Rubber Stamping & Card Making with Yapha

Oh my goodness, I can’t wait!! My Digital Studio 2 is being released tomorrow with over 75 new features!! I can not wait! I will have all of the info on that for you tomorrow.

In the meantime, here are today’s new digital downloads.  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. There are also usually more images of what is included in the 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.

130969 Bandstand Digital Kit $7.95

Download includes:
* 8-piece stamp brush set
* 4 Designer Series Papers
* 76 embellishments

Features:
* A bright kit for celebrating birthdays, everyday, or fun times in your life

Coordinating colors:
Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive, Pool Party, So Saffron

130982 Chevron Punch Digital Kit $7.95

Download includes:
* 16-piece stamp brush set
* 8-piece punch
* 1-page designer template (12″ x 12″)

Features:
* Digital-exclusive
* A great way to stay on top of the trend with a chevron punch and coordinating stamp brush set

130986 Christmas Collection Digital Greeting Card Templates $5.95

Download includes:
* 5 greeting card designer templates (4-1/4″ x 5-1/2″; 5″ x 3-1/2″; 5″ x 7″; 6″ x 6″; 7″ x 5″)
* 3 double-sided postcard designer templates (3-1/2″ x 5″; 7″ x 5″; 9-1/4″ x 4″)
* 2 trifold card designer templates (3-1/2″ x 5″; 4-1/4″ x 9-1/4″)
* 11-piece stamp brush set
* 18 embellishments

Features:
* Digital-exclusive
* An assortment of greeting cards for the holiday season

Coordinating colors:
Basic Black, Basic Gray, Cajun Craze, Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Garden Green, Gumball Green, Marina Mist, More Mustard, Pear Pizzazz, Pool Party, Poppy Parade, Real Red, Really Rust, Sahara Sand, So Saffron, Soft Suede, Summer Starfruit, Very Vanilla

130978 More Candid Frames $4.95

Download includes:
* 30 embellishments
* 1-page designer template (11″ x 8-1/2″)

Features:
* Digital-exclusive
* A collection of bright frames to add to your Candid Frames collection
*A way to give your snapshots a pop of color and flair

Coordinating colors:
Crushed Curry, Island Indigo, Lucky Limeade, Poppy Parade, Pumpkin Pie, Rich Razzleberry

130984 Tag It Printables Designer Templates $2.95

Download includes:
* 2-page designer template (8-1/2″ x 11″)
* 29-piece stamp brush set
* 20 embellishments
* 4 punches

Features:
* Digital-exclusive
* An array of festive gift tags to use on your holiday packages, treats, jars, and presents of all kinds

Coordinating colors:
Crumb Cake, Gumball Green, Primrose Petals, Pool Party, Riding Hood Red, Very Vanilla

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 June 31, 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.

One of my nephews turned eight years old last week, so of course I had to make a special card for him! I just love this new In Color Midnight Muse, especially when it is combined with Real Red. Isn’t this a fun color combo for a boy card?

Stamps: Memorable Moments
Ink: Real Red, Midnight Muse, Bashful Blue
Paper: Bashful Blue, Midnight Muse, Whisper White, Polka Dot Parade Designer Series Paper
Other: Midnight Muse Stitched Satin Ribbon, Labels Collection Framelits

I also love this Polka Dot Parade Designer Series Paper! One side has these dotted circles, and the other has white polka dots. It is so cute and versatile!

Time is running out to get your $5 Reason to Smile stamp set! (See full details here.) Here’s a fun and easy card that I made at a Stamping Party last weekend. It is based on this fabulous card by Paula Wright.

Stamps: Reason to Smile, Perfectly Penned
Ink: Basic Black, Daffodil Delight
Paper: Daffodil Delight, Basic Black, Whisper White
Other: Square Lattice Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Daffodil Delight 1/4″ Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon

I can’t believe this stamp set is only $5! Be sure to get yours before the disappear with the rest of July.

The new digital downloads from Stampin’ Up this week are a bunch of fun templates! Templates are a great way to start your digital projects, plus they are fully customizable, to add your own personal touch. 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. There are also usually more images of what is included in the 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.

131008 Be Awesome Today Easel Calendar Template $14.95

Download includes:
* Easel calendar template (10″ x 5″)
* 25-piece stamp brush set
* 12 Designer Series Papers
* 6 embellishments

Features:
* Digital-exclusive
* Be inspired and be awesome with this perpetual style calendar and its fun flip easel design
* Easy to create coordinating projects with all included elements

Coordinating colors:
Basic Gray, Calypso Coral, Cherry Cobbler, Crushed Curry, Island Indigo, Lucky Limeade, Pool Party, Very Vanilla

131011 Bright Year Greeting Card Template $1.95

Download includes:
* Greeting card designer template (5-1/2″ x 4-1/4″)
* 3-piece stamp brush set
* 2 Designer Series Papers
* 5 embellishments

Features:
* Digital-exclusive
* An attractive photo holiday card to send to your family and friends this year
* Easy to create coordinating projects with all included elements

