Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Scrapbook Sketch Challenge: SSInkLS22

Good morning!  We survived the weekend and had a wonderful time at the BBQ but are still resting and recovering from all the fun.  It's the 3rd Monday of the month, which means over on the Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration blog it's time for a scrapbook sketch challenge.  After finishing my 2013 ad 2014 albums I was excited to get started on this years book.  Unfortunately, with the retirement of My Digital Studio earlier this month, this is the last month I'll be using this software for sketch challenges.  I'm still planning on working on digital projects, including our albums but for personal use (love I still have access to all my downloads and projects to continue to enjoy).  We were given a fun challenge this month so I decided to start with a predesigned page layout and then changed it up to fit our challenge (I love the banner and colors on this page an didn't want to start from scratch with all the elements.

This page was from our visit to Hilton Head Island earlier this month, it was a great trip and I enjoyed reliving the fun looking through pictures.  This layout is great and would make a great projects for a décor item (perhaps for a Father's Day gift, graduation, etc.)  Make sure to check out the other design team creations and then come play along in the fun!

Below are all the downloads used on this page:

Background
     Designer Series Paper/_Designer Kits/Grad Party Ensemble - designer series paper/Grad Party Ensemble - 7

Embellishments
    _Designer Kits\Family Spotlight - embellishments\Family Spotlight - family is everything

Stamps
    _Designer Kits/You Go Grad/You Go Grad - frame 4, Color = SOFT SUEDE 124,103,74
    _Designer Kits/You Go Grad/You Go Grad - flourish, Color = SOFT SUEDE 124,103,74
    _Designer Kits/You Go Grad/You Go Grad - inside frame, Color = 230,WATERMARK 255,255,255
    _Designer Kits/You Go Grad/You Go Grad - frame 2, Color = SOFT SUEDE 124,103,74
    _Designer Kits/You Go Grad/You Go Grad - string, Color = SOFT SUEDE 124,103,74

Punches
    Extras\Label Bracket Punch\Label Bracket Punch,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper\_Designer Kits\Grad Party - designer series paper\Grad Party - 3
    Basics\1.25 Square Punch,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper\_Designer Kits\Grad Party - designer series paper\Grad Party - 2
    Extras\Grad Party Ensemble - banner
    Extras\Grad Party Ensemble - banner 2
    Extras\Grad Party Ensemble - banner
    Extras\Grad Party Ensemble - banner 2
    Extras\Grad Party Ensemble - banner
    Extras\Grad Party Ensemble - banner 2
    Extras\Grad Party Ensemble - banner
    Extras\Grad Party Ensemble - banner 2
    Extras\Grad Party Ensemble - banner
    Extras\Grad Party Ensemble - banner 2
    Extras\Grad Party Ensemble - banner
    Extras\Grad Party Ensemble - banner
    Extras\Grad Party Ensemble - banner 2
    Extras\Grad Party Ensemble - banner 2
    Basics\1.25 Circle Punch, Fill Color = 230,WATERMARK 255,255,255
    Basics\1.25 Circle Punch,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper\_Designer Kits\Grad Party - designer series paper\Grad Party - 1

Have a great week!

Diana

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Scrapbook Sketch Challenge: SSInkLS21

 Good morning!  We're starting another week and looking forward to the upcoming Memorial Day weekend (holiday weekends are always better).  Since it's the third Monday of the month, you know that it's time for another scrapbook challenge over on the
Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration blog.  I had another race this weekend which was a lot of fun but since I'm working on trying to finish up my 2013 and 2014 digital albums before the end of the month when My Digital Studio and digital print products are retired I decided to use this months sketch for a race I was in last year.  I like to include all these pictures in my yearly album to remember how far we've come an each moment and since a lot of these layouts really highlight just a picture or two it's perfect.  I loved the Nike Women's Half Marathon last year in DC (unfortunately they're not having it in DC this year). At the end of the race instead of getting the usual race medal you get these beautiful Tiffany necklaces by these charming hotties (who wouldn't want to run 13.1 miles if you knew this would be at the end??)

I was able to use lots of different DSP prints and colors for the elements on this page.  It is nice that even after My Digital Studio is retired I'll still be able to use the program and all the downloads I've purchased to continue making projects, just working to make sure I've back ups of everything!  Don't forget to make sure you have this program and any downloads you want downloaded before the end of the month so you can continue using this great tool for your future project (and if you have any projects in work finish them up so you can get them ordered before the print products services are no longer available).

Below are the list of supplies used on this page:

Punches
    Basics\1.25 Square Punch,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper\_Designer Kits\Sweet Shop - designer series paper\Sweet Shop - 12
    Basics\1.25 Square Punch,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper\Flirtatious - designer series paper\Flirtatious - 6
    Basics\1.25 Square Punch,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper\Script\Basic Black Script
    Basics\1.25 Circle Punch,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper\Large Polka Dot\Basic Black Large Polka Dot
    Basics\1.25 Square Punch,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper\Howlstooth & Scaringbone - designer series paper\Howlstooth & Scaringbone - 10
    Basics\1.25 Square Punch,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper\Script\Basic Black Script
    Basics\1.25 Square Punch,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper\Patterns\2011-2013 In Color Playful Patterns - pool party 1
    Basics\1.25 Square Punch,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper\Flirtatious - designer series paper\Flirtatious - 6
    Basics\1.25 Square Punch,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper\Patterns\2011-2013 In Color Playful Patterns - pool party 1
    Basics\1.25 Circle Punch

The designers have all shared some great ideas using this months layout sketch so go check them out and then play along using the sketch as inspiration for your next project!

Have a great week!

Diana 

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Blog: Teacher Appreciation Gifts

Good morning!  With the come of spring it means the countdown has officially started for the end of the school year (I know Aidan’s looking forward to summer break).  As we look to the end of school year activities one thing that’s always on my “to do” list is teacher appreciation gifts so today over on the Stylin’Stampin’ INKspiration blog we’re sharing ideas perfect for teacher gifts.  We give Aidan’s teachers gifts all year long for all the holidays so this isn’t the first time we’ve let his teachers know we appreciate they’re service but I like to do something special at the end of the year.  When the Occasions catalog was released and I saw the Berry Basket die an idea immediately popped into my head and this is the result.  I made an uber cute berry basket to hold a set of coordinating note cards.

