JOIN MY GROUP AND SAVE 30%!...

One of the reasons I love being a demonstrator is the quality and diversity of Stampin' Up! products.  Being a demonstrator has never been easier than with our digital designing products.  They add a wonderful, professional look to your projects.  If you love creating and trying new techniques, you'd love doing what I do, too!

Right now Stampin' Up! is offering a deep discount on the Digital+ Starter Kit.  During National Scrapbooking Month, when you become a demonstrator, you will get 30% OFF the Digital+ Starter Kit.  In addition, new recruits can purchase the Stampin' Memories Add-On for 30% OFF, as well!

Description	Regular Price	Sale Price
Digital+ Starter Kit* (valued at more than $320!)	$175	$122.50
Stampin' Memories Add-On (valued at more than $75!) 1 stamp set 1 card stock pack 1 Designer Series Paper pack 1 Quick Accents pack 1 Designer Printed Album (12" x 12")	$50	$35

Check out the details of the Digital+ Starter Kit in this flyer:

• Imagine saving 30% on your first product order of $150 or more (placed within 45 days), plus earning hostess rewards! 
• Enjoy full Stampin' Up! demonstrator benefits and discounts through August 31, 2011 with NO further obligation to sell or purchase any products beyond the starter kit. 
• There's no penalty to drop - you keep the kit and everything you purchased at a discount!  To remain active beyond August 31, 2011, only $300 in product sales each quarter is required.
• The Starter Kit ships FREE (whether it's the standard kit or the Digital+ Starter Kit).
• 30% off Digital+ Kit is valid through May 31, 2011 ONLY.

NEED TO KNOW MORE ABOUT BECOMING A DEMONSTRATOR?  For more information including FAQs, Benefits of Joining My Team and Types of Demonstrators, please check out my Join My Group! page. 

Please contact me if you have any questions.  I'd love to talk to you more about this exciting opportunity!

NATIONAL SCRAPBOOKING MONTH BEGINS...

National Scrapbooking Month has arrived early at Stampin' Up!  Give scrapbooking a try with our National Scrapbooking Month promotion!   You will get 30% off a wide selection of scrapbooking products including

• Select stamp sets
• Select professional print products for My Digital Studio
• Special digital download bundles for My Digital Studio

For today and tomorrow only, you can order from these specials, the Spring is Blossoming special and take advantage of the LAST TWO DAYS to order from the Occasions Mini Catalog - all on ONE order!

CLICK HERE to see the promotional flyer for the National Scrapbooking Month specials.

The following stamp sets are available for 30% off through May 31.  CLICK HERE to order.

The following Digital Download Bundles are 30% off through May 30.  CLICK HERE to order.

CLICK HERE or the picture to the left to see the select My Digital Studio Professional Printing options that are 30% off through May 31. 

Contact me for more details on My Digital Studio and the how to order Professional Printing.

STAMPIN' SCRUB NOW AVAILABLE...

Back in December, I had posted that the Stampin' Scrub was unavailable for the foreseeable future.  I am happy to announce that Stampin' Up! has replenished their supplies of the Stampin' Scrub (#102642) and Stampin' Scrub Refill Pads (#101230) and these products are now available for ordering!

As a result of the material issues, our supplier was unable to provide the same scrubbing pad material. While you may notice a slight difference in the material, the functionality and high-quality standards remain the same. After in-house testing, Stampin' Up! approved the material change because they found it to be an excellent alternative.

Also, effective today the Stampin' Scrub will return as a Starter Kit item.  Thank you for your patience throughout this process.

APRIL IS SHOWERING DOWN MDS DIGITAL DOWNLOADS...

View 12 new digital downloads including this A Year in Review Photobook Template!  Also included are some new stamp brush sets, templates and DSPs!  To see the new Digital Downloads, you can CLICK HERE for a pdf.

As always, you can purchase our digital images and download them for My Digital Studio OR as .jpgs or .pngs to use in any digital graphics/photo/scrapbooking software (ex. Adobe Photoshop Elements, Adobe Photoshop, Corel Draw, Jasc Paint Shop Pro or Ulead Photo Impact, Microsoft Office programs like Word, Publisher, etc.).  Check out MyDigitalStudio.net for tips, tutorials, samples and videos!

Check out the complete list of My Digital Studio download offerings in the Digital Designing section of my Online Store.  Remember that if you are purchasing only digital images, there are NO shipping charges!  Please contact me if you have any questions about My Digital Studio.  I will be happy to help you!

VANILLA ROSETTES OUT OF STOCK...

Due to high demand, Stampin' Up!'s inventory of Vanilla Rosettes (#118774) has been depleted and they are unable to order more.  This product from the 2011 Occasions Mini Catalog is no longer available to order.  Sorry about any inconvenience or disappointment!

