It's Coming....

Click on the banner to see more info about the Occasions Mini Catalog Blog Tour that begins tomorrow.

Moving....

Moving is something that people in the military just have to get used to.  I have found that military families make friends fast, hard, and forever.  If you're associated with the military, you know what I mean.  The friendships are some of the strongest I've ever had in my life, and they last - no matter the miles between us as the military moves us from one part of the world to another. 

I have yet another friend leaving me and I made her this card.  She is such a lovely person, on the inside and out.  My kids love her.  They're always talking about how pretty she dresses when we see her at church (I try - but they never seem to notice when mommy isn't wearing "mommy" clothes!).  She taught Sunday School and I always learned something new in her class and left feeling edified and uplifted.  That's always a nice thing.  She's just such a nice person and I am sad to see her go.

Anyway, we will miss Ashley and I hope that she enjoyed her card.  She wears lots of colors (she has gorgeous blonde hair and can pretty much wear any color she wants!) so I wanted to give her a card with some color. 

I had a lot of fun making this card - it made me feel creatively inspired once again and maybe I'm coming out of my slump!  I would love to have my Mojo back!!  :)

Merry Christmas!!!!

I just wanted to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!!!

May you all receive those blessings you stand in need of in this upcoming New Year, and my wish for you is that you can go and do and be the things that you desire. 

Until next year..... :)

CAS Christmas.....

Yup....you guessed it, CAS Christmas CARDINAL ;)  He he he....  Hope that this CAS card inspires you.  I had fun trimming off the edge of the Whisper White CS Top Note die cut piece and then distressing it too.  Can you see that?  Enjoy!!!

You would think I'm a Louisville fan or something!!!

Yes, here is another Cardinal card, but it's a CHRISTMAS Cardinal ;)  I am a University of Kentucky fan through and through.  My blood runs blue in spite of the very Red-White color scheme to this card.  I wanted it to be monochromatic.  Hope you like it!

Christmas Cards (and others) for Sale

I have a childhood friend who I still am fortunate to keep in touch with and see from time to time (about every 5 or 6 years!) that has always been a creative inspiration to me.  She writes/tells fabulous stories, and has such a unique style of art.  She draws people with a style of her own, and her sense of humor comes through in her art and you can't help but enjoy what she shares.  Anyway, she is one of the few people you will ever "know" that uses the old method of letterpressing.  Her Christmas cards this year are not letterpressed, but you can take a look through her etsy store and see which other cards are.  Either way, I know you will like what you see.  Check Melinda out HERE!!!!  She has cards other than for Christmas in her store.

Another Christmas Cardinal

Here's another card for your viewing pleasure (all 3 of you that are still with me - LOL!!!) :)  No commentary.  I hope you are all having a wonderful week!!!

Hugs!

I'm Alive :)

I am still here.  I've been having some dental issues and it has been very stressful.  My little one also got sick, and the husband has been home and then gone again several times since getting back from his deployment.  I finally got to stamp because I had a new round of Stamps in the Mail coming up.  To get inspired, I started with a CASE of a card that I really liked.  I liked using the "A Cardinal Christmas" stamp set and not use either of the images included, but only the sentiment.  Anyway, the card I CASE'd was by card crazy over at SCS.   I will probably space out the other cards I made just because I don't see much stamping time in my near future.  I hope you like this one!

 

If you're in/around Dover...

or know someone who is...

Please take a look at our ad for our piano.  We've got to get it out of our house before we move again (not any time soon, but I don't need to be worrying about this when the time does come).    http://delaware.craigslist.org/msg/1485919379.html

Soon...

I hope to post soon.  I have a couple of cards that I haven't shown you - but neither were completed recently.  Unfortunately my me/crafting time has been nil.  Anyway - to update you on the big decision I recently made - with lots of thought and prayer, I decided to resign as a SU! demonstrator effective February 1st (my last round of Stamps in the Mail is in January).  It really is what will be best for my family and also myself.  I am very at peace with the decision.  It does mean that this blog may become obsolete at that point, or even before, but know that whatever happens, I have really enjoyed "meeting" all of you.  I wish that moving around in the military was more conducive to being a demonstrator.  If I could have just stayed in Texas, all would be well and fine, but that's not how it is.  So, again, thank you for everything and hopefully in the next couple of days I'll get something actually interesting up on my blog for you to see :)

At last....

My husband is home and our family is complete.  BUT....I guess things couldn't stay perfect for long.  We are dealing with some personal issues in our family right now and I will not be posting in the very near future.  I hope that I will be able to be back sometime in November.  I just feel like I'm about to fall apart with what is happening and stamping is definitely going to have to take a VERY back seat right now.  In advance, because I know you all are so FABULOUS and will offer them, I appreciate your thoughts and prayers.

My Digital Studio - the best thing since die cut SU! stamps!!!

So, I am just loving My Digital Studio (MDS) if you can't tell!  :)  I decided today that I would start playing around with possible Christmas photo cards.  This card is not the one I will send - can't share that until it gets mailed!!!  We still have to take a new family picture, but I wanted to get an idea for how it might look.  The great thing about MDS is that you can make your own Christmas photo card.  You know, the ones that are like a card on a picture - like a postcard, and people usually get them from Wally-World and other such places?  Well, I got so many last year that I thought maybe it's time I jump on the bandwagon and do something easy so that it's not just one more stress at this time of year that's supposed to be about something else - not about the shopping and to-do lists....  I am going to look into how much it will cost to send the finished card to a photo shop to have them reproduced so that I can do it locally and do it one at a time until I get one that I like.  I am fairly certain that they do make 5x7's in most stores that print pictures, so that's the size I'm sticking with in MDS.  We'll see how it turns out!!

