I don't know about you, but I have been running around like a crazy woman completely stressed out slightly concerned with the million things still to do before Christmas.  And, did I spend my entire day working on those items on my to do list?  Of course not...I decided to sit down at my computer for a bit and digi scrap a few pictures we took earlier this year of a family day out.  Fun fun!!!  Sometimes you just need to take a break - at least, that's my excuse anyway. ;)

I love the way the page turned out with the mix of color and black & white photos.  Click on the page for a larger view.  I just love the ability to create a "custom" background using one of my own photos!  I thought this picture of the wooden trestle worked perfectly with the layout.

Well, I guess I'd better get back to recovering my dining room chairs now!!!

Happy Stamping!

Birthday wishes...

Just a quick post I thought I'd share of a birthday card I stamped for a friend of mine this week using one of my favorite stamps - Friends 24/7.  I just love the bird (which I colored with some of my Stampin' Write markers before stamping) and the damask stamp which I stamped in Chocolate Chip ink to make my own tone-on-tone custom designer paper.

For the first time ever, I also pulled out my sewing machine and sewed around the entire Very Vanilla/Chocolate Chip cardstock layers - a simple technique and one I think I'll start to use more often!

Click on the picture for a closer view.  These colors aren't ones I would normally work with, but I wanted to try something different and was happy with the end result.

Happy Stamping!

Project materials:  

Stamps:  Friends 24/7, Thoughts & Prayers, Canvas Background, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Ink:  Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Stampin' Write Markers: Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Bordering Blue, Creamy Caramel, Summer Sun

Cardstock:  Taken with Teal, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, Bordering Blue

Accessories:  5/8" Chocolate Grosgrain Ribbon, Linen Thread; Stampin' Dimensionals, 

Tools:  Sponge Daubers, Sewing Machine, Curly Label Punch, Large Oval Punch

Big Shot "Two Tags" idea

I came across this ADORABLE little gift item that a fellow demonstrator made using the Two Tags bigz die.

 So cute and perfect as little gift toppers or stocking stuffers....well, I guess it would have to be for NEXT Christmas if you wanted to use it in a stocking! ;)

The best part is this die is part of the 12 Days of Holiday Sales promotion!  This die is definitely being added to my list. ;)

Here's a quick pic of the die (not shown at actual size) and is available by visiting my website and going to my online store at www.cfindlay.stampinup.net

Happy Stamping!

12 Days of Holiday Sales Promotion

These might be the most exciting 12 days of December with select Big Shot dies and vinyl sheets for the Big Shot on sale! The 12 Days of Holiday Sales begin today and runs through December 22.
Some of the items introduced in this sale are new colours of Décor Elements vinyl sheets. There are 18 new colours to choose from, and they make great projects when you use them with Big Shot dies. Consider pairing the Clear Décor Elements vinyl sheets with the Tulipe Bigz die to create an etched-like design on a vase. Or use the Decorative Accent Bigz dies with the Old Olive Décor Element vinyl sheets to enhance a frame. The combination of Big Shot dies and Décor Elements vinyl sheets is sure to take your creativity to a new level!

Take a peek at the many great prices on these Big Shot Products below or by visiting my website and click on "Shop Now" to access my online store.  (prices listed in the store reflect the sale price)

EXTRA CHRISTMAS BONUS:  As an extra Christmas bonus,  if you purchase the Big Shot machine through me during this promotion, I  will offer you a FREE Big Shot die of your choice up to $26.

If you've never seen the Big Shot in action, call me for a quick demonstration.  I'd love to show you some of the possibilities!!!

