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Julie

MDS Blog Hop--Project Life Fun!

Well, it took longer than I thought, plus the girlie came home to visit--I just needed to spend some time with her!  Anyway, I finally got my post done along with a video!  I hope you enjoy it--try out a few new techniques with MDS, you will definitely fall in love with it, it is a blast (and trying it out for free isn't too bad either!)  The first project I did using this technique, I actually uploaded my photos to Costco to print and use in my traditional Project Life by Stampin' Up! scrapbook, but I like that I can use it in all the different platforms! Yay!

If you have any questions about this technique, please leave a comment.  I love going back to my old non-digital photos and getting them all scanned so I can use them at times like these!! This will be the best way for me to get caught up on all of my scrapbooking!
Time to check out Julie L. and the rest of the bloggers...and a special welcome to Monika, we are glad to have her blogging with us this month!

I started my new job this week at Crate & Barrel--I love it!  It's a fun place to work, as well as fun people to work with. It's hard to believe the last time I had a non-volunteer job, I had a little 18 month old child!  Where'd the time go?

Julie 

Can You Tell Me How to Get to Sesame Street?

Busy, busy, busy around here!  We closed on our home here in Vegas last week and the next day put an offer on a home in Utah...yep, we are under contract!  We've experienced miracle after miracle in this process of moving our family back to where we started, we know that we have been guided through this whole journey. We know it is time for us to return, but that doesn't really make it easier to leave.  If I pretend I'm not leaving for a little while longer, maybe I'll be able to focus on the job at hand, the job I hate--packing!!  I can see why people just hire movers to do it all, I'm getting to that point.  Sometimes, I've got to ignore all the boxes and take an MDS break!
Several years ago, I made this fun card with my Stampin' Up! punches and an idea from all over the web, a cute baby card with the guys from the "Street", you know the ones; Oscar, Big Bird, Elmo and Cookie!

Anyway, as I often do, I looked at that card and said to myself, "Hey, I can create that in MDS!" So that's what I did.

It's pretty simple with different punches and a couple of stamps and embellishments. I cropped a few of the punches as well.  If you would like to see how this is done, check out this video (it's a different project, but same steps):

This card could be perfect for babies through elementary school (ok, maybe the older kids wouldn't admit to watching Sesame Street, but I know they do!!) If you have questions regarding any of the punch shapes, leave a comment and I will let you know which ones they are.
Time to move along to the next blogger, Julie L., she's always got something fun to share!

I hope you will stick with me through this move.  I may not be posting very much for the next 3 to 4 weeks, but once I get settled in, I will get right back to creating!!

Julie

A Refuge from the World

Every Tuesday, I get up at 5:00 am and drive more than 20 miles, past iconic Downtown Las Vegas to volunteer my time in the Las Vegas Temple.  I change out of my street clothes and wear my white dress (all the patrons and workers change into white clothing in the temple) and spend a few hours in a place that is a refuge from the craziness of what can be life.  I feel such a peace when I am there, even though I do fairly normal office work.  I can feel closer to my Heavenly Father when I am there.  It is also a place where families can be sealed for eternity.  I cannot imagine heaven without my family being my family!  That would not be heaven to me.  If you ever have an opportunity to attend an open house for a new LDS temple in your area, I highly recommend going. New temples are open to the public for several weeks before they are formally dedicated to the Lord. You will definitely feel peace and love when you enter the doors. Also, even though you must be a member in good standing to perform ordinances there, most temples have a beautiful entry or foyer where the public is welcome to come and sit and ponder or read the scriptures surrounded by . I know that the temple is the house of the Lord and I can feel His Spirit very strongly there.  It is because of Him that I can have my family not just "till death do us part" but for eternity.

I will really miss the Las Vegas temple and the many people I work with.  It is a sanctuary for me.

