What was I afraid of?

One of the first accessories from the Holiday Mini catalog that I purchased was the Mica Flakes.  While my order was in transit, I had read horror stories on the message boards about the flakes flying around everywhere and sticking to everything.  So when the Mica Flakes arrived, I kept them in their neat little plastic bag and stored them away.

Flash forward to this weekend.....I needed to finish up a Holiday Mini swap and needed to add an accessory to the card.  I didn't have enough of any of the other new accessories to make 50 cards, but I knew I had a huge jar of unopened Mica Flakes.  So.....I did some experimenting and the flakes aren't bad to work with at all!  I do have a few recommendations, though.

1. Crystal effects is very effective for adhering the flakes to card stock, but you'll need to allow at least 30 minutes for it to dry.


2. You must use a Powder Pals tray to contain the flakes.  Wipe it with a swiffer cloth or used dryer cloth first to minimize static cling.


3. Pinch the flakes with your fingers.  Do not attempt to pour the flakes onto your project.  Trust me....NOT a good idea!

So, here is my finished card along with a close-up of the Mica Flakes:

  And just for fun, I shot a quick video to show you just how easy it is to use the Mica Flakes.

 

 

 

STAMP SET:  Christmas Lodge

INK: Early Espresso

PAPER:  Whisper White, Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Frostwood Lodge Designer Series Paper

ACCESSORIES:  1-1/4" Square Punch, Crystal Effects, Mica Flakes, Dimensionals

 

 

CARD STOCK MEASUREMENTS:

Early Espresso:  5-1/2" x 8-1/2", scored at 4-1/4"

Early Espresso:  2-1/2" x 3-1/4"

Crumb Cake:  2-1/4" x 3", 4" x 5-1/4"

Whisper White:  3/4" x 4"

Frostwood Lodge DSP:  1" x 5" (wood), 2" x 2" (plaid)

 

This card is very simple to stamp and would be great to make in bulk for the Holidays.  If you need help figuring out the supplies you'll need for your holiday stamping, don't hesitate to contact me.

You can order any of the supplies shown on my Stampin' Up! website.

Happy Stampin'

 

Top Picks Under $5

Just like in fashion, it's often the stamping accessories that make the project pop!  I've selected 5 great new products from the Holiday Mini catalog that will take your stamping to the next level AND won't make a big dent in your pocketbook.

You can order any of these items on my Stampin' Up! website and have them shipped directly to you.

 

DAZZLING DETAILS

Item #  124117

Price:  $2.50

 

This iridescent glitter glue will add dazzling sparkle to any project with less mess! The narrow tip allows for precise application.

 

 

 

 

 

SILVER GLIMMER PAPER

Item #  124005

Price:  $4.95

Our Glimmer Paper is a no-mess way to add glitter to any project—now in silver, too! Cover-weight paper covered in Red or Silver glitter that will not brush off. Create festive shapes with Bigz, Bigz L, or Bigz XL, and Originals Dies, or any cutting tool. 2 sheets total. 12" x 12".

 

 

MINI JINGLE BELLS

Item # 124116

Price:  $2.95

Add a little jingle to your holiday projects and décor with these mini silver bells. Bells really ring and easily attach to your projects using our Linen Thread. 48 total bells; each Approximately 6 mm diameter.

 

1" x 8" CELLO BAGS

Item # 124134

Price:  $2.50

Narrow cellophane bags perfect for filling with a row of treats, a pencil, or anything! Great for gifts—add a tag or topper you’ve created using any punch or Big Shot die. Adhesive on top keeps everything inside. Each measures 1" x 8". 50 per package.

 

 

MICA FLAKES

Item # 124115

Price:  $3.50

Give your holiday projects the look of snow without all the cold! Our large, white, iridescent Mica Flakes give you shimmer, sparkle, and softness. Perfect filler for our new Shaker Frames or inside Treat Cups. Adhere to projects using Multipurpose Liquid Glue. Approximately 0.7 oz.