PS - this was one of the "Designer Templates" in MDS so all I did was insert my picture, add some stitching to the ribbon and add the text!!!  Gotta love that!!

Piddling Around....

So, I've mostly packed our stuff up for our trip back to Delaware, and I thought that I would make a quick CAS (clean & simple) card on My Digital Studio (MDS).  Well, it was quick to make and Halloween cards are not my thing, so I'm not sure how I feel about it.  It's okay.  I do like that I could get the little pumpkins whatever size I wanted.  That is just one of the many awesome features to MDS and having your stamp images in an electronic version.  So, what do you think?

Stamps:  Pumpkin Patch (MDS digital image), Eat, Drink & Be Scary (MDS digital image), Torn Edges (MDS digital image)
Paper:  All MDS papers/CS - Pumpkin Pie, Lovely Lilac, Old Olive and Whisper White CS, Cast-a-Spell DSP
Ink:  All colors used in MDS - Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black and Old Olive
Accessories:  All accessories from MDS - black brads, Modern Label punch

Oh, oh, oh!!

 

I haven't stamped, but I found this card that I hadn't posted on here yet and thought I'd put it up so that there's something pretty to look at rather than my lame-excuse-post that you can see previous to this one ;)  No time to post the exact details, except that everything used is SU! and it's all current so either in the Idea Book & Catalog or the Holiday Mini Catalog.   The trees are that lovely Patterned Pines Hostess Level I stamp set in the HMC and I finally inked up SU!'s fabulous Woodgrain Background stamp.  Enjoy!!!

PS - I'm out of town for this week and will be back on Saturday and hope that my husband has finally made it home (this is a pre-scheduled post) so that maybe some stamping time is in my near future ;)

Deals of the Week #3

This week's deals are some great ones!!!  Who doesn't love to use embellishments on their cards and other projects?!?!  I know I will be ordering some of these myself.  I adore the mini library clips and the circle brads too.  At these prices though I think I'll throw in some of the other deals too!!

Please remember that if you are my customer or you don't have a SU! demonstrator, to go to my website to place your order so you don't pay extra ordering from the generic SU! website.  Here it is:  http://mariemcclellan.stampinup.net  and then click on "Shop Now" to place your order.  On the left-hand side of your screen you'll see "Deals of the Week" as one of the categories you can shop from.

The third deals of the week are from October 19, 10 AM (MT) through October 26, 9:50 AM (MT).

 

Item	Page	Description	Regular Price	Special Price
114348	179	Basic Jumbo grommets	$6.95	$4.49
109857	179	Mini Library clips	$12.95	$8.99
112571	179	Circle Designer brads	$5.95	$3.99
112581	179	1/2" Library clips	$6.95	$3.99

Here is a link to the deals specifically so that you can see the pictures:  http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ItemList.aspx?categoryID=425 but I can't promise that it will actually take you to the link in MY website, so make sure that you see my name at the top right of your screen before placing an order!!!  If you don't, you will want to enter via the link I provided earlier in the post that goes straight to my SU! website.

Oh, and don't forget about my Stamps in the Mail program!!!!  Check it out by clicking on the logo for it in my sidebar to the right.

So Sorry

I will not be posting for a while.  I have A LOT going on.  Nothing bad or worrisome, just a lot going on with my husband's return to us getting delayed, school stuff, activities for the kids, the return of one of my girls to me from a long stay with her grandparents, a sick little boy, and I could go on and on.  So...please don't forget about me - I promise that I WANT to stamp, and when I do, I'll share it with you :)  For now, if you would like to join my Stamps in the Mail program and get new stamps at your doorstep each month, check it out in my right-hand sidebar (click on the logo that says Stamps in the Mail) or click HERE.  I would love to have you join me.  And yes, SIM is one of the things I could add to the list I began above ;)  Take care!!!

Week #2 Deals are HERE!!!

Contact me (mariemc01@gmail.com) before the deal ends to order these dies, or simply go to my website (www.mariemcclellan.stampinup.net) and click on "Shop Now" at the top right of your screen.  From there you can place your order from the comfort of your own home, and it will ship right to your doorstep!!!

ALSO - CHECK OUT MY STAMPS IN THE MAIL PROGRAM BY CLICKING ON THE  LOGO FOR IT IN MY RIGHT-HAND SIDEBAR.  GET EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO MAKE 4 FABULOUS PROJECTS DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR EACH MONTH FOR 3 MONTHS.  STAMP SETS INCLUDED!!!!

 

The second deals of the week are from October 12, 10 AM (MT) through October 19, 9:50 AM (MT).

 

Item	Page	Description	Regular Price	Special Price
115961	200	Perfect Setting Bigz XL die	$42.95	$25.99
114515	195	Flower Burst Embosslits die	$11.95	$5.99
116760	201	Pop-Up Three Tier Cake Bigz XL die	$39.95	$25.49

 

 

Perfect Setting Bigz XL Die

 

Pop-Up Three Tier Cake Bigz XL Die

 

Flower Burst Embosslits Die

Some inspiration from the Holiday Mini Catalog

In case you missed it, each of these gals have some GORGEOUS projects to share with you featuring stamp sets from the Holiday Mini Catalog.  Perfect for your Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas crafting needs!!

