Thursday, November 21, 2013

MDS Blog Hop--Subway Art

Welcome to everyone coming from Jeanna B's blog--I'm sure you were amazed at her talent!
Last year I did a fun subway art project for Christmas and because I really did it for myself, I used the colors in my home...silly me!  I thought I'd re-do it in more bright traditional colors, since some people may like that, so here you go:
Download

I printed the original as a 16 x 20 poster at Costco, or you could print it as an 8 x 10 also.  Make sure if you upload it to a photo printer, you turn off the auto correct or it may change the colors drastically!
It was so easy to change the colors on MDS, as well as change the space between the letters for subway art (kerning), just some of the many reasons to get the software for yourself! You can try it out for free for 30 days, but at $19.95, it's a perfect gift for the crafter in your life (YOU!!!) And on top of that, Stampin' Up! is still having their MDS print product sale and several downloads are also discounted, so now is the time to do those Christmas cards you've been promising everyone!  
Now, hop over to the other Julie, she recently returned from a fun trip to Disney World! LUCKY!!!
It's time for bed!  It's been a long day!

Julie


Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Holiday Sale!


Can you believe that Thanksgiving is next week already?  I have family coming down from Utah and this year we are going out for dinner!  We do Thanksgiving big in Vegas!!  At least there won't be any dishes to do, right?  
I'm loving this sale because I'm really not a Black Friday or a Cyber Monday type of girl--I hate that kind of pressure, so I like that there are deals to be had even if you miss out on the big doorbusters. 

All Holiday Sale Products
ALL PRODUCTS
24-Hours Only
24-HOURS ONLY
20% Off Holiday Sale
20% OFF
25% Off Holiday Sale
25% OFF
30% Off Holiday Sale
30% OFF
40% Off Holiday Sale
40% OFF
50% Off Holiday Sale
50% OFF
Exclusive Holiday Sale Bundles
EXCLUSIVE BUNDLES

Check out the 24-hour sale today and the rest of the discounts are available through Monday, December 2, 2013 (Cyber Monday!)
Tomorrow is MDS Blog Hop day, so come back to see what I've been working on.

Julie

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Acorn with Attitude

I finished my little wooden acorn!  I know, I'm pretty surprised myself!  I just couldn't let that cute little thing lay around all naked and stuff, so I painted it and added some Soho Subway DSP to give it a little attitude.
I love the grungy look the different patterns give to this fun project (I think Soho Subway is my favorite DSP in this year's catalog!)  I love texture and bold patterns, so this fit perfectly!  I'm just glad I got this finished BEFORE Thanksgiving, because I think once Thanksgiving was over, this little guy would've gone to the project "black hole" n'er to be seen again!  Another big thanks to Jane for her lovely inspiration!

Make sure you check out our weekly specials--they are pretty great!

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Snowflakes!

These may be the only snowflakes I may see this Christmas, but I'll take what I can get!
Aren't they lovely?  Here's a little video showcasing this fun, new kit--available while supplies last.



Don't wait!  These little darlings will go fast!

Julie

Monday, November 11, 2013

Sweater Weather

I always enjoy this time of year!  The high is in the 70's here and it's just cool enough that I can throw a sweater on and not bake during the day!!  Definitely the perfect time of year in Vegas!
A few weeks ago, my friend Jane posted this darling woodcut acorn covered with our fun Sweater Weather DSP--It. Is. So. Freakin'. Cute!  I soooo had to CASE her idea.  So, off I went to the wood store and not only found the cute acorn, but a little baby pumpkin as well.  So I got BOTH!  Here's my completed pumpkin:
I appreciate how well all the DSP in the pack coordinates together so I don't have to wonder if the patterns go together. (That has always been a struggle!) I added a bit of Sahara Sand ink on the edges along with some linen thread and natural trim to tie up the little tag.  It will be the perfect addition to my fall decor. Thanks Jane!!  I think I'll work on my little acorn later this week, so check back in to see how it turned out!!

Julie

Thursday, November 7, 2013

MDS Blog Hop--Christmas is Coming!


