Tag: stampin up blog

Feeling the Love

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Since I’ve been homebound in recovery mode, card-making has taken a back seat.  I made a handful of cards prior to my surgery and since then I’ve received some cards from my Pals and friends.

Wow, do I feel the love. This is what card-making is all about.  Sending them to loved one’s and friends who can use a pick me up. If I could only describe how good I feel when getting something special in the mail besides a bill. (LOL)

Just Because

This very sweet one was given to me by my friend Rose. I met Rose last year through a referral program sponsored through my up-line where we find local Pals.  We communicated on-line and after I returned from deployment she came over for my shoebox card swap. She’s been my friend ever since and I truly enjoy her friendship.

Again, the friends I’ve made in the last three years are priceless. Learn more about my Circle of Pals here. Get your card-making on and be on the look out for my next post because I’ve got more cards to show you that I’m so excited about.  They are so darn cute, just like little kittens.

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Hello with My Digital Studio Hybrid

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Hello MDS Hybrid

Have your ever been minding your own business going about your day when suddenly in your thoughts someone you know pops into it?  I have heard that when this happens that we should pause and pray for that person.  Yesterday as I was preparing my service dress uniform ready to attend a Celebration of Life memorial, I received a text from a very good friend and it said, “Hi Maggie, I’ve been thinking of you and I just wanted to say hello, how are you?”

It was the second message I received tht morning and it brightened up my day and felt very grateful that I have friends who stop whatever they are doing to let me know they thought of me and wish me well.  It is proof to me that my friends and I connect on a spiritual level.

As a carmaker,  I know that when the Holy Spirit leads me to send this card to someone it is because I’m being used to bless someone.  Snail mail brings so much joy that one smiles from ear to ear.  Go on give it a try… send someone a card.

Hello MDS Hybrid

I can produce this card on my My Digital Studio software in multiples to have readily available, so that when a loved one pops into my mind, I can send them this card and make their day.

LESSON LEARNED:  To dress up a My Digital Studio card simply add a strip of ribbon with a little pop of color and in a minute you have a beautiful clean and simple card.

EventsLive in my area?  Check out my events calendar here.  Come stamp with me or attend one of my free beginners classes where I will introduce you to the basics of card making.  You will make new friends and if you’ve never made a handmade card before you will discover a new passion.  The best FREE therapy that will release your stress.  Let’s just call it Paper Yoga!

Saleabration Details

Click HERE to see the Sale-a-bration brochure or send me a message HERE to get a FREE one mailed to you.

Events

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MDS Free Trial – Digital Download $0.00


Chalk Talk Framelits Dies $24.95

 

 

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Love You To The Moon Stamp Brush Set – Digital Download $4.95


Big Shot Die-Cut Machine $99.95

 

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Whisper White 8-1/2X11 Card Stock $8.50

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Cherry Cobbler 8-1/2X11 Card Stock $6.95[/one-fourth]

Forever & Always

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RingsMany of us have a three-day weekend and I know how I’m spending it… making cards!  My first gathering since returning home just to enjoy the company of new friends, fun, and laughs.  I’ve started my first Shoebox Card Share and I’m filled with so much excitement that I’m just giddy like a school-girl.

WeddingThis card almost didn’t make it to the blog.  Why you ask?  Simply because I wasn’t 100% positive if it was just the way I had envisioned.  As it turns out I had a change of heart… LOL.

Originally, I wanted the card to be clean and simple with a similar look (but not the same) to this one here.

WeddingThe silver embossing is what sold me to go ahead and post it.  I love the way it just popped off the whisper white cardstock.

The indent left behind by the square framelits was not appealing to me at first, but the more I stared at it, the more I loved it.  It gave it an added sophisticated effect to it.

O2_NA-PaperPumpkin_olo_01112014-02102014

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Products You’ll Need to Make This Card:

Birthday Card Fit for a King

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Birthday Crown

This is a special birthday card made for my brother Reyes who was born on same day as The Epiphany.  It is a celebration I grew up with… not just celebrating my brother's birthday, but also the Three King's Day Celebration.

Sketch Challenge

When I saw card sketch at FMS 117 I knew I could turn the cute little banners around the sketch upside down and make a crown out of it.

Birthday Crown

To make the crown I used the Bitty Banners Framelits on a left over piece of Silver Foil Sheet and cut them in half.  I simply just glue them to the back of a small piece of Basic Black cardstock and used Smoky Slate as the card base. 

To make his name Reyes stand out, I embossed it with Silver Embossing Powder and the Happy Birthday sentiment from the Simply Sketched Hostess Stamp Set.

His name was written with the Designer Typist Polymer which is no longer in the Stampin' Up! inventory.  Which is why it's important to grab your favorite stamp set before they are sold out.

For an added touch of Royalty I attached Large and Basic Rhinestones to the crown to make his King status more fun.  

Birthday Crown

If you do not have a current active demonstrator you can get your Occasions 2014 Catalog from me here.  

Occasions Catty 2014

You can also click here to view the catalog.