 

 

For my last Facebook contest, the winner received their choice of any of these items.  My next FACEBOOK contest is going to be even bigger and better!  When the Stamp Doc page reaches 300 Likes, I will select one winner to receive the best new accessory in the Holiday Mini Catalog.......

 

SIMPLY SCORED

Item # 122334

Price:  $29.95

Take the chore out of scoring! The Simply Scored Scoring Tool’s base fits paper or card stock up to 12" x 12" and features score tracks every 1/8". Features two easy-to-read rulers (with inch markings down to 1/8") along top and left side for perfect scoring. (One standard left-to-right ruler and one zero center ruler.) Includes three markers and stylus. Bottom of base has nonmarking
and nonskid feet to secure it on your work areach Base measures Approximately
15-1/8" x 13-1/4" x 1".

 

 

So head on over to FACEBOOK and be sure to LIKE the Stamp Doc page.  You'll be entered to win a FREE Simply Scored tool!  Good luck!

Happy Stampin'

MDS to the Rescue!

My little brother is (finallly) getting married this weekend.  In July, my mom & I hosted a Bridal shower for my future Sister-in-law and I was in charge of the invitations.  July is always a hectic month, so I needed to create something elegant, but quick & easy, too.

I love My Digital Studio for creating special event invitations.  There are just so many options to choose from!  I think the hardest part is figuring out the wording and the arrangement of the text.  Once you've gotten that little task out of the way, you can decide what style of text that you want.  You can use any fonts that are stored on your computer and it is very easy to find free or inexpensive fonts online that are appropriate for your specific event. 

The next step is adding the fun stamped elements, any embellishments, and any designer series paper.  This is the part that I really enjoy.  You can truly set the tone of the event by the elements that you add to your invitation.

NOTE:  I blocked out the names and personal information to protect the innocent.  ;0)  The black outer border was not part of the design.

After creating the design, I printed the cards onto Whisper White cardstock and added them to the inside of the invitation.  The outside cover of the invitation included some die-cut and stamped elements.  I had everything pre-cut, then put them together in assembly-line fashion.   Here is a picture of the "process" and the finished invites:

 

If you own My Digital Studio, now is the time to put on your creativity caps!  Stampin' Up just announced a contest for MDS users and the winners will receive $400 in downloads.  This is an amazing prize!  I may just have to enter myself!  You can read all the details here.

 
Have a safe & fabulous weekend!  Don't forget about my Facebook contest.  I'll be selecting a winner on Tuesday and someone will be receiving an exciting new product from the Holiday mini catalog.

Happy Stampin'

 

It's Time for the Holiday Mini!

I am so excited to finally share the Holiday Mini catalog with you!  There are so many fabulous products inside and I used quite a few on today's card.

The stamp set is called Christmas Lodge and it features some great line art images, as well as 2 elegant greetings.  It is by far, my favorite new Holiday set!  I stamped the image with Versamark ink and then heat embossed it with Cherry Cobbler embossing powder. 

The Christmas Lodge stamp set is a part of the Frostwood Lodge product suite which also includes the Frostwood Lodge Designer Series Paper and the Early Expresso 3/8" Quilted Satin Ribbon. 

The white background was embossed with the Big Shot and a new Textured Impressions Embossing Folder--Snow Burst.  Don't you just love the simple texture?

And one of my absolute new favorites is the Silver Glimmer paper!  This stuff is absolutely stunning in real life.  I only used a small piece on this card and it really makes it pop!

So what are your MUST-HAVES from the Holiday Mini catalog?  You can join the conversation on my Facebook page and I'll be giving away one of my favorites on Tuesday.

View the Mini Catalog HERE

You can place an order anytime on my Stampin' Up! website.   Feel free to contact me if you need any assistance with designing a special project.  You can email me at melissa@thestampdoc.com and I'll be happy to assist you.

Happy Stampin'

 

 

 

A Few Reminders

I've been very impressed with the response from the 50% Off Stamp Sale, so I am going to continue the sale through Wednesday, September 7th.  If you see something you want, be sure to email me at melissa@thestampdoc.com.  They are going FAST!!!

