The countdown is on....

And I'm not talking about New Years.  The NEW Mini Catalogue goes live in 4 sleeps!!!  I will confess now, I have ordered almost everything.  And now I want to share it all with you!  I hope you enjoy all I have to show you over the next few days. 

For this card I used an adorable new A la Carte stamp called Pattern Pieces.  At only $11.95, this will be an adorable addition to your stamping supplies.  For the background paper, I used the Button, Button stamp set.  A set with 17 different adorable buttons for your crafting desires.  And the MOST adorable embellishment I've used in probably forever....POMPOM Trim!  Seriously!  This stuff is fuzzy and cute and oh so adorably pink!  (Melon Mambo to be exact). 

I can't wait to show you more of my Occasions Mini samples!  And if you don't have this catalogue yet, be sure to email me and I'll get you one in the mail ASAP. 

Happy Stampin'

Allison

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Christmas Cards for Me!

It's always nice to come home to a full mailbox!  And this time there was not a single bill!  Wooo hoooo!  I got this adorable card from Darlene.  Isn't it fun!?  I am so lucky to have such talented stampers as friends, and on my team!  Thanks Darlene!

Happy Stampin'
Allison

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MDS Christmas

Hi Everyone!

So I have a bit of a confession.  You may have been checking my blog over the past week and not known that I have actually been in Las Vegas for a Christmas vacation with my husband!  I wrote up all my posts before I left and then scheduled them to appear each day while I was away.  There are just too many weirdos out there to let the world know when I'm on vacation and my house is totally empty.  But, now that we're back, I've got lots of photos and MDS pages to share! 

I am totally in LOVE with MDS.  I actually made this page on my flight from Calgary to Vegas on the 21st.  So all I had to do when I got home was add my photos.  I had approx 1/2 of my book done before I even got off the plane!  I can only imagine the speed at which I can get caught up on my scrapbooking with this new program.  Like I said...I am in LOVE! 

For this page I used a background paper from one of the awesome Christmas downloads available on my website.  This one is the Candy Cane Lane Photocard Digital Kit.  For only $4.95 you get 4 digital papers, A Cute Christmas Stamp Brush set (9 pcs), Candy Cane Embellishments (3 pcs), and 7" x 5" designer greeting card template.  All other elements on this page came with the program. 

Here is a question I received while on vacation about my first MDS post:
Margo said...

Very nice Allison! Will you be printing off the pages or what do you have planned? That part always stumps me when I think about doing digital...
Thank you also for the beautiful card I received in the mail today! :-)

Hi Margo!  First of all, glad you liked the card! :)  In regards to MDS I plan to print off singular pages as well as complete hardbound books through Stampin' Up! printing services.  For events like Christmas and my wedding where there's lots of pictures I want to print completely finished hardbound books with custom photo covers.  For singular type pages like maybe going to the park for a day or just random shots of Chapman (my dog) I plan to get singular pages printed and then add my embellishments to them when they arrive.  Because Stampin' Up! products are a perfect match to MDS downloads, when I get them printed through Stampin' Up! everything will match perfectly!  Hope that helps!

I have lots of pages to show over the next little while and now that I'm home I'll be working on all my January and February classes.  So stay tuned!

Happy Stampin'
Allison

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Valentine Defined

Isnt' funny that us crafters are barely over one holiday when we start preparing for the next one?  We're still eating Christmas food and I'm already getting Valentines ready!  Crazy!  I have vowed to leave my days of procrastination behind me, so I thought no better time than the present to get going on my Valentines cards.

This card is made from the Valentine Defined stamp set that will be available in the New Occasions Mini Catalogue, released Jan 4th.  There are so many beautiful products in this new catalogue, you're going to LOVE it!  Email me and I'll get a catalogue out to you ASAP. 

The colours for my card are Baja Breeze, Early Espresso, Pretty in Pink, and Whisper White.  I also used the Confetti stamp set for the little pink hearts on my card base. 

I hope that your Christmas leftovers are almost gone.  Anyone tired of leftover sandwiches????

Happy Stampin'
Allison

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Out Crusin' For Sales?

Looking for some online Boxing Day Sales?  Well, this one's great!  The Filled With Love Promotion from Stampin' Up! actually started on Dec. 17th, but hey, a sale is a sale and I love a bargain!  Buy the Filled with Love Bundle, which inclules the Filled With Love stamp set and Love Patterns designer series paper pack and you will receive a package of Bitty Buttons FREE!

