Stampin' Up! Build-a-Bear

Oh, my goodness! I am loving these new Build-a-Bear products in the new Holiday Mini! At first glance, I didn't think I would need these BAB dies for the Big Shot, but when I started seeing all of these adorable samples pop up, I knew I couldn't be left out of the fun!

To get started, you will want to order the Stampin' Up! Bear die (#117977) and the Beary Essentials die (#117978). The Beary Essentials die has the skirt, pants, shirt, jacket, and shoes. If you want a few more accessories for your bears, there are two sizzlits that have hats, bow, bags, etc. To make the fun patterned clothes, you are going to want the Pawsitively Prints designer paper (#118060). It has plaid, striped, argyle, and jean "material" that's just perfect for making clothes.

To make these super cute holiday bears, you can choose from the Beary Merry die (#117980) and the Kooky Spooky die (#117979). Or, do what I did and buy them all!

Pumpkin Treat Boxes

I made these cute little boxes for my clubbers. It was our last meeting of the round, so I wanted to give them something special. A few of the boxes had prize slips in them---free stamp sets, $10 gift certificates, etc.

I saw this idea for the box on another demontrator's blog, but can't find it now. The box was made using the Box #2 XL die for the Big Shot. I used the Wide Oval punch to make the window and covered it with our Medium thickness Window Sheets found on page 158. I used the Small Oval punch to make the pumpkin and the Swirls & Scribbles Sizzlit for the vine. I handcut the sign after stamping on it with the Sanded background stamp.

Scrapbook Swaps

Over the next couple days, I am going to share some of our club swaps with you. One of the best things about being a member of one of my Scrappin' Clubs is swapping with the other members.

Each person designs a layout using only SU! materials and makes one for each person in the club. So, each month the club members go home with 9 two-page layouts (number varies according to number of ladies in the club)--one that I designed for them to make at the club meeting, one that they made, and 7 more from the other members. Swapping makes keeping up with your scrapbooking super easy!

These are the swaps I made for this month. I made a "girl" and "boy" version. I used the Extreme Elements stamp set and the Extreme Guitar stamp. The title was made using the Serif Essentials alphabet and the SU! Simple Letters alphabet dies for the Big Shot.

Made by Jennifer:


Made by Claudia:

Soccer Treats

I made this adorable little box to hold the treats for Kyle's soccer team last week. I used the Fancy Favor box XL die for the Big Shot for the first time and I LOVE IT!! It has now become my favorite new die--at least until my next post about the Big Shot.

When you use a die with score lines (any dies that make boxes), you want to use it with the Premium Crease pad. We have two sizes--one for the Bigz dies and one for the XL dies. The job of the crease pad is to make sure that score lines are scored while cut lines are cut. It also gives a good crisp crease on those score lines. If you use a regular cutting pad on top, your score lines may be cut through.

I used the Just Soccer stamp set along with the new Extreme Elements stamp set. I love this set and have used it on my last 4 projects. I'll show a scrapbook page I made with it tomorrow.

Here is another idea using the box. I used my Horizontal Slot punch to make an opening for my ribbon to close the box. I made this box for Kyle's kindergarten class for his birthday treats. The dinosaur stamp set retired with the last catalog. It's called Prehistoric Pals.

Club Layouts

I was just thinking the other day that I never showed my club layouts. This month my club of 12 ends. They're actually two clubs of 6 that meet on the same night. Instead of everyone trying to do the same layout, I had 3 tables with a a different layout on them. Each month, they went to a different table. I try to show my girls a new technique or product with each layout.

The Autumn layout has all kinds of stuff going on. I used the Big Shot to make the leaves and title. I just love the new Simple Letters alphabet dies. I showed the ladies how to do the Poppin' Pastels technique for the stamped leaves on the tree. I also used the Basic Jumbo Grommets and larger eyelets. I LOVE the Autumn Traditions designer paper.

