Temple Picture Giveaway!

It's been a while since I posted on the blog.  I'm actually thinking of converting to more of a DIY-craft blog instead of strictly stamping.  But in the meantime, I wanted to post about my friend Chelsie's gorgeous temple pictures.  You can check out her blog here:
http://ldstemplepictures.blogspot.com/2011/11/free-16x20-lds-temple-picture-giveaway.html?showComment=1320939700976#c2599256778458891181
She's doing a giveaway that runs until November 15, so be sure to check it out!

June One-Sheet Wonder Class

One-Sheet Wonder Class

10 Cards with Envelopes

Friday, June 4

7:00 PM

$14 ($12 for Club members)

Register by Friday, May 28

Bring a friend and you'll both get a free gift!

Looking for a fun, affordable night out with the girls?  Then this is the class for you!  You'll go home with 10 cute, versatile cards- and the price includes envelopes!  And remember, all of my classes include instructions, with pictures, so you can recreate the class projects on your own.

The trick to this class is the One Sheet Wonder.  We'll stamp a single sheet of Whisper White cardstock, and then you'll cut along the lines pre-printed on the back and VOILA!  You have all the pieces you need to create 10 cute, coordinating cards.  Plus, you'll love having the instructions on hand so you can make more cards in the future. Just swap out the colors and the stamp set, and you can have an entirely new look.

This class is fun whether you're an experienced stamper or you've never put a stamp to ink in your life.  It's a great chance to bring your friends who haven't tried stamping before.  And remember, when you bring a friend, you'll both get a free gift!

The deadline to register for this class is Friday, May 28.  Hope to see you there!

My Digital Studio is awesome!

I haven't done much to promote the new digital scrapbooking software from Stampin' Up!... because I hadn't even loaded it on my comptuer yet!  I don't know what made me nervous, but I've never done any digital scrapbooking and I guess I was worried it would be hard.  Well, guess what.  It's not!  It's so easy!

Steve's cousin is getting married and I offered to do the invites for her bridal shower.  My mother-in-law wanted to mail them like postcards and we needed to get them done pretty quickly.  I gulped, took a deep breath, and decided to make them using My Digital Studio.  I bought the software clear back in November and it's been sitting in my desk drawer.  I loaded it on my desk top, which was very easy.  Then I started playing.  First I opened up an existing card template, using the Summer Home scrapbooking kit.  I moved around the flowers and added some more text boxes.  I even figured out how to add more embellishments, so I added ribbon, buttons, and some other flowers.  Even though I had never used the software before, and was teaching myself as I created, I made this invitation in less than half an hour:

Then my mother-in-law talked to Meagan and found out that her wedding colors are going to be aqua and yellow.  So we decided to tweak the shower invites to match.  I figured I could just swap the red elements for yellow.  It wasn't quite that easy, since the scrapbooking kit doesn't have yellow in it.  But I just deleted the red flowers and then used digital punches and stamps to make the yellow ones.  I can't tell you enough- it was SO EASY!  I changed the colors in about ten minutes and  came up with this:

I am hooked!  The card front size was 4 1/4 by 5 1/2 (standard quarter-sheet card size) but we wanted to print them as 4x6 photos.  My Digital Studio (MDS) has an export funtion that is so easy.  I exported the card as a JPG (basically turned it into a picture).  Then I just opened up my Windows Photo Gallery that I use to make basic corrections on my pictures and I cropped the card to 4x6.  I ordered the pictures as basic 4x6 prints through the Sam's Club website.  For 1 hour processing they were .13 each.  Thirteen cents!  It cost us less than $4 for 25 invitations, including tax!

I'm still learning how to use the software, but I am sold.  It's fantastic.  And I am not a digital scrapbooker.  I promise you, it really is easy.  You can expect to see more digital projects on my blog because I love it.  The software is $79.95 and comes with tons of digital papers, stamps, punches, etc.  Stampin' Up! is constantly offering new downloads so you can update your software, and they are very inexpensive.

Visit my website at http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/stephaniegittins/ and click on "Shop Now" in the top right corner to check out all the digital options.

Note:  for those of you who already have a program for digital scrapbooking, you can use the downloads with other programs, like PhotoShop.  So you can download the buttons, ribbon, stamp sets, etc without having to buy the MDS software. 

Color Renovation!

I promised you details on the upcoming color changes, and here they are! It's been a long time since Stampin' Up! renovated their color selections, and they're making some big changes. The new color collections are fresh and fun and I'm so excited to get my hands on some new shades! I'm going to describe the changes here, and I will also have a display at Girls Night Out on Thursday. There is a lot of information, so if you have any questions, just let me know!

