The making of a pretty pleated paper rosette!

Today's Idea of the Day: Working Smarter Not Harder!

I used to make the pretty pleated paper rosettes (say THAT 10 times, fast!) by cutting my paper and then carefully and painstakingly folding, creasing with a bone folder and then folding again... You get the idea - it took me FOREVER.  And in all honesty, I was always hoping that my results were a bit better. 

Now, I have the pretty and beautifully put together rosettes that I was hoping for.  That's all because of the new Simply Scored!  Love her!

First, here are the directions for making the paper rosettes, complete with pictures. Keep on reading for more info about Simply Scored.

Let's get started...
1) Cut card stock or Designer Series paper to 12" x 3/4".

2) Score strip every 1/4" (the entire length) with Simply Scored and then accordion fold the score lines.

3) Adhere ends of card stock together (Sticky Strip has the best results)

4) Holding the card stock with two hands, twist one edge of the strip into the center as shown to create a flower shape.

5) Adhere a punched circle to the flower center on one or both sides to hold shape in place.

Design Tip:

Experiment with different sizes and score intervals to create the desired shape of your flower.

Now (drum roll please...!)Introducing Stampin' Up!'s original scoring tool--designed exclusively by and for Stampin' Up!
With etched grooves every 1/8" and the ability to score card stock up to 12" x 12", the Simply Scored scoring tool helps you create perfectly measured score marks. 

Features of the Simply Scored Scoring Tool

• Comes with a high-quality stylus instead of a plastic bone folder.
• Stylus is ergonomically shaped and features a comfort grip.
• The high-quality metal tips on each end of the stylus--they come in two sizes--glide smoothly over your paper.
• Features a unique set of place markers that let you mark your score lines when creating multiple projects with the same score lines.
• Includes three place markers.
• Additional place markers may be purchased
• Includes a hidden storage compartment in the back of the base to hold your scoring tools.
  (I keep extra place markers & lip gloss in mine!)
• Accommodates card stock up to 12" x 12".

The Nitty Gritty or Product Details:Item 122334; $29.95

• Simply Scored includes
• 1 scoring board
• 1 stylus
• 3 place markers
• Dimensions of scoring board: 15-1/8" x 13-1/4" x 1"
• Additional products available:
• Simply Scored Stylus
• Item 125624; $4.50
• Simply Scored Place Markers (pack of 6)
• Item 125625; $2.50

To order the Simply Scored Board, please visit my online store.  Happy Scoring & pretty pleated paper flower making!!

A little 'spooky' for the walls!

Today's Idea of the Day is all about decorating for the holidays! In honor of Halloween here's a fun Decor Elements idea...

Stampin' Up!'s Decor Elements are so stinkin' easy to use!  Short of adding to brick or fabric, you can adorn just about anything... wall, mirrors, plates, gift bags, day planners, notebooks, journals and on and on. 

A couple of things to know:

1. Decor Elements will not harm your walls or surfaces in any way.  Put them up (or on) and enjoy until you're done enjoying.  Gently peel the vinyl art off and things are just as before. 
2. Once you are done enjoying your art and then remove the pieces, they're ready to be tossed.

Stay tuned over the next several weeks for additional ideas for incorporating Decor Elements with the Holidays.  This is a fun, creative and very easy way to present 'one of a kind' gifts to your fav peeps and to decorate for the upcoming festivities of the season!

Click here to view the many Decor Elements artwork pieces online!

A Sunny Thank You

This card was fun to make - plain and simple...  The combo of the playful font, the colorful Calypso Coral ribbon and the polka dots just made this plain 'ole fun!!

Measuring 5x5 this little ditty is a wonderful handful of bliss and features two big, bold background stamps; Sunflower & Distressed Dots.

A quick stamping tip?  When layering stamp over stamp as I did with the polka dots over the sunflower, it's a good idea to stamp with the lighter color first and then go darker. 

Click here for another look at layer stamping with the Friends 24-7 bird

Supply List:
Stamps: Sunflower (#123606) & Distressed Dots (#122815) - both of these only come in wood mount & Perfectly Penned, see below...

