Saturday, December 31, 2011

HAPPY NEW YEAR!


These past couple of weeks have been bitter sweet; I have loved the holidays with my family, but I have had feelings of sadness too.  I realized that I've been feeling "off" because I was afraid of next year; weird huh?  I realized I was worried about my mother not being here next Christmas because of her persistent infections; I was worried about being able to continue as a SU Demonstrator; I was worried that my creations weren't nice enough, etc, etc....    I've literally been making myself sick with worry! 

I know that it's silly to worry about things I have no control over!  I should just enjoy each good day I have with my mom and others.  It's like "good day, bad day" with my mother's health, but I thank God that my husband, father, and other members of my family are well because I think I would really lose it if I had more to bear!

So, remember to enjoy the moments and choose to be happy this next year!  It's so easy to fall into a hole and forget about all the good things.  And don't be a worry wart like me; you live longer when you don't worry!  Have a Happy New Year and see you next year (hopefully with projects you like)!

Monday, December 26, 2011

2012 My Digital Studio Calendar


Example of how I used the 2011 Calendar; instructions to make the below easel with drawer can be found at a previous blog post here:

Hi everyone - I hope your holiday festivities were wonderful!  I put together these 2012 Calendars using SU's My Digital Studio software and thought I'd offer them for sale.  The calendars measure 5" x 5" and are printed in color on 24lb, 96 brightness white ink jet paper.  

I'm offering them at $7.50 for 5 calendars plus the cost for shipping & packaging.  Shipping costs may vary depending on where you live, but will be about $2.00 (5 oz) for 5 calendars to US addresses.  I can send you a PayPal invoice after you email me letting me know your name, address, and how many calendars you'd like to purchase.  If you'd rather not deal with PayPal, I'm happy to accept checks or money orders.  Calendars will get shipped once payments have cleared.  Please email me at stampingmaria@yahoo.com with your order.  If you live outside the US and are interested in these calendars, email me and I'll see what I can do.

Added 12/28/11: If you want to purchase more than 5 calendars, please email me for discounts.  I'm offering shipping discounts and/or quantity discounts; depending on the quantity ordered.  Thanks for your inaterest!

Thanks for visiting and your orders are greatly appreciated!  Have a Happy New Year!

Friday, December 23, 2011

SEASON'S GREETINGS!


I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who helped me this year; without you I couldn't continue to be a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator!!  I especially want to thank my Hostess Club members who have supported me throughout the year and been patient with me even when I had issues due to my mother's health.  And another big Thank You to my Upline and Sidelines for their emotional support!

This year my mother's health has continued to decline (and so has mine unfortunately), but we were lucky to have only 3 hospital stays this year compared to 10 last year!  So, I thank God for his help and strength.  Sometimes I think I can't continue, but I get a second wind and keep going.  As our Archbishop Michael Sheehan says: "Tomorrow is another day". 

So, I pray that you all have a healthy and joyous holiday season with your loved ones!  Thanks for your visits this year and I hope we can share more in the year to come.  Merry Christmas!

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Warmest of Wishes Christmas Card


The more I use the Holly Berry Bouquet DSP, the more I LOVE it!  Here's another CUTE and QUICK card made using it.  My sideline, Eva Davalos, and I were exchanging Christmas card ideas, and I just loved the design of this card.  There's Red Glimmer Paper and embossing to give the card some BLING! 

Supplies:
Stamp Set: Hostess Set in Holiday Mini Catalog Warmest of Wishes.
Ink: VersaMark
Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Real Red, Garden Green, Red Glimmer paper, and Holly Berry Bouquet DSP.
Accessories: Cupcake Punch, Decorative Label Punch, Clear Embosing Powder, Star punch (retired), Mini Brads, Paper Piercing tool, Mat Pack with guide, Dimensionals, and Mini Glue Dots.

Thanks for visiting and don't forget about the GREAT savings at the Clearance Rack Blitz here!  I really encourage you to purchase the "old style" thumb punches on the Clearance Rack; they are easy to use and greatly discounted!

