Stamping in the Woods

FREE 30-Day Trial Of My Digital Studio Express!

I am excited to announce a special promotion being offered by Stampin' Up! - a FREE 30-day trial of My Digital Studio Express.  This state-of-the-art paper-crafting software can be used to make greeting cards, scrapbook pages, memory books, and more. Following are some Q and A's about this fabulous promotion.

Q: What digital content comes with the My Digital Studio Express Trial?
A: My Digital Studio Express comes with the same functionality as My Digital Studio, but with less digital content.  Included with MDS Express is one stamp brush set, 12 Designer Series Paper patterns, 81 embellishments, 26 punches, and 5 designer templates.

Q: How do you order the My Digital Studio Express Trial?
A: You can order the MDS Express Trial through my online store at www.donnabagwell.stampinup.net. by using item #129600. You can order the free trial by itself, or you can add it to an order with stamping supplies or digital downloads.  If the MDS Express Trial is the only item you order, you will not be asked for any credit card or payment information.  If you are a new online customer, you will need to set up an account.

Q: How do you install the My Digital Studio Express Trial software after you have ordered it?
A:You can access your MDS Express Trial download through the Downloads section of your account.  Be sure to select Mac or Windows, and the download & install wizards will walk you through the rest of the process.

Q: Can I place a print order with the trial version?
A: Yes.  You will have full access to everything you can do in My Digital Studio for a full 30 days.  This includes full designing functionality, printing, and the ability to order downloads (new downloads are available every Tuesday).

Q: Will the trial last 30 days even if you order it in the middle or end of the month?
A: You can order the MDS Trial at any time.  The trial period is not tied to the calendar.  The trial period will begin as soon as you launch the program, and you will be able to use it for the next 30 days.

Q: What happens after the 30-day trial period is over?
A: When you launch the software after the 30-day trial is over, you will be prompted to enter a product key.  You will not be able to use the software again until you have entered a product key.  You can get a product key by purchasing My Digital Studio or My Digital Studio Express.  The product key prompt will include a link to the software page of MyDigitalStudio.net, which will tell you where to order the software (which will be through my online store at www.donnabagwell.stampinup.net).

Other important points:

• To purchase MDS after the trial period is over, go to my online store and use product code 118108 for MDS, or, product code 124483 for MDS Express.  If you purchase the disc version of MDS, you will need to use the installation disc in order to access the included digital content.  
• You will have continued access to any downloads you purchase during the trial period.  If you choose to purchase the software, you will simply need to enter a product key to be able to use all your downloads like normal.  If you do not purchase the software, you will still have access to your downloads through your download manager, and you will be able to load them to the digital design software of your choice.
• If you don't want to purchase the software at the end of the trial period you can uninstall the software at any time.
• Stampin' Up! has several videos and resources available for you on the Training Section of MyDigitalStudio.net.  I have found this resource extremely helpful when I have questions about the functionality of the software.  

I am so excited that Stampin' Up! is offering you the change to try this fabulous digital paper-crafting software for FREE.  I hope you decide to take advantage of this offer.  If you have any questions, please contact me at donna@idahobagwells.net, or Stampin' Up! at 1-800-STAMP UP. 

EASY EVENTS CHRISTMAS

Here is the second card I designed for this week's workshop.  I decided to try my hand at submitting a card for Mojo Monday, so used that sketch for my card.

I may end up simplifying the card a bit for the workshop, but I like the way this one turned out.  The Easy Events stamp set is one I received at the 2010 Stampin' Up! convention - FREE!  That is just one of the benefits of being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator - attending convention and getting FREE stamp sets!

Here is how I made my card:

Stamp Sets: Easy Events, #116958 wood mount, #123225 clear mount, $24.95

                  Jolly Bingo Bits, #120857 wood mount, #121187 clear mount, $26.95

Paper:        Real Red #102482; Wild Wasabi #108641; Very Vanilla #101650; Holly Berry Bouquet             

                   Specialty Designer Series Paper #124004; Red Glimmer Paper #121790

Ink:             Black Stazon #101406; Wild Wasabi marker #120975; Real Red marker #100052

Accessories:Red 5/8" Satin Ribbon #117286; Stampin' Dimensionals #104430; 3/4" circle punch

                   #119873; 1" circle punch #119868; Scallop Edge Border punch #119882; Perfect

                   Polka Dots Embossing Folder #117335; Big Shot #113439

If you want to duplicate this card, you can purchase the products used by logging onto my Stampin' Up! store HERE.  Have fun making this card!

