Q: Do you have suggestions for projects using the new fringe scissors?
Fringe Scissors, #133325, $9.95
A: Yes! The fringe scissors have ten blades and make five cuts at one time. They cut fringe, decorative grass and confetti with just a few snips. Say good-bye to hand cramps and uneven cuts.
Tips from Stampin' Up!: To get the cleanest cut, cut with the middle of the blades-don't start from the screw, and be sure to stop cutting before you get to the blade tips. If you cut either end of the blades, the paper will tear slightly instead of cutting cleanly. Stampin' Up! does not recommend cutting Glimmer paper with Fringe Scissors.
Let's get to some ideas!
Use the fringe scissors to add a fringe embellishment to a card or scrapbook page. Be sure to ruffle the fringe with your fingers so it doesn't lie flat.
Stamp Set: Happy Congratulations
Ink: Coastal Cabana, Strawberry Slush, Baked Brown Sugar
Paper: Baked Brown Sugar, Whisper White, Retro Fresh Designer Series Paper
Accessories: Fringe Scissors
Use the fringe scissors to make decorative grass for a spring or summer-themed project:
Stamp Set:Teeny Tiny wishes
Ink: Melon Mambo Basic Gray
Paper: Pool Party, Smoky Slate, Wild Wasabi, Melon Mambo
Accessories: Angled Tag Topper 1", 3/4" circle, Boho Blossoms (for rabbit's body, head and tail), 1/16" hole punches, Fringe Scissors, Big Shot, Lattice Die (for rabbit's ears), Bitty Banners Framelit, rhinestone, sponge,
Tag measures 2" x 7 12" and is scored at 3/4", 1 1/2", 3", 4 1/2", 6" and 6 3/4"
Create a fun fringed flowers. This one has a button center:
Click HERE for instructions on how to make the fringed flower with a button center.
Stamp Set: Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink: Basic Black
Paper: Pistachio Pudding, Whisper White, Crumb Cake, assorted Color Collection Designer Series Paper
Accessories: Big Shot, Lattice Die, Fringe Scissors, Modern Label Punch, assorted buttons, Sticky Strip, Tombow Two-Way Glue, Linen Thread, Mini Glue Dots
Make confetti for a fun accent:
Confetti Heart (image from Stampin' Up!)
Stamp Set: Says it All
Ink: Bermuda Bay
Paper: Basic Black, Bermuda Bay, Blushing Bride, Whisper White, Gold Foil sheets, White Creped Filter Paper
Accessories: Tag a Bag Gift Bag, Basic Black 3/4" Chevron Ribbon, Linen Thread, Multipurpose Liquid Glue, Full Heart and 2 1/2" Circle punches, Stampin' Spritzer, Fringe Scissors
Q- My Big Shot cutting pads are becoming warped. Is there a way to flatten them?
A: Yes! After continued use, you will probably find that your plastic cutting pads are becoming warped. There is a quick and simple way to flatten them.
This is what my worst cutting plate looked like. Not too bad, but I want to have it flat.
What you'll need:
baking sheet, aluminum foil, oven, baking dish, water
1. Pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees.
2. Wrap your warped cutting pad in aluminum foil.
3. Place it on a baking sheet.
4. Fill a baking dish with water, and place on top of the foil-wrapped cutting pad.
5. Place in the oven. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minuets to 1 hour. Check the pad after 30 minuets. If needed, place back in the oven and check every 10 minutes.
It works! Remember the cutting plate I showed you above? It now looks like this after 1 hour in a 350 degree oven.
Tips for slowing down the warping process:
-Be sure to flip the cutting pads after each use. Put the top pad on the bottom, the bottom pad on the top, flip them from one side to the other.
-Store your cutting pads on the cutting platform and roll 1/2 way into your Big Shot.
Q&A-Heat Embossing
Q: Do you have any tips on how to heat emboss?
A: Yes! Heat embossing is one of my favorite stamping techniques. I still get a thrill watching the embossed image "pop" as the embossing powder melts with the use of a heat tool.
What you need:
-heat tool (#129053, $29.95)
-Embossing Powder Stampin' Up! carries a wide variety of colored embossing powders.
-Embossing Buddy (#103083, $5.95)
-Ink- Versamark, a clear, thick ink that is slow to dry, allowing you time to add embossing powders and heat set (#102283, $7.50, refill #102193, $3.95).
Or foam (or craft) ink pads. These inks are wetter and slower to dry, allowing you time to add embossing powders and heat set. Stampin' Up! has 50 ink colors to choose from!
Directions:
1) Place your card stock in a Powder Pal tray (or over a large piece of scratch paper).
2) Rub the Embossing Buddy across the paper or card stock you want to emboss. (This keeps embossing powder from sticking anywhere but on the ink.)
3) Stamp image with VersaMark, or our new foam ink pads.
4) Pour embossing powder onto the inked image, making sure that the image is coated completely.
5) Shake off excess powder into the tray and funnel it back into its container.
6) Turn on the heat tool and let it warm up for a few seconds. Heat the stamped image with the heat tool until the powder changes to a shiny liquid and raises. Use a slow back and forth motion over the image. Keep the tool moving so you don't burn your paper.
7) Allow embossed image to cool.
Tips:
1) Be careful, the heat tool is very hot and can burn fingers and work surfaces. I place a 12"x12" ceramic tile that I purchased at my local home improvement store on my counter top. I can place my project right on the tile and apply heat directly from the heat tool without worrying about the heat scorching my counter top.
2) If you work better by holding the project to be embossed up in the air rather than laying it flat on a tile, use a clothes pin or similar to hold it while you apply heat. This helps keep fingers from burning.
3) The heat tool can melt acrylic fingernails, so be careful when when applying heat!
4) Be sure to keep the heat tool UNPLUGGED when not in use. I've heard stories of household pets knocking the heat tool off a work surface and hitting the "on" button. This is a recipe for disaster!
5) Don't overheat the powder, as it can scorch the paper.
6) The Embossing Buddy will become your best friend for embossing images. Swipe it over your paper before stamping. It will help keep static down, helping the powder to stick only on the ink.
7) Stamp your image using Versamark and heat emboss using colored embossing powders.
8) For more color variety, stamp your image using Stampin' Up!'s foam ink pads. Emboss your image using clear embossing powder.
9) To add a brighter touch to computer-printed text, sprinkle embossing powder on the card stock as it is coming out of the printer. Be fast! This is quick-drying ink!
Q&A-Quick Packaging Ideas Using Mini Muslin Bags
Q: I like the idea of quick packaging using Mini Muslin Bags. Do you have any stamping/decorating tips?
A: Yes, our muslin bags are a quick and easy way to package goodies, jewelry, trinkets and other small items. They are stampable, 100% cotton with a drawstring closure and measure 4" x 5 1/2". There are several ways you can stamp/decorate these versatile bags. (Item#132180, 8 bags for $9.95)
Stamp and Decorate:
Stamp an image using our firm foam ink pads. The ink is juicier. This give you more ink for the stamp which will give you a darker, crisper image for stamping on fabric. Remember the foam ink takes a little longer to dry. Be sure to let the ink dry before handling the bag to prevent smudges.
Or Stamp an image using our firm foam ink pads, then heat emboss using clear embossing powder. Or stamp an image using Versamark (be sure the Versamark is well inked), then heat emboss using our colored embossing powders. Either way, be careful when heat embossing. Too much heat can scorch the fabric.
Once stamped, add a quick tag. For the bag above, I used the Festive Flurry stamp set and die. The snowflakes were stamped using Gumball Green and Cherry Cobbler inks, then cut out using the Big Shot and coordinating Festive Flurry die. The snowflakes were layered one on top of the other using a Dimensional. A small hole was punched at the top of the bottom snowflake, Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine was threaded through the hole, then it was tied to the bag's drawstring. A small rhinestone was added to the center of the top snowflake for a little bling.
Add an embellishment made using our Gold or Silver Foil Sheets. This heart was punched out of a piece of Gold Foil Sheet using the Full Heart Punch, then embossed using the Big Shot and Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder. The heart was attached to the front of the bag using Mini Glue Dots. The sentiment was stamped using the Be Very Merry single stamp and Coastal Cabana ink.
Stencil:
Place a stencil over the muslin bag. You may want to add a little temporary adhesive to the back of the stencil to keep it in place. Create an ink palette by squeezing a small amount of reinker onto a plastic lid or plastic stamp case. Dab a sponge dauber into the pool of ink, and carefully dab onto the stencil. Add more ink as needed to make it as dark as you would like. Carefully remove the stencil. Set the bag aside to allow the ink to dry.
I used the polka dot stencil in the Build a Banner kit. You can create your own polka dot stencil by randomly punching holes in a piece of card stock using a 3/4" circle punch. The ink used was Gumball Green.
Q&A-Envelope Punch Board
(Thank you to Maria Pobre for her inspiration in creating this tutorial.)
Q: How do I make envelopes out of patterned paper using the Envelope Punch Board so the pattern is straight?
A: With the new Envelope Punch Board from Stampin’ Up!, you can make up to 66 different sized envelopes. This is a great and fun way to coordinate your cards and envelopes. But, if your paper has a linear pattern like dots or flowers across it, your envelope will have a skewed look, like it is not straight.
