St. Patrick's Day: Pot of Gold Punch Art

Happy St. Patrick's Day to you!  A touch of color and a touch of tradition makes for a fun design. This card was featured at the February Punch Art class and I though it fitting to share with you today. In person this card has a colorful bounce and a glitzy happiness.  The brushed gold card stock is of course gold in color but also has small subtle flecks of shimmer that brings oodles of interest.  The rainbow is a sassy show piece by itself!  After the Stampin' Write Markers are used to make a wonderful "swoosh" of color, a swipe of the 2-Way Glue Pen and sprinkling of Dazzling Diamonds you'll see the card simply come to life!

 

Supply List:

• Card Stock: Gumball Green, Whisper White Basic Black, Brushed Gold
• Stamp Sets: Summer Silhouettes, Just Believe, Lean on Me
• Ink: Old Olive & Wild Wasabi Classic Ink. 
• Stampin’ Write Markers: Basic Black, Real Red, Daffodil Delight, Gumball Green, Pacific Point & Rich Razzleberry
• Punches: Itty Bitty Punch Pack (4 petal flower), 1 ¾” Circle Punch, Word Window Punch (for the feet of the pot and the top 'lip')
• Extras for getting the job done right! 2-Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds & White Gel Pen

Instructions:
1. Fold the Gumball Green Cardstock in half with a Bone Folder.
2. Adhere the Basic Black Cardstock to the card with SNAIL Adhesive.
3. Stamp along the bottom of the Whisper White Cardstock with the small leafs with Gumball Green Ink.
4. Stamp along the bottom of the Whisper White Cardstock with the large leafs with Old Olive Ink.
5. Use the Stampin’ Write Markers to draw a “swoosh” of rainbow color on the Whisper White Cardstock.
6. Use a 2-Way Glue Pen to draw a line between each of the rainbow colors and sprinkle Dazzling Diamonds Glitter over top.
7. Punch out a Basic Black 1 ¾” Circle and 3 Basic Black Word Window punch outs – adhere the Word Window Punch outs to the circle to form a cauldron shape.
8. Use a White Gel Pen to add highlights to the cauldron.
9. Punch out an assortment of gold coins using Brushed Gold Cardstock and the Itty Bitty Circle Punch. Adhere the coins to the pot and card with SNAIL Adhesive.
10. Attach the pot of gold to the card with Stampin’ Dimensionals.
11. Ink up “one who finds a faithful friend…” sentiment with a Basic Black Stampin’ Write Marker and stamp it on the card.

Shop in my online store today and everyday!

Spring Surprise with A Round Array!

 

I had to chuckle this morning when this new Spring Bundle was released as we've got snow and flurries abound in Rochester, NY!

 

This card is an exclusive Stampin' Up design: Read more

 

Here's the scoop... Stampin' Up! is giving us a boost with a new product bundle.  The 'A Round Array' Stamp Set (this will be featured in the new 2013-2014 catalog) and coordinating 7/8" punch are available though May 30, 2013 for 15% off. 

 

 

Spring Surprise Dates: March 15 - May 30, 2013

Price	Description	Item #
$23.95	Spring Surprise Bundle* (English; clear)	133899
	Spring Surprise Bundle   (Spanish; clear)	133897
	Spring Surprise Bundle   (French; clear)	133898

Already have the punch? Don't fret! Just buy the stamp set for $14.95!

Price	Description	Item #
$14.95	A Round Array Stamp Set* (English; clear)	129090
	Variedades Stamp Set          (Spanish; clear)	131682
	Médallions séduction Set     (French; clear)	131616

*Only offered in clear-mount. Wood-mount option will be available in the 2013-2014 annual catalog.

Look beyond the bundle!
This is an incredibly easy way to partner the stamp/punch combo to quickly make note cards, gift tags and simple thank you cards when you're in a pinch for time. 

Order the Spring Surprise Bundle and a wide variety of other creatively fab products in my online store today

"All Dressed Up" Combo Class Kit

I am delighted to announce my very first online class!  I found this beautiful photo from fellow demonstrator Penny Smiley and simply loved it. I was inspired to make this my first go around with something that is bringing me a wee bit out of my comfort zone.  That's good right?! You'll love the feminine detailing of the 'All Dressed Up' Stamp Set and Framelits. It's so easy to use fabrics and small scraps from home to make additional projects with the framelit dies.