First, let's review the current color choices. Right now, Stampin' Up! offers:

• 4 color families, with 12 colors each, for a total of 48 colors
• 6 In Colors (change every year)
• 7 neutrals

That's a lot of color, and while variety is great, it can also be overwhelming. The changes are intended to update and simplify the color offering.  So here's what's changing. Starting July 1, we will have:

• 4 Color Collections (10 colors each) for 40 Core Colors
• 5 In Colors- will be introduced every year, and will now last for TWO YEARS! Woo hoo! That means that this year we'll have 5 In Colors, and then next year we'll have 10! (This year's 5, and next year's 5.) 

The new Color Collections are the Brights, the Regals, the Subtles, and the Neutrals. They are made up of current colors, returning In Colors from prior years, and 5 new core colors. Stampin' Up! is also retiring 30 of their old colors to make room for the changes. While there are a few old friends on the retiring list, most of them are colors that I rarely, if ever, use. I'm excited to get some fresh new colors to try! My favorite is the new Cherry Cobbler, which is the deep, dark red that I have been longing for!

 

There is a link on the left for both the new color configurations, and the retiring colors.  If you have some of the retiring colors, I'd suggest buying at least one ink refill for your pads, and possibly some cardstock. They will be available until the end of June so you have several months to get the items you need. 

 

This is a lot of information, so please contact me if you have any questions.  As the change gets closer, I will have more details for you on the kits that SU! will be offering to make the switch easier.  For example, if you already have the complete marker set, there will be a kit with just the new markers, and a new insert for your existing case.  I will post that information as it becomes available.

Be sure to come to Girls Night Out on Thursday- I'll have cardstock samples of the new colors, and a visual display to help you see how the changes are happening.  Hope to see you then!

May Scrapbooking class

Scrapbooking Class with 6x6 Accordian Album

Friday, May 7

7:00 PM

$20 ($18 for Club members)

Register by Friday, April 30

Bring a friend and you'll both get a free gift!

May is National Scrapbooking Month, and to celebrate, I'm offering this fun mini-scrapbook!  We'll start out with a short scrapbooking class- ideas on how to get started, color selection, page design, etc.  Then we'll make this adorable 6x6 accordian scrapbook!

The scrapbook comes together very quickly, since we'll be using the "Cool Kids" Simply Scrappin' kit.  The accessories are self-adhesive and almost everything for the project (aside from some white cardstock & ribbon) is included in the kit.  If you don't want the album as an accordian, you can make separate 6x6 pages.  These would be adorable in a 6x6 album, or layered on larger scrapbook pages.

The great thing about this scrapbook is that it's all about someone special in your life.  The pages include journaling prompts such as "Favorite Trips", "My Friends", "Favorite Music", etc.  Such a great project to capture a child (or adult!) just the way they are right now.  My six-year old can't wait to fill out this book as soon as I'm done with it.  There's also plenty of room for pictures.

I hope you'll join me for this fun, easy class!  I'm working on a special gift for those who bring a friend.  If you want more than one, you can get additional kits for $2 off the class price.  (You might not have time to complete multiple kits, but the project is very easy and all you'll need on your own is adhesive.)

The registration deadline for this class is Friday, April 30!  I hope you'll be able to make it!

Incentive for March class

I'm excited about my March Card Organizer class but I'd really love to get a few more people signed up! As you know, when you bring a friend to one of my events, you and your friend both get a free gift. Sometimes this is your choice of items out of my prize bucket; other times it will be something special. And because I want to entice you to attend my March class, I've come up with something special.

Everyone that attends my class on Friday, March 12 will receive their choice of one of these cute Post-It note matchbooks. They're perfect for sticking in your purse or by the phone.

And to sweeten the deal, if you bring a friend to the March class, you will BOTH receive a matching pen for your notebook! These pens are adorable! They were only available at the Stampin' Up! Convention, and they feature artwork from popular stamp sets. The other side of the pen has the Stampin' Up! logo.

I am ONLY making these fun gifts available at the March class, so I hope you'll join me on March 12 at 7:00!  Cost is $22- $20 for Club members.  You can click here for more information.

I will be in Salt Lake Friday night (3/5) so I am extending the class registration deadline until Saturday, March 6.  Email me or give me a call to sign up.

Medallion in Really Rust

One of my favorite stamps in the catalog is the Medallion background stamp.  It's so big and elegant; it makes any project easy.  This is a quick card I made for my husband's cousin.  I stamped the Medallion in Really Rust, applied some Creamy Caramel around the edges directly with my ink pad, and added the greeting at the bottom.  Super easy, super fast, and makes a statement for sure.

Stamps:  Medallion, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Inks:  Creamy Caramel, Really Rust

Paper:  Really Rust, Creamy Caramel, and Naturals Ivory cardstock

Accessories:  Small Oval, Large Oval, and Scalloped Oval Punches.  Hemp twine, Stampin' Dimensionals

Arrrr, Matey!