I used Wild Wasabi cardstock for the basket base and after cutting it out with the Big Shot and Berry Basket Bigz L Die I embossed it using the Delicate Dots Embossing Folder.  I used a piece of DSP from the Painted Blooms Designer Series Paper package for the trim of the basket and used the Mini stapler to assemble the box and attach the trim (the whole box comes together in just a couple of minutes, which is perfect!)  I added a bow using the Whisper White Organza ribbon. 

I made the tag for the box using My Digital Studio (I’m so going to miss this program) and started by using the Decorative Label Punch in MDS and creating the tag inside the punch so I knew when I printed the tag it would perfectly fit in the punch, then I just attached it to front of the box using dimensionals.

To make the matching note cards I started with the Crumb Cake Note Card set (these are perfect since they’re a little smaller than traditional A2 cards and already come precut and scored with matching envelopes.  All I did was add a piece of the coordinating Painted Blooms Designer Series Paper and a piece of Pear Pizzaz Chevron Ribbon.  The greeting is from the Lovely Amazing You and I stamped it in Rich Razzleberry and Pacific Point ink, punched it out with the 2” Circle Punch and then punched out mats using the 2 3/8” Scalloped Circle Punch.  I did use dimensionals to attach the greeting so it popped up over the ribbon.  The final touch was a few rhinestones for a little bling.  I decided to make thank yous for the basket since I’ve noticed we get a lot of notes from teachers so I thought they would get more use out of them.

These are too cute and I love the floral patterns in this DSP (do you know that the DSP was created based on actual watercolor paintings some of the artists in the home office created (awesome!)  Now I have one teacher gift ready to go, just a few more and we’ll be all set.  The designers are sharing more great ideas over on the SSINK blog so check them out for more ideas!

Below are easy ordering links for the products used on today’s card:

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Happy crafting,

Diana

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration April Scrapbook Sketch Challenge

Good morning!  After a wonderful weekend it's time to start another week and see what's in store for us.  The third Monday of the month brings the scrapbook sketch challenge over on the Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration blog so it's a great opportunity to get another layout completed.  As you may have heard Stampin' Up! will be discontinuing the My Digital Studio program after May 30.  I'm really sad about this as I use the program regularly so I've got some work ahead of me to try to get my 2013 and 2014 annual scrapbook albums completed so I can get them ordered and printed using the Stampin' Up! professional print services.




For this months layout I decided o  use a couple of pictures from when we spent the say at Kings Dominion back in 2013.  I used the Nobody's Business kit for the initial layout and most of the elements on the page.  It was fun playing with this layout and using lots of different elements and patterns of paper for fun.  I love looking back at pictures and seeing how we've change (especially Aidan!!) 

The other design team members have shared some beautiful pages for further inspiration so please go check them out and then play along.  When was the last time you scrapbooked?  It's been far too long for me, so I've got to get back at it to try to get these books finished.



Below is a list of the digital supplies used on today's layout:
   
Embellishments
    _Designer Kits/Nobody's Business - embellishments/Nobody's Business - flower 16

Stamps
    _Designer Kits/Nobody's Business/Nobody's Business - triangles & dots, Color = 114,208,238
    _Designer Kits/Nobody's Business/Nobody's Business - triangles & dots, Color = 114,208,238
    _Designer Kits/Nobody's Business/Nobody's Business - dot tape, Color = 243,232,22
    _Designer Kits/Nobody's Business/Nobody's Business - diangonal tape, Color = REAL RED 199,44,58
    _Designer Kits/Nobody's Business/Nobody's Business - &, Color = 26,32,64

Punches
    Extras\Nobody's Business - punches\Nobody's Business - diamond,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper\_Designer Kits\Nobody's Business - designer series paper\Nobody's Business - 8
    Basics\1.25 Square Punch, Fill Color = 225,225,224
    Basics\1.25 Square Punch, Fill Color = 225,225,224
    Basics\1.25 Square Punch,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper\_Designer Kits\Nobody's Business - designer series paper\Nobody's Business - 6
    Basics\1.25 Square Punch,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper\Small Polka Dot\Night of Navy Small Polka Dot
    Basics\1.25 Square Punch,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper\_Designer Kits\Nobody's Business - designer series paper\Nobody's Business - 5
    Basics\1.25 Square Punch,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper\_Designer Kits\Nobody's Business - designer series paper\Nobody's Business - 2
    Extras\Nobody's Business - punches\Nobody's Business - diamond,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper/_Designer Kits/Nobody's Business - designer series paper/Nobody's Business - 1

Have a great day!

Diana

My Digital Studio Being Discontinued - Available through May 31st

Yesterday it was announced that My Digital Studio is being discontinued as of May 31, 2015. This includes the software, digital downloads, and print services.  This means that you have until May 31 to purchase any last downloads you've had on your wish list and finish any projects that you've wanted to have printed (I have my 2013 and 2014 scrapbooks all in MDS at this point but they are not complete so you know what I'll be working on for the next couple of months!)

 

If you have an online account through a demonstrator, you will have through May 31st to access your digital downloads.  I would strongly suggest making a backup of your downloads since you won't be able to reinstall them from your account after that date.  I have been baking mine up by copying the Component and Designer Templates Uninstallers folders from inside the My Digital Studio folder in the Program Files (x86) on my hard drive to an external location. This way, if something happens, I reinstall the software and just copy those back in (it's much easier than reinstalling it all).  At this point, I will also being working to make a back up the entire MDS folder instead, so that I have all the updates to the program software itself.  I would strongly suggest that you do the same.

 

Personally, I will keep the software and keep using it, as you know I really enjoy working on my scrapbooks digitally at this point.  I also use the program for updating my blog, as well as creating crafting elements for all sorts of projects. 

