FREE Digital Download Today!

FREE!!
Did someone say FREE??
Yep - head over to my Online Store and grab your FREE Digital Download!
Because even if you've been naughty, you still deserve something nice. :)
Here's the link to my website: http://www.robinstamps4u.stampinup.net
Just click on the SHOP NOW button at the top right corner to enter the store.
You can enter the Item Number in the Search Box and add it to your Cart - easy peasy!

#132810 - For You From Us Designer Template - FREE!!

Here are the other awesome downloads that were released today:

#132793 - Jingle and Joy Kit - $11.95

#132811 - To You From Me Designer Template - $3.95

Here's the one I HAD to have - really, how COOL is this?!!

#132683 - Reindeer Games Designer Template - $3.95

Can't you just see this hanging over your mantlepiece this Christmas??
Too FUN!

This last download is such a fantastic idea - you can use the Ornament Keepsake Framelits to cut out the ornament on the front, so it's a card AND an ornament!

#132794 - Ornamental Christmas Postcard Template - $2.95

AND just in case you hadn't noticed - the FULL My Digital Studio 2+ Program is on SALE for 50% off until tomorrow!
Just $39.98 for the entire MDS2+ program and over $500 worth of included downloads!
It's such a great deal - but you need to get it by tomorrow for the Sale price. Don't miss it, really!
Here's a link to view all the included content: http://204.228.150.61/MDSnet/MDS_2+_Software.pdf
The Item Number is #130646 and you can order it and download it right now!
See, you can make your Reindeer Head in no time!

Happy Digital Designing!
~~Robin

Happy Holidays from my Talented Team!

A couple of weekends ago, we had our team holiday get together here in the studio.
It was such a fun time for me and for my stampin' team members that could be there - and we surely missed the ones who couldn't attend!

One of the cool things we did was a handmade gift exchange. They didn't have to participate, but the ones who did were very glad they did especially when they saw the awesome projects everyone created!
Here are photos of them all:

Framed Dry Erase Board - by Robin Merriman

Fun Fold Gift Card Holder - by Debbie Coleby

Snow Much Fun Frame - by Cathy Pendley

Framed Button Tree - by Kelley Dionne

Sparkling Christmas Wall Art - by Lynn Embrey

Framed Christmas Story Subway Art - by Michelle Suit

Homemade Sugar Scrub and matching card - by Shannon Angel

L to R Front: Sharon M., Lynn E., Debbie C., Shannon A., Michelle S. L to R Back: Kelley D., Me!, Cathy P., Stephanie F.

Here are the lovely ladies on my team who were able to meet for our party - love these ladies and I'm very blessed to have them as part of my SU! family!

Enjoy the projects today and remember to enjoy the next few days as we give thanks for all the blessings in our lives. :)

~~Robin

A Case for Tulle - and Happy Mail!

I love it when I check my mailbox and get "happy mail"!

You know, an unexpected card from a friend - especially my stampin' friends.
Well, last month, I got a gorgeous card from my friend Linda Bartolucci and it was so lovely, I had to make my own version of it.
I even used my version for my stamp camps in October and my stampers loved it!
Here, take a look:

 

Linda's card used the Crumb Cake Tulle on a rolled flower on one of the Sticky Rounds.
I decided to go in a different direction and used the Crumb Cake Tulle in four layers. They were cut out with the Fun Flowers Die on my Big Shot, then melted a bit around the edges with my Heat Tool.
I added two other layers one with the First Edition DSP and another with the Champagne Glimmer Paper that was punched with the 1 1/4" Scallop Circle Punch. It's finished off with an Antique Brad.

The card base is Crumb Cake cardstock and has two layers - Early Espresso Co'redinations cardstock (embossed with the Fancy Fan Embossing Folder) and Summer Starfruit DSP from the Comfort Cafe pack. I tore the edges across the bottom and sponged them with Crumb Cake ink.
A ribbon tie of Summer Starfruit Stitched Satin was added for a final accent and the greeting from Delightful Dozen was stamped in Early Espresso across the bottom.

I love how this card turned out and was so appreciative of the sweet card Linda sent me that got me inspired!

Have you sent "happy mail" to someone lately?
Well, it's the perfect week to do it - it's Thanksgiving! And what better way to show you're thankful for your loved ones than to send them a handmade card.
Go on, just do it!

Have a wonderful day everyone!
~~Robin

National Blades Meets My Digital Studio

As a self-professed computer dummy, I think this 8" x 8" page I made in the My Digital Studio program looks pretty good.
What do YOU think??

Actually, the program did all the work here, all I did was move things around a bit, add the photo and the journaling and hit "save".

