Stamp Journey

New Stampin Up! Color Families

Let's look at how the Stampin' UP! color families have been rearranged as of May 31st, 2013.

 

Here are four cards I did in My Digital Studio to give an overall feeling for the color families.

The new Brights family:

The new Subtles family:

The new Regals family:

The new Neutrals family:

 

You're going to love working with the new family collections!

Why not stock up on ink, paper and refills this weekend during the FREE SHIPPING event?

To order now, click here to go to my online store. You might want to add some Clearance Rack items while you're at it.

Or call, email or text me before 3 p.m. Monday. Don't you just love free shipping?????

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
kathleen@stampjourney.com
www.stampjourney.com
www.kathleeninnes.stampinup.net

Swallowtail: Today's Tuesday Downloads

The Swallowtail stamp set (Wood #; Clear #129216) stamp set has been a big hit in my parties and classes this month...a breathtaking butterfly focal point for scrapbook pages and cards.

It's an over-sized stamp that is drop-dead gorgeous glittered, works well with texture treatments and lends itself to all kinds of coloring techniques.

And now the Swallowtail stamp is available as a digital download! It is item #133011 and you can pick it up here. For less than a cup of your favorite coffee concoction, you can download this image to use in My Digital Studio or any photo-imaging software.

Here's another terrific value -- FREE!

Not just one, but two FREE downloads for you today. The first is the March screensaver and the second is a pocket card designer template.

#133025 - FREE DOWNLOAD
Spring To Life Digital Wallpaper
INCLUDES: 6 embellishments (desktop wallpaper in six sizes)
COLORS: Always Artichoke, Early Espresso, Lucky Limeade, Wild Wasabi
Coordinates with the Spring to Life Kit

#133387 - FREE DOWNLOAD
No Regrets Pocket Cards
INCLUDES: 1-page designer template (8-1/2" x 11")
COLORS: Basic Gray, Bermuda Bay, Crushed Curry, Melon Mambo, Pool Party

 

Lots more today in the digital offerings...

#133026
Spring To Life Kit
INCLUDES: 11-piece SVG stamp brush set, 12 Designer Series Papers, 15 embellishments
COLORS: Always Artichoke, Bashful Blue, Brilliant Blue, Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake, Crushed Curry, Early Espresso, Lucky Limeade, Marina Mist, Sahara Sand, Tangerine Tango, Very Vanilla, Wild Wasabi

#133383
Happy Things Pocket Cards
INCLUDES: 7-page designer template (8-1/2" x 11"), 30-piece SVG stamp brush set, 5 embellishments, 3 COLORS: Basic Black, Basic Gray, Bermuda Bay, Crushed Curry, Melon Mambo, Midnight Muse, Old Olive, Pool Party, Sahara Sand

#133012
Pleasant Poppies Stamp Brush Set
INCLUDES: 1-piece stamp brush

#133461
Lucky You Ensemble
INCLUDES: 4-page décor designer template (8-1/2" x 11"), 29-piece SVG stamp brush set, 1 Designer Series Paper, 10 embellishments, 1 punch
COLORS: Basic Gray, Gumball Green, Pear Pizzazz, Summer Starfruit, Whisper White

 

To see all of today's downloads, go to this page.

Happy Tuesday!

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
kathleen@stampjourney.com
www.stampjourney.com
www.kathleeninnes.stampinup.net

My Secret Garden Feels Good

We finally got some sunshine today here in Duluth, GA. This winter, it has felt more like living in Vancouver or London than living in Atlanta...lots -- and I mean lots and lots -- of cold, bone-chilling rain.

So the bright sunlight lured me outside to shoot this card and enjoy a few moments of sun.

Stamps
Secret Garden stamp set (Wood #129141; Clear #129144)
Feels Good stamp set (Wood #129681; Clear #129684)

Paper
Melon Mambo card stock #115320
Rich Razzleberry card stock #115316
Whisper White card stock #100730

Ink
Melon Mambo Classic stamp pad #126948
Rich Razzleberry Classic stamp pad #126950
Old Olive Classic stamp pad #126953 
Daffodil Delight Stampin' Right marker #119677

Accessories
Secret Garden Framelit Dies #129372
Ovals Collection Framelit Dies #129381
Linen Thread #104199
Sycamore Street Designer Buttons (Sale-A-Bration gift)

The bad news -- we're getting more rain starting tonight. Sigh.

The good news -- there's still time to get your free Sale-A-Bration gifts. Just place a $50 order and choose the gift of your choice from this flyer. Order now at my website.

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
kathleen@stampjourney.com
www.stampjourney.com
www.kathleeninnes.stampinup.net

Tanglewood Weekend: Scrappin' In The Mountains 2013

Oh, what a wonderful weekend I had with some great crafting buddies!

Twenty of us gathered for our annual "Scrappin' In The Mountains" near Helen, Georgia. Four days of crafting, sharing, giggling...you get the idea.

Here are some of the cards I worked on while I was there. You'll see some of them closeup on this blog and in my newsletter.

Make sure you are signed up for my newsletter for the exclusive tips, tricks and tutorials only my newsletter subscribers receive. It's easy -- enter your email address in the box at the upper left of this page and you, too, will be on the "inside."

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
kathleen@stampjourney.com
www.stampjourney.com
www.kathleeninnes.stampinup.net

Pop-Up Tutorial: Meet Karen Buniston

The designer who created the Stampin' Up! pop up dies is Karen Buniston. Karen has graciously shared some templates and video tutuorials to take your use of the pop up dies up several notches.

The Pop-Up dies were introduced in the Spring Catalog, just a few weeks ago.

The Card Base Pop 'n Cuts die (#130099) is magnetic, so you can insert the magnetic Pop 'n Cuts Dress Form Die inside this base to cut a fun pop-up card. The base measures  4-1/4" x 11".

The Pop n'n Cuts Dress Form Die (#130100) is 3-1/4" x 4-5/16".

Then there's the All Dressed Up stamp set (Wood #129171; Clear #129174).

And you can easily cut out the stamped dress image from this set using the Dress Up Framelits Die (#130101). The largest design is 1-1/2" x 4-1/4" (3 dies).

The All Dressed Up stamp set and Framelits dies are available as a bundle for 15% off (#131095).

How do you use them? Here's a video done by the designer herself, Karen Buniston.

 

 

But that's not all! Karen also has this video, showing you how she created a "floating floor" for the pop-up card so she could attach items (like the hearts above) in front of the dress. When you're finished watching the video, click here to download the Floating Floor Template.

 

To order any of the Pop-Up items, go to my online ordering site. Don't forget it's Sale-A-Bration and you'll get a free gift with every $50 you spend.

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
kathleen@stampjourney.com
www.stampjourney.com
www.kathleeninnes.stampinup.net

 

Happy Valentine's Day & Hostess Code

Oh, boy, do I have great news!

But first, here's my favorite valentine.

It sparkles! It's lacy! And it makes me smile.

Now the news that will make YOU smile...

Stampin’ Up! has officially introduced a Hostess Code, allowing customers to combine online orders with workshop orders. What does this mean for you?

More FREE stuff!

Now you can invite friends and family to add orders to your party, even if they live a long way from you and can't attend in person. And those ordering online may add digital downloads and print products, plus anything from the Clearance Rack -- good deals for them

AND

good for your party totals because it all gets added together to increase your hostess rewards. A win-win!

All we have to do is make sure your online "guests" are using the unique Hostess Code assigned to your party.

Pretty simple. Very sweet. How appropriate for the sweetest day of the year!

