Two Sweet Cheeks & Steve Garvey - My Digital Studio

There is nothing better than meeting a new little person and welcoming them to the world.  Well, for the love of it, you'd never know how true that is to me... One of the nicest couples that I know have two darling boys, the youngest now almost 5 months old and I've yet to meet this little man. I am behind - that is certainly for sure!

I've been experimenting with Stampin' Up!'s
My Digital Studio software and was so happy to focus on these two sweet-cheeked fellas.  My grand plan is to learn as much as I can about all of this super cool digital crafting hoopla so that I can share what I've discovered with you. You'll see more of the My Digital Studio process unveiled over the next several months. I'm digging how fun it is to try new th

ings and create. There are literally thousands of instant downloads to choose from and new ones almost every week.  

 

So far, I've discovered three super cool benefits to report about My Digital Studio:

1. The downloads may be purchased through my online store 24/7 (that's perfect when you're looking for the right image at any given time!) and may be downloaded immediately.  There's no waiting game!
2. The delete button recifies all the 'what the heck is that?' moments instantly.  
3. My Digital Studio allows you to download and use your own pictures in your projects.  Take this 'beauty'  of a card for instance (cough, cough & smile!)

My big bro was a HUGE Steve Garvey (circa LA Dodgers) fan when we were kids.  I'm not sure how many times Brian got to see/meet him in person, yet I do recall a stalker like instance in a hotel lobby many moons ago. Mr. Garvey was very gracious as two red-headed kids were giddy and dying to have Dad document a Kodak Moment with him.  I'm sorry, Mr. Garvey, I really didn't give a hoot about you, I was just tickled that I could follow my brother around! Anywho... Brian just celebrated a birthday and I made this card for him. (It was my first attempt to see how this digital jazz worked.) 

Although certainly not a masterpiece, it was my pleasure to remember wonderful family memories with one heck of a guy! Again, not you, Mr. Garvey - sorry :)

To learn more about My Digital Studio, visit my website now.  There's some great info, a video and much more.  Have fun and let me know if you have questions!

Technical Tidbits: 3/16" Corner Punch

I've been giving my corner punch quite a workout these days!  Here are a few tips for successful (corner) punching that I'd like to share with you...

•Make sure your paper is cut square. Your paper should have straight sides for the punch to work properly for you.

•Your paper should fit snugly into both edges of the guides and into the back of the punch.**Don't try to center by looking through the bottom of your punch; instead, align your paper using the guides on the top. 

•Set the paper fully into both guides, as well as the back of the punch, almost pressing your paper down into the guides by curling the outside edge of the paper up. Push your paper flush against the guides as far as it will go into the back of the punch. If your paper isn't fully set against both guides, you will not get a good, clean punch.

•If you don't get a perfect corner, try centering your paper in the guides and punching again; your design should punch correctly. Don't worry if you need to try a couple of times to get the knack of it! Sometimes it takes some practice - that's why I always include extra scrap card stock when you receive your order. Then you can easily play & practice.

•Cut only one sheet at a time. This punch is designed to cut only one sheet of card stock or Designer Series Paper at a time. * It's generally good practice to only punch one sheet at a time reagardless of which punch you're using. 

For additional Technical Tidbits, click here...

Let me know if you have any questions! 

To order Stampin Up! products from the comfort of your home, visit my webstore today

'Buy One, Get One Free' Catalog Release Event!



Pssst... Here's a teaser for the new hostess sets.
There's a new Hostess Benefits plan  that you'll love!



Catalog Kick Off BOGO Event! 

Here is your special invite to this First Time Ever

Buy One, Get One FREE Event.

------------------------------------------

* Make & Take projects using never seen before products.
* Be among the first to feast your eyes on the brand new Stampin' Up! 2011-12 Idea Book & Catalog
* Shop for retired stamp sets, paper & accessories in my personal stamp store.

Whatever dollar amount you spend in my retired stamp store,
you will get for FREE out of the new catalog!

(For example, spend $35 dollars on retired products & get $35 in products for FREE out of the new catalog! Shipping, handling & tax will be charged on the new products ONLY)

First Come, First Serve on limited retired products.

Once they're gone, they're gone!

Limited space per time, please RSVP

I hope you'll join me on one of the three following dates.
* Thurs, June 30th. 6:30-8:30pm
* Friday, July 1st. 9-11am
* Friday, July 1st. 6:30-8:30pm
(* Need a sitter for the kids so you can stamp & shop? No worries! My daughter Anna will be at all the events & is available to watch your kids for you.)

