L-inked Together

2. Mandy Grant (thanks for stopping by!)

3. Julie Leblanc

6. Aly Schilling

7. Cindy Schuster

9. Heather Summers

10. Alesha Walls

11. Holly VanDyne

MDS Blog Hop -Sale A Bration

2012-02-17T06:15:00.001-05:00

I just CAN'T get enough of the Sale A Bration goodies. My absolute favorite is the One Big Sale A Bration CD (item #127220) filled the entire catalog in digital format for FREE!!!
I created this layout with that CD and the Downtown Grunge kit :)

Grab a mini catalog and place a $50 order so you can get your One Big Sale A Bration CD for FREE!
You'll have tons of ideas to copy form the ladies in the Hop because that's this weeks theme. We're going to thrill you with lots of digital SAB projects!

2. Mandy Grant (thanks for stopping by!)

3. Julie Leblanc

6. Aly Schilling

7. Cindy Schuster

9. Heather Summers

10. Alesha Walls

11. Holly VanDyne

Digital Designs class on Sat

2012-02-16T06:31:00.000-05:00

Here's what you'll need for class this Sat.....

Top 10 Photobook Template 125161 $14.95 - click the link to purchase the download

We'll use this awesome template to create desktop calendars for your computer! We've not played with our calendar function enough yet so I thought it would be a fun way to change your desktop each month! Plus this template has TONS of embellishments on each page!

I'll see you Sat at 1:00 - or if you order online and can't attend I'll send you the video link by Sunday evening. Thanks again for being amazing customers and friends :)
Mandy

MDS Blog Hop - Template

2012-02-09T20:59:00.004-05:00

Today's challenge was to use a template and I love using templates so I was thrilled with this one!!!

My template comes in the Playful Polka Dot's Kit

Isn't this a FUN layout?

Well here's my take on it....I used the Tickets & Tags Kit because I loved how the colors blended with the lake pictures of the kids!

All your sweet comments last week on my Valentines framed art, made me smile! To thank y'all for your support I'll be giving away a FREE MDS VIDEO CLASS this month - just leave me a message (make sure it includes your email address) and I'll send you an invite to my video website, where you'll find this months video posted Feb 18th!

If you haven't tried MDS you can get a FREE 30 day trail, any time! I'll make sure to spend some time showing you a few tips and tricks to get you started! Just download it from HERE and let me know you're just getting started.

It's time to Hop on over to see how the others were inspired by templates!

2. Mandy Grant (thanks for stopping by!)

3. Julie Leblanc

6. Aly Schilling

7. Cindy Schuster

11. Kelly Birrel (this week's guest blog hopper!)

9. Heather Summers

10. Alesha Walls

11. Holly VanDyne

MDS Blog Hop - Loverly

2012-02-03T01:00:00.003-05:00

It's this time of year just loverly? Love is in the air and it causes you to ponder all the things that make your heart flutter. I've been waiting to share this with you for weeks now... it's a "word cloud" art work for Valentines day! I had such a blast using MDS (My Digital Studio) to create this for my class last Sunday. I'd say they equally enjoyed knowing they had something to display for this wonderful holiday.

Starting Feb 1st Stampin' Up! is offering a FREE 30 day trial of My digital Studio!!! If you love designing and need the flexibility to take your craft room with you, you'll love MDS! I also teach monthly classes online to help you learn how to use this amazing program :)

I printed the word cloud on Whisper White Card stock and then we embellished the top left corner with paper and a pretty scrunched ribbon. I taught them the fork technique for pretty bows and they were just giddy. One of them said it was worth the hour drive even if that was the only thing she learned for the day. How sweet is that! I love my ladies XOXOXO

To create this piece I used my search function under my stamps tab.... ALOT. I just kept typing in things that reminded me of Valentines day to see if I had anything that fit. You could do this for any occasion, easy peasy!

Now, your off to the races to find other Valentines goodies from our talented crew :) Oh, and we have a special treat for you at the end of the hop! Thanks for checking in with us, you're why we keep playing. LOL

1. Jeanna Bohanon
2. Mandy Grant (thanks for stopping by!)

7. Erica Shaw

10. Holly VanDyne

MDS Blog Hop - Winter

2012-01-27T07:38:00.001-05:00

Well since we've had NO snow and it was in the high 60's yesterday I really don't have new winter pictures. So here's a page I did last year that I thought you might like. It's a simple design (which is always great!) and it's from my most used download 2011 Notable Desktop Calendar! The papers in this kit are just yummy!!! And the bold lettering for the months of the year is fantastic - it would work nicely with any calendar you create.

*** When I post a download I always add a clickable link which takes you right to it. That way you can easily check it out for yourself!

I'd love to see you use this as a sketch for a page you create this weekend. When you do leave me a comment below (with the link to the page) so we can all be inspired by it!!!

