Lace Ribbon Punch "How To"

I love it when things fall into place nicely and today of one of those days.  Stampin' Up! has just released a boatload of new 'how to' videos and I excited to show them to you!  These videos have been exclusive for demonstrators - one of our many perks until now. 

Check out this quick tutorial for helpful hints on using the Lace Ribbon Punch with ease!

 

Here's the supply list for the above 12x12 exclusive Stampin' Up! designed Scrapbook page:

Stamps• Calendar Alphabet & Numbers
• Elements of Style
Paper• Pool Party Card Stock
• Sahara Sand Card Stock
• Soft Suede Card Stock
• Daffodil Delight Textured Card Stock
• Attic Boutique Designer Series Paper
• Attic Boutique Side Notes
Ink
• Pool Party Classic Stampin’ Pad®
• Soft Suede Classic Stampin’ Pad
• VersaMark® Pad
• Soft Suede Stampin’ Write® Marker
Accessories• Linen Thread
• Bitty Buttons
• Aqua Painter
• Blossom Bouquet Punch
• Lace Ribbon Punch
• 1" Circle Punch
• Stamp-a-ma-jig®
• Sewing machine and thread

Visit my online store today to pick up the items to makek your own version of this sassy page!

Happy New Year!

I am ready to burst with excitement over some new and wonderful changes that will be coming your way this year.  Please stay tuned over the next few days and weeks to read about...

• NEW updates to our wildly successful Stamp Shoppe format!
• A re-introduction to the 'Shoppers Club Card' giving you the opportunity to earn free stamps.
• The roll out of the incredible 2012 Sale-A-Bration event.  There are super sweet perks for hostesses and incredible products for everyone to earn for FREE during SAB!

In the mean time, here's a preview of the January Stamp Shoppe Cards & Scrapbook Pages.  Remember, if you bring a friend that has never stamped with me before, you'll receive a FREE set of cards to make.

PSST: Your new first-time guest is also in for a brand new incredible surprise! RSVP today

Friday, Jan. 13th: 5:30-9:30pm (new start time!)

Saturday, Jan. 14th: 9am - 12pm

Make 6 cards for $15 or FREE with a $20 order
and/or
Make (3) 12x12 scrapbook pages for $20 or FREE with a $25 order 

Hope to see you at the next Stamp Shoppe - you'll love the new changes!

Shoppe Location: 1000 Winton Road N. Rochester, NY 14609.

August Stamp Shoppe Preview: Scrapbooking

The August Scrapbooking pages feature new designs, punches and Designer Series Paper!  I love it all :)  Reserve your scrapbooking spot today (or by Wed. August 10th at the latest) and I'll get everything ready for you to kick back and create!

Make (3) 12'x12' Scrapbook pages for $20 or FREE with a $25 purchase at Shoppe!

NEW LOCATION:

Christ the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

1000 Winton Road North.  Rochester, NY 14609

Click here to see pics of the August Cards

Strength and Hope Scrapbook Page

It's been some time since we've talked about the current Hope and Strength Campaign. The stamp set and digital downloads are simply beautiful and need to be brought back into the limelight!  I'd like to feature this exclusive Stampin' Up! Scrapbook Page design to peek your interest.  The subtle colors are classic and pretty and the stamp set is very versatile...  

Here's your supply list:
Stamps
• Strength & Hope*

Paper
• Certainly Celery Card Stock
• Pretty in Pink Card Stock • Soft Suede Card Stock
• Very Vanilla Card Stock

Ink
• Certainly Celery Classic Stampin’ Pad®
• Old Olive Classic Stampin’ Pad
• Pretty in Pink Classic Stampin’ Pad
• Soft Suede Classic Stampin’ Pad

Sassy Accessories
• Certainly Celery 5/8" Satin Ribbon
• Linen Thread
• Stampin’ Dimensionals

*From the 2011 Summer Mini Catalog; $2 from the purchase of this set will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation

Click here for additional information about the Hope and Strength campaign.

