Saturday, October 24, 2009

A New Look

I didn't listen to my own warning and spent the whole day playing with My Digital Studio.  The dishes are piled high in the sink, the laundry hasn't been touched, and my project for today did not get finished.  However, I did squeeze in some new blog graphics and I'm sure you've noticed the change.  I can't wait to share the next blog banner with you....it is cool!


Since my project is incomplete, I'm going to bring back an oldie but goodie.  This is my pumpkin poop project from last year.  I hope you like it!


Pumpkin poop group



I am attaching two files here, so that you can easily make your own poop.  The first is the template to make the box, and the second is a sheet of the pumpkin poop poems that will fit perfectly inside your box.


Download mini_pizza_box_template.pdf


Download pumpkin_poop_poem.pdf


Pumpkin poop close-up 




This is a close-up of the inside of the box.  I bought the small packages of candy corn at Wal-Mart.


The box is made from Basic Black cardstock and measures about 2-1/2" square.  I layered 2-1/4" squares of Ghostly Greetings DSP on the lid.


The pumpkins and the pumpkin faces were created with Sizzix dies and the Big Shot.  I added the wiggly eyes for fun.


These boxes would make a great school treat for your children and they are very easy to create.












Well, that is it for Halloween week.  My blog will soon be in full swing for the Holidays.  I've got tons of projects and card ideas to share with you.  Be sure to subscribe to the blog using the sign up box on the left so you don't miss any of the updates.


And here is my final My Digital Studio addition to the blog......a new signature!


Pumpkinsig



Friday, October 23, 2009

Going Digital

WARNING:  My Digital Studio may cause you to ignore your family, responsibilities, and personal hygiene. 


Perhaps that warning is a little harsh, but I would seriously like to stay in my pajamas for a weekend and do nothing but play around with this program.  I have YEARS & YEARS of digital photos stored on my computers that have never seen the light of day.  My digital studio is helping me bring them out for everyone to see. 


Stampin' UP! has already released a few additional downloads for purchase on the website, including a Pumpkin Patch stamp brush set.  I loved this stamp set from the Holiday Mini catalog, but I had already spent too much and one more set was not in the budget.  However, I was able to load it onto MDS for just $5.95.  They also have the Cast-a-Spell DSP, which from my previous postings this week, you can probably tell that I like this paper.  Now I can use both anytime!


And did you know that you can purchase the downloads to use with your existing software, such as photoshop?  Check out my websitefor all the downloads available.


So, here is what I created with my new downloads....


Halloween pages-001 Halloween pages-002
  
These pages took me less than one hour to complete, and get this.......my stamp area isn't a mess!!!  Now, I think that is a great bonus.


The top page I made from scratch and the bottom page was based on a template.  I just had to change the colors and DSP, then add the pumpkin stamp and journaling.  So simple!


I have one more Halloween project to share with you this week and it's a goodie.  Check back tomorrow for your final treat!


Stoutsiggy[1]





Thursday, October 22, 2009

Twick or Tweet

Halloweenbite


Here is a quick & easy card for Halloween.  I made almost 100 of these for the Stampin' Up! regional in Cincinnati last month, so I should know, right?


The card base is Basic Black cardstock with an Old Olive layer.  I used a thin strip of the Cast-a-Spell DSP layered onto Basic Black and tied with Old Olive grosgrain ribbon at the bottom of the card.


The image was stamped with Basic Black ink onto Whisper White cardstock.  I only colored in the dog and used a Creamy Caramel marker.  The "bite" was created with the scallop oval punch.


The Twick or Tweet stamp set is so cute and can be ordered anytime on my Stampin' Up! website.  Here is a look at all the images included in this set.


Twickortweet


I hope you are enjoying Halloween week.  Tomorrow, I'll be sharing a scrapbook layout made with My Digital Studio.  You are going to be amazed at what that program can do.....trust me!


Stoutsiggy[1]


 


 



Wednesday, October 21, 2009

My Digital Studio Card

Here is the first card that I made with the new My Digital Studio program.  I'm currently working on the certification program and playing around with the program to learn as much as I can.  There is definitely a bit of a learning curve with this program, but I do find it more user-friendly than Photoshop.


Halloween-001


I think the best thing about this program is that is comes with nearly 60 stamp sets pre-loaded, as well as lots of designer paper, embellishments, and more.  I would not have been able to make this card as shown with the materials I have on hand---I don't own this stamp set and I definitely don't "sew".


My Digital Studio is available on my Stampin' Up! website for $79.95.  I will be offering training classes soon and I'll keep you posted on those.


Tomorrow, I'll be featuring a hand-stamped card using the adorable Twick or Tweet stamp set.