Arrr, I love these pirate cards!  I don't know who made them- they were swaps my friend Lisa got at Convention this last year and I made her let me take some photos.  But I adore them because of their simplicity.  The cards measure 3x3 and they use Whisper White, Real Red, and Basic Black.  The white embossing on black cardstock really makes the pirate image pop.  Just a tiny bit of ribbon or a scalloped edge is all the cards need to make them WOW.  These cards use the Pirate Time stamp set, which matches the Pirate Party kit.  My boys are totally having pirate birthday parties this year.  And they're going to like it, dang it!  Because I said so!

Altered Business Card Holder

The Office Collection class on April 9 includes several sheets of Designer Series Paper and extra Sticky Strip so you can alter your own projects at home to match the items we'll make in class.  I wanted to give you an example of what you can do.  This doesn't use the Thoroughly Modern paper, since I was trying to match something else, but you get the idea.  Here's my business card holder before:

I got it for free from the company I used to use for running credit cards.  It was small, functional... and ugly.  Here it is AFTER:

Oh my gosh, isn't it adorable????  I love pink, so I gush over this more than I should, but I LOVE how it turned out.  And it took about 5 minutes, for real.  I cut a small piece of Night & Day paper (from the Holiday Mini- not currently available) to fit the front.  I added a scrap piece of Regal Rose cardstock.  To finish it off, I just layered two Rose Red flowers from the Flower Fusion felt, put a Clear Rhinestone Brad in the center, and stuck it on.  That's it!  And Sticky Strip works perfectly for all of it.

No more bleh Discover Logo, no more boring business card holder.  Now I smile every time I see it!  So what's sitting on your desk that could use a little bling?

Host a workshop with me- get a bag for free!

Aren't these bags adorable?  They were only available at Convention last year and they went like hotcakes!  They are a sturdy fabric and have a plastic insert for the bottom.  The designs are from the Circle Circus stamp set, which is one of my favorites.  Anyway, I bought quite a few of them, and I have a few left.  So I'd like to pass them along to you!

Here's the deal:  I want to get a few more workshops on my calendar.  So, while the bags last, if you hold a workshop with me, I'll deliver your order in your very own Circle Circus reusable shopping bag!  You can even choose which one you want, until they're gone.

Why book a workshop?  It's a great way to earn free stamps & accessories.  But more than that, it's a fun evening with your friends.  I'll teach you new techniques & projects, and I'll show you creative ways to use the supplies you already have.  I love to personalize workshops, so you can even request specific things you'd like to learn.  (For example, an entire class on heat embossing techniques.)  We can make the workshop hands-on, or I can demo more projects and have one make & take at the end.  I can even focus on scrapbooking or cards or 3-D items, depending on your interest.

So contact me today!  We'll plan a fun night for you and your friends, AND you'll get one of these great shopping bags for free!

April Stamp Class

Office Class

Friday, April 9

7:00 PM

$20 ($18 for Club members)

Register by Friday, April 2
Bring a friend and you'll both receive a free gift!

I'm in love with the  Thoroughly Modern office collection from Stampin' Up!  We're using it for both March and April's classes.  In April we will make an organizing set to spruce up your work area.  We will make five projects (more photos below), and two of them are made from altered file folders! 

The class price includes a full roll of Sticky Strip and several extra 6x6 pieces of paper.  We will use about 1/3 of the Sticky Strip on our class projects, and then you can use the rest to personalize the other items on your desk so that everything matches!

Notebook

Includes a notebook, a pen loop, and a pocket for cards or other items.

Coupon Book

Includes four pockets which you can personalize as desired.

5x7 Magnet board with 3 magnets

Jar with Lid

Perfect for paper clips, candy... or whatever you want to keep close at hand!

Card and Envelope

Plenty of paper left over for your pencil holder, frame, etc.

You can take your paper and Sticky Strip home to create whatever items you like to keep on your desk.  This lets you personalize your favorite organizers to match.

I'm excited about this fun class; why should we settle for ugly, boring organizers?  :)

March Stamp Class

Card Organizer Book

Friday, March 12

7:00 PM

$22 ($20 for Club members)

REGISTRATION EXTENDED TO SATURDAY, MARCH 6!
Attend the class and you'll receive a Post-It note matchbook
Bring a friend and you'll both receive a matching pen!

I love this book, and I know you will too!  It's perfect for keeping track of birthdays, and each page has a pocket for cards that you plan to send.  There are some fun techniques involved in putting the book together.  It uses half a package of Designer Series Paper.  We will be spiral binding the books that night, and they also have a cover made with our fantastic Window Sheets.  This will help protect them for years of use.  The book will also have pink ribbon on the binding; mine just hasn't arrived yet.  :)

Here is a photo of the inside of the book.  You write each month's birthdays on the front of the pocket.  I have used the Thoroughly Modern paper so that it will match April's Office class.