So it's time to HOP on over and see if any of the other gals had snow to scrap this year! LOL
Remember Scrapbooking is living a happy moment twice!!!

1. Jeanna Bohanon
2. Rochelle Gould

3. Mandy Grant -you're here, thanks for visiting!

10. Alesha Walls
11. Holly VanDyne

MD Blog Hop Sketch

2012-01-20T00:38:00.000-05:00

I love working with sketches... they make my life so much easier. It was my turn to pick a theme so I went hunting sketches and thought this would be a super fun one to see done lots of ways.
I hope you will all play along this week too!

I had and blast with this one and I'll be using this sketch again because I just didn't have the time for all the "bells and whistles" that I wanted to add this time. There are times where you just need a super simple page and a sketch is the way to go! They've done all the hard work you just need to slap in a few photos and pick your papers and embellishments. The papers on this page are going to be FREE on Jan 24th in the amazing Sale A Bration Bundle CD that you can pick with a $50 order and YES they can be downloads!!!

I know the super talented ladies in the hop, have lots to show off this week, so head on over and be inspired. Thanks for checking out my blog! Mandy
1. Jeanna Bohanon

3. Mandy Grant (thanks for stopping by!)

4. Amber Meadows

5. Cindy Schuster

6. Erica Shaw

7. Heather Summers

8. Alesha Walls

9. Holly VanDyne

MDS blog hop - New goodies and a Survey

2012-01-13T04:00:00.000-05:00

I'm still head over heals for Twitterpatted....run grab this download if you haven't already!
Something I thought was worth sharing with all you MDS hoppers is how easy it now is to find new downloads every Tuesday! Check out the new page organized by date... Super EXCITED over here! Can you tell?

I get that question a ton how can I see all the downloads for the week quickly - Or browse other weeks I have missed? Go to Stampinup.com, click the store link on the top right (not shown above), then from the left side select Digital Downloads, lastly Newest Downloads....easy as 1,2,3!

Al-righty, here's my page with the Twitterpatted download. There is a picture of the download, in all it's glory, on the post from earlier this week, just keep scrolling.

I "borrowed" the layout and was reminded about adding multiple photos in a punch from a recent blog post on www.mydigitalstudio.net. You really need to go there often. Just sayin' - I get some much from that site!

I've made a quick video showing you how to use Heatger Summer's technique of adding multiple punches to a photo. Just so you know the whole story, she discovered this after Leah made a beautiful layout that took her DAYS and then asked if anyone on mds.net know of a better way. Here came Heather to the rescue. She played and found a super quick solution and share it with us all!
XOXO, Heather!!!

I'm working on some changes for 2012 but I need to know what you want first! Please take one of the surveys below if you'd like to give me your 2 cents. I'd really like to hear what you think!

Long Distance Ladies take this Survey
Click here to take survey

Local Ladies take this Survey
Click here to take survey

It's PAST time to head on over to the rest of the bloggers, so get going....and have a blast with the new goodies!

1. Jeanna Bohanon

3. Mandy Grant (thanks for stopping by!)

4. Amber Meadows

5. Cindy Schuster

6. Erica Shaw

7. Heather Summers

8. Alesha Walls

9. Holly VanDyne

Let's start 2012 off right!

2012-01-11T14:21:00.000-05:00

Where still in the 1st month of 2012 so NOW's the time to work on this years album. It'll be a year in review album, all ready to go, so as life happen snap a picture (even if it's on your phone) to help remember a few of each month's activities.

The inspiration came for the great Cindy Shuster and I think she got it from mydigitalstudio.net, but that's what Designing is all about, seeing and idea and running with it!

For our Year in Review 2012 scrapbook we'll be "starting with" the FANTASTIC twitterpated download that was released this week. I'm truly twitterpated over this HUGE download. For just $9.95 you get all 12 pieces of the DSP, the 3 fabric patterns (thats a first), 12 buttons that match WITH the stitching inside (whoo hooo), a large collection of stamps, and a template page, too!!!

This is my favorite download of the year.....yes, the year is young but I can't wait to see SU top this one!

Only Download needed for class:

Twitterpated HUGE download $9.95

These are NOT required but I'll be using:

Timeless Type Number Punches $9.95

or Simple Numbers Punch $3.95

Month by Month $7.95 (used in the Birthday Swatchbook class)

Day in the Life (FREE KIT last week - posted on my FB page)

If you're long distance you can create the entire project along with my video. Just order the download and I'll send you the video link :)

Check out the 1st page of the album you'll create, with me, on Sat.....

