Click Here to View All Current Downloads Be sure to visit my ordering site: www.tarabazata.stampinup.net and click on "SHOP NOW"/Digital Crafting/Newest Downloads. There are new downloads available frequently and range in price from .95 and 9.95. For items that are alrealy included in the Basic Software, it will be noted as such, so look out for that. Enjoy!
Each year, the Top 100 are honored with a special trip, cash award, and recognition. I've earned this honor multiple times: 2001-2007, 2009, and 2011. I've also had the privilege of serving on the Advisory Board two times (2001-02 and 2009-10).
Incentive Trips
Stampin' Up! sends all trip achievers and a guest on an all-expense paid trip - wow! I've earned 14 consecutive trips for two and will be snuggling up to Mickey Mouse (and Doug, of course!) in April 2012!
We were able to bring our three teenage boys to Alaska in May, 2011. What a WONDERFUL trip that was!
Spring Soiree' is coming up FAST!!! Have you registered yet? Each attendee will be getting lots of great products, so I MUST have all registrations noted by FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17th (3pm). Please don't wait until next week to ask about attending because I simply won't have the supplies needed to accommodate late requests. You'll be glad you attended!
Here's a sneak peek at SOME of the projects. Ready???
Can you imagine...a FABULOUS Card Organizer???
And some cards to go IN the Organizer????
And inspiring artwork??????? Again, this is just a glimpse. I hope you'll join me...there are only a few spaces left so HURRY!!!!
We got a significant storm last Thursday/Friday. I did get to work from home on Friday, so that was a nice bonus. Plus, Connor and Seth were home - although they were bummed because they already had the day off...so no snow day this time around. It's snowing again this evening, but shouldn't amount to much.
Why am I telling you all this? Well...because my Spring Soiree' (Formerly-Known-As-Spring-Stamp-Camp) is around the corner and SPRING will be the theme of the day! In typical Colorado fashion, we likely won't have any snow remaining - it does melt fast here in Colorado!
Spring Soiree' Saturday, February 25th 12 (noon) - 4pm $45 covers all supplies PLUS door prizes, snacks, and over $30 in NEW Product! Must RSVP by Friday, February 17th so that all items may be ordered/delivered in time
I hope you'll register for this fun event - it's always a great time! Now for a project...
This simply sweet treat bag is made from the Fancy Favor die and the Big Shot. You all know I LOVE the Big Shot! We used Twitterpated Designer Paper to make the bag and decorarated with Blossom Builders Designer Printed Kit elements. I added a Bold Designer Button tied with Pear Pizzazz Baker's Twine. The stamped image is from Mixed Bunch. Fill this bag with some chocolate and it's a gift ready to be given away.
We'll be working with Twitterpated Designer Paper at the Spring Soiree'. And all leftover Designer Paper is yours to take home! And this paper isn't all, so be sure to register SOON before the spaces are all gone. This event is open to ALL stampers (12+ years old). Looking forward to seeing you soon!
Don't you just love "try it before you buy it!" deals??? Well, Stampin' Up! has introduced My Digital StudioFREE!!! You will have 30 days to use the fully functional software. After that time, you may purchase your own "forever copy" through me. Cool!!! BTW, this is an ongoing offer...ready to check it out???
The sample above was created by Amber Meadows on My Digital Studio. I just love this program!!! It's so intuitive and the images are wonderful. As with all Stampin' Up! products, the coordination cannot be beat.
This card was created by Cindy Schuster. I love the look of brayering - this is all done with My Digital Studio!! The planner below was created by Brenda Marshall - a member of my Ink, Inc. Team. Great job, Brenda!!!!
Have you checked out hybrid-digital projects? It's where you start with a digitally produced piece and add your own embellishments to it. This creates texture and dimension. It's lovely! The project shown here is from Leadership. I need to purchase a frame for it (will show more details on this project once I get that done), but you can see how the texture really stands out from the digital piece.
How do you get it? You can download the software and access the free trial just as you would a Stampin' Up! digital download by downloading it through my website's Online Store: www.tarabazata.stampinup.net.
What do you do once you try it and like it? Once the 30-day free trial period is over, you can purchase the downloadable or disc version of the software to continue using it. You'll simply open up the trial version you already have on your computer, and will be prompted to enter the product registration key you received after purchasing the software. (You'll receive this key via e-mail if you purchase the downloadable version, and you'll find it along with your shipped software if you purchase the disc version.). It's that simple. And I promoise you'll love it!!!