Purchase the featured 'All Dressed Up' card kit, video and instructions for this combo class

Only $1.95 (plus shipping)

with the purchase of the All Dressed Up Stamp Set and Framelit Bundle!

The details...
What is a Combo Class? I'm calling this a Combo Class because we're combining a number of different components.  

1. VIDEO: You'll receive a quick video from me (ack!!) talking about the projects that you'll make.  I'll also feature some of my favorite cards or projects that inspired me to tackle this as my first online class. Because this is in video form, you can free the video for easy duplication of the projects.
2. INSTRUCTIONS: You'll receive my own version of step by step instructions in PDF format for completing the three cards above. I'll offer helpful hints for making your cards, just like I do in person!
3. STAMPS: You will need to order the 'All Dressed Up' stamps.  You'll also have the option of purchasing the 'All Dressed Up" bundle at a 15% discount which includes the matching framelits.
4. CARD KIT: You will receive the card kit to make all three cards above. Each card will be cut and prepared with die cut pieces and accessories for easy assemble at home. You'll just need to stamp your images.
5. BONUS: You'll find a special extra treat in your kit to make as a small additional project!

Order Date: You may order your "All Dressed Up" Combo Class today through Wed. March 20th. Email me at dotdesigns@hotmail.com with questions.

Video & Instructions: You'll receive an email from me on Thursday, March 21st that will include your PDF instructions and video.

Mail Date: Your card kit will be mailed between March 28th and March 30th.

Receive your video, pdf instructions & card kit for only $1.95

with your purchase of the 'All Dressed Up' Stamp Set and/or Framelit bundle!

Order your kit today!

To receive your card kit, video & instructions for $1.95, you'll need to purchase one of the following:

• All Dressed Up Stamp set in Clear: 16.95 Item #29174
• All Dressed Up Stamp Set in Wood: 21.95 Item #129171
• All Dressed Up Clear Mount Stamps & Framelits: 34.95 Item #131095
• All Dressed Up Wood Mount Stamps & Framelits: 38.95 Item #131096

Order your All Dressed Up stamps or bundle here and enter hostess code: CAYRHHZR.

** If you've already purchased the All dressed up stamps or bundle, you may still receive the featured All Dressed Up Combo Class kit, video & instructions.  Simply place an order for whatever you like equaling the same amount using the same hostess code.

The 'All Dressed Up' Stamp Set

'All Dressed Up' Framelit Dies. You'll save 15% when purchased with the stamps!

Helpful Notes:
• The clear mount dress form stamp fits beautifully on an E Block.
• You'll want SNAIL adhesive to assemble your cards. Mini glue dots are helpful but not necessary.
• Island Indigo Classic Ink is used on the Dress Form Card with purse shown at the very top left.
  Already have this stamp set or bundle?  No worries!  Feel free to order any stamp set or items of the same price.  Email me and we can work that out with ease!
  
  
  Additional Ideas that have inspired me from fellow Stampin' Up! demonstrators featuring the All Dressed Stamps and/or Bundle:
  
  
  
   
  
   
   
   
  
  

The Basics - Online Stamping Class

 

PERFECT FOR THE BUSY STAMPER! 

Learn innovative ways to get the most out of your Stampin' Up! supplies (from stamps to the Big Shot) with clever tips and all the techniques you need to start creating with success. Divided into six sections focused on a variety of topics, Stampin' Up! on-line classes include videos, pdfs, and supply lists for 30+ projects. 

SCORE!

I purchased "The Basics" class to learn more about what is being offered. This format ROCKS!!! I'm absolutely delighted by the details, helpful hints & new ideas. 

The best part? The topics are designed for experienced as well as beginner stampers. 

