25th Anniversary Celebration

Posted on April 28, 2013 by Linda Tolson Yarbrough

Stampin’ Up! isn’t the only one celebrating their 25th Anniversary this year.

One of Gary’s sisters is renewing her wedding vows for her 25th Wedding Anniversary this summer and she asked me to make her invitations.  I was honored that she asked me to do so, but I was also very nervous as I wanted to do this momentous occasion justice.

As inspiration, Dana sent me this gorgeous bouquet photo:

Dana's Bouquet

Stampin’ Up! didn’t have that exact shade of blue (I think we did in years past), so I settled on using Marina Mist and Very Vanilla card stock in the design of the invitations.  Here’s what I came up with:

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I mailed off a sample to Dana last week and she says that she loves what I came up with.  So I’ve been busy working in my craft room this weekend cutting, stamping, heat embossing and adhering the materials together to make her 40 invitations.  I’m nearly done – I ran short on Marina Mist card stock and so I am on hold until a new order arrives.

Dana texted me earlier in the weekend that she was concerned that this was going to be a lot of work for me.  I chuckled and texted her back “not really – I’m a pro!”  I truly enjoy creating and it makes it even more enjoyable when I’m doing it for someone special.  I don’t think of this as “work” or “too much” of anything.

Here are the supplies that I used in the design of Dana’s invitations (all items are available in the 2012-2013 Annual Catalog unless otherwise noted):

Papers:  Marina Mist Card Stock; Very Vanilla Cardstock; Silver Glimmer Paper
Stamps:  Make a Wish (2013 Spring Catalog); I Am… (2012 Convention Set)
Tools & Misc:  Big Shot; Labels Collection Framelits; Bigz Alphabet Typeset Dies; Lacy Brocade Embossing Folder; Large Oval Punch; 3/4″ Circle Punch; Snail Adhesives, Stampin’ Dimensionals (of course); Heating Tool; Embossing Buddy; Silver Stampin’ Emboss Powder; 1/8″ Taffeta Ribbon in Marina Mist

I hope you had time this weekend to put your stamps and inks to paper.

Until next time, stamp on my friends,
Linda

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3-Ring Scrapbook Albums being Retired

Posted on April 27, 2013 by Linda Tolson Yarbrough

If you are a fan of Stampin’ Up!’s 3-ring scrapbook albums, you better stock up before June 3 (or sooner since they are included in the “only while supplies last” category).  Let’s just say I have viewed the new annual catalog online …

I recently saw the movie This is 40.  If you’ve seen it (or even just the trailer) then you know what I mean when I say “no 3-ring albums” (that little girl with the iPhone monkey app is just too cute!).

I have one friend and frequent customer who is unhappy that these are being retired.  Stampin’ Up! was the only place she could find the 3-ring albums (and she just hates those post scrapbooks).

I viewed the retired list today and the 12 x 12 albums have already sold out.  There are still 8 x 8 Linen Albums in Crumb Cake and Early Espresso available (as well as some earlier retired albums in the Clearance Rack).

Crumb Cake Album

Crumb Cake 8″ X 8″ Linen Ring Album
Item # 127688 / $23.95 (preferred price) RETIRING 06/03/13

Early Espresso Album

Early Espresso 8″ X 8″ Linen Ring Album
Item # 127687 / $23.95 (preferred price) RETIRING 06/03/13

Better get some before it’s too late!

Until next time, stamp on my friends,
Linda

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One Layer Card for The Paper Players Challenge

Posted on April 25, 2013 by Linda Tolson Yarbrough

I had so much fun playing along with the Stamping Challenges sketch earlier this week, I thought I would expand my horizons and play along with The Paper Players Challenge #142.

The Design Team members behind this blog are equally amazing as my prior challenge.  They are:  Ann Schach, Amy O’Neill, LeAnne Pugliese, Jaydee, Nance Leedy, Anne Marie Hile, Brian King, Justin Krieger, Jen Nelson, Sandy Mathis and Lesley Croghan (the blog’s creator).

Here is the sketch for the challenge:

PaperPlayers Challenge 142

What, a single layer card – no DSP or anything?  Okay, I have a very difficult time making a card without layers, ribbons, etc.  I already knew I wanted to use the large butterfly background stamp from the Stampin’ Up! Spring calatog and was inspired by Ann Schach’s card.

Here’s what I came up with:

PaperPlayers 042513

Ok, maybe the bling was a little much but I kinda like the way it turned out.

