Blog Year in Review

A huge thank you to all of my loyal readers in 2014. This blog is what keeps me crafting given the rest of my crazy schedule!

Of my 174 posts this year these were my top three most popular.

 New Stampin' Up Favorites

Swap Cards Blog Hop

Hit Me With Your Best Punch

This was my most pinned card:

Old & New For Mom

Again, I'm so glad that you have taken this journey with me. I'm excited for what 2015 has to offer! 

Creating Calendars in MDS

The last calendar I made in MDS was in 2010, back when they released a yearly template. A few months ago one of my customers called me asking how to find the 2015 calendar template. I made sure my software was up to date, checked downloads, and had to tell her I had no clue. After going on a hunt, I finally found this great updated feature (that to be honest I think has been there for a year or two)!

It's a breeze to use! One great thing about it not being just a calendar template, is that you can add a June calendar to your scrapbook page if you wanted to highlight your wedding date with your photos, etc.

Here is a page from my completed 2015 calendar:

Stop back in on Friday when I'll be sharing the entire calendar with you!

Masculine Monday

Whew, what a break. End of the year, stomach flu, Christmas; sadly my stamps are now feeling neglected. But no more!

My Groovy Love cards have been getting lots of repins these days; so I was inspired to create a masculine themed card with this stamp set.

• Island Indigo card base - 5-1/2" x 8-1/2"- scored at 4-1/4"
• Island Indigo Designer Series Paper from the Regals DSP Stack - 4" x 5-1/4" - rounded with Corner Rounder punch
• Cajun Craze cardstock - 2" x 4"
• Night of Navy DSP from Regals DSP Stack - 1" x 3"
• Groovy Love stamp set
• Island Indigo and Cajun Craze ink
• Whisper White card stock

Hope you had a wonderful holiday and are planning for a spectacular 2015!

Bookmarks for Brenda

One of my co-workers has a friend who is turning 50 this week. The birthday girl often has lunch with her friends, but all of these friends haven't met each other. The five of them decided to get together and celebrate her birthday by taking her out to lunch on Saturday.

Donna wanted to commemorate the occasion for each of them and had me make these bookmarks.

I typed up the saying and added the stamped image in MDS. I printed them out on Whisper White cardstock and trimmed them down. Donna had given me a sample of the ribbon that she was using to decorate with and it was a perfect match to Bashful Blue. I happened to come across ONE 12" x 12" piece of Bashful Blue cardstock in my retired stash!

I used the Scalloped Tag Topper punch and then adorned each one with 1/8" Silver Ribbon.

SSINKLS16 Layout Sketch

Good day! Third Monday of the month means it's layout sketch challenge day at SSINK. MDS got a work out from me today!

This sketch was perfect to document one of several pictures I took at our office Christmas party. The last two years we have done a White Elephant exchange with a twist. I have each person give me a random fact about themselves prior to the party. I then make up clues so people have to figure out who they have and trade gifts with that person. Each person ends up trading gifts twice; once when you find the person your clue was about, and once when the person who had the clue about you finds you. It serves for lots of laughs and a little bit of chaos. It was also impossible to get everyone in one shot, so this is only 1/4 of the people!

We'd love to have you play along if Kim's sketch inspires you. Just head over to Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration!

There's How Many Days Until Christmas?

There are only 14 more days until Christmas! Are you ready? I hope so, but if not, the Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Design Team gals are here to help you out!

As you hop along, please be sure to comment and show some love on every blog! We are always excited to hear from our followers! You should have just left stop number four on the Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Blog Hop - Cynthia of Ink-A-Doodle Creations. If so, you are in the right spot. If a link doesn't work or you get off track, you will find the full blog hop lineup below.

Our office participated in a Festival of Trees last week. We decorated a tree, and donated all of the decorations that we used. The trees were then auctioned off to raise money for scholarships. The winner of our tree sent me a copy of their eGreeting; which featured our tree.

This got me thinking. "eGreeting; what a great idea!" I used My Digital Studio and a pre-made 6"x6" greeting card template from Christmas Jingle. I added the Basic Rhinestones on the ribbon, as well as an Ornament Keepsakes punch, text, and a photo box. Since Abby, my cute, obnoxious little crafty buddy, is the center of our household, she had to be prominently featured!

Time to head over to see what Bree has in store for us today! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Blog Hop Participant List:

1. Kim at Stamping with Kim
2. Jennifer at Happy 2 Scrap 4 Life
3. Diana at Stampin' Fun with Diana
4. Cynthia at Ink-A-Doodle Creations
5. Darcy at Dj's Stampin' Place
6. Bree at Craft-Somnia Momma
7. Donna at Organized Chaos
8. Tonya at Stamp with Tonya
9. Heidi at Stuck on Stampin'

#ssinkcs16 Card Sketch Challenge

Today is Card Sketch Challenge day at SSINK. Remember you can play along by linking up with us, or tagging #ssinkcs16 when you upload your photo to a gallery.

