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!