Location: My house, 38 Cliffordale Park, 14609
RSVP: Email me today to save your spot; space is limited! Please tell me which day you prefer.

**This BOGO sale may not be combined with any other offers, sale or discounts. No exceptions, please!

First Day of Summer!

It's been a pretty big day around this neck of the the woods.  The calendar says that it's the first day of Summer (whoot-whoot!) and both kids finished up their respective school year.  Charlie will be going into 10th grade and Anna, my little lady will be going into 7th.  Seriously?

Both kids will be at the same school for the first time and I can only help that Mom's taxi may have the smallest of reprieves!  Char, not the most studious of athletes has gotten through another year.  Anna has really branched out and improved her studies and skill sets on so many levels.  I'm just plain 'ole proud of them and so pleased for AK (Anna's nickname), that she'll be at the same school as her big bro. Please indulge me as I share with you my grandiose visions of how I was going to document this day with love and memory making festivities.  You might just want to roll your eyes at me know!   

I head to Wegmans to buy a 'bouquet' of maroon and white balloons (our school colors).  I tend to do this kind of stuff; balloons, banners, old photos & 'whatevers' to celebrate an occasion.  I just knew that I'd get the kids to stand next to each other and smile by the balloons so that I could take multiple pictures of this great day.  I mean who at the age of 12 and almost 15 doesn't want to stand in the front yard near these stupid balloons to hug his/her sibling and make it a Kodak moment?  Well, I can tell you who! 

 

Char needs a ride to a friends house to go in the pool and his 3 friends also 'need a lift'.  And the mantra begins... "C'mon, Ma - I'll take a picture later (fib).  It's the first day of summer - c'mon Ma... Oh and can we give so and so a ride too? C'mon Ma - it's summer."Anna is ready to relax, goof around in the backyard and just hang out.  And all the while, the darn balloons kept scaring the wits out of me as they loudly popped in the sunshine one by one. So, I took a picture of those silly 'ole balloons to mark the occasion. Perhaps on some rainy day, I'll Photoshop the pic of the kids that I took last week into today's balloon memory maker photo and be as happy as can be! But, probably not :) 

Now on to the important stuff!  I made this card for Anna using Bravo Burgundy, Whisper White and a touch of Crumb Cake for contrast.  There are a few things that you may not recognize, as they are new items from the 2011-12 Idea Book and Catalog!  (Psst... look at the pennant stamps with matching punch and the designer paper in the upper left corner.  love them!) The 'Way To Go' sentiment is from the Happy Greetings stamp set in the summer mini catalog.  That set is a serious 'must have'!  Oh, after all that, how I wish the colors showed better for you.  Regardless - it's been a full day and as the kids say, "I'm Out!"

Au revoir, Chic Boutique!

Haute couture in Paris—ooh la la! 
(That's just about all the french you get out of me!)

The Chic Boutique set is fun, flirty, full of spirit AND only available for a few very short days...               
Click here for a complete Last Chance listing. Again, these sets are only available through June 30th. 

Gentle reminder:  When ordering online, select me as your demonstrator.  This will ensure that you'll receive the lowest preferred pricing possible.

Visit my online store 24/7 to Chic Boutique or any of your Stampin' Up! favorites.

Hello HELLO Hello!

Hello friends!  Oh my, it has been a bit since I've posted something new for you to take a gander at. I am so stinkin' excited about all of the new things happening with Stampin' Up! Although I can't spill the beans quite yet, I'll be hot to trot on July 1st and screaming about those new beans!!

Here's a little look-see for you to enjoy.  I am crazy for the Baja Breeze hue - the color is just seems
'refreshing' to me. 

Now I must admit, that I'm not sure if I saw this card somewhere* or if my minds-eye made it up, but I love it none the less! It's simple, sweet and the subtle colors would light up any kind of day. 

And... at the risk of sounding like I love everything (I do like most things!) my favorite stamp set from the Summer Mini, Happy Greetings, is featured.  I use that baby a lot!



Happy Greetings Stamp Set-
Wood: 123311 $18.95
Clear Mount: 123313 $14.95



Supply List for this sweet card...