One of my co-workers turns 50 tomorrow, so I thought this layout along with Bombs Away Birthday made a perfect card for her.

I used the 1/2" Circle Punch to create the notches in my banner. 

In keeping with my Embossing Challenge, I used black embossing powder on the inside.

December Birthday & A Challenge

Today at Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration we are celebrating December birthdays. Only one of the Design Team members has a birthday this month, so I'm guessing she knows what card she's receiving from me!

I love heat embossing because it adds so much elegance to a card and it is so easy. It's definitely a great addition this time of year. Therefore, I am issuing myself a 31 day embossing challenge. Time to get really creative!

• Brushed Silver cardstock
• Night of Navy cardstock
• Lucky Stars embossing folder with Texture Boutique
• Whisper White cardstock
• Bright & Beautiful stamp set
• Itty Bitty Banners stamp set
• VersaMark ink
• Silver embossing powder
• Heat Tool
• Star Framelits and Bitty Banners Framelits with Big Shot
• Gold Sequin Trim
• Silver 1/8" Ribbon

Bright & Beautiful Clear-Mount Stamp Set

$24.95

Itty Bitty Banners Clear-Mount Bundle

$22.75

Gold Sequin Trim

$4.95

Silver 1/8" Ribbon

$4.95

Table by StampinBuddy. Try it FREE.

#ssinkcc16 Color Challenge

This is perhaps one of my favorite color combos. What do you think? 

Last week I wanted to make a card with Cheerful Christmas, but couldn't find it. (Abby knocked off the table behind a bag.) Today I wanted to use Cherry Cobbler embossing powder. I finally found it under another bag. I'm happy to report that my stamp table does actually have a flat surface on top and I can once again see it, along with all the carpet under and around said table. Any other cluttered stampers out there? 

• Lost Lagoon, Basic Black, and Very Vanilla cardstocks
• Cheerful Christmas stamp set
• Cherry Cobbler ink
• VersaMark ink
• Cherry Cobbler Embossing Powder
• Heat Tool
• Labels Framelits
• Big shot

We'd love to have you play along with our color challenge today at Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration! 

Cheerful Christmas Clear-Mount Stamp Set

$17.95

Labels Collection Framelits Die

$26.95

Cherry Cobbler Stampin' Emboss Powder

$4.95

Table by StampinBuddy. Try it FREE.

Black Friday is NOW!

Happy Black Friday. Did you get out and about today for shopping? Regardless of your answer, I've got some great deals for you! My card features three items currently deeply discounted through the Online Extravaganza!

• Perfect Banners Clear-Mount Bundle (Perfect Pennants & Banner Framelits) -$48.90 $34.22
• Hearts Border Punch - $15.95 $7.97
• Big Lullabye Clear-Mount Bundle (Lullabye DSP & Big News) - $42.90 $32.00
• Pistachio Pudding card base  

Ready for more deals? Use hostess code MY9FRJP6 to place an order with me today. I am giving a free gift with each purchase during Online Extravaganza. But I think the pot should be even sweeter today. Each person who places an order with me between 12:00am and 11:59pm Friday, November 28, 2014 will receive free shipping on all orders placed with me during the next 12 months. You must contact me directly with your order, or use hostess code MY9FRJP6 to order online to be eligible. 

Happy shopping! When you need a break from shopping, or more inspiration check out the other design team cards at SSINK!

 

Hearts Border Punch

$15.95

Big Lullabye Clear-Mount Bundle

$42.90

Perfect Banner Clear-Mount Bundle

$48.90

Table by StampinBuddy. Try it FREE.

Thank YOU!

As you celebrate Thanksgiving with loved ones, I hope that you know that I'm grateful for each and every one of my readers. I have truly enjoyed sharing my crafting passion with you the last four years.

Most of the cards I post here, I make with the intention of sharing them with you. This card I made specifically for YOU!

Aside from the Crumb Cake card base, this entire card is made from the Happiness Project Life Card Kit and Accessory Pack.

I hope that you enjoy your holiday time with whomever you have chosen to surround yourself with! Happy Thanksgiving!

December Daily

Hard to believe that December is right around the corner! I have a little stress relief however thanks to "finishing" today's project already.

This is my December Daily album.

I created it using the Cherry Cobbler 6" x 8" Project Life album and the Hello, December Project Life Card Collection. The Cherry Cobbler album is sold out, but never fear; the same album is available in Early Espresso!

I've got all of my cards put in to the pockets so now all I have to do is journal and add pictures, and I can keep track of my entire month of December 2014!