SHOEBOX SWAP SHARE...

Today I wanted to share with you some of the cards Jenni and I made at my upline's meeting.  We had a Shoebox Swap.  This is where each of the participants bring a box with a sample card they have designed and all the pieces to make it.  You go around to (or pass around) each box and make one of each sample card.  At the end of evening, you have several different cards with various styles and occasions while only having to design one yourself.  They are so much FUN!

Most of the cards were CAS (Clean & Simple), but I have to admit that I altered or added a bit to many of them.  I'm just not much of a CAS girl!  Some of the additions (like pearls), you may have to click on the picture to enlarge and see them.  Hope you enjoy my cards!

SNEAK PEEK, Sailin' in Shaving Cream...

Tuesday evening, Jenni and I had presentations at my upline's meeting.  I previously shared my presentation with you on Monday:  Mamboing for Strength & Hope.   Jennifer did a presentation on the Shaving Cream Technique.  When she saw my Come Sail Away card, it inspired her to "see" the waves of water that the shaving cream technique would be perfect for her card.  She did a great job on her presentation!  You can find technique directions here:  Shaving Cream Technique.  Enjoy!

SAILIN' IN SHAVING CREAM SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – Sail Away (#123013, $9.95 begins May 1), The Open Sea (W#123030 $26.95, C#123032 $18.95 begins May 1)
• Card Stock – Whisper White, Not Quite Navy, Marina Mist
• Ink – Not Quite Navy Classic, Bashful Blue, Marina Mist, Not Quite Navy Ink Refills
• Ribbon – White Bakers Twine (#123262, $2.95 begins May 1)
• Punches – 1-3/8" Circle (#119860, $15.95), 1-1/4" Circle (#119861, $15.95), 3/4" Circle (#119873, $10.95)
• Accessories – Regals Brads (#119736, $6.95), Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95), Shaving Cream
• Tools – Color Spritzer

Here is a picture of Jen doing her presentation:

TECHINQUE THURSDAY, Brick Wall Technique...

Today I have another Technique Thursday technique to share with you.  This time up it is the Brick Wall technique.  It is an easy technique, but it is a little time-consuming since you have to color distress each brick.  It's a nice, fun technique though.  I especially like it with Asian themed stamps, although I opted to try it with Just Believe this time out.  Try your hand at it today!

BRICK WALL BELIEVE SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – Just Believe (W #116948 $33.95, C #120453 $25.95), Wonderfully Worn (#118533, $17.95)
• Card Stock – Rich Razzleberry, Pear Pizzazz, Whisper White
• Ink – Sahara Sand Classic, Pear Pizzazz, Rich Razzleberry Stampin' Write Markers
• Ribbon – Pear Pizzazz 1/2" Stitched-Poly (#119265, $8.95)
• Punches – Decorative Label (#120907, $16.95)
• Accessories – Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95)
• Tools – Paper Trimmer, Stampin Sponges

BRICK WALL TECHNIQUE DIRECTIONS:

1. Stamp image on patterned paper or neutral card stock.
2. Stamp again, slightly beside the first image in VersaMark ink to add some depth. Pour black embossing powder over the image and heat emboss. Allow to cool.
3. Use a ruler and pencil to draw horizontal lines every 1/2". Or just cut into horizontal 1/2” strips with paper trimmer.
4. Draw (or cut) vertical lines every 1" between the horizontal lines, offsetting them 1/2" every other line to create your bricks.
5. If you drew the lines, cut card stock into strips along horizontal lines beginning at the bottom. Cut each strip along the vertical lines being careful to lay the bricks in their pattern as you go along.
6. Sponge all edges of each brick with neutral ink (Sahara Sand).
7. Adhere the bricks one by one, placing them on the cardstock with small spaces between to build a wall of bricks.

SIMPLY SENT PDFs FOR GRAB BAGS...

If you took advantage of Stampin' Up!'s great Grab Bag special, you may have received precut card stock, ribbon, and other components from retired Simply Sent kits.  Part of the value of these kits is the ability to quickly make multiple cards using the same components.

To assist you with ideas in how to use the Simply Sent components you may have received in your grab bags, Stampin' Up! is sharing some of the instructional PDFs that came with the original Simply Sent kits.  Please note that not every Simply Sent kit is represented by these PDFs; however, we hope that by having access to a portion of them, you will find inspiration for using some of the products contained in your grab bags.

• Cards a la Carte
• For Your Phrases
• It's About You
• More Thoughts
• No One Like You
• Petite Pansies
• Thankful Thinking
• Thanks X2

If you would like to purchase Grab Bags, CLICK HERE.

NEW APRIL DIGITAL DOWNLOADS AVAILABLE...

13 New digital downloads are here including this fabulous Tres Chic Stamp Brush Set at the left!  Also included are some favorite retired DSPs - Bella Bleu and Urban Garden!  To see the new Digital Downloads, you can CLICK HERE for a pdf.