Monday, December 19, 2011

Snow Much Fun Gift Certificate Holder


I had 1 hour to make this Gift Certificate Holder for my sister; power stamping time!  The name of the recipient was whited out in the above photo; explaining the strange white spot.  And yes, I do offer Gift Certificates and am happy to make you a festive and fun holder for Christmas, a Birthday, Mother's Day, or any occasion!

The size of the Gift Certificate is 8" x 3 1/4", so I used a piece of Crumb Cake cardstock that measured 8 1/2" x 8 1/2", scored at 2 1/2" and 6".  Then I made a border using the Ribbon Border punch and Cherry Cobbler cardstock.  It was attached using SNAIL adhesive and the opening on the flap for the Gift Certificate was made using the Wide Oval Punch.  I used Sticky Strip to adhere the edges of the certificate flap.  Finally, I stamped the snowball on the front flap using Crumb Cake ink.

For the Snowman (Snow Much Fun stamp set), I stamped the image using Stazon Black Ink onto Shimmery White cardstock that was die cut using the 3" circle die and backed it with a Cherry Cobbler cardstock scallop circle I die cut using the Scallops Circles #2 die. 

I got the inspiration for this card from fellow Demonstrator, Diana Gibbs; she is a fantastic artist; thanks Diana!  I colored the snowman using Rose Red, Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, Baja Breeze, Basic Black, and Pumpkin Pie Markers.  Then I used 2-way glue and Dazzling Diamonds on some parts of the image to give it some BLING!

I hope you like the holder and feel free to contact me at stampingmaria@yahoo.com if you'd like to purchase a Gift Certificate!  Have a great Monday!

Friday, December 16, 2011

Dasher Christmas Card


I made this card with the Dasher single stamp.  I embossed Dasher using VersaMark ink and Gold Embossing powder then added highlights to his antlers with 2-way glue and Red glitter from the Fine Galaxy Glitter Pack. 

I die cut the main circle (for Dasher) using the 3" Circle Big Shot Die and Very Vanilla cardstock.  I used the Scallop Circles #2 Big Shot Die for the Red Glimmer paper layer.  I stamped "merry" in Real Red classic ink and punched it out with the 3/4" punch and layered it onto a 1" Red Glimmer Paper circle.  The "merry" image is from the Pennant Parade stamp set.

I ran a piece of 4" x 5 1/4" Very Vanilla cardstock through the Big Shot Petals-a-Plenty Embossing Folder and cut a strip of Holly Berry Bouquet DSP to 2"x 5 1/4" and adhered the 2 pieces together.  Then I adhered this background piece to the card base (Wild Wasabi cardstock cut at 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" folded in half) and tied Real Red 1/4" grosgrain ribbon around the card.  The Dasher image is layered onto the Red Glimmer Scallop Circle with Dimensionals then that is layed onto the card over the ribbon with Dimensionals.

 Have a great weekend and don't forget about the CLEARANCE RACK BLITZ here!

Thursday, December 15, 2011

WOW - Stampin' Up! Clearance Rack Blitz!!

Dates: December 15, 2011-January 5, 2012

Details:
Nearly 200 new Clearance Rack items are being added to the Online Store at discounts up to 80 percent off retail--while supplies last!

Things to Remember:
•Only Online Orders qualify for this promotion. Orders can include non-Clearance Rack items, as well.
•The Clearance Rack Blitz includes old-body style punches (YIPPEE; I'm getting extras personally!).  NOTE: There will be some identical punches that have two different item numbers; this is because we are using inventory from both our American and our European warehouses. We will indicate which punches this affects in the product description.  So, there shouldn't be a difference in the sizes. 
•There is no minimum purchase required to participate in this promotion.
•Qualifying Clearance Rack orders are eligible for hostess benefits/Stampin' Rewards.
•Following the Clearance Rack Blitz sales period, some blitz items may remain in the clearance rack; others may be removed and reappear at an undesignated time in the future.
•Clearance Rack Blitz items are only available while supplies last. There are no refunds or exchanges on Clearance Rack items.
•You may view Clearance Rack Blitz items in the Online Store here.
•Deadlines:
◦Thursday, January 5, 2012; 6:50 PM (MT)

Be sure to check out the Clearance Rack here and order quickly while the selection is best!!  Also, select me as your Demonstrator when you create, or log into, an Online Account to get "Preferrd Pricing" and take advantage of my Frequent Shopper Program!  See you tomorrow!

