Mini Mailbox For Valentine's Day - Links to Mini Catalogs too

Thank you so much Cindy Galbraith for your inspiration (and enablement) of this mailbox. I had so much fun making it this evening.

Hmmmm, this was so much fun and I was able to buy just a few extra mailboxes tonight from the local big box store that we "might" just do this as one of our class projects on the 9th. Of course, if we do we would need to use some of the awesome new papers that will be in the Occasions Mini Catalog or the Sale-A-Bration mini. I filled this with Hershey Nuggets (they are Hal's favorite), but it could easily be filled with small gifts, Valentines, or whatever you would like.

I promise more photos and a link to a tutorial on line tomorrow.

Great News!!!! Because of the delay in mailing for the new Occasions Mini Catalog and the Sale-A-Bration catalog, Stampin' Up! has released the on-line links to the pdf files. This way you can immediately see what is going to be available in just a few days. REMEMBER, none of this merchandise will be available until January 5th. For every $50 in Stampin' Up! merchandise purchased (before tax & shipping) from 1/5/10 thru 3/31/10, you will be able to chose one free item from the Sale-A-Bration catalog. What a great way to earn free merchandise!!! Here's the links:

http://204.228.150.61/catalogs/20091231/OccasionsMini10_US.pdf
Occasions Mini

http://204.228.150.61/catalogs/20091231/SAB_10_US.pdf
Sale-A-Bration

Stampin' Up! is working fast and furious to get the catalogs out to our customers and your patience and understanding is greatly appreciated.

Mary
http://marydirector.stampinup.net/
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

Mailing of Mini Catalogs Delayed

Mailing Selector Delay
December 30, 2009

There has been a delay mailing out the Sale-A-Bration brochures and Occasions Mini Catalogs through the mailing selector. We will replace Sale-A-Bration brochures beginning January 8, and Occasions Mini Catalogs beginning January 15. We apologize for any inconvenience.

This was posted this evening on the Stampin' Up! Demonstrator website. My customers will still get their catalogs, but there will be a delay. The catalogs are soooo worth the wait. I know everyone is disappointed, but they will be in your mail box soon. Wait till you see the great new products Stampin' Up! is offering.

I received my pre-0rder tonight AND have the next 5 days off from work. My plan is to post as much as possible of the great new products for you all to see. Also as of the 5th we will have links to pdf files for the catalogs that you can view on-line.

Sale-A-Bration catalog is valid 1/5/10 thru 3/31/10.
Occasions Mini catalog is valide 1/5/10 thru 4/30/10.

Thank you for your patience and understanding of this delay. If you have any questions, please contact me. I check e-mails daily even on the days that I work and promise a quick reply.

Mary
http://marydirector.stampinup.net/
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

Thank You

I want to thank all of my blog followers and my customers for understanding all the posts using My Digital Studio this month while I was working very LONG hours (retail store). It allowed me to keep my blog active, while giving everyone inspiration for card designs. By next weekend, I should be able to get my blog back to normal with tutorials, product reviews etc. I will still be working, but not the long hours like we had in December.

This Thank You card was designed using My Digital Studio by Stampin' Up!. I've really enjoyed using the program this month. It is easy to use and there are so many designs in it to choose from.

Hope you all had a great Christmas. We spent Christmas with our dear friends (Danny, Lisa, and Kassidy). It made the day very special and fun.

Mary
http://marydirector.stampinup.net/
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

Christmas Ornament Card

How did it get to be the 21st already !!!! The days are flying by and Christmas is just 4 days away. I hope your Christmas is wonderful and that you will be surrounded by family and friends. This is such a special time of the year.

The card above was made using MDS (My Digital Studio by Stampin' Up!). I love the ornaments. They look so elegant with all of their detail.

Mary
http://marydirector.stampinup.net/
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

The days are fleeting by and Christmas will be here before we know it. There's excitement about Santa coming, gathering with friends and family, and the wonderful food plus good times we all will share. Even with all the excitement of the season, please remember to take time to count your blessings. Even in these hard economic times, we all have much to be grateful for.

My wish for all of you is that you have a wonderful holiday, spent with family and friends. May your new year be filled with many blessings and be prosperous for you too.

(Design above was made using My Digital Studio by Stampin' Up!)

Merry Christmas.


Mary
http://marydirector.stampinup.net/
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

Santa is Coming to Town - Christmas Card

Hope you are all enjoying the cards this month made with My Digital Studio by Stampin' Up!. It has really helped me to keep my blog current while I am working many long hours. It is a great design tool and the cards you are seeing should help with inspiration for cards you may want to make too using card stock and embellishments.

Santa is giving me an IOU this year so that I will have the ability to buy new things from our Mini Occasions Catalog in January. Oh my gosh, I just can't wait. Then the added bonus is that for every $50 I spend from the mini or the regular catalog, I will receive a FREE item from the Sale-A-Bration catalog. Truly a win/win present from Santa, don't you agree !!!! It just means I have to wait a bit to order. Santa always seems to know exactly what I want, and Stampin' Up! products are always the perfect gift.

Catalogs are valid as of January 5th. My customers will be receiving them soon as they will be mailed directly to you from me thru Stampin' Up! mail system.

Mary
http://marydirector.stampinup.net/
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

Merry Christmas Card - My Digital Studio

Stampin' Up! gave demonstrators a great gift on Monday. We got our choice of four MDS (My Digital Studio) downloads. Thank you Stampin' Up!, you really are a great company to work for. I choose the one for calendar creations and look at this cute Christmas card that I just created in a matter of minutes. The stitch border is one of the designs that comes with MDS.

