Rubber Stamping & Card Making with Yapha

Whoo-hoo! It’s Leap Day! It only happens once every four years, so of course I had to make a card for it! I made this spiral pop-up card with my after-school kids this week and they loved it! (There’s a great tutorial on Splitcoast Stampers.) Here is the front of the card:

And this is what you see when you open it up:

Stamps: Turtle & Co
Ink: StazOn Jet Black, Garden Green, Pear Pizzazz
Paper: Garden Green, Pear Pizzazz, Whisper White
Other: Scallop Border Punch, 1 1/4″ Circle Punch, 2 1/2″ Circle Punch, Word Window Punch, Modern Label Punch

I printed out the “Happy Leap Day” greeting on my computer. This would also make a great Passover card, because of all the frogs. Hope your Leap Day is fabulous!

I love the Mixed Bunch stamp set and the matching blossom punch, so I was super excited this morning when I saw that there is a digital kit featuring these products! These downloads work with My Digital Studio and any other digital scrapbooking program that allows you to import PNG and JPG files, which is most graphics programs, and even Microsoft Word! (Clicking on the pictures will take you right to the store to purchase these downloads.)

Don’t have My Digital Studio? You can download a free trial of My Digital Studio Express. Head over to my online store, add the free My Digital Studio Express trial (item 129600) to your online shopping cart. Once you check out, you will be able to download it and install it. You can see all of the artwork that is included with the Express version here. For more information about this free trial, click here.

Download includes:
* 16-piece stamp brush set

Features:
* Block of birthday text and imagery with pieces broken apart for digital versatility

Download includes:
* 11-piece stamp brush set

Features:
* Digital-exclusive
* Beach grunge imagery great for travel or teen projects

129359 Mixed Bunch Digital Kit $7.95

Download includes:
* 6-piece stamp brush set
* 4 Designer Series Paper patterns
* 1 punch
* One-page 8″ x 8″

Features:
* Digital-exclusive
* Includes digital version of traditional Mixed Bunch Set and coordinating Blossom Punch
* Brand new coordinating Designer Series Paper patterns

Coordinating colors:
Cherry Cobbler, Daffodil Delight, Early Espresso, Lucky Limeade, Very Vanilla

129597 Thank You Block Party Stamp Brush Set $7.95

Download includes:
* 14-piece stamp brush set

Features:
* Block of “thank you” text and imagery with pieces broken apart for digital versatility

129017 Washi Delightful Digital Tape $2.95

Download includes:
* 12-piece stamp brush set

Features:
* Digital-exclusive
* Downloads automatically into “Delightful Digital Tape” folder for easy accessibility with all your tape in one easy location

Coordinating colors:
Basic Gray, Crushed Curry, Island Indigo, Lucky Limeade, Sahara Sand

129016 You're My Type Stamp Brush Set $3.95

Download includes:
* 7-piece stamp brush set

You can purchase these or any other digital downloads through my online store. (Clicking on the pictures above will take you there as well.) The great news is that they are available for immediate use, with no shipping charges! Just click on Digital Crafting, then Digital Downloads, then Newest Downloads to see all of the recent additions! If you registered your copy of My Digital Studio, you may also receive end-of-the month emails from Stampin’ Up featuring that month’s digital releases.

There is a My Digital Studio tab to the top right hand corner of this blog. It is a handy reference to a variety of My Digital Studio resources, including a list of all of the downloads and a break down of the printing costs. There is also a Resources page on MyDigitalStudio.net that includes an MDS Catalog. It shows all of the MDS software artwork (contained in the boxed-version) and downloads from the October 2009 launch through January 4, 2012! The catalog gives a snapshot of the entire product line with artwork thumbnails followed by product details, which includes the colors of the designer papers! Because MDS is regularly coming out with new artwork, the catalog will be updated every month.

Another great sketch from Stamping 411 this weekend. This is one of those versatile sketches that I could see myself using over and over.

I decided to use this sketch for a St. Patrick’s Day card to make with my after-school kids’ class. I had a bit of a dilemma with the image though. I understand that fundamentally gnomes and leprechauns are entirely different creatures. But that little gnome stamp makes such a cute leprechaun, that I had to use it anyway.

Stamps: Gnome Sweet Gnome, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink: StazOn Jet Black, Old Olive, Pear Pizzazz, Blush Blossom, Pumpkin Pie
Paper: Old Olive, Whisper White, In Colors Patterns Designer Series Paper Pack (Pear Pizzazz)
Other: Old Olive 5/8″ Satin Ribbon, 2 1/2″ Circle Punch, Scallop Circle #2 Die, Gold Brads, Champagne Glass Glitter

So what do you think? Does the gnome make a good substitute leprechaun?

Another great sketch from Freshly Made Sketches this week! I love the squares and the clean lines.

