Oh Christmas Tree, How I Miss You

Maybe it's because Spring hasn't quite arrived yet that I'm still so fixated on Christmas. (Or maybe I'm just THAT behind on my blog posting). But here's another Christmas creation, and one that I am quite proud of. I got hold of this idea as I was browsing through the Stampin' Connection, an exclusive community of Stampin' Up! demonstrators.

The tree is comprises 20 ornaments punched out of DSP using the Ornament Punch. I "decorated" a couple of the ornaments by using the eyelet border punch and the scallop border punch to punch a little strip of Cherry Cobbler card stock and adhering it to the ornament. The tree trunk is an inch-wide piece of Chocolate Chip cardstock. Finally, I punched the cute little bird from DSP using the Two-Step Bird punch and the Christmas greeting comes from the Four The Holidays stamp set.

 

Since the left side of the layout was so complex and busy, I decided that the right side should be simple. I once again punched out several ornaments and then decorated them with the letters from the Joyful sizzlits die. 

 

And just because I love her Christmas pictures and I think she is so stinkin' adorable, here's Bella Bug, whose pictures will grace this scrapbook layout.  

Happy Stampin'

~Cita

2010 Ladybug Christmas Party

In December, Ladybug Ink, my stamping group, had our annual Christmas party. Each year, we have a gift exchange, with the gifts being handmade. This year, the Stampin' Up! fabric was prevalent in a lot of the gifts, and there were several awesome projects. Once again, I know that Christmas was almost two months ago, but I'm still missing it and I have so much to share. I hope you enjoy all the Ladybug's projects. I mingle with such a creative bunch.

Amber decorated this tote with flowers made from the Springtime Vintage Designer Fabric in the Occasions Mini Catalog. I was the original recipient of this tote, but one of the other Ladybugs stole it from me.

Angela made this tray using the DSP from the previous Holiday mini catalog. She included some festive candles in this cute gift.

This was my gift that I made. It's a series of decorated cork board. The white is actual dry erase that I stamped with the journaling stamp from the Notes & Details stamp set. I made the flower using the Fun Flowers Bigx die and the Big Shot. I love how you can cut more that just cardstock with the Big Shot. Just with this project, I cut vinyl, whiteboard matte, and fabric.

Corrina made this awesome decorated notebook. This is the cover and there are two other decorated dividers within the notebook. After having two of my other gifts stolen from me, I was the lucky recipient of this notebook.

I would like to to say that Karen is super talented and I am amazed at her project. It's an ornament and bowl that she made with the designer fabric. Unfortunately, this picture does not show just how awesome the ornament looked.

Kay made this beautiful plate using decor elements and Stampin' Up!'s rhinestones.

Michelle, one of the newest Ladybugs, made this adorable recipe box.

The other Michelle used designer fabric to make this adorable Checker board set. I was the original recipient of this gift, but it was quickly stolen from me.

I did however get to keep the adorable gift tag that Michelle made for her project.

Mindy was so proud of her gift. She made this pillow and used the designer fabric for one side of the pillow and then the Cherry Cobbler seam binding to make the stripes on the other side (see below). She said this was one of the first things she has ever made.

Ruth used designer fabric to make this table runner.

Vanessa made these beautiful coaster set using stamps.

And there is the Ladybug Christmas party in a nutshell. Did you see all the amazing things you can do with designer fabric? I'm so jealous of all the ladies who know how to stamp AND sew. I don't even own a sewing machine. Shoot, I barely know how to thread a needle (now that's an exaggeration, but I think you get the point). 

Happy Stampin' 

~Carmelita

Sale-A-Brate!

 The best time of the in Stampin' Up! year has arrived - SALE-A-BRATION!

Sale-A-Bration is the biggest sales event of the year, and this year there are four great Sale-A-Bration sets for you to choose from--as well as a Designer Series Paper & Quick Accents pack, a Ribbon & Button pack, digital downloads, and Décor Elements!