My Digital Studio is so much fun to use and very easy to learn also.

Mary
http://marydirector.stampinup.net/
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

Video About New Unmounted Stamps

Hi Everyone,

Oh my gosh, the new unmounted stamps are fantastic !!!!! They are going to save LOTS of storage space too as they are in CD style cases for easy and compact storage. They will not be available for purchase from Stampin' Up! until January 2010 (just a few weeks away), but they are soooo worth the wait.

Dawn just posted a fantastic video on her blog showing how to set the stamp sets up and use them. Also she has used a DVD storage rack to store her stamp sets. Stop by her blog to see her video. Please note: She is not adhering the labels the same way that Stampin' Up! has in their instructions that come with the unmounted stamps sets. Either way will work, you just will need to decide which way works best for you.

Here's the link to her blog and the video ... just click HERE to view.

I promise more step by step tutorials after the holidays here on my blog. The next two weeks I am working 110 hours, so haven't had a lot of extra time to show the sneak peaks of our new products as I had hoped to do.

I have ordered the new Mini Occasions Catalog and Sale-A-Bration catalog for all of my customers. It will be mailed to you directly from Stampin' Up!. You should received it before the end of the month. If you don't have a demonstrator and would like a copy of these new mini catalogs, please send me an e-mail (link on top of my blog) and I will be sure you get them.

Wishing you all the happiest of holiday seasons.

Mary
http://marydirector.stampinup.net/
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

Just Having Fun - Snowman

While waiting for a phone call, I decided to see what I could do with MDS (My Digital Studio). I took circle punch shapes and made a snowman who was accented with the arrow punch for arms and brads for his eyes and nose. Then took a stamp design for the snowflakes and Merry Christmas. Accented the card with designer series paper, ribbon, and a bow. Maybe not the best card in the world, but I did have fun making it.

If you would like to order My Digital Studio, it is item #118108. It is exclusive to Stampin' Up! and as a demonstrator, I can offer it to you thru my Stampin' Up! website or by contacting me directly to place the order for you. It comes on 2 CD disks and runs both on the PC and on the MAC. You are allowed to install it on 2 computers in your household.

Mary
http://marydirector.stampinup.net/
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

Stampin' Up! - 12 Days of Holiday Sales

For 12 days only, you can get discounts on select Big Shot dies and materials. See below for complete offering.

Things to Remember:

• Orders may be placed as customer, demonstrator, workshop, or online orders.

• The sale begins Friday, December 11, 2009, 12:01 AM (MT), and ends Tuesday, December 22, 2009, 11:50 PM (MT).

• Items must be ordered by December 15, 2009, in order to arrive in time for Christmas.

• Discounts range between 15-25 percent.

• All items on sale will be posted on the first day of the promotion and can be purchased for all 12 days.

• There are no quantity limits.

• There are no qualifiers to receive the discount.

• For online orders, discounts will be reflected in the "regular price"; "catalog price" will show the non-discounted price.

Product Offering:

Item	Page #	Description	Regular Price	Discounted Price
114515	195	Flower Burst Embosslits die	$11.95	$8.96
114516	195	Cherry Blossom Embosslits die	$11.95	$8.96
115957	195	Thanks Embosslits die	$11.95	$8.96
114513	195	Sweetest Stem Embosslits die	$11.95	$8.96
115952	195	Hi Embosslits die	$11.95	$8.96
115951	197	Timeless Type Junior Alphabet Medium Sizzlits die	$74.95	$59.96
113446	197	Build a Flower #2 Set Sizzlits 4-Pack die	$19.95	$16.96
114509	197	Big Bold Cupcakes Sizzlits 4-Pack die	$21.95	$18.66
113448	197	Hearts Set Sizzlits 4-Pack die	$19.95	$16.96
113457	198	Tulipe Bigz die	$21.95	$16.46
115954	198	Two Tags Bigz die	$21.95	$18.66
114524	199	Fringed Flower Bigz die	$19.95	$15.96
114523	199	Decorative Accents Bigz die	$19.95	$15.96
114534	199	Flower Bigz Clear die	$19.95	$15.96
113473	199	5-Point 3D Star Bigz die	$19.95	$16.96
113472	199	Circle 3D Ornament Bigz die	$19.95	$16.96
113470	199	Flower Layers w/Leaf Bigz die	$19.95	$16.96
113465	199	Bird w/Leaves and Flower Bigz die	$19.95	$16.96
115961	200	Perfect Setting Bigz XL die	$42.95	$32.21
113483	200	Pennant Bigz XL die	$39.95	$29.96
113484	200	Baskets & Blooms Bigz XL die	$39.95	$31.96
116760	201	Pop-Up Three Tier Cake Bigz XL die	$39.95	$29.96
116759	201	Pop-Up 3D Ball Bigz XL die	$39.95	$29.96
114890	201	Matchbox Bigz XL die	$42.95	$36.51
113458	202	Flower Layers Originals die	$15.95	$13.56
114336	158	Kraft Décor Elements sheets 12" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$10.36
114334	158	Dark Gray Décor Elements sheets 12" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$10.36
114337	158	Chocolate Décor Elements sheets 12" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$10.36
114335	158	White Décor Elements sheets 12" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$10.36
118797	n/a	So Saffron Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118798	n/a	Rose Red Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118799	n/a	Taken With Teal Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118800	n/a	Pretty In Pink Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118801	n/a	Bashful Blue Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118802	n/a	Real Red Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118803	n/a	Old Olive Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118804	n/a	Black Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118805	n/a	Night of Navy Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118806	n/a	Certainly Celery Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118807	n/a	Tempting Turquoise Décor Elements Sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118808	n/a	Clear Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118809	n/a	Pumpkin Pie Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118810	n/a	Pixie Pink Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118812	n/a	Sahara Sand Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118813	n/a	Gable Green Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118814	n/a	Basic Gray Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$12.95	$9.71
118815	n/a	Chalkboard Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$14.95	$11.21