Yes, it really is, no matter how not ready I am!
My project is something I wanted to do last Christmas, but never got to.  I know there are some of you out there with the same issue...I start things, but I don't always finish!!!  I'm trying to do better, but it's just so hard!  And don't even ask me what I bought today, because I don't want anyone asking me later how the project is coming (Jeanna!!!)  Well, that said, I did this project at the last minute (it shows) and I may change it later, but I just wanted you to see the different ideas.


I've had these little black and red frames for a few years (sigh) and wanted to use them as ornaments on my tree but coming up with the inside has been a struggle, imagine that!!  I chose an 8 1/2 x 11 custom page on MDS and used the photo box option in the Design Center to create several small 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 photo boxes to "decorate".  I used the photo box instead of the punch option because you can change the color of the DSP, which is only a feature with photos (or DSP selected as a layer) and embellishments, not punches.  Also, if you are buying little frames, be aware that most of them do not allow for any layers or embellishments, so keep your "extras" digital (or take the glass out). I used many different downloads, so if you have a question on a specific frame, leave a comment and I will get you the info.

Download MDS for FREE for 30 days and also right now there are many wonderful downloads on sale along with the print products (see post).
Hop over to Julie L. to see her beautiful holiday project along with all the rest of the hoppers!  Remember, we have our very own brand-spankin'-new Stampin' Up! MDS Design team members; Amber, Holly, and Cori!  They are so deserving of this opportunity!  Congrats to them!
Hmmm, maybe now I should get out some of my other old projects...Nah!

Julie

Saturday, November 2, 2013

Happy Digital Scrapbooking Day!

I love it when Stampin' Up! has a sale on MDS products!  Many of you know how much I love to create with MDS and any time I can do that at a discount (on top of my demonstrator discount), I'm super happy!  There are several different types of downloads and print products discounted through November 30, 2013.  Make sure you download your free 30-day trial of MDS or purchase it for $19.95, which is a steal!  Once you create your projects, you can have them printed through Stampin' Up! at a discount, too!
On top of all that, today there is a great FREE download, Moments Ago, that is just fabulous!  I can imagine so many projects I can use these beautifully handwritten words on...
...and Hello There digital kit for 50% off!
Remember that with MDS you can recolor any of the paper and embellishments to coordinate with your project, so even you you have boys, you can use this kit.  The chevrons and arrows are so in right now,  it will be perfect for your projects for old and young alike.  Make sure you check back in for more specials and discounts throughout the month.  Check out my YouTube videos on the left for several techniques and tips for your MDS projects.

Now, get busy creating, you're already on your computer, right? I know I am!

Julie

Friday, November 1, 2013

We Create Blog Hop--Gift Giving

It's gift giving season and I love to make small gifts for my friends and family!  It seems that there's always an opportunity to give gifts to people whether it's birthdays, showers, thank-you's, holidays, or "just because".  This fun gift can be given for any reason.  I've had the clear marbles for a while (are you a crafting hoarder?) and I thought I would try to make some cute magnets!  I used Fabulous Phrases stamp set and Stazon ink on Polka Dot Parade DSP and attached them to the marbles with Crystal Effects.  The box was made with Basic Black card stock, Polka Dot Parade DSP and the Simply Scored scoring tool.  The tag is from Hello Lovely and Whisper White taffeta ribbon.

The dimensions of the box are 4 x 5 x 1.  The size of the DSP and card stock was cut to 6 x 7 and scored at one inch on each edge.  To figure out the size paper you need to make a box, measure the length and width of the finished box you want, take the depth and double it and add that to the length and width--does that make sense?  So in my example 4 x 5 x 1 box, the 1 is the depth so doubling that would be 2.  I add 2 to the 4 (6) and 2 to the 5 (7).  I hope I didn't confuse everyone!! (I'm really not that good at math!)  With your Paper Snips, make a small cut on the score  from the edge to the 1" score line, only on two parallel sides not all of them (you don't want to completely cut out the corners, just allow them to fold).  I used Sticky Strip to hold my corners together.  I absolutely love being able to make boxes to coordinate with my gift, it just brings the whole thing together!  And it looks cute, too!  
Now you can head on over to Michelle and see her beautiful gift box. ( I think I will have to try out her bath salts recipe!)

Julie