Coordinating colors:
Cherry Cobbler, Gumball Green, Lucky Limeade, Pool Party, Primrose Petals, Very Vanilla

131010 Happy Together Digital Trifold Card Template $1.95

Download includes:
* Double-sided trifold card designer template (3-1/2″ x 5″)
* 11-piece stamp brush set
* 1 embellishment

Features:
* Digital-exclusive
* Easy to create coordinating projects with all included elements

Coordinating colors:
Basic Gray, Pool Party, Very Vanilla

131012 I Am Thankful Digital Postcard Template $1.95

Download includes:
* Double-sided postcard designer template (5″ x 3-1/2″)
* 1 Designer Series Paper
* 6 embellishments

Features:
* Digital-exclusive
* A perfect postcard for a simple note of thanks
* Easy to create coordinating projects with all included elements

Coordinating colors:
Basic Black, Basic Gray, Calypso Coral, Early Espresso, Gumball Green, Island Indigo, Pool Party, Summer Starfruit, Very Vanilla

131007 Melt in Your Mouth Digital Recipe Photobook Template $17.95

Download includes:
* 24-page photobook designer template (8″ x 8″)
* 18-piece stamp brush set
* 13 Designer Series Papers
* 21 embellishments

Features:
* Digital-exclusive
* A recipe book that’s tasty as-is or easy to swap out with your favorite recipes
* Easy to create coordinating projects with all included elements

Coordinating colors:
Basic Gray, Calypso Coral, Island Indigo, Lucky Limeade, Pool Party, Summer Starfruit, Very Vanilla

131009 Places I’ve Been Digital Swatchbook Template $12.95

Download includes:
* 26-page swatchbook designer template (5-1/2″ x 3-1/4″)
* 7-piece stamp brush set
* 13 Designer Series Papers
* 21 embellishments

Features:
* Digital-exclusive
* A great pocket-sized keepsake you can customize to remember your favorite trip—makes a great gift too
* Easy to create coordinating projects with all included elements

Coordinating colors:
Basic Gray, Cajun Craze, Calypso Coral, Cherry Cobbler, Crushed Curry, Island Indigo, Lucky Limeade, Pool Party, Summer Starfruit, Very Vanilla

131013 Statement of the Heart Frameable Digital Template $3.95

Download includes:
* 1 page décor designer template (8-1/2″ x 11″)
* 1-piece stamp brush

Features:
* Digital-exclusive
* A fresh subway art take on Stampin’ Up!’s Statement of the Heart
* Easy to create coordinating projects with all included elements

Coordinating colors:
Basic Black, Very Vanilla

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 June 31, 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.

Fun, bright colors from ColourQ this week! They just scream summertime to me!

I had an amazing but very intense week last week. I was at the SEED New Leaders Conference up in Northern California. Here’s the blurb from their website, to explain what it is about:

The National SEED Project on Inclusive Curriculum, a staff-development equity project for educators, is in its twenty-sixth year of establishing teacher-led faculty development seminars in public and private schools throughout the U.S. and in English-speaking international schools. A week-long SEED summer New Leaders’ Workshop prepares school teachers to hold year-long reading groups with other teachers to discuss making school climates and curricula more gender-fair and multiculturally equitable by using inclusive pedagogies.

I created this scrapbook page with a photo of my small group, kind of like my homeroom, if you will. I became very close to these women, and feel honored to have them in my life.

The SEED program is amazing. If you are ever able to participate in any way, I highly recommend it. It was an incredible week!

I’m in between trips right now, so I had a chance to play along with this week’s Stamping 411 Sketch Challenge. Love that big circle in the middle!

As I was looking through my stamps for something to fill the circle, I realized that the Day of Gratitude set would be perfect. I paired it with the Comfort Cafe Designer Series Paper for a nice fall look.

Stamps: Day of Gratitude
Ink: Cajun Craze, Summer Starfruit
Paper: Summer Starfruit, Cajun Craze, Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, Comfort Cafe Designer Series Paper
Other: Adorning Accents Edgelits, 3″ Circle Die, 3 1/2″ Circle Die

It’s funny to me that it is called Summer Starfruit. I think the color works much better for Autumn cards!

Splitcoast Stampers has recently resumed their digital scrapbooking challenges every Tuesday. I find these a really fun way to stretch myself and try new digital techniques. One of the challenges is called a progressive challenge. Each week you are given a different set of tasks, and at the end of the month you have a completed scrapbook page. I played in June and it was really fun! Here are each of the challenges, and my page in stages as it evolved.

Task 1 — Create a Background:

• Start with any 2 papers (patterned or plain, your choice.) Place the two papers side-by-side (horizontal or vertical, as you prefer). Have one paper take up more of the page than the other (ex., ¾ of pg. and ¼ of page). 
• Add a strip of paper (patterned or plain, you choose) that’s approx. 1-1½” x 12” to cover the line that separates the two background papers. (You may use a pre-sized strip or create your own by cropping a full sheet of paper to the size you need, then adding it to your page.) 
• Add some type of border(s) to the strip.