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Pines and Poinsettias Stamp Set Card


My sideline, Eva Davalos, made this card from inspiration she got from the Christmas Keepsake Box I posted yesterday (click here).  You can see that she used the Pines & Poinsettias stamp set just like SU did on the Keepsake Box.  She also used Real Red and Wild Wasabi cardstock and the Holly Berry Bouquet Designer Series Paper and colored the pine cones using Stampin Up Markers.  Finally, Eva used the Mat Pack and Paper Piercer to poke holes in the card corners and in the Scallop Circle.

The pine cones and banner were cut out using paper snips and the punches used behind the pine cone image are the 1 3/4" circle, the 2 3/8" scallop circle, and the 2 1/2" circle.  The Mini Vintage Tag meaaures about 3/4" diameter; it's hanging from the Christmas banner.  The 3 panels measure 3 1/2" x 1 1/2" and overlap.

Thanks for visiting and have a happy Wednesday humpday everyone!

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Christmas Keepsake Box now on CLEARANCE RACK!

Just a reminder about this great Christmas Keepsake Box Promotion!  These are available until December 31, 2011 (or while supplies last). This box makes a great gift; but please note that the Pines & Poinsettias stamp set is NOT included in the set.  Also, the box itself is larger than it looks; it measures about  7 1/4" x 5 1/4" x 1 3/4".

Added 12/15/11: This Box Kit is now available on the SU Clearance Rack for only $11.97; I stocked up!!

Special Offer Details:

•Orders can be placed as customer, workshop, or online orders.
•There is no minimum purchase required.
•The Christmas Keepsake Box includes detailed written instructions, a box, ribbon, material, cardstock, Designer Series Paper, Simply Adorned bauble, Pearls, buttons and tag, but the following supplies are NOT included:
         ◦Pines & Poinsettias stamp set
         ◦Early Espresso Stampin’ Write Marker
         ◦Real Red Stampin’ Write Marker
         ◦Wild Wasabi Stampin’ Write Marker
         ◦Adhesives
         ◦3/16" Corner Punch
         ◦Paper Cutter
         ◦Paper Snips
         ◦Needle
         ◦Glue gun

To order, use the following Item Number:

Item #    Name                                 Sale Price
129024   Christmas Keepsake Box    $11.97

You can order Online by clicking here and choosing me as your Demonstrator when you create, or log into, an Online Account.  By choosing me to be your Demonstrator, you get "Preferred Pricing" and points toward my Frequent Shopper Program!  Thjanks for stopping by!

Sunday, December 11, 2011

From Santa stamp on Petite Pocket Die Treat Holder



Look at this CUTE treat holder; it was stamped with the single stamp in the Holiday Mini Catalog called From Santa; I love it!  We used the Petite Pocket Die for the treat holder, ran the die cut through the Stripes Embossing Folder, then stamped and layered the Santa and added him to the front.

Supplies:
Stamp Set:  From Santa (holiday mini catalog page 43)
Cardstock: Old Olive, Garden Green, Real Red, whisper White
Ink: Garden Green and Real Red
Accessories: Big Shot machine, Petite Pocket XL Die, Circles #2 die, Perfect Pennants die, Stripes Embossing Folder, 1 3/4" circle punch, Organdy ribbon, Dimensionals, Sticky Strip, 2-way glue and Dazzling Diamonds

Thanks for visiting and click here if you'd like to order any of the Stampin Up products I used to make this project; your orders are GREATLY appreciated!  To get "preferred pricing", be sure to include me as your Demonstrator when you log into, or create, your Online Account.  And while you're there, don't forget to check out the goodies in the Clearance Rack section for discounts up to 60%!