             

Ink: Classic Calypso Coral & Chocolate Chip

Card Stock: Whisper White, Blushing Bride, Calypso Coral & Chocolate Chip

Punches: Scallop Trim Border & Boho Blossoms

Sassy Extras: Basics Glimmer Brads, Chocolate Chip 1/2" Scallop Dots Ribbon, Calypso Coral 3/8" Ruffled Ribbon, SNAIL Adhesive & Mini Glue Dots.

To purchase any of the freatured products from today's
Idea of the Day, please click here to visit my online store

Look for a new Idea of the Day, everyday through December 10th right here on my blog or on my DotDesigns Facebook page.

Have a great day!!

Paper Pumpkins!

Today's Idea of the Day is fun and easy!  I also really did the concept of these sweeties basue they can work for Halloween and then carry right through for Thanksgiving or Harvest decorating.

Here's your guide:
1.Cut strips of Cajun Craze Textured Card Stock. Stack 12 to 14 strips, and punch holes in both ends using Crop-A-Dile. Secure strips together on one end using a Jumbo Brad, and fan out into circle shape. To form into sphere, secure other end of strips together using second  Jumbo Brad.

2. Gently dampen or spray thin strips of Old Olive Card Stock with water, and wrap around dowel or Stampin' Write Marker. Allow to dry, then remove from dowel.

3.Cut leaves from Spice Cake Designer Series Paper using Big Shot and Leaves #2 Originals Die. Adhere leaf and curly stem from previous step to top of each pumpkin using Stampin' Dimensionals.

4. Stamp leaf image three times in Old Olive ink on Whisper White Card Stock. Cut out, and adhere one to larger leaf on top of each pumpkin using Stampin' Dimensionals.
5. Thread Linen Thread through three Old Olive Designer Buttons, and adhere one to top of each pumpkin.
6. Place pumpkins in a basket or on your mantle as a fun seasonal touch!

Supply List:
Stamps: Day of Gratitude Set

Paper
Whisper White Card Stock
Cajun Craze Textured Card Stock
Spice Cake Designer Series Paper
Paper or card stock
Ink
Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad
Accessories & Tools
Linen Thread
Brights Designer Buttons
Neutrals 5/16" Jumbo Brads
Stampin' Dimensionals
Crimper
Crop-A-Dile
Big Shot
Leaves #2 Originals Die
Spray bottle with water (or your sink & fingers!)

To order any of the supplies to make your paper pumpkins, visit my online store today!

Re-Purposing Vintage Pieces for your Home

Idea of the Day: Re-Purpose and prop out with paper!

I really dig the creative opportunities that we have when taking an old vintage piece and revamping it to completely fit you & your style. Frames are a nice traditional way to capture memories, but why not jump right out of the box?!  This old wood tray is the perfect example. 

I like to take vintage pieces and move them around our home based on the season or how I'm feeling. There are two places that I personally go to grab vintage items.  If you're in the Greater Rochester area, I suggest Rehouse on  East Main in the city & The Shops on West Ridge (aka Craft Antique Co-Op) in Greece. You've got to a bit of searching & looking in both places, but that's the fun of it!

Once I have my base vintage piece, I'll focus on the pictures and and meaningful things that I want to doll it up with.  As in the photo above, it's easy to embellish and compliment the photos using dates, punched pieces, brads, buttons, ribbon or whatever 'floats your boat!'  I particularly love the addition of the linen thread and buttons as they speak beautifully to the feel of the vintage style, and add great texture & color. 

Today's Idea of the Day is made possible because of the following super cool Stampin' Up! accessories:
Linen Thread
Metallic Brads
Big Designer Buttons
Pearl Basic Jewels
Vintage Trinkets
Eyelet Border Punch
Jewelry Tag Punch
1/16" Circle Punch
1/2" Circle Punch
Big Shot
Alphabet Simple Numbers Bigz Die
Bitty Box & Envelope Bigz XL Die
Crochet Threads
Mini clothespins

Please visit my online web store to order any of the Stampin' Up! products features in today's post

One Sassy Witch!

Today's Idea of the Day is borrowed from Heather, a 2011 Stampin' Up! Artisan Winner.  This is so fun and cool!!