See this A2 envelope cut out of an 8 1/8” x 8 1/8” piece of polka dot designer series paper? See how the polka dots are at an angle?
Let me show you how you can get around this.
You’ll have to start with a full sheet of 12 x 12 paper.
1. Line the right edge of the paper against the cutting slot on your paper trimmer. Make a mark at 5 ¾” on the upper left side of the paper.
2. Rotate the paper counter-clockwise (left) at 90 degrees, and make a second mark at 5 ¾” on the upper left hand side of the paper.
3. Place the paper on the paper trimmer so the 2- 5 ¾” marks are lined up in the cutting slot. Cut off the excess triangle on the right hand side of the paper.
4. Turn the paper counterclockwise (left) 90 degrees. Line up the right corner of the 2nd mark on the cutting slot. The left corner should line up at the 8 1/8” mark on the other side. Cut forming the first corner of the square.
5. Turn the paper counterclockwise again. Line up the left corner with the 8 1/8” mark and cut, forming the 2nd corner of the square.
6. Turn the paper counterclockwise again. Line up the left corner with the 8 1/8” mark and cut, forming the last corner of the square.
You will have a square piece of paper measuring 8 1/8” x 8 1/8”. Don’t worry, the dots are not straight at this point, but will be after you have scored it using the Envelope Punch Board.
Now, the finished envelope. See how the polka dots are straight? Much better.
Here you can see the difference in the two envelopes. The 1st one has the slightly skewed polka dots. The polka dots on the 2nd one are straight.
Envelope Punch Board #133774 $19.95
No more boring white envelopes!
Customize envelopes up to 66 sizes with the Envelope Punch Board
Q&A - Pumpkins
 Q&A Q: I want to make some fall decorations. Do you have any suggestions? A: Pumpkins are fantastic for fall décor! Pumpkins can be used through both Halloween and Thanksgiving. I have 3 favorite ways to create pumpkin décor: Washi Tape, Punched Pumpkins, and 3-D Paper Pumpkins. All three ways are mess-free and fun for the whole family. Washi Tape Pumpkins  Washi Tape is all the rage in décor and papercrafting. It's fast and something you can even do with kids. Try decorating real fresh pumpkins or decorative pumpkins with the Halloween-themed Witches' Brew Designer Washi Tape (#132156). Create fun and colorful vertical stripes by alternating strips of different Washi Tape patterns. Begin each strip at the stem on top then wrap down the side and end at the bottom. Or create a spiral pattern by wrapping strips of alternating patterns diagonally around the pumpkin. Kids of all ages have fun creating jack-o-lantern faces - make yours from Washi Tape and avoid the mess of carving pumpkins! Punched Pumpkins  Punch art is a great way to create fun accents for cards, scrapbooks, and décor. Create paper napkin rings, name tags for the Thanksgiving Table, belly-band type wraps for candles, or tags on yummy fall treats with punch art pumpkins! Our Small, Large, and Extra-Large Oval Punches are perfect for creating pumpkins. Punch three ovals of the same size from Pumpkin Pie or Tangerine Tango cardstock. Sponge the edges of the ovals to add depth and dimension. If you want even more pop, try stamping the punched pieces with a graphic patterns like Positively Chevron or using the Big Shot with the Houndstooth or your favorite Textured Impressions Embossing Folder to add texture. To create the punch art pumpkins, adhere two ovals side by side so they overlap slightly. Add the third oval centered over the other ovals. Use a Stampin' Dimensional to create a 3-D effect. Add a little sliver of Chocolate Chip or Soft Suede cardstock behind the top of the pumpkin to create a stem. Group several punch art pumpkins created with different-sized oval punches for larger tags or in a row around a candle. 3-D Paper Pumpkins  Create 3-D pumpkins from strips Witches' Brew (#132185) or Sweater Weather (#132184) Designer Series Papers or cardstock. Cut 8 strips 1" wide and 4" long for small pumpkins or 12 strips 1" wide and 6" long for larger pumpkins. Stack the strips for each pumpkin neatly. Punch 1/8" hole near both ends of each strip. Knot one end of a 12" or 18" ribbon. Thread the unknotted end up through the holes the bottom of each strip. Bend the strips gently to create a "C" shape. Thread the ribbon up from the inside of the "C" shape through the other punched holes. Knot the ribbon above the paper strips at the top of the "C". Fan out the strips to create the pumpkin shape. Create a bunch of pumpkins and use them to create a garland, fill a basket with various colors and patterns, or set at the table with a tag on each with the names of your dinner guests. Easy as Pumpkin Pie! I think you'll have fun creating all three types of fun and easy pumpkin projects. Enjoy ... and as always, if you have questions, contact me! |
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| © CraftyPerson Production. 2013 Images © Stampin' Up! | ||
Q&A - GLITTER
 Q&AQ: I love glitter but I'm not always certain of the different ways to use it. What do you suggest? A: Glitter is a stamping girl’s best friend! There are many ways to apply glitter to your project. Liquid adhesives, Heat & Stick Powder, Sticky Strip, Shaker Frames, and Adhesive Sheets are some of my favorites. Read on to find out more about using each! Liquid Adhesives    Multipurpose Liquid Glue, Crystal Effects, and the 2-Way Glue Pen are the go-to methods of adding glitter highlights and details to your projects. They are all great for our ultra-fine Stampin’ Glitters like Dazzling Details (#102023). Crystal Effects gives the extra hold needed for chunky glitter like our Glass Stampin’ Glitter (#120997 Champagne, #120995 Silver). You simply apply the adhesive in the form you want and then sprinkle the glitter on top. Let dry before you tap off the excess. Heat & Stick Powder   This ingenious adhesive masquerades as embossing powder. You’ll want to use Heat & Stick Powder (#100625) when you want to make a glittery stamped image. Simply stamp the image with VersaMark Ink, apply Heat & Stick Powder and heat set like you would if you were heat embossing. Cover the Heat & Stick Powder with glitter while it is still hot and sticky. Tap off the excess and heat again to set the glitter in the Heat & Stick. Sticky Strip    When you want to add a nice, even strip of glitter, Sticky Strip (#104294) is the answer. Place Sticky Strip across your project, around the rim of a jar, or a picture frame. Press it down firmly and then pull off the red backing. Cover with glitter - even Glass Stampin’ Glitter works well. Continue to cover with the glitter until no more will stick. Use a scrap piece of paper to press the glitter firmly onto the tape. Glass Stampin’ Glitter is glass so be careful when pressing. Tap off excess and you are done! I've seen wonderful rainbows of color using this technique. You simply remove one row of tape and apply glitter before moving on to the next row to add a different shade of glitter. Shaker Frames  When you want a real “wow”, add glitter to a Shaker Frame (#124155) to create a sparkly effect inside a 3-Dimensional window. Adhere a Shaker Frame around a stamped image then add glitter. Remove the backing from the Shaker Frame and cover with a piece of Window Sheet (#114323). Your image will peek out from the sparkly window. Shaker Frames and glitter create a snow-like effect and are also fun for special occasions like birthdays and weddings. Adhesive Sheets  Think of Big Shot Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets (#120805) as really big, double-sided tape with protective backing on both sides. You can apply a piece of Adhesive Sheet to Designer Series Paper or cardstock, and then die-cut it into an assortment of shapes with the Big Shot. Basically, you’ve created a shaped sticker in the colors of your choice. Peel off the backing and cover with glitter. Press in the glitter and tap off excess and you have a beautiful, sparkly embellishment for your project. Never Enough Bling  If you still need more sparkle, you’ll also love Glimmer Paper and Dazzling Details glitter adhesive, both available in an assortment of colors. This home décor project is full of inspiration. The heart was embossed with VersaMark ink and Gold Stampin’ Emboss Powder on the Silver Glimmer Paper. Add Sparkle   Now you’ve seen a whole list of ways to add glitter to your projects. Go add some sparkle to your projects and make someone’s day even brighter when you share with them! Questions? Contact me, I’m always happy to help. |
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| © CraftyPerson Production. 2013 Images © Stampin' Up! | ||
Paper Pumpkin Kits
| Q&A Q: I keep hearing about Paper Pumpkin. What is it? A: The simple answer is that it’s a paper crafting kit you receive in the mail each month. The truth is that it’s more. It’s a little piece of fairytale magic delivered to your door to give you a creative escape in the midst of your everyday busy and chaotic life! (If that makes me your fairy godmother, I guess I’m good with that!)  What's included in the Paper Pumpkin kits?
How much does a Paper Pumpkin membership cost each month?
How long will it take to make each Paper Pumpkin project?
What if I want to stop receiving Paper Pumpkin?
How to get the Paper Pumpkin Deal?
I know you’ll want to give Paper Pumpkin a try during this super deal! Visit www.MyPaperPumpkin.com and register today. Please remember to list me as your demonstrator when asked at the end of checkout - I greatly appreciate it. Every month the kit is completely different. Here is my customer received last month: Here's what my customers received in June: Questions? Just call or email me. I’m happy to help answer your questions and help you register if you prefer to work directly with me! |
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| © CraftyPerson Production. 2013 Images © Stampin' Up! | ||
New 2013-2014 Annual Catalog
| Q&A Q: What's new and exciting in the latest release of the catalog? A: You are right, the new catalog is packed with amazing new products and creative samples. I think looking through the new Annual Catalog is kind of like a fun scavenger hunt! Here are some of my favorites – scavenger-hunt style!  Index Like a map, you can use the index at the start of each section of the catalog to guide you through the hunt! Stamp Index - pages 6-7 Accessories Index – pages 136-137 SCAVENGER HUNT – Can you find these? Product Suites: There are 9 suites that feature coordinating stamps, Designer Series Paper, punches, Big Shot dies and Textured Impressions Embossing Folders, and embellishments.