There are three ways for you to earn free products:

1. Spend: Receive a free Sale-A-Bration product for every $50 you spend (before tax and shipping)!

2. Host: Receive a free Sale-A-Bration product for every $300 in workshop sales*, in addition to the regular hostess benefits! *Note: This benefit is only available on qualifying customer, demonstrator, and workshop orders. Online orders do not qualify.

3. Join: Join Stampin' Up! as a demonstrator and receive 15 percent off your Starter Kit (Standard or Digital+), plus a special Sale-A-Bration bonus bundle valued up to $50!

Sale-A-Bration lasts until March 31. Contact me or visit my website to take advantage of this awesome event. 
~Cita

Look who is Turning One!

My daughter is turning one in three weeks!! Aagghhh!
AND I haven't gotten her birthday invitations/announcement sent out (bad mommy).

So tonight, after Sybella went to sleep, I sat down with my husband, "watched" a movie, and created this invitation using My Digital Studio. I was so happy and impressed with myself and the invitation. I ordered a crap load of these babies, and hopefully they will all be sent out by the end of this upcoming week. I couldn't wait to share it with you, so here I am blogging instead of going to bed.

Positioning the pictures wasn't as painful as I originally thought it would be, especially if you turn on the guides. I also like how you can add a border around the pictures, like I did with the main picture. They call it a "Mat" in MDS. I originally thought that I was going to purchase a few downloads to create the invitation, but everything I used for this project comes with the MDS software, so I didn't have to purchase anything. It worked out great. Have I told you lately that I love MDS?

Ok. Off to bed. I have to rest up for the football games tomorrow.

Happy Digital Crafting!
~Cita

PS - Don't I have cute baby? :-p

The Joys of My Digital Studio

 

I wanted to take a moments to write a few points about the wonders of My Digital Studio. It truly is a great product and I have enjoyed making many digital scrapbook pages with it, and I tend to use it a lot for making invitations to my Stampin' Up! events. Check out my Facebook page for samples. And while your there, "like" me. :)

Anyways...My Digital Studio....

What is My Digital Studio? 

MDS is an intuitive digital design software featuring Stampin’ Up!’s exclusive art, designs, and colors. You can create an array of interactive digital scrapbooks, cards, calendars, and more—which you can then print using Stampin’ Up!’s professional print services, or save to DVD, e-mail, or upload to the Internet. 

What about the software? Is it hard to use?

No, it is not hard to use. The great thing about MDS is that it was designed to accommodate users with all levels of ability and experience. The software will also run on a PC or Mac. 

What does the software include?

 The My Digital Studio boxed version includes nearly 2,000 elements–stamp brushes, embellishments, pre-designed templates, punches, Designer Series Papers, card stock, and more. That’s an over $500 value!

Don't think you're creative or don't have enough time? 

No worries, use the designer templates for inspiration.You can also start with a blank canvas if you are up to it.

What kind of content is available for the MDS?

In addition to the content that come with your MDS you can purchase additional content from my website. There's dynamic digital content offerings available for purchase monthly, which includes exclusive content only available in digital format.
 

Can I use the images from MDS in other programs?

Yes, multiple file formats allow for seamless install with My Digital Studio or other design programs.

What about printing?

Stampin' Up! has professional print services that use high-quality, sewn-reinforced binding, printing, and paper. Visit my website for pricing. 

How much does MDS cost?

MDS is competitively priced at $79.95.

Visit my website to order yours now. 

Contact me if you have any more questions about My Digital Studio. Take the leap from traditional scrapbooking to digital scrapbooking. It's a great experience!

Happy digital crafting!!