There are a few neat components that I'd like to show you.

1. Heather uses the new Simply Scored Tool to create the Rosette on the top.

2. There's a lot of subtle texture going on from the Snow Burst Embossing Folder (#124096). You'll find it in the topper that's holder those little witch legs, in center of the rosette and on the witches shoes.

3. The basic jewels are a sparkly accent to the rosette.  Easy to apply and quick!

4. Awesome Value Alert!  The 1"x8" cello bags (#124134) come in a set of 50 for only $2.50 and are used as the witches legs.

5. Creative A-Ha!!  Heather used the new Stocking Builder Punch (#124095) and transformed a holiday stocking to the witches super sassy shoes with a couple of simple snips.

6. My fav punch is the Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border (#119275).  Heather punched a piece of Rich Razzleberry card stock, then bunched it a bit to create the ruffled look on the boot.  Ooh lala! A few more snips from the same punch makes the front boot strap accessory.  LOVE!!

To order any of the above items, please visit my online store

An Idea a Day begins!

Hello friends-

Today is the kick off to 'An Idea a Day' and I'm ready to dance a small jig! My goal is to share an inspirational snippet each day through December 10th. 

As the holidays approach and we're looking for new ideas, I thought I'd share a bit of what makes me want to create.  I've got a boatload of ideas lined up for us.  I'll be posting here and on Facebook each day.

Are you ready?  Me too!  Let's go!

I love doing seasonal 'tablescapes' on our dining room table.  I don't always have a rhyme or reason, I just pull things together that make me happy and speak to me at the moment.  There's a couple of things that I'm crazy about in this one...

• The glass lazy Susan...I love it!  Completely versatile and can be used for 101 things.  It was one of those cool rare finds at Marshalls.  Awesome!
• Gourds.  A must have for fall.  I often grown them in the garden as they're easy.  I choose ones that are cool and move them from the mantle to the table to where ever makes me happy.  Perfect to use through Thanksgiving.
• Finally,  my paper touches!  I used my Big Shot and the Originals Leaves #2 Die (#113459) to add the scattered multi-colored leaves.  Note: The Big Shot will die cut fabric, cork, metal, vinyl and much more.  The possibilities for decorating are endless!
• The last piece is a small 3x3 card using the Gently Falling Stamp Set.  This set rocks!  You have the option of doing two-step stamping, which means that you first stamp an outline in one color and then add the center of the image in another complimenting color.  This card could be used as as a small note or a name card for your next dinner party! 

SMOOCH!!  A fun name for a great accessory!  I used the Gold Lame Smooch Accent Ink (#119968)on the 'vaining' of the leaf for extra interest.  The container looks a bit like nail polish and the tip of the brush is super sturdy and fine so you have great control over your highlighting.  And it's a kick-it value at $4.95!

To order any of the Stampin' Up! products featured here, please visit my online store

November Stamp Shoppe Sneak Peeks!

I have two words to describe the November Card & Scrapbook Designs... Absolutely Awesome!!

 November Stamp Shoppe

Friday, Nov. 11th from 6:30 - 9:30pm

-or-

Saturday, Nov. 12th from 9am - 12pm

 

Location: 1000 Winton Road N. in Rochester. 14609

Make the 6 cards above for $15 or FREE with a $20 order at Shoppe.

Make the (3) 12x12 Scrapbook pages (2 of them shown below) for $20 or FREE with a $25 order.

Bring your Stampin' Up! SNAIL adhesive & dimensionals and I'll supply everything else for you!

If you forget your adhesive, I'll have some available for purchase at Shoppe.

RSVP by Wed. 11/9/11.  Hope to see you at Shoppe!

FREE CARDS:  Bring a friend that hasn't stamped with me before & make a 2nd set of these cards for FREE!

For additional info about Shoppe, click here.



Guest Stampers Grab Halloween MOJO!

I love it when friends send me pics of their creations, and I doubly love it when the creations are all about Stampin' Up!  Three sweeties sent me Halloween ditties that they've been working on and they're too great not to share...