Here's a BONUS to all who purchase the software from me (including those who already have the software from me - but you must e-mail me to request a copy of the video)...a how-to video walking you step by step through creating a project. I'll use images from the full version of the software - no extra downloads will be needed. That being said, the downloads are SO affordable - you'll want a lot! The great thing is you can order them anytime via my Online Store and there is no shipping charged. The downloads come directly to you once you hit "go" on the order. Remember, you may combine the downloads with any other product (non digital items will require shipping) on your Online Orders - get to $50 subtotal and you'll receive a FREE SALE-A-BRATION item on ALL orders placed before March 31st!!
Check out my own album here:
The BONUS video will be available by the end of the month. Feel free to call me with any questions, too. I'm always happy to help you out with any of your Stampin' Up! needs.
I'm really looking forward to the Spring Soiree' on Saturday, February 25th. This is Stamp Camp REVAMPED! We'll be making really cool projects plus you'll be walking away with Stampin' Up! product that you can use for other projects at home. Woohooo!!! The start time is an hour later (total time: Noon-4pm) and there will be snacks on hand. Registration is ON! Click here to sign up - you may send in a check or pay by PayPal (my e-mail address: tarabazata@comcast.net).
I'll be sending out an eye-catching Event List to you by tomorrow - several events on the calendar: Card Cafe' Class; Mom/Daughter/Niece/Granddaughter(etc) plus the Spring Soiree'. I hope you'll choose a couple to attend - it's an exciting month!!
Now for a project...
This is a Jar-o-Cards - another great Leadership make-n-take. I did change this up quite a bit from the original idea...My Way! The idea was to use paper (that has been moistened) under the lid, but I have some Twitterpated Designer Fabric and thought that would be MUCH easier. To make the scalloped edges, I folded the square in half, twice, then used the Scalloped Square Bigz Die to make the edges pretty (should've ironed it before photographing...). The rest is like the original idea.
For the cards, there was a string of tiny banners across the front of each card (there are two more cards in the jar). However, I had this amazing package of die-cut flowers (Blossom Builders Designer Printed Kit) on hand (part of our make-n-take supplies) so used those on the cards instead. I like it a lot better! I also repositioned the banner and opted to tuck it under the Pear Pizzazz Bakers Twine instead of staple it to the card below the flower per the original.
Please come back again to see what treats are in store for you! Have a blessed day.
While at Leadership last week in San Antonio, I made just one of the make-n-takes that they gave us and already shared that with you. Instead of letting my make-n-take packets gather dust (this is a fairly new goal of mine) I made the projects on Saturday. To my surprise when I was laying out all of the goodies we got at Leadership...I found another make-n-take packet! So, I'm not yet complete but it's close enough to share all of the serious bounty we brought home.
There are two stamp sets that I've included in this photo, but they are covered for a reason - they will be in the NEW Stampin' Up! Catalog available on June 1st. Yes!!!! You heard me right...JUNE 1st!!!! This means that the current Idea Book & Catalog will expire on May 31st. I am SO excited for the catalog changes coming our way and am looking forward to sharing it all with you!!
As you can see, we got SO many goodies. Don't you love the fabric bag and notepad holder?? This is a sneak peek at some new Designer Fabric that will be in the NEW Stampin' Up! Catalog.
I'll be presenting each of the make-n-takes over the next week or so. Below is the first share.
The theme for this Leadership was "My Way". I did modify several of the make-n-takes and this is one of them. I changed up the middle flower on this card to include the Lucky Limeade color instead of the Baja Breeze flower that was on the sample. What a great card this is!
As I mentioned during the last post, we received a package of the Blossom Builders, Designer Printed Kit. There are SO many flowers in this kit and I was able to modify several of the projects by using different, or more, flowers. Love it!
Most of the items used here are from the Occasions Mini Catalog: Loving Thoughts and Mixed Bunch stamp sets; Blossom Builders Designer Printed Kit; Lucky Limeade Baker's Twine. The other products used: Brights Designer Buttons (FREE during Sale-a-Bration!!!); Scallop Edge Border Punch; Very Vanilla and Lucky Limeade Cardstock; Lucky Limeade, Rich Razzleberry and Soft Suede Inks; On Board Merry Medley; Dimensionals; Mini Glue Dots
Playing "catch up" today and have noted who all receives the goodies that I had available for online orders and the purchase of our new Simply Scored. Here goes!