Filled With Love Stamp Set

Love Patterns Designer Series Paper Pack

FREE Bitty Buttons!!!

Happy Shoppin'
Allison

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Merry Christmas!!!



Merry Christmas Everyone!

I hope you are all enjoying a wonderful day with your family and frieneds!  I sure am! 

Look at this beautiful Christmas ornament that my friend Morgan gave me?!?  Isn't it adorable?! 

I'm sorry for the quick post today, but I've got lots to do!  Have a fabulous day!

Allison

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Beautiful Blues Christmas Card

Hi Everyone,

Today's card is one I received from one of my Stamp Club girls, Sandra.  I'm not sure what the stamp set is called, as it a retired Stampin' Up! set, but its beautiful nonetheless.  I just love all that embossing!

There is a very touching sentiment on the inside of this card from the God's Blessings stamp set.  If you haven't checked out this set before (it's on page 151), it has some really beautiful sayings. 

Thanks Sandra for such a lovely card!

Happy Stampin'
Allison

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My Digital Studio - First Page!!!

I can't believe how easy this is!!!  I just cracked the package on My Digital Studio software (MDS) and decided to show you the very first thing I made.  But the best part is...I didn't really do anything!  This is one of the MANY page designs that come with the program!  All I had to do was drag and drop my photos in to place.  It really couldn't have been any easier.  If you are short on time and never seem to be caught up on your scrapbooking this program can help...big time!  I'm planning on making many books over the next few months to get myself up to date on my scrapbooking.  What I love SO much about this program is that all the digital papers, embellishments, and ribbons co-ordinate with the traditional papercrafting supplies that Stampin' Up! carries.  Hybrid projects here I come!!!

I plan on playing with MDS a lot over the holidays and I will share with you as I go along.  We can learn together!  I'm itching to create more more more more more!!!!  (I'm not excited at all....)

Happy Stampin' (digitally!)
Allison

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Occasions Mini Catalogue - Be My Valentine

Hi Everyone!

This is the last of the demonstrator swaps from our Christmas party last Friday.  This is another one of mine.  It's a toss up between this one and THIS ONE for my Leadership swaps, what do you think?  I can't decide...

For this card I used:
Stamps:  Be My Valentine (sold as a single)
Paper:  First Edition designer series paper, Basic Black cardstock, Very Vanilla cardstock
Embellishments:  Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding Ribbon, Glimmer Basics Brads
Big Shot:  Framed Tulips Embossing Folder

I had such a great time visiting with all the other demonstrators at our Christmas party!  I can't wait for our big party in January!!!!

Happy Stampin'
Allison

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Occasions Mini Catalogue Swap - Take a Spin

So are you falling totally in love with all the new products from the Occasions Mini Catalogue yet?  I've ordered almost everything if that gives you any indication how great this new stuff is.  Email me if you want me to send you this awesome new catalogue (I'll send you the new Sale-a-bration one too!)

Today's card is the swap I received from Kim at our Christmas Party.  I love the bold and bright colours she used!  The Take a Spin stamp set is so super cool, I wish I could show you all the images in this set!  There's four stamps in the set, 3 circles and one square.  And the best thing is that the circles co-ordinate with the 2 1/2" Circle Punch!   I love my punches!  Aren't these new Game Spinner Hands cool too!?!

I hope you've been enjoying our swaps, I have one last one to show you tomorrow, a vintage valentine!

Happy Stampin'
Allison

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Occasions Mini Swap - Nature Walk

Morgan's done it again!  Another beautiful vintage vibe card!  She is my queen of vintage for sure!  Sooooo awesome to have her on my team! 

It's all about the Occasions Mini Catalogue with these swaps I've been sharing, so let's check out which new products she used:
Stamps:  Nature Walk
Paper:  Botanical Gazette designer series paper, First Edition designer series paper
Ribbon:  Crumb Cake Seam Binding
Big Shot:  Framed Tulips Embossing Folder
There's also some great finds from the Idea Book and Catalogue on her card, like the Vintage Tags, Linen Thread, and Crumb Cake Textured Cardstock. 

These girls really went all out on their swaps!  I am so proud of them!  Amy and Morgan swapped for the first time and they did an amazing job!  Way to go girls!!!

Happy Stampin'
Allison

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Sew Suite - Occastions Mini Catalogue 2011

Hi Everyone!