This next layout is my Scrap Map layout. I make up a scrap map and they choose the paper, stamps, and embellishments they want to use for their layout. Although, I think most of them chose to make the "girly" pages using the bright and fun Kaleidoscope Designer Paper. The green pages use the new Greetings. Earthing stamp set and some retired designer paper.

These last two layouts were very simple. My ladies don't like to take too long on their pages, so I've been trying to reign myself in and make simpler pages. I wanted to showcase the new In Colors. I let them choose between the two color schemes. I think, again, the "girly" page was the favorite.

My Digital Studio--questions answered

Well, I hadn't planned on a post today, but I've been playing so much with My Digital Studio, that I have more pages to share with you.

To answer some of your questions about My Digital Studio:

1. When can I order it? You can purchase the program beginning October 1. The price is $79.95.

2. Do I have to by the whole program if I like what I'm already using? If you already have a digital program that you use, Stampin' Up! will have individual downloads available. These downloads range in price from $1.95 - $14.95. Programs that support .jpg and .png files and layers will work with these downloads. You can order these downloads from my Stampin' Up! website: www.carrieclary.stampinup.net beginning October 1.

Here's a list:
118847 MDS DWNLD - BRADS ALL CORE COLORS $3.95
118866 MDS DWNLD - BUTTON BOUQUET $3.95
118867 MDS DWNLD - BUTTON LATTE $3.95
118849 MDS DWNLD - CARD STOCK PLAIN (ALL CORE COLORS) $3.95
118854 MDS DWNLD - DSP BASICS BLOOMS $4.95
118855 MDS DWNLD - DSP BASICS BROCADE $4.95
118856 MDS DWNLD - DSP BASICS DISTRESSED $4.95
118857 MDS DWNLD - DSP BASICS DOTTED STRIPE $4.95
118858 MDS DWNLD - DSP BASICS GRID $4.95
118859 MDS DWNLD - DSP BASICS LARGE POLKA DOT $4.95
118860 MDS DWNLD - DSP BASICS SCRIPT $4.95
118861 MDS DWNLD - DSP BASICS SMALL POLKA DOT $4.95
118862 MDS DWNLD - DSP BASICS STRIPE $4.95
118848 MDS DWNLD - EYELETS (ALL CORE COLORS) $3.95
118465 MDS DWNLD - HAPPY BDAY DIGITAL KIT $14.95
118863 MDS DWNLD - HARDWARE SHINY SILVER $2.95
118864 MDS DWNLD - HARDWARE VANILLA $2.95
118466 MDS DWNLD - HOPPY MEMORIES DIGITAL KIT $14.95
118853 MDS DWNLD - PUNCH SHAPES $3.95
118851 MDS DWNLD - RIBBON ALL CORE COLORS $3.95
118852 MDS DWNLD - RIBBON KNOT ALL CORE COLORS $3.95
118850 MDS DWNLD - ROUND BUTTONS (ALL CORE COLORS) $3.95
119098 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - A LITTLE BIRHDAY CHEER $1.95
118823 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - ABC ALPHABET LOWER $7.95
118825 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - ALL HOLIDAYS $5.95
118819 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - ALL SCALLOPS $3.95
118843 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - BAROQUE MOTIFS $3.95
118833 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - BIG BOLD BIRTHDAY $7.95
118820 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - CERTIFIED $3.95
118834 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - CHEEP TALK $5.95
119836 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - COPYRIGHT STAMPS $0.95
118844 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - DEFINE YOUR LIFE $7.95
119099 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - EXTREME ELEMENTS $1.95
118835 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - FAVORITE THINGS $3.95
118836 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - FOR ALL YOU DO $5.95
119104 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - FRAMES WITH A FLOURISH $3.95
118829 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - FRIENDS 24-7 $3.95
118824 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - FUNDAMENTAL PHRASES $7.95
118837 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - GOOD FRIENDS $5.95
118830 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - GREATEST MOMENTS $5.95
118831 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - HEARD FROM THE HEART $5.95
118838 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - HOPPY MEMORIES $3.95
119095 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - HUGS AND WISHES $3.95
118839 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - INTRODUCING $1.95
119097 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - NURSERY NECESSITIES $7.95
119094 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - OLD SAINT NICK $5.95
118828 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - PARTY HEARTY $5.95
118840 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - PETAL PIZZAZZ $3.95
118841 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - RAZZLE DAZZLE $3.95
118832 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - SCHOOL DAYS $5.95
118821 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - SCHOOLBOOK SERIF ALPHABET $7.95
118822 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - SCHOOLBOOK SERIF NUMBERS $7.95
118845 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - SEASON OF CHEER $7.95
119835 MDSDWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - SIMPLE FRIENDSHIP $3.95
119100 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - SNOWBURST $3.95
118842 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - SWEET SEASON $1.95
118826 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - THANK YOU KINDLY $1.95
119101 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - TOGETHER FOREVER $3.95
118846 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - TORN EDGES $3.95
119096 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - TREE TRIMMINGS $1.95
118827 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - UPSY DAISY $1.95
119102 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - WINTER POST $3.95
119103 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET - WORLD TOUR $3.95
118817 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET-ALWAYS $5.95
118818 MDS DWNLD - STAMP BRUSH SET-ENJOY EVERY MOMENT $5.95
118865 MDS DWNLD - STITCHING $1.95
118464 MDS DWNLD - SUMMER HOME DIGITAL KIT $14.95


