Embellish

My Digital Studio: the end of an era

As you may or may not already know, Stampin' Up is discontinuing the My Digital Studio scrapbooking software. It will still work just fine, however they will not be coming out with new downloads or working with a print vendor any longer. You can continue to create and print projects at home or through other sites, as I plan to. I still love the software. I even presented on My Digital Studio at a Stampin' Up conference once! So I'm sorry to see it go, but excited to hear that they are exploring new digital options for the fast-paced lifestyles of today's modern scrapbookers.

However, if you want more digital papers, punches, templates and embellishments, get them NOW before they're gone! All MDS products are 30% off and available ONLY until June 2nd. I just spent a delightful hour splurging on a whole tons of new papers and Project Life pocket card printables that should keep me busy for YEARS to come!

The MDS download manager, Pinterest page, Facebook page and mydigitalstudio.net will close permanently on June 9th at midnight. It's IMPORTANT to note that you will lose any downloads you have not purchased AND installed after that date. Stampin' Up will not be storing them for you; you must install them or save them on a disk or jump drive in order to keep them.

IF you have any questions or comments about MDS, you are very welcome to call Stampin' Up! and speak with one of the support agents. They will be happy to walk you through what you need to do to make sure you have all your downloads secure and everything installed and ready to be enjoyed for a long time to come.

Dripping Stars Cards

Totally fun new color combo for you to try! Rich Razzleberry, Perfect Plum, Wisteria Wonder, Soft Sky and Lost Lagoon, paired with crisp Whisper White. The Dripping Stars Card is from my Cheat Sheets special 10th anniversary edition from April 2015. Here's the same layout turned on it's side:

And my personal favorite of this batch, the Dripping Stars variation, with all the stars done dripping : )

While I had all these one-inch strips cut, I made another Color Wave Card and turned it on the side just  to see what would happen. I like it! Would probably turn it so the darker colors were at the bottom, next time.

A Red Convertible Day... Stampin' Up Hawaii 2015

I still can't believe we did it.

Before we went to Hawaii, knowing we'd be staying in Honolulu and the highly commercialized Waikiki district, I decided that I'd rent a car and get out into the real Hawaii. However, after experiencing Honolulu traffic just getting to the hotel from the airport, that plan went right out the window. However, the desire to make sure we got to see what we really ought to see when you visit Hawaii overcame our fears, and Kristen and I went to the car rental just to see what was available.

A very helpful agent talked us all around a map of the island, circling must-do's and sharing tips about the direction of traffic at certain times of day. We decided to go for it. There was one car left; we were lucky since we hadn't planned ahead properly. But it wasn't just any car ... you guessed it.. It was a red Camaro convertible.

Kristin and I took one look at each other and BUSTED out laughing. It was just so ridiculous. Between gasps for breath I squeaked out, "I'm from the Midwest!"  and a few minutes later I managed "But I drive a minivan!" The rental agents weren't phased; apparently this type of reaction is common. We both agreed our husbands would be totally geeked out that their wives were in Hawaii all by ourselves, driving their high school dream car.

Then we SAW it. It wasn't just red. It was fire-engine red. In-your-face, no way to miss it, "asking for a ticket" red. "Arrest Me" Red.

When we finished clutching each other's arm and whispering "Oh my WORD, I can't believe we're doing this," we squeezed our tote bags with sunscreen and swim suits into the miniscule back seat and folded ourselves down into the car.  I think I was approximately four inches off the pavement. 

Took us a few minutes to figure out how to put the top down. In retrospect, practicing how to put it back up would have also been a smart thing. Then I spent a manic few moments compulsively adjusting seat belt, mirrors, seat height, etc. Then we pulled out into Honolulu traffic.

Kristin proved an adept navigator and before long (whew!) we were on the freeway. First things first, however; time for selfies. And yes, before we left I changed my hot pink striped shirt so I wouldn't clash with the car. That's a scrapbooker for ya.

Me driving "Cammie." I got rather attached. I may have petted her. It was hard giving her up at the end of the day. My only regret is that there isn't anywhere you can really open her up. I could tell she wanted to go FAST.

As soon as we got out of Honolulu, the trip was pure fun. It drizzled several times during the day, so we wound up getting lots of practice getting the lid up and down in a hurry. I also mention that so you will know that there were extenuating circumstances with my hair in these photos.

We had the best day. We stopped at the Dole pineapple plantation for Dole Whip...

 
....waded not ten feet away from about 20 sea turtles at Turtle Beach...

...experienced incredible palm-lined vistas...

...ate wherever we pleased from the famous shrimp trucks on the North Shore....

...and just generally enjoyed ourselves immensely.