The great thing about this project is that I can move the cards around. I have a card on December 6th that says, "let it snow." If it doesn't snow that day, I can move it to a page for a date that it did snow!

Grab your Project Life goodies today and get your own December Daily started! I promise it will only take an hour of prep time, tops!

Check out SSINK today for more ideas and inspiration!

Espresso 6" X 8" Project Life Album

$9.95

Hello December Project Life Card Collection

$9.95

Variety Pack 6" X 8" Project Life Photo Pocket Pages

$5.95

Regals Candy Dots

$5.95

Table by StampinBuddy. Try it FREE.

HUGE Online Extravaganza!

Today kicks of one of Stampin' Up!'s biggest sales of the year! For one week only, you can save up to 50% off some of your favorite items!

Today only (and while supplies last), you can get 30% off the Gift Box Punch Board, 30% off a Card Kit Bundle, and select embossing folders for $5 each!

Plus there's more! Check out the flyer for all of the great deals.

Wait, I'm not done yet! Use hostess code MY9FRJP6 to place your order and you'll receive a free gift from me! stampinup.com

There's more! Join my team this week, and you can pick $125 worth of merchandise in your starter kit for only $75! Click here to join today! 

Contact me at stampin_dj@ymail.com with any questions you may have about any of these great deals.

Gift Card Envelope with Tutorial

The designers at Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration are sharing their favorite gift card holders today. I found the idea for this little gem on Pinterest. Would you like to make one? (Or lots for that matter, they are really quick and simple.)

To start you'll need two 4" x 12" pieces of double sided Designer Series Paper (I used All Is Calm from the Holiday Catalog), the Circles Framelits and your Big Shot.

Next, cut out four circles and fold them all in half.

The next step is the hardest part. Glue them all together so they overlap, but you can still fold the flaps over.

Put your gift card inside and then fold the flaps in like your closing up a box without tape.

I trimmed mine with the Silver 1/8" Ribbon. You could also easily add a label to the outside and write a little note inside.

Stamp Set Focus: Truly Grateful

The designers at Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration are focusing on a truly wonderful stamp set for this time of year: Truly Grateful. It is available for purchase in wood-mount, clear-mount, or as a digital download. I chose to use the digital version today and use it with My Digital Studio.

• My Digital Studio
• Truly Grateful stamp brush download
• Mossy Meadow (80% opacity for solid background, 100% opacity for wood image)
• Oval Punch in Soft Suede at 41% opacity
• Wheat in Hello Honey 
• Truly Grateful in Early Espresso
• Brass Brads - top one starts at 100% opacity and then reduces 10% on each lower one.

#ssinkss15

Welcome to my feature of the Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration layout sketch challenge for #ssinkss15. Here is the sketch we were tasked with:

I was inspired to use this sketch for a double layout. Click on the image for an enlarged view.

I created this using My Digital Studio and, of course, had to feature my adorable nieces. They really have grown in the last 11 months!

We'd love to have you play along with our challenge by linking up at SSINK!

Hopping With Gratitude

Yesterday I witnessed an act of kindness that brought tears to my eyes. One of the student workers in our office bought something pretty spectacular for another one of the students. The recipient lost her mother a few weeks ago, and she's been having a pretty rough semester, so it made this gesture seem even more grand.

Afterwards, she looked at me and said, "what do I do?" I told her that in these situations you just say "thank you." I came home and made this card for her to use to express her thanks if she so desires.

The Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Design Team has an entire day full of gratitude for you on our monthly blog hop. As you hop along, please be sure to comment and show some love on every blog! We are always excited to hear from our followers! You should have just left stop number 7 on the Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Blog Hop - Kim R. of Stamping with Kim. If so, you are in the right spot. If a link doesn't work or you get off track, you will find the full blog hop lineup below.

• Mossy Meadow card base - 5-1/2" x 8-1/2", scored at 4-1/4"
• Color Me Autumn Designer Series Paper layer - 4" x 5-1/4"
• Color Me Autumn DSP - cut with Banner Framelits
• Gratitude For Days stamp set - stamped in Mossy Meadow on Crumb Cake cardstock, cut with Square Framelits and Banner Framelits
• Mossy Meadow card stock cut with Square Framelits
• Regals Designer Buttons

Blog Hop Participant List:

1. Darcy at Dj's Stampin' Place
2. Cynthia at Ink-A-Doodle Creations
3. Diana at Stampin' Fun with Diana
4. Bree at Craft-Somnia
5. Donna at Organized Chaos
6. Tonya at Stamp with Tonya
7. Kim at Stamping with Kim

Color Me Autumn Designer Series Paper

$10.95

Gratitude For Days Photopolymer Stamp Set

$15.95

Regals Designer Buttons

$7.95

Table by StampinBuddy. Try it FREE.