My Digital Studio Layout

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Well... it's been a great weekend. Friday I had the privilege to go to a Stampin Up sleepover with some great paper crafters. I had such a great time. I hope to get some pictures up of the projects that I made. Maybe I'll be able to get them posted tomorrow. Can you imagine... over 24 hours of nothing but stampin!

While I'd like to tell you more about my weekend... I've been sick for most of today. I made it to church and struggled through but this evening I've just been going downhill. I grabbed my laptop, opened up MDS, crawled in bed and went to town. After playing with it a little I just decided that there was no better way to jump in than to jump in head first. I decided that I'd just make a page. I'd like to share the page I created. 

I did have a nine picture collage but I took the pics out and just placed a grey rectangle in their place. 

What do you think about the background paper? Would you believe that it's created from 18... yes... I said 18 different elements? Some were duplicated but there are 18. Here are the elements that I used.

 Above are the different brush stamps that I used to create my background. As you can see, some are multiples.

To the left and right are the two background pages that I used to create my background. 

When I first started using MDS I started out with the My Digital Studio Express. Right now you can get that FREE for 30 days to try it out. After I realized that I loved it I added on the Express Booster Pack. When you do this you end up with the same digital pieces as you would if you purchased the full version of My Digital Studio software. All the elements that you see in this layout are from the full MDS software. It is WELL WORTH the cost. This software is amazing. I am hoping to do a video this week to show you just how easy it is to use the software. There are so many possibilities. I never thought that I would ever get into digital scrapbooking... but here I am... and I LOVE it. 

Of course... I will never stop doing the hands on stuff. But it's awesome that I can work digitally and get such great results. Know what else... you can also do what they are calling "hybrid pages". You can design in MDS, send it to Stampin Up's printing service (or print out at home, or locally) and then add your own embellishments. It's all up to you. I've made a hybrid card. I printed it out on my printer at home and then added it to a card base with some layers, added a strip of paper, did some heat embossing and then added rhinestones. You may have seen it on my blog... here is the hybrid card I did. It comes from a template with the Summer Smooches digital kit. 

Again... you can try MDS FREE for 30 days. Click on the link below and try it out. 

Don't forget... the Summer Mini ends tomorrow. YIKES!!! Only one more day to get your favs from the Summer Mini Catalog. Click below to order now!

Going, Going... Gonna be GONE!

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Apologies up front, because this is such a long post. It's full of information that you need to know... but it's just not fun stuff. So please read through and don't get distracted... the best part is the Challenge at the end :)

I don't know about you, but I'm really excited about the upcoming new Stampin Up Idea Book & Catalog (IB&C). Normally the IB&C comes out on July 1st each year. This year it will come out on June 1st. That's just a little more than a month away. I can't wait! Stampin Up always amazes me with the new items they come up.
Along with the new IB&C this year, there are lots of changes as well. On a previous post I gave you the list of the stamp sets that will retire on May31, 2012. There are also some accessories that will be retiring as well. Before I give you some information about the items retiring let me go ahead and give you some links.

These links are for the lists in PDF format. They are sorted by page number so you can follow the list along with your catalog.

• Retiring Stamps List 
• Retiring Definitely Decorative
• Retiring Accessories List

If you'd like to view pictures you can go to my site HERE. There you can find all the retiring products by category and see pictures of each item. You can also go ahead and purchase those items NOW. These retiring items are available through May 31st... BUT... they are available ONLY while supplies last. So don't wait. 

***Also notice that some of the items in the Retiring Accessories List are discounted... some up to 70%! That's an awesome deal! Dont miss out! ***

Ok... so maybe you've had a chance to see the Retiring Accessories List and you are freaking out. That's what I did! I saw ALL the Stampin Write Markers on there, ALL the Classic Ink Pads and quite a few other items. BUT... before you freak out like I did... let me explain a few things.

• Stampin Write Markers will be available in select individual colors and color collections
• 12x12 Smoth Card Stock will be available in select individual colors and color collections
• 12x12 Textured Cardstock is retiring and will no longer be available
• Craft Stamp Pads will now only be available in Black and White

Ok... so now that some of the anxiety has been taken away (at least it was for me, LOL)... here's what else is happening. You probably also noticed that ALL the Classic Stamp Pads were listed as well. DON'T WORRY! SU is not changing those colors or how they are sold. The packaging is being changed. SU is introducing a new Firm Foam Pads. The Firm Foam pads offer better ink coverage and, in turn, better stamped images. These are expected to also last longer. They will be available to order starting June1, 2012. 