Mary
http://marydirector.stampinup.net/
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

Christmas Card - Inspiration

Having fun creating a special Christmas card using My Digital Studio by Stampin' Up!. It is amazing all the elements you have at your disposal with MDS. I used ribbon, bows, hodgepodge hardware, brads, paper punch, and even designer paper to make this card digitally. It just took me a couple of minutes to create, then upload to my blog to share with all of you.

I have my pre-order things here for January, just haven't had a chance to play with them yet. I'm working "retail" for the holiday season, so it means many long hours at work. It is a true blessing to have the job, but I must admit I do miss creating cards on a daily basis to share with all of you. In Janaury I will be working 3 days a week and more regular hours so will have lots more time to spend crafting.

Hope everyone is having a fabulous December.

Mary
http://marydirector.stampinup.net/
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

Holidays and Giving Go Hand in Hand with Stampin' Up!

At Stampin' Up!, we believe in making a difference in the lives of others--whether they're our demonstrators, our employees, the people who use our products, or children in need of a way to express their creativity.

Since 2005, Stampin' Up! has been honored to participate in the TODAY Show's Annual Holiday Toy & Gift Drive. This year, Stampin' Up! will be donating over $150,000 worth of stamping and paper crafting products to the following organizations:

• Child S.H.A.R.E.
• A Place Called Home
• Alliance for Children's Rights
• Children's Hospital
• El Concilio Del Condado de Ventura
• St. Joseph Center
• Yolo Wayfarer Center Christian Mission
• Metro Atlanta Task Force on the Homeless
• ARC of Bergen and Passaic Counties
• Women in Need
• ARMS
• Albuquerque Health Care for the Homeless
• Housing Works
• All Children's House Family Center
• Cathedral Community Cares
• Catholic Big Brothers and Sisters
• Dominican Women's Development Center
• Girls' Vacation Fund (Girls' Quest)
• Partnership with Children
• Project Sunshine
• Little Flower Children's Services of New York
• Domestic Violence Intervention Services
• Texas Head Start Association
• First Place School
• Friendship Project
  

Mary
http://marydirector.stampinup.net/
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

Circle Circus Fun

Hope you are all enjoying the cards this month. I'm working long hours (retail) so don't have the time I had before to create and do the step-by-step tutorials. I promise tho that once we are thru the holidays, I will be back with the tutorials, regular cards, gift ideas, and of course My Digital Studio too. Thank you all so much for understanding.

One of my favorite stamp sets is Circle Circus, item #115778. I used the digital version of it in my card above along with our IN COLORS. The accent in the upper left corner are eyelets.

Mary
http://marydirector.stampinup.net/
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

Exciting New Products Coming in January

Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to drop you a quick note to fill you in on some exciting news that is happening in just a few weeks with Stampin' Up!.

First, we have two new mini catalogs starting Jan 5th:
1. New Occasions Mini Catalog ... January 5th thru April 30, 2010
2. Sale-A-Bration Catalog ... January 5th thru March 31, 2010 (this is a first ... 3 months)

New Products: UNMOUNTED STAMPS ... you asked, Stampin' Up! listened. I'm so excited to let you know that we are still going to offer our wood mounted stamps HOWEVER you will also have the option of ordering unmounted stamps that are used on acrylic blocks!!!! The unmounted stamp sets will cost a bit less too than the wood mounted ones ... either way you will be getting the GREAT quality you depend on with Stampin' Up! We are also changing the look of our paper punches to make them smaller and lockable for easier storage. We are introducing two sets that will work together forming a continuous border (yes, a border and a corner punch that work hand in hand). The current paper punch designs will stay in the same style, only the new ones will change.

I placed a small pre-order that will be here very soon. I will post photos as soon as I can.

Mary
http://marydirector.stampinup.net/
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

Another Christmas Card Idea

Here's another card I created using My Digital Studio by Stampin' Up!. The designs are really coming out nice, and I love the fact that I can use this as a design tool then convert to regular Stampin' Up! products to make it.

So much to do before the holidays. I have my cards done, but not addressed. That will be my evening project for the next few nights.

Mary
http://marydirector.stampinup.net/
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

Dormant Stamp Sets to Retire

Stampin' Up! just announced the following:

Dormant Stamp Sets Discontinued on January 4, 2010

December 2, 2009

As promised, many of the stamp sets currently on our dormant list have been available for a year and now it is time to say goodbye. The following stamp sets will be discontinued on January 4, 2010.