 

Playful Polka Dots Scrapbook Page

Take a gander at this sassy 12x12 scrapbook page!  This exclusive Stampin' Up! design features the Simply Scrappin' Kit delightfully names Playful Polka Dots from the new Summer Mini. I'm all about using anything that will make my projects easier.  The Simply Scrappin Kits do exactly that.  The die cut pieces are quick to use and decorate with as they already have adhesive on the back - just peel and stick those babies!  The colors coordinate beautifully and the 12x12 pages give a lot of mileage for a variety of projects. 

The Supply List is a cinch too - take a peek!

Paper

• Playful Polka Dots Simply Scrappin’
• On Board Alphabet Soup
Ink
• Old Olive Stampin’ Write Marker
Accessories
• Old Olive 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon
• White Baker’s Twine
• Brights Designer Buttons
• Subtles Designer Buttons
• Stampin’ Dimensionals


Learn more about the newest Simply Scrapin' Kit...

The Playful Polka Dots Kit (#122346)  includes lots of goodies that make it easy to pull together cards, scrapbook pages and projects. The kit is completely color coordinated so that you can have confidence that everything will look 'fab' together!

Here's what's included...

• Three sheets each of 12" x 12" double-sided paper
• Two sheets each of 12" x 12" textured card stock
• Three 12" x 12" self-adhesive die-cut image sheets

May is National Scrapbooking Month.  Find some seriously savvy savings(!) - 30% off select Scrapbooking Items to make your scrapbooking adventures fun and memorable!  Learn more...

Strength & Hope Campaign

My friends at the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester had a very exciting day yesterday.  Their Annual Pink Ribbon Run & Walk was record breaking!  Anna and I walked last year and I sure did miss going this year, but next year... I'm back in :) 

I'm stoked about a terrific campaign that Stampin' Up! is offering through the end of August to benefit Breast Cancer Research. Please click here to learn more about the Strength and Hope Campaign. 

Take a look at a beautifully simple scrapbook page.  This is an exclusive Stampin' Up! design that I am delighted to share with you!  And because it's National Scrapbooking month - this timing is perfect! 

If you'd like to order items from the Strength & Hope Campaign or take advantage of the 30% off select Scrapbooking goodies, click here and visit my online store!

May Stamp Shoppe

May 'Open Hours' for Stamp Shoppe

Friday, 5/13 from 6:30 -9:30 pm
-or-
Saturday, 5/14 from 10am -1pm

Make 6 different cards for $15 or FREE with a $20 purchase

-and/or-

Make 3 full size 12x12 scrapbook pages for $20 or FREE with a $25 purchase

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

We'll be 2-step stamping in May!

May Designs are featuring products from the NEW Summer Mini Catalog and the current Idea Book & Catalog!

Benefits of Stamp Shoppe:

• Everything that you need is provided for you!  I pre-cut all of the materials making it easy to stamp and make your cards. 
• Crafting or stamping experience isn't necessary.  There is as much or as little instruction as you personally need or want.
• This wonderful setting gives you the opportunity to try countless stamps, tools and techniques.  You can decide what you like (and don't like!) without pressure or feeling like to have to own everything.
• YOU time!  Whether you come with friends or want to have some alone time, this is an upbeat venue with lots of inspirational ideas and fun vibes :)

RSVP:  Please let me know that you are attending by Thurs, May 12th via email or call 507-2435. 

Click here for additional information about Stamp Shoppe.  Hope to see you there - you'll love it!

Teaser: April Card Stamp Shoppe

Mark your calendar for the upcoming April Stamp Shoppe!
Always the second Fri & sat of every month...

Friday, April 8th - 6:30-9:30pm

-or-

Saturday, April 9th - 10am - 1pm

Make (6) cards for $15 or FREE with a $20 order at Shoppe.

and...