1. Tracy/rosowskimom: Sweet Centers (Tracy’s Stamp Therapy)
2. Michelle/stampin’shell: Grateful Greetings (Come Stamp with Me)
3. Sarah/willsygirl: Pumpkin Patch (Sarah’s Ink Spot)
4. Twila/tjdstampsalot: Twick or Tweet (Stamp a Little Longer)
5. Sara/lilyinkpad: Haunting Hill & DSP (Lily’s Ink Pad)
6. Marie/mariemc: Night & Day DSP (From Combat Boots…)
7. Holly/hollylogic: Autumn Splendor & Tablesetting Die (InkPaperStamps)
8. Joyce/broncomom: Autumn Meadows DSP (Stampin’ Central)
9. Lyssa: Calendar Kit with Magnetic Box (Song of My Heart Stampers)
10. Trina/pepesmom: Gifts of the Earth (Stamps and Whiskers)
11. Kim/s1itcher46: Wandering Words (Stitchin’ N Stampin’ on Paper)
12. Carmen: Cold & Cuddly (Stamping Addiction)
13. Ashley/CoastieWife09: Just Beclause & Christmas Cocoa DSP (Stamp with Ashley)
14. Dawnmarie/dmdezigns: Berry Christmas (DM Dezigns)
15. Rhonda/rhondag: Holy Family (The Stampin’ Bunny)
16. Kat/uk79ee: Delightful Decorations and Punch (Kat’s Kards)
17. Cheryl/lovetostampandscrap: Icicle and Merry & Bright Rub-Ons (Love to Stamp and Scrap)
18. Holly/catrules: Serene Snowflakes (Holly’s Stampin’ Mania)
19. Paula/scrapshappen: Décor Elements & wood blocks (Stamping with Paula)
20. Linda/lindakeal: Charming (Olive Stamps)
21. Barbara/cre8tivestamper: Simply Adorned (Creative Stampin’ Spot)
22. Yapha: Bear Bigz Die and clothes (Yapha Stamps)

It's Stamps in the Mail Time!!!

 Please e-mail me if you would like to sign up.  The cost is $55 for those not living in Dover, DE and the kits are customizable and include one different stamp set each month for 3 months.  I will e-mail you the rest of the details if you let me know you're interested.   The stamp set featured for November is "A Cardinal Christmas" on page 38 of the Idea Book & Catalog as seen below.  If you would like to choose a different stamp set, that is possible each month if you have the one we're using already (or if you don't celebrate Christmas as that is what the featured set is for in November). 

Click HERE to see past SIM projects (you will need to click on the individual posts to see the entire post and any pictures contained in it).

Pumpkin having an identity crisis...

Well, this little pumpkin from the Pumpkin Patch (#116499, $22.95) stamp set found in the Holiday Mini Catalog, thinks it's supposed to be a flower!  Sarah Wills made an adorable flower card for the Holiday Mini Blog Hop that I was a part of several weeks ago (see THIS post) with some other gals from Stampin' Addicts (see their link in my sidebar).  That flower stuck in my head, but the funny thing was I couldn't remember which pumpkin she had used for the petals.  Well, subliminally I must have remembered, because I used the same one ;)  I did construct the flower a little differently though, and I used the polka-dot pumpkin for the flower center. 

I went a little paper piercing crazy, but as some people have issues saying "no" to more embellishments, or layers, or whatever they keep adding and adding, paper piercing is my indulgence.  I wish I hadn't done it at the bottom of the card, but oh well. 

I hope you like it!  Have a great weekend!!

Stamps:  Pumpkin Patch, Hugs & Wishes (retired)
Paper:  Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry and Whisper White CS
Ink:  Basic Black, Only Orange and Rich Razzleberry classic ink
Accessories:  Scallop Edge punch, Stampin' Dimensionals, 1/2" Circle punch, Paper Piercing Tool, Template and Mat

 

Pumpkin Patch, #116499, $22.95



 

From our Pumpkin Patch

This happy little card was fairly simple to make and I think it turned out very cute.  It would be a nice one to give to the friends, teachers, family, etc. in your life if you just want to give them a little note to bring a smile to their face. 

With the versatile Pumpkin Patch stamp set (#116499, $22.95) from the Holiday Mini Catalog, there’s no limit to the Halloween treats you can create! Use 2-step stampin' to create cards, gifts, or tags, and everything you make can be unique!

I hope you like it, and stay tuned for tomorrow's post where a pumpkin becomes a flower.  This further demonstrates that this "Halloween" stamp set really has a versatility that your creativity can increase exponentially.

Stamps:  Pumpkin Patch
Paper:  Only Orange, Old Olive and Whisper White CS
Ink:  Only Orange, Old Olive and Basic Black classic ink
Accessories:  Basic Black 1/4" Grosgrain ribbon, Silver brad, Stampin' Dimensionals 

Pumpkin Patch, #116499, $22.95

Candy Corn Sweet Treat Cup

I got to stamp yesterday with a friend!!!  I finished 3 whole projects - I am a SLOW stamper and add in gabbing with another chica, and it makes for some REALLY slow stamping ;)

I made this little treat packet as the "prototype" for the treats I will have my daughter take in to her class for Halloween.  I pulled the inner tab out a little bit to the right so that you could see that I made a sliding panel so that the kids can just pull it out and have quick, non-ripping-up-the-whole-treat-package-up access to the candy corn inside the sweet treat cup.  Normally the ribbon would be peeking out from the right side of the stamped image - not the Only Orange CS and brad.