CLICK HERE TO ORDER 'THE BASICS" CLASS $14.95

1. You'll learn about 6 different topics.

2. Each topic includes easy to follow instructions.

3. Tips & suggestions throughout every subject - they are like little 'A HA' moments!

4. Over 30 card/project ideas with supply lists for easy duplication.

5. Fun 'How To' videos loaded with helpful hints.

6. You'll save these files to your computer & have them to refer to as often as you'd like. 

A True Statement! If you've worked with me in person, you know that I'll be honest and share my honest opinion on value. I believe that this online class is an INCREDIBLE value that you can enjoy in so many ways. Give it a try - I think you'll be so pleased!

The Nitty Gritty:

* THESE ARE DOWNLOADABLE ZIP FILES. 

* YOU DO NOT need my digital studio to enjoy this class series.

* After purchasing and downloading the class, open "Stampin' Class--The Basics" folder and there will be six folders inside. Click on each and enjoy!

PC Instructions
The files will be downloaded as archive files that you can then extract and save on your computer. When you click on the download link, an extraction program will automatically launch. Choose the location where you would like to save the files (be sure to note where you save them). Follow the prompts on the extraction program, then navigate to the location where you saved the files. Click on the file and open.

Mac Instructions
When you click on the download link, the file will be mounted as a drive. Once it is mounted, open the drive and drag and drop the files to the location of your choice on your hard drive. The files can then be opened.

Pop Up Posies Designer Kit goes Rogue!

 

There is a sassy Stampin' Up! Kit called Pop Up Posies that comes with oodles of fun parts and pieces to play with.  I decided to use 'some of this and a little of that' to make the fun Pool Party card featured above. 

 

The Pop Up Posies Kit is only $12.95 and includes all kinds of cheery embellishments:

* 9 embossed paper tags (ea. 2-3/4" x 3-1/2").
* 9 fabric covered brads: (6) Very Vanilla & (3) Summer Starfruit
* Precut paper flower pieces layer into 9 flowers: (6) layers of one 
   style in 2 colors  & (3) layers of one style in 1 color
* 9 pieces of thick(8") Vanilla Baker's Twine
* Just for You wood-mount stamp: only
   available in this kit.
* The kit is available only through May 31, 2013

To see the Pop Up Posies Designer Kit and more, visit my online store today.

 

Remember... It's Sale-A-Bration Time!  Receive a free gift with every $50 you spend through 3/22.

See your free choices here!

Sent with Love features Travel Inspired Craftiness!

Clean, crisp color to create with - I love it!  Take a peek at these new stamps and paper designs.
** Click here for a quick detour and explore the bright hues that you can work with.  Don't just stop with the initial image of the Designer Papers... Click through the 'More Images' link under the picture so you can see the full show! You're gonna love those polka dots!!


Sent with Love Dates: February 1 - April 30, 2013
The Nitty Gritty Details:
During this limited-time offer, you can purchase the exclusive and oh so sun Sent with Love Stamp Set or Sent with Love Designer Series Paper.  Better yet, bundle those babies together & save 20% off both!


Here's a snapshot at these sweet new products:

Item	Description	Price
131847	Sent with Love Stamp Set (clear-mount; English only)	$17.95
132182	Sent with Love Designer Series Paper	$10.95
132851	Pretty Bundle   Includes the Sent with Love Stamp Set, Sent with Love Designer Series   Paper, and Calypso Coral Baker's Twine	$25.50    20% off retail value!

In addition, you may purchase the Sent with Love Digital Kit (item 132914; $9.95). Please note that the digital kit is not included in the bundle.

The Fine Print:

• You can place order these products through my web store or with me in person at one of my classes. 
• The Sent with Love Stamp Set, Sent with Love Designer Series Paper, and Calypso Coral Baker's Twine are all available to be purchased separately. But when bundled together you'll save 20%!
• The Sent with Love Digital Kit is definitely available but not part of the bundle. 
• The Sent with Love Stamp Set and Sent with Love Designer Series Paper are exclusive to this special offer-you won't be able to get them after April 30! 

Click here to shop in my online store and grab these limited time treats!

Gotta love an easy Newspaper Print Banner!

I LOVE this sweet little banner!  Imagine the possibilities... You could easily duplicate this sassy little number for birthdays, an anniversary, holidays or just because you want to!

There are countless variations that you could use to duplicate your own version of this banner, but I'd like to show you the exact partys and pieces that were used to make the one shown above.  