 Gail Swiader took my Facebook post from yesterday and ran with the inspiration!  This little lady from the Greeting Card Kids set is propped out with Rich Razzleberry tones that are fun and festive. Note how the watercolor paper (often used with blender pens) gives subtle texture to the background. 

And... I am suffering from ribbon envy as my knots never look that nice!   Thanks for for sharing, Gail.

Kiersten Hasse rocks the little Greeting Card Kids girl too, but with a somewhat brighter feel.
Kiersten loves the Spice Cake Designer Paper and made great use if the patterns with her design.  I love this card for several reasons; I'm a total sucker for Antique Brads & Linen thread (lower right corner) and I LOVE the vintage fall feel of the colors. 
High five to you Ms. Kiersten!! (clap!)


Emma Swiader rounds up the last of our three guest stampers with a fun treat - literally! My sweet Emma made this cute Owl topper using the Punch Bunch stamp set from 2011 Sale-A-Bration.  The Owl does a little 'POP when punched out with the coordinating Owl Punch.  Emma rounded out the topper using sentiments from Tiny Tags Stamp Set & Sweets for the Sweet Stamp Set. 

Add some candy corn or your favorite halloween treat in the new 1x8 Cello Bags for a one of a kind goodie!!

Click on any of the above links to see the feature products or to order them online for delivery to your doorstep!

Sweet Press Cookie Stamps are the hottest, new Movie Stars!

 

After making 5 dozen cookies and trying all of the images, I want to shout from the roof top how darn fun these cookie stamps are! The big problem?  I forgot to take pictures for you to see...
What was I thinking?Create fun and tasty stamped cookies for any occasion. Fit a silicone stamp over the bottom of wooden handle and press into dough—it’s that easy! Let the kids help! Food-safe, easy-to-clean & dishwasher safe.
Each set includes 3 silicone stamps (Jack-o-lantern, heart & snowflake) 1 handle, and 2 great cookie recipes for only $16.95.

Click here to order online today for the holidays!

Make Something that Means Something!

This beautiful ad is featured in Woman's Day Magazine and absolutely sums up my thoughts!

Let's make a date to get together and create one of a kind pieces to infuse joy and fun into your holidays celebrations. 

Featured above from Stampin' Up!: Wood and Clear mount stamps, Ink, Early Espresso Quilted Ribbon, Dear Sants Stamp Set and the NEW Holiday Stocking Bigz L Die for the Big Shot!

An oh so pretty memo board from Leaderhip Summit!

I was blessed to be able to attend a Leadership Summit on Canandaigua Lake this past weekend.  Inspiring ideas and tips for building my business as well as incredible fellowship with other leaders. With every moment that passes that I am able to spend with these women, I love them more and more. 

The beautiful Memo Board above is one of the exceptional projects we made together.  One of the best things that that everything used with the exceptions of the push pins is are stampin' Up! materials; the fabric, cork, adhesive, ribbon and so on. 

Here's the supply list:
Stamp Sets: Persuit of Happiness, Forever Young
Ink: River Rock & Early Espresso
Paper: Timeless Portrait Designer Series Paper. Island Indigo, More Mustard & River Rock Card Stock
Fabric: Timeless Portrait
Adhesive: Mini Glue Dots & Sticky Strip
Accessories: Basic Black  1/8" Taffeta Ribbon, 1-1/4: Basic Black Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Cherry Cobbler (Regal) Designer Buttons, Mini Vintage Tag, Vintage Trinkets, Antique Brads, 3/4" circle punch, Itty bitty punch pack, Scallop Edge Border, Big Shot, Ovals Original Die Beautiful Butterflies Bigz Die, Timeless Type Junior Alphabet Medium Sizzlits Die & Cork Sheets

KISS Card: Pennant Parade!

It's a long holiday weekend and time for a quick KISS card. KISS = Keep It Simple, Sister! The general idea is to have a card that only needs a few key components to make. 

This little sweetie is no exception.  The colors can easily be changed and the little Itty Bitty Flower near the pennents removed for a more manly man approach. 

There are a ba-gillion ways to add additional layers or bring the card up a notch or two.  But we're talking about KISS!