I'm excited to show you how to make these fun, functional books!  I hope to see you on March 12!

I have created a fun incentive for this class only- check it out here!  A free Post-It note matchbook just for attending, and a matching pen if you bring a friend!

Valentine Stamp Camp on Friday!

I was going to load a project but I can't find a stinkin' thing on this computer.  We just moved our pictures over but they are not organized yet and I am STRUGGLIN'!  So I will work on it tomorrow, but I just wanted to remind those of you who signed up that the Valentine Stamp Camp is at 7:00 on Friday at my house.

Class attendees will get the first peek at March and April's class projects- I'll post that info on the blog on Saturday.  May and June will follow shortly, along with Girls Night Out dates for the next few months.  One of my goals for the year is to plan these classes out in advance.  I hope that makes it easier for you as well!

Second Girls Night Out project- with Heart Treat Cups!

Don't forget to register for the Valentine Stamp Camp!  Scroll down for more info.

Here's our second project from Girls Night Out on January 28.  This project uses the adorable new Heart Treat Cups with the matching Sweetheart stamp set.

Some of you may remember the round Sweet Treat Cups that we used a few months ago for Girls Night Out.  They are still available in the Occasions Mini Catalog, but I love these new hearts!  They match perfectly with the Full Heart punch, so it's really easy to create a layer to go over the top. 

The Sweetheart stamp set is shaped to go around the cups.  We used the Stamp-a-ma-jig to get our words just right around the punch.  (Stamp BEFORE inserting the treat cup- you'll thank me!)
One tip for using these cups.  There are many different ways to make the candy easily accessible.  For these cards, we traced where the heart cup would go before attaching it.  Then we used the perforating tool in the Cutter Kit to perforate a little x.  You can just punch through the back when you want to get the candy.

Here's a close-up so you can see how the treat cups work.  They're self-adhesive- just peel and stick!  And since they are 12 for $2.95 and don't hold a whole lot of candy, they're economical too. 

When I bought the candy, the package claimed they were glittery.  Um... not so much.  I was disappointed when I opened them; I wanted edible bling!  But if you look close they are kind of shimmery, so I guess I can accept that.  *SIGH*



Stamps:  Sweetheart
Inks:  Lavender Lace
Paper:  Regal Rose, Lavender Lace, and Whisper White cardstock
Accessories:  Full Heart & Heart to Heart Punches, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Heart Treat Cups, Cutter Kit, Cutting Mat

Girls Night Out treat pouch

(*Scroll down to see Stamp Camp info*)

A big thanks to all of you who attended Girls Night Out last night!  It was so great to see you.  We made Valentine projects and I wanted to share them with everyone who wasn't able to attend.  First, we made this fun little treat pouch:

This pouch is made with the Petal Card die and the Big Shot.  You just fold up three of the flaps and attach them with a little glue.  We used the Scatter Sunshine Jumbo Stampin' Around wheel with Real Red ink on one side of the cardstock so the lining of the pouch has a pattern.

On the outside, the red heart is the adorable new Scalloped Heart of Hearts Embosslit.  These little hearts are adorable all on their own... but they layer perfectly with the Full Heart Punch!  Stamp your image first, and then line it up on the bottom of the punch for perfect placement, every time.

We used the Simply Said stamp set, which is an "oldie but goodie" that's been around for years.  It's not technically a "Valentine" set, but I love how versatile the images are.  And this little text heart fit perfectly. 

Just a little Real Red 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, a small punched flower and a gel pen center, and this came together quickly and easily!  You could put "to" and "from" info on the back of the pouch to make fun little Valentines for your kids or anyone who needs a little treat.

Here's a funny story from last night.  When I was right in the middle of demonstrating the projects, my six-year old quietly came upstairs, snuck to my side, and asked "Mommy, do we have a key for my bedroom door?"  Everyone laughed.  He got his tool box out of the garage and with Daddy's help, was able to get his door open again.  Funny boy.

I will post our second project tomorrow. Let me know what you think of this one!

Stamps:  Simply Said, Scatter Sunshine Jumbo Wheel
Inks:  Close to Cocoa Classic Pad, Real Red Jumbo Cartridge
Paper:  Close to Cocoa, Real Red, and Whisper White cardstock
Accessories:  Sizzix Big Shot, Petal Card die, Scalloped Heart of Hearts Embosslit, Full Heart & Trio Flower punches, Dimensionals, Uniball White Gel Pen, Real Red 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Jumbo Stampin' Around Handle