Happy World Cardmaking Day!

Posted on October 5, 2013 by Linda Tolson Yarbrough

World Cardmaking Day 2013

World Cardmaking Day is today, Saturday, October 5, and to celebrate Stampin’ Up! is holding a contest you won’t want to miss.  After all, what’s not to love about a holiday dedicated to card makers worldwide?!

There are two ways to enter:

    • E-mail a photo of a card, or of you making a card, made with Stampin’ Up! product on World Cardmaking Day to wcmd2013@stampinup.com.
    • Post a photo of a card, or of you making a card, made with Stampin’ Up! product on World Cardmaking Day on Instagram. Mention us by typing @stampinup and use the hashtag #wcmd2013 in the description.

This contest is open to everyone – demonstrators, customers, friends, spouses, children – you get the idea.  However, there are a few conditions:

    • You must be over the age of 18 to win a prize.
    • You can enter as many times as you wish, but each entry must feature a different card.
    • Contest will last all day on October 5, from 12:01 AM to 12:00 PM.
    • Stampin’ Up! will randomly select 100 winners from rheir North American markets to receive a Paper Pumpkin Kit (valued at $19.95 US/ $20.95 CA)*, and will select 50 winners from their South Pacific and European markets to receive the Naughty and Nice Rotary Stamp and Season of Style Designer Washi Tape.

A selection of pictures will be posted to Stampin’ Up!’s World Cardmaking Day Pinterest Board and the winners announced in a later current update.

*Quebec winners will receive the Naughty and Nice Rotary Stamp and Season of Style Designer Washi Tape (valued at $14.95).

Come back tomorrow to see what I have made in celebration of this “holiday”.  What cards are you going to make today?  Email me a picture at lrtolson@tx.rr.com and I will post it here on my blog.  If you include your mailing address in your email I will send you a little something back as a “thank you” for participating in World Cardmaking Day!  {SWEET!!!}

Thanks for stopping by.

Until next time, stamp on my friends,
Linda

Posted in World Cardmaking Day | Leave a comment

New Digital Downloads & More for My Digital Studio

Posted on October 2, 2013 by Linda Tolson Yarbrough

MDS Newest Downloads Pic

Hey football fans, whether you’re tailgating, celebrating a win, or hosting the big game, you need to get the new Tailgating Ensemble. Customize it to match your team’s colors. That’s what I call a WIN-WIN!

Tailgate MDS-001

Tailgating Ensemble – Digital Download
Item # 135644 / $12.95 (preferred price)

Or how about some festive digital downloads. This week’s collection includes a great ensemble that will earn you “the hostess with the mostest” award with everything you need to plan a festive party, from the design of your invitations, napkin rings, gift holder, tags, table tents, frame-able art and more. And check out the great digital stamps and punches that will make the design of your holiday cards a breeze.

MDS 100213 - 2

Christmas Collectibles Stamp Brush Set – Digital Download
Item # 135263 / $4.95 (preferred price)

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Christmas Ornament Punch – Digital Download
Item # 135264 / $1.95 (preferred price)

MDS 100213 - 4

Holly Jolly Greetings Simply Sent Ensemble – Digital Download
Item # 135260 / $10.95 (preferred price)

MDS 100213 - 5

Snowy Soiree Ensemble – Digital Download
Item # 135261 / $17.95 (preferred price)

MDS 100213 - 6

Very Merry Tags Stamp Brush Set – Digital Download
Item # 135262 / $4.95 (preferred price)

How would you like an easy way to keep track of My Digital Studio downloads? Quickly browse new downloads every week? Link to the Online Store to shop for more? And have it all right at your fingertips? Well now you can do all this and more!

Feel free to jump and shout because this is one library where you don’t have to be quiet – introducing the My Library for My Digital Studio app – now available for your iPad!

MDS My Library App

With the app you can:

    • Add items you already own to your collection.
    • Add items you want to your wish list.
    • Sort your lists alphabetically or by release date.
    • Search for any downloads.
    • Browse new downloads released every week.
    • Link to the Stampin’ Up! Online Store to shop.

Download it now for FREE in iTunes or the App Store and you’ll be the most awesome librarian around. Happy cataloging.

Here are some other things to note:

    • The app will not link to your software; therefore, you will need to manually add items you already own to your collection. Think of it as a sentimental journey – you can reminisce while you categorize.
    • For the best viewing experience, Stampin’ Up! recommends using the app on an iPad or iPad Mini as it’s not quite ready for iPhones yet (but they’re working on it!).

Share the good news with your friends!

Thank you for hanging in there will me. I’m starting to feel more human. Believe it or not I still have not covered all of the NEW news so I will have more for you tomorrow so be sure to come back and see what else I have to share with you.