Did you know that you get TWELVE of these fantastic sweet treat cups on a package for only $2.95?!?!?  They are a deal and they make adorable packaging for treats of all kinds.

Below you can see the images of the stamps that come in this fabulous stamp set called Sweet Centers (#116521, $29.95).  The Sweet Centers stamp set makes it easy to create ornaments, treat bags, cards, and more. Combine it with the Sizzix® Holiday Windows die and Sweet Treat cups for even greater results!

Have a great day!!!!

Stamps:  Sweet Centers
Paper:  Rich Razzleberry, Only Orange and Whisper White CS
Ink:  Only Orange classic ink
Accessories:  1-3/4" Circle punch, Black gingham ribbon, silver brad, Sweet Treat cup
Sweet Centers, #116521, $29.95

Holiday Card Swap

I was recently in a Holiday Mini card swap and all of the ladies have received theirs by now, so I thought I would share mine.  I'm sorry if you don't like CAS because that's what the bulk of my cards are.  I venture into more layered/embellished card-making realms every now and then, but as you'll see, this one is not too fancy.  I really like it and could easily make it as my Christmas cards as it was pretty easy to duplicate quickly 10 times for the swap.  That's the beauty of the new Ornament punch and the Big Shot (for the Top Note die layers).

Enjoy!

Stamps:  Delightful Decorations (Holiday Mini Catalog), Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper:  Kraft and Whisper White CS, Christmas Cocoa Specialty DSP (Holiday Mini Catalog)
Ink:  Real Red classic ink
Accessories:  Ornament Punch (Holiday Mini Catalog), SU! Top Note Bigz Die, Big Shot, Silver Elastic Cord (Holiday Mini Catalog), 1/4" Whisper White Grosgrain ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals



Delightful Decorations   #116517   $21.95

Make the holidays a little brighter with cards, gifts, tags and decorations made with the Delightful Decorations stamp set! No matter what you want to make, this set can help you make it.

 

 

 

A Catalog Cover CASE

Well, as you'll see, this card isn't an exact CASE, but it was definitely inspired by the cards in the box on the front cover fo the 2009-2010 Idea Book and Catalog from Stampin' Up!.  I love those cards, and I made this one for my daughter's teacher.  It was her birthday two weekends ago.  Her favorite color is black, but I really couldn't make an all black birthday card, so I added in a pop of color with the Bermuda Bay.  I hope she liked it.

Stamps:  Medallion BG, Short & Sweet
Paper:  Whisper White CS, Bermuda Bay Textured CS, Night & Day Specialty DSP
Ink:  Basic Black and Bermuda Bay classic ink
Accessories:  Black brads, Curvy Label, Modern Label and 1" Circle punches, Stampin' Dimensionals

Excuse me...

...while I am absent from posting for a few days.  By now my family knows that I flew home to surprise them and spend a little time there helping out.  I couldn't mention going away on here of the surprise would have been spoiled.

I pre-scheduled the previous week's posts, and have run out of time to schedule the rest at this point.  I will post again on Monday, October 5th.  I should have a swap card to share with you, along with the card I made for my daughter's teacher's birthday back in September.  Take care, and happy stampin'!!!

WOW!!!

SU! is beginning 2 new promotions along with the unveiling of My Digital Studio TODAY!!!!

DEALS OF THE WEEK ARE BACK AT SU!

Week 1 Deals of the week:

These three punches are regularly $15.95 each. 

Item	Description	Special Price
109183	Trio Flower punch	$10.99
109041	5-Petal Flower punch	$10.99
110709	My Way punch	$11.99

 

Dates: October 1-31, 2009

Promotion Details:

During the month of October, Stampin' Up! will offer several discounted products as "Deals of the Week." No limits and no minimum purchase required.

 

Customer Weekly Deal Announcements:

• Deal #1: Thursday, October 1, 2009; 12:01 AM (MT)


• Deal #2: Monday, October 12, 2009; 10:00 AM (MT)


• Deal #3: Monday, October 19, 2009; 10:00 AM (MT)


• Deal #4: Monday, October 26, 2009; 10:00 AM (MT)

Things to Remember:

• Deals of the Week items may be purchased on workshop, demonstrator, customer, and online orders.


• Deals of the Week products are only available at their discounted price during the specified time.  At any other time during the month, the item will sell at the regular price.


• There is no minimum purchase required to participate in this promotion.


• There is no limit to the number of Deals of the Week items a customer may purchase.


• The order deadlines for each Deal of the Week will be as follows:

Deal of the Week	Ending Date	Phone Deadlines*	OEX/Online Ordering Deadlines*
1	October 12, 2009	9:50 AM (MT)	9:50 AM (MT)
2	October 19, 2009	9:50 AM (MT)	9:50 AM (MT)
3	October 26, 2009	9:50 AM (MT)	9:50 AM (MT)
4	October 31, 2009	6:50 PM (MT)	11:50 PM (MT)

 

If this isn't enough, SU! has created a new Starter Kit in conjunction with My Digital Studio!!!!