Card Stock: Baja Breeze, Peach Parfait, Pear Pizzazz

Ink: Not Quite Navy Classic

Stamp Set: Happy Greetings

Additional: Big Shot Die Cut Machine, Island Floral Bigz Die, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border, Pear Pizazz Seam Binding Ribbon, Neutral Brad

To order any of these pieces to make this card, click here to order from my online store!

DON'T MISS the Last Chance List!  Items available only through June 30th, then they're GONE

* If I did see this card somewhere and the designs belongs to you, please let me know so that I can give proper credit where it's due :)

Always

Always (#113620) is the next featured set on the 'Last Chance' List.  Here are a few ideas on how you can use this sweet little set!

Click here to view all Retiring Items.  Available through June 30th (or only while supplies last), then they're GONE!

Reminder: When placing an order online through my web store, double check to make sure I am listed as your demonstrator to receieve the lowest preferred pricing.

Shop online at your convenience in my webstore!

It's a Designer Paper 'SHOUT OUT!'

BIG PAPER NEWS!!!

It's time to say good bye... Stampin' Up! is making room for the latest and greatest products in the creative world as the new catalog launches on July 1st.

Click to view The Last Chance Accessory List offers several select items up to 40% off. ** Be sure to list me, Amy Rist, as your demonstrator so that you can received the lowest preffered pricing on your order.   

All of the Designer Series Paper Collections on pages 172-175 will be retiring.  Each pack provides you with 12 double sided sheets (2 each of 6 different patterns). Here are three designs for you...

Playdate DSP (117168) now 40% off! ONLY $5.97 per pack!

More Playdate DSP!

Newsprint DSP (117166)

See ya later... Friends 24-7 & Newsprint Designer Series Paper

Awww shucks... this little bird is getting ready to fly the coop!  Yup that's right.  The 24-7 Stamp Set and the Newsprint Designer Paper have hit the 'Last Chance List'. 

This is one of my favorite cards from a previous Stamp Shoppe.  It was so very easy to make and the colors are neutral yet have some visual impact.  Three stamps (out of the set of six) were used from the Friends 24-7 set. Take a closer look at what's retiring below... you'll want to grab these before they're GONE FOREVER!



Retiree #1: Friends 24-7 Stamp Set
(wood mount only 113218)





Retiree #2 Newsprint Designer Series Paper(#117166) 12 double sided sheets for $9.95



To order either of these retiring items before they're gone for good, visit my online store today.  Please remember to make sure you have me, Amy Rist, tagged as your demonstrator so that you see (and receive) the lowest prices possible!

Love the color combos on this card?  Me Too!  Marina Mist, Crumb Cake, Basic Black and Very Vanilla are the winners. 

Stamping Tip to achieve the center look in this featured card above. Stamp lightest to darkest. 

1. Stamp the A to Z image (#115711) in crumb cake directly onto the Very Vanilla Card Stock.
2. Stamp the Flourish image from the Friend 24-7 set in Marina Mist (centered on top of the A to Z)
3. Stamp the Bird image from Friends 24-7 in Basic Black on top of the Flourish. 
4. Sit back and smile at what you created!  Remember, if you don't love the outcome of your stamping, simply flip your card stock over for another try.

June Stamp Shoppe - Farewell Party

Insert music here...

"We're havin' a party! (la la la la!!)
            We're havin' a party! (dada da da!)"

The June Stamp Shoppe will have the same features that you love about the monthly class, but with some nice big
PARTY TWISTS & TURNS!

Friday, June 10th from  6:30-9:30pm

-or-

Saturday, June 11th  from 10am - 1pm

Make 6 different card designs for $15 or FREE with a $20 order at Shoppe. 
Click here for additional details

EXTRA JUNE PARTY PERK! Bring a friend that has never stamped with me before and you'll make another set of 6 cards for FREE and you're name will be entered into a drawing to win a FREE Grab Bag of Stampin' Up! goodies valued at $40! 

RSVP by Wed. June 8th to dotdesigns@hotmail.com.  I'll have everything ready for you to kick back & have a ball!

Be sure to bring your camera.  There will be oodles of Last Chance cards & projects for you to snap a picture of for inspiration!

Pretty Elizabeth with Polka Dots!

Boy, my camera isn't helping to display the fresh summery feel of the colors on this card.  Please take my word for it... Fresh, Flirty and Fun.  Think 'watermelon' colors!