Product Offering:
Item	Page #	Description	Regular Price	Discounted Price
114515	195	Flower Burst Embosslits die	$15.95	$11.96
114516	195	Cherry Blossom Embosslits die	$15.95	$11.96
115957	195	Thanks Embosslits die	$15.95	$11.96
114513	195	Sweetest Stem Embosslits die	$15.95	$11.96
115952	195	Hi Embosslits die	$15.95	$11.96
115951	197	Timeless Type Junior Alphabet Medium Sizzlits die	$99.95	$79.96
113446	197	Build a Flower #2 Set Sizzlits 4-Pack die	$26.95	$22.91
114509	197	Big Bold Cupcakes Sizzlits 4-Pack die	$29.95	$25.46
113448	197	Hearts Set Sizzlits 4-Pack die	$26.95	$22.91
113457	198	Tulipe Bigz die	$29.95	$22.46
115954	198	Two Tags Bigz die	$29.95	$25.46
114524	199	Fringed Flower Bigz die	$26.95	$21.56
114523	199	Decorative Accents Bigz die	$26.95	$21.56
114534	199	Flower Bigz Clear die	$26.95	$21.56
113473	199	5-Point 3D Star Bigz die	$26.95	$22.91
113472	199	Circle 3D Ornament Bigz die	$26.95	$22.91
113470	199	Flower Layers w/Leaf Bigz die	$26.95	$22.91
113465	199	Bird w/Leaves and Flower Bigz die	$26.95	$22.91
115961	200	Perfect Setting Bigz XL die	$57.95	$43.46
113483	200	Pennant Bigz XL die	$53.95	$40.46
113484	200	Baskets & Blooms Bigz XL die	$53.95	$43.16
116760	201	Pop-Up Three Tier Cake Bigz XL die	$53.95	$40.46
116759	201	Pop-Up 3D Ball Bigz XL die	$53.95	$40.46
114890	201	Matchbox Bigz XL die	$57.95	$49.26
113458	202	Flower Layers Originals die	$21.95	$18.66
114336	158	Kraft Décor Elements sheets 12" x 24" (2)	$15.50	$11.63
114334	158	Dark Gray Décor Elements sheets 12" x 24" (2)	$15.50	$11.63
114337	158	Chocolate Décor Elements sheets 12" x 24" (2)	$15.50	$11.63
114335	158	White Décor Elements sheets 12" x 24" (2)	$15.50	$11.63
118797	n/a	So Saffron Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$15.50	$11.63
118798	n/a	Rose Red Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$15.50	$11.63
118799	n/a	Taken With Teal Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$15.50	$11.63
118800	n/a	Pretty In Pink Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$15.50	$11.63
118801	n/a	Bashful Blue Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$15.50	$11.63
118802	n/a	Real Red Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$15.50	$11.63
118803	n/a	Old Olive Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$15.50	$11.63
118804	n/a	Black Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$15.50	$11.63
118805	n/a	Night of Navy Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$15.50	$11.63
118806	n/a	Certainly Celery Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$15.50	$11.63
118807	n/a	Tempting Turquoise Décor Elements Sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$15.50	$11.63
118808	n/a	Clear Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$15.50	$11.63
118809	n/a	Pumpkin Pie Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$15.50	$11.63
118810	n/a	Pixie Pink Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$15.50	$11.63
118812	n/a	Sahara Sand Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$15.50	$11.63
118813	n/a	Gable Green Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$15.50	$11.63
118814	n/a	Basic Gray Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$15.50	$11.63
118815	n/a	Chalkboard Décor Elements sheets 15" x 24" (2)	$17.50	$13.13

Happy Stamping!

I can see clearly now...

Over the past few years, there has been enormous demand from demonstrators and customers alike for a line of repositionable clear-mount stamps. Well, you asked for it, and now you have it! Starting with stamps in the 2010 Occasions Mini Catalog and the 2010 Sale-A-Bration Brochure, Stampin′ Up! now offers our exclusive stamp art in both traditional wood-mount, and the new clear-mount option.

Our new clear-mount stamps are the result of extensive research with the intent to maintain the very best image quality in the stamping industry, while at the same time offering the ease-of-use and storability inherent in repositionable clear-mount stamps.