Julie

Starting Today

I am grateful for the opportunity to start over every morning, with a fresh, new slate.  I am trying not to let the little things get to me. I need to change my thoughts so that I'm not so judgmental--of others, but more importantly, myself.  The Lord knows all my weaknesses and strengths, but He also knows exactly how to help me change my weaknesses into strengths!  It is because of Him that I have the opportunity to change.

I hope you can find something to be grateful for today!

Julie

Because of Him

There are many people in the world who believe that members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (mormons) are NOT Christians.  People can choose to believe whatever they want about me or my religion.  I pray that as I serve and love and teach, my actions will speak louder than the words that are spoken out against me or what I believe.  I only have to answer to One...my Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ.  Everything I am is because of Him.

I will be sharing messages each day this week as Easter approaches.  May God bless you!

Julie

MDS Blog Hop--I Stand All Amazed

As Easter approaches, much of the world's focus turns to new life, not only in nature but in our spiritual lives.  Twice a year, (April and October) our church has General Conference where members all over the world can hear uplifting messages from church leaders.  I look forward to it every time.  I love being reminded I am a daughter of God and He loves me and I have a Savior who atoned for my sins. One of my favorite hymns is "I Stand All Amazed" and the words convey the feelings of my heart:

I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me,

Confused at the grace that so fully he proffers me,

I tremble to know that for me he was crucified

That for me, a sinner, he suffered, he bled and died.

I marvel that he would descend from his throne divine

To rescue a soul so rebellious and proud as mine.

That he should extend his great love unto such as I,

Sufficient to own, to redeem, and to justify.

 I think of his hands pierced and bleeding to pay the debt!

Such mercy, such love and devotion can I forget?

No, no I will praise and adore at the mercy seat,

Until at the glorified throne I kneel at his feet.

Oh, it is wonderful, that he should care for me enough to die for me!

Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me!

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The words bring tears to my eyes! Just a few weeks ago, my little primary children sang this song to me for my last Sunday as their president and I almost went into the ugly cry!  To see those little children sing at the top of the lungs "Oh, it is wonderful" just reminded me exactly why Jesus has such a love for the little children.

I pray that you all enjoy this time of reflection, remembrance, and re-birth.

I just know you will love all the projects my friends have created--make sure to leave them a quick comment ("love", "fun", "TFS", "great job", "cute" are all acceptable comments!!) we all love to hear that people are interested in what we are creating!

Julie

MDS Blog Hop-- Printed projects

I'm so cold right now!  I'm glad I can curl up under a blanket and use my laptop in bed.  It will be below freezing here in Vegas tonight (and the rest of the week) and that's not a very common thing.  And I know it gets colder where just about everyone else lives, but when your summers reach 117º in the shade during the summer, 25º is pretty dang cold!  I'm trying my best to stay warm!
So our theme this month was either calendars or printed projects...well, I have a bunch, but I will show you a few that I have done.

On this small card, I was able to "wrap" the ribbon around from the front (doesn't it look real?) using the Smart Guide tool and I used the 1 1/4"square punch to remove the center of the frame after I received it from the printer.  The best way to do this is to add the punch to the card on MDS (the Stampin' Up! punches are true to size in MDS) then size your other components accordingly, like the frame on the front (you can remove the punch after it's sized if needed).  To see how I wrapped the ribbon on the the card, you can check out this video:

When I received this tag from the printer, I just added a little rhinestone to the present on the front and the string on the balloons on the back.  It's wonderful to have these tags available on the print products menu from Stampin' Up!  They are just the perfect size to add to gift bags (they are already cut and punched for you) I add a few of these little gems to my order often!  Now, I have to admit, on occasion I run to the local print shop if I need one or two print items right away (or use my home printer in a pinch), but if I need more than that and I'm not in a hurry, I don't hesitate to have Stampin' Up! print my MDS projects--they are such high quality!  They look very professional and many times my friends and customers have asked if they were store-bought!! (GASP!!) Also, as you can see on the tag, the colors are calibrated to coordinate with our Stampin' Up! products (the Tempting Turquoise trim on the bag is our retired Designer Series Paper). Check out all the different products you can print through Stampin' Up! Go ahead and try making a few small projects like cards or tags when you get started with MDS, you'll never buy cards at the store again!  Oh, and I have to thank Erica for the inspiration for my tag!  I knew I had to case it...in MDS of course!

