Facebook Fan Challenge: Win Free Stamps!!

I just posted details about my first Facebook Fan Challenge. Become a Fan and post pictures of your "Pretty in Pink" projects to be eligible for the contest. I'll pick finalists on February 21st and open it up for voting. The "Fan Favorite" will win a free stamp set!

Click here to view all the details on my Facebook page. I can't wait to see what you come up with!

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550K Blog Candy

I had the awesome privilege of meeting a blog fan over the weekend! Kathryn from Bourbonnais was in town visiting her family and emailed me about the 2011 Desk Calendars I created with My Digital Studio. She stopped by to say hello and pick one up. Thanks for coming by, Kathryn! I hope next time we'll have more time for stamping!

As I was getting the calendars out for Kathryn, I realized how many I still had left and thought it would be the perfect thing to give away for blog candy! And since the hit counter passed the 550,000 mark over the weekend, it's time for some blog candy RIGHT NOW!!

Thank you Kathryn, and everyone else, for "following" me and allowing me to share my stamping journey with you!

I'll be giving away TWO of these 2011 Desk Calendars. (Want your own? Click here for all the details to purchase your own calendar.) To be eligible for the blog candy, please leave on a comment on THIS post with your name tell me where you're from! City & State or Country. Anyone else from Illinois? (And by the way, I'm willing to travel for workshops!) I'll use random.org to pick two winners on Friday, February 4th at Noon.

For my record more than anything else, here are the latest blog stats, as of today, 1-31-11:
Days Blogging: 981
# of Posts: 885
# of Hits: 551,135
Stamping Top 500 Rank: 79

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Build a Cupcake Birthday Card

In an effort to spend less money, I decided to get the new Build a Cupcake punch and NOT buy the coordinating Create a Cupcake stamp set. It's really taking all my will power to not break down to buy it, but I figured I could make cute cupcakes even without the coordinating stamps. I am pleased with my first attempt.

The designer paper (Subtles Patterns Pack) mimics the sprinkles and I ran the cardstock through the paper crimper before I punched the cupcake wrapper.

Supplies: On Your Birthday, Rose Red ink & cardstock, Pretty in Pink cardstock, Whisper White cardstock, Subtles Patterns DSP, Build-a-Cupcake Punch, Rhinestone Jewel Accents, Crimper, 2-1/2" Circle Punch, 1/4" Whisper White Grosgrain Ribbon, Stampin' Dimesionals

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Sweet Bliss Card

We're not even a week in to Sale-a-bration and Stampin' Up! has reported that Punch Bunch has been the most ordered Sale-a-bration gift. Which one is your favorite?

While I love that Punch Bunch coordinates with so many punches, but my favorite set is "Bliss". Here's a card I made last month. I'm still not sure I like it. I played around with it and let it sit for awhile and then played some more. Something still seems off balance to me. I'd love to hear any suggestions you have and maybe I'll play around some more and give this card a makeover.

Supplies: Bliss, Early Espresso ink & cardstock, Baja Breeze ink & cardstock, Pear Pizzazz ink, Springtime Vintage DSP, Pear Pizzazz Seam Binding Ribbon, Rhinestone Jewel Accents, 3/4" Circle Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Leadership Bag Tags with My Digital Studio

I didn't have time for elaborate stamping before Leadership, so I turned to My Digital Studio to make quick bag tags for my downline and sidelines. Since we all the get the same bag, it's nice to have a little tag on it to tell who's is who's. (Speaking of bags, did you see the one we got? Check out my photos on Facebook!) I tied my tag to the diaper bag:

I designed the tag in My Digital Studio, copied the page for each person and changed the name. Then saved it as a JPG and used another program to crop the file down to wallet size (2" x 3"). I printed them as photos at my local 1-hour photo and slid them into badge holders. Viola! Easy peasy, lemon squeezy!

Have you become a Fan of my Facebook page yet? I can't believe we're already past 100 fans! I'll be doing the random drawing for the first Facebook Fan Freebie tomorrow at lunch. "Like" my page to become a fan and be eligible for the drawing!

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Become a Fan on Facebook!

I'm on Facebook!