Did a little whale-watching out by Rabbit Island (without luck)...

... rounded the southerly bend of Koko Head to visit the Halona Blowhole...

...enjoying spectacular ocean views as we wended our way back to Waikiki.

Unexpected souvenir: a rather hilarious sunburn in a straight line across my forehead and down the length of my part. Well, it WAS funny, until it peeled, anyway.

With regret we parted ways with Cammie in the parking garage that evening. I'm SO glad we conquered our fears and went out and did this thing that intimidated us. We had SUCH a good time, one I will remember as long as I live. It was another in a long line of blessings presented by the opportunities of Stampin' Up in my life.

And now I no longer say something is a "Red Letter Day" as a benchmark for a big honky personal achievement. It's "Red Convertible Day" from here on out.

Signing up this month? Join my team and get your 30-Day Business Booster training for free!

Click here for details on the next round

of my exclusive 30-Day Business Booster Challenge for Stampin' Up demonstrators.

Start out as you intend to begin, organized, systematic, and aware!

This boot camp is open to ALL Stampin' Up demonstrators, and it is free for members of my team.

Hope you can join demonstrators both new and "old"

as we seek to take our businesses to the next level

and make 2015-16 our best and most balanced year ever!

Lyssa@songofmyheartstampers.com

Are you coming this weekend? I hope so!

ALOHA! Customer Appreciation Event

& NEW Catalog Open House!

Bank of Lake Mills' Watertown Branch, Watertown, WI
Friday and Saturday, May 29th-30th, 2015
6:30-8:30 p.m. nightly

* THREE free papercrafting projects*

* Free Cheat Sheet Samples *

* yummy Hawaiian food and drinks *

* try out the new In Colors *

* pick up your new catalog if you haven't yet *

* win a prize from the new catalog *

* meet a new stampin' friend or two *

* one-day-only special on all orders from the new catalog *

* In Color Sampler Pack free to first ten people nightly! *

Pearl Harbor & USS Missouri tours on the Stampin' Up 2015 Hawaii incentive trip

Seems fitting to post these particular vacation photos today, Memorial Day here in the United States. I love history, but there was still MUCH to be learned about the attack on Pearl Harbor that launched us full-scale into World War II. I came home bubbling with facts and questions for Mike, who sadly did not get to go on this trip... hopefully the stars will align another time. I missed him the whole trip, of course, but never more than the day we went to Pearl Harbor. Mike was born on December 7th (not 1941, though!) and so he's always had that connection and bent towards history.

I'll never forget the solemn peace of the Arizona memorial. It was the perfect day, very early in the morning just a few minutes after the time the Dec. 7th attack would have shattered the dawn. We were allowed in early, which we realized later had been a huge blessing and the day heated up and the crowds swelled.

Despite the number of visitors, it was almost perfectly silent except for the lapping waves and the shuffling feet as people walked quietly from window to window. It was pretty much indescribable, actually. The sense of respect for what had happened here. The sorrow that we have not moved beyond such things. The tangible sense of grief in the air. Grief for the men, and grief for a more innocent us.


I'm so thankful to have had the opportunity to go and see this very fitting memorial. We also got to have another once-in-a-lifetime experience during the Final Night Event that Stampin' Up always throws on the last evening of the incentive trip. This time it was a private event aboard the U.S.S. Missouri, the "Mighty Mo."

This historical adventure had an entirely different feel. The 1940's theme was evident all over the place, from costumed interpreters, the canteen and other outbuildings, and a wonderful Stars & Stripes Barbeque (with Stampin' Up touches, naturally!)

After dinner the ship was ours to explore. It was truly moving to stand on the exact spot on the deck where the Japanese surrender was formally accepted... to listen to the guides, all veterans themselves, explain answers to our questions... to marvel at the power of the guns and the miniscule, cramped living quarters of the men.

 

We were treated to a spectacular Hawaiian sunset and we stayed as long as we could, reluctant to leave. It had been a wonderful trip! Thank you all again SO much, my wonderful customer friends and my encouraging Song of My Heart Demonstrator Team!!

Stippled Blossoms: get yours before it's gone!

 I've got several stamp sets I'm showcasing ONE last time before they retire from the 2014-15 catalog, that I want you to make sure you see before it's too late! The Stippled Blossoms stamp set has been a huge favorite for making really lovely, feminine cards.

I've seen Stippled Blossoms used with just about every color in the Stampin' Up rainbow, including hot pinks, pale blues, and even grays! it's rare for me to use more than three colors on a card, but I used a brand new color combo of Mint Macaron, Pool Party, Rich Razzleberry, Blackberry Bliss, Delightful Dijon and Crushed Curry, for these two cards.