Don't be afraid of the new Firm Foam Pads. This just means that Stampin Up wanted to give us an even better quality stamp pad than we already have. Don't feel like you will need to replace all your pads. I certainly won't be. 

One thing you will also need to be aware of with the new Stamp Pads...  (The following is from Stampin Up)

Please note: Five ink colors have undergone formula changes to improve functionality and color stability with the new firm foam pads. These colors are

Basic Black
Basic Gray
Marina Mist
Perfect Plum
Tempting Turquoise

All five colors of the reformulated inks have been fully tested and approved. While using the new ink formula in the old Stampin' Pads is fine, we do not recommend using the old ink formula in the new firm foam pads. Any refills purchased after April 30, 2012, will contain the new formulated ink.

CHALLENGE!!

Wow!!! Ok... I know it's been a long post full of lots of informations. Now it's time for some fun stuff. Lets celebrate the retiring lists with a challenge. If you have some of the retiring items make a card or a scrapbook page using those items. Upload a picture of that item to your blog, Facebook, Pinterest, SplitcoastStampers... or wherever. Then leave a comment here with a link to your project. Don't have a place or way to upload your work? Leave a comment here about what your favorite item is that is retiring and why you love it. I will pick one lucky winner to receive some of my "retired items stash". I have lots of embellishments from past catalogs... LOL... a lot of it is from 2003... :) I have buttons, brads, eyelets and ribbons. A lot of them are retired colors but they are still fun. 

***Please become a follower of this blog to be eligible for the prize. ***

So... get creating! I look forward to seeing what you create. 

Retiring Stamp Set - For Everything and Digital Downloads

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Today has been a busy day. But I did get some stamping in. I started with a card and quickly found that I didn't have all the supplies I needed to complete it. But it gave me the inspiration to move on to the next project... and use what I have ON HAND. LOL!

Retiring May 31, 2012 - For Everything (wood-116954, clear-120459)

Click on the links above to purchase 24/7.

For a PDF file of the entire list of retiring stamps click HERE.

To shop for retired sets click HERE. You will also find a picture of all the sets.

I love this stamp set and hate to see that it is retiring. There are lots of images from this set that I like... but ended up only using one. Here's my simple card...

This card came together really easy and really quick. I used the Blossoms Bouquet Triple Layer punch and my Simply Scored to add a little dimension. Hope you enjoy. 

Supplies: 

One thing I learned while building my Classic Ink Pad collection was that the Stampin Write Markers are AWESOME! I bought the entire color collection of markers before I started building my ink pads. Now I have EVERY color ink that's needed. So no mater what color I need for my project... if I don't have the pad... I've got the marker. For details on joining a Marker Club email me. 

***TIP***

I used markers on this card rather than the ink pads. 

I did not list the phrase "hello" stamp set. It's from Teeny Tiny Wishes. It's actually "hello baby". I used my Real Red Marker and just colored just the part of the stamp I needed. 

AND... Today is Tuesday so new MDS Digital Downloads are available.

Click HERE for your FREE trial version of My Digital Studio! 

You can also click on the banner above.

Triple Treat Flower Scrapbook Page & Happy Friendship Friday!

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Someone wished me a Happy Friendship Friday today. Which seems fitting since the scrapbook page I did today is about friendship. I hadn't thought about it when I was creating the page. My inspiration was two of my crafting friends. They were at my workshop last night and I could kick myself for not getting a pic of them. It would have been perfect for this page. I will have to get one of them next time.

The photo I took is horrible but the project I'm sharing with you today is my FIRST scrapbook page using Stampin Up. I started out with Bashful Blue as my base and just sat there wondering what colors I wanted to add to it. I wasn't sure where I was going with it and so I got out my handy dandy.... Color Coach. (too much toddler cartoons in my life.. lol). This is the first time... but not the last... that I've used my Color Coach. I HIGHLY recommend it to anyone. So the color combo that it gave me was Bashful Blue, Chocolate Chip and Certainly Celery. So here is my page. Hope you enjoy it.