Clear-Mount Features
Nine different sizes of clear blocks available individually or as a discounted bundle.
Blocks have ergonomic grooves on all four sides for easy grip and traditional wood-mount feel.
Stamps and blocks are durable and easy to clean with your Stampin’ Scrub and Stampin' Mist.
Optional image labels on stamp backs let you decide if you want to see the image through the block or not.
Tight die-cutting for easy image positioning.
Large clear blocks can be used to create collages or spell words with alphabet sets.
Stamps store easily in standard, DVD-type cases with artwork on front and spine, making organization easy.

This is so exciting.  Your choice - Stampin' Up!'s wonderful Rubber Stamps with the wood blocks and now your choice of Clear Mount too.



Happy Stamping!!!

Digital + Starter Kit

With the introduction of My Digital Studio, Stampin' Up! is offering an all-new business opportunity with the Digital+ Starter Kit until March 31, 2010. Priced at just $239, the Digital+ Starter Kit contains

• My Digital Studio software
• Party Hearty and Petal Pizzazz stamp sets
• Whisper White card stock (8-1/2" x 11")
• Earth Elements assorted card stock (8-1/2" x 11")
• Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Real Red, and Tempting Turquoise Classic Stampin' Pads^®
• Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, and Real Red Stampin' Write^® markers
• Chocolate Chip 1/4" grosgrain ribbon
• Real Red 1" double-stitched grosgrain ribbon
• Button Latte Designer buttons
• Stampin' Dimensionals^®
• Mini Glue Dots
• SNAIL Adhesive^®
• Business supplies (product catalogues, order forms, training DVD, and other supplies)

Combining My Digital Studio with traditional embellishments and other Stampin' Up!^® products allows you to not only effectively showcase hybrid projects, but also demonstrate projects using non-digital elements. Contact me with any questions you may have or log onto my website at www.cfindlay.stampinup.net, click on "Start Your Own Business", and then "Join Now".  The recruiter password you will need is "cfindlay0924".

Happy Stamping!

Greeting Card or Home Decor???

I was playing with My Digital Studio this afternoon and started off with the intention of making a 5x7 Christmas layout to frame as a new piece of home decor.  After I finished it, I thought it would make a great Christmas card, so I added a couple pages to make the interior of the card!  SO easy and I had a blast looking through some of our family Christmas photos of last year as we don't have any current ones yet. ;)

Card Front/Framed Home Decor:

Inside top of the Greeting Card (which really could also be printed out in a postcard format and used as a greeting card with your Christmas greetings written on the back):

 

Inside bottom of the Greeting Card:  I love being able to add as many layers, ribbons or embellishments I'd like with no worry of adding any additional bulk to my finished card.

So much fun!

Happy Stamping!

Saying Goodbye to our Dormant Stamp Sets!

Many of the stamp sets currently on our dormant list have been available for a year and now it's time to say goodbye.




Click here to access our dormant list complete with links to pictures of each set.

The following sets will be discontinued on January 4, 2010.

Item Number    Stamp Set

 113407           Back Woods

 114492           Beautiful Baby

 114486           Birthday Wish

 113200           Branch Out

 114496           Celebrations

 113732           Central Park

 113206           Classic Sketches

 113226           Classy & Fabulous

 114498           Flowers in Silhouette

 113405           Font of You

 113216            For the Bride

 114494            Forever

 109425            Friend by Definition

 114488            Fun Flowers

 113716            Garden Greetings

 114490            Glad Friends

 111580            Grand Soiree

 113242            Hit the Road

 113710            Lexicon of Leaves

 113236            Man's Best Friend

 114423            Ocean Commotion

 113728            Playful Petals

 109276            Polka Dot

 111544            Putt Putt

 113240            Quilt Quips

 113754             Really Retro

 113403            Sip by Sip

 113726            Sweet Stems

 113250            That's Funny

 113688            Wonderful Watercolors

If any of these sets are still on your wish list, be sure to order them by January 4th before they're gone!