Stamps you'll need to recreate these cards:

• Stippled Blossoms Cling Stamp Set [126747] Retiring! While supplies last
• Stippled Blossoms Wood-Mount Stamp Set [132076] Retiring! While supplies last
• Oh My Goodies Cling Stamp Set [134090]
• Oh My Goodies Wood-Mount Stamp Set [134087]
• Dictionary Background Stamp Cling Retiring! While Supplies last (clear block F recommended)
• Dictionary Background Stamp Wood-Mount Retiring! While Supplies last

Ahhh... Aloha, Waikiki Beach! Stampin' Up 2015 incentive trip

 I'm back! Didja miss me? I had a really good time on the 2015 Stampin' Up incentive trip to O'ahu, Hawaii. I felt so privileged to have the opportunity to stay right there on the beach in the fabulous and fancy Sheraton Waikiki, where Kristin and I took daily advantage of the infinity pool! Love that you can sit in there, especially when the surf is rough, and feel like there's nothing between you and the horizon.

I do not consider myself a pool person at all, but I have to say, it was pretty sweet to have the benefits of the sand and sun and waves as well as the cabanas, lounge chairs and icy drinks at your beck and call!

The view from the 24th floor was amazing... the ocean, with sea turtles, sting rays and surfers, right at our feet, and breathtaking views of Diamond Head to the left of us.

We enjoyed watching catamarans come right up to the hotel. Couldn't believe how early the surfers are out there. We were up around 4:30 a.m. for the first few days due to the time change, so we got to see the sunrise pretty much every day. Then it was a challenge to keep our eyes open by eight or nine p.m. to see the sunset!

That's enough pictures for now--I have zillions more to share! You'll just have to come to my Aloha Appreciation Event next weekend, May 29th and 30th, from 6:30-8:30 nightly. I'm having free projects, fun party food, presents, and the new catalog can be picked up at the same time. Hope to see you there!

Introducing Cucumber Crush

Ok, this one's gonna be fun! I took one look at Cucumber Crush and thought, "OH BROTHER! Another green." Well, I started pulling out colors to see what paired well, and in about five minutes I was a believer. This new summer green is going to rejuvenate your color combos like crazy! Who knew, there really WAS room for a another green in our lineup?!

It's hard to describe Cucumber Crush. It's not like the green inside OR outside of a cucumber, that's for sure. It's somewhere between a kelly green and a spring green, but with a cool intensity of yellow that causes it to react with every other color I paired with it. For these cards I used Pumpkin Pie and Dafodill Delight, with bright crisp Whisper White and Basic Gray. Black would work too, but Basic Gray is less assertive and competed less with the bold brights.

I left my very favorite sample for last... this Way to Go card was inspired by a stamping technique I learned right off page 97 of the NEW 2015-17 Idea Book & Catalog that my customers are going to get in the mail this coming week!! See how the stamped imaged is in three colors? It was super easy to do because of our new photopolymer stamps.

TIP: I stamped the stamp in Dafodill Delight, then cleaned it off and ink up just one corner with Pumpkin Pie. Since the stamps are totally clear and so are our fantastic, top-of-the-line blocks, I was able to line it up perfectly and stamp the orange right over the yellow.

Then I cleaned the stamp again and inked the other edge and stamped with Cucumber Crush. Simple, fast, and super cute... my kind of project! Can't wait to use this technique with other photopolymer stamps. I have TWO PAGES written down of things I want to try from the new catalog. Are you on my mailing list? You should be! Email me today at Lyssa@songofmyheartstampers.com for a copy.

Suggested Color Combination:

Pumpkin Pie

Daffodil Delight

Basic Gray

Whisper White

Cucumber Crush

Introducing Delightful Dijon

Introducing Delightful Dijon, an intense new shade of mustard yellow from the 2015-17 Stampin' Up In Colors Collection. As soon as I saw this color, I wanted to try it with Night of Navy and Cherry Cobbler. I love the results! The Sahara Sand, Very Vanilla and Tip Top Taupe tone it down a little so it's not quite so in your face.

Since it's summer, I probably won't be reaching for this shade for a card base too often until fall, but I think it's going to be a solid addition to our color lineup. Until then, I'll mostly likely use it in small doses as an accent color, like this card I made with the Traveler stamps set and the World Map and Hardwood background stamps.

Suggested Color Combination:

Delightful Dijon

Tip Top Taupe

Very Vanilla

Cajun Craze

Night Of Navy

Faux Washi Tape with the Tape It stamp set

I'm so wild about washi tape, it pains me to see the retirement of the Tape It set, a set of eight patterned stamps that mimic the look of torn washi tape. This set will be "while supplies last" after May 26th, and no longer available to purchase after midnight on June 2nd, 2015.