Back in October (yes...I am WAY behind - this is an area I will be working on this year), I offered a Bottle Cap Necklace Kit to the first six people who placed an ONLINE order (started October 26th). I will also be sending you an additional treat for your patience and continued support of my business. You are great! Here are those ladies:
Lou Hayward
Mary Myers
Mary Ann Mahoney
Joli Stoker
Lisa Smith
Jerra Sullivan
Congratulations, Ladies! I'll be mailing these out this week before I leave for Leadership. Be sure to visit my blog post for the details on this project.
Those that purchased the NEW Simply Scored scoring tool from me between September and December were entered into a drawing for a FREE Spice Cake Fabric bag that holds the Simply Scored perfectly. Doug drew the name and....SUSAN SWATHWOOD's name was drawn. CONGRATULATIONS, Susan!!!
I will be mailing out this bag to you, Susan, this week before I leave for San Antonio. Be sure to visit my blog this week for details on another great special while I am away!
Each year with my step-family, we draw names (there are A LOT of us) for Christmas gift-giving. This year we combined the kids with the adults - those kids are all growing up so there aren't as many of them anymore! The beauty of this is I got lucky and drew Megan's name. Megan is my cousin's daughter and she's a young "tween". I LOVE buying for girls, especially a young lady of this age. It's FUN!
I used one of our Stampin' Card Keepers (these are AVAILABLE UNTIL JANUARY 3rd ONLY!!!!) and decorated it in the same fashion that we did for the "Pimp My Card Box" Class earlier this winter. I chose the Flirtatious Designer Fabric and Designer Paper for her box and created special tags for the front (Megan, Mine!!!, Private, Stuff) so she can switch it up once in awhile. Inside I put a requested gift card plus some other goodies that I hope she enjoys.
The flower on top was created using the Big Shot, Flower Folds Die, and the Fun Flowers Die. Some layers are Designer Paper and some are the Fabric. For the fabric layers, I spritzed them with spray starch, crumpled them up, spread them back out (loosely) and let dry. You can speed up the process by using your Heat Tool. Attach the whole flower to the top using hot glue.
I hope that Megan finds a nice use for this box - I truly enjoyed making this for her. Chat soon!
It's a crazy time of year, isn't it?? I feel like I'm in one of those movies where a character in the scene is standing still and everything is whizzing around them super fast. I have SO much to do that I'm a bit paralyzed. Not a good pairing with the holidays!
I have resigned myself to the fact that I won't begin to get it all done, but I am going to aim for the majority getting accomplished. Part of this "formula" is to make time to create and stamp. Two weekends ago I stamped A LOT...A LOT!! My gosh that felt good!! In addition, I've had some ideas milling around in my head for awhile and I was able to put some of them together over the past couple of days. What awesome therapy!!
Today's offering starts with a brief story. Almost three months ago I started a new job. I REALLY enjoy this new job for so many reasons, but one of them is the absolute homey-ness of the office. It's so homey, in fact, that there is a basket of magazines and catalogs in the upstairs restroom. Seriously! I can honestly say I've never felt inclined to peruse these magazines (mostly home decorating store catalogs) while "otherwise occupied", but the top cover caught my eye one afternoon and I was instantly inspired. Yep!!! Inspired at work. In the bathroom. Who knew!!!?!!
The catalog was from Pendleton and I found this image online - it's exactly the picture that provided the inspiration. Now, this box is over $40 (for a BOX???) but it sure is lovely and I thought I could make something just as charming for a SMALL portion of that cost. If you only use the items I mention on these boxes once, then the cost of the boxes is more than $40 each (but not much!) - so don't do that! Use your stamping gear for multiple projects and it pays for itself very quickly.
Ready to see what I made? All boxes feature the Big Shot (still my favorite stamping tool) and the Silver Glimmer Paper. As far as we know at this time, GLIMMER PAPER IS AVAILABLE UNTIL JANUARY 3rd ONLY!!! I used Sticky Strip and Mini Glue Dots to assemble the boxes - you need STRONG adhesive and these do the trick nicely.
The first box uses the Bitty Box & Envelope Die - it's an XL Die so you'll need the Extended Cutting Pads and Extended Crease Pad for best results. I made a satin bow out of Black Satin Ribbon, then spritzed it lightly with the Champagne Shimmer Paint mixture (mix about 5 drops with a spray hand-sanitizer atomizer - refill the atomizer with 65-70% ethyl alcohol). It's so simple but it's lovely.