50% OFF STAMP SETS

 

And don't forget, tomorrow is the last day for the Buy 3, Get 1 FREE Designer Series Paper special.  This is a great time to stock up on your favorite papers!

During the month of August, get a FREE package of Stampin' Up's exclusive Designer Series Paper--a $10.95 value--when you buy three.  Choose from a wide variety of designs and colors available in the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog and 2011 Summer Mini Catalog.

Shop Now

Paper Parade

Sorry I've been MIA for a bit.  We are kicking off a very busy few weeks of birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and lots of travel.  In my "abundant" free time (HA!), I'm finishing up swaps for the Holiday Mini and working on my next design project for UStamp with Dawn and Friends.

WOOHOO!!!!!!!    I am super super excited to announce that Early Bird Registration is now open for UStamp with Dawn & Friends!! Paper Parade – Early Fall 2011!!

Are YOU a Paper LOVER?? Who isn’t, right??!!

Paper Parade will be focusing on showcasing Stampin’ Up! Paper from the USA/Canada 2011 – 2012 Idea Book & Catalog as well as the 2011 Holiday Mini Catalog!!

This is a HUGE Challenge to cover all the papers in 40+ projects…but all the Designers are way excited and are more than up for the challenge!! Keeping in mind that the most important element is the AWESOMENESS of the project, each Designer is working MAGIC with the Stampin’ Up! Papers!!

Since our focus this round is PAPER and not just the upcoming Holiday Season, we have a VAST VARIETY of FANTASTIC Projects!!

Come join us and take advantage of the Early Bird Savings!! ONLY $19.99

Click the blinkie below to start the payment/signup process….it’s E*A*S*Y*!!

The Paper Parade website is OPEN NOW,

so you will not need to wait for an invite on Opening Day!!

Remember, with the implementation of the new payment process allows YOU to enter the website as soon as you make your payment!! Woohoo!!

Hope you join us…I will “see” you over at the Paper Parade Website!!

SUDSOL Blog Tour

 
Spooky Bingo Bits Stamp-a-Stack

For the blog tour, I decided to share an entire class.  That's right.....an entire class!  One of the great things about SUDSOL is that many members will share class outlines freely.  These are wonderful when you are short on time or facing a creative block.  You can easily adapt the samples to use as make & takes or demonstrations in your workshops.

Join me on SUDSOL - Your 24/7 Upline!  You'll be able to get a FREE 2-week trial and have full access to this class outline and many others!

If you are already a SUDSOL member, you can access the class outline HERE.

 

 

 

 

STAMP SETS:  Spooky Bingo Bits

Optional Stamp Sets:  Smarty Pants, Petite Pairs, Delightful Dozen

CLASSIC INK & MARKERS:  Basic Black, Cajun Craze, Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler

PAPER:  Frightful Sight Designer Series Paper, Whisper White, Basic Black, Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler, Cajun Craze

ACCESSORIES:  Basic Black ½” Scallop Dots Ribbon, White Baker’s Twine, Dimensionals, Sticky Strip, Crimper

PUNCHES:  1” Circle, 1-1/4” Circle, Scallop Square, 1” Square (Holiday Mini 2011), 1-1/4” square,1-3/8” Square, 1/16” Circle punch

 

 SPECIAL OFFER:  Purchase the Spooky Bingo Bits stamp set and the Frightful Sight Designer Series paper from my online store and receive the Spooky Bingo Bits Class Kit by Mail for FREE!

Class Kit by Mail includes precut card stock, ribbon, envelopes and step-by-step instructions for creating 8 cards, 2 each of 4 designs.  As a bonus, you'll also receive the supplies to create 2 of the treat containers.

 

You can also purchase the Tutorial only or Class Kit by Mail by using the button below.  You'll immediately be able to download the tutorial once your purchase is complete.

Spooky Bingo Bits Stamp-a-Stack

Tutorial Only $5.00 Class Kit by Mail $20.00