Task 2:

• Add at least two circles of any kind or size to the page. They can be placed anywhere on the page. (Don’t count papers you’ve already used if they have circles on them! The circles must be newly added in this task.) You may use pre-made circular kit elements, “punches,” cookie-cutter cut-outs, brushes, more papers with circles, circular frames, etc., whatever your lil’ heart desires!
• Add one or more splatters, scatters or spills to the paper(s)
• Add either one or two photos to the page.

Task 3:

• Add a frame to at least one of the photos, if not already done.
• Add some embellishments around the photo(s) and paper strip (lots or few—up to you!) Definitely make sure you have at least one cluster with a minimum of four items in it.
• Add drop shadows to your elements and papers.

Task 4 — Finishing the Page:

• Add a title, preferably using an alpha in your stash. If you have no alphas that work, create your title from a font and add a special touch (i.e., shadowing, strokes, texture, etc.) to make it “your own.”
• Add a tag with the date, and some journaling and/or a word art/quote. That’s it! Your page is done!

I’ve started on July’s challenge already. Let me know if you play along. I’d love to see what you create!

I recently participated in a non-convention goers swap on Stampin’ Addicts, hosted by my friend Debbi. As the name implies, it is for Stampin’ Up demonstrators who will not be attending convention this week. One of the sets I chose to make cards from is my new favorite, Happy Hour! The first version I came up with was this, but I felt it was a little plain.

I liked all of the white space, but it needed just a little something more. I decided to use the Square Lattice Textured Impressions Embossing Folder to add some texture to the background. I love how you can still read the words even though they are embossed over! It makes it look kind of picnic-y, I think, if that is a word.

Stamps: Happy Hour
Ink: Raspberry Ripple, Pretty in Pink, Daffodil Delight, Lucky Limeade
Paper: Raspberry Ripple, Pretty in Pink, Daffodil Delight, Lucky Limeade, Whisper White
Other: Scallop Square Punch, 1 1/4″ Square Punch, Daffodil Delight Seam Binding, Square Lattice Textured Impressions Embossing Folder

Which way do you think this card looks better, with or without the embossing?

Another fun set of digital downloads from Stampin’ Up this week, including wooden buttons, a Christmas template, and super fun kit! 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. There are also usually more images of what is included in the 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.

130985 12 Days of Christmas Swatchbook Template $12.95

Download includes:
* 26-page swatchbook template
* 35-piece stamp brush set
* 19 Designer Series Papers
* 46 embellishments

Features:
* Digital-exclusive
* A fun-sized Christmas keepsake or gift; use as a countdown or list of top 12 Christmas moments

Coordinating colors:
Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake, Daffodil Delight, Early Espresso, Marina Mist, Midnight Muse, Old Olive, Real Red, Very Vanilla

130976 Naturals Designer Buttons Digital Embellishment $2.95

Download includes:
* 6 embellishments

Features:
* A digital version of our new designer buttons

130983 Razzleberry Splash Digital Kit $7.95

Download includes:
* 10-piece stamp brush set
* 4 Designer Series Papers
* 86 embellishments
* 1-page designer template (8″ x 8″)

Features:
* Perfect to use for birthdays, everyday, and adding a touch of spring and summertime to your projects

Coordinating colors:
Lucky Limeade, Night of Navy, Pink Pirouette, Rich Razzleberry

130860 Sassy Salutations Digital Stamp Brush Set $3.95

Download includes:
* 6-piece stamp brush set

Features:
* Full of all occasion verses in a fun font

130972 World Spectacular Ensemble $12.95

Download includes:
* 1-page décor designer template (5″ x 5″)
* 8-page banner (8 postcards) designer template (3-1/2″ x 5″)
* 2 double-sided postcard designer templates (5″ x 3-1/2″; 5″ x 7″)
* 18-piece stamp brush set
* 12 Designer Series Papers

Features:
* All your favorites from the World Spectacular Suite in digital form PLUS digital-exclusive templates to make the World’s Greatest Party including a décor printable, invitation, and banner
* Easy to create coordinating projects with all included elements

Coordinating colors:
Calypso Coral, Cherry Cobbler, Daffodil Delight, Early Espresso, Island Indigo, Very Vanilla, Whisper White

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 June 31, 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.

The Scentsy scent of the month for July is Lemons & Berries, which smells just like an amazing strawberry lemonade tastes. I mailed out samples of this delicious scent late last month, and of course I had to include a little card. The Happy Hour stamp set was just perfect for stamping a refreshing glass of lemonade!

Stamps: Happy Hour
Ink: Daffodil Delight, Raspberry Ripple, Gumball Green
Paper: Daffodil Delight, Gumball Green, In Color 2012-2014 Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack
Other: 1 3/4″ Circle Punch, 2 3/8″ Scallop Circle Punch

Mmmmm… Now I want a glass of strawberry lemonade!