Thanks for checking back in with me today!  I have more demonstrator swaps to share from the Christmas party we had on Friday night.  These two cards were made by Amy in my downline.  Sew cute eh?  hee hee...

Amy used lots of items from the new Occasions Mini Catalogue (email me if you want me to send you a copy).  The new items will be available for ordering on January 4th.  These cards use the Sew Suite stamp set, Sweet Stitches designer series paper, Pompom Trim (so so so so so cute!!!!), Sweet Stitches designer fabric, and the Sweet Stitches designer big buttons.  Sew much fun new stuff! 

I'll be back tomorrow with more demo swaps!  Tomorrow is something vintage-y beautiful from Morgan! 

Happy Stampin'
Allison

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Occasions Mini Catalogue 2011 - Valentine

Being a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator is THE BEST!  The new Occasions Mini Catalogue begins on January 4th, but being a demonstrator I got to order from the new catalogue at the beginning of December!  I love my job!!!!  If you want a copy of this catalogue, be sure to email me and I'll get one in the mail!  You are going to fall in LOVE with the new stuff!

This new stamp set is called Valentine Defined.  There are 8 awesome stamps in this set, and I've used 2 of them on my card.  What else is new?  Check out that fantastic Glitter Paper!!!!  Seriously amazing!  I LOVE it!!! 

Last night we had a Christmas party at Olive Garden with some of the demonstrators in my downline as well as some other demonstrators in the area.  It was so nice to see everyone and share our creations with the new products.  We did a swap with Occasions Mini stuff, so I'll keep showing you projects with this amazing new stuff all weekend!  This card was my swap and I'm thinking of doing it for my Leadership swap as well.  We'll see....lots of time til Leadership. 

I hope you're having a great weekend! 

Happy Stampin'
Allison

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Monogram Notecards

I made these notecards for my boss at the restaurant, and she's a total pink freak like me, so I think she'll love them!

I wanted to share with you a quick and easy gift idea as we get closer and closer to Christmas.  With just a few colours of cardstock and ink, an alphabet stamp set, and some kind of image stamp, you can create a beautiful set of notecards in a short amount of time.  Handmade gifts are the best kind, so get stamping! 

Happy Stampin'
Allison

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Late but not forgotten...

Ok, so a bit of a confession.  I got this BEAUTIFUL birthday card from my friend Morgan at the end of October and I totally forgot to share it!  I'm so sorry Morgan! 

I love the In-colours this year, so Morgan used them to create this card:  Poppy Parade, Concord Crush, Peach Parfait, Pear Pizzazz, and Blushing Bride.  And if you love the French Foliage stamp set as much as I do, make sure you order yours ASAP.  It is in the current Holiday Mini Catalogue, which concludes on January 3rd. 

I just love how the leaves look so realistic.  Imagine this dressed up all vintage-y.  So pretty...

I hope you are having a good day, and I'll 'see' you tomorrow!

Happy Stampin'
Allison

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December Stamp Club

Hi Everyone!

Last night was my last Stamp Club meeting for December, so we made some Christmas projects for those who may need a little last minute push on their Christmas crafting.  Our technique this month was Mosaic Tile. 

What I love most about this techinique is that you use your rubber scraps!  I use paper scraps like crazy...but now I have a use for that extra rubber too!

Now this card is a bit of a case from a card in the Idea Book & Catalogue.  Check out page 130 to see what I mean.  I think this card would be super cute re-invented for Valentines Day! 

So being the last Stamp Club before Christmas, I gave each of the ladies a little Christmas gift to thank them for being a part of the group.

I had to make quite a few of these this past week...

I have been having such a great time with this group!  They're all so sweet!  Thanks everyone for making my job such a pleasure!

Happy Stampin'
Allison

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Word Play - Sympathy Card

I really do have amazing people in my life.  Thanks Niki for this beautiful sympathy card.  I am so thankful for everyone's support, it has truly made a difference in how I have been feeling about the passing of my Nanna.  It's nice to be reminded that I have friends and family that love me and care about me.

Thank you!
Allison

Stamp Set:  Word Play
Embossing Folder:  Elegant Boquet
Ink:  Night of Navy
Ribbon:  Night of Navy 5/8" Satin

So thoughtful...