These bundles of stamps and coordinating tools or accessories save you 15% on fabulous combinations that you will love to use when you create.
Enjoy the hunt and discover which suites and bundles are your new favorites! Don’t have the new Annual Catalog? Contact me today! |
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| © CraftyPerson Production. 2013 Images © Stampin' Up! | ||
Summer Scrapbooking
| Q&A Q: How can I capture all of our family summer fun? A: Some of us like camping, some like the beach, and others prefer a luxury hotel and room service. Scrapbooking is kind of the same. We all have different likes and needs. The great thing is that Stampin’ Up! has a solution for us all, even you! Check out the options and see which one fits you and your family best.  Quick & Informal This and That Journals are perfect if you want to capture your memories on the go. They are designed so you can add thoughts, photos, brochures, tickets, and other tidbits as you go. Pack a small bag with a Stampin’ Write Marker or two, your This and That Journal, Remember This and That Rotary Stamp, coordinating Designer Stickers, and Washi Tape, and you’ll have everything you need! Since you can add thoughts and memories right away, you can return from a getaway with your journal complete and ready to share! Since it’s informal, you’ll cherish having other family members jot down some of their thoughts and favorite moments to share, too.        Digital Diva My Digital Studio is perfect for our digital world. You take your digital photos (lots of them!), download them to your computer, and then create! No need to print and crop. For the quickest results, just add your photos into any one of our many gorgeous artist-designed photobook templates. Customize it with your journaling and you are done. Even with our great templates you are in control. Add, move, or delete any of the elements as you wish. Have more time and want more customization? Simply make your own photobook using your favorite papers, stamps, and embellishments. You’ll be impressed with the quality and pricing of our print services. One of the often overlooked features of digital crafting is that it is easy to replicate. Need more copies of a photobook as a gift? No problem. The dog ate your photobook or your kids spilled red punch on it - no worries. You can reprint your projects anytime! Photobooks, journals, calendars, and more await your digital creativity!     Give Me a Year Calendar scrapbooking is a great solution if you want to share a highlight of memories from the year. You can quickly pick one (or a few) favorite pictures from each month. Add them to the calendar page for that month and you’ll have a collection of photos that gives a great overview of your year and family memories. Calendars can be created traditionally or with My Digital Studio. Using My Digital Studio, you have the choice of artist-designed calendar templates, complete customization, or somewhere in-between. These calendars are useful, you can enjoy them each day, and they make fantastic gifts that your family and friends will look forward to receiving each year!        Traditional Rules The world of traditional scrapbooking hasn’t changed - only grown! Maybe you love the hands-on approach of cropping photos, layering papers, and handwritten journaling combined to create scrapbooks that honor and share your special memories. If so, don’t worry, you can still use our great quality, archival, acid- and lignin-free Designer Series Paper and card stock to make your 12” x 12”, 8-1/2” x 11”, 8” x 8”, 6” x 6”, or other size scrapbooks. Create beautiful backgrounds with Stampin’ Around Wheels, create titles in any color with alphabet stamps, journal with coordinating Stampin’ Write Markers, add character with stamps, and finish it all off with the perfect embellishments. These scrapbooks become cherished works of art full of the love with which they were made.     Enjoy the Journey However you decide to scrapbook, enjoy the journey! Set time aside on a weekly or monthly basis so you can scrapbook the memories while they are fresh. Contact me today with questions. If you are thinking of becoming a Digital Diva, get our free 30-day trial of My Digital Studio here. Let me help you get started!  |
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© CraftyPerson Production. 2013 Images © Stampin' Up!
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Bow Tutorial
| Q&A Q: What is your favorite ribbon bow technique? A: Well, I’d like to say it’s a natural ability, but that wouldn’t be true! I’ve learned how to make a bunch of great bows through resources from Stampin’ Up! and my fellow demonstrators. Here are 5 of my favorite bows as well as tips for making them.  1. Two Colored Double Bow: Layer two 18” ribbons. Layer ribbons then tie a standard bow. Before pulling the bow loops to tighten the bow, take a moment to twist the ribbon ends so they lay straight. Pull bow loops to tighten, then fan the inside bow loops out from behind the top loops.  2. Elegant Bow: Lay a 5” piece of ribbon out flat. Add a dab of SNAIL to center of ribbon. Fold in right end and adhere to center. Add a dab of SNAIL on top of ribbon end. Fold in left end and adhere to center. Add a dab of SNAIL on top of ribbon end. Place one end of 2” ribbon over center of ribbon, creating a “T” shape. Add a dab of SNAIL on top of 2” ribbon end over folded ribbon. Wrap 2” ribbon around folded ribbon until it overlaps and adheres to itself. Pull ribbon snug so it is flat, but not so tight it causes the folded ribbon to gather. Trim off excess ribbon. Press bow flat or push the ends gently to puff it up a bit. Add to card or layer on top of a ribbon strip.  3. Perfect Double Bow: Select a brad and spread prongs out flat. Begin with 18” ribbon. Use a ruler or estimate the lengths. Fold ribbon 3” from end with 3” section on top. Hold finger over folded layers 1” from fold with loop to left. Fold long end towards your finger to create 1” loop on right. Keep finger over center to hold layers in place. Fold long end back to center to make 1-1/2” loop on left. Fold ribbon back to center again creating 1-1/2” loop to right. Pinch ribbon at center and pick up layers. Set layered ribbon on brad with opened prongs. Fold prongs over ribbon and press flat. Trim ends.  4. Hole Bow: Punch a hole in card stock with 1/8” or 1/4” punch. Thread both ends of a 22” long ribbon up through hole from bottom. Slide ribbon loop around card stock and tighten by pulling ends. Keep ribbon ends the same length. Split ribbon ends so one comes out above ribbon and one comes out below. Make sure ribbon isn’t twisted. Tie a basic bow. Fluff and adjust bow as needed and then trim ribbon ends.  5. Fork Bow: Begin with a standard dinner fork with four tines and a 10” piece of ribbon. Place ribbon across front of fork with 1/3” of ribbon to left of the fork. This end will stay stationary. Wrap right end of the ribbon around behind the fork, around left edge, over the top of the first end. Thread end down through space between the center fork tines below where the first ribbon crosses. Pull ribbon up behind the fork and through the space between center fork tines. Knot the two ribbon ends firmly. Slide ribbon from fork and trim ends.  Go Bow Crazy Have fun practicing and experimenting with these bows and different types of ribbon. Pretty soon your friends will be asking you how your bows always look so great! We have a number of ribbons retiring this month. Make sure to order your favourites before they are gone! |
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| © CraftyPerson Production. Images © Stampin' Up! | ||
New This and That Product Line by Stampin' Up!
| Q&A Q: The new This and That journals look cool. In what ways are people using them?  A: Our latest This and That Product Line is based on a growing trend of smash books. They go back to the roots of scrapbooking when people created memory books filled with photos, mementos, and journaling. Today's scrapbooks can be truly an art form to be cherished as a family memento. Some scrapbookers prefer to go back to a simpler and faster way of capturing what is happening in their lives. So you maybe still wondering what's it's all about?