Digital+ Starter Kit



 

 

 

 

 

 

Dates: October 1, 2009-March 31, 2010

Promotion Details:
With the launch of our much anticipated My Digital Studio software, new recruits can purchase an exclusive Starter Kit that includes My Digital Studio, in addition to stamps, inks, and accessories.

Starter Kit Price: $185 (over $295 value!)

Digital+ Starter Kit Contents:

My Digital Studio software
Party Hearty and Petal Pizzazz stamp sets
Whisper White card stock (8-1/2" x 11")
Earth Elements assorted card stock (8-1/2" x 11")
Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Real Red, and Tempting Turquoise Classic Stampin' Pads
Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, and Real Red Stampin' Write markers
Chocolate Chip 1/4" grosgrain ribbon
Real Red 1" double-stitched grosgrain ribbon
Button Latte Designer buttons
Stampin' Dimensionals
Mini Glue Dots
SNAIL Adhesive
Business supplies (product catalogs, order forms, training DVD, and other supplies)

The regular starter kit ($199) is still available during this promotion, and as always, you can customize the stamping items included in this kit if you already have them or would prefer others (of equal or lesser value).
 
My Digital Studio is a great creative outlet for those who want to be crafty, but are strapped for time.  You can create photo albums, calendars, scrapbooks, greeting cards, blog headers and other digital features, and the list goes on!!!
 
Contact me today if you would like to ask any questions, and if you want to sign up as a Demonstrator, please go to my website (http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/mariemcclellan) and put your mouse over "Start Your Own Business" and click on the tab with the same name directly beneath that.  Then, on the left-hand side you will see "Join Now" which you can click on after reading all of the information you want about being a Demonstrator.  My password is "stampwithmarie".
 
I love being a SU! Demonstrator!!  The opportunities to share my love of papercrafting with others are what keep me going, but that Demonstrator discount on fabulous products, and the ability to pre-order them before they're available to customers certainly doesn't hurt!!! ;)
 
Take care, and have a wonderful day!

8x8 Digi Page

Here is another page out of one of the 2 albums I have created so far using My Digital Studio.  I really do love this program.  It is SO easy to use!!!  Not complicated like I've found PhotoShop or other editing programs to be.  Of course, I can use PhotoShop, but I was very impressed with how everything is very self-explanatory and not hidden under some icon with sub-icons, or anything complicated or confusing. 

Well, do you remember that TODAY IS THE DAY!!  You can now to go my SU! store (click the "Order Stampin' Up! Online" button in my right-hand sidebar of my blog) and order your copy to be shipped straight to your home.  There's nothing like being able to shop in your jammies from your own home, is there?!?!  :)  Also, please e-mail me (mariemc01@gmail.com) if you have ANY questions about MDS.  I'll do my best to answer them for you, or get an answer from SU! for you.

Also, did you notice that the SU! projects of the month (also in my right-hand sidebar) have been updated?  Check them out when you can.

I hope you enjoy this fun little page!!!

Soccer Stars

This page does have an opposite page in the book that goes with it, but I know I love my kids more than anyone else does, so I just thought I'd share this one because it shows how I took a template in My Digital Studio (MDS - Stampin Up!'s new papercrafting software) and just by adding some embellishments/elements to it, I was able to personalize it a bit. 

I LOVE these pics of the girls.  Sarah is kicking the ball in that middle one, and her form just looks so awesome.  I'm not a soccer player myself, so I don't know if it's actually "good/proper" form, but it looks cool - she was only 4 during this soccer season.  The one on the right is Sarah doing what she liked to do a lot of the time at soccer.  She was picking flowers and grass while the others were down the field playing.  It was too cute and this picture - even though it's from behind - will always bring a smile to my face.  The picture of both of my girls also melts my heart.  I love this page!!!

What are you waiting for?!?!  Is MDS on your wish list?!?!  Contact me on October 1st to order your copy of the software and have it delivered to your door ASAP!

SU! Clearance Rack

New Clearance Rack in the Online Store

Overview:

Stampin' Up! is launching a  new section of the online store called the Clearance Rack. The purpose of the Clearance Rack is to clear out the inventory of surplus items that have been retired. Many of these retired items will be offered at a substantially reduced price.

Details:

The clearance rack is not a promotion. It will launch September 29, 2009 but does not have a set end date. 
All products in the Clearance Rack section are retired, discontinued items. No current products will be sold in the Clearance Rack.
Clearance Rack items are only available while supplies last. Items will be removed and new items will be posted depending on inventory levels. There is no set time for availability. 
Clearance Rack items will be listed and pictured only in the online store. No list or flyer will be posted on the Demonstrator Web Site.
All sales of Clearance Rack items are final. No returns or exchanges will be accepted, except in the case of defective product.

 

 

So what are you waiting for?  Head on over to my Demonstrator Website to place your order today, and while you're at it, don't forget to add those new Holiday Mini Catalog items that you don't want to miss out on before they are gone!!

 

Here is the link to my online store:  http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/mariemcclellan (click on the box that says "Shop Now" in the upper right-hand of your screen.  Once in my online store, in the left-hand sidebar you will see the categories for the Holiday Mini, the Clearance Rack, and many more!!

{Shimmering Pines}

First, I would like to say to please excuse the odd color-cast on this photo and some of my recent/future ones.  I took pictures with a great light, but somehow the overhead "regular" light still cast that yellow-ish hue on the background.  I couldn't get rid of it.  I guess I should stop being lazy and start using my photo tent again!!