 

I have to admit I'm very sad about this decision as I've really come to love this software and all the functions and possibilities it offers.  The great thing is that I can continue to use the software and can even still get things printed (will just have to find an alternate source).  I do understand that is a business decision on Stampin' Up!'s part that reflects the fact that this program did not have the sales necessary to support it. Stampin' Up! is a business that needs to remain solvent and to make money, I support their decision, even though I am sad about it.  Stampin' Up! has partnered up with Becky Higgins and Project Life and this is a fun and easy alternative for memory keeping so I'll continue to scrapbook using all the different mediums available to me to suit my needs.

 

If you need any assistance or have any questions about this news, please don't hesitate to contact me and we can work through this. 

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration: Scrapbook Sketch Challenge #SSINKLS19

Good morning!  What crazy, fun filled weekend!  We had two basketball games and Aidan's team played so well and fought and will now be playing in the playoffs next weekend.  I have saw, with so many events and activities we're involved in sometimes it's the little things that really make a memory.  As Aidan's gotten older one of the things he wants to do is learn how to cook and it's fun to see him experience it all.  Last summer Chris worked with Aidan to teach him how to smoke pork (one of Aidan's favorite foods) and it was so great watching as they worked together and had fun along the way and I know these are memories that will last so I decided to use it for this months Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration blog scrapbook sketch challenge.

Jenn gave us a fun sketch challenge and since I only had a couple of pictures I decide to let them be the focus and then add some DSP elements.  I also started with a predesigned page but I ended up changing almost ever element on the page so it's not even recognizable from the original. 

The designers are sharing some great ideas over on the blog, using the sketch not only for scrapbook pages but also cards, so make sure to check them out.  Then you can play along and see what sparks your creativity.






Below is the supply list for the products used on this page:

Embellishments
    _Designer Kits/Nobody's Business - embellishments/Nobody's Business - green tape (re-colored) Color = LUCKY LIMEADE 170,172,62
    _Designer Kits/Nobody's Business - embellishments/Nobody's Business - gray tape
    Staple & Stitching\Chocolate - Simple Stitches line 2

Stamps
    _Designer Kits/Nobody's Business/Nobody's Business - triangles & dots, Color = SOFT SUEDE 124,103,74
    _Designer Kits/Nobody's Business/Nobody's Business - triangles & dots, Color = SOFT SUEDE 124,103,74
    _Designer Kits/Nobody's Business/Nobody's Business - triangles & dots, Color = EARLY ESPRESSO 80,57,49
    _Designer Kits/Nobody's Business/Nobody's Business - triangles & dots, Color = SOFT SUEDE 124,103,74
    _Designer Kits/Nobody's Business/Nobody's Business - triangles & dots, Color = BAKED BROWN SUGAR 174,142,94
    _Designer Kits/Nobody's Business/Nobody's Business - triangles & dots, Color = BAKED BROWN SUGAR 174,142,94
    _Designer Kits/Nobody's Business/Nobody's Business - triangles & dots, Color = CREAMY CARAMEL 203,158,117
    _Designer Kits/Nobody's Business/Nobody's Business - triangles & dots, Color = EARLY ESPRESSO 80,57,49
    _Designer Kits/Nobody's Business/Nobody's Business - it's always a good time, Color = 230,WATERMARK 255,255,255

Punches
    Basics\1.25 Square Punch, Fill Color = SAHARA SAND 194,187,169
    Basics\Rounded Corner Punch,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper\_Designer Kits\Christmas Cocoa II - designer series paper\Christmas Cocoa II - pattern 8
    Basics\Rounded Corner Punch,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper\_Designer Kits\Summer Smooches - designer series paper\Summer Smooches - 8
    Extras\Embark Graduate - punches\Embark Graduate - banner 2, Fill Color = 123,101,71
    Basics\Rounded Corner Punch
    Basics\Rounded Corner Punch

Enjoy and have a great week!

Diana 

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration: Scrapbook Sketch Challenge #SSINKLS18

Happy Monday and Happy Presidents Day!  What a wonderful weekend but I think I need to head back to work to try to get some rest from the fun (if that's possible).  I have to say,  adore my family and spending time together and during Aidan's sleepover we got to know some of his school friends better and boy are they some great kids, so fun.  The boys are off today and enjoying the day together while I'm working.  Well since it's the third Monday of the month you know it's time for our monthly scrapbook sketch over on the  Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration blog.  I love these challenges as they are a great way to work on my scrapbook layouts, even if I don't get caught up, every little bit helps.



Today's page is from last years Cub Scout Pinewood Derby.  This is such a fun activity for the scouts, they take such pride in their creations, and no matter how their car performs in the race everyone has a fun time.  This is a pretty easy page that I created in My Digital Studio but I added lots of layers to help create texture and dimension to the page.


It's always great to see what other people come up with using the same layout and it really inspires me so make sure to go check out the other design team projects and then create away, remember you can use these sketches for cards, home décor, scrapbooking, the skies the limit.



Below is the supply list for the elements used on this page:


Background
     Color = CRUMB CAKE 179,161,131

Embellishments
    Staple & Stitching/Staple
    Staple & Stitching/Staple
    _Designer Kits/Keep This Memory - tags/Keep This Memory - tag 2
    Grosgrain Ribbon - knot/Baja Breeze Grosgrain Ribbon - knot
    Staple & Stitching\Chocolate - Simple Stitches line 5 (re-colored) Color = EARLY ESPRESSO 80,57,49

Stamps
    Splatters\A Split Second\A Split Second - splatter 1, Color = NIGHT OF NAVY 33,64,95
    Medallion\Medallion - background, Color = EARLY ESPRESSO 80,57,49
    Splatters\A Split Second\A Split Second - splatter 1, Color = NIGHT OF NAVY 33,64,95

Punches
    Basics\1.25 Square Punch,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper\First Edition - designer series paper\First Edition - 4
    Basics\1.25 Square Punch, Fill Color = CRUMB CAKE 179,161,131

Have a great day!