Head on over to Julie L.'s blog for her project--I'm pretty sure it's colder where she is!!

I'm ready to pull the blankets up over my head now!  Brrrrr!

Julie

Pop and Place Book

This Pop and Place book is such a great starter piece! This is for anyone who thought about doing handmade tags but didn't know where to start and thought you needed too many supplies--yep, this is for you!  Look at some of the things you can make!

And that's just a start!  You will have 70 pieces to add to any holiday treats or gifts.  I love how Brandi suggests in this video to purchase an additional book along with the bundle because you can never have enough tags, right?

You can purchase each of these products separately- Pop and Place book 134975, Christmas Tagables stamps 134623; or as a bundle of the book and stamps together 135921; or a starter kit with the book and stamps along with the Soft Suede ink spot and acrylic block 135290.  You can purchase these and many other fun holiday stamps and supplies and even download the holiday catalog on my website. 

Have fun creating!

Julie

New Stampin' Up! Envelope Punch Board

Alright my gadget loving friends, this is so cool!  Some of you may actually want to break out your stash of hoarded Designer Series Paper just to make these fun envelopes! {Gasp!!!}  You know who you are!!  Say goodbye to those generic looking gift card envelopes and those plain white card envelopes from the store! (You still buy cards at the store???)  Check out the video and then order yours here!  I'll be putting in an order on Friday, September 27 so use Hostess code CPG9XF3J when you order on my website.

It was still 100 degrees today, but I think a change is in the air--Fall officially starts Sunday!

Julie

New! Undefined

While I was at Stampin' Up!'s convention a few weeks ago, they announced a new product...Undefined, a stamp carving kit that allows you to use your own creativity to make your own stamps!  At first I was a bit skeptical.  Why would you want to carve your own stamps when they have so many wonderful stamps in the catalog?  But then I saw all the fun stamps that demonstrators were coming up with and a lightbulb went off!!! WOW!  This is really a fun new way to express your creativity, even if you don't think you have any artistic ability!  Watch this quick video that describes what Undefined is all about.

The thing I like most about Undefined is that it doesn't have to be perfect!  In fact, that's what makes it so great!  The slight imperfections on something that is handmade is what makes it original, one of a kind!  I decided to try out my stamp that all the demonstrators got at convention, I didn't have time to go to the Undefined station to make mine, so I made it at my friend Jeanna's house (she had the new kit with all the tools!) My suggestion is to read the directions and if you don't feel comfortable free handing your design, use the included templates or other design to start out with.  Also, don't start out with a very intricate design either!! (I had to start over!)  I decided to do an animal print, zebra to be exact, and I just free handed lines and spots and colored in the areas I wanted to cut out.  It came out much better than I thought it would!  Ta-da!!!

Now I think I'm ready to get the whole kit!  If you are interested in getting this kit, you can purchase it on my website anytime!  Stamping is generally a female dominated craft, but what man doesn't like to use a tool to create something?!  Make sure you check out the Pinterest board Stampin' Up! started to showcase some of the wonderful creations demonstrators and customers are coming up with, they are ah-may-zing!!!

Keep creating!!

Julie

New Wood-mount Stamp Cases

I am so looking forward to new Stampin' Up! catalog coming in just a few months!  There will be new items to love but also a few fond farewells.  An amazing new change coming is the new wood-mount stamp boxes!  We've had the same wood-mount stamp cases forever, so this is new and fresh!  They are the same type of cases that our clear-mount stamps come in, only deeper, and they will be great for so many other storage ideas--just check out this video!

Won't these be great?  Stay tuned, there are a few more changes to come!