I have lived in Texas the majority of my life and one thing I absolutely love about the Spring and Summer months are the Monarch Butterflies that flutter here and there.  (Seriously, my butterfly is not nearly as beautiful as the real thing.)

Here are the supplies that I used to create my card (all items are available in the 2012-2013 Annual Catalog unless otherwise noted):

Papers:  Crumb Cake Card Stock
Inks:  Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler
Stamps:  Swallowtail (2o13 Spring Catalog), Vintage Verses (2013 Sale-a-bration item)
Misc:  Basic Jewels Rhinestones, Stampin’ Pastels (retired)

I had fun coloring with my Stampin’ Pastels on this card.  Sadly, they are no longer available through Stampin’ Up! but I’m sure if you’re a die-hard crafter like I am, you have some kind of chalk pencils around begging to be used.

I hope you enjoyed viewing my The Paper Players blog post and that you will take a few minutes to see what everyone else came up with for this challenge.

Until next time, stamp on my friends,
Linda

Posted in The Paper Players | 10 Comments

Stampin’ Up! Retiring Products Lists!

Posted on April 24, 2013 by Linda Tolson Yarbrough

B1_RetiredList_Demo_4_24_13_NA

If you are familiar with Stampin’ Up! then you know that today is a really big day!  If you are new to the Stampin’ Up! experience, this is the day that Stampin’ Up! releases the list of products in the 2012-2013 Annual Catalog that are being “retired” – meaning they will not be offered in the 2013-2014 Annual Catalog (which releases on May 31, 2013).

Not only do I have the retired stamps and accessories lists for you to browse, I’m excited to tell you that Stampin’ Up! has listed many of these items at amazing discounts (from 25% to 60% off)!

Why are these items retiring, you ask?  Every year we are introduced to new amazing stamps, tools and accessories when the annual catalog is released.  To make room for the new items, we have to say goodbye to some of our favorites.  While it can be sad to say goodbye, the sadness is quickly replaced by elated joy once the new annual catalog is released.  Now is your chance to get these retiring products before they’re gone!

The Fine Print

  1. All items on the retiring stamps list are available through June 3.
  2. All items on the retiring accessories list are also available through June 3 BUT ONLY WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!
  3. Retiring products can be included in any order with current products, as well as items in the Clearance Rack.

Click on the links below to review the retired lists:

RETIRED STAMPS (PDF file)

RETIRED STAMPS (Sortable Excel file)

RETIRED ACCESSORIES (PDF file)

RETIRED ACCESSORIES (Sortable Excel file)

Don’t dawdle — make your list of your retiring favorites and get them before they are gone, gone, gone!

Until next time, stamp on my friends,
Linda

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My Digital Studio – Digital Downloads

Posted on April 23, 2013 by Linda Tolson Yarbrough

It’s Tuesday so you know what that means — new digital downloads for My Digital Studio!

MDS 04-23-13 - 1

Delight in the Day Designer Series Paper – Digital Download
Item # 134593 / $4.95 (preferred price)

MDS 04-23-13 - 2

See Ya Next Year Photobook Template – Digital Download
Item # 134509 / $17.95 (preferred price)

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Two By Two Stamp Brush – Digital Download
Item # 134537 / $1.95 (preferred price)

Have you been wondering – “hey, what does “preferred price” mean on Linda’s posts?”  This is the price for the items shown if you select me as your Stampin’ Up! demonstrator when you place an order.  Sure, you can order items without selecting a demonstrator, but you pay a little bit more.  Why would you want to do that?

If you have any other questions about My Digital Studio or any other Stampin’ Up! products or promotions, leave me a comment or send me an email.  I’d love to be YOUR Stampin’ Up! demonstrator!

Until next time, stamp on my friends,
Linda

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My first “Stamping Challenge”

Posted on April 22, 2013 by Linda Tolson Yarbrough

I see “stamping challenges” everywhere these days and I have always wanted to participate.  When I stumbled across one that is organized by a few of my Stampin’ Up! friends, I couldn’t resist giving it a try.

Last week while I was browsing various blogs, I found “Stamping Challenges“.  The team members of this blog are:  Megan “Meg” Daves, Diana Raney, Kimberly “Kim” Williams, Celia Cawthon, Heather Parkhurst, Anabelle Fuentes, Cecile Nguyen and Sherry Bueche (what an amazing group of talented ladies)!

This is this week’s Stamping Challenge sketch (you can participate too — this challenge ends Wednesday, April 24):

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And here is what I created:

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Since this is the first challenge I have participated in, I’m a bit nervous.  But I had fun seeing what I could come up with (and it took me less than 2 hours!)!