Diana

Stylin' Stampin' INKpiration Scrapbook Sketch Challenge: Christmas Memories

Good morning!  Another great weekend and boy were those some interesting games yesterday to set up the teams playing in Super Bowl in a couple weeks.  The boys are enjoying an extended holiday to celebrate MLK Jr. Day while I have to work (I must admit I'm a little jealous!!)  I did take timeout from all the activities to hop onto My Digital Studio to make my layout for his months Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration scrapbook sketch challenge.  This time we were given a two page layout so I thought it would be perfect for our Christmas Day pictures.  It was such a great fun, and relaxing family day and it was fun to relive all the memories while making these pages.

 

 Here's the sketch we were given and I stayed pretty true to the layout.  I created one page with all the elements and then just created a mirror image of the page so I didn't have to create the second page from scratch (super easy).  The other designers are sharing some alternate ideas using this layout so make sure to go check them out and then play along (I'm sure you have some pictures that are just waiting to get added to a page to preserve your memories).

 Below are the details on the elements used on these pages:

Page 1 Supply ListEmbellishments
    Cherry Cobbler Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon\Cherry Cobbler Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon - flag
    Burlap Ribbon\Burlap Ribbon - flag
    Natural Designer Buttons\Naturals Designer Buttons - small dark 2

Stamps
    _Designer Kits\Candlelight Christmas\Candlelight Christmas - overlay pinecones, Color = SOFT SUEDE 124,103,74
    _Designer Kits\Daily December Memories\Daily December Memories - christmas, Color = 77,56,50
    _Designer Kits\12 Days of Christmas\12 Days of Christmas - holiday memories, Color = 230,WATERMARK 255,255,255

Punches
    1.25 Square Punch,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper\_Designer Kits\Holiday Harmony II - designer series paper\Holiday Harmony II - 12
    1.25 Square Punch, Fill Color = 225,225,224
    1.25 Square Punch, Fill Color = 225,225,224
    1.25 Square Punch, Fill Color = 225,225,224
    Extras\Embark Graduate - punches\Embark Graduate - banner 2,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper\_Designer Kits\Holiday Harmony II - designer series paper\Holiday Harmony II - 8

Page 2 Supply ListEmbellishments
    Cherry Cobbler Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon\Cherry Cobbler Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon - flag
    Burlap Ribbon\Burlap Ribbon - flag
    Natural Designer Buttons\Naturals Designer Buttons - small dark 2

Stamps
    _Designer Kits\Candlelight Christmas\Candlelight Christmas - overlay pinecones, Color = SOFT SUEDE 124,103,74
    #hashthis\#hashthis - lovehim, Color = 230,WATERMARK 255,255,255
    _Designer Kits\See Ya Next Year\See Ya Next Year - best buds, Color = 230,WATERMARK 255,255,255

Punches
    1.25 Square Punch,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper\_Designer Kits\Holiday Harmony II - designer series paper\Holiday Harmony II - 12
    Extras\Embark Graduate - punches\Embark Graduate - banner 2,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper\_Designer Kits\Holiday Harmony II - designer series paper\Holiday Harmony II - 8

Enjoy and have a great day!

Diana

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Scrapbook Sketch Challenge: Fall School Pictures

Good morning!  Another great weekend and we're now down to less than two weeks to Christmas, crazy!  Today I decided to take a break from my holiday projects for the Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Scrapbook Sketch Challenge and have it completely not related to the holiday.  I love the sketch we were provided with this month and it is a great way to highlight a single picture so I decided to use Aidan's school picture from this fall.  I decided to go to My Digital Studio for this page and was actually able to make this while I waiting for Aidan at basketball practice this week (I love this flexibility!!!)

I decided to start with one of the predesigned templates and then completely changed it up to fit this sketch (this may take more time than starting from scratch but it's great to get some elements that you know work well together to get things started.

Below is the supply list for the items used on this page:

  

 Background
     Color = 255,250,226

Embellishments
    _Designer Kits/12x12 family album/stitching 2 (re-colored) Color = 230,WATERMARK 255,255,255
    _Designer Kits/12x12 family album/tag1
    _Designer Kits/12x12 family album/stitching 4
    _Designer Kits/12x12 family album/Family Album 12x12 Photobook - string and knot
    Brads\Basic Gray - brad
    Brads\Basic Gray - brad
    Brads\Basic Gray - brad
    Brads\Basic Gray - brad
    Brads\Basic Gray - brad
    Brads\Basic Gray - brad
    Brads\Basic Gray - brad
    Brads\Basic Gray - brad
    Brads\Basic Gray - brad
    Brads\Basic Gray - brad
    Brads\Basic Gray - brad
    Brads\Basic Gray - brad
    Brads\Basic Gray - brad

Stamps
    _Designer Kits\Free Label This\Free Label This - handsome hunter, Color = 216,182,65

Punches
    Basics\1.25 Square Punch
    Borders\Scallop Edge Punch, Fill Color = 255,250,226
    Borders\Scallop Edge Punch, Fill Color = 255,250,226
    Borders\Scallop Edge Punch, Fill Color = 255,250,226
    Borders\Scallop Edge Punch, Fill Color = 255,250,226
    Basics\1.25 Square Punch, Fill Color = POOL PARTY 169,221,199
    Basics\1.25 Square Punch, Fill Color = 255,250,226
    Basics\1.25 Square Punch, Fill Color = 255,250,226
    Basics\1.25 Square Punch, Fill Color = 255,250,226
    1.25 Square Punch,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper\_Designer Kits\Family Fun Photobook - designer series paper\Family Fun Photobook - pattern 15
    Basics\1.25 Circle Punch
    Basics\1.25 Circle Punch
    Basics\1.25 Circle Punch

 

Make sure to check out the other design team inspiration pages and then come play along in the fun!

Enjoy!