Bring a friend that hasn't stamped with me before and you'll make a second set of cards for FREE!  Yippee :)

New card designs and techniques every month.

Everything is supplied for you and materials are pre-cut for ease.

Work at your own pace with as much or as little instruction as you'd like.

RSVP today (by Thurs. 4/7 at the latest) and look forward to FUN!

Location: Trinity Communion Church in W. Irondequoit.

759 Winina Blvd, Rochester 14617

Click here for Scrapbook & Specialty Shoppe Details!

March Stamp Shoppe teaser!

Hello... Spring?  Can you hear us calling?  I'm not sure about you, but I'm ready to feel some sweet sunshine kissing my face!  And this nice winter pallor that I've got goin' on has lost it's appeal (blaghhh!)

Anywho... I'm looking ahead to the March Stamp Shoppe and some super fun spring inspired cards to help me perk up!  Here is a peak at one of the 6 cards we'll be making...

Fri. Mar. 11th: 6:30-9:30
-or-
Sat. Mar. 12th: 10am -1pm

Make 6 cards for $15 or FREE with a $20 purchase

Click here for all the juicy details (location, other pics, etc.) Remember... Bring a friend that has never stamped with me before, you'll make a second set of this month's cards for FREE!

This is the last Stamp Shoppe during Sale-A-Bration.  Don't miss your chance to earn exciting, limited time stamp sets and accessories!

Scrapbooking at the March Stamp Shoppe

The March Stamp Shoppe is open for scrapbooking!  Make (3) full size 12x12 pages for only $20 or FREE with a $25 purchase.

All of the supplies and materials are provided for you, making it incredibly easy to make your pages.

This month features two equally wonderful themes, yet with a very different feel.  The first photo shown uses the Springtime Vintage collection.  Next month, you'll have the opportunity to make the facing page.  The second page shown utilizes the fun Sale-A-Bration designer series paper and accessories. 

Here's a little design note for you regarding the Sale-A-Bration Pages from Aly Schilling (she designed the pages for us this month...
"Here's a sneak peek at the pages for March - you'll make a total of 3, 12x12 Layouts (3rd page not shown)!
The "Lucky" layout has been designed to be extremely versatile. While we didn't want to ignore St. Patrick's Day - we recognize that not everyone has photos from the day to scrapbook. So - the whole alphabet stamp set will be available to you - instead of stamping "Lucky" you can stamp any word! Additionally, the shamrocks can easily be changed to flowers - a flower punch will also be out for your use if you would prefer to use that. Just 2 simple changes and voila - you have an "every day" page that is simply cheerful, bright and fun!"

March Stamp Shoppe: Fri. March 11th.  6:30-9:30pm -or- Sat. March 12th. 10am-1pm.
Location: Trinity Communion Church. 759 Winona Blvd in W. Irondequoit (near the zoo)
RSVP: by Thurs. March 10th at noon to dotdesigns@hotmail.com. 
FREE CARDS: Bring a friend that has not stamped with me before and you'll make a set of cards (from this month's Stamp Shoppe) for FREE!

Click here for additional details about Stamp Shoppe

Wicked Halloween Card!

Now those are some seriously wicked boots!  This spook-tacular halloween card features some new treats to make your cards & scrapbook pages POP!

I'm crazy in love with my Big Shot and the embossing folders.  It's that simple! It's the Spider Web Embossing Folder that takes this card to the next level.  Here's the rest of the diddies that you'll need to create this baby at home...

Card Stock: Rich Razzleberry (115316), Pumpkin Pie (105117), Basic Black (121045), Whisper White (100730)
Ink: Basic Black: (101179), Stampin' Write Marker: Basic Black (100082), Rich Razzleberry (120970). 
Stamp Set: Wicked Cool Wood Mount (118738), Clear Mount (120600) Extra Pretties: 1/2" Lace Trim (120988), Glimmer Brads (121003), 1-3/8" Circle Punch (119850), SNAIL adhesive (104332), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

NEW!  The 'Do It For Me!' Option:  I'll make this card and a coordinating envelope for you, then drop it right in the mail.  Once you receive this Wicked Halloween card, you'll be able to give it to someone special.  It's that easy!  Click on the Buy It Now button to place your order. 