Inspired by classes at Leadership, I decided to finally set up a Facebook page for Julie's Stamping Spot! Click "Like" and become a "Fan" and be eligible for Facebook Freebies (free stamp set giveaways), plus participate in card contests (with prizes), share project ideas, and vote for your favorites.

I just posted pictures from Leadership, so "Like" in the box to become a Fan and check out my page. I'll be doing my first Facebook Fan Freebie giveaway when I reach 100 Fans!

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Stampin' Up! Sale-a-bration Bliss Thank You Card

Woot! It's time to Sale-a-brate!! I love this time of year. You get free stuff just for placing orders (one for every $50 that your purchase) and with over 70 gifts to select from, you can't go wrong! The hardest part is deciding which one to get first! Not to worry, there's two more months of Sale-a-bration. Order now AND order later!

[And don't forget, when you order through my Online Store before January 31, you'll get a free 2011 Desk Calendar designed with Stampin' Up!'s My Digital Studio. Click here to learn more about this special.]

One of my favorite Sale-a-bration gifts this year is the Bliss stamp set. Here's a card I did for our group shoebox swap earlier this month. We also made it in Stamp Club last week. I love getting extra mileage out of my projects!

Stamping Up! Supplies: Bliss (SAB 2011), Teeny Tiny Wishes, Basic Black ink & cardstock, Cajun Craze ink & Cardstock, Very Vanilla cardstock, Crumb Cake ink & cardstock, First Edition DSP, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, Clear Rhinestone Jewel Accents, Stampin' Dimensionals

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Become a Demonstrator for "Free" during Sale-a-Bration!

At Leadership Conference, each attendee was given the opportunity to give away one free Starter Kit. For FREE! What an awesome opportunity to start a business and make an immediate profit! I wish I could give free kits away to all my new recruits!

During Sale-a-bration, you can purchase the Starter Kit at a 15% discount AND you'll get a bonus bundle of product worth $50 for free (shown on right)! It's a pretty incredible deal -- over $350 worth of product for only $148.50! But free would be better, wouldn't it?! I'd love to help you earn your Starter Kit "for free"! Kick off your business with one or two parties within the first 30 days, and you could earn back the money for your kit before your credit card bill is due!

I'm ready to help you do just that! If you're in Central Illinois, I'll help you with your very first party -- I'll do all the work and you'll get all the profit -- and free hostess product too!! Don't worry, if you live outside of my local area, I can still help you kick off your business! I'll send a "workshop in a box" kit and help you prepare to do your first event on your own.

YOUR success is my goal! In my eight years as a demonstrator, I've found that new demonstrators who host their own workshop within 30 days of joining find the most fulfillment in this experience.

Click here to learn more about the Demonstrator Starter Kit and becoming a demonstrator. Whether you're looking to save money or to make money -- or both! -- I'm ready to help you get started!

Demonstrators who join now will

• Save 30% on their first product order of $150 or more (placed within 45 days) -- plus earn hostess benefits AND a minimum of three Sale-a-bration gifts (1 for every $50 in product ordered).
• Remain "Active" and enjoy full demonstrator perks through at least June 30, 2011. There is no penalty if you "drop" after that and you get to keep the kit and everything you purchased at a discount! To remain active beyond June 30, 2011, $300 in product sales (between now and then) is required -- and your own purchases count toward that total!
• Be part of a national network of demonstrators who will celebrate and support YOU and your own personal goals
  

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Top 5 of January 2009

When I did my January 2010 Top 5 over the weekend, I looked back and realized that I never re-capped my top 5 of January 2009, and after checking out those projects, I just had to share my favorites. These are not only my favorite posts from that month, but a couple of my favorite of all time! I hope you enjoy these oldies but goodies as much as I do! Click on the image to see the original post. And click here to view all my January 2009 projects.

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Top 5 of January 2010

It's time to rewind! I looked over my posts from last January and choose my top 5 favorite projects to share with you again. Click on each photo for more details about the project. Click here to see all my January 2010 blog posts.

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MDS Desk Calendar: September, November, & December

Hmm...I'm not sure what happened. I had this scheduled to be posted last night, but it never went live. Oh well! That just means you get TWO posts today!