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Imagine 30% Off ALL Product!

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I want you to know that Stampin’ Up! has just announced that you can join my team for only $25!!!

Join for 25

This offer is only good for two weeks, so take advantage of it right away!
October 7-21, 2013
It’s Stampin‘ Up!’s 25th anniversary!
  • During this offer, only the special $25 starter kit will be available; the regular $99  starter kit will not be available. The $25 Starter Kit includes​
  • $26.95 worth of Stampin’ Up! product (it must be more than $25, but not more than $26.95 before tax)
  • Business pack which includes:
    • A box of annual catalogs
    • A package of the current seasonal catalogs
    • Getting Started DVD
    • Starter Kit Business Pack
    • Customer postcards​
  • ​​Get an extra 10 percent discount on your first order of $150 or more when you place an order within the first 45 days of joining.
That means you can use the money saved on the $25 starter kit to get 30% off your first order of goodies!

But wait, there’s more…

  • You will also get two FREE months of Demonstrator Business Web Services (DBWS)!
  • After you get what you want there is absolutely NO obligation to stay with the program!

​​My personal suggestions is as follows:

  1. Join my team during October 7-21st.
  2. Place just ONE order of $150 or more within the first 45 days of your membership for 30% off everything!
  3. Earn Hostess Reward, so you get even MORE free product!
  4. Then just do nothing after that, if you don’t’ care to continue.

​​This is a GET YOUR STUFF and run deal.

There is absolutely no obligation to sell or hold workshops/classes

and no penalty to get your product and run!

Was it Sent with Love?

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Love

I first bought this paper (Sent With Love) when it was available on paper.  I never ever used it until I made this card.  I don't know why I didn't use it, but I busted out with it for this card challenge.  But don't fret, it is still available through My Digital Studio (MDS), which you can get a free 30 day trial here.  The Sent With Love Digital Download is also available in MDS.

Sketch Challenge

Sketch Challenge brought to you by Mojo Monday #313

Love

The two punch outs are not stamps… they are from one of the pages of the designer series paper.  I cut them all out and used them on the card which you too can use by printing them.

Love

October's Best of 25 Years Stamps:  New stamps added.  Check them out here!

Everyday Occasions Handmade Card Making Kit:  Why go to the store when a birthday, graduation, wedding or even a time for expressing gratitude comes up?  This kit puts everything at your fingertips!  It contains everything to create 20 beautiful cards for almost any occasion!  Try it now!

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Love
Supplies
Stamp Set(s):  For the Birds Clear
Paper:  Sent With Love Digital Download, Cherry Cobbler, Smokey Slate
Other:  Rhinestones

Always Wish Big

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Birthday Wish Big

I believe that we should all Wish Big!  Why?  Because if we wish hard enough and believe it and give thanks ahead for what is to come then it comes true.  LoL.  Okay okay, maybe that's wishful thinking… but in a few hours someone will win the Big Shot from me (click HERE to enter).  There were only three entries, so your odds are GREAT!  BUT… the give-a-way ends at noon Pacific Standard Time.

FMS Final 99-001

I also used this opportunity to submit my card to Freshly Made Sketches 99.  I received three "Princess" honors from FMS in the past and you can see them here.  I've also won a few from the Pals Paper Arts which I was picked as a winner.  Check those out here.

Wish Big3

Products Used:

The Golden “M”

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This is my second monogramed card I’ve made so far… you can see the first one here, only difference with this one… is that this one is for me!  LoL… I make cards as I need them and sometimes things happen that prevent me from making a personalized card on the spot.  So having a set of monogramed cards will help me during those times.

CAS-ology Week 54 - Gold

The card was also inspired by the CAS-ology Cue Card challenge and their only suggestion was “gold”.  So, I broke out with my gold embossing powder and champagne glimmer paper which is more gold than anything else.

For news on my side of the world is at a stalemate.  The weather has been too hot to handle to be outside for long periods of time.  I call it lung hot weather.  The warmth of the air actually makes one feel like your lungs are sweating on the inside with each breath.  LoL.

I tend to stay indoors and running outside is for truly dedicated runners who think 100+ degrees is all a mind set.  I’d rather stay inside a cool room and read, make cards, or watch movies.

I did venture out on my day off today, and I lasted about 1.5 hours in the shade.  I was brave enough to walk to the Pizza Hut that is inside of a trailer (kind of like a semi truck hauler) and sat on the patio outside the watering hole called Pete’s.

There is even a Burger King on base, but since the only hamburgers I eat are from Five Guys or In-n-Out, I’m afraid to try them here… LoL.

Don’t forget to stay tuned for your chance to win a Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine!!!

Stampin’ Up! Items Used

Chevron Textured Impressions Embossing Folder
Mosaic Madness Clear Stamp Set
Gold Stampin’ Emboss Powder
Typeset Alphabet Bigz
Champagne Glimmer Paper
Whisper White Cardstock

Clean & Simple: Pursuit of Happiness

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I wish so bad you could see the new contest going on with the Pals.  Clean & Simple is the name of the game and this was my design.  It’s really a common card made by so many, but I think it’s classy.

