Thursday, May 31, 2012

Let's find "Your Way!"


So this started out pretty simply... I was looking at the Betsy's Blossoms stamp set and thinking about my Open House on Sunday afternoon. And I was racking my brain as to figuring out the perfect make and take for people to experience. (yes, I do have one planned, but was second guessing myself) My problem is that I sometimes make them too difficult or they involve too many steps for an Open House. Perfect for a focused workshop, but not an Open House.  Well, as usual, I got a little sidetracked. I started thinking of the different skill levels of participants and what my customers tend to like... and I love the fact that there is a whole range of people and tendencies out there! Isn't that what this is all about???? As I continuously tell my three year old - "it's ART - you can't really do it wrong, you make it special just for you and that is all that matters!" 


The first card is just keeping it simple - Whisper White cardstock and using just the stamps. The only "extra" is that I stamped the blossom using first Primrose Petals and then Raspberry Ripple over it. Cute enough and could be used for any occasion.



The second variation of the same card just adds a little depth. I have stamped the bird and blossom on other paper and then added them to the card using my Stampin' Dimensionals (Love them!!!). I added the Naturals Designer Button (new item) with some of the Linen Thread.
The third version adds a lot more depth and layering to the card. The base was stamped, then two layers Midnight Muse and then Whisper White. The leaves were stamped directly onto the white cardstock. The bird was added and then the wings were given an additional layer using the Stampin' Dimensionals. The flower was popped with a Dimensional, then popped again with a stamped flower that I made using the Blossom punch. Then another of Betsy's blossoms was added to the top. The Gumball Green ribbon was added as well. 

 An angle view of the card shows the leaves and top blossom were also given a little kick and sparkle using Stampin' Up!'s Dazzling Diamonds.

So this is really what it is all about..... sometimes you set off on one plan or thought in your head of what you want to be doing.. then you just start reaching for things and cutting other things and poof...  see what happens?  I had a blast coming up with these demo cards that really show how easy it is to go from one level to the next and that all are perfectly fine.  Some might like the first for the simple lines and ease of making them, others might like the third because of the extra sparkle.  Stampin' Up! is focusing on the theme "My Way" this year and for everyone to figure out what works best for them to be successful. I hope that you will come to one of my events and let me help you find which way works best for you! As longs as you are creating from your heart, it will be beautiful!





Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Post-It Note Holders



So this was another idea taken from the Stampin' Success magazine - which is only available to SU Demonstrators :o)  I find I enjoy having little thank you tokens around, so that when I need one quickly, it is already on hand.  These little post it note holders are so easy to make and hey, who doesn't use post it notes?  You can personalize it for any occasion as well. Because I am getting excited about the Catalog Premier this weekend, I wanted to use my new items. The Betsy's Blossoms stamp set helps me make my own background patterned paper on the Gumball Green. I have added two prints from the Floral District Designer Series Paper.  The Itty Bitty Banners and Framelits provide the "Thank You". An Antique Brad and some of the new Daffodil Delight 1/4" Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon finish the project nicely.

Starting with the basic post it note holder - there are so many ways to get creative! Start with Designer paper and tone it down with additional layers of solids. Add layers of flowers or ribbons to fancy it up, or keep it simple with just some stamps with a nice message. The Stampin Up! scrapbook pages come with additional embellishment that can easily be added to these note holders as well. 

If you are interested in seeing all that I can see in the Stampin' Success magazine - now is a wonderful time to join the Stampin' Up! team for only $99. You can build your own kit by selecting $125 worth of Stampin' Up! products. Then they will also add in a business supplies pack worth $65. Wow, that is a huge deal with almost $100 off the actual cost! If you want to find out about all the other benefits of being a demonstrator, please contact me for more information.

Monday, May 28, 2012

Make a Wish


I had a little free time today, so am just playing with Stampin' Up!'s digital software, My Digital Studio.... The card here was made with one of the Designer Kits that comes with the software.  So many things I can do with this software... cards, calendars, scrapbook pages, stamps or embellishments that I want to add to "traditional" scrapbooking or cards. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination. If you are following this page, I have a feeling you have a pretty creative mind :o)

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Let's have cake!


Between my new obsession with My Digital Studio, and then playing with the new items coming out... I have been having a blast!!!

There are a couple of fun new items in this card. The Make a Cake stamp set lets you decide how high to make the cake and how to top it - pinwheels, banners or flags.  The cardstock is from the In Color 2012-14 collection using Midnight Muse and Gumball Green. I have added a piece from the new Patio Party Designer Series Paper, flags, flowers and fabulous!  You have seen them on some of my other recent cards - these Itty Bitty Banners. Combined with the Bitty Banner Framelits, I am just loving them!  I attached little bits of the Gumball Green Satin Stitched Ribbon to the banner as well. 

Don't forget to mark your calendars for my Open House, Sunday, June 3 from 1-4.  Then you can get your hands on the new catalog and see all the fun in store for you too!

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Betsy's Blossoms


So many ways to use the Betsy's Blossoms stamp set..... I think this will be one of the favorites for this year's catalog. But, I will let you be the judge of that - the new catalogs are available June 1!  I will be having an Open House on June 3 from 1-4pm. Please come by for the celebration - we will be doing make and takes, there will be demonstrations, raffle prizes, and of course plenty of time to pour over the new catalog. I am very excited about this new catalog - the format is much more user friendly and it has a ton of samples and directions about how to get the same effects in your cards.  The card above shows some of the new In Colors for 2012-2014 - Midnight Muse, Gumball Green, Primrose Petals, Raspberry Riple and Summer Starfruit. I used the Itty Bitty Banners stampset with the new Bitty Banner Framelets for a fun way to say thank you.