Stoutsiggy[1]





Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Boo Blocks

Try saying that five times fast!  This is my favorite project for this year.  I love Halloween decor and this set of blocks is going to be a perfect addition to my work area.


Booblockstall


Booblocks




Booblockstop copy




 You'll find a set of 4 Decor Elements Blocks in the Holiday Mini Catalog for just $9.95.  The blocks are smooth MDF, natural wood, 3" blocks which require no sanding.


I decided to paint the blocks with white acrylic paint.  It took 3-4 coats of paint to achieve the look that I wanted.  I cut my Night & Day designer series paper into 3" squares and adhered it to the blocks with Modge Podge.


The cirlces and letters were die cut using the Big Shot, Circles # 2 die, and the Serif Essentials Alphabet dies.  The ghost image is from the Twick or Tweet stamp set, also in the Holiday Mini Catalog. 


And to tie it all together, I used the 1-1/4" Striped Pumpkin Pie ribbon.  The blocks can be displayed side-by-side, or if you have limited space, you can stack them.


But wait.....my blocks have a little secret.  If you flip them over, you'll see that I have decorated the other side for Christmas!  I used the Christmas Cocoa Specialty paper and the Holiday Mix Decor Elements.  The snowflakes were punched from cardstock and I added rhinestones to the center of each flake.  (Tip:  pry apart a rhinestone brad from the back to release a flat rhinestone.  Adhere to your project with a mini glue dot)


Joyblockstall




 


Joyblockstop




The Holiday Mix Decor Elements come in 4 colors:  Black, Chocolate, Real Red, and White.  This is only the first project I'll be sharing with you that features this item.  Be sure to add it to your next order.  For only $9.95, you'll be able to create many adorable holiday projects.


Back to Halloween tomorrow with a project from My Digital Studio.


Stoutsiggy[1]


 



Monday, October 19, 2009

From the Crypt

From the crypt copy


This is one of the cards we made at Ghouls Night Out.  It features the From the Crypt stamp set......this is one of those sets that grows on you with time. 


Scary, edgy, and artistic? All in one stamp set? Hard to believe, but it's true.I'm not really into skulls, but if you take a close look at this image, you'll see a cute little pumpkin, ghost, and flying bats. 


Stamp Sets:  From the Crypt, Teeny Tiny Wishes


Ink:  Basic Gray, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie


Paper:  Basic Gray, Whisper White, Basic Black, Cast-a-Spell DSP, Groom Specialty Paper


Accessories:  Horizontal Slot Punch, Pumpkin Pie and Basic Black Grosgrain ribbon, sponge daubers


 













Crypt


It's not too late to order supplies for Halloween treats & cards.  You can shop now on my Stampin' Up! website.  I'll be back tomorrow with one of my favorite projects for Halloween.  It is Bootiful!


Stoutsiggy[1]


 






Sunday, October 18, 2009

My Spooktacular Return to Blogging

I just checked and my last post was dated September 21st.  I would say that is a good indication of how hectic EVERYTHING has been the past few weeks.  I'll spare you the details, but share some new Spooky goodies with you this week.


My first Halloween project for you is a mini scrapbook album that we did at Scrapbook Club this month.  It features the From the Crypt stamp set and Cast-a-Spell DSP.  There are lots of pull-outs and hiding places for pictures & journaling.


HallloweenAlbumCover


HalloweenAlbumOpen


SUPPLIES


Stamp Set:  From the Crypt


Ink Pads:  Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie


Paper:  Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, Perfect Plum, Cast-a-Spell DSP


Big Shot Dies:  Circles #2, Scallop Circle #2, Serif Essentials Alphabet


Punches:  Scallop Edge, 1-1/4” circle, 1-3/8” circle, Scallop Circle, Horizontal Slot, ½” cicle


Accessories:  Whisper White Small Open-End Envelopes, Antique Brass Build-a-Brad, Pumpkin Pie 1-1/4” Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Mat Pack, Paper-Piercing Tool, White Gel Pen, Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots, SNAIL or Sticky Strip




The tutorial for this project is available in PDF form for $5.  The tutorial includes lots of pictures, step-by-step instructions, and card stock measurements.  Please use the Paypal link below and you'll receive your tutorial within 24 hours by email.






I do have a limited number of kits available for $20 (includes shipping).  You will need to have the stamp set, ink pads, adhesives, and punches to complete the project.  If you don't have a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, I would be happy to help you order the necessary supplies.  The paper has been pre-cut and scored, plus you'll receive all of the die-cuts and ribbon in your kit, along with the PDF tutorial.  Because these kits are extremely limited, email me at melissa42@msn.com if you would like one and I will send you a Paypal invoice.


Tomorrow, I'll be sharing a card made with this same stamp set.  Stay tuned!


Stoutsiggy[1]