I had to play with it one more time before it's too late, so I pulled it out to use while I was experimenting with the new 2015-17 In Color Collection.

I'm a big fan of anything that pairs well with my beloved Bermuda Bay, and three of our newest colors look AMAZING with it. Watermelon Wonder, Cucumber Crush and Delightful Dijon are perfect intensities to match with the deep aqua turquoise of Bermuda Bay. Hooray!

If you haven't tried washi tape yet, get some! You'll really enjoy how easy it is to use. I have a whole Pinboard of washi ideas, and you can see a really fun technique video about Washi Tape Sheets here.

Introducing Tip Top Taupe

Now, when *I* look at the Stampin' Up color palette, I will admit, I have never said, "you know what we need? We need another taupe." So when I first saw this new 2015-17 In Color, I was a little skeptical. But now that I've played with it (lucky me! I love being a demonstrator and getting all my stuff early!) and had a chance to pair up some color combinations, I think Tip Top Taupe might be one of my new favorites!

it's an interesting shade. It's not brown, it's not tan, it's not khaki, not a burlap. It really is what I think of in my head as a true taupe. And I really, really like it with Sahara Sand, Delightful Dijon, and Cajun Craze and sometimes just a teeny pop of Mint Macaron.

Got a leetle bitty bit carried away with the watercoloring on these cards, so if you're squinting at them trying to bring them into focus, don't worry. It's not you. It's me. I also maybe need an intervention when it comes to over-use of the Gorgeous Grunge stamp set.

The Perfect Blend stamp set is retiring shortly--available until May 26th, and then "while supplies last" until June 2nd at midnight. I honestly can't imagine ever parting with this one... it would make a very useful addition to your stamp cupboard, if you do not already own it.

Suggested Color Combination:

Delightful Dijon

Tip Top Taupe

Cajun Craze

Sahara Sand

Mint Macaroon

Introducing Watermelon Wonder

Wowie Kazaam, I LOVE this color! I honestly did not think I would. You really have got to see this share in person. It truly is watermelon, no getting around it. It's not pink, it's not coral, it's not red--it really has a life of it's own. I used it on these three cards with the soon-to-be-retired Regarding Dahlias stamp set, pairing it with crisp Whisper White and Basic Gray.

The BEST part of the new 2015-17 In Colors, though, is not the colors themselves, but the adorable lace trim that was selected as one of the In Color accessories this year! It's so soft and scrumptious, and I've had no trouble at all coming up with ways to use it (which I was a little concerned about). Y'all are going to love it!

Just a reminder, you'll be able to see all the new In Colors (and the rest of the amazing new Idea Book & Catalog) very soon, by the end of the month for sure. Ordering will begin on June 2nd. I'm so excited!

Cute Candles & More with Build A Birthday set

I reeeally should be packing for Hawaii right now, but I can't keep out of the stamp room because I have new colors and new stamp sets calling my name! Build A Birthday looks like a birthday cake set at first glance, but there's at least two other ways to use it, too. I turned the cake layers on end for these cards, making birthday candles. I have been wanting a "flame" stamp, and this one is the perfect size! I paired stamps from the set with Cherry on Top washi tape, another upcoming new product from the 2015-16 Idea Book & Catalog.

And then, as if we needed ANOTHER reason to fall in love with this versatile set, you can also make a stack of birthday presents with it. Too cute! I think these would look great in any color, don't you? Stamp the card to match the party theme!

Build A Birthday stamp set sneak peek

Quick post this morning as I am off to get my hair and nails done for HAWAII... yes, it's finally time! After earning the trip more than a year ago, the day has finally come. I'm not sure how much posting I will be doing next week--will depend on the strength and availability of the internet connection. But I couldn't wait to share what I made last night after I ripped into my box of demonstrator pre-order goodies!

These are just quick ideas but it gives you a glimpse into how fun this new Build A Birthday set is going to be. I HAD to play with the new in Colors, naturally, so the pedestal base is Tip Top Taupe, the gorgeous deep pinky red is Watermelon Wonder, the crazy bright summer green is Cucumber Crush, and Delightful Dijon is the top layer of the cake. FUN!!

Ordering from the new catalog begins for customers on June 2nd. Be sure to let me know if you want ON THE MAILING LIST for a new catalog! My regular local customers will all be receiving one free of charge, but if you are not local and you want one, I need to know that! Email me ASAP at Lyssa@songofmyheartstampers.com

Introducing Mint Macaron

Just got my demonstrator early-bird preorder box ripped open and petted all my new ink pads! Mint Macaron (like the adorable French sandwich cookie, not like the coconut macaroon) was the first color I dove into, using the brand new sneak peek stamp set You Got This. It was a must-have1 Here's a quick sample of what's in store for us with this tremendously hot new color.