HOLLY CHRISTMAS

I have been working on cards for an upcoming workshop, and got some inspiration once again from Sharon Field.  I used a different stamp set for the sentiment, and added a strip of Frostwood Lodge Designer Series Paper (love it!).  I also used the Big Shot and a new die for the holly leaves and berries.

This card is really simple to make, but I think has a high degree of cuteness.  Here is how I made it:

Stamp Set: Delightful Dozen #122650 wood mount, or, #122652 clear mount

Paper: Whisper White #100730; Garden Green #102584; Cherry Cobbler #119685; Frostwood Lodge Designer Series Paper #124002

Ink: Cherry Cobbler #119669

Accessories: Petals-A-Plenty (#116824) and Square Lattice Embossing (119976) Folders; Stocking Accents die (for the holly leaves and berries) #124099; Ovals die #114525; Cherry Cobbler 3/8" Quilted Satin Ribbon #124105; Sponge Daubers #102892; Stampin' Dimensionals #104430; Tombow glue #110755; Big Shot #113439.

You can duplicate this card by ordering the supplies HERE. Better yet, have a few friends over and let me hold a stamping party for you.  You could earn some or all of these products FREE as part of the hostess program.

The Big Shot with its accessories is what makes this card so easy to make and attractive to look at.  You say you don't own a Big Shot?  You're in luck!  Become a demonstrator by October 31st and join my Stampin' Up! family, and get a Big Shot FREE!!  Contact me to find out how easy it is to be a demonstrator and get a 20% discount on all your purchases!

SCENIC SEASON CHRISTMAS

I want to share with you the card project we made at my recent downline meeting.  It was inspired by Sharon Field, who used a different stamp set as the focal image on her card.

I tried Sharon's Faux Mother-of-Pearl technique for the bottom panel of the card - isn't it beautiful?  The technique uses the new Mica Flakes found on page 21 of the 2011 Holiday Mini Catalog, #124115, $3.50.  When I received my jar of Mica Flakes I was pleasantly surprised at how large the jar was.  It is a fun, new product, and one that has many uses - this Faux Mother-of-Pearl technique is only one way to use it.

Products used to make this card are:

Stamp Set: Scenic Season

Cardstock: Pear Pizzazz, Wisteria Wonder, Whisper White, Brushed Silver

Ink: Wisteria Wonder, Soft Suede, Pear Pizzazz watercolor marker

Accessories: Northern Flurry Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Mica Flakes, Sticky Sheets, Sponge Daubers, Blender Pen, Wisteria Wonder 3/8" Ruffled Ribbon, Jewelry Tag punch, Basic Rhinestones, Stampin' Dimensionals

I love the peaceful look of this card.  What do you think?

By the way, as with most of the cards I make, I used my Big Shot for this project, this time with an embossing folder to create texture interest.  Did you know that during the month of October you can get a Big Shot - FREE?  Sign up to become a Stampin' Up! demonstrator and join my Stampin' Up!family by October 31st and receive your very own Big Shot for FREE.  If you already own a Big Shot, you can choose to receive $100 in Stampin' Up! product instead.  What a deal!!  Don't miss out on this great opportunity - contact me today to find out how easy it is to sign up and enjoy the many benefits of being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator.

Simply Scored Fall Wreath

I LOVE my new tool, the Stampin' Up! Simply Scored.  It is so easy to use, and was so helpful when I was making the "lollies" or medallions I used to make this wreath.  This project took a little time to make, but was well worth the effort.  I have a unique, handmade decoration to hang on my wall this fall.  I definitely plan to make one for December using some of Stampin' Up!'s gorgeous Christmas papers.

To make the base for my wreath I cut a circle of the cardboard that comes with packages of Designer Series paper to about 9" in diameter.  I then found a bowl that was approximately 5" in diameter, and used it to trace a circle in the center of the 9" piece.  I also bought some 12" styrofoam wreaths that I will use for my next wreath.

I then cut 12" strips Spice Cake Designer Series paper (Holiday 2011 Mini catalog, #124003, $10.95) in various widths, ranging from 1" to 2" wide.  I used two strips of paper for the 1- 3/4" and 2" widths of paper, attaching the two together with snail adhesive.  I wanted to use some solid colored cardstock for some of the medallions, and found it was easier to complete the medallion if I scored the cardstock at 3/8".

Using the Simply Scored, I scored the strips of paper.  Some strips I scored every 1/4", some 3/8", and some 1/2".  You can play around with the strips to see which you like best.  I used some of each on my wreath to make it look more interesting.

