a great card!  

Andra

Lovely & Lacy!

Here is another card I made this week.  It is very soft and pretty.

Stamp sets: Lovely & Lacy

Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, Early Espresso

Ink: Early Espresso

Accessories: Delicate Designs Embossing Folders, Perfect Pennants Bigz L die, Big Shot, Naturals Designer button, Linen Thread, Scallop Edge Border Punch, 3/16" Corner Rounder, 1 3/4" circle punch, dimensionals, mini glue dots.  

This card was inspired by a card by Monika Davis.  

Hope you like it!

Andra

Butterflies!

I made some cards this week "just for fun".  I may use them at upcoming classes, but I think I'll show you anyway!

Here's the first one.  It was inspired by a card made by Angie Juda.  Forgive the poor lighting.  I need to work on getting better lighting for my pictures.

Stamp sets: Papillon Potpourri, Petite Pairs
Cardstock: Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, Lucky Limeade
Ink: Marina Mist, Primrose Petals, Lucky Limeade
Accessories: Elegant Butterfly punch, 1 inch circle punch, 1 1/4 scallop circle punch (in the new Mini Catalogue!), Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder, Big Shot, sponge, dimensionals.

I'm thinking of having a class showcasing the Papillon Potpourri stamp set and coordinating punch.  Would you be interested in that?  Let me know!

Have a lovely evening,
Andra

August Stampin' Up! Specials and a Contest

Wowza!  There is a lot going on in Stamplandia (made up name) this month!

Here's a run down:

1) SPOOKTACULAR Starter Kit deal!
I wrote about this earlier, but as a quick review:
- the Starter Kit only costs $125 and you get to choose over $150 worth of product for that price!
- there is no shipping cost and only 1 tax on the Starter Kit
- you purchase the kit ONLINE and it's quick and easy.  It ships right to you!
- If you purchase the Starter Kit in August, you will receive a fabulous project kit worth over $75!  (I get one too so that's exciting!)
- you will ALSO get a FREE bundle of special Convention items from ME if you sign up!
- there is NO PENALTY if you get the starter kit and NEVER place another order!
- Contact me for more information and to take advantage of this incredible deal!!!


2) HOLIDAY CATALOGUE!
We can't really call it a "mini" anymore because it's BIG!!!

If you don't have a copy of the Holiday Catalogue, let me know.  I have PILES of them here, just for you!  In the meantime, you can view it online.  Just follow the link to my BUSINESS WEBSITE (top right of menu) and you can check it all out!

There are tons of fabulous new products for you to play with!!!


3) MDS2 is coming...
For those of you who have bought MDS AND those of you who haven't bought it yet, Stampin' Up! is preparing to release MDS2!  There are an incredible amount of improvements and additions to this program.  It looks amazing and so simple to use!

If you already have MDS, you can purchase the upgrade when it is available.  If you purchase MDS now, you will get the upgrade to MDS2 for FREE.

If you haven't bought it yet, you can try a 1 month FREE TRIAL of MDS and this is the perfect month to do it because...read below!!!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW A FUN VIDEO MADE BY STAMPIN' UP! SHOWING WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH MDS!!!

4) BIG MDS DISCOUNTS!!!
Read below for information from Stampin' Up! on August's Digital Special.  This is the perfect time to download some digital content AND print some photo books or other items!

This is PERFECT timing because of the FREE TRIAL!!!

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! 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  $    29.95  $  20.67 118115 Night and Day Designer Series Paper  $      6.95  $    4.80 129929 Candid Frames  $      3.75  $    2.59 129921 Check This Out Page Templates  $      6.50  $    4.49 129609 Blossom Builders Embellishments  $      7.95  $    5.49 128999 It's All Me Kit  $    12.50  $    8.63 127441 Whimsical Note Journal Template  $      2.50  $    1.73 128342 Pinwheel Daily Calendar Template  $    12.50  $    8.63 127599 Party Animal Kit  $    12.50  $    8.63 127600 Autumn Traditions Kit  $    12.50  $    8.63 127620 Grateful Heart Thanksgiving Ensemble  $    18.50  $  12.77 126027 Playful Polka Dots Kit  $    12.50  $    8.63 130066 World Traveler Photobook Template  $    21.95  $  15.15 131221 Storybook Specialty Designer Series Paper  $      6.50  $    4.49 130850 Joyful Times Kit  $    12.50  $    8.63 124463 One Great Year Digital Kit  $    12.50  $    8.63 127175 Limited Edition Embellishments  $      3.75  $    2.59 129607 Walk in the Park II Kit  $    12.50  $    8.63 129934 #HASHTHIS Stamp Brush Set  $      9.95  $    6.87 129923 Book of Birthdays Swatchbook Template  $    15.95  $  11.01 121071 Travel Journal Kit  $    13.25  $    9.14 129924 Get it Done Kit  $      7.95  $    5.49 129005 Sweetly Nested Framable  $      6.50  $    4.49 127758 Delight in the Day Photobook Template  $    24.95  $  17.22 130862 Blast Off Ensemble  $    24.95  $  17.22 129890 Little Milestone Birthdays Greeting Card  $      9.95  $    6.87 128892 Designer Gift Cards  $      6.50  $    4.49 127580 And a Happy New Year Photocard Template  $      2.50  $    1.73 127435 Thanks Tons Greeting Card Template Set  $      3.75  $    2.59 127587 Sending Glad Tidings Designer Tags Kit  $      9.95  $    6.87 127762 Gratitude Framable Designer Template  $      2.50  $    1.73 I think that's all the news for now.  I will be placing more orders later in August, but if you're planning on ordering from the amazing MDS sale list, you can do so as your OWN order on my business website!  It's quick and easy and the downloads will be available for you immediately!   Oh, one more thing - I have a contest idea: I have received a number of private emails about your stamping spaces (in response to my post about my new Stamping Studio).  Send me PICTURES of your stamp spaces and I'll select a random winner to receive a gift package to use in her Stamping Space!   I will post the pictures of your Stamping Space on my blog too.  It'll be fun!  Send me your pics!   Have a great night! Andra