There's a few different components in this card that I'll share in a minute, but first... take notice of a terrific Designer Series Paper (DSP) that has hit the 'Last Chance' List.  So long Woodland Walk DSP - you're pretty little self will be missed!

Now here's the scoop on the Woodland Walk Paper (117389).

This paper is double sided and you will receive 12 total sheets; 2 pages each of 6 designs.  You can really get some super mileage with this paper because it's so neutral.  There is certainly a masculine feel to some of the patterns, yet you'll also find some simple florals.
The stripes are sweet and the polka dots rock! 


Pssst: I do believe the price of DSP will have a modest increase in the new catalog; you may want to grab a pack of this Woodland Walk paper before it's GONE for good!

Order online through my web store today.  Please make sure that I am listed as your demonstrator to received preferred pricing. 

Additional components to this sassy little card...

Card Stock: Melon Mambo, Garden Green, Whisper White

Ink: melon Mambo & Garden Green Classic Ink

Designer Paper: Woodland Walk *Retiring*

Stamps: Elizabeth (117120) & On the Grow (123077)

Sweet Extras: Basic Pearls, Scallop Trim Border Punch & SNAIL Adhesive

Hodgepodge Happiness & Hardware- So long baby!

I've got a triple whammy for you with this post as this sassy little card features THREE retiring products!

Retiree #1: Hodge Podge Hardware.  Reg. $29.95.  Last Chance 40% off price: $17.97!

Available in Styled Silver - featured above (#111325) or Styled Vanilla (#112454)

The kit includes 10 each of the following:

- Small rectangular holders
- 1/2" genuine brads
- 3/8" star brads
- 1/2" flower brads
- 3/8" flower brads
- Flower ribbon slides (featured in this card)
- 3/16" brads (featured in this card)
- Raised dots oval holders
- Square holders
- Raised dots designer label holders (featured in this card)
1" circle holder

Retiree #2: Hodgepodge Happiness Stamp Set Clear Mount (120570) $10.95 

Wood Mount (117141) $13.95

Helpful Hint: If your purchasing the Clear Mount Set, the largeset 'Heartfelt Thanks' will work nicely with a B block. 
The other stamps fit beautifully on the A block. 

Retiree #3: Night of Navy 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon(120933) approx. 10 yards of ribbon for $6.95.  Ties nicely and offers minimal 'bulkiness' with a touch of elegance.

Hmmm... I'm not so sure that the words bulkiness and elegance should go in a sentence together, but it's true!

Click to check out the RETIRING ACCESSORIES LIST where you can save up to 40% off select items. 

Click here to purchase these items in my online store.  Be sure to add me, 'Amy Rist' as your demonstrator to receive the lowest preferred pricing. 

Say Goodbye!

RETIRING STAMPIN' UP! PRODUCT LISTS!
It's time to say good bye... Stampin' Up! is making room for the latest and greatest products in the creative world as the new catalog launches on July 1st.  I'll be showcasing lots of ideas over the next several weeks so that you can see what's retiring and ideas for how to use them.
NOTE:  Although I'll be showing you lots of cards and projects through the month, PLEASE remember that once these items are gone - they are GONE!  The accessories and paper go very quick - don't delay.  Place your order at the June Stamp Shoppe or order right now in my online store.  

• Click & view the LAST CHANCE ACCESSORIES LIST (don't miss the discounted items)
• Click & view the LAST CHANCE STAMP LIST
• Click & view the LAST CHANCE DEFINITELY DECORATIVE LIST

TIPS & HELPFUL HINTS FOR ORDERING STAMPIN' UP! RETIRING PRODUCTS:

•Retiring Stampin' Up! rubber stamps will be in stock and available through June 30.

•Definitely Decorative home décor items are available while supplies last.

•Retiring Stampin' Up! accessories are available while supplies last. Items can run out of stock at any time. Order your favorites soon!

•Items that are being "reconfigured" (noted by an "*" on the lists above) are not going away. For example, they may be repackaged, resized or repriced in the new catalog.

•Important clarification: The current 12 x 12 card stock (6 sheets of smooth and 6 sheets of textured, $6.95) in individual colors is being retired and reconfigured (new pricing, packaging) in the new catalog (available July 1). Stampin' Up!'s 12 x 12 card stock will be available in all current colors. Hint: Stock up today at these prices!

•Other than adding 5 new In Colors in the new catalog (July 1), there are no changes to Stampin' Up! colors.  Hip Hip Hooray!