I used a variety of items to embellishment the medallions - punches, buttons, hemp twine.  When all the medallions were done I used hot glue to attach them to the base.  I then used a piece of ribbon to wrap around the wreath and to make a bow (which I can see from my photo I need to redo!). 

Here is a list of products I used to make the wreath:

Paper: Spice Cake DSP; More Mustard, Pool Party cardstock

Accessories: Spice Cake Designer Buttons (Holiday 2011 Mini, #124113, $7.95); Antique Brads; Scallop Circle, 1-1/4" circle, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, & retired leaf punches; hemp twine; Soft Suede 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain ribbon; Snail adhesive; Sticky Strip; glue dots; Tombow Multi-Purpose Glue.

Would you like to learn, hands-on, how to make medallions and this wreath?  If so, let me know and I'll schedule a class.  I'd be interested in hearing how you like this project.  Just leave me a comment at the end of this post.

SPICE CAKE BIRTHDAY

Today is the birthday of my stepdaughter, Shari.  Bad me for not getting a card made early enough so that it would arrive in time for her birthday, but sometimes life happens.

Today after church I made it out to my studio to do some work, including making this card.  Since it is officially fall, I just had to make a card with fall colors, so I pulled out one of my favorite current papers, Spice Cake.  It is one of the gorgeous papers in the 2011 Holiday Mini Catalog.    This is the result -

I used the stamp set Easy Events - one of the sets I got FREE at convention this past summer.  The set is soooo versatile, I just love it.  The set includes eight different stamps with some really cute images for birthday, baby, wedding, Christmas, Thank You, love, and "Sorry I'm Late".  Here is a list of the other Stampin' Up! products I used -

• Stamp set - Easy Events, #116958 WM, $32.95, or #123225 CM, $24.95
• Card Stock: Pool Party, Soft Suede, Whisper White, plus Spice Cake Designer Series Paper (love it)
• Ink: Soft Suede, Pool Party, More Mustard
• Accessories: Pool Party 3/8" Ruffled Ribbon; Blender Pen, Stampin' Dimensionals; Glue Dots; Basic Pearls; Basic Rhinestones

Notice the red "cherry" on top of the cupcake?  Stampin' Up! doesn't sell red rhinestones, so can you guess how I got that color?  While the rhinestone was still on the paper backing, I colored the clear rhinestone with a red Sharpie pen, then applied it to the card.  Viola!  A red rhinestone!!

I'm going to be making lots more cards with the Spice Cake Designer Series Paper and coordinating fabric.  Good thing I just ordered more!  Don't you want to use some of this paper for your fall card-making?  Contact me to order your own package, #124003, $10.95

Stampin' Up!'s New Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps!

Stampin' Up! has once again stepped "outside the box" by creating a cookie stamp - well, three cookie stamps actually.  Because I am a Stampin' Up! demonstrator I was able to pre-order the stamp before it becomes available to the public on October 1st.  The set comes with a nice wood handle, three interchangeable stamp images - a snowflake, a jack o'lantern and a heart - and instructions including two recipes.

I made a batch for my Advent Calendar class this morning, and they looked so pretty I just had to take a photo to share:

To get some color on the cookies I diluted some blue food coloring with water, then brushed it on the unbaked cookies with a pastry brush.  I then sprinkled some white sanding sugar on top and popped the cookies into the oven.  What an easy way to bake some decorated cookies.

My customers thought the cookies were delicious, and one couldn't have said it better: "The Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps would make a great gift for someone who likes to bake".  I couldn't agree more!

As a side note, the first time around I used the second cookie recipe that was provided.  The snowflake image stayed sharp, and the cookies were nice and crisp, and not too sweet; but any shortbread - type cookie recipe will do. 

Remember - customers can order the Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps (#125152, $16.95) beginning October 1st.  I'm sure you want to try this new, fabulous product as soon as possible!  Contact me today to order one for yourself, and don't forget those gifts!

CARD USING PEEKABOO FRAMES BIGZ DIE

I bought the new Peekaboo Frames Bigz L Die from the current Holiday Mini catalog, and had a ball making my first Advent Calendar.

But....I wanted to show my customers how versatile the die can be, so I created a card using one of the window shapes on the die, the Big Shot and the Easy Events stamp set from the Idea Book & Catalog.  I love this stamp set - it has 8 different images that cover just about any occasion.  Here is the result:

 

This baby card was so simple and fun to make!  I can hardly wait to make a card using one of the other window shapes.  Products I used are:

Stamp Set: Easy Events, #126958, $32.95 WM; #123225, $24.95 CM; Curvy Verses, #114948, $23.95

Paper: Whisper White, Certainly Celery; Subtles Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack

Ink: Black Stazon stamp pad; Certainly Celery, So Saffron and Pumpkin Pie Markers

Accessories: Peekaboo Frames Bigz L Die, #124587, $32.98; Certainly Celery 5/8" Satin Ribbon; Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder; Scallop Oval and Extra Large Oval punches; Basic Pearls

Just think of the possibilites with this awesome die!  You can order one for yourself, plus all the other products used to make this card, by shopping in my online store HERE.