Happy Stamping!

HUGE HOLIDAY SALE

For one week only, you can get amazing discounts--up to 50 percent off--on over 40 products and product bundles!

• Monday, November 23, 2009, - Monday November 30, 2009, 11:50 PM (MT).
• Discounts range between 30 percent and 50 percent.
• For online orders, discounts will be shown in the shopping bag at checkout. 

Check out each of these products by going to my Online Store by clicking on the shopping cart picture to the left and then click on "Shop Now" at the bottom of the screen.

Happy Stamping!

Upcoming Events!!!

Yikes!  Has it really been over two weeks since I've posted anything?  Life can certainly get busy at times can't it! ;)

The following are a few events that I'm offering over the next few weeks.  If you're interested in taking part, please let me know as soon as possible.

My Digital Studio FREE Info & Demonstration:  If you're curious about Stampin' Up!s new digital paper crafting software, join me for a free information and demonstration evening and I'll show you some of the amazing features of this new program while you enjoy some yummy Christmas goodies!   Saturday, November 28th, 7:30-9pm.  Please RSVP by November 25th - seating is limited.

Decor Elements "Welcome" Frame Class (NEW DATE):  If you would like to add to your home decor or maybe you're looking for a unique Christmas gift idea, you won't want to miss this upcoming class using our Decor Elements on Friday, December 4th at my home, 7:30pm .  Class kit will include a black 11-1/2 x 23-1/2 frame, black "Welcome" Decor Elements, Decor Elements applicator tool, precut cardstock & Designer Paper and embellishments.  $40.  Class fee required by November 23th to secure your spot and in non refundable.  This will be a winter theme design, but can be changed throughout the year to suit each season.  *Minimum 3 people.


Happy Wife = Happy Life:  Guys Event:  It's that time again ladies!  Time for my annual event for the special guy in your life!  If you know he's not into long lineups, pushy sales people or  over-crowded malls, he won't want to miss this event!  He can come and enjoy my hubby's famous homemade pizza, try his hand at stamping and easily place an order for some goodies for you all in one place - I even offer free gift wrapping!!!  Saturday, December 5th, 6:30pm.  Please RSVP by November 30th so I can make sure we've got enough food!!!  Click here for your very own Wish List you can fill out and have him bring along to make his shopping even easier!!!

Here's a picture of some of the guys at my 2007 event (I forgot to take a picture last year - oops).  They may not say it, but I know they had fun.  Ha ha.

 

Happy Stamping!!!

Holiday Extravaganza & Sweet Rewards

It's that time again!  Stampin' Up! is once again offering their Holiday Extravaganza Gift Guide!  Use our Holiday Extravaganza Gift-Giving Guide to find gifts for kids, teens, neighbours, card makers, scrapbookers, and more—or to find the supplies you need to create special handcrafted gifts.

Click here to view this Gift Giving Guide

Plus, from November 1 to January 4, receive a free Décor Elements™ piece (up to a $22.95 value) when you spend $65 on products in this guide!  There is no limit to the number of free Décor Elements you can earn. For every $65 purchased from the Gift-Giving Guide, you will receive a free Décor Element valued at $22.95 or less.

 Sweet Rewards Hostess Promotion

Just a reminder that until the end of November, when you host a $525 workshop, you can get My Digital Studio at 50% off when you purchase it with your hostess shopping dollars!

Online Extravaganza
Watch my blog and website for details about this exciting promotion starting November 23rd

Definitely let me know if you have any questions!

Welcome Christmas...

Can you believe Christmas is less than 9 weeks away!  I know, neither can I!!!  To get me into more of a Christmas mood, I decided to create a Christmas card with My Digital Studio.  As part of the My Digital Studio Certification course I'm taking, one of the requirements was to create and print a digital card.  SO, I thought why not make it Christmas!