Until next time, stamp on my friends,
Linda

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October Surprises from Stampin’ Up!

Posted on October 1, 2013 by Linda Tolson Yarbrough

Party More Balloons

Party More. Get More

Stampin’ Up! is celebrating their 25 year anniversary during the month of October with a special offer for hostesses: hostesses will get $25 extra hostess dollars when they have a qualifying party this month! Help me fill my October calendar with workshops so you can get in on this great deal!

Join for 25

Offer: New recruits can join Stampin’ Up! for just $25!

Dates: October 7-21, 2013

The Fine Print:

  • During this offer, only the special $25 starter kit will be available; the regular $99 starter kit will not be available. The $25 Starter Kit includes:
    • $26.95 worth of Stampin’ Up! product (it must be more than $25, but not more than $26.95 before tax)
    • Business pack which includes
      • A box of annual catalogs
      • A package of the current seasonal catalog
      • Getting Started DVD
      • Starter Kit Business Brick
      • Customer postcards

Who wants to help me promote to Senior Supervisor? I just need three new recruits to get there! 🙂

MDS postcards

Stampin’ Up! has been trying to think outside the box – well, the rectangle that is and found a great alternative to the plain postcard-shaped postcards! Stampin’ Up! is happy to introduce you to some new 5″ x 7″ and 7″ x 5″ professional print options: the scallop and artisan postcards.

Gorgeous, right? Just update your software, and you’ll have access to these new shape options – perfect for wedding invitations, birth announcements, holiday cards, or every day greetings. Don’t forget, Stampin’ Up! postcards are double-sided, so they’ll print on the back for you, too. You’ll also notice new bleed areas in your menu so that you can design your card with the end result in mind. Then, when you’re ready to order, just select the shape you want in the ordering options.

Cards start at $2.25 and regular bulk discounts apply. So go on, shape up those postcards.

Don’t have My Digital Studio yet? Get it here and try it FREE for 30-days!

Wow! That’s a lot of information all at once. Believe it or not, it’s not all the news that Stampin’ Up! released today. I’ll share more with you tomorrow so be sure to come back soon.

Until next time, stamp on my friends,
Linda

Posted in My Digital Studio, Promotions | Leave a comment

Wishing You Christmas Cheer

Posted on September 29, 2013 by Linda Tolson Yarbrough

Christmas

I finally got the chance to play with some of my new goodies from the Holiday Catalog this weekend.

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When I sat down to design this card I knew that I wanted to use the new Cherry Cobbler 1″ Stitched Edge Grosgrain Ribbon from the Holiday Catalog and that I wanted to gather it in the middle and add the lovely snowflake Frosted Finished embellishments at the gather point.  Next I knew I wanted to use the Chalk Talk Framelits for the greeting.  The rest just fell into place.

Here are the products I used in the design of this card:

Crumb Cake Card Stock
Whisper White Card Stock
Cherry Cobbler Card Stock
Season of Style Designer Series Paper Stack
Christmas Messages Stamp Set (clear-mount) (wood-mount)
Cherry Cobbler Classic Stampin’ Pad
Crumb Cake Classic Stampin’ Pad
Sponge Dauber
Big Shot
Chalk Talk Framelits
Magnetic Platform
Stampin’ Trimmer
Cherry Cobbler 1″ Stitched Edge Grosgrain Ribbon
Whisper White Baker’s Twine
Frosted Finishes Embellishments
Mini Glue Dots
Snail Adhesive
Stampin’ Dimensionals

This will be one of the cards I send out this year to family and friends.  How about you?  What will you be sending out as your holiday cards?  Why not send out handmade cards this year?  I can help you get started!

Until next time, stamp on my friends,
Linda

Posted in Big Shot, Cards, Christmas, Holiday Catalog | Leave a comment

Everyday Occasions – a New Kit from Stampin’ Up!

Posted on September 26, 2013 by Linda Tolson Yarbrough

Kits

At Convention 2013 Stampin’ Up! gave all attendees a sneak peek during an on-stage presentation of a new kit soon to be released .  Well, I’m excited to announce that it is finally here!

Everyday Occasions Kit

The Everyday Occasions Cardmaking Kit was developed with the new customer in mind.  It is intended to introduce — by way of a simple, fun experience at a great price — the art of stamping and cardmaking to people who have not yet experienced the joy of Stampin’ Up! products.

Why go to the store when a birthday, graduation, wedding or even a time for expressing gratitude comes up?  The Everyday Occasions Cardmaking Kit puts cards for all of those events right at your fingertips, and best of all, they’ll be handmade!