~Cita

A Little Bird Told Me

A little birdie told me that if you host a qualifying workshop (at least $150 in sales), you can get free stamp sets that you can use to make cute cards like this one. I used the Punch Potpourri hostess stamp set to make this card. Since this stamp set is a hostess set, you can only acquire this set by hosting a workshop or purchasing a minimum of $150 of product.Hostess stamp sets like this one are a great reason to host a workshop. In addition to a free hostess stamp set, you also qualify for at least $15.00 worth of Stampin' Up! products. And all you have to do is open your house up, invite your friends, and provide some refreshments. I'll take it from there and do the dirty work. Contact me if you are interested in hosting a workshop or if you have any questions about the whole thing. .

Stampin' Cita's Tips:

• Colors used: Baja Blue, Chocolate Chip, Pink Pirouette, and Old Olive
• Stamp sets: Punch Potpourri and Teeny Tiny Wishes 
• Accessories: Two-Step Bird Extra Large punch, Ticket Corner Small punch, Greenhouse Gala DSP
• Base is 3x3. Cut a 3x6 inch piece of cardstock and score at 3 inches. 
• Stamp the bird twice in Pink Pirouette on Whisper White cardstock. Using the bird punch, punch out the first stamped bird image. For the second stamped image, use the wing part of the punch to punch out a part of the stamped image (preferably the part with the swirlies). Adhere the wing to the bird using a Stampin' Dimensional.
• Take a strip of Old Olive cardstock and use the bird punch to punch out the branch. 
• Use Chocolate Chip to stamp "Friend to Friend" or any of the other awesome sentiments in the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set.

~Cita

New Downloads for My Digital Studio

Have you used My Digital Studio recently? I have been hard at work using MDS to digitally scrapbook Sybella's first year. I have three more weeks to scrapbook before it's done (she turns 1 on Valentine's day). I'm hoping to share some of my pages with you when I'm done with the book.

Today, Stampin Up! released several new items that you can download and use for your MDS projects. Check them out and then head on over to my website to purchase My Digital Studio or these awesome downloads.

Item	Description	Image	Price	Content
124030	Tempting Turquoise Patterns Designer Series Paper		$1.95	Four Tempting Turquoise Designer Series Paper Patterns
124031	Old Olive Patterns Designer Series Paper		$1.95	Four Old Olive Designer Series Paper Patterns
124033	Pretty in Pink Patterns Designer Series Paper		$1.95	Four Pretty in Pink Designer Series Paper Patterns
124022	Sweet Stitches Designer Buttons		$2.95	Three button styles in Tangerine Tango, Melon Mambo, Chocolate Chip, and Daffodil Delight. Total of 12 buttons.
124028	Pattern Pieces Stamp Brush		$1.95	One oversized fabric pattern. Coordinates with the "Oh Sew Suite" product line.
124018	Blossom Petals Punch		$0.95	Four-piece stamp brush set and one 5" x 7" greeting card designer template.
124019	Build a Blossom Stamp Brush Set		$5.95	Twelve-piece stamp brush set. Coordinates with the digital Blossom Petals Punch.
124027	Eat Chocolate Stamp Brush Set		$3.95	Four-piece stamp brush set.
125161	Top 10 Photo Book Template		$14.95	This 24-page designer template (11" x 8-1/2") was used to make the My Digital Studio Professional Print Product Sampler, demonstrator supply item #124261.
125162	2011 Pennant Desktop Calendar		$14.95	This 25-page calendar template (5-1/2" x 6-1/2" calendar with easel) was used to make the My Digital Studio Professional Print Product Sampler, demonstrator supply item #124261.
125623	Baja Breeze Flower Bouquet Birth Announcement		$1.95	Double-sided baby boy announcement postcard designer template. Colors are Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss, and Basic Gray.
125163	Regal Rose Flower Bouquet Birth Announcement		$1.95	Double-sided baby girl announcement postcard designer template. Colors are Regal Rose, Kiwi Kiss, and So Saffron. This template was used to make the My Digital Studio Professional Print Product Sampler, demonstrator supply item #124261.
125164	Play Date Invitation Designer Template		$1.95	Birthday greeting card invitation template. Front and inside of card are pre-designed. Template includes nine embellishment pieces and was used to make the My Digital Studio Professional Print Product Sampler, demonstrator supply item #124261.
125165	Snowflake Flurry Holiday Trifold Card Designer Template		$1.95	This 4" x 9-1/4" trifold card designer template was used to make the My Digital Studio Professional Print Product Sampler, demonstrator supply item #124261.
124542	Chat Room Rock Star Stamp Brush Set		$5.95	Ten-piece stamp brush set.
124543	Chat Room Friend Stamp Brush Set		$5.95	Ten-piece stamp brush set.
124486	Chat Room Baby Stamp Brush Set		$5.95	Ten-piece stamp brush set.