Which is what I LOVE about My Digital Studio (MDS)!
I've made a bunch of stuff with this program and it all turned out so beautifully - for once the computer makes me look GOOD! LOL!

Listen, I paid $79.95 for my copy of MDS. I bought the de-lux version called MDS2+ when it was introduced and I really, really, really do use it. AND like it.

Right now, and for the next 8 days - it's HALF-PRICE!! Just $39.98. Yep. That's what I call a DEAL and a half!
Here's a little chart to 'splain the content to you a little better:

Click the chart to visit my website and purchase your copy of MDS2+. Once you're on the website, click the SHOP NOW button on the top right to enter my Online Store - easy peasy!

It doesn't even mention all the pre-designed templates and projects that come with this program - and to me, that's the BEST part!
I don't even have to think about it to make something pretty!

Want to know more?? Ok, cool. Message me on Facebook (Robin Merriman) or e-mail me at stampwithrobin@yahoo.com and we can chat.
You're really gonna love this program.
I promise!

xoxo,
~~Robin

It's Coming - HUGE Online Sale!

Woot! Woot!!
Mark your calendars. Set a reminder on your phone. Tie a string around your finger!!!
Do whatever YOU need to do to remember -
But DON'T MISS THIS SALE!!

Beginning Monday, November 19th with 

3 AWESOME DOORBUSTERS 

(midnight to midnight 24 hours ONLY):

Page	Item	Description	Retail Price	24-Hour Sale Price
181	125586	Simply Scored Diagonal Plate	$11.95	$9.56
186	113439	Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine	$99.95	$79.96
186	113474	Big Shot Doctor's Bag	$69.95	$55.96

That's $20.00 off the BIG SHOT - you know, the one we NEVER put on SALE!!! 
WOW!

Final Day Specials on Wednesday, November 28th

(midnight to midnight 24 hours ONLY):

Page	Item	Description	Retail Price	24-Hour Sale Price
7	118941	Clear Block Bundle (Blocks A-I)	$66.95	$53.56
7	120279	Clear Block Storage Caddy	$16.95	$13.56
175	109127	Stack & Store Caddy	$34.95	$27.96

Ummm......The Clear Block Bundle is an AMAZING DEAL! It's a savings of $25.64 off the retail price of $79.20 when the blocks are purchased individually!

Do you REALLY want to miss out on that??

And that's not all!

Here's a link to a listing of ALL the deals and steals during the Extravaganza Sale!:

 http://www.stampinup.com/us/documents/Online_X_flyer_US.pdf

There are special Product Bundles at discounted prices - only available during this sale!
Punches on Sale! Embellishments on Sale! Stamp Sets on Sale! Paper on Sale!!
AND
the new My Digital Studio (MDS2+) will be 50% off! Just $39.98 - OH Man! That's a deal!!

I'm so excited about this sale!
It's a fantastic opportunity to stock up on some great TOOLS and pick up some creative elements at super prices!
These will make great stocking stuffers for any crafter on your list or maybe, these will be your Christmas Gift to YOU! :)

Visit my Website and log into the Online Store to place your orders! Here's the link:

Robin's Online Stampin' Store

Once you are on my HomePage, click on the SHOP NOW Button at the top right corner to enter the STORE and place your orders!

WooHoo!!!

Sale ON!

~~Robin

Vintage Gift Tags Set

For my Trinity Design Stampers Team meeting in October I wanted to create a project that my downline members could make and take back to their clients for a fun and easy class.

That's part of what I do each month for my team: share duplicatable project ideas, give business tips and training, give recognition to my high acheivers and my special standouts and most of all, provide a fun-filled atmosphere for each demonstrator on my team. Doesn't matter if they do Stampin' Up! for a hobby to get the discount, or if they are a business builder - I LOVE my team and LOVE having them gather in my home each month!

Here's a photo of the Vintage Gift Tags Set we made together in October:

These tags were created with just a few supplies: Joyous Celebrations stamp set; Daydream Medallion stamp set; the Apothecary Accents Framelits Dies and the Big Shot; the Festival of Prints Designer Series Paper Stack; Champagne Glass Glitter; cardstock and a variety of ribbon.
(If you are on my mailing list, I'll be offering this as a class in December with Kits available too!)

The gift tags were cut out of Very Vanilla cardstock and after decorating, they were placed in an envelope made with Vellum Cardstock and tied up with a Cherry Cobbler Tulle Bow.

I also created a stamped postcard insert for the back of the envelope so you could easily gift this cute set of tags. Here's a close up of that:

These would make a sweet and thoughtful gift for a co-worker, secret sister or your child's teacher. So super easy and fun to create!

