Quick Update--Great News!

Stampin' Up! has extended their special--31% off My Digital Studio print products will continue until September 14.  What a great time to get your (digital) craft on!

Cheers!

~Melanie

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

2013 Holiday Catalog

I can't believe that I didn't share this sooner--I guess I've been keeping all the great projects and ideas to myself.  Sorry for being greedy!

Seriously, this is THE BEST holiday catalog that Stampin' Up! has ever put out (in my opinion), and there are so many great things that you can make this holiday.  I especially love the tagline on the cover of the catalog: "Make Something That Means Something"  It's so easy with all the great options here!

So go ahead, check it out.  Clicking on the cover above opens a flash version of the catalog so you can flip through the pages.  For more dedicated browsing, download the PDF by clicking on the catalog icon in the sidebar.

Have fun!  And let me know what you're favorites are...I'll be sharing my own very soon!
~Melanie

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

Boxes, Boxes Everywhere

...and not a stamp in sight!  it's moving week here, and I sadly packed up my creative corner last night.  I so hate boxing up all my stamps and punches and dies and paper, but it was time.  I'd been holding off as long as possible, in hopes that I'd have time to stamp and share one more card or project to share, especially since my preorder from the Holiday Catalog arrived a few weeks ago.

But moving also means you have to live in the moment, and enjoy every last minute with people you won't see for a while--so that's what I've been doing with my spare time, and as soon as I have my new creative corner in place, I'll be making lots of cards to send to the people I miss already.  Can't wait to share with you!

In the meantime, there are also two exciting things coming on August 1--the holiday catalog, which you will LOVE, and MDS2, which expands your options for My Digital Studio and makes it even easier to use.

Stay tuned!
~Melanie

Happy Birthday America!

Since it's the 4th, and I have a birthday card to share, why not wish our country a happy birthday?  Sorry for my absence--I've been on vacation in VT and NY, and what a great vacation it was!  Kiran joined me, and she had her first experience at the Loft, aka Stamping Heaven.  It was wonderful!  Plus there were beautiful views, fantastic fireworks, great friends and great food.  Hip hip hooray for summer!

This card is a great and easy summer birthday card that is monochromatic (that's for you, Mary Kay) and features one of my favorite sets, Mixed Bunch.  You don't even need to punch the flowers out for them to look fantastic!  The sentiment is from a retired hostess set, but it's one that will never go out of style.

Have a happy, fun and safe 4th of July!
~Melanie

Stamps: Mixed Bunch, Warmest Regards
Ink: Island Indigo
Paper: Pool Party, Whisper White, Island Indigo

Sweet & Simple

Simple can also be stunning, which was my reaction to this birthday card when I finished making it.  I just love this big burst of a flower from Betsy's Blossoms; it's a definite pop of fun.

I used some of the new In-Colors here: Primrose Petals, Midnight Muse, and Gumball Green.  And I still love the banners for just about anything--thank you, Framelits, for making it easy!  I may have to mass produce this card, so that I'll have some on hand for a change...

Cheers!
~Melanie

Stamps: Betsy's Blossoms, Itty Bitty Banners
Ink: Primrose Petals, Gumball Green, Midnight Muse
Paper: Primrose Petals, Midnight Muse, Whisper White, Pool Party
Extras: Bitty Banners framelits, Big Shot, Scallop Trim Border punch, Scallop Trim Corner punch