I need a whole bunch of thank you notes for all the kindness that people are showing us as Steve is recovering from his back surgery. I decided to start with this sketch. Don’t be surprised at the number of thank yous that you will see showing up here over the next few weeks! They are all easily changed into cards for other occasions by simply changing the sentiment. Here’s what I came up with for this sketch:

Stamps: You’re My Type
Ink: StazOn Jet Black, Real Red
Paper: Real Red, Basic Black, Very Vanilla, First Edition Specialty Designer Series Paper
Other: 1″ Square Punch

I hope you had fun on the Stampin’ Addicts Party Blog Hop this weekend! If you missed it, you can still hop along, starting here.

It is Stampin’ Addicts third birthday and we are throwing a party! Not just one party, but many parties — it’s a blog hop featuring all different types of parties. I am happy to start you off here with Stop #1 for a Baby Shower. (If you just came from the 4th of July Party at Krystal’s blog or the Sesame Street Party at Kim’s blog, don’t worry, we all link in a circle!) I decided to coordinate my projects with three colors — Blushing Bride, Pear Pizzazz, and So Saffron. Just so you know, Blushing Bride and Pear Pizzazz are two of the In Colors that will be retiring at the end of May. If you love them, then stock up now!

The first thing any party needs is an invitation, of course, so that is my first project for you. It’s kind of lumpy to mail, but those mini clothespins are just too cute!

Stamps: Baby Bundle, Baby Tees Jumbo Wheel
Ink: Basic Gray, Pear Pizzazz, Blushing Bride
Paper: Blushing Bride, Pear Pizzazz, So Saffron, Whisper White
Other: Mini Clothes Pins, Lucky Limeade Baker’s Twine

What’s a party without yummy treats? These cupcake toppers were quick and easy to make, and help carry the theme through nicely.

Stamps: Baby Bundle
Ink: StazOn Jet Black, Blushing Bride, Pear Pizzazz, So Saffron, Crumb Cake
Paper: Blushing Bride, Pear Pizzazz, Whisper White
Other: 1″ Circle Punch, 1 1/4″ Circle Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, bamboo skewers

Of course you also need a party favor for the guests to take home. This cute little box was super easy to make on the Simply Scored, and can be filled with candy or any other little goodies for the guests. I love how perfectly the Packed for Baby stamp works on the top!

Stamps: Packed for Baby
Ink: StazOn Jet Black, Blushing Bride, Pear Pizzazz, So Saffron, Crumb Cake
Paper: Blushing Bride, Pear Pizzazz, Whisper White
Other: Eyelet Border Punch, Blushing Bride 3/8″ Pleated Satin Ribbon, Simply Scored

Finally, after any party with gifts, you need thank you notes. What could be cuter than a thank you note shaped like a onesie! Usually I would put brads on the bottom, but I left them off in order to mail them more easily.

Stamps: Every Little Bit
Ink: StazOn Jet Black,  So Saffron,
Paper: Blushing Bride, Pear Pizzazz, Whisper White, In Color Patterns Designer Paper Stack

I hope you enjoyed this Baby Shower! Your next party is a Sesame Street Party with Kim. How cute is that punch art?!

A friend of mine was invited to a Red Egg & Ginger party for her cousin’s new baby. I had not heard of this before, but learned that it is a traditional Chinese party to welcome a new baby about a month after he or she is born. I decided to make a card in the shape of a red egg, and emboss it in gold to emphasize the tradition. I made the egg shape out of an old Coluzzle template that I had, but you could also use an oval Big Shot die.

Stamps: Lovely Letters, Baroque Motifs
Ink: VersaMark
Paper: Real Red
Other: Gold Embossing Powder, Oval Coluzzle (retired)

This is one of my favorite things about card making — truly making the card fit the occasion and the recipient!

Super cute digital downloads from Stampin’ Up this week! I have to get the On the Go kit for my nephew. He is so into everything with wheels, that this will make some great scrapbook pages for him! It comes with a super cute template, too. These downloads work with My Digital Studio and any other digital scrapbooking program that allows you to import PNG and JPG files, which is most graphics programs, and even Microsoft Word! (Clicking on the pictures will take you right to the store to purchase these downloads.)

Don’t have My Digital Studio? You can download a free trial of My Digital Studio Express. Head over to my online store, add the free My Digital Studio Express trial (item 129600) to your online shopping cart. Once you check out, you will be able to download it and install it. You can see all of the artwork that is included with the Express version here. For more information about this free trial, click here.

129593 Announcing Baby Boy Postcard Template $4.95

Download includes:
* 3-1/2″ x 5″ double-sided postcard designer template
* 7-piece stamp brush set
* 63 punches

Features:
* Digital-exclusive
* Postcard announcement includes numbers and lower/uppercase alphabet for complete customization
* Same stamp brush set included in Announcing Baby Girl Postcard Template

Coordinating colors:
Bashful Blue, Soft Suede

129592 Announcing Baby Girl Postcard Template $4.95

Download includes:
* 3-1/2″ x 5″ double-sided postcard designer template
* 7-piece stamp brush set
* 63 punches

Features:
* Digital-exclusive
* Postcard announcement includes numbers and lower/uppercase alphabet for complete customization
* Same stamp brush set included in Announcing Baby Boy Postcard Template