The next box uses the Candy Wrapper Die, Standard Cutting Mats (these come with the Big Shot) as well as the Standard Crease Pad. TEASER: The Riding Hood Red Pleated Ribbon I used is from the upcoming Occasions Mini Catalog. I love it!!! The stamp set is also something coming up in January (think Sale-a-Bration: Fresh Vintage Stamp Set). I wanted to make a border of color around the square image (stamped onto Shimmer Paper using Riding Hood Red ink punched out with the 1" Square Punch), so started playing with the Scallop Trim Border Punch. This is NOT the Corner Punch.
I simply punched one side of a scrap of Riding Hood Red Cardstock and held the stamped/punched square up to the edge. Two scallops fit perfectly along one side, so I trimmed off one side until the small "bump" (that's between the scallops) lined up properly and punched. I repeated this on all three remaining sides. Pretty cool, huh?!
The final box uses our Matchbox Die (it's an XL die) along with Elegant Eggplant Cardstock. I texturized the box base using the Petals a Plenty Embossing Folder and added some scallops to the top sleeve. WHERE on EARTH did that come from?? Another TEASER! This is a spectacular new Big Shot tool (Edgelits Dies) that's in the Occasions Mini Catalog.
I have a lot more to share, so do come back soon. BETTER YET, subscribe to my Blog so my posts come to YOU!!!
Today I'm sharing the gift I made for the gift-exchange with my Ink, Inc. Team Holiday Event that was held this past Sunday. It's "white elephant" style with numbers, stealing and total fun! Kim Bacon, one of my team members, picked this, lost it, then got it back later. :-)
I'd noticed this Chunky Frame when it was featured in the Decor Elements catalog (Decor Elements items are now included in the Idea Book & Catalog beginning on page 227) but had never actually seen one. Honestly, the price point of $19.95 was a bit steep for any project that I might offer in class form so I didn't purchase any.
Now...they are on the Clearance Rack for only $7.99 when you order through my site: www.tarabazata.stampinup.net! And "Oh My Goodness"!!! These are WONDERFUL frames! They are large (12x12") with a 4x4" square opening, plus the frame is thick, so it works great as a shadow-box frame (although the glass is in back, not in the front like a true shadow-box frame). Are you signing up for my NEW Spring Soiree' (replaces Stamp Camp)?? If so, you'll get to make a delightful project featuring this frame. I just snapped up a bunch of these, so hurry...before they are gone!
The quality of the frame is top-notch. It's heavier...not the light balsa wood that many "crafty" frames are made from. It comes white (made from MDF, not PDF as noted in description...that made me chuckle), ready to be decorated.
Here, I used my handy-dandy stencil paste (haven't used this in months!) along with the Kind Thoughts Brocade Stencil. I made a lollie with lots of dimension using the NEW (Sneak Peek!) Twitterpated Designer Paper from the Occasions Mini Catalog plus other coordinating cardstocks and Pear Pizzazz Seam Binding Ribbon. To make all of the pleats, I used Simply Scored...simply a remarkable tool! I did hot-glue the layers together so they would be 100% secure. I removed the glass and placed it inside the back part of the frame in case the recipient ever wants to change out the image inside the frame.
I thoroughly enjoyed "creating" and plan on making more frames for Christmas gifts.
*** My December Sale ***
Make any e-mail/phone call purchase from now until December 31st (until 3pm) and receive the following:
$1-$49.99 = 10% Discount on your order!!! This will be given to you immediately (that's why this is called/e-mailed in)
$50+ - 10% Discount PLUS Free Shipping! So you'll save 20%!!!
Tell your hubby, mom, sister, dad, etc. about this special for your Wish List. You may order up through December 15th for Christmas delivery (shipping will likely be even quicker for those states around Utah, but no guarantees). Call me today!
Note: Clearance Rack and Digital Downloads may not be purchased with this special as these are online-purchases only.
*** SPECTACULAR SIGN-UP SPECIAL ***
Okay...here is the SPECIAL DEAL!! The Sale-a-Bration sign-up special is FANTABULOUS!
$125 Starter Kit (vs. $175 regularly) - total value of OVER $345!
Choice of Designer Paper Pack OR Digital Download for EACH MONTH OF 2012!!!! FREEEE!!!!! You choose each month and it's totally free!
Now, this sign-up special officially begins on January 24th (when Sale-a-Bration begins), but they are offering those who are attending Leadership in January (I'm going to San Antonio!) this special for new demonstrators on DECEMBER 13th and 14th ONLY.