Call or email me now to pick a date for your hostessed party. I'll help you with invitations, email reminders and all the details to make YOUR party a GREAT party, with loads of benefits for you.

Let's party together!

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
kathleen@stampjourney.com
www.stampjourney.com
www.kathleeninnes.stampinup.net

Valentine's Day: A Favorite Tool

I love my Big Shot™, Scallop Edge and 3/16" Corner punches, but my favorite tool used on this card is the uni-ball Signo® Gel Pen #105021.

Now, now...I hear the rumbling out there. A pen?

Yes. A pen.

But not just any pen. This is a vibrant white gel pen that flows smoothly. It is perfect for journaling, accenting and highlighting and you'll especially love it on darker-colored cardstock.

And it's a steal at $3.95. It's the perfect item to add to your basket when you're just a little bit short of the magic $50 in product you need to qualify for a free Sale-A-Bration gift.

Need more suggestions? Call or email me for assistance.

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
kathleen@stampjourney.com
www.stampjourney.com
www.kathleeninnes.stampinup.net

Sale-A-Bration: Feeling Sentimental

Sale-A-Bration is in full swing and I thought I'd show you some projects made using one of the 19 free products you can earn through March 22nd.

Choose a Sale-A-Bration product for every $50 you order. Click here to shop now.

Today I'm featuring my favorite Sale-A-Bration stamp set.

Feeling Sentimental Stamp Set
Wood #129627
Clear #129630
Available in French & Spanish, too.

Are you "feeling sentimental?" I'll be happy to guide you in choosing products to earn this great set!

See the offical Sale-A-Bration brochure here.

See an easy-to-read Sale-A-Bration pictoral flyer here.

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
kathleen@stampjourney.com
www.stampjourney.com
www.kathleeninnes.stampinup.net

Love Notes...Stampin' Up! Style

Impress that oh-so-significant-other with love notes strategically placed around the house...how fun for the love of your life to discover your personal declarations of love!

The stamps used are oldies but goodies. As part of Stampin' Up!'s 25-year Silver Anniversary celebration, we are selling some of our “Best of” stamps from the past 25 years. Each "Best of" set also includes a never-before-seen image. A new "Best of" stamp set will be released every month in 2013. All "Best of" sets will be available until March 31, 2014.

As a special incentive to collect the "Best of" stamps, starting this month you'll find a collector’s card and 25-year proof of purchase sticker in every "Best of" set. Collect six stickers and send in to redeem a FREE set of your choice valued up to $14.95.

This month it's the Best of Love stamp set. Don't miss the chance to snap up this set and spread your love all through the year.

So just how were these cute notes created? First, the envelopes.

Cut your paper into 6" x 6" squares.

Using the Simply Scored Scoring Tool with the Simply Scored Diagonal Plate, score all sides at 2-3/4" (gray lines).

Cut out the triangles where the score lines meet (the grayed-out portion on each side of the paper).

Round all four corners.

 

 

Cut out doily hearts from the More Amore Specialty DSP, then emboss the “Love you much” image on the hearts using Versamark ink, Gold Stampin' Emboss Powder, and the Heat Tool. 

Tie the hearts onto your envelopes (after placing your note inside).

 

 

 

 

 

To create the notes, cut a 3-1/2" square from Watercolor Paper.

Use a Pool Party ink refill to watercolor a square in the middle. Next, stamp the “love” image in Versamark ink, then emboss it with White Stampin' Emboss Powder and the Heat Tool.

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
kathleen@stampjourney.com
www.stampjourney.com
www.kathleeninnes.stampinup.net

Valentine's Day: Vertical Z-Fold Card

At my downline meeting last week, we reviewed classes we took at the recent Stampin' Up! Leaership Conference, shared plans and strategies for Sale-A-Bration, and had a great time creating the project below.

We meet once a month and it's no secret that one of the best perks of being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator is the close relationships you develop. I love my team members!

This is what the vertical Z-fold card looks like flat, as it comes out of the envelope.

Stamps
You Are Loved (Wood #123777; Clear #123779)
A Fitting Occasion (Wood #127047; Clear #127049)

Paper
Real Red cover stock
Basic Black cover stock
Whisper White cover stock
Polka Dot Parade DSP #126902

Ink
Real Red Classic stamp pad

 

This is what it looks like when it is sitting up on display.

Here's the side view.

We really had fun with all the embellishments -- various punches, brads, pearls and the new Designer Builder Brads #129329 in the Spring Catalog.

These are so fun to use -- the 1/2" Circle punch (#119869) and the smaller circle punch from the Punch Pack (#118309) are a perfect pair to punch out a small stamped design. Use a mini glue dot to attach to the Designer Builder Brad, and then top it off with the included epoxy bubbles. So pretty!

We snapped off the brad prongs on the back and used our Multipurpose Glue (@110755) to attach the brad to the project.

Wouldn't you enjoy being a member of a team who gathers regularly to create, share and grow? I'd love to talk with you about the possibility of becoming a Stampin' Up! demonstrator.

During Sale-A-Bration, you receive an additional 25% in your starter kit -- an incredible $156.50 worth of products for only $99. And you get to choose those products yourself! See more information here.

Call me at 678-467-1330 or email kathleen@stampjourney.com to chat about how you can enrich your life as a member of my team.

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
kathleen@stampjourney.com
www.stampjourney.com
www.kathleeninnes.stampinup.net

Memorable Moments with Flowering Flourishes

What constitutes a "memorable moment" for you?

I've had several memorable moments lately. My baby girl's first haircut, reconnecting with a dear friend I've not spoken with for several years, my sister's birthday, losing my iPad at the airport -- all are recent moments I will not forget.

Some are moments we wish to cherish; to mark them with a card, scrapbook page or framed display. Others we might just as soon wish we could forget they ever happened. (Did I mention I lost my iPad?)

So for one of those moments you DO wish to commemorate, consider this card. The sentiment could be Happy Birthday, or you might with to say "Congratulations," "Thank You," or simply "Friend."

Stamps

• Flowering Flourishes
 (Wood #126365; Clear #126367)
• Memorable Moments

 (Wood #126682; Clear #126680)

Paper

• Pool Party Card Stock

• Primrose Petals Card Stock

• Summer Starfruit Card Stock

• Whisper White Card Stock



Ink

• Primrose Petals Classic Pad

• Summer Starfruit Classic Pad



Accessories

• Summer Starfruit 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon #126846

• Naturals Designer Buttons #127554

• Rhinestone Basic Jewels #119246

• 1-3/4" Scallop Circle Punch
 #119854
• Big Shot
 #113439
• Large Scallop Edgelits #127019

I'd love to help you commemorate a memorable moment in your life. Give me a call to chat about the perfect way to acknowledge your moment.

 

Order now at my website for Sale-A-Bration bonuses -- a gift for every $50 purchase!

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
maccreative@me.com
www.stampjourney.com
www.kathleeninnes.stampinup.net

More Samples from Leadershp 2013

The next best thing to hanging out in Orlando with stampin' pals is to see all the swaps, presentations an samples. Have a look at some of the eye candy we were treated to last week at Stampin' Up!'s Leadership Conference.

 

See anything that catches your eye?

You'll see more closeup samples in my Stamp Journey newsletter. If you've already subscribed, you know that the newsletter gives you exclusive tutorials, articles and tips. If you're not a current subscriber, just put your email address in the box at the top left of this page. And then enjoy!

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
maccreative@me.com
www.stampjourney.com
www.kathleeninnes.stampinup.net

Dude, You're Welcome

There are men who create wonderful, artistic cards.

Some men.

Make that a few men.