Diana

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Scrapbook Sketch Challenge: Snow Day Fun

Good morning!  After  fast paced, fun filled weekend it's back to the weekly routine (it's it really possible that Thanksgiving is less than 2 weeks away???)  Over on the Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration blog it's time for the monthly scrapbook sketch challenge and Jennifer gave us another fun sketch that really lets you focus on a great picture.  Since it's cold hear and they're actually talking that we may see some snowflake this week I thought it would be fun to look back at the snow fun last winter.  This page shows a great snow day Aidan enjoyed playing with a friend and building a snow tunnel.





Once again I used My Digital Studio for this page and started with a predesigned layout and then removed all the elements and extra photo boxes and rebuilt the page (I really liked the background, thought the hexagons reminded me of snow.  It's great to try to use items for something they were not originally intended for and see what you come up with.

Below is a list of the downloads used on this page:

Background
     Card Stock/Baja Breeze

Embellishments
    _Designer Kits/Keep This Memory - frames/Keep This Memory - hexagon frame
    _Designer Kits/Keep This Memory - frames/Keep This Memory - hexagon frame
    _Designer Kits/Keep This Memory - frames/Keep This Memory - hexagon frame
    _Designer Kits/Keep This Memory - frames/Keep This Memory - hexagon frame
    _Designer Kits/Keep This Memory - frames/Keep This Memory - hexagon frame
    _Designer Kits/Keep This Memory - frames/Keep This Memory - hexagon frame
    Burlap Ribbon\Burlap Ribbon - folded
    Top Notch Woodcuts\Top Notch - top notch
    Staple & Stitching\Chocolate - Simple Stitches line 13

Stamps
    _Designer Kits/Keep This Memory - stamps/Keep This Memory - flower, Color = 117,157,161
    _Designer Kits/Keep This Memory - stamps/Keep This Memory - flower, Color = 117,157,161
    _Designer Kits/Keep This Memory - stamps/Keep This Memory - flower, Color = 117,157,161
    _Designer Kits/Keep This Memory - stamps/Keep This Memory - flower, Color = 117,157,161
    _Designer Kits\Frosty Day II\Frosty Day II - snow day, Color = 230,WATERMARK 255,255,255

Punches
    Basics\Hexagon Punch, Fill Color = 124,166,171
    Basics\1.25 Square Punch,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper\_Designer Kits\Keep This Memory - designer series paper\Keep This Memory - paper 7
    Basics\1.25 Square Punch,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper\_Designer Kits\Keep This Memory - designer series paper\Keep This Memory - paper 4
    Basics\1.25 Square Punch,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper\_Designer Kits\Keep This Memory - designer series paper\Keep This Memory - paper 8
    Basics\1.25 Square Punch, Fill Color = BASIC BLACK 19,27,29

The designers are sharing some great ideas so make sure to check them out for additional inspiration. I'll be back later today with my gratitude card so make sure to check back.

Enjoy!

Diana 

Scrappy Saturday: Historical Monologue Madness

As our adventure continues I wanted to continue sharing my Scrappy Saturday scrapbook pages.  Last wee Aidan had to give a monologue at school on the person he had been researching and writing a paper on, in this case Albert Einstein.  He really got into the idea of dressing up as his character and did a great job (it was so fun being able to go into school to help him get dressed and then watch his presentation).  I made this page using a predesigned template in My Digital Studio and then just added the title and text (the title was actually a comment a friend made on this picture I posted on Facebook and I thought it was perfect.

The list of digital products used on this page are below:

Background
     Designer Series Paper/_Designer Kits/Serioulsy Teen - designer series paper/Seriously Teen - box

Embellishments
    _Designer Kits/Seriously Teen - embellishments/Seriously Teen - washi tape 3
    _Designer Kits/Seriously Teen - embellishments/Seriously Teen - washi tape 3
    _Designer Kits/Seriously Teen - embellishments/Seriously Teen - washi tape 6
    _Designer Kits/Seriously Teen - embellishments/Seriously Teen - torn paper 6
    _Designer Kits/Seriously Teen - embellishments/Seriously Teen - torn paper 5
    _Designer Kits/Seriously Teen - embellishments/Seriously Teen - like

Stamps
    _Designer Kits/Seriously Teen Kit/Seriously Teen Kit - grunge 3, Color = EARLY ESPRESSO 80,57,49
    _Designer Kits/Seriously Teen Kit/Seriously Teen Kit - grunge 2, Color = EARLY ESPRESSO 80,57,49
    _Designer Kits/Seriously Teen Kit/Seriously Teen Kit - label, Color = SUMMER STARFRUIT 214,183,67
    _Designer Kits/Seriously Teen Kit/Seriously Teen Kit - pound sign, Color = EARLY ESPRESSO 80,57,49
    _Designer Kits\Happy Things Pocket Cards\Happy Things Pocket Cards - be awesome, Color = 86,67,59

Punches
    1.25 Square Punch,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper/_Designer Kits/Serioulsy Teen - designer series paper/Seriously Teen - midnight muse
    1.25 Square Punch,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper/_Designer Kits/Serioulsy Teen - designer series paper/Seriously Teen - wasabi brick wall
    1.25 Square Punch,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper/_Designer Kits/Serioulsy Teen - designer series paper/Seriously Teen - early espresso
    1.25 Square Punch, Fill Color = 230,WATERMARK 255,255,255
    1.25 Square Punch,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper/_Designer Kits/Serioulsy Teen - designer series paper/Seriously Teen - slang

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Diana 

Scrappy Saturday and National Digital Scrapbooking Day: Trick or Treating Fun

Good evening!  What a fun weekend, it was great having Halloween on a Friday so we could relax and enjoy the evening and that carried through the weekend.  I know I'm a day late on my Scrappy Saturday post but I wanted to share this years Halloween page (it actually coordinates with the page I shared a couple of weeks ago from a Halloween party we attended).  Yesterday was also National Digital Scrapbooking Day so this is perfect and My Digital Studio really helped whip this up.

Aidan was Harry Potter and really had fun hanging out with friends, going through a haunted house.  Since I made this page to coordinate I used several of the same elements so that when the pages are viewed together they tie in.