You may sign up via my website: http://www.tarabazata.stampinup.net and click on the Join the Fun button. When you sign up on December 13th and 14th, I'll send you an package of card samples to use as ideas and/or share with others. Plus, you'll have access to our Team Site and lots of fun events for demonstrators only ~ not to mention all the perks Stampin' Up! provides its demonstrator family. This is a great time to join Ink, Inc. Team!!!
I've been a bit quiet on the blogging front but it's been anything but quiet around our home! Between family, work, more work, holiday events and day-to-day activies, my days are too short. Last Christmas, I asked Santa for more hours in the day. Clearly he couldn't pull that one off (either that or I was particularly naughty)!
I've spent the last few days STAMPING MY HEART OUT! And I've enjoyed every minute, too. What a treat! I finished up two sets of swaps, the m-n-t project for my Holiday Team Event (being held today!), the gift exchange project, and COOKIES plus great packaging for those cookies!
I've been wanting to show you these for awhile so I baked up a batch last night and this morning. These are great cookies! Doug made the first batch to help me out with the Holiday Stamp Camp back in September. We used the Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps and they work so well.
I did some experimenting to see what worked best and determined that it depends on the type of cookie you're making. I used the Sugared Shortbread recipe - the Cookie Press Stamps come with two recipes (Sugar Cookies are the other) and here are my results:
The first image shows the cookie made per instructions: press the cookie BEFORE baking. I tried this with slightly chilled dough (about 1 hour) and overnight chilling and saw NO difference in the impression.
I'd heard about pressing the cookies immediately AFTER baking, so I gave this a try, too. Note: since the Shortbread recipe has A LOT of butter (Paula Dean would be so proud!), it kind of oozes when pressed. Although they taste fabulous, they look a bit anemic. This technique would work much better with the Sugar Cookie recipe since it has less butter (per dry ingredients).
Now that we have cookies, we need a beautiful package! Insert the Kraft Boxes. Stampin' Up! does an AMAZING job of coordinating products. I have never worked with any other company who is so forward-thinking in this way. Speaking of working with Stampin' Up!, I have a SUPER SPECIAL for you - see the end of this post for all of the details.
First, I used the Starburst Jumbo Wheel in Crumb Cake all over the box. Then I made a band using Early Espresso Cardstock, Letters to Santa Designer Series Paper, and (Sneak Peek!!) the NEW & UPCOMING Pleated Ribbon (Pear Pizzazz is used here - from the 2012 Occasions Mini Catalog) - it's pre-pleated!!!!! I created perfect score lines with the Simply Scored (my go-to tool for scoring paper/cardstock) and anchored the ends together using Sticky Strip - this ensures it won't fall apart.
The emblem uses the Sweet Season stamp set and a bit of bling with Basic Rhinestones. Don't forget to add Dimenionals for that finished look, plus it helps to add some space behind items that go over thicker layers (such as the pleated ribbon).
Give this as-is or insert a gift card for an extra treat. Voila'! A perfect holiday treat!
*** My December Sale ***
Make any e-mail/phone call purchase from now until December 31st (until 3pm) and receive the following:
$1-$49.99 = 10% Discount on your order!!! This will be given to you immediately (that's why this is called/e-mailed in)
$50+ - 10% Discount PLUS Free Shipping! So you'll save 20%!!!
Tell your hubby, mom, sister, dad, etc. about this special for your Wish List. You may order up through December 15th for Christmas delivery (shipping will likely be even quicker for those states around Utah, but no guarantees). Call me today!
Note: Clearance Rack and Digital Downloads may not be purchased with this special as these are online-purchases only.
*** SPECTACULAR SIGN-UP SPECIAL ***
Okay...here is the SPECIAL DEAL!! The Sale-a-Bration sign-up special is FANTABULOUS!
$125 Starter Kit (vs. $175 regularly) - total value of OVER $345!
Choice of Designer Paper Pack OR Digital Download for EACH MONTH OF 2012!!!! FREEEE!!!!! You choose each month and it's totally free!
Now, this sign-up special officially begins on January 24th (when Sale-a-Bration begins), but they are offering those who are attending Leadership in January (I'm going to San Antonio!) this special for new demonstrators on DECEMBER 13th and 14th ONLY.
You may sign up via my website: http://www.tarabazata.stampinup.net and click on the Join the Fun button. When you sign up on December 13th and 14th, I'll send you an package of card samples to use as ideas and/or share with others. Plus, you'll have access to our Team Site and lots of fun events for demonstrators only ~ not to mention all the perks Stampin' Up! provides its demonstrator family. This is a great time to join Ink, Inc. Team!!!
Stay tuned for more ideas coming your way - hope to see you soon!