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Beautiful Season Stamp Set Card Redo


Here's another card I made using the Beautiful Season stamp set; I really do LOVE this stamp set!  I made the last card using Garden Green and I wanted to make another using Old Olive; this one is more vibrant I think. 

I used the Frostwood Lodge DSP with Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive, and Whisper White cardstock.  For the inside of the card I used the Scallop Envelop Big Shot die for the gift card pocket.  And for the front of the card, I used the Petals-a-Plenty Embossing Folder for the Cherry Cobbler cardstock layer under the main image.  I quickly colored the image using both a Blender Pen and an Aqua Painter with Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive, Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, More Mustard, and Basic Gray classic ink refills.  Finally, I add a piece of Cherry Cobbler Quilted Satin Ribbon as an accent.

Thanks for visiting and have a great Thursday!  If you'd like to see a video on how I colored the image, let me know!

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

My Digital Studio Digital Downloads for December 6th

These are the MDS downloads for this week and they look great!  You can see pricing and better images by clicking here and opening the December 6th tab.  The Stampin' Up! website Store now has new downloads listed by week so they're easier to access!

If I can find the pictures I need, I'm going to make my sister a Cook Book of her favorite recipes using the Made From Scratch Recipes Template; it'll look great when it's professionally printed, just like a published cookbook! 

Well, take care and have a great week!

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Video Tutorial showing 4 Basic Easel Card Folds



This video is for Rachel and the other folks who asked how to make an Easel Card; butterfly easel posted here, scallop circle easel posted here and calendar easel posted here.  The video shows how to make the 3 easel folds I listed plus a Twisted Easel card for a total of 4 differeent basic folds and each fold is shown quickly to fit into the maximum 10 minute time frame!  Please let me know if you need more info or have any questions.

Thanks for watching and don't hesitate to place an order for Stampin Up products; your business is greatly appreciated!!

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Punch Art Santa Cello Baggie Treats



I made these treats for a workshop tonight to thank the ladies for coming; I hope they like them!  I didn't have much time to make them, so I didn't run the hats through a Big shot Embossing Folder, but next time.  I put Red Vines in the new 1"x8" Cello Bags in the Holiday Mini Catalog then adhered the Santas to the tops.

I've seen these punch Santas everywhere and I'm not sure who started it or what exact punches they used, but here are the punches I used:

Hat: Wide oval punch used for red part of hat and for the white trim (silver glimmer paper ball: 1/2" circle punch).  I did add Dazzling Diamonds to the white hat trim above the face.
Face: Blushing Bride punched out with Large oval punch.
Mouth & Eyes: Circle in the Itty Bitty Punch Pack (eyes were highlighted with SU's white gel pen).
Nose: 1/4" circle punch (but the circle in the Itty Bitty Punch Pack is cute too; just a little larger).
Beard: Ornament Punch that I ran through the Big Shot using the Elegant Lines Embossing Folder.  Whiskers were cut out with the Bird Builder punch.

Give them a try and thanks for visiting!

Friday, November 25, 2011

Beautiful Butterflies Die Easel Card


I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving feast and are now recovering from your turkey coma; I know I am!  After making the Pennant Parade Easel card I posted Wednesday, I wanted to make another easel card, so I made this cute butterfly place card/note card.  I used the great Beautiful Butterflies Die and the Big Shot to die cut the butterflies to make the easel.  Then I ran one of the butterflies through the Elegent Lines Embossing Folder and die cut a smaller butterfly using the Holly Berry Bouquet DSP in the current Mini Catalog.  I stamped the phrase from the Teeny Tiny Phrases stamp set and punched it out with the smallest oval punch SU has.