Here's Stampin' Up!'s solution for the rest of the testosterone-heavy world.

 

* Four wood-mount stamps (double-mounted) with the perfect sentiment for every occasion
* Twelve 4" x 6" postcards in four manly colors
* Twelve gray envelopes
* Basic Gray Classic Stampin’ Pad
* An instructional guide (like they'll read it!)

Dude, You're Welcome is item #132807.

Order it now for all the macho men in your life.

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
maccreative@me.com
www.stampjourney.com
www.kathleeninnes.stampinup.net

 

 

Stampin' Up! Leadership 2013

Oh, the swapping! Oh, the giveaways! Oh, the fun!

And Orlando was not too shabby, either.

Fourteen-hundred and ninety-nine of my BFFs gathered in Florida last week for three days of demonstrations, classes and even a pajama party -- complete with milk and cookies.

Yep, p.j.'s right there in the fancy-dancy Orange County Convention Center. I'll bet it was the first pajama party that center has seen. I doubt the Woodworking Convention taking place at the same time as Leadership was not nearly as fabulous.

Here are some of the swap boards with oh-so-wonderful samples.

Many of these projects feature products from Stampin' Up!'s Spring Catalog. I'll be glad to send you a copy of the catalog FREE. Just send me an email with your name, mailing address and phone number and I'll pop one in the mail to you. Email me at maccreative@me.com.

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
maccreative@me.com
www.stampjourney.com
www.kathleeninnes.stampinup.net

Oh, Hello from Spring Catalog

Loving the Artisan Embellishments Kit, Flower Trim and Tea for Two DSP from the 2013 Spring Catalog!

Stamps
Oh, Hello stamp set (Wood #130730; Clear #130733)

Paper
Crumb Cake Cardstock
Very Vanilla Cardstock
Tea for Two Designer Series Paper #129311

Ink
So Saffron Classic Stampin’ Pad
Soft Suede Classic Stampin’ Pad

Accessories
Artisan Embellishments Kit #129328
Vanilla 5/8" Flower Trim #126869
Stampin’ Dimensionals
Big Shot
Labels Collection Framelits #125598
Sewing machine and thread

There's a lot going on in the card 'cuz there's a lot going on in the newly released 2013 Spring Catalog!

You need to get your hands on this Tea for Two paper; two each of six different double-sided designs that will have you dusting off GreatGrandma's tea service. The paper is sized at a true 12" x 12" that's perfect for scrapbooking, cardmaking and creating gorgeous 3D items.

The new Vanilla Flower Trim will set any girly-girl's heart a fluttering, and the Artisan Embellishment Kit simply makes me happy.

Get happy with me -- order these fabulous new products now at my online store.

Click here to go to my catalog download page, or get a pdf of the 2013 Spring Catalog by simply clicking on the catalog image in the left column.

It's a good thing. :-)

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
maccreative@me.com
www.stampjourney.com
www.kathleeninnes.stampinup.net

Polka Dot Sparkle

This card reminds me that my seven Christmas trees are not up.

Yep, seven. Not counting mantel and tabletop trees.

Our tradition is to spend the day after Thanksgiving (now known everywhere except in our house as Black Friday) decorating our inside trees. This year, however, we were in Washington, D.C., for Thanksgiving at the home of my youngest daughter and my adorable two-year-old Smooshy.

Now Smooshy is not her real name, of course, and her mother would prefer that I not call her that, but she will forever be my first granddaghter with chubby cheeks that made me just want to "smoosh" her....hence the Smooshy handle. The little girl in the card below is pretty darn cute, but not as cute as my Smooshy!

The stamp set used here is Greeting Card Kids (Wood #119887; Clear #120633; Digital #123961) and it's not too late to order this sweet stamp set in time to get some holiday cards done. The rest of the images in the set are not Christmas, so this is a set you can continue to use all year round.

To order now, go to my online store. Don't hesitate to call or email me if you have any questions, or if you'd like me to place an order for you. I could probably use the break from decorating trees!

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
maccreative@me.com
www.stampjourney.com
www.kathleeninnes.stampinup.net

Happy Thanksgiving, Y'all!

Oh, how much I have to be grateful for!

My family, my friends, my customers, my work, my colleagues, my home, my freedom, my country, my health...I could go on and on but there are just too many "my's".

I wish each of you the strength of conviction, the blessing of giving back, and the foundation of family. May you find on this day of Thanksgiving the motivation for making the world a better place every day.

Forever With You stamp set (Wood #126725; Clear #126727; Digital #127204).

Happy Thanksgiving!

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
maccreative@me.com
www.stampjourney.com
www.kathleeninnes.stampinup.net

Name This Bird

Today's card features a much-loved, common bird. Do you know what it is?

My best guess is a Black-Capped Chickadee. Here's a photo of the real thing.

The stamp set is called Beautiful Season (Wood #122680; Clear #122682, Digital #127779) and coordinates with the Curly Label punch #119851.

My favorite coloring tools are the Watercolor Crayons #119803 (Regals) with an Aqua Painter #103954. I just love how easily you can shade the leaves and create depth with them. A Uni-Ball Signo Gel Pen #105021 is handy, too, to create those small white highlights on the berries after coloring.

For more holiday ideas and step-by-step tutorials, make sure you are subscribed to my newsletter list. I'm doing a special Christmas series every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday through December 18...don't miss the free inspiration!

To sign up now, go to the top of this page and enter your email address in the box at the top left.

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
maccreative@me.com
www.stampjourney.com
www.kathleeninnes.stampinup.net

Wedding: Love & Laughter in White

Elegance made easy!

The stamp set is Love & Laughter (Wood #125475; Clear #125477).

This is an 8-piece set that makes it easy to create elegant and fresh engagement and wedding cards, gift tags, scrapbook pages, and placecards...all you need for that special day for that special bride and groom.

Love & Laughter is paired up with the Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder #120175 and Whisper White 5/8" Organza Ribbon #114319. You'll need a Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine to run the folder through and a Boho Blossoms punch #119858 for the flowers. Add the Basic Pearls Jewel Accents for the flower centers for that final sweet touch.

Colors are Whisper White and Basic Gray.

If your thoughts today are more holiday than wedding, make sure you are signed up for my 12 Weeks of Christmas newsletteer. The next installment comes out next Wednesday afternoon and features another holiday card project exclusively for my newsletter subscribers. Sign up now at the top left of this page.

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
maccreative@me.com
www.stampjourney.com
www.kathleeninnes.stampinup.net

How to Save Paper Die-Cutting Autumn Accents Leaves

Today's cards come in two variations -- one is in portrait view and one is in landscape view. You might prefer to call it vertical or horizontal. Whatever you call it, I've used the amazing Autumn Accents Bigz Die to make leaves.

I just love cutting the leaves with my Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine, dry embossing them and then distressing the leaves. It's great therapy to crunch up the embossed paper leaves, fold them back out, dab with sponges and spray with the spritzer tool! Crunch, dab, spray...crunch, dab, spray...I could do it all day long. It just never gets old. LOL!

Stamps
Wonderfall stamp set (Wood #128084; Clear #128087; Digital #131218) in Holiday Mini
Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set (Wood #115370; Clear #127802; Digital #125766)

Paper
Portrait card: Glossy White, Old Olive, More Mustard, So Saffron, Pumpkin Pie
Landscape card: Whisper White, Early Espresso, More Mustard, So Saffron, Pumpkin Pie

Accessories
Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine #113439
Autumn Accents Bigz Die #127812
Woodgrain Embossing Folder #127821
Color Spritzer Tool #107066
Early Espresso Stampin' Write Marker #119680

Here's what the leaves start out as...