Coordinating colors:
Pretty in Pink, Soft Suede

129609 Blossom Builders Embellishments $5.95

Download includes:
* 74 embellishments
* 12 rhinestones

Features:
* Rhinestones come in six coordinating colors and two sizes for added digital versatility

Coordinating colors:
Baja Breeze, Blushing Bride, Daffodil Delight, Lucky Limeade, Poppy Parade, Rich Razzleberry, So Saffron, Very Vanilla

129362 Eggceptional Easter Designer Template Pages $2.95

Download includes:
* Two-page 8″ x 8″designer template
* 1-piece stamp brush
* 6 Designer Series Paper patterns
* 3 embellishments
* 1 punch

Features:
* Digital-exclusive
* Fresh and trendy designer template spread great for scrapbooking Easter photos
* Additional coordinating elements perfect for spring projects

Coordinating colors:
Blushing Bride, Calypso Coral, Crumb Cake, Island Indigo, Pool Party, Very Vanilla

129360 On the Go Digital Kit $9.95

Download includes:
* 20-piece stamp brush set
* 12 Designer Series Paper patterns
* 21 embellishments
* One-page 12″ x 12″ designer template

Features:
* Digital-exclusive
* Perfect for little boy projects or road trip and travel themes
* Stamp brush sets include imagery from retired traditional sets: By Land, By Air, and By Sea
* Brand new coordinating paper patterns and embellishments

Coordinating colors:
Basic Gray, Island Indigo, More Mustard, Pear Pizzazz, Real Red, Sahara Sand, Soft Suede, Whisper White

129590 Wedding Wheels Stamp Brush Set $1.95

You can purchase these or any other digital downloads through my online store. (Clicking on the pictures above will take you there as well.) The great news is that they are available for immediate use, with no shipping charges! Just click on Digital Crafting, then Digital Downloads, then Newest Downloads to see all of the recent additions! If you registered your copy of My Digital Studio, you may also receive end-of-the month emails from Stampin’ Up featuring that month’s digital releases.

There is a My Digital Studio tab to the top right hand corner of this blog. It is a handy reference to a variety of My Digital Studio resources, including a list of all of the downloads and a break down of the printing costs. There is also a Resources page on MyDigitalStudio.net that includes an MDS Catalog. It shows all of the MDS software artwork (contained in the boxed-version) and downloads from the October 2009 launch through January 4, 2012! The catalog gives a snapshot of the entire product line with artwork thumbnails followed by product details, which includes the colors of the designer papers! Because MDS is regularly coming out with new artwork, the catalog will be updated every month.

If it’s Tuesday, then there must be a new set of colors from the ColourQ Challenge! And a really fun bunch this week, too.

We went out hiking near our house a couple of week’s ago, and took the dogs too. The scenery was really spectacular. I didn’t get as many pictures as I would have liked, since it was a pretty rough climb, but I did get a great one of Eve and the dogs. One of the best parts of the hike was how tired the dogs were afterwards! Jack slept for a day and a half!

I created this page with My Digital Studio, Stampin’ Up’s digital scrapbooking and card making software. Did you know that you can now download a free trial of the software? It’s the same fully-functional software, yours to try free for 30 days! Click here for all of the details.

Here’s another card I made for the Stampin’ Addicts birthday swap. I knew I wanted to use my Not Quite Navy striped ribbon for this, so I used my Color Coach to help pick out the other colors. The bear is stamped on Naturals White cardstock, and colored in with my Watercolor Wonder Crayons. The balloon is stamped on Pumpkin Pie cardstock, cut out, and popped up on Stampin’ Dimensionals.

Stamps: Beary Best Friends, Beary Nice Wishes
Ink: StazOn Jet Black, Not Quite Navy
Paper: Not Quite Navy, Crumb Cake, Garden Green, Pumpkin Pie, Naturals White
Other: Not Quite Navy Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Top Note Bigz Die, Stampin’ Dimensionals

If you are wondering about the shape that the bear is on — it’s a trick with the Top Note Die! You run your cardstock through the Big Shot on the Top Note Die as usual. Then take your cardstock and rotate it 90 degrees on the Top Note Die, and run it through again. Voila! You get this cool shape!

As many of you know, my husband had a pretty major back surgery this past Monday. I wanted to send him to the hospital with a fun “Get Well” something, but more than just a card. Eve made him a great poster for the wall of his hospital room. So I figured, what says “Get Well” better than chocolates? Nothing, really. So I made a cute three-tiered matchbox dresser full of chocolates.

The brads I used as drawer handles are from the retired Hodge Podge Hardware. Did you know that this is still available on the Clearance Rack? And it’s only $12.99 instead of $29.99!! Crazy! I filled those drawers with chocolate nuggets wrapped in little band-aid like wrappers.

Stamps: It’s a Wrap Occasions, Perfectly Penned
Ink: Wild Wasabi, Peach Parfait
Paper: Marina Mist, Whisper White, Just Add Cake Designer Series Paper, labels
Other: Matchbox Bigz XL Die, Silver Hodge Podge Hardware

For now it is sitting by his bed side. I’ll know he’s on the mend when he eats the chocolate inside!