Added 12/4/11: I posted a video showing how to make this butterfly easel here.

I hope you like it and contact me if you have any questions!

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Pennant Parade Christmas Tree Easel Card



This was one of our Hostess Club projects this month and everyone just loved it!  It's too bad that the photo doesn't show how sparkly and joyful this little easel card looks!  I put Dazzling Diamond glitter on everything; the trees, the snowflakes, the banner, the phrase; love the sparkly!  The middle 3-D tree was made using 3 punch outs, but I think 4 would have made it look fuller, so you should try both and see which you like more.

Added 12/4/11: I posted a video showing how to make this easel card here.

Supplies:
Stamp Sets: Pennant Parade and Christmas Greetings
Ink: Lucky Limeade, Pool Party, and Chocolate Chip
Cardstock: Whisper White, Lucky Limeade, and Pool Party
Accessories: Big Shot Machine, Clear Circle Die, Scallop Circle Die, Petite Pennants Punch, Wide Oval Punch, Lots of Tags Sizzliets, Northern Flurry Embossing Folder, 2-way glue, Dazzling Diamonds, Rhinestones, Brayer, Mini Glue Dots, Stampin Dimensionals, and Snail.

I brayered the Pool Party ink into the Northern Flurry Embossing Folder to get the blue background for the top circle and I just ran the bottom circle through the folder with no ink for a contrasting look.  Both circles had the snowflakes glittered.  The banner measured 5/8" x 3 3/4" before we cut the tails.  Everything is pretty much die cut or punched out, so it was quick, just the glittering took extra time, but well worth it for the sparkly!

Have a Happy Thanksgiving and thanks for stopping by!

Monday, November 21, 2011

HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA SALE STARTS TODAY!

CLICK ON IMAGE ABOVE TO VIEW ITEMS ON SALE!

Today kicks off the Stampin Up Holiday Extravanga sale and it runs through November 30th.  The discounts range from 20% to 60% and are available on ONLINE orders as well as INDIVIDUAL CUSTOMER ORDERS AND WORKSHOP ORDERS. 

Here is a list of items on sale - just click on the images below to view PDF file and see enlarged: 
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or would like to order any of the items on sale!  Or... you could click here and place an Online order; just remember to choose me as your Demonstrator when you create an Online Account, or you login to your existing Account.  All purchases you make through me qualify for my Frequent Shoppers Program!  And while you're shopping Online, don't forget to check out the Clearance Rack for more great values!

Thanks for visiting and have a great Monday!

Friday, November 18, 2011

Stampin' Up!'s Holiday Online Extravaganza Sale!




To help you with your holiday shopping, Stampin' Up!'s Online Extravaganza Sale begins Monday, November 21, 2011, and runs through Wednesday, November 30, 2011.

So, be certain to check here on Monday, November 21st for great sales like:

•FREE digital downloads valued at $40 when you buy My Digital Studio Express
•60% off select Designer Fabrics
•30% off an exclusive ribbon bundle
PLUS...for one day only, two special items will be on sale for only 24 hours (Nov 21, 12:01 AM - 11:59 PM [MST]). Stampin Up will announce what these 2 items are on Monday, November 21st.

SO...make sure you don't miss the first 24 hours of the Online Extravaganza Sale and watch for more detailed information to come on November 21st!  You can place an ONLINE order or CALL ME (505-299-9677) with your order or EMAIL me (stampingmaria@yahoo.com) your order to get these sales prices!  If you shop ONLINE, be certain to select me as your Demonstrator when you create, or login to, your Online Account!  Your business is greatly appreciated!

Thanks for stopping by and contact me if you have any questions.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

I've been busy with getting ready for my Stamp Clubs and my Dad's BIG birthday bash, so I thought I'd share some great projects from the SU website!  This box was decorated with Letters to Santa Designer Series paper and they made a bow using the Blushing Bride poly-stitched ribbon.  The supplies to make this project can be found here.