My friend Morgan is so sweet.  I opened up my mailbox last week to find this beautiful vintage vibe card, just for me.  Although receiving sympathy cards isn't the most enjoyable reason for getting one, a hand stamped card can really go a long way to alter my mood.  It means so much that she took the time to do this for me.  Thank you Morgan, I really appreciate it.  And I must tell you, neutrals don't photograph all that well, this card is STUNNING in 'real life'.

Allison

Downline Meeting Today - New Occasions Mini Card!

Hi Everyone!

Sorry for posting so late in the day.  I had an action packed Sunday with a downline meeting this morning, followed by an afternoon of stamping with my Stamp Club girls.  What a fantastic day!  I made each member of my downline these little clip boards for Christmas this year.  I'm super happy with how they turned out.

I attached little note pads to them so the girls could use them at the meeting, but I thought they'd be really cute with calendars as well.  And of course I can't make a project for a fellow demonstrator without the stamp I got at convention, so I stamped it on the back of each one.

I am so lucky to have such a great group of ladies on my team.  We have everyone from the hobby demonstrator to those running a business.  Its a fantastic group, and I'm happy I got to spend my Sunday morning with you!

No demonstrator meeting would be complete without a make-n-take!  So we made these little 3 x 3 notecards for the girls to include in their information packages to their friends, family, and co-workers. 

This adorable stamp is from the new A la Carte selection in the Occasions Mini Catalogue (released Jan 4th).  This is the Be My Valentine stamp.  If you want a copy of this catalogue, please email me and I'll get one out ASAP.  There are some goodies in there you surely won't want to miss! 

That's all for today.  I hope you are enjoying a fabulous weekend. 

Happy Stampin'
Allison

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My first handmade Christmas card of the year...

Isn't my cousin (and downline member!) Niki talented??!?!  I was thrilled when I saw a package from her in the mail, because I just KNEW there would be a Christmas card inside.  And of course it's hand made with love too!  Thanks Niki! 

She used one of the best A la Carte stamps of all time - Dasher!!!  He's so regal and beautiful looking, especially with those sparkly pretty rhinestones on his antlers. 

Seeing this really makes me want to use the rest of my Jolly Holiday designer series paper...or do I hoard it....hmmmmm.....

Happy Stampin'
Allison

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Holiday Lineup - Snowmen!

Hi Everyone!

Sorry about not posting yesterday.  I had actually scheduled a post to go up in the morning (I did it the night before), but I guess it got lost in cyberspace or something because there's no sign of it!  So weird.  Anyways...

Today's card is made with one of those stamp sets that I've always wanted, but never gotten for one reason or another.  BUT, when the new catalogue came out in July and I saw it was still in there, the Holiday Lineup stamp set was on my first order...in JULY!  You can call me crazy for ordering Christmas stamp sets in July, but I did finally get what I wanted.  The super pretty paper in the background is from the Deck the Halls DSP and the holly that is cut out and placed around the snowmen is also from the same package of papers. 

I'm sending out my Christmas cards this week!  Woo hooo!  Has everyone finished theirs?????

Happy Stampin'
Allison

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Tree Trimmings w/ the Owl Punch

Hi Everyone!

I've had this little punched owl sitting on my desk for what seems like forever.  So whenever I clean up, I move him to a new spot and say 'I've really got to put him on a card or something'.  Well, that day finally came!  And this cute little owl has a home!  I used the Lovely as a Tree stamp set to add some branches, and then stamped some ornaments with the Tree Trimming stamp set.  The colours in the owl kind of limited what I could use for cardstock, but I really like the Always Artichoke and More Mustard here.  I don't use More Mustard often, but I do really like it. 

Oh, and on the illness front, I'm feeling yucky still.  Sore throat, headache, cough, and body aches.  I don't wish this on anyone...

Happy Stampin'
Allison

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Peaceful Season - Hostess Level 2

Hi Everyone,

I've got a super quick card and post today as I'm sick with a sore throat...ewwww.....  Seriously, why do I always get sick RIGHT before Christmas!?  Not fair...

For this card I used the Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder for the BIG SHOT, some Always Artichoke Classic Ink for sponging, and the Peaceful Season - Hostess Level 2 Stamp Set.  Can't get much simpler than that!

'See' you again tomorrow.

Allison

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Sugar Cookie 3 x 3 Notecard w/ Matching Earrings

Hi Everyone!