** Side note:  This was one of the spectacular cards that we did at the September Stamp Shoppe!  Click here to see a sneak peek at one of next month's Shoppe cards!

Your personal Stamp Shoppe Invitation!

As the Grand Opening of the Stamp Shoppe is approaching, click on the video for your personal invitation!

Whoa... was that an inviatation or what?!  Anywho... here are all of important 'parts & pieces' of my new monthly class series called the Stamp Shoppe!

WHO is the Stamp Shoppe for? - Anyone! Whether you're an experienced stamper or have never stamped in your life. 
WHAT is the Stamp Shoppe? A chance for you to relax, unwind and simply make some cards or scrapbook pages.  You can work at YOUR leisure as you float from station to station at YOUR speed/pace! At Card Shoppe you'll make SIX cards and at Scrapbook Shoppe you'll make THREE 12"x12" Scrapbook Pages. Are you a somewhat speedy stamper? You'll have time to do BOTH if you so choose!

WHEN is Stamp Shoppe? The Stamp Shoppe is open the second Friday and Saturday of every month. Our Grand Opening is on September 10th and 11th!(sold out!) The Stamp Shoppe is open from 6:30 - 9:30 pm on Friday Evenings and from 10 am - 1 pm on Saturday Mornings. If you're coming to just Card Shoppe OR Scrapbooking Shoppe, you can arrive at any time during the first hour of the Shoppe's opening for the day. If you're coming to BOTH Card Shoppe and Scrapbooking Shoppe, you'll want to arrive when Stamp Shoppe first opens so that you have enough time for both! The Stamp Shoppe will have different projects every month. 

WHERE is Stamp Shoppe? The event is held in the common room at Trinity Communion Church, 759 Winona Blvd, Rochester NY 14617 (near Titus and St. Paul Blvd.)

HOW MUCH is Stamp Shoppe? That's the BEST part!

• The Card Shoppe is just $15 for all 6 cards or FREE with a $20 Order placed during Shoppe Hours!
• The Scrapbook Shoppe is just $20 for all 3, 12"x12" Scrapbook Pages or FREE with a $25 Order placed during Shoppe Hours!

WANT FREE cards from the Stamp Shoppe? You've got it! Bring a friend who has never stamped with me before and you'll get to make an entire EXTRA set of cards for FREE! That means that you'll get to make TWELVE cards total - 2 of each design - 1 to keep as a sample and 1 to send! If you're only registered for Scrapbook Shoppe and bring a friend then you'll get to make a set of cards for FREE in addition to your scrapbook pages.


DO I NEED TO PRE-PAY? No! However, please RSVP to me and tell me if you're bringing a friend by noon on the Thursday before Stamp Shoppe (so for September 10th and 11th Stamp Shoppes the RSVP deadline is Thursday September 9th at Noon) so that I may have all of your supplies cut & ready. Simply call or e-mail me to reserve your spot at the table!

I can't wait to see YOU at the Stamp Shoppe's Grand Opening on September 10th or 11th!

Stampin' Shoppe!

The All-New Stamp Shoppe!

Check out the some of the designs you can make on...

Friday, Sept. 10th: 6:30 - 9:30pm

and/or
Saturday, Sept. 11th: 10am - 1pm (sold out!)

Sept. 10th & 11th will kick off a brand new monthly class series called Stamp Shoppe! These hot new classes give you everything you need; making it incredibly easy to create exciting card & scrapbook designs.   

And boy, do you ever have choices...