3. Will Stampin' Up! provide printing services? Yes, beginning October 1, SU! will have printing services you can use. You can also print to your own computer or use another printing service. However, Stampin' Up! can only guarantee color matching from it's printing service.

4. What do I do with the stuff I make on My Digital Studio? You can print an entire bound book, calendars, cards, or single pages that can slip right into your scrapbook! You can combine your digital products with actual supplies and create Hybrid products. For instance, you could print out a 12x12 page that you made with My Digitial Studio, and then add ribbon and brads to give it some dimension.

Teacher Gift

Kyle has just finished his first two weeks of kindergarten. He had a rough start at the beginning. He seemed nervous and would often tear up when he had to get in line to go inside the building. Each year, I like to give a small gift to the teacher as a thank you for all that she does and to let her know that we are looking forward to a great year.

I started buying some cute little teacher gifts at various dollar spots, bought a gift card to a teacher store, and had a fun bucket to put it all in weeks ago. Then Friday morning (when I had planned on Kyle giving his teacher the gift), I realized that I hadn't stamped anything for her! So, I quickly made this adorable box using the Fancy Favor XL die by Stampin' Up! Don't you LOVE the curvy top?

I used a retired apple stamp and made 6 little 3x3 cards to put inside it. I added simple greetings like Hello, Happy, and Thanks with the Fundamental Phrases stamp set. I also used my new Real Red Polka Dot grosgrain for the first time. This project took me all of maybe 20 minutes to put together.

One thing I really wish Stampin' Up! would come out with is a good selection of school themed stamps! I have a retired set that is okay, but I would love to see some new sets. This is a spinner card I made for a class a while ago. I used the Round Tab punch to make the apple shape. Isn't is cute?!

Sweet Treats!

I've mentioned that the Holiday Mini catalog has all kinds of great things in it that you will just HAVE to have. One of my favorite things in it is the Sweet Centers stamp set and the Sweet Treat Cups. You can put just about anything in the cups, as long as it fits. I've seen samples where people have actually made water globes with them.

While I love the stamp set and the fact that it takes care of at least 3 holidays, I love that you can use Sweet Treats cups without it. And, you can also use the Sweet Centers stamp set without using the cups!