Here's your supply list;
Card Stock: Melon Mambo for the base.  Grab your scrap bin for pieces of Whisper White, Daffodil Delight, Wisteria Wonder & Pumpkin Pie.
Ink: Wisteria Wonder, Daffodil Delight & White.  Uniball Signo Gel Pen
Stamps: Pennant Parade & Petite Pairs
Punches: (I use these two over & over again.  Both are great investment pieces to have!) Petitie Pennants Builder & Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack.
Extras: Uniball Signo Gel Pen (for centers on the flower & to draw the line for pennants "hang" on)

DESIGN NOTE or SAVVY SAVINGS TIP (I couldn't decide!):  The Pennant Parade Stamp set  & punch are terrific examples for using pieces in a variety of different ways.  Look at the Daffodil Delight Pennants.  Turn them upside down and stamp them in green ink for a Christmas Tree!  The Wisteria Wonder Pennant shows a stamp that could be used as an ice cream cone.  The Pennant Punch will take care of cuttin gout the shapes with great ease! Ta-daa!  You've got a stamp set that works for celebrations, summertime and holiday. 

To order any of these products, visit my online store today for delivery right to your doorstep!

There's new stuff on the Clearance Rack.  Supplies are very limited - hurry!

Click here to Shop

An offer to Die for!

Through the month of October, Stampin' Up! is offering an incredible deal!!

With the purchase of a Regular or Digital Starter Kit, only $175 for over $340 in products and free shipping you'll receive your choice of a FREE Big Shot or $100 in free products of your choice!

I'm absolutely delighted to share this exceptional financial value with you. Yet in truth, it's the relationships and friends that I've made through Stampin' Up! that is the real value I comtinually benefit from. 

Remember, the starter kit is absolutely customizable for you.  You can change stamp sets, ink, markers, paper, etc. Here's what's in the kit...



STANDARD STARTER KITHere's what is in the CUSTOMIZABLE Standard Kit and the value of each item...   

Any $24.95 or lower Stamp Set
 Any $28.95 or lower Stamp Set
 Any $22.95 or lower Stamp Set
 Any $9.95 or lower Stamp Set
 Any $6.50 standard wheel of your choice
 $6.95 Clear Block C (OR clear block at the same or lower price)
$19.95 Brights Patterns Designer Series paper stack (OR DSP Patterns stack of your choice)
 $6.95 Assorted color card stock 8-1/2" x 11" (Getting Started OR assortment of your choice)
$8.50 Card stock 8-1/2" x 11" (Whisper White OR color of your choice)
$8.95 Whisper White 5/8" satin ribbon (OR ribbon at the same or lower price)
$7.50 VersaMark pad (OR ink pad at the same or lower price)
$5.95 Classic Stampin' Pad (color of your choice)
$5.95 Classic Stampin' Pad (color of your choice)
$5.95 Classic Stampin' Pad (color of your choice)
$5.95 Classic Stampin' Pad (color of your choice)
$3.50 Stampin' Write marker (color of your choice)
$3.50 Stampin' Write marker (color of your choice)
$2.95 Marina Mist Classic Ink Refill (OR color of your choice)
$6.95 SNAIL Adhesive (OR adhesive at the same or lower price)
$4.50 Stampin' Mist (OR StazOn Cleaner)
Cupcake Punch (OR any $23.95 or lower punch of your choice)
$9.95 Always Bird Décor Elements (OR Décor Elements item at the same or lower price)
$7.50 Medium White envelopes (OR any envelopes at the same or lower price)
$14.95 Color coach (OR Multi language Color coach)
$5.95 Stampin' Around Self Inking Handle (standard)
$5.25 Uninked Cartridge (standard)
$3.32 Blender pen (single)
$16.95 Stampin' Scrub®
$3.95 Stampin' Dimensionals
$1.95 Décor Elements Applicator Tool
Catalogs ($29.95 for 8), business forms, and other printed materials to get your business off to a great start!
*** But this month you get the Big Shot OR an additional $100 in product on top of that!!

DIGITAL + STARTER KITHere's what is in the CUSTOMIZABLE Digital Kit and the value of each...   