This beautiful and simple card was made using the Bells & Boughs stamp set and measures 3" x 6"; supplies listed here.  Remember that you can cut the card just a bit longer and use it as a money holder for Christmas gifts!  Stampin' Up!'s Small Open End Envelops measure 6 3/4" x 3 1/2" (located on page 182 of the Catalog), so I use these for my Gift Cards.  I cut my cards to 6 1/2" x 6 1/2" that way they are long enough to hold cash or checks and the cards fit perfectly into these envelops!

Don't forget about this month's Hostess Special (details here) and the great products on the Clearance Rack here. 

You can order anytime ONLINE by going here and creating an ONLINE ACCOUNT or signing in to your existing account.  When you create your online account (or open your existing account), be sure to select me as your Demonstrator to take advantage of my Frequent Shopper Program!  Thanks for stopping by and have a great week!

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Season of Joy Picture Frame


I got this from my sideline, Leslie Irvin, a couple of years ago and I just love it!  I put it out this time of year to get the house in the holiday spirit!  Don't forget that using your stamps and supplies to decorate for the holidays works great too!

Supplies:
Stamp Set: Season of Joy
Ink: Wild Wasabi and Certain Celery (silver pen retired)
Cardstock: Wild Wasabi, Certainly Celery, Whisper White
Accessories: Scallop Circle punch, 1 1/4" circle punch, 2-way glue, Dazzling Diamonds, Pearls, Stampin Dimensionals, SNAIL, Mini Glue Dots, ribbon & cording (retired), and picture frame from Dollar Store.

Leslie looped the ribbon and adhered it to the frame using Dimensionals and Mini Glue Dots.  Thanks for visiting and contact me if you have any questions!

Friday, November 11, 2011

Christmas Ornament Card using the Clear Circle Die

I made these cards for a Demonstrator swap; I hope the ladies like them!  I used the Big Shot Machine and the Bigz Clear Circle Die to make the ornaments on the card.  After die cutting the ornament base, I ran it through the Petal-a-Plenty Embossing Folder to give it a little more character.  Finally, I dotted some Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint on the embossed image.  I wanted a Christmas card that could get mailed with no problems and that was EASY and QUICK to make!

Added after post:  After I completed the cards and posted here, I had the desire to add a finishing touch; I sprayed them with Champagne Shimmer Paint mixed with Rubbing Alcohol to give them shimmer and shine!

Supplies:
Stamp Set:  Sincere Salutations
Ink: Early Espresso
Cardstock: (first card) Real Red, Wild Wasabi, Red Glimmer Paper, Brushed Gold, Holly Berry Bouquet DSP, and Very Vanilla; (second card) Early Espresso, Pear Pizzazz, River Rock, Very Vanilla, Brushed Gold, and Spice Cake DSP.
Accessories: Big Shot machine, Clear Circle die, Petals-a-Plenty Embossing Folder, Round Tab Punch, Gold brads, Vanilla seam binding ribbon, 1/8" Espresso taffeta ribbon,  Northern Frost Decorative Strip die, Itty Bitty punch pack, 1/4" circle punch, Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint, Stampin Dimensionals, and gold cording (retired).

The card base is 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" scored at 4 1/4".  The ornament is 3 7/8" in diameter and the strips on the left side of the card are made of cardstock measuring 1/4" x 5 1/2".  I got the card layout from fellow demonstrator, Betty Gillespie a couple of years ago.  I loved the card and thought I'd use it this year with this beautiful Designer Series Paper; thanks Betty! 

I hope you like the cards and contact me if you have any questions.  Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend!

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Frostwood Lodge DSP and Holiday Stocking Die


I LOVE this Stocking Die!  I'm making CUTE and QUICK gift card holders for Christmas using this die and the Frostwood Lodge Designer Series Paper.  On this stocking I ran the top cuff through the Stripes Embossing Folder and I forgot to run the stocking toe and heel through!  So, on my next one, all Marina Mist cardstock pieces will go through the Stripes Embossing folder!  Also, I don't recommend punching many Red Glimmer snowflakes because the Glimmer paper is thick and sticky causing the punch to not work well, but I do LOVE how it looks here!