So, how does it work? Well, you will want to use the 1 3/4" circle punch or the new Stampin' Up! Holiday Movers dies for the big shot to punch out the circle for the cups to fit in. You will want to cover the open back of the cups with either a square piece of cardstock or cut a 2 1/2" circle to cover it (and then trim the excess). Before adhering the cardstock backs, I like to use my Cutter Kit to make a perforated X on the back. This way, the receiver can easily punch in the back to get the treats inside!

Here are a few more samples:

More Digital Pages

Images copyright Stampin' Up!

I really am having so much fun making digital scrapbook pages with My Digital Studio! I'm a bit addicted to how quick it is to get a page finished. Here are two more pages I worked on Saturday morning.

Images copyright Stampin' Up!

I Can't Stop Myself!

Images copyright Stampin' Up!

I am loving the My Digital Software! It is just so easy to use and so much fun. I couldn' resist sharing two more projects I made. The first is a photo card. The 2nd is a two-page 12x12 spread of Ansley's first birthday party.

My Digital Studio

Some of you may have received your Holiday Mini catalog today and noticed the new My Digital Studio, a software studio that lets you make cards, photo albums, scrapbooks, and more! This new software will not be available for purchase until October 1. However, demonstrators are allowed to order one so that we can get familiarized with it. So, what do you think? Did I buy it?

Yes, of course I did! I have just had a little time to play with it tonight, so I'm still figuring things out. But, I LOVE it! Digital scrapbooking will never replace regular scrapbooking for me. I love the tactile experience from making my own pages by hand as well as the texture, and really, just the stamping part of it. But, I will be using MDS (My Digital Studio) to make super fun vacation books, gifts, and calendars.

There are plenty of other digital scrapbooking programs out there, but this program is much more than that. It is a digital crafting solution. Besides, NONE of the other programs have exclusive Stampin' Up! images and colors. You will love how easy it is to put together well-coordinated projects using the colors you've come to know and love.

Stampin' Up! will soon be offering training for me to learn all about this new program. I will be offering a free class so that you can learn all about it. Stay tuned for details.

The two pages you see were made by me using the MDS software. The Taylor page was made from scratch while the Snow Angel page was made from a template. I was able to pick my own designer paper for the background, add the stamped snowflakes on the big pictures in colors that I chose, add eyelets and ribbon.

As I play with the program a little more, I will post more pictures.

Ladybug Birthday

My friend Jennifer threw a first birthday party for her daughter Ansley on Sunday. The party was a lot of fun and Ansley ate her cake like a little lady. Before the party, we had a lot of fun coming up with ideas for her invitations, decorations, and treat boxes.

Jennifer chose Pixie Pink, Lovely Lilac, and Gable Green as her colors. No red and black ladybugs here! Our first project was the ladybug invitations. We cut two large scallop circles from the Big Shot and used the Scallop Circle punch for the head. We used a retired stamp to make the dots, but any circle stamp would do--even a pencil eraser would work.


While we were working on the invitations, we came up with the idea for this name banner. We used the Pennant XL die and the Serif Essentials Alphabet dies.
We used a modified version of the 2-4-6-8 box to make these adorable treat boxes. So cute!

Here are the measurements: Start with an 8 x 11" piece of cardstock. Score along 8" side at 2 1/2, 5, 7 1/2, & 10". Turn the cardstock and score at 2 1/2". We scallThen, just follow the directions for the 2-4-6-8 box found to the right under "Project Directions." The handle is 1" x 8 1/2".

Jennifer did a fantastic job on her projects. I loved helping her come up with the ideas!

Holiday Mini Sneak Peak

The new Holiday Mini begins today. You are just going to LOVE all the wonderful things in it! You should be receiving your Mini Catalog very soon. If you do not receive one by September 8 or are not on my mailing list, let me know if you would like a copy.

Demonstrators are offered a pre-order opportunity from the mini catalogs, so I ordered all kinds of fun stuff (as usual)! I signed up for a demonstrator only swap using stuff from the new mini, so here is one of the two cards I made. I'll share the other card with you another day.