Here are the supplies that I used to create my card (all items are available in the 2012-2013 Annual Catalog unless otherwise noted):

Papers:  Crumb Cake Cardstock, Pool Party Cardstock, Very Vanilla Cardstock; Comfort Café Designer Series Paper; Canvas Creations (2013 Spring Catalog).
Stamps:  Oh, Hello (2013 Spring Catalog); Pretty Petites (2013 Sale-a-bration item)
Inks:  Daffodil Delight; Crumb Cake
Tools & Embellishments:  2-3/8″ Scallop Circle Punch, 2-1/2″ Circle Punch, Petite Curly Label Punch (2013 Sale-a-bration item; carryover), Bitty Butterfly Punch (2013 Spring Catalog), Basic Jewels Pearls, Natural Trim Ribbon (2013 Spring Catalog), White Tea Lace Paper Doilies (2013 Spring Catalog), and of course – Stampin’ Dimensionals!

I hope you enjoyed viewing my Stamping Challenge blog post and that you will take a few minutes to see what everyone else came up with for this challenge.

Until next time, stamp on my friends,
Linda

Posted in Cards, Stamping Challenges, Thank You | 4 Comments

Work in Progress

Posted on April 20, 2013 by Linda Tolson Yarbrough

I tore apart my craft room today to try and get organized.  I hope to get everything back in order by tomorrow so I can create and share with you all.

I hope you are enjoying your weekend!

Stamp on my friends,
Linda

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MDS Overview

Posted on April 19, 2013 by Linda Tolson Yarbrough

I hope you’re not getting tired hearing about My Digital Studio!  I’ve been sick (again) and haven’t been putting my stamps and ink to paper (boohoo).

Did you know that Stampin’ Up! has dozens of videos on their YouTube page that highlight techniques, new products and tools, as well as MDS?  If you have been thinking about dipping your toes into digital crafting but aren’t quite convenience yet (for just $19.95 how could you not be?!?) or are afraid that you won’t be able to figure out how to use it, check out the instructional videos.

Here’s one titled “MDS Overview” narrated by the fabulous Holly Linford from the Stampin’ Up! home office.

 

SPOILER ALERT! — 25% Off Tons of MDS Stuff!

Get ready for an amazing sale on select My Digital Studio content AND print products May 1-June 15-just in time for your summer designs!

Check back on May 1 for the details.

I hope to have something fabulous to post soon.

Until next time, stamp on my friends,
Linda

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New My Digital Studio – Digital Downloads

Posted on April 18, 2013 by Linda Tolson Yarbrough

Now that you’ve paid a visit to the renovated My Digital Studio website, check out this week’s newest digital downloads – just in time for Mother’s Day!

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Beautiful Birthday Stamp Brush – Digital Download
Item # 134538 / $1.95 (preferred price)

MDS 04-16-13 -2

On Holiday Photobook Template – Digital Download
Item # 134376 / $19.95 (preferred price)

MDS 04-16-13 -3

Wonderful Mother Stamp Brush Set – Digital Download
Item # 134536 / $2.95 (preferred price)

And don’t forget you can try MDS for 30 days for FREE!  Contact me for more information.  I promise you’ll love it!

Until next time, stamp on my friends,
Linda

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Get to Know MyDigitalStudio.net

Posted on April 17, 2013 by Linda Tolson Yarbrough

MDSmain_07

Stampin’ Up!’s digital designing website, MyDigitalStudio.net, recently got a makeover.  If you haven’t checked it out yet, here are a few places to get started.

  • Get helpful training in the Learning section.  You’ll find everything from beginner to advanced techniques and awesome videos uploaded by MDS users.
  • Follow the blog.
    • On Tuesdays, we highlight the new downloads.
    • On Thursdays, one of our regular bloggers shares ideas on the Download Dish.
    • On Saturdays, look for a new challenge (lasting for two weeks). Upload and tag your samples for a chance to win a free download!
    • Watch the blog for surprise blog posts on other days.
  • Check out samples from other users for project inspiration.  Add your samples and like or comment on fellow designers’ projects.
  • Don’t forget your FREE downloads.  There’s a challenge right now on the blog to use them in a project.
  • Learn more on the Resources page.

Join the fun! Sign up today on MyDigitalStudio.net.  And don’t forget to check out this week’s new downloads (PDF).

Until next time, stamp on my friends,
Linda

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