Why can’t you see the contest and all we have to share? =(  Because it’s private and only open to Pals.  I see many of you in my future though… LoL.  My Circle of Pals welcomes anyone!  Yes, anyone!

Today marks my 24th Air Force Anniversary and I am beside myself wondering where all the time went.  I remember at 10 years my mom said to me, “You’ve been gone for 10 years, is it time to come home?”  What did I say?

If the answer wasn’t obvious… I said, “…but mom I’m having so much fun.”  LoL.  I went around the world twice before the age of 20.  When people ask me where I have traveled to my response is, “Gosh, it would be easier to tell you were I haven’t’ been.”  (this is where my AF career flashes before me in less than 5 seconds).

As time comes closer and closer to retirement (someday), not yet though… I’m still having fun… LoL, I know what I will be doing after that.  I will be on top of the World with Stampin’ Up!

Stampin’ Up! Supplies Used:

Pursuit of Happiness Clear Stamp Set
Basic Gray Card Stock
Whisper White Card Stock
Cherry Cobbler 1/2″ Seam Binding Ribbon
Silver Glimmer Paper
Basic Black Classic Stampin’ Pad
Owl Paper Punch
Retired Vine Street Textured Impressions Embossing Folder

Next week I will be announcing the give-a-way of a Big Shot…

stay tuned for details!

A Sweet Surprise from My #1 Fan… Lynn G.

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Nothing in the world is much sweeter than making new friends, especially when those friends have the most wonderful hobby in common… crafting!

These projects were sent to me by my #1 fan… Lynn Gautheir.  She says I inspire her… but truly SHE INSPIRES ME.  Lynn and I became friends after she won some blog candy.  We write each other often and I love her to pieces.

She is living proof that a hobby, especially paper crafting (LoL… I’m biased) is a form of therapy that helps us to become happier and even healthier.

In an article by By Julie Schimmelpfennig, GateHouse News Service she wrote…

“The socialization and bonding from activities, such as clubs, travel groups, attending classes, etc., have opened participants’ worlds to connections, and studies show it leads to longer life and better health,”-Dr. Joy Miller.  Read more here.

The first project is a container that holds beverage packets and she filled it up with various flavors… I LOVE IT!  The one above is a box that holds more beverage powder.  She affixed velcro to it to keep it from opening and made the most adorable belly band.

The last project is another cute as a button tea bag holder.  OHH EMM GEE!  It’s so adorable I don’t want to open it, but I did just to show you the inside of it (below).  The pictures really do not give these project any justice.  They are absolutely stunning.

Within the package Lynn wrote me a very touching letter that I read through blurry eyes (remember my allergies) LoL.  You are my forever friend Lynn and I am so grateful for your friendship.

Lynn does not have a blog, but it would be so sweet of you to leave her comments about her wonderful projects.  She has arthritis and suffers from dizzy spells, yet she keeps up with her hobby, which brings her much joy.  She is living proof that a hobby can make you happier and feel so much better.

Lynn writes, “I’m so glad that I found your site as it has inspired me to get back into working with paper, inks, punch’s, etc.  It sure helps me cope with losing my mom.  So… I can’t thank you enough…”

Lynn, you INSPIRE me! =)

Always Thinking of You & Blog Candy Give-a-Way Winner

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For the last 2.5 weeks I was finishing up some very important professional military education (PME) and I got used to staying up until 3:00 a.m. (0300 for you military folks)… LoL.  I posted about PME here.  Well, now that my sleep cycle is off and I couldn’t sleep, I decided to find another card challenge to compete in.

I found a Clean and Simple on Sunday sketch challenge.  Challenge #10 called for a ‘Black, White plus One’.  What do you think?

This is what the inside of the card looks like.  I really have this thing for butterflies and I can’t help myself, but use my butterfly paper punches over and over again. =)

Now for the Blog Candy Give-a-Way winner!  I know you scrolled all the way down just to see if it was your name.  Without further suspense….. the winner is

Liz… this is what she said

[dropshadowbox align=”center” effect=”lifted-both” width=”250px” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]Liz says: JUNE 12, 2013 Thank you for serving in the Air Force. It’s nice to know there are gals who give their time to do this. I love your cards, nice and clean look. I’ve never tried the clear stamps or pumpkin kit. Guess I’ll have to consider them soon. Good luck with your deployment and the boards.[/dropshadowbox]

Liz, email me your mailing address at maggie@maggiemadecards.com
and I will put your My Paper Pumpkin kit in the mail ASAP! 

Today the weather in Kyrgyzstan was 70 degrees with rain and clouds.  It was an uneventful day and I’d rather have uneventful days because it means no one was hurt.  What made my whole day was being featured on my upline’s blog… Mary Fish.

I am without words to express my appreciation of Mary.  Her Pals are all over the world… nothing can separate us… not the thousands of miles, oceans, or countries, because we are all virtually connected!

 

Until the Next Post…

Get Your My Paper Pumpkin Today!