Here are a few more samples from the My Digital Studio 4x6 desk calendar that I designed. I was so delighted to get an email from Tammy today, who said:
"I just received the calendar I ordered from you and all I can say is "WOW!" It is wonderful! I love it so much! I, too, am a Stampin' Up! demonstrator. I have My Digital Studio and haven't really used it that much yet. Your calendar has really motivated me to get working on it. "

This calendar was my first big project with My Digital Studio. And I made one for each of my downline for exactly that reason -- to motivate and inspire them to start using MDS or at least show their customers what this fabulous program can do!

Want your own? Place an order with me January 15-31 and I will automatically send you my 2011 My Digital Studio Calendar for FREE! You can also purchase one for $9.95 (includes shipping to anywhere in the United States. International shoppers, please email me for a shipping quote.)

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

2011 MDS Desk Calendar - $9.95
(Includes shipping within USA.)

Bold Blossom Butterfly Card

I'll have to keep it short and sweet tonight. It's my hubby's turn to be out of town for a conference and the round the clock single parenting is wiping me out! I still haven't had a chance to upload photos to share more about Leadership...I promise to get to it soon! In the meantime, here's another card I made using the new Bold Blossom stamp set from the Occasions Mini Catalog.

Stampin' Up! Supplies: Bold Blossom, Rose Red ink & cardstock, Wild Wasabi ink & cardstock, Bashful Blue ink & cardstock, Whisper White cardstock, 1-3/8" Square Punches, Polka Dot Embossing Folder (Big Shot), Silver Brads, Stampin Dimensionals

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

MDS Desk Calendar: May, July, & August

Here are some sample images from my My Digital Studio Desk Calendar. I added the calendar images (.gif files) as "photos" to the layout. Click here for more details about getting your copy of this 2011 desk calendar. Watch for three more sample images on Friday.

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Back from Leadership

We're home! Anna and I enjoyed a whirlwind Leadership Conference in Nashville last week. Did you see us there? I enjoyed visiting with many of my readers and fellow demonstrators. Thanks for taking the time to say hello! It was a pleasure meeting all of you!

Leadership was lots of fun and my head is just spinning with ideas. Tonight I am prepping for Stamp Club, but I will share more pictures and give a full report as soon as I have time to process it all!

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

My Digital Studio 2011 Desk Calendar: Special Offer for Blog Readers

I made up these desk calendars for my downline and VIP customers as Christmas gifts. I just love the way they turned out! I designed the monthly layouts in Stampin' Up!'s My Digital Studio software, exported the images as a JPGs, and cropped them down to 4x6 to print as photos. Click here and here to view some additional monthly images from this calendar.

I have some extra calendars, so I'm offering them up to you, my loyal blog readers! If you place an order in my Online Store between January 15-31st, I will automatically send a desk calendar to you for FREE!!

Or you can purchase a calendar for $9.95, which includes first class shipping within the United States. (Outside of the United States? No problem! Email me for a quote if you are interested in purchasing a calendar.)

2011 MDS Desk Calendar - $9.95
(Includes shipping within USA.)

The calendar comes in a clear plastic "CD" style case packaged in a slim clear envelope. It would make a great gift! Calendars will be shipped within two business days.


Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Bold Blossom Swap Card

One of my favorite stamp sets in the new catalog is the Bold Blossom set. It's small and cute and has a lot of potential. I designed this card for a group swap. I love the bold colors: Concord Crush, Melon Mambo, and Wild Wasabi.

Supplies: Concord Crush ink & cardstock, Melon Mambo ink & cardstock, Wild Wasabi ink & cardstock, Whisper White cardstock, In Color Patterns DSP, 2-1/2" Circle Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch, Silver Brads, Stampin' Dimensionals

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Stampin' Up! Designer Fabric Project Brochure

Did you see the new Designer Fabric in the Occasions Mini Catalog!? Stampin' Up! released two more beautiful sets that coordinate with other new products: Springtime Vintage and Sweet Stitches Designer Fabric. And to inspire you to create with these new patterns, Stampin' Up! created a set of project sheets and patterns for six different projects -- some require a sewing machine and others are no-sew projects!

