More Fun with MDS2

I'm determined to make the most of this month's special--31% off all print orders until the end of August!  Since I'm starting a new job and worry that I will have even less time than usual to make cards on time for birthdays, holidays or any day, I've decided to make and order some cards--which is also much quicker than trying to finish a scrapbook in the coming week!

The new features in MDS2 are just fantastic.  For this card, I was able to change the color of the pear DSP from Good Morning Speciality (one of my all time favorite patterns) to whatever I wanted.  Unlike the stamps, you can't color specific portions, so the paper will be monochromatic in shades of the color you choose--here I've used Gumball Green and Concord Crush.  I also learned how to round corners, so I could make these fun flower shapes from four pieces of DSP, and how to type on a curvy line.

The background is "distressed" using Natural Overlays.  If you haven't played around with overlay stamps yet, you should definitely give it a try!  They really help to give projects dimension and make them look more "real" than digital.  I also like my pre-overlay version, but it definitely looks more digital, don't you think?

If you haven't tried My Digital Studio yet, now is definitely the time!  I hope you'll have as much fun as I am.

Cheers!
~Melanie

MDS2: Good Morning Specialty DSP, Naturals Overlays stamp

Mostly Unpacked

We're here, and the boxes are mostly gone.  Of course, I'm worried that the boxes we have left might be with us for a while...it seems that we've run out of steam.

On the flip side, I'm almost ready to share my new creative corner with you, and it's definitely time that I get some stamping in!  Today's quick post is to share a piece of framable art that I made with MDS2--it's definitely worth the upgrade.  It's also worth checking MDS out this month, because all printed projects are 31% off in the month of August.

The big question is...will I have time to get any done before the month ends?  Probably not.  But that shouldn't stop you!

Cheers!
~Melanie

MDS2: Fifty Nifty Kit, World Spectacular Kit, Home Sweet Home, Valentine Post Kit

Only 2 Days Till Christmas! =)

A 'Christmas Jingle' designer template changed with some DSP, a little ribbon embellishment and a punch.  What do you think?  With all there is to do with the fast-approaching holiday, I'm having a blast knocking out cards on my computer.  Oh, the joys of technology.  Stamping and cutting will always be my joy but when I'm short on time the thought of making it upstairs to my stamping studio and making a creative mess...seems like a luxury I can't afford right now.  

MDS to the rescue!  Get it now...or give it as a gift!   

Today's Bingo piece is the stocking.  Yesterday's bingo piece got added to the post late, so be sure to scroll down and get that too!

Happy (digital) Stamping!

~Kiran

Merry & Bright

T-3 days till Chrismas!

I love the color Old Olive.  Can you tell?  This was easy to alter by simply deleting the extra scallop edge from a designer template called 'Christmas Jingle' and adding the olive Designer Series Paper (DSP) in the background.  

Need a card in a jiffy?  Stampin Up's digital downloads are the way to go.  Create in minutes and print.  Haven't tried it yet?  It's worth the price since most downloads are under $10!  Check out the wide selection here .  

Today's bingo piece is the ice skate.

Happy (digital) Stamping!

~Kiran

Celebrate Any Day...especially the holidays!

WOWZERS!  I know that's what you're thinking.  I'm on an MDS kick and this little beauty was fantastically easy thanks to one of the designer templates I mentioned getting during November's crazy good sale.  The 'Celebrate Any Day' download really caught my eye because of it's unique (and kind-of retro) color palette and combinations.  I played around with an existing design and tweaked a little here and there and voila!  

If this has inspired your inner digital designer check out all the fantastic designer templates for purchase here!  Only 5 more days till Christmas!!!!

Obviously we have a bit of a bingo backlog (are you suddenly feeling the holiday crunch as well?), so here's a double dose of fun.  Mark your cards for the wreath and the gingerbread man.

Happy (digital) Stamping,

~Kiran

Digital Brainstorming!

As promised, here is the first of many digital cards coming your way!  These are for a client that just got married in September.  She needs to get her thank you cards out and asked that I help.  After giving her the Color Coach and our MK Brainstorm Sheet, she knew the colors she wanted to use but was still undecided with the design.  I knew she wanted something simple with "fuschia" (aka melon mambo), whisper white and a heart if possible.

MDS to the rescueeeee!  Sorry, I sang it out loud as I typed it.  This is where MDS is great.  I can simply upload these four card fronts as jpeg files and email them to her.  I can even send these in to be printed and minimize the amount of cutting and punching I'm actually doing.  Instant [almost] cards!

I'll keep you posted as to which one she chooses so be sure to stay tuned as I'm sure that project will make it to the blog.  =)

Colors: melon mambo, whisper white
Extras: MDS

Happy (virtual) Stamping!
~Kiran

PS-the next holiday bingo piece is the penguin!

MDS Peacock Menu

Sorry this blog post is coming later in the day, both Mel & I have been traveling out of state.  Better late than never, I say!  

I made these a few months ago and just found them in my stash of digital card photos.  With all the card-making Mel & I have been doing, we're collecting quite a few photos!  I'm glad to have come across these menu cards because though they are simple, they convey elegance.  A few minutes on MDS, print, cut and then some double-stamping does the trick!

The stamp is non-SU but the rest is everything Stampin Up.  I love the ease of My Digital Studio (MDS)!  It can turn anyone into a graphic designer and it's instant satisfaction.

Get your bingo cards out...today's Holiday Bingo Piece is the cardinal.

If you haven't tried it yet...what are you waiting for?!?  Look forward to some exciting MDS designs from us soon!  =)

Happy (digital) Stamping!

~Kiran

Stamps: Non-SU

Paper: Very Vanilla

Ink: Rich Razzleberry, Gold Versaink 

Being a Square is a Good Thing!

Oh, the wonders of MDS!  Just look at this fantastic 100% digital project!  Though these turned out beautifully, I have to admit, these were a doozy to make.  Mel & I worked with the bride-to-be (also our good friend) on these for some time.  After selecting photos from her engagement photo shoot, (Sarah Postma Photography), she showed us samples of photo Save-the-Dates she liked and we went to work.  

This was also an experiment in Stampin' Up's printing services as Mel & I had never printed from them before.  But, as you can see, they do some quality work!  The photos printed very sharp and are on paper, not card stock, making them easier to cut & work with.  And, the printed colors are true to SU's card stock/ink palate.  I'm proud to report that after fumbling with the MDS measurements (we've since made a template) and a whirl-wind night of cutting and taping (with the bride-to-be even helping out), these are the show-stopper of my refrigerator!   

These get noticed not only for the great photos but also for their unique 5x5" square shape & magnetic backing!

Happy Stamping!
~Kiran

Paper: Old Olive, printed Very Vanilla sheet from SU
Extras: MDS