Below is the supply list for the downloads used on today's page:

Background
     Color = 230,WATERMARK 255,255,255

Embellishments
    _Designer Kits\Fan Fair - embellishments\Fan Fair - stitching black circle 4 (re-colored) Color = OLD OLIVE 138,151,71
    _Designer Kits\Eventful Year - embellishments\Eventful Year - happy halloween
    _Designer Kits\Fan Fair - embellishments\Fan Fair - stitching black circle 4 (re-colored) Color = RICH RAZZLEBERRY 149,69,103
    Chevron Ribbon - embellishments\Chevron Ribbon - calypso coral v (re-colored) Color = CAJUN CRAZE 170,66,37
    Natural Designer Buttons\Naturals Designer Buttons - large brown 1
    Staple & Stitching\Chocolate - Simple Stitches line 5 (re-colored) Color = RICH RAZZLEBERRY 149,69,103
    Staple & Stitching\Chocolate - Simple Stitches line 5 (re-colored) Color = OLD OLIVE 138,151,71

Stamps
    _Designer Kits\Spooky Bats\Spooky Bats - oval, Color = 230,WATERMARK 255,255,255
    _Designer Kits\Wicked Cool\Wicked Cool - bats, Color = 0,0,0

Punches
    1.25 Square Punch,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper\_Designer Kits\Frightful Sight - designer series paper\Frightful Sight - 7
    Basics\1.25 Square Punch,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper\_Designer Kits\Frightful Sight - designer series paper\Frightful Sight - 9
    Extras\Embark Graduate - punches\Embark Graduate - banner, Fill Color = OLD OLIVE 138,151,71

Enjoy!

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Scrapbook Sketch Challenge: Halloween Fun!

Good morning!  What a wonderful weekend, we had beautiful weather and while we were busy we enjoyed every moment, the highlight was a neighborhood Halloween party that was lots of fun.  I decided to use some of the pictures from the party for this months Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration scrapbook sketch challenge.  This is a great sketch that Jenn provided us and I let the pictures and patterned papers be the highlight.  This layout is fun with all the blocks so you can have just a couple or lots of pictures on the page, depending on what you need.

 

Usually the pages I make are going back to events so it was really fun to make a layout while it's so fresh in my mind.

Below is the supply list for today's page:

Background
     Color = 230,WATERMARK 255,255,255

Embellishments
    Chevron Ribbon - embellishments\Chevron Ribbon - calypso coral v (re-colored) Color = CAJUN CRAZE 170,66,37
    Natural Designer Buttons\Naturals Designer Buttons - large brown 1

Stamps
    _Designer Kits\Spooky Bats\Spooky Bats - oval, Color = 230,WATERMARK 255,255,255
    _Designer Kits\Wicked Cool\Wicked Cool - bats, Color = 0,0,0
    _Designer Kits\Wicked Cool\Wicked Cool - spider web, Color = 0,0,0
    _Designer Kits\Spooky Bats\Spooky Bats - oval, Color = 230,WATERMARK 255,255,255
    _Designer Kits\Wicked Cool\Wicked Cool - spider web, Color = 0,0,0
    Holiday Cheer Project Life\Holiday Cheer Project Life - bat, Color = 0,0,0
    Gorgeous Grunge\Gorgeous Grunge - grunge 2, Color = OLD OLIVE 138,151,71
    Gorgeous Grunge\Gorgeous Grunge - grunge 2, Color = OLD OLIVE 138,151,71
    Holiday Cheer Project Life\Holiday Cheer Project Life - fright night, Color = 0,0,0

Punches
    Basics\1.25 Square Punch,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper\_Designer Kits\Modern Medley - designer series paper\Modern Medley - 1
    Basics\1.25 Square Punch,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper\_Designer Kits\Frightful Sight - designer series paper\Frightful Sight - 9
    Basics\1.25 Square Punch,  Filled with: Designer Series Paper\_Designer Kits\Frightful Sight - designer series paper\Frightful Sight - 7
    Labels & Tags\Hooray For Tags - punches\Hooray For Tags - 3, Fill Color = SMOKY SLATE 180,176,173

Make sure to check out all the other layouts the design team is sharing and then come play along and share what you come up with, always love seeing how you can interpret a given sketch in a unique way.

 

Have a great day!

 

Diana

Scrappy Saturday: First Day of School

Good morning!  It's time for another Scrappy Saturday.  Today's page is for the first day of school this year.  I always love the excitement for the first day of school and all the new adventures that await.  For today's page I used My Digital Studio and one of the predesigned pages from the Game Day Photobook.  This is such a versatile download with it's neutral pallet.  All I had to do was change some colors to match the Pennington colors as well as a couple of accents and text items.  I read somewhere about including your child's signature in the first and last days of school layout so you can see how your child's writing changes through the year.  To add Aidan's signature I had him sign a notecard and the scanned it and turned it into a jpeg so I could add and crop it just like any other picture.

Below are the items used on this page:

Background
     Color = SAHARA SAND 194,187,169

Stamps
    _Designer Kits/Game Day/Game Day - 4, Color = VERY VANILLA 254,249,232
    _Designer Kits/Game Day/Game Day - large dots, Color = VERY VANILLA 254,249,232
    _Designer Kits/Game Day/Game Day - splatter, Color = HANDSOME HUNTER 42,86,73
    _Designer Kits/Game Day/Game Day - large dots, Color = VERY VANILLA 254,249,232
    _Designer Kits/Game Day/Game Day - large dots, Color = VERY VANILLA 254,249,232
    _Designer Kits/Game Day/Game Day - splatter, Color = HANDSOME HUNTER 42,86,73
    _Designer Kits/Game Day/Game Day - tab, Color = VERY VANILLA 254,249,232
    _Designer Kits\My First Day\My First Day - first day of school, Color = 230,WATERMARK 255,255,255

Hope you enjoy your weekend and all the adventures that await!

Diana 

Scrappy Saturday: Scout Camping Fun!

Good morning and Happy Saturday!  Today's World Card Making Day and it's a great time to enjoy time crafting and spreading the love and joy you give when you take the time to make and send a homemade card (I love seeing people light up when they receive a card and know some one's thinking of them, especially in this day of email, texting, etc.)