Yes, there's LACE to match! Lace trim comes in all five of the new 2015-17 In Colors. Hooray!! And that's not all... look at the cool little flower doo-jobbie in the next photo! The In Color Blossom Accents will come in a package of 20, four each of the five new In Colors.

There you go! I can't wait to play some more with Mint Macaron, but I'm off to play with the NEXT In Color... which will it be? Watermelon Wonder? Tip Top Taupe? Cucumber Crush? or Delightful Dijon?

Color Wave Card: new video tutorial by Song of My Heart Stampers

Wanna hear a secret? This is my sample swap card for the 2015 Hawaii incentive trip! I'll be trading these cards with other demonstrators next week in beautiful Oahu as we stay at the Sheraton Wakikki for six days. I hope they like it! I probably should have waited to share this, but it's the only thing I've been working on for the past couple of days, and my new In Colors arrive tomorrow, so I wanted to get this out before I left. So much to do... so little time!

Enjoy this free four-minute video tutorial for my Color Wave Card, a Cheat Sheets original from Collection #1. On the video, you'll see tips for making your straight sentiments into a curvy one that follows the line of the card from side to side. Easy and versatile! 

Customer Appreciation Event AND New Catalog Open House!

Customer Appreciation Event & New Catalog Open House!
Bank of Lake Mills' Watertown Branch, Watertown, WI
Friday and Saturday, May 29th-30th, 2015
6:30-8:30 p.m. nightly
* free papercrafting projects * yummy food * try the new In Colors *
* pick up your new catalog * win a prize *meet a new friend *
* one-day-only special on all orders from the new catalog *

New 2015-17 In Color Collection Announced!

Demonstrators at the South Pacific Stampin' Up Convention got to be there for the unveiling of the 2015-17 In Color Collection, lucky ducks! Word spread like wildfire and I snagged these great pictures from the display boards at the event so we can all get our first glimpses.

Now, remember, these are just pictures--you'll want to see the colors in person before you make up your minds! Stay tuned for my New Catalog Events list, coming shortly! Just have to finalize one more venue.

I can't wait to try this cool mint with navy and a pop of red. I've heard you can use Mint Macaroon as a neutral, it's so light and ethereal. Will have to see how it fits into the Subtles collection. Greens can be tricky sometimes!

Can never have too many neutrals! This taupe is apparently darker in person and is going to coordinate great with Sahara Sand. I'm going to try those paired with Early Espresso and Mint Macaroon. And Watermelon Wonder with Tip Top Taupe is one of the hottest combos around for weddings right now!

This mustardy color is going to be awesome for fall, but I'm also excited at how well it pairs with Tip Top Taupe. Add a little black and some crisp white to Delightful Dijon, and I think we'll see a really striking combo for summer weddings.

I know this picture doesn't do this color justice--watermelon is much pinkier and not nearly so coral. It's going to pair perfectly with Cucumber Crush and I can't wait to see if Daffodil Delight is the right shade of yellow for Watermelon Wonder.

More green--but unlike Mint Macaroon, there's nothing shy and retiring about this one! This is the exact color of the leaves budding right now on my hydrangea bush. I think I'll reach for Bermuda Bay and Pumpkin Pie when I'm ready to start playing with Cucumber Crush.

So there we have it--an introduction to the new colors we always think we don't need, and then wind up falling in LOVE with! Ordering begins June 2nd--just one month to the new catalog!

Hot Glue Gun Adventures

I haven't posted quite as often the last week because I've been working on two big projects for the Stampin' Up incentive trip. We do a sample swap, one for cards and one for 3-D items (box, bag, favors, etc, anything that is not a card) and like an over-achieving  dork I signed up for BOTH of them, so now I'm in panic mode, naturally. But thanks to some friends who popped over to help last week, I have the cards finished and am working on the 3-D items. Living dangerously, I chose something that is not accomplish-able without a hot glue gun... I am not a smart woman.

I decided on this mini burlap banner, which can be attached to a scrapbook page, strung on a picture frame or chalkboard, or even hung from two bamboo skewers on a cake! Mini banners are super versatile. I hope the other trip achievers love it! This one's just a prototype--will photograph the actual final results when they occur. The cards will be a video because I want to show you a really cool thing you can do with photopolymer stamps.

Now everyone just pray that I don't injure myself TOO badly with the hot glue gun! I know it's too much to ask that I come away completely unscathed : )