This is the front of the card:

This is the inside of the card.  I love being able to add embellishments to the inside with no extra bulk.  I've also included the small sentiment from the Sweet Season stamp set (I never know what to write inside a card!).  ;)  

 

Happy Stamping!

At the Pumpkin Patch

A couple of days ago I decided to venture out with all three kids to pick out pumpkins at a local Farmers Market near our home.  We weren't there long, but the boys definitely enjoyed choosing their very own pumpkins.  They were so excited to be allowed to hold their pumpkins on the drive home and even insisted we stop at daddy's office to show him their finds before heading home. ;)

I brought my camera along to capture a few memories with the intention to scrapbook them of course!!!  As soon as I got home, I downloaded the pics, opened up My Digital Studio and immediately started on a page.  I decided to keep it simple and used a layout already designed and included with the software.  All I had to do was add my choice of papers, stamps, embellishments and of course my pictures!  In less than an hour, I had my basic page finished.  You can click on the picture for a larger view.

Check out the background paper - it's one of the pictures!  One of the options in My Digital Studio is to add a custom background.  I used one of my photos, cropped it a bit and changed the opacity to make it a little more translucent. Love it!  Even my husband was impressed!

If you're interested in learning more about this amazing new digital software, watch for upcoming details on a free information and demonstration evening I'll be offering in November!

Happy Stamping!

Cristina

Christmas Card Stamp-a-Stack Card Options

The 3 card options for my upcoming Christmas Card Stamp-a-Stack have been posted!  Check out the cards here!

Cristina

Christmas Card Stamp-a-Stack

ETA:  I've FINALLY posted the three card options available for my upcoming Stamp-a-Stack!  See below.

They're back!  Once again I'm offering my annual Christmas Cards Stamp-a-Stack.  Rather than purchase and send out the same mass-produced cards everyone else is sending out, come and get a head start on your own personalized cards!  Your friends and family will love receiving these mini masterpieces in their mailboxes.

You will have the opportunity to stamp twelve embellished Christmas cards for only $25.  I am offering three different designs to choose from and you can choose as many or as few of each design you'd like for a total of 12 cards.

Because I will need to preorder, cut & package all project materials, registration is non refundable and is required by October 25th to secure your spot.  If you are unable to attend after registering, you will still receive your precut card materials which you will be able to assemble at home.  Please note that stamp-a-stack card kits brought home will not include any stamped images.

Option 1:  Soft Snowflakes  (Colors:  Night of Navy, Bashful Blue, Mellow Moss & Whisper White)

Option 2:  Traditional Trees  (Colors:  Old Olive, Real Red, Whisper White)

This card is a modified version of the gate fold card with panels opening to the right and to the left to display the center back panel.

 

Option 3:  Vintage Postcard  (Colors:  Ruby Red, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla)

This card will use our Chocolate Chip striped ribbon - the red striped ribbon on this card example has been retired and is no longer available.

To attend this stamp-a-stack, please send me your card choice selections (must be a total of 12 cards) along with payment by October 25th to reserve your spot.  You are more than welcome to purchase more than one stamp-a-stack kit.  Please let me know if you have any questions.

Christmas Card Stamp-a-Stack

Saturday, November 7th @ 1:30pm - My Home

Registration closes October 25th

Deals of the Week

Week 1 Deals of the Week

Item	Description	Special Price
109183	Trio Flower punch	$15.99*
109041	5-Petal Flower punch	$15.99*
110709	My Way punch	$16.99*

*order must be placed through me or on my website to receive this customer preferred pricing.


Dates: October 1-31, 2009
Promotion Details:
During the month of October, Stampin' Up! will offer several discounted products as "Deals of the Week." No limits and no minimum purchase required.