It's quite a transformation to those on the cards above, isn't it? Of course you can also die-cut the leaves after stamping them, and you can cut them out of any card stock, designer paper or fabric you like.

Save time by cutting several leaves at once with the Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine. To get the most leaves with the least wastage of paper, cut your paper to the following sizes:

Oak 2-1/2" x 4"
Maple 3-1/2" x 3-1/2"
Birch 2-1/2" x 2"
Ash 1-1/2" x 2-1/2"
Acorn 1-1/2" x 1-3/4"

I'm thinking of using my scrunched, dabbed and spritzed leaves on my Thanksgiving dinner place cards, and on a matching napkin ring. And some of them may just find a temporary home strewn on the table for instant décor.

What will you do with these Autumn Accent leaves? Leave a comment with your ideas!

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
maccreative@me.com
www.stampjourney.com
www.kathleeninnes.stampinup.net

 

The Shades Among Us

One of the best things about Halloween in Duluth, GA, are local walking tours offered by Duluth Ghost Walks.

It seems our oh-so-modern southern city is more than a metropolitan suburb...it is a community named for a French explorer, on land originally occupied by Cherokee Indians and rife with stories of hauntings and things that go bump in the night.

You can imagine that with a rich history from the time of settlers through the arrival of the railroad to the heyday of cotton, spanning the fights of the Civil War, Women's Vote and Civil Rights, there are many stories of life and love, violence and hate, delight and despair.

Oh yes, there are said to be ghosts in old Duluth.

Whether or not you believe there are shades who walk among us, the Duluth Ghost Walks presents an outing that combines local legends with the definitely-spooky City Cemetary at night. Just right for a Halloween outing!

Duluth Ghost Walks runs Friday and Saturday nights through October 31st. For information and tickets call 770-403-1795 (reservations recommended but not required).

Now what do you suppose any self-respecting ghost walker would wear on a scary cemetary walk?

Why, BOOts, of course!

This card was on the display board at a recent Stampin' Up! gathering. It made me smile!

It uses the stamp set Bootiful Occasions (Wood #126595; Clear #126597).

Leave a memorable footprint with this stamp set. To order, go to my website and shop now.

But first -- make sure you are signed up for my free newsletter to enjoy the next installment of the 12 Weeks of Christmas. It's my gift to you, featuring exclusive projects for holiday cards, gifts, tags and more. Special projects with how-tos, supplies and instructions can be yours simply by going to the top of this page and entering your email address in the signup box. Sign up by Wednesday at noon to make sure you receive your gift Wednesday afternoon!

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
maccreative@me.com
www.stampjourney.com
www.kathleeninnes.stampinup.net

An Old-Fashioned Open Sleigh Christmas

I spent yesterday battling technology.

Technology won.

Who knew that the simple purchase of a new HDTV would lead to upgrading everything from our TIVO and sound system to our wireless router, modem and internet provider? Never fear, I will return to fight again.

I sought solace last night with the things that soothe me. There MAY have been a glass of wine in my hand but my important instruments of calm are ink, paper, stamps. Ah, yes, it feels better already!

This card has no electronic gizmos that I have to make play nicely together. The sleigh appealed to my momentary yearning for a simpler time.

I have to admit, however, that I've never ridden in such a sleigh. I'm not likely to do so, either, as I don't believe there has ever been a sleigh-sighting in Georgia...not even in the giddy, alcohol-enhanced shenanigans of a UGA football tailgating party.

The charming sleigh is from the Open Sleigh stamp set (Wood #126460; Clear #126462).

What do you stamp for solace? Leave a comment with your favorite comfort-stamp and I may just find some old-fashioned blog candy to award!

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
maccreative@me.com
www.stampjourney.com
www.kathleeninnes.stampinup.net

Happy Birthday, Shelli!

The co-founder and CEO of Stampin' Up! is having a birthday today. I've been a long-time advocate of not showing up for work on your birthday. Now there's a union demand I could support.

I wonder if Shelli gets today off? We'll have to check her blog at So Shelli later today to see if she posts. :-)

To Shelli...hope your day is wonderful!

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
maccreative@me.com
www.stampjourney.com
www.kathleeninnes.stampinup.net

World Cardmaking Day: Moving Forward

We cardmakers are celebrating our art today. I can't think of a better way stamp set to highlight on such an occasion than Stampin' Up!'s Moving Forward (Wood 126320; Clear 126322).

Every year, Stampin' Up! designs a child-centered stamp set that's featured prominently in the catalog as the "RMHC set". In our current catalog, you can find the Moving Forward set on the inside back cover.

This set is special because every time one is sold Stampin' Up! donates $3 to the Ronald McDonald House Charities.

That is just part of the partnership...all over the U.S. demonstrators donate cards year-round for families staying at Ronald McDonald houses to use, and we hold events for residents to make their own cards. Some of us create stamped coloring books as gifts for the children with this set.

And what a set it is!

Three primary images comprise the set -- the balloon above, an old-fashioned tricycle and a sailboat.

Here's the complete Moving Forward stamp set.

Why not celebrate World Cardmaking Day with a purchase that delivers quality art to you and supports loving care for sick children and their families?

Click here to order Moving Forward now.

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
maccreative@me.com
www.stampjourney.com
www.kathleeninnes.stampinup.net

Card Ideas: Framelit Openings

We had such a good time at our Stamp Divas meeting last night! (My team meets to talk business, learn techniques, share ideas and create projects once a month -- just a perk of being in my downline.)

We did four projects based on the very first presentation last Saturday at the Chattanooga Regional meeting. Here's the original project:

The presentor ran the card base through the Big Shot with a Framelits die, added Designer Series paper behind the opening and used the cutout piece inside. She finished it with a tag to go on the front and embellished with a bow and brad.

So, using that card as a template, we did two cards and two mini cards.

This one uses the same Framelits die, but we used the card in a vertical format.

Stamps
Seasonal Sayings (Wood #128006 ; Clear #128009)

Ink
Cherry Cobbler

Paper
Naturals Ivory card stock
Be of Good Cheer DSP

Accessories
Big Shot
Labels Collection Framelits Dies #125598
Gumball Green Stitched Ribbon (free with the September "Back to Spool" promotion)
Dazzling Details

The next card is the same format but with a very different look...we've flipped it horizontally and used a different Framelits shape.

Stamps
Loving Thoughts (Wood #125843; Clear #125845)

Inks
Midnight Muse

Paper
Midnight Muse card stock
Comfort Café DSP #126898

Accessories
Big Shot
Floral Frames Framelits Dies #127012
Basics Glimmer Brad
Pool Party ribbon

Two quick 3" x 3" mini notes -- suitable as gift tags -- use the same idea, but we created the cutouts with punches instead of Framelits. Super quick!

The Designer Series paper is Fan Fair (#126918). The note on the left uses Teeny Tiny Wishes (Wood #115370; Clear #127802) and Clockworks (Wood #127290; Clear #127292) stamp sets. The one on the right uses Papillon Potpourri (Wood #123757; Clear #123759).

If you'd like to make some of these projects at your very own Stampin' Up! party, call or email me. I'm booking November dates now!

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
maccreative@me.com
www.stampjourney.com
www.kathleeninnes.stampinup.net

 

Chattanooga Regional Meeting: More Samples

First, I have to share a photo of our team at the Chattanooga Regional Meeting last Saturday.

Some of our group were unable to stay for dinner on Saturday, but those who did enjoyed a meal together filled with stories, laughter and fun! (Lorraine is going to kill me when she sees this photo of her eyes closed.)