$79.95 My Digital Studio™ software (click here to learn more about MDS)
$32.95 His & Hers Collection of downloads DVD (or any $32.95 or lower Collection DVD)
Any $24.95 or lower Stamp Set
$6.95 Clear Block C (OR clear block at the same or lower price)
$6.95 Assorted color card stock 8-1/2" x 11" (Getting Started OR assortment of your choice)
$7.50 Medium White envelopes (OR any envelopes at the same or lower price)
$5.95 Classic Stampin' Pad (color of your choice)
$5.95 Classic Stampin' Pad (color of your choice)
$5.95 Classic Stampin' Pad (color of your choice)
$5.95 Classic Stampin' Pad (color of your choice)
$8.95 Brights Designer buttons (or color of your choice)
$4.95 Real Red 1/4" grosgrain ribbon (OR color of your choice)
$4.95 Glue Dots (OR adhesive at the same or lower price)
$4.50 Stampin' Mist (OR StazOn Cleaner)
$9.95 Always Bird Décor Elements (OR Décor Elements item at the same or lower price)
$16.95 Stampin' Scrub
$1.95 Decor Elements Applicator Tool
$3.95 Stampin' Dimensionals
Catalogs ($29.95 for 8), business forms, and other printed materials to get your business off to a great start!

***But this month you get the Big Shot OR an additional $100 in product on top of that!!

I am happy to answer any questions that you may have, please just let me know.  You can also sign up online through this link.  It's super easy!  Thanks for reading  :)





Christmas Lodge - Stamp Set of the Month!

I'm delighted to share the October Stamp Set of the Month — Christmas Lodge!
When you purchase the Christmas Lodge Stamp Set paired with a pack of Jingle Bells during October — you'll get a FREE kit containing everything you need to create SIX of the cards shown below!

Get a head start on your Christmas Cards this year! If you need more than the 6 FREE cards, you can purchase additional card kits in increments of 6 for $6.

Additionally, when you purchase the Stamp set of the Month Bundle, along with your free kit to complete 6 cards you'll also get a PDF Project File with step by step instructions for the featured design. 

As an additional bonus, the PDF  file contains 3 ADDITIONAL designs using the Christmas Lodge set to further your creativity!

Learn more about the October Stamp Set of the Month: Click here. 
Have questions?  Please email me today!

BOO! Halloween Decor of the spooky variety!

One of the reason's that I really dig my Stampin' Up! business is because I can find everything I need in one place.  Stamps, Ink, Vinyl Art that can be used on a variety of mediums, ribbon, paper and the list goes on...

This spooky pic shows how easy it is to use things you have around the house and re-purpose then for great home decor and decorations.  Take the frame and glass jars for example.  Adding some Stampin' Up! ribbon and the Pick your Poison Quick Accents (124263) which includes quick, creepy self-adhesive accents for any project.  2 sheets: 1 each of 2 designs. 12" x 12".

Order online through my webstore 24/7 by clicking right here!

Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps

 Fun, New and Available from October 1, 2011 - January 3, 2012!

YUMMY!  Stampin' Up! Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps are a brand-new product that will appeal to crafters and non-crafters alike.  I can also vouch for the fact that kids love them too as my Anna has been baking up a storm using the new cookie stamps!

The easy-to-use cookie stamp has a solid wood handle with three interchangeable stamp images: a heart, a jack-o-lantern, and a snowflake.

Just make your favorite shortbread cookie dough (or one of the two included recipes) and stamp away! Create beautiful, hand-stamped cookies in a flash. The stamp images are completely food-safe and child-friendly. No ink required!


HERE'S THE COOKIE STAMP PRODUCT INFORMATION:  Pop on over to my promotions page to order online today!

Item	Description	Price
125152	Includes solid wood handle with three interchangeable stamp images, two recipes and helpful tips	$16.95

Consider these coordinating Stampin' Up! products:

 

Page	Description	Price
19	Simple Snowflake Single Stamp	$8.95
20	Homemade Single Stamp	$9.95
162	Creatively Yours Set	$18.95
194	Baker's Twine	$2.95
224	Lots of Tags Sizzlits Die Set	$21.95
15*	(4) Kraft Gift Boxes (found in Holiday Mini Catalog)	$2.95