 

Today I'm back to share another scrapbook page I made for Scrappy Saturday.  This layout is for Aidan's summer scout camping trip.  This was his first time camping for multiple days were families weren't there and while some of the dad's attended it was the scouts first experience with what sleep away and scout camping is all about, and they had a BLAST!!!  He's already asking to go next year for a full week.  For the page layout I used My Digital Studio and a predesigned page from the Keep this Memory Photobook and then just changed the elements, added more picture boxes, and resized until it was what I wanted.  I will admit Chris isn't as good as I am at taking pictures, he only took one but thankfully one of the other dad's took some pictures and sent them to us and it was great to see the smiles on their faces (lifesaver!!)

 

 

Below is the list of downloads used on today's layout:

 

Page 11 Supply ListBackground
     Designer Series Paper/_Designer Kits/Keep This Memory - designer series paper/Keep This Memory - paper 4

Embellishments
    _Designer Kits/Keep This Memory - borders/Keep This Memory - ticket ribbon
    _Designer Kits/Keep This Memory - elements/Keep This Memory - cloud 1
    _Designer Kits/Keep This Memory - elements/Keep This Memory - best day ticket
    _Designer Kits/Keep This Memory - elements/Keep This Memory - bird 3
    _Designer Kits/Keep This Memory - tags/Keep This Memory - tag 2
    _Designer Kits/Keep This Memory - borders/Keep This Memory - banner

 

Have a fabulous weekend!

 

Diana 

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration September Scrapbook Challenge: Rockin' the Race

Good morning and what a beautiful weekend and start to the week!  I love this time of year, you can open the windows and just enjoy the cooler weather and relax.  I'm back with a another sketch challenge, this time it's the Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration blog September scrapbook sketch challenge.  I've been slacking a little in my memory keeping goal of a page a week so it was great to play along with this sketch that Bree gave us and used it to make a page for one of my spring races.  This was a fun race, not only was it my first spring race of the season (after training in one of the coldest winters I've ever experienced which provided some challenges).  Not only did I get to run with one of my neighbor friends but after the race I met up with Randy, a friend from college that I hadn't seen in years, which was great!

 

My Digital Studio made this page nice and easy (it's fun to be able to change and recolor elements and embellishments that would be much harder to do, in traditional scrapbooking).  To start this page I started out with a template page from the Convention 2012 Photobook and then deleted and rearranged elements, changed all the colors and just like that I have a completely different page that works with my pictures.  You could easily mix in some DSP pieces for some of the squares but I had too many pictures (seems to be the store of my life, oh well). 

 

Make sure to go check out all the other great layouts the design team is sharing, so much fun.  Come play along with us and see what you can create!

 

Below are the supplies I used on this page:

Background
     Designer Series Paper/_Designer Kits/Convention 2012 Photobook Template - Designer Series Paper/Convention 2012 Photobook Template-02

Embellishments
    Staple & Stitching\Chocolate - Simple Stitches corner 2 (re-colored) Color = MELON MAMBO 234,62,112

Stamps
    Convention 2012 Photobook Template/Convention 2012 Photobook Template - basic line, Color = 230,WATERMARK 255,255,255
    Convention 2012 Photobook Template/Convention 2012 Photobook Template - dot border, Color = 230,WATERMARK 255,255,255
    Convention 2012 Photobook Template/Convention 2012 Photobook Template - stars, Color = MELON MAMBO 234,62,112
    Epic Overlays\Epic Overlays - ink splatter 2, Color = NIGHT OF NAVY 33,64,95
    Convention 2012 Photobook Template/Convention 2012 Photobook Template - basic line, Color = 230,WATERMARK 255,255,255
    _Designer Kits\BBQ Blitz\BBQ Blitz - yum, Color = 230,WATERMARK 255,255,255

Photos
     (re-colored) Color = MELON MAMBO 234,62,112
     (re-colored) Color = BRILLIANT BLUE 61,93,154

Have a great day and enjoy!

Diana
     

Scrappy Saturday: Summer Fun

Happy Saturday!  We're looking forward to a fun weekend, the boys are heading for scout camping so mamma has the house to herself (and Mocha) so I'm looking forward to relaxing and crafting whoo hoo!  I know I've said it before but one of the things I love about My Digital Studio is that you can work on projects anywhere.  I created these two pages on he flight home from Washington State after visiting my family but forgot to share them.  I used some predesigned templates so I could pop in the photos, text, and a few embellishments, perfect.  Layouts don't always have to be over the top, it's about preserving the memories and special times.

 

Below are the supplies used for these pages:

Page 1: Background

Stamps
    , Color = 255,250,226
    , Color = 255,250,226

Punches
    Two Step Owl Heart Punch, Fill Color = BAJA BREEZE 141,189,193
    Two Step Owl Heart Punch, Fill Color = 255,250,226
    Eyelet Border Punch, Fill Color = BAJA BREEZE 141,189,193
    Eyelet Border Punch, Fill Color = BAJA BREEZE 141,189,193
    Two Step Owl Heart Punch, Fill Color = SOFT SUEDE 124,103,74

Page 2 Background
     Color = BAJA BREEZE 141,189,193

Embellishments
    Staple & Stitching\Chocolate - Simple Stitches line 9 (re-colored) Color = SOFT SKY 199,227,220

Stamps
    , Color = 255,250,226
    _Designer Kits\Family Fun Photobook\Family Fun Photobook - play 2, Color = 230,WATERMARK 255,255,255
    _Designer Kits\Family Fun Photobook\Family Fun Photobook - love 2, Color = 230,WATERMARK 255,255,255

Punches
    Eyelet Border Punch, Fill Color = 255,250,226
    Two Step Owl Heart Punch, Fill Color = 255,250,226
    Two Step Owl Heart Punch, Fill Color = SOFT SUEDE 124,103,74
    Eyelet Border Punch, Fill Color = 255,250,226
    Eyelet Border Punch, Fill Color = 255,250,226

Have a wonderful, fun-filled weekend!