I am in the midst of some fun family stuff this week, so all of these posts were pre-scheduled, but it's been awfully quiet out there (at the point I'm typing this) so I'm assuming everyone is super busy.  I do appreciate your comments though when you're able to take the time to leave them.

For the details on this card, see the recipe.  I thought I would explain a couple of things though. 

First, I used my Soft Suede marker on one of the lovely trees on the tree-trio stamp in the Patterned Pines Level I hostess stamp set that you can earn between now and January 4th.  It's a special hostess set that's offered in the Holiday Mini Catalog (HMC).  I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it!!!  After using the Soft Suede marker to color the tree, I used a small paintbrush and just a couple of drops of Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint (also available until Jan 4th in the HMC) to dab the Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint over the top of my inked pine.  Hopefully you can see the detail of how it shines in the right angle of light via the two pictures I've attached below.

Also, for the snowflake background, I used my Whisper White Craft Ink with the three-snowflake stamp from the Serene Snowflakes stamp set - also found in the HMC until Jan 4th.

Can you tell I'm LOVING the HMC?!?!?  :)  Let me know if you want to order or earn for free any of the items I used on this fun card!!!

I hope you're having a great week!



Stamps:  Patterned Pines Level I hostess stamp set and Serene Snowflakes (both are Holiday Mini Catalog items), Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper:  Kraft, Soft Suede and Whisper White CS, Christmas Cocoa Specialty DSP (Holiday Mini Catalog item)
Ink:  Soft Suede Stampin' Marker and Classic Ink, Whisper White Craft Ink
Accessories:  Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint (Holiday Mini Catalog item), 1/2" Soft Suede Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon, Vintage Brads (antique brass), Scallop Edge and Modern Label punches, Latte Button (Whisper White), Linen Thread, Stampin' Dimensionals 

Patterned Pines   #116525   FREE 

The bold images in the Patterned Pines stamp set help add strong colors and beautiful patterns to your holiday projects. This is a level 1 Hostess stamp set, so it cannot be purchased, but it can be earned for free! Contact your Stampin' Up! demonstrator and book your workshop today.

 

 

 

 

 

Serene Snowflakes   #115438    $20.95

They say no two snowflakes are alike. Why shouldn’t your projects be just as unique? With the Serene Snowflakes stamp set, they can be! These stylish snowflake images can be used for backgrounds or focal points for cards, pages or tags, and coordinate perfectly with the Icicle Rub-ons and Snowfall printed window sheets.

Crumpled Flowers

I don't know what people are calling these flowers made out of layered circles.  I've seen them with ink added to the edges, edges that are torn, and some are crinkled too. 

Mine have a small amount of ink sponged along the outer edges of each circle layer, and the circles are very much imperfect - I didn't care if they were perfectly round or not.  I misted them with water, crinkled them up and dried them quickly with my heat tool.  My friend Melissa came over and we each gave ourselves the same supplies and created 3 of our own individual cards using them, and I must say hers turned out much better.  My creativity has been hit-or-miss lately.  My other two turned out pretty ugly and they were different colors than this one, but don't hold your breath to see them - they're too awful to post.  ;)

Hope you like it!

Stamps:  Great Friend
Paper:  Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive and Whisper White CS, Cottage Wall DSP
Ink:  Rich Razzleberry classic ink
Accessories:  Paper Pretties Kit (half-back pearl), heat tool, Scallop Edge, Small Oval and Large Oval punches, Old Olive 1/2" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

Project Dinosaur....

I don't usually post my sewing on this blog, unless it involves something SU! oriented, but in this case I was just so excited to complete my first item that required using a pattern.  I make quilts, and follow a pattern, but I have never made an article of clothing. 

I LOVE to watch Project Runway and see what the designers are able to make out of the items (not always fabric) that are given to them for the creation of their outfits.  I wish I had even as much talent as they have in their pinky fingers.  For me, getting everything perfectly even and just right is a little too time consuming, and even with my best efforts, I'm not really able to get everything exactly right.  But, I guess there is some beauty in the amount of "go-with-the-flow" opportunities there are when sewing.   You can usually hide the small flaws. 

After making Daniel's PJ pants yesterday, I have 2 more to make for him and 3 each to make for both of my girls.  I don't think they'll take as long now that I've done it once, and I have my friend Stephanie to thank for showing me how to work with a pattern. 

Oh, and I did slide the waist around a little to the left after noticing that the seam on the left was sitting on top of the leg (you'll notice it in the picture below).  That was just due to how the fabric was bunched on the elastic band in the waist.  I only tacked the band in the back so they move a little around the waist when they're not on. 

Also, Daniel does this funny thing where he crosses his toes, so no, they aren't permanently like that ;)  My girls do it too.  It must be from their Daddy.  :D

Have a great weekend!!!

