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

30 Simply Scrappin' Christmas Cards Class

Join me as I show you how to create 30 embellished Christmas cards with 1/2 a package of our amazing "Christmas Jingle" Simply Scrappin' Kit. You'll go home with 30 different cards including envelopes!

Click the picture to see a larger view

Each class kit will include:

30 prescored Very Vanilla card bases

1/2 Christmas Jingle Simply Scrappin Kit:

• precut textured cardstock
• precut designer paper
• 3 sheets self-adhesive diecuts

4' each of 5/8" Old Olive & Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon

7' of Linen Thread

21 Gold Brads

1 sheet of Dimensionals (100/sheet, so you'll go home with quite a few extra's!)

30 Very Vanilla Stampin' Up! envelops


There are two options to choose from:

1: $45.00 Class fee includes the above project materials, but does not include any adhesive. You will be required to bring your own adhesive plus a roll of scotch tape or something similar. (Works out to $1.50/card)

2: $52.00 Class fee includes the above project materials plus all adhesive. (Works out to $1.73/card)

Registration closes September 30th and class option and fee is required when you register.

Early Bird Special: Register by September 20th and receive a free package of hand-stamped Christmas Gift Tags!

All project materials will need to be ordered in advance to allow me to cut and package each class kit, so registration fee is non-refundable. If you are unable to attend the class, your class kit will still be given to you to complete at home or you are welcome to "sell" your class spot to someone else - just let me know in advance.

Need a great way to store your cards? Sign up for this class and you can purchase the Forget-Me-Not Keeper 20% OFF! (Regular price $16.95) This versatile, archival Forget-Me-Not Keeper provides a convenient way to store and organize photos or cards. The twelve dividers allow you to organize by theme, month, or occasion.

■ White polypropylene with Silver metal snaps
■ 12 polypropylene dividers included
■ 8-5/8" long x 6-5/8" wide x 5" high when assembled
■ Ships flat
■ Archival quality, assembles quickly and easily
30 Simply Scrappin' Christmas Cards
Saturday, October 24th
My Home
Time: 1:30 - 4:30
Christmas Goodies/Refreshments will be served!!!!!

Creativity goes Digital!

Creativity goes digital with My Digital Studio™, Stampin' Up!'s new innovative and easy-to-use software studio!

I am SO excited about this new product! As a demonstrator I have te opportunity to preorder this software this month! I can't wait for it to arrive!

I can use the same great artwork, colours, and accessory images found in our current product line to create personalized projects. The options are endless: create assorted photo books, calendars, and greeting cards using My Digital Studio. Once you’ve created your personalized gift or heirloom, have it printed in our high-quality print facility and delivered to your door. Or you
can print your creation at home. (Available in English only.)

Available October 1st.

Software

I have copied the following information directly off the Stampin' Up! website:

With a simple install and intuitive design, the software lets you start creating right away. It's easy enough for a beginner, yet advanced enough to manipulate photos at an expert level.

Q: Is this software web-based or will I receive an installation disk?
A: You will receive installation disks that you will install on your computer. You will only need an Internet connection to register the product when you install it, to purchase professional print products, or to purchase digital downloads.

Q: What are the computer system requirements for My Digital Studio?
A: My Digital Studio is compatible with PC and MAC operating systems. Before you install My Digital Studio, make sure your computer meets the following requirements:

Computers running Microsoft Windows:

• Windows XP or Vista
• Pentium 4, 1 GHz or better (1.6 GHz recommended) or comparable AMD processor
• 512 MB RAM available (1 GB or more recommended, 1 GB required for Windows Vista users)
• 16 MB video RAM (64 MB recommended)
• Available hard disk space: 5GB minimum
• DVD-ROM drive

Computers running Macintosh:

• OS X 10.4.x or greater (with the latest Java update)
• G4 500 MHz or faster (G5 1 GHz or better recommended)
• 512 MB RAM (1 GB or more recommended)
• 8 MB video RAM (64 MB recommended)
• Available hard disk space: 5GB minimum
• DVD-ROM drive

Other Requirements

• QuickTime Player version 7.5 or higher (available on the My Digital Studio Installation DVD or at www.quicktime.com)
• Monitor resolution: 1024 x 768 or higher (1152 x 864 or higher recommended)

Recommended additional equipment My Digital Studio User Guide - 8

• CD or DVD burner (required for interactive album and DVD-video output options)
• Printer
• Speakers
• Digital camera
• Microphone
• Digital camcorder
• Scanner

System requirements will also be posted on our web site at www.stampinup.com/mydigitalstudio.

Q: Can I share my software with my family/friends?
A: During the installation process, each demonstrator or customer will be asked to accept an End User License Agreement. This agreement allows each copy of the software to be installed on two computers in the household.

Q: How much does My Digital Studio cost?
A: My Digital Studio costs $106.95.

Q: Why should I purchase My Digital Studio when I can download other applications for free?
A: There are several advantages in ordering My Digital Studio:

• Stampin' Up! Digital Content: Thousands of Stampin' Up! images are included the software for an excellent value. These images and pre-designed templates are exclusive to Stampin' Up!, and cannot be found in other applications.
• Exclusive Stampin' Up! Colours: No other application has Stampin' Up! exclusive colors. This is especially important for making hybrid (projects that combine traditional Stampin' Up! products layered on top of digital creations) projects.
• Robust Features and Functionality: My Digital Studio is a user friendly, intuitive program designed specifically for digital scrapbooking and card making. Combining a robust group of features, multiple output options, strong photo editing capabilities, and the ability to add multimedia elements such as hot spot links, music, narration, and video to your projects, My Digital Studio is simply a better application than you can get on the web.
• Professional Print Services: The only way to take advantage of our high quality professional print services is to upload your projects through My Digital Studio. If you have downloaded content for use in other applications, you will not be able to use our services.

