Making Holiday Plans

The holiday season can be overwhelming, and without my multitude of lists I would be LOST! Every year I tote around my shopping list, a list of who to send cards to, and a list of those who shall receive chocolaty goodness from my kitchen! I also tend to keep my Christmas stamps and any receipts with my lists. This helps me stay on top of things...or so I delude myself to believe! lol

Originally I carried an envelope around with all my lists and such, but since that's not very crafty I made myself a little "pocket folio" one year that's held up pretty well. It was super simple, made from an 8-1/2x11" sheet of cardstock decorated with pretty papers, and it has been well loved!

This year I've decided to make a new one. I saw a version done with a standard manila file folder sometime in December last year, so I knew that's what I'd be doing in 2009.The photo above is the front when it's all tied closed. Below is how it looks when it's opened up.
The design is really simple and easy to duplicate. Mine is a letter sized manila folder with a center tab. I opened it up, scored and folded the bottom up 4". Then scored each side at 4-1/4" to create the additional panels with pockets. I decorated most of it with Designer Series Paper sandwiching in some ribbon so the whole thing can be tied shut. Of course I've also included some fun stamped images! For more details on the colors and products used to make this organizer, visit my website.

My First MDS Project

I've been dabbling with digi scrapping for almost two years now and even though I still have a deep love for true paper crafting, I just HAD to get myself a copy of My Digital Studio, from Stampin' Up! As a demonstrator I went through a certification process so I could learn about it and have the knowledge to help others. It's so easy to use; I can see myself doing many projects with it. Some all digital and a few hybrid things.
As part of my certification I had to create something using the software, so I decided to make a 2010 calendar. It's not only practical, but it came together quickly. The elements available are so easy to drop in and there are even templates you can use to help you with your layout. Here's a screen shot:


It's the lead in page for the month of June. The pictures folder is on the left side and I just dropped my photo in, selected some "stamped" images, and added a ribbon. The small preview images along the bottom are all the pages of the calendar, and you can simply click on any of them if you need to make an edit. This image below is the calendar page itself that coordinates with the one above.


There are designer papers to use as well and I incorporated them into several of my other pages, but I didn't want every page to be "the same." I'm super excited to get it. The printing/shipping service is really fast. I uploaded it for printing on Saturday evening and it'll be here tomorrow. I can't wait to hang it in my kitchen!

Want to know more about My Digital Studio? Watch the video on my website! There are also two great promos this month that include My Digital Studio:

• Get 50% off My Digital Studio when you host a workshop totaling $400 or more
• Spend $50 on anything in the Gift Giving Guide and receive a free Decor Element ($16.95 value)
  

Let It Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow...

This weekend I'm hosting a Stamp-a-Stack!

Miss Procrastinator Extraordinaire That I am, the cards were just barely completed yesterday and photographed! *whew* We'll be doing the cards in multiples which is why I call it a stamp-a-stack. There are three designs and everyone makes 4 of each...leaving with a dozen cards ready to go postal!

This first one uses the chalking technique. The trees were stamped in Craft White and then using daubers I added the different colored chalks.


This one is the "bling" card! lol How can you stamp those gorgeous snowflakes and not think about Dazling Diamonds!? You should see it sparkle in person, it's wonderful!


The last card might be my favorite. The bottom section isn't stamped, it's patterned paper with flocking...so neat, I had to use it on a card!!! It's very simple, and I'm in LOVE with this Designer Series Paper!

Contact me to RSVP:

Sunday October 18, 2009
2:00 PM
Frisco, TX
(214) 354-7685

Cool Crisp October

It's here alright...just wish it would stop raining! Uggg I have a few fun Halloweenish things to share.
I could have posted this one last month, but I didn't want it to be lonely! It needed friends, yeah that's it!
I did this little candle for Stamper's Club last month and tonight we'll be making 2 other super cute things that I'm sharing with you now.

Stampin' Supplies:
INK - Black Craft
STAMPS - From the Crypt
PAPER - Whisper White, Elegant Eggplant
OTHER - Black Gingham and 1/4" Pumpkin Pie Grosgrain Ribbon, Silver Cord, 1" Circle Punch, Curly Label Punch


I originally saw these spiders on a crafting website...or two...and multiple blogs..I think everyone did them last year, except ME! lol
I made one as an example for Stamper's Club tonight. Sydney loved it and she made the one and then added a little pink bow she made all by herself! I also promised the girls they'll get to make up a bunch too. 19 for Sydney's class, another 23 for Natalie. That'll work, they actually come together so quick once you punch all the pieces! They'll be fun to give to their friends at school!

Stampin' Supplies:
INK - White Gel Pen
PAPER - Basic Black, Orchid Opulence, Whisper White
OTHER - Scallop Circle Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, 1/4" Circle Punch, Photo Corners Punch


This last item is a Halloween treat bag. I did the cracked glass technique over the center image. Love doing that technique. You basically coat the entire surface with VersaMark and then clear embossing powder. A minimum of 3 coats, I did 4. Pop it in the freezer a few minutes, then CRACK!
This bag is perfect to "boo" a neighbor with! You can easily fit a few treats inside and for fun add a note and a ghost picture for them to hang on the door. Never been "booed" before? I put directions below...

Stampin' Supplies:
STAMPS - Twick or Tweet
INK - VersaMark, StazOn, Close To Cocoa and Creamy Caramel Marker
PAPER - Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White
OTHER - Fancy Favor Bigz Die, Clear Embossing Powder


How to "boo" your neighbors:
Some people refer to it as "Haunting" but it's just a fun surprise gift that is left on someone's door without them knowing who left it! Print out the poem below or make up your own, gather a few treats, and make a little sign that simply says "BOO" on it, or a cute little ghost picture with "BOO." Then put them all in a little treat bag or basket and leave them on someone's porch - don't get caught!

Here's one version of the poem that comes with a "printable:"

<<BOO!>>

Keep an eye on nearby front doors to see how far and fast it spreads by Halloween.
,
Sally