Julie

Sweet Sabbath

Many of you know that I am a singer.  In fact, I started singing before I could talk!  One day, it is my dream to try out for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.  I don't know that I could ever be in the choir (it is a lot of work) but I would love to audition.  When I saw this video, I was so tickled for this guy, I couldn't help but smile!  He certainly knows a little bit about conducting a large choir/orchestra, so I'm sure it was pure heaven for him to be up there conducting the most famous choir in the world!  I hope your Sabbath has been beautiful.

Julie

Stampin' Up!/Jimmy Fallon Thank You Note Parody

Oh my!  This is just funny!

Get this stamp set here!

Julie

My Digital Studio Video--Lots of Love

Happy Valentine's Day!  I hope you are all enjoying this "holiday" or otherwise know as "Single awareness day"!  I've had my favorite valentine for 24 years now, and although we do acknowledge that it's Valentine's day and we always seem to do a little something for each other, I try to let him know EVERY DAY that he is my "Valentine"!  He is such a great guy and I'm thankful for him every day!
Now, on to the video!  I had several people ask if I would do a video on how I made my Lots of Love poster I have in my entry way, so here you go!  Very quick explanation and I only used 3 stamps!  I hope you can hear, I tend to mumble when I'm creating!  So sorry!  Let me know if there are any techniques or tools you would like to see videos on, I will do my best to add them to my list!  Enjoy!

Just know that you are ALL loved!  Have a wonderful day!

Julie

My Digital Studio Video--Adding Stitching to letters

I'm a little bit behind on my videos, I've had this one mostly complete for a few weeks, it's just taken me a long time to add the voiceover on it and upload it to YouTube, sorry!  Anyway, this video is from my Merry Christmas scrapbook page I did last month.  I added stitching to the letters using the freeform line feature in the Design Center.  This is such a great tool!  Make sure you get your own copy of My Digital Studio 2 here and follow along!  Enjoy!

I'd love to see what you come up with using this fun tool!  Send me a link and I'll post a comment on your page!

Julie

Love One Another...One Person at a Time

Valentine's day is this week and although I love to show my love to those around me, sometimes I think that "Valentine's day" is just a ploy made up by the candy and flower companies to bring in more money.  I think it's more important to show people all around us that we love them all the time and not just give them flowers or gifts or things that will not last.  If we truly love others we will serve them like the Savior did, not because we want something in return.  Show your family how much you love them by doing something nice for them, that will mean more to them than any rose or piece of chocolate ever would.  I loved this story about serving others around us--we don't have to do it all, but we can make a difference...one person at a time!

Have a beautiful Sabbath!

Julie

My Digital Studio video--Faux Washi Tape

Sorry it's taken me so long to post this video.  I had it mostly done a few weeks ago, but with the loss of my step-mom, everything went on the back burner.  So here is the video that some of you were asking about: how to make faux washi tape like I had on my christmas scrapbook page.

I hope you enjoy this video, I have one more to come this week, so check back often.  Thanks for watching!

Julie

Sweet Sabbath

I am especially grateful for this Sabbath Day!  It's been a very long, sad/happy week and I am looking forward to the love and warmth I feel when I am with my ward family.  The prayers offered on my family's behalf have comforted me, calmed me, and strengthened me.
I spent 4 days this week in St. George, in the farthest Southwest corner of Utah.  Every time I drive into Utah and see the beautiful red rocks and mesas I am still amazed.  All over Utah there is spectacular scenery, but in Southern Utah, you just can't deny that God created all this loveliness.  It really earns the nickname "Color Country"!  I hope you enjoy the music and scenery in this video.

Have a beautiful Sabbath!

Julie

Valentine's is coming. Don't blow it!

Happy Groundhog Day!  Is it just me or is this a COMPLETELY useless holiday?  Seriously!!  But it reminds you that you have 12 days until Valentine's Day!  Yep, that's all, folks!  So guys, don't blow it!
You can order this great kit that should help cover a plethora of occasions.
Dude, You're Welcome!!

There's still time...

Julie