The kit contains everything necessary (minus adhesive and scissors) to create 20 beautiful cards for almost any occasion, and it comes in a beautiful box to store them in.  The Everyday Occasions kit includes:

* Cardstock and envelopes for 20 cards
* Twine, buttons & clips
* Pre-cut paper embellishments
* Mini ink pads (Stampin’ Spots)
* Seven-piece Occasions Stamp Set & clear stamp block
* Full color Tips & Tricks brochure for making the cards
* A cool, storable, giftable box

Everyday Occasions Kit 2

Everyday Occasions Cardmaking Kit
Item # 134797 / $29.95 (preferred price)

Looks like I need to add one more item to my Wish List 🙂  Better get your very own box of fabulous while supplies last!

Thank you for stopping by today.  Come back again to see what’s next.

Until next time, stamp on my friends,
Linda

Posted in Cards, Kits, Products | Leave a comment

Mea Culpa and Salutations

Posted on September 25, 2013 by Linda Tolson Yarbrough

My apologies for my prolonged absence.  I’m starting to sound like a broken record (at least to my ears) but I just can’t seem to kick this virus.  Not for lack of trying, though – after two different antibiotics and steroid dose packs, two new asthma meds and some cough syrup that I had to show my photo ID to pick up from the pharmacy I can finally sleep a little bit each night but I’ve had laryngitis for nearly three weeks.  Ugh!

Here are a few of the announcements from Stampin’ Up! you may have missed in my absence:

09/12/13:  Stampin’ Up! posted new items to the Clearance Rack!  Items on the Clearance Rack are available only while supplies last.  Stampin’ Up! also announced that they will be updating the product offering in the Clearance Rack more often and will not post a current update every time that happens.  So be sure to check the Clearance Rack often to make sure you don’t miss out on your favorite retired items.

09/17/13:  Stampin’ Up! released new digital downloads for My Digital Studio.   What do Thanksgiving, Christmas, and ruffles have in common?  They are all featured in the new downloads this week.

09/17/13:  Stampin’ Up! released two new photopolymer stamp sets with travel related themes — Greetings From and Map It Out.

09/24/13:  Stampin’ Up! released a new photopolymer stamp set just in time for Halloween — Bite Me.  (No seriously, that’s the name of the set!)

09/24/13:  Stampin’ Up! released new digital downloads for My Digital Studio.   Life is busy, so why not let My Digital Studio help you get ahead on your checklist as you begin to prepare for the holidays?  Whether you’re working on holiday banners, cards, or tags these new downloads can help.  Looking for more ideas?  Follow My Digital Studio on Pinterest at Pinterest.com/mydigitalstudio.

09/25/13:  There is a software update available for My Digital Studio.  The next time you’re using the software and are connected to the Internet, your software will update automatically with these changes.  One of the enhancements is a new customizable toolbar.  That’s right! You can select which options you want to appear at the top of your screen in MDS.  Just go to View>Customize Toolbar or right-click on the toolbar itself and add or remove options.

Whew, that’s a lot of information all at once.  If you have any questions or need more information, I’m here to assist you.

I did spend a little bit of time in my craft room last weekend putting stamps to ink to paper.  I had several month’s worth of My Paper Pumpkin boxes to play with.  Here are the cards I created.

 DSC05333 DSC05339 DSC05341

 Well, that’s about all the information I have to share with you today.  Thank you for dropping in.  I will have more new and exciting stuff to share with you for your next visit.

Until next time, stamp on my friends,
Linda

Posted in Cards, Paper Pumpkin, Products | Leave a comment

Digital Download Tuesday (on Wednesday)

Posted on September 11, 2013 by Linda Tolson Yarbrough

MDS Newest Downloads Pic

Ok, I realize that Tuesday was yesterday and that I failed to blog.  This dang upper respiratory infection is kicking my you know what.  I started my second round of antibiotics today and I sure hope it works!  Looks like I am going to have to cancel plans this weekend of traveling with Gary to Denver, CO as he launches a new ice cream product.  I am so bummed (and I know he is very disappointed I won’t be there).

Before calling it a day I wanted to at least share with you this week’s newest digital downloads for My Digital Studio.

MDS 09-10-13

I hope to be healthy again real soon so I can be a little more entertaining.  Thank you for your patience!

Until next time, stamp on my friends,
Linda

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{Hit Me With Your} Big Shot

Posted on September 9, 2013 by Linda Tolson Yarbrough

Big Shot & Accessories

If you have a Big Shot, then you are well aware of all of the wonderful things you can do with the embossing folders, die cuts, edgelits, framelits, sizzlits and more (oh my!).

In the 2013-2014 Annual Catalog Stampin’ Up! revealed the Magnetic Platform that made working with edgelits and framelits so much easier (image not needing to tack down your framelit in place with a post-it!).