 

The cuteness begins with the 'banner' framelit from the Hearts a Flutter Framelit Dies.The simple design then uses the two different size hearts from the same set. 

See the pretty little faceted buttons above?  I know... you've kinda gotta squint!! You can pick those as your FREE Sale-A-Bration gift if you want! Learn More

 

Here's a snapshot of the More Amore Designer Paper

The circular pieces shown above are the small middle pieces between the laser  cut hearts shown in the bottom right example. 

 

As an extra bonus, here's a pretty color combo that you can use to design your own projects or cards!

Shop in my online store today for any of the above items 

NEW! Start earning DotDesigns Online Rewards today

Don't miss out on lots on additional FREEBIES & Perks with ...

Art Imitates Life

Anna and I took one of our (almost) daily trips to Target today to pick up some 'stuff'.  I was walking through the home department and came across these little kitchen canisters.  I did a double and then triple take before stopping right in my tracks!!  Hmmm... Those colors... So familiar...
                                                           They're 'In Colors!!'

Not too shabby, even if I do say so myself!If Target says it's cool, well then I'm inclined to think that Stampin' Up! is definitely on track with their color choices :)

See all 10 of the current in colors here. Remember... we've only got a limited time left with the good 'ole Calypso Coral and sassy Pool Party.  They (along with their buddies, Lucky Limeade, Wisteria Wonder & Island Indigo retire on May 31st.)

Sassin' up the Homefront!

I'm always on the quest for fun ways to decorate for the seasons at home.  I felt like I hit the jackpot when I saw this idea from Stampin' Up! and couldn't wait to share this with you.  You'll need your Big Shot to make these pretty little sweeties and the rest is a snap!  Change the colors to match your decor and your mood or your party theme... Here goes!

The project is easy but a bit messy (what creative process isn't, right?) Have some newspapers or a mini drop cloth down for quick clean up.

You will need the following supplies as shown:
- White tissue paper
- Floral Frames Framelits Dies
- Stampin’ Spritzer
- Primrose Petals Classic Stampin’ Ink Refill
- Rubbing alcohol
- Stapler

Here's your 'How To':
1. Cut tissue paper flowers—eight pieces for each flower
2. Lay the die-cut tissue pieces out on a painting surface
3. Fill your empty spritzer bottle with 8–10 drops of Primrose Petals ink (or whatever color makes you happy).
4. Fill the remainder of the bottle with rubbing alcohol. (Don’t use water!) Alcohol dries quickly and makes this project possible. Please don’t substitute!
5. Spritz your shapes with ink until each piece is covered.
6. Allow the tissue paper to dry.
7. Gather eight pieces at a time. Stack on top of each other in a nice little pile and staple the center.
8. Fold and 'pinch' each layer one at a time to the center to create the flower.
9. Repeat as many times as you need to create enough flowers for your tray.
10. Find a few glass votives. Fill them with some glitter and add a tea light.  Voila' - you're done!

Note: The spritzers are super handy.  Two come in a package for only $2.95.  You can easily wash them out and refill with different things or designate each one to make special projects over and over again.  

 Start shopping for your supplies today in my online store!

You'll love the twists & turns!

I'm gonna zig here and zag there...
The Simply Scored Borders Plate is one of those products that will quickly become one of your 'Go To' pieces.  You'll love the opportunities that this little ditty will bring to your creative world!

Item #126192



Now, I LOVE my Big Shot and the incredible WOW factor that she brings to my card sand projects.  I also completely understand that she may not attainable for everyone.  The Simply Scored Plate is another cool tool that will bring your projects to a whole new level.  There are 20+ designs that you 'll be able to add to your cards, envelopes and/or scrapbook pages.  Here's a quick video so you can see the ease and benefits of using this baby!

 

Click here to see the other components to the Simply Scored System!

Inspiring...

 

You may be asking yourself what this has to do with stamping... I'll tell you...

NOTHING!

 

I just like it!  I've had this pic from House Beautiful on my computer for forever and a day and simply enjoy the carefree vibe that I feel when looking at it. The crispness of the colors and and natural lights streaming in the windows makes me happy.  I'd like to spend some time basking in the beautiful sunlight on a lovely mind temperature morning... delightful...