My team really enjoyed this project too and that made my heart happy!

Did you know that until December 16th, you can join my fantastic team of Stampin' Up! demonstrators and get 10 FREE Ink Pads just for signing up?
Yep, that's a scrumptious deal - when I signed up over 7 years ago, I got a set of ink pads FREE too and I was doin' the happy dance.

One thing though, my starter kit cost way more than the $99 yours will cost - and you know what? You get to customize yours - completely!
And here's an even more exciting part:

Ready?
Really?
Ok -

When you sign up now, you will get to place your first order as a demonstrator from the NEW Spring Catalog that opens up to Demonstrators ONLY on December 1st!
You'll get your one time 30% discount AND be eligible for Sale-A-Bration freebies too - One MONTH before anyone else!!

So, um, hey - whatcha waitin' for?
Check out the demonstrator info on my website under the JOIN THE FUN tab at the top right corner. Here's the web link:
Robin's Stampin' Up! Website

You can sign up right there online any time 24/7. And if you have questions, just e-mail me: stampwithrobin@yahoo.com

I provide support for demonstrators in several states in many ways. You'll always have a team mate to connect with and you'll get timely updates, creative ideas and other perks as a member of my team.

So, go. Check it out - and try it out! You'll be thrilled that you did!

Happy Tuesday everyone!
~~Robin

RemARKable Stamp of the Month Blog Tour - Winter Memories

Welcome to stop #13 on the RemARKable Stamp of the Month Blog Tour!
If you are taking the stops in order, you will have just come from Anne Matasci's blog - MauiStamper.

If you are starting with ME (thank you!) you have 15 more blogs to visit! Have fun and enjoy all the creative ideas!

I was very excited to participate in this tour for several reasons, not the least of which was the stamp set chosen - Winter Memories. It has to be my favorite one in the Holiday Mini Catalog and the ice skates image is my very favorite!!

I've got two projects for you today and they were both designed back in September for an online tutorial newsletter I participate in each year.
Here is the card project:

I used Brushed Silver cardstock along with Vellum cardstock to make this elegant easel card. The snowflakes (from the Snowflake Soiree stamp set) were all stamped in Versamark ink and heat embossed with Silver embossing powder. The greeting is from the Greetings of the Season stamp set.

The window for the skates stamped on Vellum was cut out with the Window Frames Framelits and my Big Shot. I love how it created an indented edge around the cut out on the Brushed Silver cardstock.
The easel is held up by a Vintage Faceted Button secured with a Mini Glue Dot. I used Baja Breeze Seam Binding for the final, festive touch.
If you are on my mailing list, you will be receiving step-by-step instructions on how to make this card within the week.

My next project made use of the Brushed Silver "scraps" left over from cutting out the windows in the card.

This was a fun and easy project to make, even though it may not look like it.
I scored four of the cut out window pieces in half and then adhered them together with Multi-Purpose Liquid Glue. Before I glued the last one closed, I added a long folded piece of Pool Party Baker's Twine down the center, leaving about 8" loose at the bottom and a long loop at the top for hanging.

Here's a close up of the top section:

Using Silver Glimmer paper, I cut out four snowflakes with the Snow Flurries Big Shot Die and added a large Basic Rhinestone to the center of each one. They are attached to the ornament sides with Mini Glue Dots. There are two double Baja Breeze Seam Binding Bows at the top to add balance and a soft accent.

Here is a look a the bottom section:

I stamped the ice skates image again with Black Staz-On ink on two pieces of Shimmer White cardstock and colored them in a bit with my Stampin' Write Markers. They were glued together around the Pool Party Baker's Twine with Multi-Purpose Liquid Glue.
Using more of the same glue, I added some in small sections to the edge of the cardstock pieces and then coated it with Silver Glass Glitter. This was left to dry for about 15 minutes before I added the Large Pearls. Since these are 1/2 pearls, I glued two of them together around the Pool Party Baker's Twine and they were the perfect finishing touch!

Today is my downline Holiday Celebration and they get to make these ornaments! Shhh!! They don't know yet, it's a surprise! :)

Thanks for stopping by my blog on the RemARKables Tour! I hope you enjoyed the projects I shared and that they inspired you!
Click the logo/link below to visit the next blog on the stop: Maria Pane at Stampin' and Scrappin' with RiRi.

Big Day Tomorrow!

I'm going to be participating in my first-ever Blog Tour!
There are 16 of us on the tour - all bringing you ideas centered around the Winter Memories Stamp Set.