What a joy it is to share Stampin' Up! with friends (whether or not their eyes are open).

Here are some more of the swaps from Chattanooga...

What a variety! If you have any questions about the images, textures or techniques used on these samples, please email me at maccreative@me.com.

More tomorrow!

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
maccreative@me.com
www.stampjourney.com
www.kathleeninnes.stampinup.net

Rhapsody in Blue

In honor of George Gershwin's birthday today, I thought I'd show you my favorite "Rhapsody in Blue."

This is a card by Mary Kay Molnar I recently received in a Holiday Wow Swap. It features a sparkly piece of handmade designer glitter paper that my photo just does not adquately capture...it's gorgeous!

Stamps
Snowflake Soiree (Wood #127922; Clear #127925; MDS Digital #129830)
Greetings of the Season (Wood #128030; Clear #128033)
More Merry Messages (Wood #126400; Clear #126402; MDS Digital #131316)

Ink
Marina Mist
Bashful Blue
Basic Gray
Versamark

Paper
Marina Mist
Bashful Blue
Whisper White
Silver Glimmer

Accessories & Tools
Heat tool
Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine
Northern Flurry Embossing Folder #120902
Snow Flurry Bigz Die #127813
Embossing Buddy
Silver Embossing Powder
Heat and Stick Powder
Dazzling Diamonds Glitter

I'll be detailing the instructions to make your own designer glitter paper in my upcoming 12 Weeks of Christmas series. Make sure you're signed up for my newsletter to get 12 weeks of holiday cards, gift items, tags and wrapping ideas. It starts next week!

Simply fill in your name and email address at the top left of this page to receive my gift to you of 12 weekly emails with fabulous ideas, step-by-step instructions, techniques and tips....as we move into the holiday season.

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
maccreative@me.com
www.stampjourney.com
www.kathleeninnes.stampinup.net

Chattanooga Regional Meeting: Samples

Oh, how lovely it is to have so many talented people in one room sharing their artistry!

Here are samples from the Chattanooga Regional meeting this past Saturday.

 

 

A feast for the eyes, don't you think?

I'll be showing more samples from the Chattanooga Regional Meeting all week, plus I'll be featuring some of the techniques, tips and special projects in my October newsletter. Make sure you're subscribed to my mailing list...you can sign up in the box at the top of the left-hand column on this page.

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
maccreative@me.com
www.stampjourney.com
www.kathleeninnes.stampinup.net

Wedding: Love & Laughter

It's been a while since we've had a wedding in our family, so it was a delight to receive a call from home that a favorite nephew is engaged.

It was not so delightful to learn that the wedding will take place in Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada...in February.

All my extended family is in Canada. I grew up there and lived through the tough Alberta winters. This is why I live in Georgia, know what I mean????

It's also why we choose to visit family during the six months of the year when there is NOT snow and ice everywhere.

I'm already checking out parka and boot suppliers - LOL!

I think this card would cheer up even an Alberta winter, don't you?

The stamp set is Love & Laughter and it's available in wood-mount (#125475) or clear-mount (#125477).

Place an order on my website or call or email and I'll happily place the order for you.

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
maccreative@me.com
www.stampjourney.com
www.kathleeninnes.stampinup.net

My Digital Studio: Tuesday Downloads

Holiday cards, two fabulous kits, a couple of stamp brush sets and darling bows, scrunched and knotted ribbon rounds out the new download offerings today. Priced from $2.50 to $12.50, there's something to tickle your design fancy and your pocketbook.

#131217
TOPSY-TURVY CELEBRATION KIT
INCLUDES: 38-piece SVG stamp brush set; 12 DSP patterns; 14 embellishments; 4 templates (2 décor, postcard, greeting card)
COLORS: Daffodil Delight, Primrose Petals, Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White, Wisteria Wonder

#131211
KNOTS AND TIES TRIM
INCLUDES: 40 embellishments
COLORS: Daffodil Delight, Pacific Point, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White, Wild Wasabi

#131231
LOVELY LITTLE LABELS KIT
INCLUDES: 12-piece SVG stamp brush set; 3 punches

#131234
FROM MY HEART STAMP BRUSH SET
INCLUDES: 8-piece SVG

#131468
NOEL NOTED GREETING CARD TEMPLATES
INCLUDES: 3 greeting card templates (5" x 3-1/2" greeting cards); 8-piece SVG stamp brush set
COLORS: Cherry Cobbler, Gumball Green, Very Vanilla

#131230
TWEET LEAVES STAMP BRUSH SET
INCLUDES: 23-piece SVG

 

#131216
SEASONAL SALUTATIONS GREETING CARD TEMPLATE
INCLUDES: 6" x 6" greeting card template; 1-piece SVG stamp brush; 2 embellishments
COLORS: Basic Gray, Gumball Green, Raspberry Ripple, Very Vanilla

Order any -- or all! -- of these downloads now at my website.

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
maccreative@me.com
www.stampjourney.com
www.kathleeninnes.stampinup.net

Just For Fun: Pinwheels!

Pinwheels are everywhere these days!

We used a pinwheel theme for my granddaughter's birthday party last weekend. Check back later this week and I'll have photos of the pinwheel cake decoration and pinwheel favors we handed out to all the kids, as well as a tutorial.

Meantime, you may want to check out a special sale on Stampin' Up! fabric -- just 99 cents for the following clearance fabric:

121716	Deck the Halls Designer Fabric	$0.99
121715	Candy Cane Christmas Designer Fabric	$0.99
121817	Springtime Vintage Designer Fabric	$0.99
121818	Sweet Stitches Designer Fabric	$0.99

See the great patterns available in this pdf.

You may order as many as you like -- but be warned, it's first-come-first-served. Shop now at my online store.

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
maccreative@me.com
www.stampjourney.com
www.kathleeninnes.stampinup.net

My Digital Studio: Tuesday Downloads

What if you could have 10 holiday cards and 16 tags designed for you, so all you need to do is tweak them a little? And what if you could then send them for professional printing at a 31% savings? Wouldn't that be an easy way to check off "Make Christmas Cards" off your to-do list???

Get ready, my time-saving friends...because we're delivering just that to you with this week's digital downloads.

#130986
CHRISTMAS COLLECTION GREETING CARD TEMPLATE
10 card templates; 11-piece stamp brush set; 18 embellishments
3 double-sided postcards, 5 greeting cards, 2 trifold cards
Colors: Basic Black, Basic Gray, Cajun Craze, Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Garden Green, Gumball Green, Marina Mist, More Mustard, Pear Pizzazz, Pool Party, Poppy Parade, Real Red, Really Rust, Sahara Sand, So Saffron, Soft Suede, Summer Starfruit, Very Vanilla

You can go contemporary, elegant, or cutesy, and feature your kids, dog, or family photo. I'll have details on the 31% printing savings tomorrow. The 31 Ways to Save promotion runs August 1st - 31st, 2012.

 

#130984
TAG IT PRINTABLES DESIGNER TEMPLATE
2-page template (8-12" x 11"); 29-piece stamp brush set; 20 embellishments; 4 punches
Colors: Crumb Cake, Gumball Green. Primrose Petals, Pool Party, Riding Hood Red, Very Vanilla

 

#130978
MORE CANDID FRAMES
30 embellishments; 1 page 11" x 8-1/2"
Crushed Curry, Island Indigo, Lucky Limeade, Poppy Parade, Pumpkin Pie, Rich Razzleberry

 

#130982
CHEVRON PUNCH KIT
16-piece stamp brush set; 8-piece punch; 1-page template (12" x 12")

 

#130969
BANDSTAND KIT
8-piece stamp brush set; 4 DSP patterns; 76 embellishments
Colors: Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive, Pool Party, So Saffron

If you've already got MDS (or you use another software program with MDS downloads) you can get the newest downloads here. 