 

Have a wonderful day - I hope you find something deliciously inspiring to make you smile today :)

Free Digital Download for you!

Hello friend, Happy 2013!

This is my idea of fun!  Stampin' Up! is offering a FREE Digital Download for you to enjoy as a terrific kick off to the new year.  This sweet download includes 6 embellishments (1 desktop wallpaper in 6 sizes to accommodate various screen resolutions).

Features:
* Digital-exclusive
* FREE desktop calendar that will brighten your day every time you look at it
* Coordinates with the Let It Snow Kit for even more fun!

Consider using these Coordinating Colors with this download:
Bashful Blue, Concord Grape, Crumb Cake, Rich Razzleberry, Sahara Sand

Click here to download your Free January Destkop Calendar

Digital Scrapbooking & Creating is a whole new way to personalize the way your capture your favorite moments!

Give mds2 a try for 30 days for FREE!Click here to learn more

Click here & check out this past blog post that shows how I incorporate the creative coolness of mds2 into my everyday life!

 

 

Calling all Teachers & Educators!

 

Stampin' Up! is giving away ***FREE*** My Digital Studio discs to teachers that request them for their school. All you have to do is fill out a super quick form & email it back to them.

Supplies are limited, so... HURRY!

My Digital Studio is simply, "the nuts!"  You can use it to:
- Create bulletin board décor
- Make certificates and awards for student achievement
- Make birthday cards for your students
- Create parent flyers or newsletters
- Create a photobook of a special class activity, or an overview of the whole year and much more!!

If you are a teacher and interested in this great offer, email me today and I'll send you the info. Remember it's FREE, but there's only a limited number of supplies!

 

Here are a few artwork pieces that I've recently created using, My Digital Studio:

 

           

 

Learn more about My Digital Studio!

It's so hard to choose!

Boy oh boy... Life is incredibly rough when your job surrounds you with more 'eye candy' that one can handle!!!  I've been getting ready for next week's Creative Tuesday Stamp A Stack Class and have been going back and forth about which one of these sassy cards is my favorite...

So, I'm going to leave it up to you!  Please leave a comment on my blog and or my Facebook Page telling me which card you prefer.  I'll choose one random winner from my blog comments and then my Facebook posts to receive one FREE card of each designs!! That means... 

Two lucky peeps will win - and just for having fun!!

Click here to 'Like' Amy Rist & DotDesigns on Facebook

The winners will be chosen on Wednesday morning, August 29th. Spread the word :)

 Go ahead... enter a comment in both places to double your chances to win!

July Stamps in the Mail

There's one more week to sign up for the July "Stamps in the Mail" Club! Sign up today and your next stamp set will be Blooming with Kindness (shown to the right).

With "Stamps in the Mail" you'll receive a brand new stamp set plus 2 COMPLETED full card samples — mailed right to your door! You don't have to leave home, make special time to attend a class and you can count on something exciting coming to your door!

Although I can't give away the "Stamps in the Mail" card designs for this month - that's a special treat reserved for those in the club, I'm happy to show you this sassy little number from Stampin' Up!  Check out the use of texture... The burlap is beautifully complimented by the Comfort Cafe Designer Paper but is subtle enough to allow the stamped image to be the 'star of the show'.

 For complete details about receiving your fun "Stamps in the Mail" club kit for July,
Click Here!

Life is Beautiful Card

Today's short but sweet post features an exclusive Stampin' Up! card design using lots of retiring items.  I'm really digging the idea of using the fabric as a casual pennant (what a terrific way to use up your scraps and add texture and interest!)

Here's your supply list to create this little ditty:

Stamps
• Style Beautiful*

Paper
• Real Red Card Stock
• Whisper White Card Stock

Ink
• Real Red Classic Stampin’ Pad

Accessories
• Linen Thread
• Candy Cane Christmas Designer Fabric*
• Basic Rhinestone Jewels
• Mini Clothespins*
• Blossom Bouquet Punch*
• Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack
• Big Shot™
• Perfect Pennants Bigz™ L Die

*These products are retiring—order yours before May 31 or while supplies last!

Click here to see the retiring products available in my online store.