Enjoy!
~Cita

Missing Christmas Already

I loved this past holiday season, and I'm kind of sad that is over; it went by too fast! I'm also kind of in denial that we are not in the holiday season anymore. I'm still jamming out to my Glee Christmas album.

I made quite a few Christmas cards this past year and was unable to share all of them on my blog. Not wanting them to be forgotten, I decided to post them anyways ( I know, I know. Christmas is over :( ). I hope you enjoy them anyway, and maybe they will be an inspiration for next year.

I was really proud of this card. I thought it was simple, but it turns out that my lovely stamp-a-stack attendees showed me that it was the most time-consuming card that I have designed in a while.

This card was CASEd from a fellow demonstrator that I found on Stampin' Connection (a benefit of being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator).  Even though the Northern Flurry Textured Embossing folder was featured in the now expired Holiday Mini, it is a carryover item and is still available for purchase (120902, $7.95 US). 

This card is another one that I CASEd and offered it at my stamp-a-stack in November. I love the new Rhinestones. They are the perfect touch to this card.

In October, I held a gift card holder class where we made two different Christmas gift card holders. This was the first holder we made.

And here is the second gift card holder. This one was my favorites. I love the Baja Blue and Chocolate Chip color combo.

Hope you enjoy my throwback to Christmas. You know, it's never to early to start preparing! :)
  
~Cita

Hello Occasions Mini Catalog

Were you a little sad that yesterday was the last day to order from the Holiday Mini Catalog? Probably not since today the Occasions Mini Catalog is available! It’s here and it’s online for your viewing pleasure! Click here to look at all the awesome products and new stamp sets feature in the mini, and then head on over to my website to make your purchase. The Occasions Mini Catalog will be available until April 30, 2011. Stay tuned for my Occasions Mini Catalog List of Awesomeness. Enjoy the new catalog!  

~Cita

Last Day to Order from the Holiday Mini Catalog

It's been a great catalog, but today we must say goodbye to the Holiday Mini Catalog. You have until 11:50 pm (MT) to place your order. Remember, not all products in the mini catalogs carryover, so this may be your last chance to get that awesome stamp set you fell in love with earlier. Shoot me an email if you have any questions or head on over to my website to make your last minute purchases.

Happy Stamping! 
~Cita

Tags on Cards

Of all my Christmas stamp sets, I think I have used the Tags ‘til Christmas stamp set the most this year. The number one reason is to make Christmas tags for presents, but I’ve also have been using the images for cards, such as I did in this card. I used my favorite image from the set – the Dec. 25 image that can be easily punched out with the Decorative Label punch. What’s neat about this card too, is that you could easily switch out the Dec. 25 image for another image in the Tags ‘til Christmas set and create a variety of cards with the same layout.