Can't wait for tomorrow -- the release of My Digital Studio 2 and the first day of the 31 Days of Savings promotions. Woohoo!

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
maccreative@me.com
www.stampjourney.com
www.kathleeninnes.stampinup.net

Convention 2012: Samples

Love those samples! What's your favorite?

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Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
maccreative@me.com
www.stampjourney.com
www.kathleeninnes.stampinup.net

Convention 2012

Big excitement in Salt Lake City's Salt Palace today, as the 2012 Stampin' Up! Convention kicked off with gusto.

Here's the Convention theme pin for this year.

And some pictures from Momento Mall - where demonstrators can purchase Stampin' Up! branded merchandise and business tools.

The main events, of course, are the meeting sessions and classes.

But for many of the 3300 attendees, the display boards and swapping is where the action is!

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Wouldn't you love to stand in front of a sea of samples? You can!

Join my team as a demonstrator today and we'll set a goal to get you to Convention for 2013.

It could happen. YOU can make that happen. Take the first step today by calling me to chat about the possibilities. Let's talk!

Click here for more information.

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
maccreative@me.com
www.stampjourney.com
www.kathleeninnes.stampinup.net

Mention Convention

Stampin' Up!'s annual Convention starts Wednesday in Salt Lake City. Don't you wish you were a demonstrator attending four days of demonstrations, classes, make 'n takes, and FUN????

You may not be in attendance, but stay tuned to this blog for the rest of the week...not only will I be reporting on the exciting Convention shenanigans in Utah, but I also will have a special sale running from Wednesday through Sunday. Make sure you're signed up for my newsletter so you get the special Convention Edition on Wednesday with the sale details. Sign up in the box at the top left of this page.

Some of the most fortunate people attending this year will receive a swap from my upline, Susan Barron. She's created these adorable 3" x 3" cards.

The saying is from one of my favorite new sets, World Treasures (Wood-mount #126765; Clear-mount #126767). Yes, it's the set with the fabulous peacock!

The secret to this perfectly-cut-out, framed saying is using the Apothecary Accents Framelits (#127003) with the Big Shot Die-Cut Machine (#113439). As you can see below, there are four die shapes.

Apothecary Accents Framelits set coordinates with the Layered Labels stamp set (Wood-mount #127070; Clear-mount #127072), along with your friend and mine -- World Treasures.

This tiny card packs a big wallop....lots of space inside to write a sweet note to a special friend.

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
maccreative@me.com
www.stampjourney.com
www.kathleeninnes.stampinup.net

Heartfelt by Jini

My friend, Jini Merck, is a demonstrator in Clarkesville, GA. Jini brought this great card to swap at this week's demonstrator meeting.

Stamps
Layered Labels (Wood-mount #127070; Clear-mount #127072) 

Ink
Cajun Craze Classic Stampin' Pad
Midnight Muse Classic Stampin' Pad 

Paper
Comfort Café Designer Series Paper (#126898)
Cajun Craze card stock
Midnight Muse card stock

Accessories
Big Shot Die-Cut Machine (#113439)
Apothecary Accents Framelits (#127003)
Square Lattice Folder (#119976)
Postage Stamp Punch (#122344)

Isn't this a terrific card? It looks complicated, but the Postage Stamp punch makes cutting out the squares of Designer Series Paper sooooo easy!

This would a wonderful card for a quilter...or anyone in your life who deserves a special card.

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
maccreative@me.com
www.stampjourney.com
www.kathleeninnes.stampinup.net

Marvelous Mackenzie & A Secret

Ah, she's a beauty...and so smart!

Mackenzie will turn two next month and I can hardly remember life before she bounced into our world.

This scrapbook page came together quickly. I started with a template in My Digital Studio from the Always Elegant Kit, item #119839.

I added some flowers, the name text and a brad. The only difficult part was picking out the photos from the thousands I have taken!

My Digital Studio makes digital crafting fast and easy. Save time, preserve memories and make beautiful projects...scrapbooks, cards, journals, brag books, calendars and so much more.

Get your free My Digital Studio trial here.

Now here's the secret...Start using My Digital Studio today and you will be ready for a super sale on printing and select downloads that starts August 1st. This is a promotion you will not want to miss -- get all your holiday calendars, photobooks and Christmas cards at super savings!

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
maccreative@me.com
www.stampjourney.com
www.kathleeninnes.stampinup.net

Coming Attraction: My Digital Studio 2

With the new My Digital Studio software you'll be able to:

• Design in spreads
• Create with custom canvas sizes
• Add more than one color to a single stamp image
• Resize vector stamp images while keeping them crisp
• See color combination suggestions

With more than 75 new features to make designing smoother than ever, MDS 2 is a must-have. And if you want this dynamic new software along with over $500 in content, you'll want to go with MDS 2+.

The new software is getting its finishing touches and will be available later this year. But right now you can purchase My Digital Studio (item 118108) or My Digital Studio Express (item 124483) and upgrade to MDS 2 for FREE when it becomes available. So don't wait!

If you already own My Digital Studio, you'll be able to purchase an MDS 2 upgrade as soon as it is released.

If you DON'T already own My Digital Studio, how about a test drive? Download a FREE 30-day trial by going to my website and entering item #129600.

Once the 30-day free trial period is over, you can purchase the downloadable or disc version of the software to continue using it. You'll simply open up the trial version you already have on your computer, and will be prompted to enter the product registration key you received after purchasing the software. (You'll receive this key via e-mail if you purchase the downloadable version, and you'll find it along with your shipped software if you purchase the disc version.)

During the trial, you'll have access to all the features and printing capabilities of the software, so you can create professional photobooks, cards, calendars, and more. We offer high-quality paper, printing, and sewn-reinforced binding...true colors and quality printing guaranteed to make your projects family keepsakes.

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Now is the time to get working on those journals, calendars and photobooks for all your holiday gift-giving needs...so skip over to my website and order YOUR free trial today.

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
maccreative@me.com
www.stampjourney.com
www.kathleeninnes.stampinup.net

My Digital Studio: Tuesday Downloads

Some great kits in this week's My Digital Studio releases -- check out the Back To School Ensemble!

#130980
BACK TO SCHOOL ENSEMBLE
5 templates (page, journal, décor, greeting card, calendar); 59-piece stamp brush set; 12 DSP patterns; 71 embellishments
AND lots of templates:
2-page 12" x 12"; 6-1/4" x 8-1/4" journal front and back cover; 5" x 7" greeting card; 5-1/4" x 5-1/2" décor; 26-page 11" x 8-1/2" planner calendar

COLORS: Basic Black, Basic Gray, Bermuda Bay, Cameo Coral, Crumb Cake, Crushed Curry, Early Espresso, Glorious Green, Going Gray, Lucky Limeade, Peach Parfait, Pool Party, Real Red, Sage Shadow, Sahara Sand, Very Vanilla

 

#130970
BE OF GOOD CHEER KIT

38-piece stamp brush set; 8-piece Chock Full of Cheer Stamp Brush Set; 12 DSP patterns; 9 embellishments AND an 8" x 8" page template

 

COLORS: Cherry Cobbler, Gumball Green, Very Vanilla

#130975
DELICATE DOILIES PUNCH
3-piece

 

#130968
WONDERFUL WHIMSIES
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER
12 DSP patterns

COLORS: Basic Gray, Cameo Coral, Crushed Curry, Glorious Green, Kiwi Kiss, Night of Navy, Only Orange, Pool Party, Poppy Parade, River Rock, So Saffron, Tempting Turquoise, Very Vanilla

#130077
CANT'S INTO CANS FRAMABLE
1-page template 8-1/2" x 11"; 9-piece stamp brush set

COLORS: Brilliant Blue, Cameo Coral, Crushed Curry, Pear Pizzazz, Taken with Teal

#130859
EVERYTHING ELEANOR
STAMP BRUSH SET
8-piece

Wow! Some great options in this week's digital downloads. Don't you just LOVE Tuesdays????