Isn't this card just the cutest thing?  Please leave me a comment  and let me know what you think.

Fruit & Flowers Card

I love, love the Berry Blossoms Designer Series paper that is found in the 2011/2012 Idea Book & Catalog.  Not only does it use some beautiful colors, but it coordinates beautifully with the Fruit & Flowers stamp set - one of my favorites.  You can get the Berry Blossoms free if you purchase three other packages of Designer Series papers, but only through August 31st!  This offer applies to any of the $10.95 packages of DSP, and excludes the Specialty DSP as well as the Patterns Stacks.

I really like the way this card came together.  It is amazing what a bit of black (or other appropriate neutral color) will do for a card, don't you think?

Stampin' Up! products used on this card are:

Stamp Sets: Fruit & Flowers #122607; Happiest Birthday Wishes (Hostess set) #122617

Cardstock: Lucky Limeade, Basic Black, Calypso Coral, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Berry Blossoms #122350

Ink: Lucky Limeade, Calypso Coral

Accessories: Big Shot, 3" Circle die, Circle Scissors Plus, 2-1/2" circle punch, Modern Label punch, Eyelet Border punch, Limeade 3/8" Ruffled ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots, Houndstooth embosing folder, Crystal Effects, Dazzling Diamonds

The Crustal Effects on the strawberries really makes them pop.  It is difficult to see, but the Dazzling Diamonds that I sprinkled over the Crystal Effects looks like a bit of sugar.

Remember - today is the last day to take advatage of Stampin' Up!'s "Buy Three Get One Free" promotion.  You can place an order for your favorite papers through my online store HERE.

Flower Fest Center Step Card

I played a bit in my studio this afternoon, and decided to make some cards that used some of the Designer Series Papers that are "Buy Three, Get One Free" through tomorrow, August 31.  Here is the first card.  I used the "masking" technique to make it.

I love the Just Add Cake Designer Series Paper - it is so cheerful and coordinates with some really yummy colors.  I used the following Stampin' Up! products to make this card:

Stamp Sets: Flower Fest #122280 (from the Summer Mini catalog, which expires tomorrow!); Curly Cute #120510

Cardstock: Peach Parfait, Wild Wasabi, Whisper White

Ink: Peach Parfait, Wild Wasabi, Poppy Parade, Certainly Celery, Soft Suede

Designer Series Paper: Just Add Cake #120510

Accessories: Blender Pen, Regals Designer Buttons, Hemp Twine, Glue Dots

You can take advantage of the "Buy Three Get One Free" offer by placing your order through my Stampin' Up! online store HERE.  This offer only applies to the $10.95 packages in the 2011/2012 Idea Book & Catalog, and does not include the Specialty DSP or Paper Stacks.

 

August Class Card #3 - Sweets For The Sweet Birthday Card

Today I'm sharing a third card we made in my class last Saturday. I love how colorful this card is.  I saw this card on Sharon Burkert's blog, and thought it was cute just as it is so I didn't change a thing.  This is a great way to use Stampin' Up! awesome Designer Series Papers (DSP).  In case you have forgotten, Stampin' Up! has a special DSP promotion going on - buy three packs of the $10.95 papers in the Idea Book & Catalog, and chose a 4th package for FREE.  This offer is valid only through August 31st, so order your favorite papers NOW.

For this card the following Stampin' Up! products were used:

Stamp Set: Curly Cute, Sweets For The Sweet (new in the 2011/2012 Idea Book & Catalog)

Cardstock: Daffodil Delight, Whisper White, Tempting Turquoise

DSP: Big Top Birthday (new in the 2011/2012 Idea Book & Catalog)

Ink: Real Red, Daffodil Delight, Tempting Turquoise

Accessories: Postage Stamp Punch (new in the 2011/2012 IDea Book & Catalog), Real Red Satin Ribbon, Silver Brads, Glue Dots

I love the way the edges of the Postage Stamp punch stand out on the card, don't you?  You can order the supplies used for this card by going to my Stampin' Up! website at www.donnabagwell.stampinup.net

We have lots of fun in my classes!  Check out my upcoming calendar of events by going to my website HERE.

Thanks for looking!