• Choose Friday night or Saturday morning. (RSVP by 9/9 please)
• Choose to make 6 cards, 3 scrapbook pages or both!
• Choose to bring a friend & make a second set of the 6 cards for FREE!

Pricing:

• Absolutely all of the materials are included in the class fee! 
• Card Class Option: $15 to make all 6 cards or FREE with a $20 purchase at the class.
• Scrapbooking Option: $20 for (3) 12"x12" pages or FREE with a $25 purchase at the class.

Make 6 cards for FREE!

• Make Cards for FREE!  Bring a friend who hasn't stamped with me before and make a second set of cards free of charge!
• Simply RSVP by Thurs. 9/8 so that I can get your supplies ready. 

Location & Scheduling:

• Location: Trinity Communion Church. 759 Winona Blvd, Rochester, NY 14617
• Stamp Shoppe classes are the 2nd weekend of every month.  Mark your calendar!

** Scrapbook pages will be posted shortly for you to see!

Can't make these dates? Email me and we can arrange a private class for you & your friends when it's convenient for you!

Upcoming Creative Events

Hello friends!  Please take a moment or two to check out the upcoming events for DotDesigns.  New classes to the July and August mix. Rookie Rubber Stamping and the Sassy Personal Stationery - Girl's Night Out should be a hoot!

For my educator friends... I know that August is your 'final call' for summer fun.  Within the next week look for a tab at the top of my blog that features project/decor ideas for your classroom, the little peeps in the seats and upcoming holiday inspiration! 

In the mean time, please refer to the limited time offer of 'YES' opportunities (see the above tab).  For those of you that beat me to the punch & send me a note before I get the info up on the blog, I'll design and create 10 'Great Job' gifts for your use in the classroom (or library!)  C'mon... I love a challenge! 

*If you know a special educator who may be interested in ideas for his/her classroom, please let me know.  I'll send them a creative are package for Back to School!'

6x6 scrapbook pages (& cards)

When it comes to working with paper, the sky is truly the limit.  When the kids were little, I always had the camera, just in case they did something that needed to be recorded for history!  As I look now at the baskets, boxes & random Kodak folders holding all of those pics, I wouldn't change anything except perhaps how I chose to organize (or several cases, not organize) the memories.  Scrapbooking doesn't have to be elaborate or flashy.  Here is a page that was borrowed from my delightful SU! colleague Kriss Huels (who was inspired from another demonstrator).  I love the simplicity of this page.  There's some great color, a fun 'pop' with the flower, but the photo is the true focal point.
 

For those just starting out, this page feels manageable; which is an important key to beginning.  I decided to share this idea as my friend Carrie asked me about easy scrapbooking techniques.  She wants to start albums for her sons as they go through awesome journey of being busy boys! Although the colors & chosen embellishments from the displayed page may not work for her, the theory will.  Simple, 'clean' & not overwhelming.  Instead of the flower, use a Stampin'  Up! Circle Punch for the 'pop' & write 'Nate's Big Game' featuring a picture of him at bat or 'Noah's First Goal!' with a pic of him tearing up the soccer field.  Carrie can choose paper in blue or green or even in team colors to make the page unique. 

Finally, here's a tip for getting the most bang for your buck... Take a piece of 12x12 card stock paper & cut (4) 6x6 sections for your scrapbook pages.  This will maximize your paper & minimize waste. 

Did you notice the cute card that is sitting to the left of the scrapbook page above?  That too is a 6x6 piece of paper folded in half. All of the same materials have been used (except the photo) in both pieces.  This idea works beautifully because again, you can maximize your supplies by using the same paper, ink, stamps & adhesive.

One of my favorite features about the Stampin' Up! is how easy the products all coordinate together.  Card stock, ink, ribbon, patterned paper, buttons, brads, glitter & hardware work beautifully together; taking the guess work out of what matches with what. 

Check out the Simply Scrappin' birthday kit & fun scrapbook page ideas for your inspiration on my website!