I could go on and on because as with most crafting products, the only limitation for using This and That Journals is your imagination! But I will leave you with this last idea. Basically, it's Pinterest on paper.   As you can tell this would be a great product for Teens, Tweens, Mothers, Planners, Would-be Artists, Collector of Pretty Things, and the list can go on and on. Take a look at this video and then give it a try and see what inspires you? |
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| © CraftyPerson Production. Images © Stampin' Up! | ||
| Q&A Q: I’d like to make some treats and decorations for Easter, but I’m not sure what. Do you have any suggestions? A: Spring and Easter are coming up quickly! This time of year we think about the weather warming up and start looking forward to spring flowers. Spring also brings to mind holidays like Easter and Mother’s Day, and small gifts for teachers at the end of the school year. Stamping and paper crafting have virtually unlimited possibilities, but some of the most popular are tags, treats, and baskets. Read on to get your creativity blooming this spring! Tags & Décor Tags are a quick and easy way to personalize gifts, holiday tables, and Easter baskets. Tags can be made for: • Spring themes with small stamps like Spring Sampler (#125510 wood, #125512 clear). • Floral themes with the Secret Garden stamp set (#129141 wood, #129144 clear) and coordinating Secret Garden Framelits Dies (#129372). You can save when you bundle the stamps and framelits together in the Secret Garden Bundle (#131100 wood, #131099 clear)! • Easter themes with the A Little Bit of Spring stamp set (#126009 wood, #126011 clear) or use punches to create punch-art bunnies, chicks, eggs, and more! • Family events with the Amazing Family stamp set (#129189 wood, #129192 clear).  Treats A little special packaging makes even a simple and small gift feel special and heartfelt. Try creating a quick and pretty small box using the Fancy Favors Bigz XL die (#115965) and the Tea for Two Designer Series Paper (#129311). Fill it with homemade candy, small gifts, or seasonal candy like jelly beans or chocolate eggs. Or fill a Small Cello Bag (#102757) with homemade cookies and make a quick topper by folding the tag from the Pop-Up Posies Designer Kit (#131395) in half. Decorate the tag topper with one of the beautiful flowers from the kit and stamp “just for you” using the stamp included in the kit and you have a very special gift!  Baskets Store-bought baskets can be decorated with stamped embellishments, torn fabric bows, ribbon, and tags. Or create your own basket using card stock. This small basket features the Mixed Bunch stamp set (#125535 wood, #125537 clear) and the coordinating Blossom punch (#125603). The Dragonfly is created using Vellum card stock (#101856) that has been stamped and heat embossed with Iridescent Ice Stampin’ Emboss Powder (#101930). The body is created from the Word Window (#119857) and 1/2” Circle (#119869) punches.  Let Your Creativity Bloom I hope some of these ideas for tags, treats, and baskets have given you a few seeds to help your ideas grow and bloom into beautiful handmade gifts and décor this spring! As always, I love to brainstorm ideas with you and can demonstrate some spring-themed projects for you and your friends. Just get in touch with me! |
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| © CraftyPerson Production. Images © Stampin' Up! | ||
Sale-A-Brations
| Q&A Q: How do I get the best deals out of Sale-A-Bration?  A: Sale-A-Bration is all about great deals and rewards. You can get wonderful rewards by shopping, hosting, and joining Stampin’ Up! Which is the best deal? That all depends on what you are looking for!  Shop During Sale-A-Bration, you get extra rewards just for purchasing the great Stampin’ Up! products you already love! For each $50 of merchandise you purchase, you get to pick a reward item. Spend $100, and you get to select two reward items. Spend $150, and you’ve made your own party! You’ll get 3 rewards plus additional hostess rewards. See the Host section for those details. Many customers stock up on essentials like card stock, adhesives, and embellishments during Sale-A-Bration to take advantage of the extra goodies they can get only during Sale-A-Bration! Rewards include exclusive products like: stamp sets, ribbon & button bundles, Designer Series Paper, a Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, and a Simply Sent Card Kit, as well as a sneak peek at a new punch and an assortment of goodies from the Annual Catalog!  Host Get your girlfriends together for a social night of fun and creativity. You bring your friends and I’ll bring the creative projects you all will love to do together! Your friends all get the extra Sale-A-Bration rewards when they shop and place a qualifying order. You get a fun night with your friends, Sale-A-Bration rewards on your qualifying purchases, and additional Hostess Rewards for qualifying parties. With a $150 party, you’ll receive: • The traditional $25 Hostess Shopping Dollars to spend as you like • Silver Glimmer Paper as a special Sale-A-Bration reward to celebrate Stampin’ Up!’s Silver Anniversary! With a $400 party, you’ll receive: • The traditional $65 Hostess Shopping Dollars to spend as you like • 50% off any full-priced item • Silver Glimmer Paper to celebrate 25 years of Stampin’ Up! • Free Sale-A-Bration Product Bundle (includes stamp set, buttons, ribbon & Designer Series Paper)  Join I think the best deal of all is joining Stampin’ Up! Why? • You get to become part of the fun! • You can make a difference in your life and the lives of other women by sharing Stampin’ Up! • You receive a 20% discount on all products! • You’ll have exclusive access to Stampin’ Up!’s creative and business resources. • You’ll be among the first to see and play with new products. • You can earn money to pay a bill or replace an income, depending on your goals. It’s always a great time to join Stampin’ Up! The Starter Kit is a unheard of deal at only $99 and includes $125 worth of products of your choice plus business supplies. During Sale-A-Bration, you’ll get an even sweeter deal: • All the fantastic benefits as usual, plus • 25% more in your starter kit! ($156.50 worth of products for just $99)  Your Best Deal So what’s your best deal? Contact me today and I’ll be happy to help you put together your very best Sale-A-Bration deal! I just love getting to give out extra rewards as part of my job! |
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| © CraftyPerson Production. Images © Stampin' Up! | ||
Chalkboard Technique
| Q&A Q: I love seeing new techniques used for stamping. Can you tell me more about the Chalkboard technique?  A: You hit right on a very popular trend in the papercrafting world! The Chalkboard or Faux Chalk Art technique is a fun twist on the basic resist technique. It creates the vintage look of old chalkboards, chalkboard art, and advertising. Here’s how you can create the Chalkboard Technique...Supplies: Card Stock: Basic Black (or use Garden Green or Not Quite Navy for the look of old green and blue chalkboards) Ink: VersaMark, Whisper White Craft ink, ink matching the color of your card stock Other: Heat Tool, White Stampin’ Emboss Powder, Embossing Buddy, Watercolor Pencils (White Pencil), Stamping Sponges, ruler (clear is best) Step 1: Rub card stock with Embossing Buddy. Stamp images with VersaMark ink. Heat emboss with White Stampin’ Emboss Powder. (Try stamps such as: Amazing Family (#129189 wood, #129192 clear) pg. 7 of Spring Catalog or Forever with You (#126725 wood, #126727 clear) pg. 132 of Annual Catalog. Step 2: Sponge edges of card stock with matching color to create contrast. Wipe off excess ink with tissue. Lightly sponge around embossed images and in blank areas with Whisper White Craft ink. Sponge some areas darker and some lighter to create the look of chalk dust. Step 3: Use a ruler or freehand draw lines through or above and below stamped images with the White Watercolor Pencil. Draw a border 1/4" from each edge of the card stock with the White Watercolor Pencil to create a frame around the chalkboard. Remember this is all “chalk” drawing on a board so being perfectly neat isn’t necessary! OPTIONAL: If desired go back and shadow stamp over embossed images with Whisper White Craft ink. By stamping over, but slightly off center of the original image you create a blurred shadow effect. Allow craft ink to dry. Step 4: Embellish with vintage items such as bits of Doily, ribbon, Delicate Details Lace Tape (#130966), Paper Doilies (#129399), Linen Thread (#104199), Baker’s Twine, buttons, or pieces from the Artisan Embellishments Kit (#129328). |
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| © CraftyPerson Production. Images © Stampin' Up! | ||
Making Paper Ornaments
| Q&A Q: I’ve seen some great paper ornaments lately. I’d like to make some, but don’t know how! Do you know?  A: Paper ornaments are a hot trend this holiday season. Beyond decorating trees they are being used as décor items around the home, as accents on wrapped gifts, and as fun family projects. Of course, there are so many different ornaments to choose from. Luckily I have a few gorgeous, and easy, ones to share. I got these ideas from "Stampin’ Success", a magazine demonstrators receive free from Stampin’ Up! It’s one of the great perks of being a demo! Here are instructions for Paper Bulb Ornaments and Glitter Snowflake Ornaments. Enjoy! Paper Bulb Ornament: • Ornaments are made up of 9 strips that are 1” wide. The center strip is 8” long. Each curved layer 1” longer. Make the ornaments strips from plain or stamped card stock or a selection of your favorite Designer Series Paper. You’ll need strips in the following sizes: 1 1” x 8” strip for the center 2 1” x 9” strips 2 1” x 10” strips 2 1” x 11” strips 2 1” x 12” strips • Pierce holes centered in the end of each strip, about 1/4” from the end using the Paper-Piercing Tool (#126189) and Stampin’ Pierce Mat (#126199) • Layer the strips so the top ends are even and so they are stacked in this order: 12”, 11”, 10”, 9”, 8”, 9”, 10”, 11”, 12” • Place a Silver 1/8” Mini Brad (#122941) through the pierced holes. Spread prong to close brad and hold layers together. • Thread the holes at the bottom of the strips through a Silver Mini Brad causing the longer layers to curve out. • Thread a piece of Linen Thread (#104199) or Baker’s Twine (page 172) through center of the ornament and slip it up between the strips so it wraps around the Mini Brad. Knot thread around the brad to hold in place and then create a loop to hang the ornament. • Optional: Cover brads with buttons, Pearl or Rhinestone Jewels, or ribbon. • Make ornaments of different sizes by starting with a shorter center strip at 3/4 and adding 1” for each layer from the center. Glitter Snowflake Ornament: This super-fast ornament can be made two ways. My Digital Studio: • This option allows you to make snowflakes in any size you wish. Use Snowflake Punch in My Digital Studio. Size Snowflake Punch as large as you want. • Print to create a template. Cut out template. • Trace onto the back of Glimmer Paper (available in Silver, Red, and Champaign). • Cut out by hand. • Create ornament from a single snowflake or sandwich 2 back-to-back so both sides are finished. For a 3-D ornament score 3 snowflakes in half, fold and adhere backs together. • Use Linen Thread (#104199) or Baker’s Twine (page 172) to hang ornament Big Shot: • This option is faster since it doesn’t require hand-cutting, but only gives 3 ornament sizes. Die cut Glimmer Paper using Snow Flurry Bigz Die and the Big Shot. • Create ornament from 1 or two layers or a 3-D ornament as described above. Ornamental Elegance Kit   Last but not least, Stampin' Up! has produced a kit you can order online while supplies last of the ornament that graces the cover of our Holiday Catalog. The kit which you can purchase online at my store (item #132832) includes all the supplies you need to makes 10 heirloom ornaments for only $14.95. Enjoy making these fun paper ornaments to give as gifts, add to wrapped gifts, and to decorate your home. It’s a great project to do with the kids and makes thoughtful and affordable gifts for teachers that kids will be proud to say they helped with. Or make the ornaments with the kids over winter break. It will keep them occupied with something fun, productive, and affordable, plus you’ll have lots of ornaments to give and decorate with! |
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| © CraftyPerson Production. Images © Stampin' Up! | ||
Stampin' Up! Single Stamps View the Available Single Stamps Here
| Q&A Q: I’ve heard that Stampin’ Up! is offering single stamps, is that true?  A: Yes! Customers and demonstrators around the world voted and the result was a trial release of a few favorite Stampin’ Up! stamps as single stamps! Here’s the scoop on single stamps: Why Single Stamps: Sometimes there is just one stamp in a set we use over and over again. Now you can easily sample a few stamps from a variety of stamp sets. Plus, these single stamps make great gifts for friends, family, teachers, neighbors, teens – you get the idea – everyone! Now that’s a stocking stuffer I’d love to have in my stocking! Wouldn’t you? What Stamps: • Your choice of individual stamps from the Word Play, Seasonal Sayings, and Perfectly Penned stamp sets • 7 select images from a variety of popular stamp sets • 3 never before seen special release individual stamp images Single Stamp Details: • Clear-mount only, no wood-mount option • Clear Blocks are not included, but the recommended block size is listed with the stamp on the flyer • Single Stamps are packages individually in cellophane bags. Clear-Mount Stamp Cases (#119105) for storing your collection of single stamps can be purchased separately Single Stamps are a pilot program, so contact me today to order your favorite single stamp images while they are available! Don’t forget to make your list and check it twice – single stamps will be a favorite gift! |
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| © CraftyPerson Production. Images © Stampin' Up! | ||
View the Available Single Stamps Here!