Supplies used:
Stamp Set: Teeny Tiny Wishes
Cardstock: Marina Mist, Whisper White, Frostwood Lodge DSP, and Red Glimmer Paper.
Ink: Marina Mist
Accessories: Big Shot Machine, Modern Label punch, Word Window punch, Snowflake punch, Cherry Bakers Twine, Winter Wishes Stitched Felt, Stripes Embossing Folder, Stocking Die, 1/8" Marina Mist Taffeta ribbon, Sticky Strip, Multipurpose Adhesive, Mini Glue Dots, Stampin Dimensionals, and Mini Jingle Bells.

Have a great day and don't forget that there's only 2 DAYS left to take advantage of the FREE BIG SHOT promotion!  Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or want to join my TEAM!!
Click on Image to Enlarge

Monday, November 7, 2011

Stitched Stockings Stamp Set on Top Note Die Gift Card Holder



This card uses the Big Shot Top Note Die to make the the gift card holder.  I took a piece of cardstock measuring 5 1/2" x 11" and scored it horizontally at 3 3/4", 5 1/2", and 7 1/4".  Fold it at the score lines so that you make a "mountain" fold in the center.  Then run it through the Big Shot using the Top Note Die.  Card base is Garden Green measuring 4 1/4" x 5 1/2", Holly Berry DSP measures 4" x 5 1/4", Poppy Parade layer measures 3 3/4" x 5".
It's an easy way to make a gift card holder!  If you'd like to see a video on how to make it, leave a comment letting me know!

Supplies:
Stamp Set:  Stitched Stockings and Word Play
Ink: Wild Wasabi and Garden Green
Cardstock: Poppy Parade, Garden Green, Red Glimmer Paper, and Holly Berry Designer Series Paper
Accessories: Big Shot machine, Top Note Die, Perfect Pennants Die, Stocking Builder Punch, 2 3/8" scallop circle punch, 2 1/2" circle punch, 1 3/4" circle punch, 1/2" circle punch, Polka Dot Embossing Folder, Poppy 1/2" poly ribbon, Stampin Dimensionals, Sticky Strip, and Snail.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great week!

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Snow Much Fun Fancy Favor Box


Hi everyone!  This is another CUTE and QUICK project I designed for a workshop this weekend.  I don't know everyone's skill level, so I thought I'd have the ladies make a cute snowman project; everyone loves snowmen!

Supplies:
Stamp Set: Snow Much Fun and Short and Sweet
Ink: Bashful Blue, Real Red, Pumpkin Pie, and Black Stazon
Cardstock: Real Red, Bashful Blue, Red Glimmer paper, and Whisper White
Accessories: Big Shot machine, Fancy Favor Box die, Modern Label Punch, Word Window Punch, 2-way glue, Dazzling Diamonds, Dimensionals, Sticky Strip, 1/4" white grosgrain ribbon, and small cello baggies.

This Fancy Favor Box is great for holding those yummy Christmas goodies you hand out to teachers, coworkers, and others!  Thanks for visiting!

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

NOVEMBER STAMPIN UP SPECIALS - WOW!

The first special is for Hostesses - it's your turn to get more FREE merchandise when you host a workshop with sales of $350.00 or more!  You can email me or call me if you'd like to place an order or if you'd like to set up a workshop (for those who live in the Albuquerque area)!  Here's the information:
Things to Know about the Special:

•  Only customer and workshop order types qualify for this promotion. Online orders do not qualify.  So, it'll be easiest if you contact me to place your order. 
•  Orders must be $350 or more to qualify.
•  Orders larger than $350 are not eligible for additional hostess free merchandise dollars. For example, a $700 workshop does not receive $70 in additional dollars. All orders over $350 always receive $35 in additional free hostess dollars.
•  Hostesses may use their additional $35 in free merchandise on any catalog/mini catalog products.