I am so pleased with this little gift set!  A few weekends ago when I had a table at the New Brighton Craft Fair I met a lovely lady named Suzanne, who makes this ADORABLE jewelry out of clay.  Being a pastry chef, I couldn't resist the little sugar cookie earrings!  Truth be told, I bought all the stock she had...I do have a few people on my Christmas list this year that I think will really love them too, they're not ALL for me!  Soooo...no gift is complete without a matching card, so I took some time to make a little sugar cookie out of punches to match the ones in the jewelry.  How cute!  The sentiment is from the Something Sweet stamp set. 

Happy Stampin'
Allison

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Candy Cane Fabric Flower

Hi Everyone!

Yesterday I had a really great time at the Home Biz Market and Craft Fair.  I was selling fabric flower pins like crazy!  Good thing I thought ahead this week and brought some 'homework' for myself when I didn't have customers.  The Candy Cane designer fabric is so cute and festive, so I just HAD to make some flowers with it too!  I was using my BIG SHOT and the Scallop Circle dies to make these flowers as fast as my little fingers could sew them!  I think I only have 3 left...

That was my last craft fair this season.  Time to start replenishing my stock for next year!

Happy Stampin'
Allison

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On the road again...

I'm off this morning, bright and early to go to the Home Biz Market and Craft Fair!  I've brought lots of cards, scrapbooking kits, gift tags, fabric flower pins, and even some totally finished scrapbooks to sell to loving homes today.  Look at this bin full of goodies....

If you live in Calgary, I'd love to see you today!  Santa is even coming by in the morning, and then again in the afternoon!  It's going to be a really fun day with lots of great shopping all in one place! 

Community Hall

2244 Chicoutimi Drive N.W.

10am-4pm

 

See you there!!!

Allison

 

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Snowman w/ Punches

Hi Everyone!

Isn't this little snowman just adorable!?  I already know who's getting this card, because she LOVES snowmen.  I've got to make this post super quick this morning, as I have an insanely busy day at work today and I've got to get out the door. 

Punches used for the Snowman: 
Hat: 1 1/4" Square, Word Window, Scallop Edge Border, Owl (for the heart on the hat)
Face:  Wide Oval, Small Heart
Hands:  3/4" Circle

I totally cased this snowman and just changed the colours, so please go and take a look at this creator's work.  She does mention that she cased the card from another website...so who knows who the original creator actually was! 

Happy Stampin'
Allison

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My thoughtful friend.

Last Saturday I had a very important and beautiful lady in my life pass away, my Nanna.  I know that she will always be with me and watching over me, but it doesn't make it any easier knowing I won't have another chance to see her in this life. 

My friend (and new downline member!) Angela had known that my Nanna was sick, so when she saw the post on my blog last Sunday she was kind enough to give me a call and offer her condolences.  Thanks Ang.  Well, next time I saw Angela she gave me this beautiful card.  It really touched me.  How very thoughtful.  I know she's so busy with school and the kids, and has a husband that works out of town, so it really meant a lot to me that she had taken some time (that she probably didn't have) to make me this card. 

She's a Stampin' Up! die hard fan like me, so let's look at the products she used:
Stamps:  Thoughts and Prayers
Paper:  Concord Crush, Rich Razzleberry
Embellishments:  Basic Pearls, 5/8" Organza Ribbon

Thanks so much Angela for being such a fabulous friend.

Happy Stampin'
Allison

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Iris Ornament

Hi Everyone!

The countdown is ON!  It's December 1st and Christmas is only 24 sleeps away!  Whoa...I hope I've made enough Christmas cards!  I best be getting those in the mail shortly! 

Today's card is one that I have been meaning to make for a while, but it just seems to keep getting put on the backburner.  I got a swap from convention that was in all blues and was a 3 x 3 notecard, but it's really the paper technique on the punched out image of the ornament that I wanted to try, not the layout.  So on Sunday when I was relaxing I decided to try it out.  I looked at this tutorial from Splitcoast Stampers for some direction, but I didn't follow it really.  I didn't use the template or measure, I was in a 'winging it' kind of mood.  I think it turned out pretty darn cute! 

Stampin' Up! Supplies:
Stamps:  Lovely as a Tree, Tiny Tags
Punches:  Ornament, Jewelry Tag
Paper:  Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler, Always Artichoke, Deck the Halls DSP
Embellishments:  Antique Brads, Silver Cord, 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon

I hope you'll try out this technique too.  It's a fabulous way to use up all those scraps!!!

Happy Stampin'
Allison

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