 

{Here for You} Digi Card

Here is yet another card I made using My Digital Studio that will be available for customers to purchase on October 1st.  I think I will actually be MAKING this card "for real".  I love it.  I will just have to do paper piercing in the place of that scallop stamp image because I don't have that stamp set.  I really like the color combo of Not Quite Navy and Crushed Curry.   The stamp sets used were Friends 24-7 and All Scallops.  The great thing is that I was able to shrink both the bird image and the scallop image to fit my card how I wanted.  The Whisper White scallops that run horizontally on the Crushed Curry layer are actually individual circles that I "punched" and sized how I wanted them.  Then I lined them all up and sent them behind the Not Quite Navy Dotted Stripe DSP.  The Crushed Curry scallops are actually made using the Scallop Edge "punch" and if I remember, I didn't shrink them and they are true to size.  The Whisper White scallops behind the bird image are actually the Scallop Circle punch stretched out a little to make it larger.  I think that on my real card I should be able to use my corner rounder punch with the guard taken off after cutting a circle out of CS using my Circle Scissors Plus cutting tool.  I've done that before when I've wanted a scallop a particular size.  I'll do it that way if the scallops on any of my Bigz dies that I could just use with my Big shot aren't a good size. 

What do you think?

Digi Card!!!

Well, I've been playing around with the lovely new My Digital Studio (MDS) software.  I thought it might be beneficial to start planning some Christmas cards.  If the past repeats itself, I might start them in the beginning of December...but usually I start them around the end of the first week so that I can get them mailed about 10 days before Christmas.  So, I'm not much fun there I guess as far as getting a card early from me :)  Well, with MDS, not only can you make actual greeting cards, but you can use it as an extremely helpful planning too. 

As has been said by others before me, you can save yourself the consumables and sit and design a card on your computer and get it just right before you decide to make it.  Well, the card above is the first fruits of my labor, and I will definitely be planning more cards with this program.   I actually used one of the designer templates and then made the changes that you can see by looking at the original card as it is in MDS, below.

Enjoy!

I {heart} My Digital Studio!!

The countdown has begun....On October 1st, you will be able to purchase this FANTASTIC papercrafting software - My Digital Studio - that I have fallen in love with.  I was never much of a scrapper.  I did it when a Design Team required it, or someone asked me to (for a class, for their personal use, etc.).  Now, I actually am doing it for MYSELF!!  I have created two albums so far, and this is another page out of the more "elegant" album.  The other one is my "fun" album.  In this album, I used the birthday template, and then changed all of the colors and most of the embellishments used, but kept the layouts very similar for the most part.

You may remember that there is currently a Hostess Special going on, and on October 1st, it will include MDS.  Here are the details incase you forgot:

Hostess Promotion

Dates: September 1-November 30, 2009

Promotion Details:

We're excited to bring you this sweet deal for hostesses September through November:

• Host a workshop totaling $250 or more and choose any one item* from the 2009 Holiday Mini Catalog for only $10!
  *Offer excludes hostess sets and My Digital Studio.

On October 1, when My Digital Studio is released to customers, this offer will become even sweeter:

• Host a workshop of at least $400 and get My Digital Studio for 50 percent off the retail price (retail price: $79.95; promotional price: $39.97)!

If I only had the patience to wait for the 50% off, I would have, but I am so glad to have gotten it already to be able to go ahead and start creating my albums and other fantastic digital projects!

Let me know if you want to order it on the 1st.  I'll be happy to do it for you, or you can click on my link to the right to place the order yourself.  Either way, it can be shipped right to your doorstep!!

You can see the rest of my MDS posts by clicking HERE.  You will want to click on the post title links to see any photos that are included in the posts.

Ha ha ha....

In my last post I said " just up her aisle."  Is it actually just up her "alley"?  Is it both?  Am I nuts?  Don't answer that last one ;)

For You

I made this card for a sweet friend who retired this past July and FINALLY got it sent to her.  Since she has now received it, I thought I would post it on here.  Her favorite color is purple so I figured that the Rich Razzleberry would be just up her aisle.  I know that I got this LO from one of the blogs that I browse, but I can't for the life of me remember where it was, and I made this several weeks ago, so it's been a while.  If you recognize this LO, let me know and I'll add your name in.  I think that the original LO had the top right corner rounded and I didn't do that.  I do remember that about the original card.  I also don't know if they had real stitching on the card or not.  I'll try to find the original again so I can give credit. 

Anyway, I hope you like it!

Stamps:  Great Friend
Paper:  Kraft, Rich Razzleberry and Whisper White CS, Cottage Wall DSP
Ink:  Orchid Opulence and Rich Razzleberry classic ink
Accessories:  5/16" Whisper White Jumbo Brad, Whisper White Basic Jumbo Grommet, 1/2" Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon, Scallop Edge punch, Sewing Machine

Another Digi Page

Here is another 8x8 page that I made for one of the 2 albums I have completed using Stampin' Up!'s new papercrafting software called My Digital Studio.  I made one album with a fun and whimsical look/feel and then I made a more elegant album.  It was hard to find pictures that weren't goofy of my kids for the more "serious" album, but here are some from when the kids got to go sit in a HUGE C-17 Air Force jet.  It's the plane that their daddy flies.  Oh, and they call their grandfather "Baba" which is the Persian word for father.  We call him this because my dad is from Iran and the word for grandfather is harder.  I am sure by the time they're 10 or so they'll start calling him something different, although I still call my grandfather Poppie which sounds just about as juvenile.  :)  Enjoy!!!

PS - you should be able to click on the picture and see the page in a larger size.

New Header made using My Digital Studio

Sorry that today's post is so late at night.  I've been fiddling around with SU!'s new My Digital Studio software to make a new header.  I like this one, but will probably make one each month so that I can tweak it and make it even better.  It's done using my FAVORITE stamp set - Upsy Daisy, some fonts from my computer, and my FAVORITE color combo - Baja Breeze (with Not Quite Navy as a darker shade of it), Really Rust and Chocolate Chip.  What do you think?