This card uses a beautiful autumn leaf set called Autumn Splendor. I seem to be a sucker for leaf sets (worse than those darn bird sets!). I believe this is my 3rd or 4th leaf set I've purchased from Stampin' Up! I also used the Autumn Meadows designer paper and silver elastic cording found in the Holiday Mini Catalog. The designer paper has this distressed, inky print to it, so I added that same effect using the Direct to Paper technique (simply rub your cardstock against your pad).

At the bottom of the card, I used a strip of the designer paper to make the folded band.

Oh, the Horror!

I am having an extremely hard time writing this post today. I just have to share a shameful, horrible thing that I've done. Okay.......are you ready?



I bought Kyle's birthday invitations! Gasp!! I know, I know!




Okay, it's out. I feel better. Now, let me tell you my pitiful excuses.

1. You may remember that I had planned on Kyle having a PIRATE birthday party this year. After purchasing 3 different Pirate sets, and choosing the most adorable invitation ever to make, I just couldn't get into the BATMAN theme.

2. I couldn't come up with a good enough bat using my punches. Believe me. I tried and tried and tried. They all just looked silly.

3. After purchasing bat die cuts off Ebay, I worked on two different card versions. I wasn't really happy with either. Especially after Kent asked me if I was making a Halloween party invitation or a Batman invitation.

4. So, after throwing both cards at my dear husband and realizing that I really should send out invitations by Monday, I decided to do the unthinkable and buy invitations at the store.


So, if you must find a new demonstrator who won't lead you astray, then I understand. But, just wait until you see the little bat treat boxes that I'm going to make for the party! Maybe then you'll come back to me!

But, I must confess---I think I just might buy the Thank You notes, too!!

Flower Pot Pocket Card

I made this adorable card for my friend Jennifer's daughter's birthday. These are so fun to make. What I like is that you could also just put this straight onto a scrapbook page!

The pot was made by taking a 1/2 sheet of cardstock (hot dog style--4 1/4 x 11) and folding it in half. I used my paper cutter to make the two diagonal cuts that make the flower pot shape. I scored each end at 1 1/2" and then used the Scallop Edge punch on them. Adhere the flaps down with sticky strip. Adhere the sides to make your pocket. I ran my flower pot through my Big Shot with the Manhattan Flower embossing folder.

For the card insert, I cut a piece of 3 1/4 x 3 1/2" Chocolate Chip, and a piece of 3 x 3 1/4" Whisper White cardstock. This size will vary depending on how large your flowers are and how much room you need to write your message. I cut 3 flowers out using 3 different embosslits. Embosslits actually emboss and cut out the shape when you run it through your Big Shot machine. I just love them!

I also used the Little Leaves sizzlit and some rhinestone brads. I stamped the little ladybugs from Garden Whimsy on scrap cardstock and glued them to the flowers. I added a little Crystal Effects to give them some shine and dimension.

To get the flowers just right, insert the card into your pot. Use dimensionals to adhere your flowers on top of the card so they overlap the front of the pot a bit.

Pirate & Princess Parties

One of the cutest things I spotted right away in the new catalog was this adorable Pirate Party Kit (also comes in a Princess theme)! I thought I had Kyle convinced to have a Pirate Party for his 6th birthday in September, but after spending $60 in stamps and stuff, he decided he wanted to have a Batman party. Batman?!! I don't have any Batman stamps! Luckily, I found an idea to use, so I'll be sharing that with you soon!

Anyway, back to Pirates! You can view a short video on what the kits contain by clicking on the picture above. Each kit comes with materials to make a banner, food toppers/picks, 8 invitations with envelopes, treat boxes, and some type of craft. You can find these products on pages 174-175 in the catalog.

Stampin' Up also offers personalized stamps to go with the themes as well as coordinating stamp sets. So, you could have a Captain Kyle Clary stamp or a Princess Allison stamp. Too cute!