As always, you can purchase our digital images and download them for My Digital Studio OR as .jpgs or .pngs to use in any digital graphics/photo/scrapbooking software (ex. Adobe Photoshop Elements, Adobe Photoshop, Corel Draw, Jasc Paint Shop Pro or Ulead Photo Impact, Microsoft Office programs like Word, Publisher, etc.).  Check out MyDigitalStudio.net for tips, tutorials, samples and videos!

Check out the complete list of My Digital Studio download offerings in the Digital Designing section of my Online Store.  Remember that if you are purchasing only digital images, there are NO shipping charges!  Please contact me if you have any questions about My Digital Studio.  I will be happy to help you!

SNEAK PEEK, Mamboing for Strength & Hope...

More sneak peeks for you today!  I made this card for a shoebox swap and presentation at my upline's meeting tomorrow night.  By now, you probably know I struggle with CAS (Clean & Simple) cards.  They are so hard for me - especially single layers ones.  I always think they are not enough.  But this time I was determined to design a very simple card to showcase the technique I was presenting as well as the new Strength & Hope stamp set, Postage punch and Melon Mambo embossing powder in the upcoming Summer Mini Catalog.  I think I accomplished my goal - YAY!

Last year, I saw a swap with what I call the "Open Space" Creative Embossing technique.  I designed several cards with this embossing technique including my Christmas in the Woods Christmas card.  My upline asked me to present this technique at our meeting tomorrow night.  Since I was writing the tutorial for the attendees, I thought I would share it here as well.  Enjoy!

MAMBOING WITH STRENGTH & HOPE SUPPLIES:

• Stamp Sets – Strength & Hope (W#118100 $17.95, C#123660 $13.95)
• Card Stock – Whisper White, Melon Mambo
• Ink – VersaMark
• Punches – Postage (#122344 , $15.95 begins May 1)
• Accessories – Melon Mambo Stampin' Emboss Powder (#123223, $4.75 begins May 1), Basic Pearl Jewels Accents (#119247, $4.95), Stampin' Dimensionals (#104430, $3.95)
• Tools – Big Shot, Finial Press Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (#115963, $7.95), Heat Tool

"Open Space" Creative Embossing Technique

(click photos to enlarge)

1. Insert a thin cardboard shim (like the whiteboard that backs the DSP packs) between the multi-purpose platform and the Tab 1.

2. Place a thin wood frame on top of Tab 1 of your multipurpose platform.  (I got mine at Michaels for .99¢)

3. Place your card stock inside your embossing folder, being sure to center it on the design.

4. Place the embossing folder on top of the wood frame, being sure to center the folder over the opening.

5. Place a clear cutting pad on top of the embossing folder.

6. Run through your Big Shot.

7. Enjoy the final result!

SPRING FLOWER FOLDS POPS...

Last year, I made Sweetheart Flower Pops for my Bunco Group for Valentine's Day.  One of my downline saw them and loved them, so we made a springtime version of these at my Big Shot Class last week. I love the Sunflower one!  Don't they make for a pretty bouquet?  Enjoy! I am off to a wedding for the night...

SPRING FLOWER POP SUPPLIES:

• Card stock – Melon Mambo, Pretty in Pink, Elegant Eggplant, Perfect Plum, Daffodil Delight, So Saffron, Early Espresso
• Ink – Melon Mambo, Elegant Eggplant, Daffodil Delight Classic
• Punches – 1-3/4" Circle (#119850, $16.95), 2-1/2" Circle (#120906, $16.95)
• Accessories – Treat Cups (#116802, $2.95), Sticky Strip, Lollipop Sticks or Popsicle Sticks
• Tools – Big Shot, Flower Folds Die, Perfect Polka Dots Stampin' Up! Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (#117335, $7.95), Finial Press Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (#115963, $7.95), Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder (#120175, $7.95)

OCCASIONS MINI CARRYOVER PRODUCTS LIST...

The Occasions Mini Catalog will end in only two weeks on April 30!  Today, Stampin' Up! has released their CarryOver Products List from the Occasions Mini Catalog.  These are items that will continue to be available even though they are not in a Mini catalog or the Idea Book & Catalog. 

Many of the items carrying over through the summer were expected (all the Big Shot products and punches), but I am ecstatic that some of the Seam Bindings, the Red Glimmer paper and trinkets were as well!  However, I am quite sad that the super fun Pom Pom Trim and adorable Sweet Stitches Fabric Designer Brads are not.  I will definitely be stocking up on those!  We will have to wait until July 1 to see if any of the stamp sets will be in the new Idea Book & Catalog.

Click HERE to see the .pdfs in their full-size format.  I hope that this helps you to plan your final Occasions Mini purchases.