Q: What is the difference between selecting to create a Photo Album, Card, Calendar, and Multiple Output Options?
A: The Photo Album, Card, or Calendar options allow you to select your project size and type up front. The Multiple Output Options allows you to select the size up front, or change the size of the project after you are finished.

Q: The software agreement allows for installation on two computers in my home. Can I also install the application on a second computer where I work or in another location outside of my home?
A: The software license agreement allows you to install one copy of the software on two computers in your primary residence. If you want to also install the software on a computer in another location you can purchase another copy to do so.

Sweet Rewards Hostess Promotion

Earn even more free products with our limited-time hostess offer!

From September 1-November 30, host a $330 Stampin' Up! workshop, and choose any one item* from the Holiday 2009 Mini Catalogue for just $14!
Choose from our award-winning stamps, beautiful new Simply Adorned jewelry, exclusive Build-A-Bear Workshop products, or latest dies for the Sizzix Big Shot. With so much to choose from, you'll feel like a kid in a candy shop!
Make plans today to host your own Stampin' Up! workshop and enjoy this sweet reward.
*Offer does not include My Digital Studio or hostess sets

Lovin' the Elements...

…Décor Elements that is! This is a project I did that took less than 15 minutes! Super quick and simple.

I purchased this frame a couple of weeks ago and wanted to dress it up a bit, so I dug out this set of 4 words in black (Inspiration #116187 $6.95). This particular décor element is available in Black, Chocolate or Kraft. You can check out many of our other decor elements in our Definitely Decorative Brochure.

To start, I cut out the images to the size I wanted and made sure they fit in my frame.

Using the Décor Elements Applicator (#114285 $2.25) I burnished the back of the paper (grid side) to release it from the backing paper. For a larger image, start in the center and work towards the outside edges. For a small image like this one, I just moved side to side.

Slowly peel the back grid paper off. If any of your design is still stuck to the backing paper, just lay it down and burnish again.

When you reach the edge of your design, be careful to hold the edge of your paper down – it will have a tendency to curl under itself and can stick to your work surface. Not a good thing to have happen (don’t ask how I found this out).

Carefully lay your image on the surface you are adhering it too. The image and paper is sticky so you won’t need any additional adhesive.

Using the applicator, once again go over your image. This will help to transfer the image to your surface of choice.

Slowly peel off the front transfer paper. If any of your design has not fully transferred, just lay the sheet down again and go over it with your applicator.

All done!

To finish it off for now, I added some left over retired designer paper I had and will add pictures of my family at some point. Because the design is on the front of the glass, I can switch out the pictures or paper as often as I'd like.

Ta Da!

Here are a few fabulous examples from other demonstrators using some of our other decor elements on glass. Enjoy!





Watch for details regarding an upcoming class I will be offering using our Decor Elements!

Happy Stamping!

Cristina

Reaching New Heights - Decor Elements Growth Chart

Demonstrators and customers alike love the Décor Elements Growth Chart special offer so much, it is now the top selling Décor Elements item for the month of August!

Stampin' Up! has received a lot of great photos and tips from other demonstrators who have purchased this new, limited-time Decor Elements item, and I'm excited to share a few of them with you!
Ideas for Marking Heights

Alana Jean-Louis, a consultant from Edmonton, Alberta, uses the Décor Elements sheets (page 158 of the Idea Book & Catalog), the My Way punch (item #110709), and the White Gel pen (item # 105021)to create height markers for her Growth Chart.

Julienne Davison, an executive from Champaign, Illinois, put her Growth Chart up in her playroom, and uses the cute birds made with the Birds & Blooms Sizzlit die (item #113485) to track her kids' growth. "Since my growth markers are movable," she says, "I plan to take photos of the children at various milestones and then record the date and measurement in a 'Watch me Grow' mini book."

Great School Products!

Dale Abraham, a supervisor and second-grade teacher from Metairie, Louisiana, reports, "Everyone at my school decorates their classroom doors, so I decided to use the growth chart on mine. This was the first Décor Element I had put up . . . and I'm hooked!"

Here's how Dale plans to use the growth chart at her school:

"On the first day of school, I always take a picture of each student . . . so I will take it in front of the grow chart. At the end of the year, I'll take a second picture and send both of them home with our last writing project which will be a book about how they have grown to be better students during the year. I also plan to use the growth chart during Math and let the students compare the length and height of various objects. I'm going to invite other classes to send their tallest and shortest students to be measured on our door, and we'll compare the differences to the tallest and shortest in our room."

"Since my main focus is getting my students to be better readers, I also plan to use the chart to graph the number of books they have read at home . . . so I will be putting other numbers where the metric ones were and adding student names and small punched shapes to the door to show how many books they read."

"Last but not least, my new door decoration has already had lots of comments and questions about where I got it. It's a great conversation starter!"

Remember, the Décor Elements Growth Chart is only available through September 30th, so give me a call to order your own!!!