To order, go to the My Digital Studio Downloads page at my website.

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
maccreative@me.com

$5 Stamp Set Reserved For You

The Reason to Smile stamp set -- in your choice of wood-mount or clear-mount -- is yours for only $5 when you place an order of $50 or more this month ONLY.

Sweet!

Ordering online?

Simply enter the appropriate item number once you reach $50 in your shopping bag:

Reason to Smile - Wood Mount Item #131274 - $5.00
Reason to Smile - Clear Mount Item #131275 - $5.00

The details....

• Spend $50 on any current Stampin' Up! products to get the exclusive Reason to Smile Set for just $5.
• Orders may be placed on any order type (customer, demonstrator, workshop, or online).
• There is a limit of one (1) set per person.
• You will not be automatically prompted to enter the $5 Item Number for a qualifying purchase. Use these item codes:
  Reason to Smile - Wood Mount Item #131274 - $5.00
  Reason to Smile - Clear Mount Item #131275 - $5.00
• The Reason to Smile Set is exclusive to this promotion and will not be available after July 31, 2012.
• Deadlines: Tuesday, July 31, 2012; 11:50 PM (MT)

Click here to go to my online ordering site now, or give me a call and I'll happily place an order for you.

Don't miss getting YOUR $5 stamp set with your qualifying $50 order!

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
maccreative@me.com

Celebrate the Fourth of July

Happy Independence Day!

As we celebrate this day with family in Washington, D.C., I wish you the best on this national holiday.

Words of Courage Wood-Mount Stamp Set     #126335
Words Of Courage Clear-Mount Stamp Set     #126337
Words Of Courage Stamp Brush Set - Digital Download     #130858

Honor the heroes in your life with cards and projects made using this patriotic six-piece set. Perfect for making cards for our overseas troops, or to create a scrapbook page for a loved one serving in the military.

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
maccreative@me.com

Reason To Smile

Spend $50 on any current Stampin' Up! products to get the exclusive Reason to Smile Set for just $5.

The Reason to Smile Set is exclusive to this promotion and will not be available after July 31, 2012.

Reason to Smile Wood-Mount Set #130826 $20.95
To get it for $5, enter #131274 when your shopping cart reaches $50

Reason to Smile Clear-Mount Set #130828 $16.95
To get it for $5, enter #131275 when your shopping cart reaches $50

Look what you can do with this set...

Stamps
Reason to Smile Stamp Set
Curly Cute Stamp Set

Paper
Calypso Coral card stock
Pool Party card stock
Very Vanilla card stock

Ink
Calypso Coral Classic Stampin' Pad
Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad
Pool Party Classic Stampin' Pad
Tangerine Tango Classic Stampin’ Pads

Accessories
Linen Thread
Scallop Edge Punch
Big Shot Die-Cut Machine
Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Embossing Folder

Stamps
Reason to Smile Stamp Set
Teeny Tiny Wishes Stamp Set

Paper
Pool Party card stock
Watercolor Paper

Ink
Calypso Coral Classic Stampin' Pad
Certainly Celery Classic Stampin' Pad
Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad
Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad
Pumpkin Pie Classic Stampin’ Pads

Accessories
Calypso Coral 3/8" Ruffled Ribbon
Linen Thread
Basic Rhinestone Jewels
Stampin’ Dimensionals
1/16" Circle Punch
Big Shot Die-Cut Machine
Mini Milk Carton Bigz™ L Die

Ready to order? Place your order of $50 or more here and remember to include your $5 Reason to Smile set!

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
maccreative@me.com

Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine: Happy Birthday

Sometimes all you need is a frame to make a beautiful sentiment really stand out. This one was made using the Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine and the Labels Collection Framelits Dies. Add stitching for extra sizzle and pop.

Stamps
Fabulous Florets Stamp Set (Wood #123025; Clear #123027; MDS #124110)

Paper
Tangerine Tango Card Stock
Whisper White Card Stock
Fan Fair Designer Series Paper #126918

Ink
Island Indigo Classic Stampin' Pad
Lucky Limeade Classic Stampin' Pad
Rich Razzleberry Classic Stampin' Pad
Stampin Write Markers - Brights Collection

Accessories
Stampin' Dimensionals
Big Shot Die-Cut Machine
Beautiful Wings Stampin' Up! Embosslits Die
Labels Collection Framelits Dies

This is one of the stamp sets you could choose with our $99 Joining special. You choose the products you want for your own Starter Kit.

• Your choice of up to $125 worth of any current Stampin' Up! products
• A business supply pack valued at $65

That's a total value of $190!

Plus, during June, you’ll get even more FREE products when you join my Stampin’ Up! team, including select products from the brand-new Patio Party Suite valued up to $48.85.

Don't delay -- it's nearly the end of the month! See all the details here.

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
maccreative@me.com

Hot Weather Solution

Baby, it is HOT outside!

How hot is it? Check out this scene...

With record-breaking temperatures in Atlanta -- a high of 106, yikes! -- I'm looking for any way to stay cool.

So my mind, naturally, turns to Christmas.

This Christmas card leads me to thoughts of chilly nights, candy canes and snowflakes. I feel so much cooler already!

Featuring the Come to Bethlehem stamp set, this traditionally-themed card is in non-traditional colors. Don't you love how the red makes it pop? Notice too the addition of the Vintage Faceted Designer Button and a gold Basic Glimmer Brad.

Stamps
Come To Bethlehem Stamp Set (Wood #118732; Clear #120591, MDS #123963)
Bells & Boughs Stamp Set (Wood #120831; Clear #121742)

Paper
Very Vanilla card stock  
Patio Party Designer Series Paper (#126916)

Ink
Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad
Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad
Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad

Accessories   
5/8 Inch Crochet Trim Victoria
Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine   
Basics Glimmer Brads   
Vintage Faceted Designer Buttons (#127555)
Stampin' Dimensionals
Big Shot Die-Cut Machine (#113439)
Apothecary Accents Framelits Dies (#127003)
Paper Doily Sizzlits Die (#125592; MDS#129365)

So come on -- stay cool. Start those holiday cards now. Place an order here at my website, or call or email me and I'll place the order for you.

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
maccreative@me.com

My Digital Studio: Tuesday Downloads

Tuesday's mean new digital downloads for My Digital Studio, so here's today's great releases for digital scrapbooking, cardmaking and photo journals.