Stampin' Up! Holiday Ornament
| Q&A Q: I love the ornament featured on the front of the Holiday catalog. How do I make it?  A: That ornament is all the rage in the stampin’ world! This month, you can receive the Festive Paper-Pericing Pack with our Christmas Gift Promotion. You’ll be surprised that you can create such a beautiful ornament from paper. It takes a bit of time, but is actually pretty simple to do. And makes a great gift. Here’s how! SUPPLIES: • Ornament Keepsake stamp set (#128048 wood, #128051 clear) • Holiday Ornaments Framelits Dies (#127816) • Big Shot (#113439) • Cherry Cobbler Classic Ink Pad (#126966) • Old Olive Classic Ink Pad (#126953) • Very Vanilla card stock (#101650) • Simply Scored Scoring Tool (#122334) • 1-3/8” Circle Punch (#119860) • 3-1/2” Scalloped Tulle Ribbon (#127841) • Multipurpose Liquid Glue (#110755) • Vintage Faceted Designer Buttons (#127555) • Large Pearl Basic Jewels (#125577) • Linen Thread (#104199) • 1/8” Taffeta Ribbon or other ribbon for hanging ornament • Rosette Die (#125594) • Candlelight Christmas Designer Series Paper (#126901) • Silicone Craft Sheet (#127853) • Bone Folder (#102300) • Hot Glue Gun and Glue  Step 1: Stamp 20 of the larger ornament images on Very Vanilla card stock with Old Olive ink. Cut out with the coordinating Holiday Ornaments Framelits Die using the Big Shot. Stamp 20 of the small ornament images on Very Vanilla card stock with Cherry Cobbler ink. Cut out with the coordinating Holiday Ornaments Framelits Die using the Big Shot. Score 15 of each ornament in half from top to bottom using the Simply Scored Scoring Tool. Fold in half along the score line. Step 2: Use the Multipurpose Liquid Glue to adhere three of the scored ornaments together. Adhere one half of the first ornament lined up with one half of the next ornament and then do the same with the third ornament. Leave one half of the first and last ornaments un-glued. Repeat the steps until you have created 5 sets of the 3-ornament groupings in each ornament style. Add Multipurpose Liquid Glue to the halves of the first and last ornaments in the 3-ornament grouping. Adhere to an un-scored ornament of the same style. Repeat for all 5 sets of each style. Step 3: Punch a circle from scrap card stock using the 1-3/8” Circle Punch. Place the circle on the Silicone Craft Sheet. Add a line of hot glue around the edge of the circle. Position the necks of the larger Old Olive ornaments, flat side down, evenly around the circle. Press into the hot glue. Use the Bone Folder to avoid burning yourself. Nest the smaller ornaments with the larger ornaments. To finish-up add Tulle Ribbon, linen thread and create a rosette to the center of the ornament with the clear button using hot glue. Punch a hole for ribbon at the top. Optional: Add Dazzling Details Stampin’ Glitter or Champaign Shimmer Mist to add sparkle to the finished ornament. |
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| © CraftyPerson Production. Images © Stampin' Up! | ||
Stampin' Up! Adhesive Options
| Q&A Q: You have a lot of adhesives – how do I know which ones to use?  A: That’s a sticky question – pun intended! Ha! Okay, seriously, there are a lot of adhesives, but that is good news because it means that you can get the perfect one for your project! Here are the details to help you make the choice that will stick best! The Annual Catalog has 11 different adhesives listed on page 177. There is also a little blurb about each and I’ve included even more detail for you here: 8 Most Popular Adhesives:
 3 Specialty Adhesives:
 This is a great time to stock up on our most popular adhesives and get rewarded for doing so. Purchase one of each of the top 8 adhesives and receive one free roll of ribbon. If you have the SNAIL dispenser already, get 2 refills instead.Hopefully this list will keep you from being stuck when wondering which adhesive to use! If you have any questions or want more details on any of these adhesives, I am here to help! Download our Flyer and Celebrate Back to 'Spool' in September! |
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| © CraftyPerson Production. Images © Stampin' Up! | ||
31% off digital for 31 days!
| Q&A Q: For what kinds of projects can I use My Digital Studio 2?  A: Well, I could say that the possibilities are limited only by your imagination! Or give you the predictable answer and say scrapbook pages, photobooks, calendars, and more. But, since we are celebrating the release of My Digital Studio 2 with 31% off 31 digital content options and most print products for all 31 days of August, I’ll just go with the flow and give you 31 inspirations! 1. Create a scrapbook or photobook to honor a friend using the It's All Me Kit (#128999). 2. Host an end of summer party for your friends and neighbors. Create invitations and table décor using the Boardwalk stamp brush set (#129598). 3. Make a year in review scrapbook as Christmas gifts for grandparents this year. Using the Year in Review Photo book Template (#125743) will make creating this special gift a snap! 4. Hold the most adorable baby shower without breaking a sweat using the Hello, Baby Ensemble Kit (#126159). 5. Make Christmas cards that are as unique as you and your family using the Bright Year Greeting Card Template (#131011). 6. Highlight your family in a one-of-a-kind family tree. Use the Bold Branches Stamp Brush Set (#124212) as the beginning, add photos of your family members and print as a 12” scrapbook page. Frame the printed page and show your family pride! 7. Give the best gift ever ... the gift of caring and time. How? Make a set of all-occasion cards using the Celebrate Any Day Greeting Card Templates (#127757) to make a great set of customizable cards. Print several copies of each and create bundles of assorted cards by simply tying a ribbon around them. Then give them as gifts for birthdays, Christmas, teacher appreciation, showers, graduations, and hostess gifts. When your friends use the cards, they save time and share caring thoughts. 8. Doll up your office with elements from the Messenger II Embellishments Digital Download (#124578). Too much time is spent at work for you to spend it in boring surroundings! 9. Make a swatchbook as a coach's gift. Get a photo of each child on the sports team, team photo, shots of tournaments, views into the dugout or sideline, and other team events. Add the photos to a simple swatchbook using the team colors and the Athletic Department brush set (#121065). Once printed, have each kid sign the page with their photo and give as a gift to the coach. Or make one for each team member and have the team autograph each other's books. 10. It doesn’t matter if your babies are 2 or 20, you’ll still love having a special photo collage of their baby photos and stats. Use the precious Baby Prints brush set (#130162) to highlight those special memories! 11. Love to camp? Show off your outdoor fun with a photo collage scrapbook featuring the fun images in the Happy Camper Memories (#130069) and Happy Camper (#126033) brush sets. 12. Love to travel? Make a special travel journal to help record your special trips using the Adventure Awaits stamp brush set (#129871). 13. Use the Bulletin Alphabet & Numbers stamp brush set to make an A-Z swatchbook. Use one page per letter listing your favorite thing, food, place, person, etc. for each letter.  14. Start 2013 off right with a custom calendar using the 2013 Month By Month Calendar Template (#130874). This also makes a great gift! 15. Bring a little romance into your everyday when you print, frame, and display the In Love Designer Template Page (#127343). 16. Planning a big event or wedding? Use the classically styled Meant To Be Designer Invitation Templates (#129354) for creating invitations, RSVP cards, Save the Dates, and more! 17. Are your travel photos collecting digital dust on your hard drive? Just use the World Traveler Photobook Template to drag and drop your photos, add your captions, and you’ll enjoy your travels all over again in your photobooks! 18. Do you road trip? Capture the moments in a 12” x 12” photobook using the stylish Travel Log Kit (#126022). 19. Need to tame some pirates? Use the Ahoy, Matey Ensemble (#130078) to create a bounty of pirate party fun! 20. Go digital for your diva! Create a princess party of royal design with the A Royal Day Ensemble (#130079). Crowns, treat boxes, banners, cupcake toppers, thank you notes, and more – all fit for a princess! 21. Download, print, and frame our Can'ts Into Cans Framable Designer Template (#130077). A fun décor piece with an inspirational quotation. Easily customizable to change the colors to suit your style and space … or a friend's favorites. 22. Have holidays that are organized with the 12 Days of Christmas Swatchbook (#130985). Record 12 family traditions in each of the premade templates and use it as a checklist. Makes a great gift for your children to share the family traditions with their own families. 23. Make a personalized journal as teacher’s gifts this year using the A is for Apple Stamp Brush Set (#127411). 24. Remember those school pictures growing up? How fun it was to reminisce and see the changes from year to year? Make a childhood 8” x 8” album for your children. It’s easier than you think when you use the A is for Apple Stamp Brush Set which has a 5” x 5” designer template. Create one template for each year with the individual picture on the left page and the class picture on the right page and duplicate for each year. 25. We could all use a little organization and daily dose of inspiration, right? Use the 2012 Daily Planner Photobook template and print a softcopy photobook to use for all your appointments and reminders. Go ahead and add your favorite inspirational quotes that you want to remember at the top of each month. 26. As a special gift, create and print Baby Announcements for a friend who just had a baby. They will be so grateful for the thoughtful gift. See our Announcing Baby Postcards Templates (#129593 boy) and (#129592 girl). 27. Know someone who could use a little encouragement? Maybe yourself? Create a desktop easel gift with our Be Awesome Today Easel Calendar Template (#131008). It can be used as a daily calendar or a perpetual birthday reminder list. This gift is so handy you will want to print 10 copies and have them on hand for when you need them. 28. Never miss another birthday with our Book Of Birthdays Swatchbook Template (#129923) Perpetual Calendar. Keeps all the dates handy in one place, so you don’t have to go searching for them each month. 29. Are you a foodie? Publish your own recipe book using our Melt In Your Mouth Recipe Photobook Template (#131007). Share your love by printing several copies to give as gifts. Who knows, you might get a request to publish a book each year.  30. Create a personalized story and coloring book for a child or grandchild with our Storybook Specialty Designer Series Paper (#131221). What child wouldn’t enjoy seeing their name, familiar places and cherished storeis in their own book? Or help them to create their own stories. 31. Have a spooktacular Halloween when you download and print our Pick Your Poison Embellishments (#125614). Add a quick accent to any project, or decorate your own bottle of poison with these 38 embellishments! Download our Flyer and Start Indulging  |