Big Shot Magnetic PlatformUnfortunately, this product was so popular Stampin’ Up! went through what was thought to be a 13-week supply of the Magnetic Platform in just three weeks.   Rather than continuing the backorder situation, they deactivated the item number in mid-July until they could replenish the inventory.

If you missed the window to get your own Magnetic Platform and really (really) want one, I am happy to tell you that a full shipment of Magnetic Platforms (item 130658) has arrived from the supplier.  Yay, the great wait is over and Stampin’ Up! can start filling new orders on September 12!!!

Thank you for stopping by today and sorry if I disappointed anyone by failing to post yesterday.  I am happy to report, though, that I did get a pretty good night’s sleep last night.

Until next time, stamp on my friends,
Linda

Posted in Big Shot, Products | Leave a comment

Serenity in Nature

Posted on September 7, 2013 by Linda Tolson Yarbrough

Well darn – another Saturday has come and is nearly gone and I have yet to put stamp to ink to paper!  Sadly, my hopes of a good night’s sleep last night didn’t pan out and it’s hard to get the creative juices to flow when one hasn’t slept more than 2 hours a night for the past several days.

But fortunately for me (and for you) I still have some fabulous swap cards from Convention 2013 to share with you.  These three cards ooze serenity – I feel calm and relaxed when I gaze upon their beauty.

DSC05293

Designed by Anonymous
{I wish I could give the artist credit here. This is gorgeous in its simplicity!}

I recall swapping for this card and asking how they created this look.  The white image is actually the “bleach” technique.  {Say what? —  Soak a paper towel in bleach, tap your stamp on the paper towel and then stamp on the card stock.  As the bleach dries the card stock will lighten.}  I haven’t tried this technique yet but this sure has inspired me to give it a try!

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Designed by Rachel Durtschi
Madison, WI

After looking at this card I’m thinking Rachel designed the card above too (I’m about 98% sure she did).  This card also incorporated bleach in its design.  {For this technique, soak a cotton ball in bleach, squeeze out the excess and swipe the front of the card stock; as it dries, the card stock will lighten.  Not light enough – repeat until you get the shade you are going for.  Stamp your image on the bleached card stock (after it’s dry,  of course) and then tear the edges to reveal the true color of the card stock.}

NOTE:  One of the great things (and there are many) about Stampin’ Up! card stock is that it does not have a white core (meaning, it is colored through both layers).  The new Core’dinations card stock has a monochrome color between the layers — tear it or sand it to reveal its beauty!

DSC05313

Designed by Gloria Penwell

I have to confess that the By The Tide stamp set wasn’t even on my radar to be worthy of making it to my Wish List.  But now that I have seen so many different projects incorporating this set in amazing ways I’m starting to think I must have it 🙂

DSC05318

Designed by Susan Kong

Ok, granted – this is not a “card”.  It would, however, be a beautiful start to one!  The white card stock piece is approximately 2″ x 3″.  And there is actually a “technique” used here that I can share with you.  The shading around the bird was created using an acrylic block that has been inked.  If you look closely you will see that two different colors of ink were used.  Amazing!

That’s about all I have to share with you today.  I’m thinking tonight is the night that I will sleep tight.  {Fingers still crossed!}  Thank you for popping by.  Come back tomorrow and don’t forget those friends.

Until next time, stamp on my friends,
Linda

Posted in Any Occassion, Birthday, Cards, Convention 2013, Get Well | 2 Comments

Bold & Bright with a Doily on Top (well, sort of)

Posted on September 6, 2013 by Linda Tolson Yarbrough

After a second visit to the doctor today I think I might actually get some sleep tonight (fingers crossed!).  I can almost feel the antibiotic at work.

To bring a little brightness into my day (and in turn, to yours) I wanted to share with you two bold and bright swap cards from Convention 2013 (and they are both full cards, rather than just fronts – yay!).

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Designed by Ashley Purvis
Edmond, OK

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Designed by Anonymous
(How could they not put their name on this beauty!?)

When I look at both of these cards I just feel happy!  How about you?  Just imagine how happy your friends or family members would be if they got a card like this in the mail that was hand-made by you … hmmm, I can help you get started … 🙂

I was very pleased when I discovered that Stampin’ Up! carried over these doilies!  But boy do they like to stick together.  If you have these in your stash, they are actually very thin.  If they feel stiff, then chances are you have more than one.

If you have any questions about measurements or products used in the design of these cards, drop me a comment or send me an email.  I would be happy to answer your questions.

Thank you again for visiting my blog.  Come back tomorrow and while you’re at it why not invite a few of your friends to join you!

Until next time, stamp on my friends,
Linda

Posted in Any Occassion, Cards, Convention 2013 | Leave a comment