Are You Getting the News?

My August N ewsletter went out yesterday. Did you get it? Yes, I know it's a little late. I'm working on that!

You can sign up for my monthly newsletters by entering your email address in the yellow box to the right. In each newsletter you will find my class schedule, information on specials, project ideas, etc.

I don't spam you and rarely send out more than one newsletter a month. You can unsubscribe at any time!

Upcoming Classes

Birthday Cards & Box

Use half of the Happy Bday Simply Scrappin' Kit to make 10 fantastic cards and a fun gift box to hold them in. 10 Small Open Ended envelopes included!

Date: Monday, September 28 at 6:30 PM
Cost: $20 for half kit, $30 for whole kit (use the other half for your own projects)
RSVP & Payment due: September 14

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Dashing Thru Christmas Card Set

Make this beautiful set of 4 cards and a card packet to hold them in (or turn it into a treat bag!). Learn simple folding techniques and use my favorite embossing technique--Faux Diamond Dust!

Class fee includes the Dasher and Merriment stamps found on page 208 in the catalog.

Date: Monday, October 5 at 6:30 PM
Cost: $25, includes two stamps
Add a whole pack of Merry Moments designer paper for an additional $10 (use this for your own projects)
RSVP & Payment due: September 14

Not interested in Christmas Cards? You can choose to make a beautiful set of Autumn cards using the Autumn Splendor stamp set and Autumn Meadows designer paper. Cost is $30 and includes the Autumn Splendor stamp set.

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Sunny Day Simply Scrappin' Class
Make 4 two-page layouts using this adorable Simply Scrappin' Kit. Leftover paper and stickers are yours!

Date: Wednesday, October 21 at 6:30
Cost: $30
RSVP & Payment due: October 12

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Fall Scrap Classes

While my clubs take a short break, I am holding two Scrap Classes. Come and make a two-page 12x12 layout for only $12 or place a $25 order. If I get enough people placing orders to receive hostess benefits, I will raffle off the benefits---one person will get the hostess $ and another will get the hostess set(s).

Space is limited to 8 participants, so RSVP early! I am working on the pages for these classes and will post them to my blog as soon as I get them finished.

October Scrap Class--12th at 7:00 PM
RSVP by September 14
***you can sign up for a Holiday page swap (Halloween and Christmas) due on November 9!
Read about swapping here.

November Scrap Class--9th at 7:00 PM
RSVP by October 12

New Round of Clubs!

September is the last month of my current Scrappin' Clubs. We will be taking a "break" from October - December. I will be holding some classes during those months, so you'll still be able to get your stampin' fix! New clubs will begin in January.

I have two nights scheduled and am currently taking sign ups for new members for my 2nd Monday night club and 2nd Tuesday night club. Club begins at 7:00.

ETA: The Tuesday night club is full. I have 3 spots available in the Monday night club. Contact me asap to reserve your spot!

The first meeting for the Monday club is January 11.
The first meeting for the Tuesday club is January 12.

What is a club?

A club is a group of ladies who join me at my Miamisburg home once a month to complete a two-page 12x12 layout. In order to be in club, you commit to making a purchase of $25 or more each month for the duration of the club (usually 6-8 months) . One of the months, you will be "hostess" and receive the hostess benefits---at least $15 to spend and a level 1 hostess-only stamp set.

ETA: I fixed the link to the Club information listed below!

Click here for information about my clubs!

Just for Kids Promotion

Click on picture for bigger view!

August is here and Stampin' Up! is kicking it off with a fun, new promotion. This month, when you spend $35 on stamp sets from the "Growing Up" section in the catalog, you can choose a free package of Designer Buttons---a $7.95 value! So, fun!

Also, from now until September 30, you can purchase this adorable Decor Element Growth Chart. Isn't it fantastic?! Now, I have to figure out a way to get Kent to paint the part of the basement where I want mine!