Item Number	Stamp Set
113407	Back Woods
114492	Beautiful Baby
114486	Birthday Wish
113200	Branch Out
114496	Celebrations
113732	Central Park
113206	Classic Sketches
113226	Classy & Fabulous
114498	Flowers in Silhouette
113405	Font of You
113216	For the Bride
114494	Forever
109425	Friend by Definition
114488	Fun Flowers
113716	Garden Greetings
114490	Glad Friends
111580	Grand Soiree
113242	Hit the Road
113710	Lexicon of Leaves
113236	Man's Best Friend
114423	Ocean Commotion
113728	Playful Petals
109276	Polka Dot
111544	Putt Putt
113240	Quilt Quips
113754	Really Retro
113403	Sip by Sip
113726	Sweet Stems
113250	That's Funny
113688	Wonderful Watercolors
114028	Para la novia
114032	Acuarelas Maravillosas

If any of these stamp sets are on your wish list, make sure to purchase them before they are gone for good! To order, contact me directly OR you may order thru my Stampin' Up! Website.

Mary
http://marydirector.stampinup.net/
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

True Friend - Thinking of You♠

It's fun to pick a color and then use different shades of it on a card. For this one, I used Bashful Blue as the card base, Night of Navy for the scroll work, and Brilliant Blue for the Butterfly and True Friend. The shades of light and dark made the card pop. Stamp Set used for this card was: Simple Friendship, item # 113397.

Card was designed using My Digital Studio, item #118108.

Today is the last day of the Fantastic Sale with bundled products up to 50% off. Don't miss out. Details are HERE.

Mary
http://marydirector.stampinup.net/
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

Birthdays 3 - Another Card Idea to Share

Just having some fun with card ideas this week. As I start playing with images, designs often an idea will come into my head that I will make into a card. I've always liked the Party Hearty stamp set (item #111532) and the Garden Whimsy (item #113502). Thought they looked nice combined together for this card. Add a touch of Designer Series Paper, some solid card stock and a card is born.

This card was created using My Digital Studio by Stampin' Up!, but could be easily made with Stampin' Up! products listed above.

Remember many of my designs this week and for the month of December will be created using My Digital Studio. With all the hours I will be working, it is one way that I can keep my blog active and still give you ideas for things to create using your Stampin' Up! products or by using My Digital Studio. As soon as I am thru the holiday crunch, then the blog will become more hand created pieces. Hope you are enjoying the creations, and I hope many of you will try them at home too.

My Digital Studio By Stampin' Up! is item #118108.

Mary
http://marydirector.stampinup.net/
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

Happy Thanksgiving - Oreo Turkeys

Happy Thanksgiving.

If you would like to learn how to make these darling turkeys, click HERE for complete details.

Have a wonderful holiday with family and friends. We each have so much to be thankful for.

Mary
http://marydirector.stampinup.net/
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

New Blog Entries

I had 3 blog entries in "draft" mode and when I went to publish them here they are now showing under Sunday instead of today. Hope you will take a minute to go back and look at the cards I made, and that they will give you inspiration:

http://kreateskards.blogspot.com/2009/11/just-for-fun.html
Purrrfect Friends

http://kreateskards.blogspot.com/2009/11/birdthday-cards-2.html
Birthday Cards 2

http://kreateskards.blogspot.com/2009/11/birthday-cards-1.html
Birthday Cards 1

Mary
http://marydirector.stampinup.net/
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

Stampin' Up! - HUGE SALE - Today thru Nov 30th, 2009

Don't miss out on the opportunity to save up to 50% off on bundled products thru Stampin' Up!. The sale begins today and ends on Monday November 30th, 2009 at 11:50 PM (MT). You may order directly thru my Stampin' Up! website. Here's what is on sale, be sure to use the "bundle item number" when ordering:

Product Offering:

Item	Description	Regular Price	Discounted Price
120280	Framed with Love Bundle Framed with Love stamp set Full Heart punch	$43.90	$21.95
120281	Thank You Kindly Bundle Thank You Kindly stamp set Scallop Edge punch	$29.90	$14.95
120976	Thank You Kindly Bundle (French) Tous mes remerciements stamp set Scallop Edge punch	$29.90	$14.95
120282	Animal Crackers Bundle Animal Crackers stamp set Star Designer brads	$25.90	$12.95
120283	Corduroy Button Bundle Kraft Corduroy buttons Pumpkin Pie Corduroy buttons Summer Sun Corduroy buttons Basic Gray Corduroy buttons Chocolate Chip Corduroy buttons	$49.75	$24.88
120284	Game Night Bundle Card Games stamp set Game Night stamp set	$40.90	$20.45
120285	Four Square Bundle Four Square stamp set Scallop Square punch	$30.90	$15.45
120286	Heart to Heart Bundle Love You Much stamp set Heart to Heart punch Pretty in Pink 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon	$49.85	$24.93
120310	Heart to Heart Bundle (Spanish) Te Quiero Mucho stamp set Heart to Heart punch Pretty in Pink 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon	$49.85	$24.93
120311	Heart to Heart Bundle (French) J't'aime beaucoup stamp set Heart to Heart punch Pretty in Pink 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon	$49.85	$24.93
120287	Chipboard Letter Bundle On Board Timeless Type On Board Loads of Letters	$25.90	$12.95
120288	Double-Stitched Ribbon Bundle Bashful Blue 1" double-stitched grosgrain ribbon Rose Red 1" double-stitched grosgrain ribbon	$17.90	$10.74
120289	Ultimate Stampers' Starter Bundle* Best Wishes & More stamp set Eight Great Greetings stamp set On a Pedestal stamp set Earth Elements Stampin' Spots Earth Elements assorted card stock (8-1/2" x 11") Whisper White card stock (8-1/2" x 11") Old Olive 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon Flower Designer brads	$127.70	$76.62
120290	Build-A-Brad Bundle Calendar Alphabet stamp set Pewter Build-A-Brad Antique Brass Build-A-Brad	$40.85	$24.51
120291	Enjoy Every Moment Bundle Enjoy Every Moment stamp set Circle Designer brads Flower Designer brads	$43.85	$26.31
120312	Enjoy Every Moment Bundle (French) Profiter de chaque instant stamp set Circle Designer brads Flower Designer brads	$43.85	$26.31
120292	Cheep Talk Bundle Cheep Talk stamp set Note cards Pumpkin Pie Corduroy buttons	$42.85	$25.71
120293	Sock Monkey Bundle Sock Monkey stamp set Sock Monkey Accessories stamp set Chocolate Chip Corduroy buttons	$58.85	$35.31
120313	Sock Monkey Bundle (French) Sing-chaussette stamp set Sock Monkey Accessories stamp set Chocolate Chip Corduroy buttons	$58.85	$35.31
120294	Alphabet Bundle Jayne's Type Alphabet stamp set Lovely Letters stamp set	$87.90	$52.74
120295	Simply Said Bundle Simply Said stamp set Old Olive 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon Full Heart punch	$52.85	$31.71
120314	Simply Said Bundle (French) Amitié stamp set Old Olive 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon Full Heart punch	$52.85	$31.71
120296	On Board Bundle On Board So Tweet On Board Batch of Blooms On Board Essentials	$42.85	$25.71
120927	Christmas Décor Bundle #1 Holly Berry Wreath Décor Elements (Kraft, Real Red) Real Red Vintage Ornaments Décor Elements Chocolate Vintage Ornaments Décor Elements	$74.85	$44.91
120298	Christmas Décor Bundle #2 Holly Beary Wreath Décor Elements (Chocolate, Real Red) Real Red Vintage Ornaments Décor Elements Chocolate Vintage Ornaments Décor Elements	$74.85	$44.91
120299	Christmas Décor Bundle #3 Holly Berry Wreath Décor Elements (Old Olive, Real Red) Real Red Vintage Ornaments Décor Elements Chocolate Vintage Ornaments Décor Elements	$74.85	$44.91
120300	For All You Do Bundle For All You Do stamp set 5/16" Neutrals Jumbo brads	$36.90	$25.83
120315	For All You Do Bundle (French) Merci pour tout stamp set 5/16" Neutrals Jumbo brads	$36.90	$25.83
120316	For All You Do Bundle (Spanish) Por todo lo que haces stamp set 5/16" Neutrals Jumbo brads	$36.90	$25.83
120301	Striped Ribbon Bundle Bashful Blue 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon Pumpkin Pie 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon Old Olive 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon Pretty in Pink 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon So Saffron 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon Real Red 1/2" striped grosgrain ribbon	$47.73	$33.41
120302	Bling Bundle Sticky Pages Sticky Cuts Sweet Fine Supernova Stampin' Glitter Fine Galaxy Stampin' Glitter	$43.80	$30.66
120303	Fresh-Cut Bundle Fresh Cuts stamp set Fresh-Cut Notes 5/8" Neutrals Jumbo brads	$37.85	$26.50
120317	Fresh-Cut Bundle (French) Fraicheur exuise stamp set Fresh-Cut Notes 5/8" Neutrals Jumbo brads	$37.85	$26.50
120304	Pendant Note Bundle Pendant Park stamp set Pendant notes 5/8" Neutrals Jumbo brads	$39.85	$27.90
120318	Pendant Note Bundle (French) Adorable parc stamp set Pendant notes 5/8" Neutrals Jumbo brads	$39.85	$27.90
120319	Pendant Note Bundle (Spanish) Un dia en el parque stamp set Pendant notes 5/8" Neutrals Jumbo brads	$39.85	$27.90
120305	Sporting Bundle #1 Large Night of Navy Sporting Décor Elements Night of Navy Just Sports Décor Elements	$67.90	$47.54
120306	Sporting Bundle #2 Large Chocolate Sporting Décor Elements Chocolate Just Sports Décor Elements	$67.90	$47.54
120307	Sporting Bundle #3 Large Black Sporting Décor Elements Black Just Sports Décor Elements	$67.90	$47.54
114864	Ginormous Flowers I Décor Elements	$39.95	$27.97
114863	Ginormous Flowers II Décor Elements	$39.95	$27.97
112534	5/16" Neutrals Jumbo brads	$7.95	$5.57
112533	5/8" Neutrals Jumbo brads	$6.95	$4.87
112081	Scallop Square punch	$15.95	$11.17
113693	Full Heart punch	$15.95	$11.17
113694	Heart to Heart punch	$15.95	$11.17
112091	Scallop Edge punch	$15.95	$11.17
112571	Circle Designer brads	$5.95	$4.17
112579	Flower Designer brads	$5.95	$4.17
112572	Star Designer brads	$5.95	$4.17
114785	Small Wonderful Flowers Décor Elements	$39.95	$27.97
114786	Medium Wonderful Flowers Décor Elements	$69.95	$48.97
114791	Small Wonderful Leaves Décor Elements	$39.95	$27.97
114792	Medium Wonderful Leaves Décor Elements	$64.95	$45.47

*This bundle is only available while supplies last.

Don't miss out on these fantastic deals, visit my on-line store today.