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| © CraftyPerson Production. Images © Stampin' Up! | ||
The NEW Annual Catalog
| Q&A Q: How can I get a catalog?  A: With the release of the new Annual Catalog, stampers everywhere want to know the same thing! The great news is that there are many ways for you to get a catalog, see the great new products, and get creative inspiration! Host When you host a workshop, you receive a free Annual Catalog from me. Plus, you get to be among the first to see, use, and enjoy great new products from the Annual Catalog. Contact me today to set up your fun stamping party! View Online If you can’t wait for your copy of the Annual Catalog to arrive, you can view it online – anywhere, anytime access! Just visit my Stampin’ Up! website, go to the Products tab at the top, and select “Catalogs”. Or you can view the products by category or search for specific products in my store. From my Stampin’ Up! website, select the “Shop Now” button at the top right. Plus, you'll find that the Digital Designing products are available in my store as well. My Specials Contact me to find out even more ways that you can get your hands on the amazing new Annual Catalog. I just know you are going to love it! It is packed with great new products and just bursting with creative project samples to inspire you. |
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| © CraftyPerson Production. Images © Stampin' Up! | ||
Sending Cards
| Q&A Q: I love receiving cards in the mail. Any suggestions on how to remember to send cards for any occasion?  A: That is a great question! We all love the art of making cards, but sometimes it’s hard for any of us to remember special occasions, write a note to a friend, or even let go of a favorite card! (Yeah, we’ve all been there!) We’ve all seen ideas that sounded great and then when you think about it you know it will fit in your life or you think to yourself sarcastically “yeah, that’ll happen”! So, I’ve got a suggestion that will work for planners and those whose schedules are loose. Here are a couple of tried-and-true tips that will put you at the top of the thoughtful friend list! Plan a Moment If you are a planner, you’ll love this tip. Plan a time into your schedule each week for writing cards. Now this doesn’t have to be a big event; even 15 minutes that you can take to reach out to those you care about is great. I recommend stamping a whole stack of cards - they don’t have to be specific to the person, and keeping them on hand so that you can quickly add a note and get it in the mail. As much as we love the art of stamping, the true magic comes when you share that connection with someone else. Start by checking your calendar to see who has birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, etc. coming up. Next, take a few moments to reflect on your week. Who touched your life this week in a way that makes you grateful or who could use the pick-me-up of a thoughtful note? Now write a couple lines - it doesn’t have to be a lot for someone to know that you care.  Grab a Moment If the idea of planning a time to sit down makes you crazy, then don’t! Make a "to go" card center that you can use to write notes when you have a moment and the mood strikes you. Our clear-mount stamp cases are ideal. Just add a bit of your favorite Designer Series Paper under the cover and fill the case with a couple of cards, envelopes, a pen, and stamps. Now drop it in your purse or your car. Next time you are waiting for an appointment, sitting in the carpool line, hanging out at a kids sporting event, taking a lunch break at work, or whenever it is you have a minute, you can open your card case, write a quick note, add the address and stamp, and drop it into the mail. It is easy, fast, convenient, and a thoughtful way to make the most of those little moments. Take a Photo If you are like most stampers, you are afflicted with the “I can’t let it go” bug. You know the feeling - you love a card, want to remember a technique, plan to re-create more just like it, so you hold onto the card instead of sending it. Stop it! Cards are meant to be shared! But you can still keep the look, idea, and reminder by snapping a quick photo with your camera or cell phone. Save the photos in a file for card ideas or several files by stamp set, occasion, techniques, whatever it was that made you love the card. Now keep the photo and share the joy of the card by sending it and everyone wins! Share the Magic Unlike email that gets buried and forgotten, a hand-stamped card is a physical reminder to those that receive it that you thought of them, that you care, and that they are special. So hand-deliver or mail a card today. You’ll love the feeling you get from giving, and you’ll brighten someone’s day in a very special way. |
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| © CraftyPerson Production. Images © Stampin' Up! | ||
| Q&A Q: Recently I saw a cute card with a small, patterned paper envelope on the front. How do you make those?  A: Envelopes in a variety of sizes have become all the rage since the Diagonal Plate for the Simply Scored Scoring Tool was introduced recently. The Diagonal Plate makes creating envelopes a breeze – no more templates to trace and cut by hand! Hooray! Plus, envelopes are a great way to show off our beautiful double-sided Designer Series Paper without feeling guilty that we are covering up one of the patterns! While the Diagonal Plate comes with instructions and measurements to make four popular envelope sizes, one of my favorites is the small envelope for love notes! Here’s how you can make the 3-1/8” x 3-1/8” envelopes to hold 3” x 3” love notes:  Step 1: Cut a 5” x 5” piece of Designer Series Paper or card stock. Place the Diagonal Plate on the Simply Scored Scoring Tool. Place the paper on the Diagonal Plate. Score the first side at 2-1/4”. Rotate the paper 1/4 turn or 90 degrees. Score at 2-1/4” again. Repeat until all four sides are scored. Step 2: Fold and crease all four score lines. Use a Bone Folder for crisp folds. Use Paper Snips or Square Punch to cut out the triangular scored sections. Step 3: Fold in two side flaps to create the sides of the mini envelope. Add SNAIL, Sticky Strip, or Multipurpose Liquid Glue to the very edge of the bottom flap. Fold that flap up over the side flaps and adhere. The envelope is now complete! You can add the envelope to the front of a card or a scrapbook page. Or use it to hand deliver a special little love note. You can use adhesive to close the top flap, tuck the flap inside the envelope, or use a button or brad and a bit of Baker’s Twine to create a fastener. Have fun discovering all of the fun envelopes and envelope projects you can create with the Diagonal Plate! |
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| © CraftyPerson Production. Images © Stampin' Up! | ||
Fancy Framelits Folds
| Q&A Q: I’ve seen some cards with fancy folds made using the Labels Framelits. How do you do that?  A: The new Hearts and Labels Framelits Dies for the Big Shot have been a huge hit! There are so many great ways to use them, besides the obvious layered frames. You can use them to cut edges of cards into shapes, make window cards, make cards with fancy folds, and so much more! One of my favorite fancy folds cards is a Z-fold card. It’s extra fun because of a cut with the Label Framelits that makes the main image flip to the inside when you open the card! Here’s how you can make this fun Z-Fold Flip card:  Step 1: Cut a piece of 8-1/2” card stock in half to get a 5-1/2” x 8-1/2” card body. Score at 4-1/4” along the 8-1/2” side to create the folded card. Next fold the front of the card in half. You can do this by folding the edge of the card back towards the fold of the card or by scoring first at 2-1/8” and then folding the edge of the card back towards the fold of the card. Step 2: Turn the Multipurpose Platform to Tab 2 and place it onto the Big Shot with a Cutting Pad on it. Unfold the card body you previously scored. Place a Label Framelits (the 3rd largest works well) centered over the fold on the card front. Place the top Cutting Pad only over half of the Label Framelit so the Cutting Pad edge is lined up with the fold line on the center of the card front. Carefully hold the sandwich in place and run through the Big Shot. Only the part of the Framelit with the Cutting Pad over it will be cut. Step 3: Fold the card and decorate the Framelits section with other Framelits layers and stamped images. When the card is opened the image flips to the inside of the card. Use Texture Impressions Embossing Folders to add embossing to cut Framelits for even more detail and interest! Have fun experimenting with this great Z-Fold Flip card using the Framelits Hearts Collection, too! |
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Glitter Techniques