Supplies

Cardstock: Bashful Blue, Marina Mist, Chocolate Chip, Certainly Celery, Whisper White

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Certainly Celery

Punches: Fancy Flower, 5 Petal Flower

Embellishments: Chocolate Chip Satin Ribbon, SU Button (button is from a retired button pack from SU)

DON'T FORGET!!!

Don't forget to check out the Retiring Stamps List. Unfortunately the Triple Treat Flower stamp is one of the stamps that are retiring. If you don't have it now... GET IT! It's one of my favorites. Click below for the list. 

The above link will take you to my online store where you can order Stampin' Up! 24/7. You can view all the retiring sets along with a pic of each one. You can also Click HERE for a PDF file of the list. 

Newest My Digital Studio Downloads

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Check out these great new downloads for My Digital Studio. I really like several of these. The trifold cards aren't really my thing...but honestly... I like ALL the others. This could be a totally new addiction. LOL

Here's what I'm thinking...Stampin Up comes out with new digital downloads every Tuesday. I think that I'm going to start My Digital Tuesday. Every Tuesday I will show you the new downloads along with either a new project using MDS or a tutorial...OR...both :) Sound good? I'm not sure if I will start it next Tuesday or the following...so keep an eye out.

Here are the downloads for this week. ENJOY!

Don't have MDS? Try it free for 30 days. Click below.

Don't forget that Stampin Up released its list of over 200 stamps that will be retiring. These stamp sets will retire May 31, 2012. June 1, 2012 is the release of the new catalog. Don't miss out on these sets. Click HERE for the list in PDF forat. Visit my website HERE to place your order and for a visual list of the stamp sets retiring.

I've Got the Blues... Mixed Bunch & Edgelits

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Tempting Turquoise, Island Indigo and some Summer Smooches. Wasn't sure where I was going with this when I started so I'm not quite sure how I feel about it yet. This card started out going to be Tempting Turquoise, Tango Tangerine and Rich Razzleberry. LOL... not sure how I ended up here. Let me know what you think... or how I could change it up.

I just have a short time to post so here are the supplies used

Mixed Bunch Stamp Set (Mini Occasions Catalog)
Blossom Punch (Mini Occasions Catalog)
Tempting Turquoise & Whisper White Cardstock
Summer Smooches DSP (Sneak Peak available now through April 30th)
Tempting Turquoise & Island Indigo Ink
Rhinestones
Whisper White Satin Ribbon
Stampin Dimensionals
Big Shot
Edgelits Adorning Accents
Adorning Accents Embossing Folders

Going... Going... GONE!

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Ok... here it is! Stampin Up has released it's Retiring Stamps list. These stamps will ONLY be available now through May 31, 2012. Be sure to check the list and get your sets ordered before they retire.

Click HERE for the Retiring Stamps List

Also... the Retired Accessories/Decor Elements List will be released on April 25, 2012. The Decor Elements line is being discontinued. Don't forget... these will only be available WHILE SUPPLIES LAST! So mark your calendar and order early so you don't miss out. 

 While you are making your lists... don't forget to check out Stampin Up's Clearance Rack. There were over 50 punches, dies and other accessories just added in the last week. Get yours while supplies last. These items can only be ordered online so click HERE to shop now!

And... while I was out of town last week... I didn't get to post the new MDS downloads. So here are the great new downloads that were added April 10, 2012 

Don't have MDS yet? Try it FREE for 30 days. Click on the link below. 

Warning... once you learn how to use it... you are gonna LOVE it! 

Questions on how to use it? Just contact me. 

AS IF this post didn't have PLENTY of great things for you to check out... ONE MORE THING couldn't hurt... right? LOL! 

Just want to remind you about the new Summer Smooches line. It is absolutely awesome. You are going to love it. Click HERE to see some of the products and my previous posts. Also you'll find a couple of samples I made using Summer Smooches. Right now you can PRE-ORDER your Summer Smooches between now and April 30, 2012. They won't be available again until the  new catalog is released on June 1, 2012. Also... be sure to order the Fabric Brads and the Decor Stencil as these items will NOT be in the new catalog and will only be available through April 30, 2012. 

Click here for the Summer Smooches Flyer!