Be sure to stop in tomorrow and check out all the creativity!
I can't wait!

~~Robin

Clean and Simple - Elegant Ornament Card

I LOVE clean and simple cards!

Sometimes you just need a little white space, ya' know?
I received the Midnight Muse version of this card in my Founder's Circle swap, I think it was designed by my friend Patty Chenail.
Hers was a one layer card front, but when I re-created it for my Christmas in September class, I chose to make the embossed area a second, popped up layer.

I stamped my ornament from the Ornament Keepsakes stamp set in Raspberry Ripple on Whisper White. It's cut out with my Big Shot and the Holiday Ornaments Framelits. I added sparkle with some Dazzling Diamonds on the edge and a Basic Rhinestone in the center.

The embossed layer behind it was done with the Holiday Frame Embossing Folder. I trimmed it out with my Paper Snips and used a Sponge Dauber to add some Frost White paint to the raised surfaces.
It's popped up on Stampin' Dimensionals on the card front and the ornament was on dimensionals as well.
The Raspberry Ripple Ribbon bow was adhered with Mini Glue Dots in the perfect spot, right at the top!

I added another stamped ornament to the inside of the card along with a greeting to finish it off.

I hope this card inspires you with your white space. Go use your Whisper White and see what you can make!
Happy Friday!
~~Robin

It's a Season of Sweets!

So, in your wanderings through the Stampin' Up! Holiday Mini Catalog, have you noticed a cute little kit made for packaging cookies?
Yep, me too.
And I completely overlooked it until recently.

I just knew that I wouldn't be using those adorable envelopes for giving cookies - really, I eat them way too fast for that! :) But I loved the idea of using them for an envelope and card to give gift cards in for Christmas. So, for my downline team meeting in mid-October, I designed this:

Cute, huh?
This kit is called Season of Sweets Designer Printed Kit and comes with 12 envelopes, 6 polka dot, 6 stripe and two sheets of sticky die-cuts that were perfect for making the cards.

#126912  Season of Sweets Designer Printed Kit  $8.95

I simply cut the long strips in to smaller lenghts with my Paper Trimmer. The color combination was Cherry Cobbler, Garden Green and Very Vanilla - love these colors together for Christmas!

The envelope has a sweet cut out front with a glassine window that was perfect for having the front of the card peek through. So, I designed my 4" x 4" card to do just that, making my center element with the 2 1/2" Circle punch out of Cherry Cobbler cardstock. I ran it through the Big Shot with my Petals-a-Plenty embossing folder for some texture before adding my stamped elements from the Hostess stamp set, Mixed Medley. I stamped with Cherry Cobbler and Garden Green, then punched out the pieces with my 1 1/4" Scalloped Circle Punch and my 3/4" Circle Punch. They were popped up on Stampin' Dimensionals right in the center.

The card is Very Vanilla and I stamped the pine branch from Watercolor Winter up in the top left corner before I adhered a piece of my border sticker across the bottom. For the glittery line, I simply ran my SNAIL across it in a straight line then added Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, tapping off the excess. Cool, right? 

The envelope didn't need much decoration, but you could stamp on it if you wanted to. I chose to keep it simple and just added a couple of the holly leaf stickers to the upper right corner.
On the back flap, I punched a hole with the Punch Pack and ran a 26" piece of Cherry Cobbler Ribbon through it for the tie. I used Seam Binding and Scalloped Polka-Dot to give a different look. It's just wrapped around and tied in a bow on the front after the card was slipped inside.

The best part of the whole thing is that the kit was only $8.95 for the 12 envelopes and sticky die-cuts. It also comes with food-safe plastic bags for the cookies, but I'm saving those back for another project. To make the cards, you only need Very Vanilla cardstock for your base - you can create any design really - putting a special photo on the card front would be a great way to give these, you could even have the bow tie on the top and hang them from the tree as gift ornaments!

So, be sure to take a second look at the kits that are in your Holiday Mini. You will be surprised at what you discover you can do with them!
You can order all the supplies you need to make these adorable cards from my Online Store! Just click the link on the right that says 'Order Online'  to Shop Now!

Have a great day everyone and go stamp something fun!
~~Robin

Music Speaks

Happy Monday!
And why is this a happy Monday??
Because tomorrow all of our phones will stop ringing, our mailboxes will return to normal volume and the tv commercials will make us laugh instead of cry or grrrr. Hahahaha! 
In all seriousness, no matter what your stance, go out tomorrow and exercise your most important right - vote.
In a world where so many do not have that right, we should not take it for granted, but do all we can to have our voice heard.