Q&A Q: I really like glitter but I’m never sure about the best way to add it to my projects. Any suggestions? A: Got to love glitter! But using the right adhesive for the job is important so that you get the best effect for your project without having glitter everywhere! We have several great adhesive options for glitter depending on the look you want to achieve. Fast If you are looking for fast glitter, the 2-Way Glue Pen (#100425) along with Dazzling Diamonds (#102023), Fine Galaxy (#114286), or Fine Supernova (#114287) Stampin’ Glitter will be your quickest drying option. The fastest glitter in the west, though, is Glimmer Paper. This heavy-weight paper is available in Silver (#124005) and Red (#121790). Cut strips or use punches to create the ultimate in glittery accents with no glue required!   Detailed When you want precise glitter placement, say when you are outlining an image or creating a row of small dots, you’ll love using Dazzling Details Glitter Glue. Dazzling Details is a bottle of super-fine glitter pre-mixed in a clear liquid glue. You simply squeeze it from the narrow tip of the bottle to add fine glittery lines, dots, highlights, or accents. Dazzling Details comes in the traditional iridescent glitter (#124117) or Cherry Cobbler (#125585). You will want to give projects with Dazzling details an hour or so to dry depending on how much you add. You can also use Dazzling Diamonds (#102023), Fine Galaxy (#114286), and Fine Supernova (#114287) Stampin’ Glitter with the 2-Way Glue Pen (#100425) or the fine tip of Multipurpose Liquid Glue (#110755) to add glitter details.   Large Areas There are three great options for adding glitter to larger areas. Sticky Sheets (#114300) and Big Shot Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets (#120805) are 12” x 12” sheets that are great for cutting out, punching, or die-cutting, and then adding glitter. Or you can heat emboss a stamped image or cover a piece of card stock covered with VersaMark ink (#102283) using Iridescent Ice Stampin’ Emboss Powder (#101930). Another option for adding glitter to larger areas is to use Heat & Stick Powder (#100625) and the Heat Tool (#100005). Simply stamp your image with VersaMark ink, apply Heat & Stick Powder, heat with the Heat Tool, add your glitter, and then heat again.   Glass Glitter Glass Glitter is available in Champagne (#120997) and Silver (#120995). It is beautiful and chunky and has great texture. But, because of the size, it needs a strong glue to keep it where you want it. Sticky Strip (#104294), Sticky Sheets (#114300), Crystal Effects (#101055), and Multipurpose Liquid Glue (#110755) are all good options for adding Glass Glitter to projects. Just note that, since Glass Glitter is actually glass, you may not want to use it on projects for children or projects that will be handled a lot. I think Glass Glitter really shines on décor projects where it will actually age and develop a bit of tarnish over time - beautiful!   Be Dazzling Now that you know some of the basics of glitter and adhesives, you are ready to create dazzling projects! Whether you are adding super-fine Dazzling Diamonds, bright Cherry Cobbler Dazzling Details, Glass Glitter, or heat embossed Iridescent Ice images, your projects will really shine. Have more questions? Contact me today, I’m always happy to help with your creative process!  |
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Sale-A-Bration Starter Kit Sale
Q&A Q: What happens if I become a demonstrator during Sale-A-Bration? A: When you join the Stampin’ Up! family during Sale-A-Bration, you not only get the Starter Kit at a huge discount, but you eligible to get your choice of a package of Designer Series Paper or a Digital Download each month of 2012. Here’s the scoop: Discounted Starter Kit It’s a bit of a secret, but the Starter Kit is the best deal in the entire catalog with more than $425 worth of stamping products and supplies for only $215 During Sale-A-Bration, the Starter Kit is an even more amazing deal since it is on sale for only $150. Plus, you get a bonus gift each month when you place a demonstrator order! 10 Free Designer Series Papers or Digital Downloads You know how special you feel when you receive a card or a gift for no particular reason, just because someone cares? Well, you can have that feeling up to 10 times in 2012! When you join Stampin’ Up! during Sale-A-Bration, you can receive a free package of Designer Series Paper or a free Digital Download each month of the year. You can select your choice of Designer Series Papers ($13.50 or less) or Digital Downloads (any price) starting the month after you join! That’s an additional $135.00 value added onto the already amazing Starter Kit bargain! Here’s the nitty-gritty on the free goodies: Each month you can choose to order Designer Series Paper or a Digital Download for My Digital Studio, and you can switch back and forth so you aren’t committed to one format for the whole year. Of course, you’ll only continue to receive the free products from March-December 2012 as long as you remain an active demonstrator (shipping fees may apply). Online Sign-up Since you don’t want to miss out on a single month of free Designer Series Paper or Digital Downloads, you can sign up online right now! It’s the fastest and most convenient way to get started! Whether you sign up online or by traditional mail, you can customize your Starter Kit so you can receive the products you love most! You can substitute the stamp sets, card stock and ink colours, for like products so that you get your kit your way! What’s Next? Does the idea of joining Stampin’ Up! sound interesting, but you are afraid of a big commitment? I often here that from potential team members, and they are always surprised at how non-threatening the real thing is! Well, you aren’t marrying Stampin’ Up! and there aren’t any big scary commitments. Once you purchase the Starter Kit, it is yours, end of story. You have until June to make your minimums in order to remain active or you go inactive. That’s it. Nothing scary, and no penalties or sales requirements to keep your kit. You choose how to make Stampin’ Up! fit you, your way. You can remain an active demonstrator by placing the minimum order each quarter, build a business to support large or small goals, or go inactive if you choose. Whatever you choose, you don’t lose anything because you started out with such a great deal on the Starter Kit, plus you’ll get your extra free products each month in addition to access to all of the great Stampin’ Up! demonstrator resources. Think of your first few months as a trial period, an opportunity to see what it’s like to be a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator. I think once you join, you’ll love it and want to stay! Questions? Please contact me today, I’m happy to talk over the opportunity with you!  |
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Beginner Stamping Tools
| Q&A Q: I have a friend who would like to start stamping with me and I’d like to give her a gift to get her started. What are the best things for a beginner stamper to have? A: Sharing the fun of stamping with a friend is one of the things that Stampin’ Up! is all about. There is nothing like the joy of seeing the sense of accomplishment and joy that a new stamper feels when she first discovers the art of stamping. What a great thing for you to experience with your friend! Some of the basic supplies a new stamper needs are stamps, ink, card stock, and tools. Stamps As much as we may want it all, we have to start somewhere! For new stampers, I suggest a versatile set, like the Easy Events (#116958 wood-mount, #123225 clear-mount) stamp set. It includes images and greetings for a variety of occasions. Plus, the Easy Events stamp set is ideal for your friend to test out simple techniques like coloring, or stepped-up techniques like watercoloring.  Ink New stampers don’t need the full spectrum of colors in order to get started. A couple of ink pads in versatile colors or favorite colors are a great place to start. One of the ink pads I recommend most is Jet Black StazOn (#101406). The quick-drying, permanent black ink is versatile for many images and perfect for a variety of techniques that new stampers will want to try. Another great ink pad to consider is the VersaMark pad (#102283). Since VersaMark is a clear ink, it creates a slightly darker watermark-type effect when stamped on most any color of card stock. A Color Collection of Stampin’ Spots is another budget-friendly option for beginning stampers who like a lot of color options. Each Stampin' Spot Color Collection includes anywhere from 8 to 11 ink pads that are 1” square in size. Card Stock Not all paper is created equal! Most of us have learned by trial and error that there is a difference. Help your new stamping friend avoid the frustration and expense of poor-quality card stock. She’ll appreciate the crisp images she can achieve with our ultra-smooth Whisper White (#100730) or Very Vanilla (#101650) card stock. Pair the Whisper White or Very Vanilla card stock with an assorted pack of card stock from one of the Color Collections and the Neutrals Collection, and your friend will have the basis for many beautiful creations! Tools It seems obvious, but it is important not to forget the basics like a Paper Cutter (#104152) and a SNAIL adhesive (#104332) along with a couple of refills (#104331). Once you have those basics, consider fun and functional tools like our great punches. A couple of circles that can be layered together are a great place to start because circles are a very pleasing and versatile shape that you can't cut by hand without making yourself crazy! (You know what I mean if you’ve tried it!) Got to have it all?! Do you know the best-kept secret deal in the Stampin’ Up! catalog? It’s the Starter Kit. Yep - with stamps, ink, card stock, and basic tools, the Starter Kit is valued at $345, but only costs $175, making it a steal-of-a-deal and an ideal way for new stampers to get all the basics in one affordable bundle. Plus, when new stampers join Stampin’ Up!, they’ll have a whole host of great online resources, including an amazing online community of demonstrators for training, ideas, and support. Talk about having it all! Contact me today to find out more about the Starter Kit, including the limited-time extras and discounts available only to new team members who join during Sale-A-Bration! |
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Q: Do you have suggestions for quick and affordable gifts?