Mary
http://marydirector.stampinup.net/
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

Just For Fun

When I made this card using My Digital Studio by Stampin' Up!, it made me think of when I was a child and each one of us had our own cat. These darling little kitties are not on any of our stamp sets, there are only available in My Digitial Studio. HOWEVER, Stampin' Up! does have two of my favorite stamp sets on Pg 61 of the main catalog. One is "C is for Cat", item #115764 and the other if you are a dog lover is called "D is for Dog", item #115784. Here are two wonderful quotes that are in the stamps sets:

From C is for Cat:
as every cat owner knows, nobody owns a cat .... Ellen Perry Berkeley

From D is for Dog:
a dog wags its tail with its heart ....Martin Buxbaum

Purrfect friends is a card that I just made for fun tonight. I like to post things that will possibly help you design cards or scrapbook pages on your own ... ones that will give you inspiration. I know so many of you are animal lovers, so hope it will give you inspiration today too.

Mary
http://marydirector.stampinup.net/
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

Birdthday Cards 2

A quick and easy card to make, but very elegant too with bouquet of flowers on it.

To make this card, here are the Stampin' Up! products you will need:
Old Olive Card Stock, item #100702
Elegant Eggplant Card Stock, item #105126
Lavender Lace Card Stock, item #101614
Barely Banana Classic Ink Pad, item #101170
Summer Sun Classic Ink Pad, item #100537
Upsy Daisy Stamp Set, item #111710

The card above was created using My Digital Studio by Stampin' Up! (item #118108) but can easily be recreated with Stampin' Up! products listed above.

Stampin' Up! carries a complete link of products that are perfect for the scrapbooker, card maker, and/or paper crafter. Be sure to stop by my Stampin' Up! website to see all the products available. If you have any questions, please let me know.

Mary
http://marydirector.stampinup.net/
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

Birthday Cards 1

Of all the cards, I probably make birthday cards the most. There are so many designs and themes for birthdays.

To create this card using Stampin' Up! Products:
Rich Razzleberry Card Stock, item #115316
Whisper White Card Stock, item #100730
Dusty Durango Card Stock, item #115321
Designer Brads Filigree, item #112577
1/2" Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon, item 115613 (use solid side)
..... NOTE: Digital ribbon used was 1/4" wide grosgrain
Black Classic Ink, item
Party Hearty Stamp Set, item #111532
Stampin' Write Markers, item #105541
(Stamp images out on whisper white card stock, color in with markers and cut out. Then attach to your card front.)

This image was created using My Digital Studio by Stampin' Up!, item #118108.

Don't miss out on the FANTASTIC Sale going on with Stampin' Up! right now. There are complete details on my blog ... click HERE TO VIEW.


Mary
http://marydirector.stampinup.net/
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

Tree Christmas Card - Paper Punches

There are so many things you can create with paper punches. Think outside the box with them. The punch forming the trees at the bottom of the card are actually the Photo Corners Punch (item #109042). The punch makes the corners in two sizes, only one size was used in the card. They can be stacked closer together if you like too.

Then you can use the Star Punch (item #109045) to top the trees. Don't forget to accent with a gold brad (item #104337).

The ribbon shown is retired, but I would recommend using in its place: Sleigh Bells (item # 116795) which can be found in the Holiday Mini Catalog.

I would make your card base Very Vanilla, Real Red, or Old Olive. Then use a festive designer series paper like is found in the Christmas Jingle Simply Scrappin' Kit (item #115696) or Merry Moments Designer Series Paper (item #115672).

The card above was digitially created using My Digital Studio by Stampin' Up! (item #118108).

Mary
http://marydirector.stampinup.net/
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

Ornament Christmas Card - Mini Tutorial

As I have time over the next few weeks, I'm going to design some card ideas using My Digital Studio from Stampin' Up! (item #118108). I will make them cards that can be easily made using Stampin' Up! products you have at home. As I stated earlier, My Digital Studio is a great design tool.

This card was made using:
Tree Trimmings Stamp Set, item #116722
.....use classic black ink on real red card stock, then cut out the design
Christmas Greetings Stamp Set, item #115448
.....use classic black
.....The Merry Christmas sentiment above is from the digital product.
Scallop Edge Paper Punch
.....use real red card stock, attach to card using SNAIL Adhesive
Real Red 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon for bow, attach with Glue Dot.
Christmas Jingle Simply Scrappin' Kit, item #115696
.... used for Background Paper and Scallop Border
Very Vanilla Card Stock (item # 101650) for the card base.

Have fun, let your imagination run wild. You will be amazed at all the different creations you can make when you do.

Mary
http://marydirector.stampinup.net/
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

Happy Thanksgiving Using My Digital Studio

I had a few minutes before getting ready for work today, and decided I would create a card using My Digital Studio. It just took a few minutes, and I am very pleased with the results. My Digital Studio is a great design tool. It allows me to "play" with the products, decide what I like the best, create it digitally, and then immediately create it using my regular card stock, ribbons, and stamps.

If you wanted to create this yourself:
Crushed Curry Patterns Designer Series Paper, item #115686
1/4" Pumpkin Pie Grosgrain Ribbon, item #109030
...... OR 1/2" Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon (using solid color side), item #115609
Dusty Durango, item #115321 for accent behind the text
Always Stamp Set, item #113620
Sentiment was computer generated, but there are many stamp choices too.
My Digital Studio, item #118108

Mary
http://marydirector.stampinup.net/
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

My Digital Studio Certification Program - I'm Certified !!!!