The second special is for NEW Recruits/Demonstrators.  Stampin Up! extended it's October special through November 11, 2011!!  If you sign up to be a Demonstrator by November 11th, you can still get the Big Shot machine for FREE (OR any other merchandise totalling $100.00 for FREE).  The below flyer is still in effect:
Today is all business, so be sure to check back for some cute projects!  Thanks for visiting and feel free to contact me if you have any questions: email: stampingmaria@yahoo.com.

Friday, October 28, 2011

Petal Cone Die Take Out Box for Christmas


I made this CUTE and QUICK Take Out Box using the Stampin Up Petal Cone Die.  This box was around everywhere last year, but I still LOVE it!  I decorated it with the beautiful Holly Berry Bouquet Designer Series Paper to give it a holiday look.  I die cut 2 petal cones using Real Red cardstock then measured at 3" from the top score line and cut off the bottom cone tip.  After that, I measured 2" from the same top score line and made a score line to create the box bottom.  If you'd like to see a video, please let me know.

Supplies:
Stamp Set: Perfect Punches
Ink: Real Red
Cardstock: Real Red and Holly Berry Bouquet DSP
Accessories: Big Shot machine, Petal Cone Die, 1/8" red taffeta, 1 3/4" Circle Scallop Punch, Sticky Strip, SNAIL, and Dimensionals.


Thanks for visiting and have a great weekend!  Don't forget that October 31st is the last day to take advantage of the Big Shot sign up special!  Believe me, it's worth signing up just for the Big Shot Machine!
Feel free to contact me if you're interested in becoming a Stampin Up Demonstrator!  I help my downline with monthly meetings, card samples, project ideas, and more!

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

FREE MY DIGITAL STUDIO Downloads NOV 4-7!!

Celebrate Digital Scrapbooking Day with Stampin' Up!'s four-day online event designed to introduce more customers to digital content. Digital Scrapbooking Day is November 5, but Stampin' Up! will keep the celebration going from November 4-7! The event will include free downloads, blog posts with exciting project ideas all weekend long, and the announcement of the 2011 My Digital Studio Contest winners!

Here's a picture of the FREE downloads that will be available!
So, mark your calendars and visit http://www.mydigitalstudio.net/ November 4-7 to download these FREE files and see some great projects!  You can order any of the My Digital Studio downloads by clicking here then click on "Digital Designing".  Remember that to get the preferred pricing, you'll need to choose me as your Demonstrator when you login to your Online Account.  Feel free to contact me if you have any questions and YES, any downloads purchased qualify for my Frequent Buyer Rewards Program - details here!

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Halloween Treat Holder using the Stampin Up Petite Pocket Die


My upline, Carol Gilmore, made these adorable treat holders for her downline!  We got them at the Stampin Up Regional here in Albuquerque last Saturday.  It's great to get a fun treat and get to be around other Stampin Up demonstrators!

Carol die cut a Pumpkin Pie pocket using the Bigz XL Petite Pocket Die then she decorated it using the Perfect Penants Die in Old Olive and Basic Black.  Carol then stamped a couple of images using the Spooky Bingo Bits stamp set and punched them out with the 1 3/4" circle punch.  Finally, she tied some Olive and Black 1/4" grosgrain ribbon around the pocket and put some treats inside it.  And, of course, she used Sticky Strip to adhere the pocket together!

Have a great week and thanks for visiting!

Friday, October 21, 2011

Birthday Cards!

Hi everyone!  This week was my birthday and here are a couple of cards I received.  The first card was mailed to me by Stampin' Up!.  The card was made using My Digital Studio software then embellished with Rhinestones for some BLING.

This second card was sent to me by Kimberly Allen.  She hosts the monthly Demosntrator swap I'm in and she remembered to add this beautiful card to my regular swap batch!  Thanks Kimberly!  She used the great new Gently Falling stamp set in the Holiday Mini Catalog.

Thanks for visiting and have a great weekend!