Customer Weekly Deal Announcements:

• Deal #1: Thursday, October 1, 2009; 12:01 AM (MT)
• Deal #2: Monday, October 12, 2009; 10:00 AM (MT)
• Deal #3: Monday, October 19, 2009; 10:00 AM (MT)
• Deal #4: Monday, October 26, 2009; 10:00 AM (MT)

NEW! Stampin' Up! Clearance Rack

New Clearance Rack in my Online Store 

Overview:

Stampin' Up! is launching a  new section of the online store called the Clearance Rack. The purpose of the Clearance Rack is to clear out the inventory of surplus items that have been retired. Many of these retired items will be offered at a substantially reduced price.

Details:

• The clearance rack is not a promotion. It will launch September 29, 2009 but does not have a set end date.
• All products in the Clearance Rack section are retired, discontinued items. No current products will be sold in the Clearance Rack.
• Clearance Rack items are only available while supplies last. Items will be removed and new items will be posted depending on inventory levels. There is no set time for availability.
• Clearance Rack items will be listed and pictured only in my online store.
• All sales of Clearance Rack items are final. No returns or exchanges will be accepted, except in the case of defective product.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Q: Why does the order have to be placed online?
A: Because the products are only available while supplies last, it is very possible that that item will be sold out before I would have the opportunity to place the order for you. By ordering online, you will know immediately if the product is still available or not.

Q: Is the Clearance Rack a promotion?
A: The Clearance Rack is not a promotion and has no end date.  The intent is for the Clearance Rack to be a permanent part of my online store.

Q: How often will the Clearance Rack be updated with new items?
A: There is no set schedule. Clearance Rack items will be posted and removed based on inventory levels. Because there is no schedule, you will want to check back regularly for new postings.

Q: If you run out of a certain item, will you restock your inventory and post it for sale again?
A: No. Clearance Rack items are retired, discontinued items and are only available while supplies last.

If you have any questions, please let me know!

Happy Stamping!!!

Cristina

Got Cake?

Another double page layout I created yesterday afternoon with My Digital Studio.  I just can't get enough!

Click on the image to see a larger view

Happy Stamping!

Cristina

Beach Boys

I've always struggled with scrapbooking.  Looking at those large pieces of blank cardstock and a pile of pictures was enough to send me into a cold sweat!  And cutting into those gorgeous pieces of designer paper?  What if I messed it up!  Nope, I just couldn't do it.  With My Digital Studio, I have been having a blast putting together scrapbook pages.  I can "cut" my pieces of cardstock and designer paper with no fear of messing up and I never run out of my "favorite" embellishments.  Lovin' it!!!  Of course, My Digital Studio isn't just for scrapbooking - this software is great for designing a ton of different projects (including my new blog header!)

Below is a two page layout I put together this afternoon of my boys at the beach this past year.  You can click the picture to see a larger view.

I'd love to know what you think!!!

Happy stamping!

Cristina

My First Digital Projects!

I was thrilled when my hubby told me I could order the new "My Digital Studio" software program from Stampin' Up! as an early birthday gift. If you missed my previous post about this software, you can read about it here.

I'd anxiously been awaiting its arrival and was excited when it was delivered this morning. I haven't spent much time on it (only as much time as three little kids will allow!), but I can already tell I'm going to have a lot of fun! Here are two 8x8 scrapbook pages I quickly put together of my daughter's 1st birthday. Click the pictures to see a larger view.



I think I'll change a few elements or add a few embellishments to the second page. The beauty of digital is I can do that with no wasted product!!!!

I also tried my hand at a VERY simple thank you card.

Did you notice the two staples on the bottom right edge? Yup, those are digital too! Isn't it so realistic looking???? Gotta love it. AND, the best part is I can add as many bulky embellishments, bows or knots I want and it won't cost me an extra cent to mail - it's still completely flat!

I can't wait to spend more time with this program and find out about the many features available!

If you're interested in learning more about this fabulous new software, watch my upcoming events for a free information night focusing on this new program.

Happy Stamping!

Cristina