When I posted earlier today, I forgot to share with you my exciting news ... After many weeks of study, I have completed the "My Digital Studio Certification Program" and now am officially "Certified". Only Stampin' Up! Demonstrators who have taken all the webinars classes, the quizzes, and then submitted projects have become "Certified" Our certification is listed on our official Stampin' Up! websites under "My Story".

I have worked hard to achieve this goal, and wanted to share my excitement with all of you. If you have any questions, or would like to order your own copy of "My Digital Studio", please contact me or order thru my Stampin' Up! website. (NOTE: There are minimum system requirements for this software.)

System Requirements

Prior to installing My Digital Studio, ensure that your computer meets the following technical specifications:

Windows:

• Windows XP or Vista
• Pentium 4, 1 GHz or better (1.6 GHz recommended) or comparable AMD processor
• 512 MB RAM available (1 GB or more recommended, 1 GB required for Windows Vista users)
• 16 MB Video RAM (64 MB recommended)
• Available Hard Disk Space: 5 GB minimum
• DVD-ROM Drive

Macintosh:

• OS X 10.4.x or greater (with latest Java update)
• G4 500 MHz or Faster (G5 1 GHz or better recommended)
• 512 MB RAM (1 GB or more recommended)
• 8 MB Video RAM (64 MB recommended)
• Available Hard Disk Space: 5 GB minimum
• DVD-ROM Drive

Other Requirements:

• QuickTime Player version 7.1.0 or higher is required. (Available on the My Digital Studio disc 1 or at http://www.quicktime.com/.)
• System Settings
• Monitor Resolution: 1024 x 768 or higher (1152 x 864 or higher recommended)

Recommended Additional Equipment

• CD or DVD Burner (Required for interactive album and DVD-Video output options)
• Printer
• Speakers
• Digital Camera
• Microphone
• Digital Camcorder
• Scanner

Mary
http://marydirector.stampinup.net/
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

Catching Up

Hi Everyone,

I know it has been a few days since I posted last. The next month because of the holidays, I will be working many more hours. I'm working as retail seasonal help. So won't be on my blog as much as before for the month of December.

I want to assure all of you that I will still be checking e-mails and following customers' orders too on a daily basis whether I am working or not. There is so much new and exciting things coming the first of the year for Stampin' Up! and I will post more information as soon as we are allowed after December 1st.

If you have any questions, e-mail me and I promise a response. Remember too that you can order directly thru my website (link below my name).

Hope you have a wonderful week. Seems impossible that Thanksgiving is next week. The time has flown by. I am very thankful for all of you. You have added many smiles this last year to my life, and I love sharing my joy of card making with each of you.

Mary
http://marydirector.stampinup.net/
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

Workshop Area

I'm truly blessed to have my own workshop area in my home. It is perfect for the classes I teach for Stampin' Up! (and nice too if we want to have a large group over for dinner). We moved our family room furniture into the formal living room (sold that furniture) and turned what had been a kitchen/dining/family room area into a kitchen/workshop area. I LOVE having all this space for my classes. I have 4 six foot tables that can be put together easily with lots of space for all.

I had a class yesterday here, so set up with 2 of the tables together and two under the big window. The two under the big window I used for display of products.


All ready for the group to arrive.




Display area of ideas for the holidays: Treat Boxes, Tea Light Holders, paper holders, embellishment caddy, Scrappin' Kits, Rub-on Kits, Impressions folders.

Had to show my newest creation: The Rag Purse.


The counter next to the fridge is my area for the Big Shot and the dies.

So many had asked about what my area looked like, so had to share. I also have an office area where I mainly do my card making.


Mary
http://marydirector.stampinup.net/
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

Rag Purse - Using the Big Shot

Isn't this purse amazing .... the scallop squares for it were cut out with my Big Shot and the Stampin' Up! exclusive BigZ clear die "Stampin' Up! Scallop Square". It just took me a couple of hours to make. I used 3 different fabrics and even the button is from Stampin' Up!. It is Real Red Designer Button from the button set called Playground. It was a perfect match for all the bright colors in my purse.

Now I can't take credit for this purse idea ... I want to personally thank Angie Kennedy Juda for her wonderful directions and videos on her Chic'n Scratch blog. I've never had success before with quilting and truly had given up the thought that I could make a quilted item myself. Well, I know how to use the Big Shot and I LOVE IT plus I know how to sew a seam/straight line so decided to give it a try. The purse is reversible too is you don't want the ragged edges to show. The inside has straight hidden seams, so you could easily turn it inside out if you needed the purse to be a bit more dressy. I like the rag edges too, so it makes this purse very versatile.

Stampin' Up! Items Used:
Designer Buttons ... Playground, item #116313 on Pg 181
Big Shot Die-Cut Machine, item #113439 on Pg 194
Stampin' Up! Exclusive BigZ clear die, Scallop Square, item #115950 on Pg 199

I won't list the sewing items needed, they are listed on Angie's site. I was amazed at how many layers of fabric I could cut with the Big Shot. Now I would love to make a rag quilt .... hmmm, if I do I could do knots with our designer buttons too to tie the quilt. Oh so many ideas, so little time ... LOL.