PS - the black lines at the top and bottom of the image are NOT part of what I created.  They're part of my blog's template and I don't know how to remove them.

Chalkboard Card

I think it's called the Chalkboard technique, right?  The card is a bit bright - not my usual color palette.  Anyway, hope you like the card.  I'm in a bit of a hurry so no dry humor for you today!! ;)

Stamps:  Upsy Daisy
Paper:  Pink Passion, Old Olive and Basic Black CS
Ink:  VersaMark, Whisper White craft ink and Basic Black classic ink
Accessories:  Stampin' Pastels, Whisper White Organza ribbon, Sponge Daubers

 

Upsy Daisy             Item # 111710               $18.95

What's that???

What?  You really like my CAS card I just posted, and you are going to leave me tons of wonderful comments raving about it, BUT there was something else you wanted to know???  ;)  Oh....you want to know who wins the fabulous Boot Loot?????

Oh, okay....I guess I'll tell you.  I used www.random.org and it drew #24!!!  So, congrats #24!!!!

Oh, you don't want to count and figure out who that is, you would rather I just tell you????

Well, after subtracting sub-comments to get the final number for Random.org to draw from, and then counting out to the 24th comment, you come up with:

Deb B (Debadoo)
who said:

Love love love your card!! And what a generous giveaway. Love the boot loot name too. My moment also involved embossing powder. I was very new to stamping and trying to complete a swap, running out of time, and it was very late. I needed copper brads and we didn’t have any. I recalled reading about using copper EP to make them, but the versamark was causing it to come off the brad. So I go to SCS, and posted my problem. Soon I had answers galore. Before I read the one that said just heat the tip of the brad, dunk in powder and heat, I read the one that said melt the powder first til it’s liquid, then dip the brad in the liquid. Well that made sense. Before I continue, let me firmly state that I was very sleep deprived, and had never seen one of those melty pot things for utee and the like. So I dump some ep into one of those paint pallettes with the little wells, aim my heat gun at it (to melt it of course). Yanno how when you’re fixin to do something really stupid, you realize it a nano second before it happens but it’s too close to happening to stop it. To the lady who sends her construction worker hubby to work covered in glitter, don’t feel too bad, I send my son to the Army covered in it all the time too. He let me know that glitter is NOT ever the uniform of the day.

So CONGRATULATIONS DEB!!!!  Please e-mail me your snail mail address at mariemc01@gmail.com

I loved each and every blooper that you shared with me.  I've had my share and they do make for funny stories - especially with those who can understand ;)

Take care and have a great day!!

CAS #3

Well, this is the card you've all been waiting for!  I know you didn't just want to know who won the Boot Loot!!  ;)  LOL  This is my favorite of the 3 cards that I submitted for the CAS DT Call over at SCS.  A great team was chosen for this season's DT, and I know everything that they create and share with us will be fabulous!

So, I hope you like this card as much as I do!!  Have a fabulous day!!!

All supplies used are SU! unless otherwise noted.

Stamps: Medallion BG, Hugs & Wishes

Paper: Kraft, Soft Suede and Ruby Red CS

Ink: Soft Suede Classic Ink

Accessories: Scallop Edge punch, sewing machine, white thread

Halloween Treat Bag Class!!

If you live in the Dover (Delaware) area, I was given the fabulous idea by Julie Wadlinger to have a class where you make the little bags you see below. 

I will also be showing the new My Digial Studio papercrafting software (think digital scrapbooking on steroids!!!  LOL) with those who would like to create one project (a card or single scrapbook LO page) and bring an electronic copy of a picture on CD or zip drive, etc.  You will then be able to order the print of your project through SU!'s fabulous print vendor or you can take it home and print it out how you prefer. 

Additionally, you will make a 3x3 Halloween card using some of SU!'s new Halloween stamps from the Holiday Mini Catalog. 

Let me know if you can join us - seats are limited and there is a RSVP-by date.  I would love to see you here!! 

E-mail me at mariemc01@gmail.com

Thanks!!

My First Digital Scrapbook Pages

I am so excited to have received SU!'s new My Digital Studio software on Friday.  I didn't get to play with it until Friday evening and then I had to tear myself away to go to bed because I got to go to Washington DC on Saturday morning and needed to not want to sleep in and miss the trip.  ;) 

I am making a "Summer 2009" album for my family and I thought I would share with you 2 of the pages.  I pretty much stuck with one of the pre-built layouts that SU! provides (called Sunny Days and it uses the colors and items that you can find in the Sunny Days Simply Scrappin' kit on page 164 of the Idea Book & Catalog) and added a few embellishments, drop-shadows, text and stamps here or there to complete the look the way I wanted...to make it my own. 

The beginning of our summer was marked by my husband deploying to the desert, and that is what these two pages are of.  They will sit side-by-side in the book with the first one being on the left.  I am going to have this book printed by SU!'s print vendor and I will post a picture of it when I get it so you can see it "in real life" via a photo ;)

I hope you enjoy them as much as I did making them!!!

Oh, and don't forget to check out my Boot Loot (aka Blog Candy) contest at THIS post where you can win a stamp set, punch and some Sweet Treat cups to finish off the theme of the items!!!