Click here to download the Occasions Mini Designer Fabric Project Brochure.

Here are two of the projects you'll find in the brochure:
Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Two Tags Valentine Box Tutorial

I've been wanting to make this Two Tags box ever since I saw it on Dawn Olchefske and Monika Davis's blogs. As far as I can tell, Lisa Curcio was the original artist and shared this project on the incentive trip last spring. You don't need to chase it down though because I put together a quick tutorial with measurements and photos so you can quickly see how this cute little box comes together.

Click here to download the Two Tags Box Tutorial.

I'm sure you recognize this as another Filled with Love bundle project! Click here to see my other projects. And if you haven't yet, go check out the bundle in my Online Store. It's only available until January 24th, so don't wait!

Supplies: Filled with Love, Real Red ink & cardstock, Pretty ink Pink ink & cardstock, Whisper White cardstock, Love Patterns DSP, Two Tags Die (Big Shot), Silver Brads, Silver Glass Glitter, Large Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Decorative Label Punch, Small Heart Punch, 1/16" Hole Punch, Mini Glue Dots, Tombow Multi Adhesive, Sticky Strip, Stampin' Dimensionals

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Faux Quilt Circle Card

Here's another Faux Quilt (or "Faux Iris Twist") card. (Click here to see my Faux Iris Twist Valentine Card.)

I used strips of designer paper (the new Springtime Vintage series from the Occasions Mini catalog). I free-handed the pieces and added the four in each set at 90 degrees, then angled the first piece in the next set and added the next three at 90 degrees from each other. The teeny tiny greeting comes from the Tiny Tags set. So perfect!

Supplies: Tiny Tags, Rich Razzleberry ink & cardstock, Very Vanilla cardstock, Always Artichoke cardstock, Springtime Vintage DSP, 2-1/2" Circle Punch, 1/16" Hole Punch, Neutrals 5/16" Brads

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Faux Iris Twist Quilted Valentine Cards

I learned the Iris Twist technique several years ago. I love the look, but wanted a more simple version that wasn't so bulky. So I used short, small strips of DSP instead of longer, folded pieces. And instead of using a template, I just alternated the sides of the paper and free-handed the placement. Since I faked my way through the traditional Iris Twist, I'm calling this "Faux Iris Twist". It's also kind of quilt-looking, so you could probably also call it "Faux Quilted".

My first one was horizontal, but then Jan turned hers vertical in Stamp Club and I can't decide which one I like best. What do you think? Leave me a comment and let me know.

I used all of the elements of the Filled With Love bundle again! Have you bought your bundle yet? What are you waiting for?! You can't go wrong with this combination of valentine stamps, pink and red DSP, and free Bitty Buttons! Visit my Online Store here and check it out. Click here to view more samples featuring this bundle. I've got at least one sample more coming -- with a new tutorial!

Stampin' Up! Supplies: Filled with Love, Real Red ink & cardstock, Pretty in Pink cardstock, Whisper White cardstock, Soft Subtles Patterns Designer Paper, Heart to Heart Punch, Large Heart Punch, Bitty Buttons, Polka Dot Embossing Folder (Big Shot), Mini Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Faux Tearing Valentine

Here's another sample with the Filled with Love Bundle.

I used the Faux Tearing technique. Have you tried that before? It's really easy and a great way to add "layers" to your card without the bulk.

Here's how to do it:
Faux Tearing: Tear a piece of scrap paper and lay it on your project. Stamp and use a sponge or sponge dauber to apply the ink to the uncovered portion of your project. Make sure to overlap the ink onto the scrap paper. Remove the scrap of paper to reveal the faux torn edge.

Click here to see more Filled with Love projects. And watch for a couple more to be posted throughout the coming week!

Supplies: Filled wtih Love, Pretty in Pink ink & cardstock, Real Red ink, Whisper White cardstock, Real Red 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Stampin' Sponges

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Chocolate & Friends

I love the sentiment on this card: "All you need in life is a friend who has chocolate. I'm that friend."

I whipped up this clean and simple card for the shoebox swap at Mom's for someone who didn't get a chance to design their own card. I think I'm going to make some more to swap at Leadership.