Mary
http://marydirector.stampinup.net/
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

Treat Boxes - Product Review

I've been a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator now for over a year. I have to admit there are a few products I haven't tried and the Treat Boxes were one of them. One of my customers ordered some for the holidays, and I decided it was time I tried them too. They are a winner in my book. Here's my overview/review of them:

Treat Boxes
Item #115690
Approx Dimensions: 4 5/8" x 2 3/8" x 6 1/8"
Color of Boxes: Combination of Chocolate Chip and Close to Cocoa
5 per package ... $3.95

IMPORTANT NOTE: The Treat Boxes are coated, food-safe boxes for gifts and all kinds of treats. Boxes ship flat, ready to assemble. They are really easy to put together as they hook into place. No adhesive required unless you were going to put something heavy in it.

As you can tell, I jumped in feet first to get ready for the holidays. I made ten of the Treat Boxes and a dozen Votive Holders (with battery candles). The Treat Boxes are filled with candies and small gift items for friends.

I decorated each of my Treat Boxes with ribbon, a brushed silver star and modern label punch with Merry Christmas sentiment.

The above photo was to show you the box by itself in a bit of a close-up. Wouldn't they be wonderful filled with homemade fudge or cookies !!! They are perfect too for any type of small gift and you will be amazed at how much they can actually hold.

They do have a hand/finger handle in them ... I covered mine on the front with the ribbon since the items are light weight and both handles were not needed for this Treat Box that I filled. If you look close you will see a slit in the fold over part, that is what holds the Treat Box together. If I had used a more narrow ribbon, I could of placed it between the slit and the handle easily.

I feel this is another item that could be used year around, not just for the holidays.

I used the Large Star Punch, Modern Label Punch, Word Window Punch, Teeny Tiny Wishes, 3/4" Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon in Real red, and Very Vanilla Cardstock.

Mary
http://marydirector.stampinup.net/
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

Veterans Day

Mary
http://marydirector.stampinup.net/
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)

Christmas - Hershey Nugget Treat Bags - Mini Tutorial

This makes a perfect gift item or stocking stuffer. So easy to make too AND who doesn't LOVE chocolate especially at the holidays. This is a mini-tutorial so that you can make the Nugget Treat Bags too.

Front View of the Hershey Nugget Treat Bags

Back view of the treat bags.

All products used are Stampin' Up! with the exception of the Hershey Nuggets. I used the all milk chocolate (no nuts) nuggets for this which are wrapped in silver foil.

Supplies Used:
Very Vanilla card stock (item #101650) ... 4 1/4" wide x 5" high (score the 5" at 2 1/2")
Merry Moments Designer Series Paper (item #115672) ... pick your favorite patterns in the pack to use
.........6 pieces 1" x 3 " for wrapping your Hershey nuggets
.........1 piece 3" x 6" for the 3 ornaments to be punched out of
Winter Post Stamp Set (item #111780)
Ruby Red Classic Ink pad (item #102259)
Chocolate Chip Classic Ink pad (item #100908)
Crop-A-Dile (item #108362)
Gold Brads (item #104337) ... used 2
Earth Element Brads (item #106955) ... used 1 in old olive color for the snowflake center
3/16" Corner Rounder paper punch (item #109047)
Ornament Paper Punch (item #116794 - holiday mini catalog)
Sleigh Bells Ribbon (item #116795 - holiday mini catalog) ... 5" of ribbon
Sticky Strip (item #104294)
SNAIL Adhesive (item #104332)
Bone Folder (item #102300)
Medium Flat (4" x 6") Cellophane Bags (item #102757 --- there are 50 to a package for $4.50)

Directions:

1. Score the 5" side of the Very Vanilla card stock at 2 1/2", then crisply crease with the bone folder.
(note: if you have the Big Shot, you can make this tag using the Top Note die).

2. Take the 3/16" corner rounder and round the corners of the Very Vanilla card stock.

3. Winter Post Stamp Set:
.....Stamp the To & From with Chocolate Chip Classic Ink ... come in about 1/2" from left side
.....Stamp the Snowflake in Ruby Red about 1/2" in from the right side. You will want this close to the bottom of the paper because of the ribbon.

4. Using Sticky Strip attach your ribbon to the front of the tag and wrap around the front (do not bring ribbon around the back of the tag).

5. Using the 1/8" punch on the Crop-A-Dile, punch out the center of your ruby red snowflake. Insert the Old Olive Brad opening the prongs once inserted to keep the brad in place.

6. Set the tag aside. We'll come back to it shortly.

7. Wrap each of the Hershey Nuggets with a 1" x 3" piece of designer series paper. I find that putting a bit of sticky strip on the back side in the middle really helps.
.....Adhere the middle to the top of the nugget.
.....Wrap around to determine where your fold over will be and then attach sticky strip to the fold over area.

8. Put wrapped Hershey Nuggets in the cellophane bag.

9. Attach the cellophane bag to the tag using Sticky Strip.

10. Punch two holes all the way thru the front of the tag, the cellophane bag, and the back of the tag using the Crop-A-Dile 1/8" hole punch.
.....Put in the gold brads and open the prongs.

11. Punch out 3 ornaments using the Ornament Paper Punch and the designer series paper.
.....Using SNAIL adhesive, layer them on the back of the tag covering the prongs.

NOTES: Do not use staples to attach your tag and bags especially if being given to children. You can eliminate the brads too by using more sticky strip if the candy will be going to small children.

This is a very versatile gift idea that can be used year round for many different occasions just by changing the stamps and the paper used. Perfect for party favors, bridal showers, etc.

If you have any questions, please let me know.

Mary
http://marydirector.stampinup.net/
Stampin' Up! -- Discover Your Creativity
(On-line ordering now available thru my website)