Diana

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration: Totally Awesome 40th Birthday, Stampin Up! Style

Good morning!  Today over on  the Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration blog I'm sharing all the details from a recent birthday party that I made extra special using some fun and easy tools from Stampin' Up!  We share lots of great ideas, techniques, etc. 5 days a week so you're guaranteed to find something that will inspire you, please come check us out!

 

I don't know about you but I love parties and all the fun that goes along with them (if I had a perfect job it would be a party planner and personal shopper, haha!!)  So this year we lots of friends turning 40, including my husband, and since we have 4 of the birthdays within a month of each other this summer we decided to have one huge party.  Of course I decided to wait until the "last minute" but with My Digital Studio, my Big Shot, and dies I was able to pull off lots of fun elements for the perfect party that I wanted to share with you.

The first thing I did was choose a theme and since we had 3 guys and 1 girl I went with blue/lime green/white geometric patterns.  I purchased the paper lanterns, balloons, and fans at a party supply store and then added my own touches so everything was special.  The first thing we did was create a photo booth (which are so popular right now) using a black background, paper lanterns, and balloons.  We also created some mustaches and bow ties using the Big Shot, Mustache Framelit, and Bow die, along with open picture frames for lots of fun props.

Here's the photo booth all ready for fun.

Here are the open frames, mustaches, and bow ties for fun props.

Here are a couple of fun pictures of my family playing around in the photo booth.  It was so fun to see friends posting pictures from the photo book on Facebook during the party!

Of course no party is complete with out food and we had lots of finger foods and desserts for all to enjoy.  I used My Digital Studio to create food labels that match the colors and theme of the party (I love that you can change the colors of elements in MDS so everything coordinates perfectly).  Then I just cut them out and attached them to cardstock tents so they were nice and sturdy.

Here's another picture of the food (sorry I forgot to take pictures before the party so I had to take them during the party).

One more food picture, these Key Lime Tarts were awesome and who doesn't love dip in the shape of a 40?

Here's a picture showing how I hung some of the lanterns over the food buffet.

At the entrance to the party I had this table where guests could sign cards for each of the honorees (I made large cards by folding 8 1/2 x 11 pieces of cardstock in half so we had plenty of space to write and using the Envelope Punch Board to make coordinating envelopes for each of the cards.  I also used the Big Shot, dies and 2 1/2" Circle Punch to make the center piece of the paper fan (I had these throughout the party).

Of course no party is complete without party favors (even for adults) so I made these little treat boxes (filled with M&M's) using the Scallop Tag Topper Punch and I stamped texture on the boxes with the Gorgeous Grunge stamp set.  The tag was made in My Digital Studio.

 

To make the tag I inserted a punch shape (don't change it's size so you'll be able to punch it out perfectly with our punch).  I designed one tag and then grouped all the images and copied and pasted so I didn't have to make it over and over again.  The tag says "Aged to Perfection, Vintage 1974" and once again I used the color theme so they match.

I also made signs for each honoree showing a baby picture and then a current picture as a fun tribute.  It was really simple (I did use a retired Big Shot Die but you could easily use our current letter die for the same effect).  The Happy Birthday is cut out of the Silver Glimmer Paper so it really sparkles and the cool thing is that it's an instant scrapbook page since I used a 12 x 12 piece of cardstock (I gave these to each of the honorees at the end of the party).

One final element I made was a birthday banner, once again My Digital Studio to the rescue.  I just used a punch shape and this time I enlarged it to a full sheet of cardstock, filled it in with chalkboard paper for the background and added an alphabet letter punch so I could fill it in with patterned paper that matched our colors.  I also added some star elements to the pennants before printing them out.

After I cut them out I added some bling in the form of stars that were cut out using the Big Shot, Star Framelits, and Silver Glimmer Paper.  You can see below I even nested some of the stars when I cut them out so I had different size stars and some that were just outlines.  Linen Thread was used to string it all up.



Want to know something cool about this banner?  I specifically made the 40th part it's own pennant so I can reuse the banner and all the matching decorations for another party (awesome!!!)

Last I had to share a picture of the birthday honorees, Happy Birthday!

I hope you enjoyed all the details of these awesome 40th birthday party and see how easy it is to make the perfect party items for your next party using My Digital Studio, the Big Shot, our dies, etc.  It's so easy and inexpensive and is guaranteed to impress.

 

Enjoy!

Stylin' Stampin' INKspiration Scrapbook Sketch Challenge: A Day at the Ballpark

Good morning!  I hope you had a great weekend.  We had a very rare weekend with nothing planned and everyone at home so we took advantage and relaxed and took care of a few things around the house, which thankfully included some crafting time which felt wonderful!  It's Monday so it's time for another challenge over on the Stampin' Stylin' INKspiration blog and this week it's the scrapbook sketch challenge.  I have to admit with everything going on I haven't been working on my layouts as I would like but I'll be making up for that soon.  Today's page is a nice and simple one from when we attended a Phillies/Nationals game last year.  It was a perfect day and we had a great time cheering our team on. 


Once again I went to My Digital Studio for this page and used a picture of the field that I took for the background as for an accent behind the photo (I lowered the level of opacity for a softer look).  Everything else was pretty straight forward.  Here's the sketch we were provided by Jennifer.  Make sure to go check out all the other great layouts the design team is sharing and play along for lots of fun.










Below is the supply list for the products used on this page:

Stamps
    Game Day Baseball\Game Day Baseball - ball, Color = CHERRY COBBLER 165,30,44
    _Designer Kits\Chillin Out Pocket Cards\Chillin Out Pocket Cards - bring on the fun, Color = 230,WATERMARK 255,255,255
    Game Day Baseball\Game Day Baseball - ball, Color = CHERRY COBBLER 165,30,44

Punches
    Basics\1.25 Circle Punch, Fill Color = 230,WATERMARK 255,255,255
    Extras\Embark Graduate - punches\Embark Graduate - banner 2, Fill Color = SMOKY SLATE 180,176,173

Enjoy and have a great day!

Diana