Supplies: Eat Chocolate, Early Espresso ink & cardstock, Pretty in Pink marker, Whisper White cardstock, Soft Subtles Patterns DSP, Soft Subtles Brads, 1-3/4" Scallop Circle Punch, 1/16" Hole Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

If you like chocolate, you'll love this Eat Chocolate stamp set from the Occasions Mini catalog. Click here to view it in my Online Store.

Bring on the Cake Card

Every year, I look forward to my annual post-holiday shoebox swap with my downline. We usually have two of them: one in Michigan with my mom's group and one in Springfield with my Illinois girls. It's a great way to get back into stamping after the holidays and get excited about the new products in the Occasions Mini and Sale-a-bration brochure.

I won't be posting all of the cards we made (you'll just have to come to a workshop or class to check them all out!), but here's one of my favorites. Mom designed this one and I just love the colors she picked -- straight from the Color Coach: Rich Razzleberry, Tempting Turquoise, Pear Pizzazz.

Supplies: Bring on the Cake, Rich Razzleberry marker & cardstock, Pear Pizzazz marker & cardstock, Tempting Turquoise marker, Daffodil Delight marker, Basic Black ink, Whisper White cardstock, Bold Brights Patterns DSP, Scallop Edge Punch, 1/4" Rich Razzleberry Grosgrain Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Filled with Love 3x3 Love Note

Here's a quick little "love note" using the Filled with Love Bundle.

This 3" x 3" size is perfect for little valentines for children to give at school. Pair it with the mini envelopes (pkg of 40 is $7.50, #107309). Or check out the Love Bots Valentine Boxes in the Clearance Rack section of my Online Store. They are an incredible value -- only $2.99 for 30 boxes. Boy and girl versions are available while supplies last.

Click here to see more Filled with Love projects. And watch for more to be posted throughout the coming week!

Supplies: Filled with Love, Teeny Tiny Wishes, Basic Black ink, Whisper White cardstock, Real Red ink & cardstock, Pretty in Pink ink, Love Patterns DSP, 3/4" Circle Punch, 1/16" Hole Punch, Silver Brads, Stampin' Dimensionals
Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Free Stamp Set of the Month: Goody-Goody Gumdrops

Thanks to everyone who placed an order with me in December! I drew one winner from all of the online and email orders and Loray from Pleasant Grove is the lucky stamper to win the Birthday Bakery stamp set! Congratulations, Loray!

It's a new month, and time for a new free stamp set giveaway! Each month, I will give away a free stamp set. To be eligible for the drawing, all you have to do it place an online order (email orders count too!) that is not part of a club or workshop. You'll get one entry for each order that you place with me between January 1-31 . I'll draw a winner on February 1st. This month's stamp set is Goody-Goody Gumdrops, a retired level 3 hostess set.

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Occasions Mini Catalog Starts Today!

It's a new year and and time for a brand new mini catalog! If you are a customer of mine and haven't gotten a copy of the Occasions Mini Catalog in the mail, please send me an email and I will send one out to you right away! Can't wait? You can view it online right now! Click here to view the new Occasions Mini Catalog or browse Summer Mini catalogs products in my Online Store.

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!

Fortune Teller Gift: Video Tutorial

I saw this video tutorial by Stampin' Up! and thought it would be the perfect project for the Filled with Love bundle. I incorporated all of the bundle products (Filled with Love stamp set, designer paper, and Bitty Buttons). Doesn't it make a darling valentine? I would love to have the good fortune of receiving this little basket of candy! The Filled with Love bundle is available until January 24th. Click here for all the details and then visit my Online Store to order your bundle today.

Ready to learn how to make this little gift? Check out this video tutorial from Stampin' Up!

Click here to see more Filled with Love projects. And watch for more to be posted throughout the coming week!

Supplies: Filled with Love, Real Red ink & cardstock, Pretty in Pink ink, Whisper White cardstock, Small Tag Punch, Tag Punch, Corner Rounder, Ribbon Border Punch, 1/16" Hole Punch, Linen Thread, Bitty Buttons, Mini Glue Dots

Click HERE to Order Stampin' Up! Products Online, Anytime!