A: People love getting handcrafted gifts. The saying about the thought being what counts is so true. You don't have to spend a fortune or eons of time making thoughtful gifts. Read on to find out about ideas for Food from the Heart, Inexpensive & Impressive, and Fast & Fabulous gifts you can create in the twinkle of an eye - but don't tell Santa he has competition!
Food from the Heart
We all love the comfort and thoughtfulness of homemade goodies around the holidays, and honestly, any other time, too! One of my favorite gifts to give (and receive) is the timeless Mason jar filled with a family cookie mix and recipe, soup mix, baked cookies, fudge, candies, cocoa mix, etc. This inexpensive gift is great because it's personal, it doesn't need to be dusted, it fits anyone, and it's a snap to create. Simply create a belly-band around the jar using Designer Series Paper or stamped card stock. Then add a bit of ribbon around the neck of the jar with a hand-stamped tag, fill with goodies, and you are done! I like using the From the Kitchen Of (#114964) stamp set to include the recipe for the treat included in the jar. Another great option is a big, oversized mug decorated with Decor Elements and filled with a special flavored coffee or tea bags. Add a Decor Element to the mug, then tie a ribbon with a hand-stamped tag around the handle and you have a great gift. The Letters to Santa Decor Elements (#124195) are a great option because they include lots of images that are perfect for the holidays, there is a coordinated stamp set for a tag, and they are a great value.
Inexpensive & Impressive
Gifts don't have to cost the world to be impressive. Purchase inexpensive scarves and/or gloves (sometimes even in $1 bins) and dress them up with fun embellishments. You can use Designer Fabric or ribbon to create a colorful ruffle. Add a whimsical flower using the Big Shot to die cut Designer Fabric, fleece, and felt. Create a coordinating brooch that can be pinned to a jacket for a fun, coordinating look! Quickly stitch on buttons in the recipient's favorite color for a stylish look, or a whole rainbow of colors for a fun and vibrant look. The Tasteful Trim Bigz XL die (#120893) is great for creating fabric accents and ruffles. The Flower Folds Bigz XL die (#115970) is one of many options for creating flower brooches and accents. Another thoughtful gift is a stack of hand-stamped cards. Make a whole set of cards with a monogram or an assortment of all-occasion cards. Tie them together with a ribbon and a hand-stamped tag and you have a fast and useful gift.
Fast & Fabulous
Simply Adorned Charm necklaces are one of my fast and fabulous gift items. They are ideal gifts to give to mothers, sisters, friends, daughters, etc. No worrying about sizes makes it easy, and the style can be customized to any preference, and can also be easily changed. It takes next to no time to create a couple of inserts customized for your friends and family. Create inserts with a monogram, 
simple floral images, seasonal inserts, or any of a huge variety of options. When you consider the nearly endless possibilities and the ease of changing the look, you'll appreciate the amazing value and thoughtful personalization that this gift offers! Because the Simply Adorned charms and chains come in gift boxes, just tie a ribbon and add a hand-stamped tag to enjoy stress-free gift wrapping!
It�s not too late!
These are just a few of the many possibilities for heartfelt, last-minute gifts that let you share your creativity and the true spirit of the season. Imagine how special your friends and family will feel when they receive the special gift you designed and created just for them! Contact me today for more ideas and to get any supplies you may need, and you'll have those last-minute gifts checked off your list in no time!
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Making Gifts for the Holidays
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| Q&A Q: I’m thinking of making gifts this year. What do you suggest? A: Handmade gifts are always popular because they show the heartfelt thought and effort that you put into choosing and creating the perfect, unique gift. Advent calendars are fun gifts to give and create ahead of the holidays, and gifts like a set of cards, homemade treats with decorated bags, holiday banners, and calendars are ideal for a variety of people and budgets. Advent Calendars The ever-popular tradition of opening a door a day to get a piece of candy, a special quote, or even a suggestion of a fun holiday activity can be made even more fun when you create a custom Advent calendar. The detailed Advent calendar on page 36 of the Holiday Mini Catalog uses the Peekaboo Frames Bigz L Die (#124587) and the 24 & Counting stamp set (#123792 wood mount, #123794 clear mount). This makes a great format for sharing the Christmas story or suggesting holiday activities like cookie baking and decorating the tree. If you prefer a different type of Advent calendar, try the Matchbox Bigz XL Die (#114890) to die cut Frostwood Lodge Designer Series Paper (#124002). Stack and glue the boxes in a square or in the shape of a Christmas tree and fill each box with small gifts or candy. Budget-Friendly Tasty Treats For less expensive gifts that are perfect for neighbors, co-workers, or for children’s classes, you can make homemade candy or cookies and package them in our skinny Cellophane Bags (#124134). Add a stamped topper to the 1” x 8” tube and you have a unique and yummy gift that anyone will appreciate. For larger items, we also have rectangular cellophane bags in three sizes: 3” x 5” (#103104), 4” x 6” (#102757) and 6” x 8” (#102210). Or create quick & easy, custom decorated boxes using our Kraft Gift Boxes (#124106) as your starting point. Wrap with our 1-1/4” Striped ribbon and add a hand-stamped tag and you have a great gift. Personalized Gifts For those special people on your list, you can step it up a bit and create a custom holiday banner using the Holiday Stocking Bigz L Die (#124098) and coordinating Stocking Accents Originals Die (#124099). Use die-cut or chipboard letters to put a family name or a message like “joy” or “Merry” on the banner with one letter per stocking. String the stockings on a Satin ribbon with the adorable and functional Mini Clothespins (#122942). And everyone needs a great calendar for 2012. You can create a custom calendar using our digital paper crafting software, My Digital Studio (#118108). The great thing about using My Digital Studio to make a calendar is that you can completely customize each page with your favorite designs or use one of our designer templates to save time. Make the calendars extra special when you add photos of your family members on their birthday or anniversary dates. Plus, you can design once and print as many as you like! Or design once and then just tweak it a bit to customize the calendar for different families! Handmade Joy There is a joy to creating and giving a handmade gift that is extra special. Store-bought gifts just don’t have the same heart as something that you designed and created with someone special in mind. Plus, you get the added benefit of slowing down and enjoying the experience of creating that gift without having to fight crazy mall crowds or stormy winter roads! Contact me today to plan your holiday gifts and you can get started with the fun and festive process of creating your heartfelt, holiday gifts!  |
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My Digital Studio-Printing Cards
| Q&A Q:How do I print cards using My Digital Studio?  A: My Digital Studio allows you to design a variety of card styles including traditional cards in several sizes, postcards, and even tri-fold cards. You can print cards on your home printer or through our professional print service. The easiest option, and the one with the best results, will be using the professional print service. Printing at Home Once you design your cards in My Digital Studio you can print them at home, but it is a bit tricky since every printer operates a bit differently and prints colors differently. Even good-quality printers may not give the high-quality print and color detail that you’ll get with professional print services. When you design a traditional card in My Digital Studio, it actually has four pages - front, inside left, inside right, and back. It is great to be able to customize all four pages, but it makes printing at home more complicated. The easiest way to print at home is to print just the front of the card, cut it out and then layer it onto a card body just like you do when making a hand-stamped card. This also has the benefit of giving you a heavier weight card body since most printers cannot handle heavyweight card stock. To print the full four-page card at home, you’ll need to do a bit of experimenting with how your printer prints. You’ll need to print pages 1 and 4 (front and back) then re-insert the paper into the printer to print pages 2 and 3 (inside left and inside right). The trick is knowing if you need to just flip the paper over, or if you need to flip and rotate the paper. Each printer is different, so it will take some trial and error. Professional Print Service You’ll be the happiest with the results you get from the professional print service. The professional print service neatly prints high-quality images on heavy card stock and includes a heavy-weight envelope along with the card. You simply upload the card using the link in the My Digital Studio program, tell us how many copies you want, and all the work is done for you. Plus, with our professional print service, the colors are guaranteed to match the Stampin’ Up! colors. So if you want to add on embellishments like punched images, buttons, or ribbon, they will all coordinate as they should. New Bulk Pricing You’ve seen the $5-$7 cards in card stores. But how often are those cards exactly what you want? Now, with My Digital Studio and the new bulk pricing, it is easier and more affordable than ever to print your custom-designed cards just as you want them. Make your custom Christmas cards or baby announcements with photos and your personalized greeting. Design a card with your monogram or a variety of birthday, thank you, and blank cards to have on hand for any occasion. You’ll save on printing and shipping costs when you order a group of cards instead of just a couple, making your custom cards even more affordable.  |
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