But I'll still be glad when my phone stops ringing.....
:)

So, on to the REAL reason you stopped by today - the ARTWORK!
This past weekend was the Regional Orchestra event at Emma's high school. While we couldn't be there to help out, I was able to make a couple of thank you cards for the guest conductors.
Here is the one for the female conductor:

I used Very Vanilla cardstock, Brushed Gold cardstock and First Edition Designer Paper. The Vanilla layers were sponged lightly with Crumb Cake ink and I stamped the Music Notes wheel in Crumb Cake inside the card, on the envelope and as the background for the oval punched greeting. I've unmounted that wheel using our Clear Mount Foam Sheets and turned it into a regular clear-mount stamp. SO much easier to use and get straight!

The floral image is from Fabulous Flourishes and is stamped in Early Espresso ink. I added some small Basic Pearls to this image. The greeting is from the retired hostess set Because I Care and is stamped in Early Espresso as well. I sponged the oval punch out in Crumb Cake and mounted it on Stampin' Dimensionals.

The First Edition Designer Paper was simply ruffled with my fingers, pinching it together as I worked across the paper. It's also sponged with some Crumb Cake ink and then adhered with Sticky Strip adhesive. The ribbon I used was from my retired stash and is the Early Espresso Quilted ribbon from last holiday season. It was the perfect accent for this card and I'm glad I still had some to use!
You could also substitute Soft Suede Taffeta for a similar look - still in the neutrals family and just as elegant.
Emma said her teacher loved the card and that makes my heart happy!

Speaking of Music - this is the reason we couldn't be at the orchestra event this weekend:

L to R - Erica, Mallory, Ashley, Emma, Courtney, Leilani, Jillian

L to R - Erica C., Jillian and Emma

Emma's synchronized skating team - the National Blades - had their first competition of the season in Hillsborough, NC this Sunday. 

L to R - Jillian, Ashley, Kelsey, Allison, Emma, Julia, Leilani

Bronze Medalists!

We are so proud of our girls - they skated an AWESOME skate - flawless with no major errors or any falls! They looked amazing and we know they will only get better from here. The rest of their competitions are against some very stiff competition from some powerhouse northeastern teams, but we know our girls will have a great showing and leave it all on the ice.
Go National Blades!!

Have a great Monday!
~~Robin

It's Wonderfall Again!

So, I teased you yesterday with just page one of my Wonderfall Layout, guess I should show you page two today:

There was lots of stampin' and scrappin' going on yesterday in the studio - my scrappers created two double page layouts getting ready for some fall and Christmas photos.

Here's a reminder of what page one looked like:

As you can see, page two was a continuation of page one, with the added element of the duo-tone leaf accent. I cut the leaf out with the Autumn Accents Big Shot Die with Very Vanilla cardstock. Then I used the matching stamp from the Wonderfall stamp set to color it. First I inked it with More Mustard ink, then added Cajun Craze around the edges with a Sponge Dauber. Once I stamped the image on the cut leaf, I sponged the edges with more Cajun Craze ink.
The large Early Espresso photo mat was "hung" from the top of the page with some Linen Thread wrapped around two tiny button brads from the Vintage Trinkets. So cute!

I'm anxious to put photos on these pages and get them in my scrapbook - I hope I've inspired you to scrap some memories today!

We're traveling this weekend to Hillsborough, NC for Emma's first Synchronized Skating competition of the season. Her team, the National Blades, is competing in the Central Carolina Synchro Skating Classic on Sunday and we are all excited to see how the girls will do!
If you've never heard of synchronized skating before - check it out! It's like the Rockettes on ice - so cool!
Wish us luck - Go National Blades!

Happy Weekend,
~~Robin

It's a "Wonderfall" Day!

Happy Fall Y'all!

Just a quick post for everyone today - I'm holding 2 make up classes for my Oh Scrap! class series and I've gotta get movin!

Here is a picture of page one of a double page 12" x 12" spread that my scrappers are making in class today:

I used a combination of designer paper from both the Orchard Harvest package and the Howlstooth and Scaringbone package.
The color combination is More Mustard, Cajun Craze and Early Espresso with a splash of Lucky Limeade, Island Indigo and Raspberry Ripple in the leafy dsp strip and the fun ruffled ribbon bow.

I used the Timber Stampin' Around Wheel (unmounted - video tutorial coming!) and the Wonderfall Stamp Set for my images and one of the yummy Bronze Buttons from the Holiday Mini Catalog.
For a final, glittery touch, I used a strip of the Champagne Glimmer Paper as one of the border pieces.

Can't wait to make this and three other pages today with my scrappers!

Enjoy your day!
~~Robin