Stampin’ Cita’s Tips

•  Colors used: Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive, and Very Vanilla
•  Stamp sets: Tags til Christmas and Four the Holidays
• Accessories and Tools: Decorative Label punch, Scallop Oval punch, Scallop Trim Border punch, Stampin’ Dimensionals, and Jolly Holiday DSP
• Use a 1” wide strip of Old Olive to punch the Scallop Border on. I like using 1” wide strips when I use the border punches to have a bit of leverage when punching the cardstock. The great thing about positioning the border above the DSP is that I can adhere it BEHIND the DSP and position it better.
• Stamp the Dec.25 in Cherry Cobbler on Very Vanilla cardstock and then punch the image out using the Decorative Label punch. Stamp the Dec. 25 image again on Very Vanilla cardstock using Old Olive this time. Punch out the middle of the image using the Scallop Oval punch. Adhere this oval on the Cherry Cobbler image using a Stampin’ Dimensional.
• Stamp the “Merry Christmas” sentiment (or any of the other sentiments in the Four the Holidays stamp set) with Chocolate Chip classic ink.

Hope your preparations for Christmas are going great! Merry Christmas and God Bless!

~Cita

Happy Holidays with Markers

I don’t know why it took me so long to purchase the Big on Christmas stamp set because it has been one of my favorite sets for a few years now. The reason I like it so much is that it’s perfect to use when I want to color with markers, which is exactly what I did in this simple card.

Stampin’ Cita’s Tips:

• Colors used: Old Olive and Read Red
• Stamp set: Big on Christmas
• Accessories: Real Red and Old Olive Stampin’ Write Markers, Old Olive 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Embossing Folder Die
• Card base is 4.25” x 5.5” Old Olive cardstock
• Stamp the “Happy Holiday” sentiment on Whisper White with Chocolate Chip. Use the Real Red Stampin’ Write marker to color the letters in the word “Happy.”
•  Stamp the “Happy Holiday” sentiment again. Color the Christmas Tree and then cut out the tree. Use a Stampin’ Dimensional to adhere the cutout tree over the tree on the first stamped image.
• Emboss the Real Red cardstock with Dots by using the Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Embossing Folder Die with your Big Shot.
• Tie a knot in the Old Olive grosgrain ribbon and then wrap the ribbon around your Real Red piece. You can adhere the ribbon to the back of the cardstock by using Scotch tape. Tying a knot is so much easier than trying to tie a perfect bow, in my opinion

 Happy Stampin!
~Cita

Filled with Love

Ok, let’s take a break from Christmas and talk about Valentine’s day! (Which became one of my favorite days last year because that was the day I had my sweet baby girl, Sybella)

From December 17,2010 – January 24, 2010, Stampin Up! is offering a FREE package of Bitty Buttons (a $4.95 value) when you purchase an exclusive Filled with Love Bundle, which includes the Filled with Love stamp set and the Love Patterns designers series paper pack (exclusive for this promotion).

Filled with Love Details:

• You must use the promotional bundle item number to receive the free buttons
• Already have the Filled with Love stamp set and just want the paper? You can purchase the exclusive Love Patterns Designer Series Paper Pack alone for $9.95 (item 124156). Free Bitty Buttons are not included with the purchase of only the paper pack.
•  The Filled with Love Bundles include the Filled with Love stamp set from the 2010 Holiday Mini Catalog (pg. 43). Although the Holiday Mini sales period ends January 3, 2011, this stamp set will continue to be available for purchase through January 24, 2011.
• Promotion ends Monday, January 24, 2011.
• Filled with Love Promotion Items:

o   Filed with Love Bundle contains the Filed with Love Set and Love Patterns Designer Series Paper Pack (Wood-mount 124380, $32.90; Clear-mount 124381, $26.90)

o   Lleno de Amor Bundle contains the Lleno de Amor Set and Love Patterns Designer Series Paper Pack (Wood-mount 124382, $32.90; Clear-mount 124385, $26.90)

o   Plein d'amour Bundle contains the Plein d'amour Set* and Love Patterns Designer Series Paper Pack (Wood-mount 124384, $32.90; Clear-mount 124385, $26.90)

o   Love Patterns Designer Series Paper Pack (non-bundled) 12 sheets total: three 12" x 12" sheets of two double-sided designs in Real Red and Pretty in Pink (124156, $9.95)

Head on over to my website to purchase this awesome deal, and get a head start on your Valentines.

~Cita