Dahlias #130979 includes 50 embellishments in 50 colors (Always Artichoke, Baja Breeze, Bashful Blue, Basic Black, Basic Gray, Bravo Burgundy, Cajun Craze, Calypso Coral, Certainly Celery, Cherry Cobbler, Chocolate Chip, Crumb Cake, Daffodil Delight, Early Espresso, Elegant Eggplant, Garden Green, Gumball Green, Island Indigo, Lucky Limeade, Marina Mist, Melon Mambo, Midnight Muse, More Mustard, Night of Navy, Not Quite Navy, Old Olive, Pacific Point, Perfect Plum, Pink Pirouette, Pool Party, Pretty in Pink, Primrose Petals, Pumpkin Pie, Raspberry Ripple, Real Red, Regal Rose, Rich Razzleberry, Riding Hood Red, River Rock, Rose Red, Sahara Sand, So Saffron, Soft Suede, Summer Starfruit, Tangerine Tango, Tempting Turquoise, Very Vanilla, Whisper White, Wild Wasabi, Wisteria Wonder)

Afternoon Daydream Kit #130861 includes an 8-piece stamp brush set, 4 Designer Series Papers and 58 embellishments in Basic Gray, More Mustard, Pool Party, and Primrose Petals.

Daydream Medallions Stamp Brush Set #130854 includes a 5-piece stamp brush set and a 5" x 7" greeting card designer template.

Natural Composition Overlays Brush Set #130855 includes a 12-piece stamp brush set and a 4-1/4" x 5-1/2" greeting card designer template. These overlays may be used as full-sized page backgrounds or sized down for photo overlays.

Bon Voyage Photobook Template #130873 includes: a 24-page photobook designer template (11" x 8-1/2"), 20 Designer Series Papers and 60 embellishments. Coordinating colors: Apricot Appeal, Baja Breeze, Barely Banana, Basic Black, Basic Gray, Calypso Coral, Cameo Coral, Certainly Celery, Going Gray, Early Espresso, Midnight Muse, More Mustard, Pool Party, Sahara Sand, So Saffron, Very Vanilla.

Summer Love Designer Template #130067 includes a 2-page template (8-1/2" x 11"), 7-piece stamp brush set, 2 Designer Series Papers and 5 embellishments. Coordinating colors: Calypso Coral, Not Quite Navy, Pool Party, Regal Rose, Summer Starfruit.

 

Another six great downloads for you to use in My Digital Studio or in the photo-editing software of your choice. Go to my website now to order.

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
maccreative@me.com

Card In A Hurry: Happy Anniversary

What to do when you need a card in a hurry?

Plan A: Look through your "stash" -- surely there's a card I can use?!!!!

Hmmm...that's a no go for Plan A.

Plan B: Jump into My Digital Studio.

The focal piece for this card was created in My Digital Studio, printed out and mounted on a Basic Black base with a piece of Baja Breeze card stock at the bottom. Add a ribbon, pearls and sweet little bow and voilá -- a hybrid card done in under 10 minutes.

My favorite add-on is the pearl as the dot of the "i" in "cherish."

How could it be only 10 minutes? I CASED the focal piece from a post by Susan Erickson at www.mydigitalstudio.net -- a great site to browse when you're looking for inspiration. It took me only a couple of minutes to reconstruct the focal piece and then I was off and running.

The elements used in My Digital Studio are on the original DVD -- so no extra downloads here.

If you are interested in downloads, though, remember to check back tomorrow to see the new downloads for this week. I love Tuesday downloads!

Get your free trial for My Digital Studio here.

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
maccreative@me.com

Raining Flowers

Two-step stamping at its best.

Stamp the base image, then position and stamp the overlay image -- easy! Cut out the images and stack them using Stampin' Dimensionals to create a 3D effect.

Stamps
Raining Flowers Stamp Set (Wood #122765; Clear #122767)
Sweet Essentials Stamp Set (Wood #126455; Clear #126457)

Paper
Baja Breeze 8-1/2X11 Card Stock
Whisper White 8-1/2X11 Card Stock
Floral District Designer Series Paper (#126919; MDS #127209)

Ink
Baja Breeze Classic Stampin' Pad
Lucky Limeade Classic Stampin' Pad
Rose Red Classic Stampin' Pad

Accessories
Lucky Limeade 3/8 Inch Ruffled Ribbon
Lucky Limeade Baker's Twine
Basic Rhinestones Jewel Accents (#119246)
Stampin' Dimensionals

Floral District is another great collection of papers.

Did you see the pdf I posted for you yesterday? Scroll back one post to download a pdf listing the coordinating colors for all the Designer Series Papers.

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
maccreative@me.com

Fabulous Friend? Fabulous Phrases!

So I have this fabulous friend named Kathy and I like to surprise her with a handmade card every so often when she's not expecting it.

I just sneak it into her office when I think she needs a little love.

Take the Fabulous Phrases stamp set, add some Summer Starfruit 3/8" Stitched Satin ribbon and a beautiful scalloped edge using the Large Scallop Edgelits Die and you have a perfectly lovely card. Just the thing for a BFF!

Stamps
Fabulous Phrases
(Wood #117002; Clear #120501)

Paper
Cajun Craze card stock
Pool Party card stock
Summer Starfruit card stock
Very Vanilla card stock

Ink
Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Pad

Accessories
Summer Starfruit 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon
Pool Party Baker's Twine
Silver Mini Brads
Punch Pack
Big Shot Die-Cut Machine
Large Scallop Edgelits Die

Want to know how to find a quality event for you and YOUR best friend to share a little girl time? Stay tuned -- I'll be releasing my Fall class schedule next week. Lots of new classes, clubs and special events perfect for sharing!

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
maccreative@me.com

World Treasures: Internatonal Bazaar Peacock

I just cannot leave this peacock alone!

Tomorrow --I promise -- something different.

This card started out with the peacock from World Treasures (Wood #126765; Clear #126767) embossed in silver on a piece of Midnight Muse card stock. I used an Aqua Painter filled with bleach to paint in the area around the peacock's body. I just love the way the Midnight Muse bleaches out to shades of yellow and green.

A couple of tips when working with bleach...First, make sure the bleach is fresh. There's a reason that bleach comes in light-proof containers--it loses its strength in the light. The barrel of the aqua painter is transparent, so the bleach is exposed to light and just wimps out after a day or so.

Second, reserve one Aqua Painter just for bleach use. You could wrap electrical tape around the barrel to lengthen the time the bleach is active.

I used the Labels Framelits to cut both shapes and the Fancy Fan Embossing Folder on the larger one.

It's  the first time I've used the new Essentials Paper-Piercing Pack (#126187) consisting of three unique 6 x 6 templates that coordinate with punches, Edgelits and Framelits.

It was a breeze to get the three brads lined up perfectly evenly with this template.

The other two templates have even more fun shapes on them:

Stamps
World Treasures (Wood #126765; Clear #126767)

Ink
Versamark

Paper
Midnight Muse CS
Lucky Limeade CS
Chocolate Chip CS
International Bazaar DSP

Accessories
Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (#113439)
Fancy Fan Embossing Folder (#127751)
Labels Collection Framelits (#125598)
Midnight Muse Ribbon
Silver Embossing Powder
Heat Gun
Essentials Paper-Piercing Pack (#126187)
Silver brads
Dimensionals

You can order anytime online at my website, or email or call me with your order.

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
maccreative@me.com

Mea Culpa

Note to self...Do not post your husband's Father's Day card before Father's Day. He may decide to look at your blog for the first time in years.

Lesson learned.

So, I had to do a super-quick card for said husband.

At 2 a.m. Sunday morning I launched My Digital Studio, picked a template, added MDS elements and printed it out onto Whisper White card stock.

After cutting out the main image, I mounted it onto two layers of card stock, added ribbon, brads and a button and voila!

For good measure, I wrapped his gift -- a watch -- in Stampin' Up! Designer Series paper, tied with ribbon and added a couple of pearls.

Went to bed at 2:35 feeling quite pleased with myself.

A hybrid card...who knew? The best of both worlds!

Cheers,
Kathleen
678-467-1330
maccreative@me.com