Don't forget if you RSVP for the Open House by May 31 there will be a gift waiting for you! 

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

The Open Sea


I was so thrilled when I saw that Stampin' Up was bringing this stamp set back.  The ship is from the Open Sea set.  Though the Nautical Designer Series Papers are not coming back, since I have the My Digital Studio software... the papers still exist in my world! I was able to print out a background paper for my card which I absolutely love!  The knot was made using the Hemp Twine - if you enjoy this product, you only have until May 31 to stock up as it will be discontinued after that. The sentiment comes from the Delightful Dozen set. This is a really wonderful set to have in your collection because it covers almost everything.  Especially great if you are just starting out. 

Keep your eye on the calendar - I will be scheduling a couple of My Digital Studio informational sessions. These will be basic demonstrations so you can come see how simple it is to design cards, calendars, scrapbook pages and anything else. I really enjoy being able to combine the two methods of a little digital and a little traditional paper crafting.  If you are interested in getting together to do a one on one session to explore the software, please email me at mightyoakstampers@yahoo.com to set up an appointment. 


Monday, May 21, 2012

Great gift idea


This was a fun project! (okay, I confess I have fun with most of my projects which is why I love Stampin' Up!) This was a combination of using My Digital Studio and then adding my own embellishments. I just love that SU has kept the Mixed Bunch stamp set for the new catalog - yippee!  This was just a simple lunch box style box I found and spruced it up to make a special year end gift for a teacher. I will fill it with some chocolates, handi wipes, tylenol :o) and whatever I can think of.  How simple, yet fun and personal to make for your child's teacher. Also a great way to package any type of gift.

Little Seedlings Class

Yes, they have put down some roots and are starting to reach for the sky.....as part of Summer Camp - the Little Seedlings Class is offered to children ages 8-11. Do you love doing crafts and want to share that time with your child? This is the class for you then!  Some of the activities will be decorating journals, making bookmarks, creating treat holders and lip balm wraps, and designing scrapbook pages. Yes, a little bit of everything.  The class fee is $10 per child (the attending parent is free) and includes all materials.  Class size is limited to four, so if you are interested, please sign up early to guarantee your seat.  Classes will be held 10-11 am on the following Wednesdays: June 13 and 27, July 11 and 25.  RSVP to save your spot through my website www.hilarysmith.stampinup.net or email me at Mightyoakstampers@yahoo.com.

Ready for Summer Camp?

I am working on the Summer Camp Schedule - but wanted to get a quick update to everyone. For the months of June and July I will be hosting events every other week.  Please keep checking back as I will be posting details soon - it will be a busy summer with lots of opportunities for stamping time!  Coming events - Little Acorns/Seedlings classes for children, Scrapbook kit classes, Techniques workshops, My Digital Studio introduction classes.  And if that is not enough to satisfy your stamping urges, well, don't forget the Scrap and Yap open studio time on Friday mornings. I am also available for private classes for card making, scrapbooking and My Digital Studio, just email me about availability.

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Scrap and Yap

Are you ready for some play time this summer?  Starting in June, as part of the Summer Camp program,  I am hosting open shop time Friday mornings from 9 to 12.  You are free to come join me in my workshop to get ideas, to create together, and basically as the title implies... Scrap and Yap.  If you choose to use my stamps and inks there is a $5 fee. Additional materials will also be available for purchase. Chocolate will be provided at no charge :o)  Dates are June 15 and 29, July 13 and 27.  Please contact me at 704-787-8444 or Mightyoakstampers@yahoo.com if you need directions. 

Already have a group of friends that likes to stamp but you don't have a location? Other Scrap and Yap times can be arranged by appointment.

Saturday, May 19, 2012

Here we go!

Hold on, it could be a bumpy ride!!!! But as they say... "it doesn't matter where the train is going... the most important part is getting on." Once again, I am taking that leap of faith, first was to become a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator. Then I took another leap venturing into the digital side with My Digital Studio. Now, I am following the leadership of my Mentor and Supervisor Michelle,  and attempting to blog. With each new step, there has been a ton of learning involved (and a wee bit of head banging :o) but after each new attempt, I am so energized by the fact that "I can do this!"  So in my first official blog - I want to thank everyone who has encouraged me with this new venture and helped to push me to new heights.... though I might still be a little acorn, there are plenty of ways for me to keep branching up and out.  I do hope that you will continue to join me for this train ride! Whenever you get the opportunity in your life - don't forget to hop on!

Thursday, May 17, 2012

So this is my first attempt at blogging!  I am having such a blast using My Digital Studio by Stampin' Up! that I wanted another outlet to share it.  Though I have a facebook page, I think the blog will allow more information to get out to you. I hope to be sharing my projects on a regular basis and hope that you will find some inspiration for your own creations. I know that I love to look at other peoples samples and then adapt them to make them my own.  Of course, the blog is also a great motivator to keep stamping at every opportunity I get!  Yes, as much as I am enjoying the digital side, I still love to get my hands inky :o)  So hopefully I will get a good balance on here to share with you. Stay tuned.... as I am still in the designing stage... and yes, wondered what an actual post would look like.