Oh, Oh, Oh and I'm creating madly for our 1st speciality class of the year! Mark Jan 29th from 2:00-8:00 as a day out with the girls! We'll be making ton's of goodies for Valentines Day. Starting with a scrumptious 8x10 piece of art, a mini scrapbook/coupon gift, an over the top -fancy fold -heart card, and we'll top it all off with a sweet little heart gift box. And, yes, I'll be making Mom's Chicken Soup for dinner. You're welcome to BYO drinks. Let's make it a FUN Loving day! If you're in, shoot me an email because I only have space for 8. Full details by Friday.

MDS BLOG HOP - NEW YEAR!!!

2012-01-06T11:21:00.000-05:00

Hey guys, so I wanted to show you something else I made with printing on fabric and a few of the things I learned along the way. I decided that since I had fallen in love with my sisters sewing machine... Yes, I know, MANY times I've said I'd never sew but it's easier then I expected and I love it :) Oh back to the story. I decide while I had her machine I was going to make tons of coffee cozies and I did. About 50 actually! This was one of my favorites so I kept it....hehehehehe

If you are going to try and print on fabric please keep reading! After printing on the fabric for the last post I had an ah ha moment and decide to make a template in MDS to make photo cozies! I used oval and square punches to create the template and then I used Heather's technique to add more then one photo in a punch. We'll be playing with this technique at our digital class on the 14th - I know you'll love it! I hope by looking at the photo below you'll see how I made my template....let me know if you have questions!

WARNING: You need to buy 8 1/2 x 11 Fabric sheets for your printer. They can be found in the Big Box store with the quilting stuff! I printed on lots of my own homemade fabric sheets and while it worked great I made some projects and then they got wet....well I'm sure you can guess it.... they bleed. So I looked for hours on the internet to see how I could "cure" the fabric and all the tricks failed me. So my sweet hubby took me to the store (love him) to see if I could BUY something and yes, they carry printable fabric sheets! Thank you Lord, because I needed to make these for Christmas. I'd spent the time to create them in MDS and by golly they had to work!

Here's the finished project and my family loved them :) They are reversible so I could get a sister picture and the grandkids on these for my parents!

The fabric feels like canvas it's super durable and WASHABLE! YAY :)

Ok here's another card with the edgelits from the new mini catalog and the rest is all FREE Sale A Bration goodies coming on Jan 24th!

Hop on over and see what the others have to share!
1. Jeanna Bohanon

3. Mandy Grant (thanks for stopping by!)

4. Amber Meadows

5. Cindy Schuster

6. Erica Shaw

7. Heather Summers

8. Alesha Walls

9. Holly VanDyne

New Year, New Catalog and New FREE stuff

2012-01-05T14:33:00.000-05:00

2012 is going to be exciting for so many reasons.

First, I started a quite time again. I've been missing it for so long. When I spend time with Him He speaks and I desire to listen, so that's a HUGE step in the right direction. My focus is changing which will be a good thing for everyone around me. ;)

I started stampin' 9 years ago and joined Stampin Up! to get a discount because I wanted it ALL. Sound familiar? And even though I've been teaching stamping, as my full time job for last 3 years, I'm still my best customer. Well this new catalog will be NO exception! I want it ALL.

Oh, and you have to come over and play with the new FRAMELITS and EDGELITS - both used in the card below :)

I've sent out TONS of mini catalogs so please let me know if you didn't get your copy :)

Sale A Bration Starts in just 19 days! Earn more FREE when you Spend, Host or Join!

I'll post another card tomorrow using new products.

Thanks for stopping by!

Mandy

MDS Blog Hop - Holidays

2011-12-16T08:57:00.000-05:00

Here's another gift that I've ben dying to make since I've been sucked in by Pinterest. Here's my Pinterest page. Almost a year ago or more I saw Heather print on fabric and was in AWE but I recently found this amazing tutorial so now I can't wait to try it!!

Here's my inspiration picture

getting excited about the finished project....but I still need to buy my fabric.

I'll be making 2 of the same size pillows for my in-laws one with our family and one of Chris' brother.

I'm in love with the NEW Eclectic Overlays that came out on Tuesday - a must have download and they are the size I needed!

Here's the picture I'm going to print on fabric!!!! EEEKKKK

I'm so excited :)

I hope they like it as much as I do and yes, I will be making a set for myself, too!

I'll post a quick video in a few hours - it has not uploaded yet....

Have a Very Merry Christmas only 9 days left - happy gift making :)

Mandy

Check out the rest of the gals:

3. Mandy Grant (that's me!)

4. Julie Leblanc (she's your next stop on the HOP)

Click here to skip my babbling and see for yourself.

CHEAP Crafty Stuff on the Clearance Rack

2011-12-15T10:13:00.000-05:00

I woke up to suck a HUGE surprise this morning! Stampin' Up! has added TONS of goodies to the clearance rack and it's a first come first served blitz!

When you get there select the show all button on the left, so you don't have to page through, you can see all of them by just scrolling.

All I can say is I'm placing a large order for a small price...whoo hoo!

Almost all of the old style punches (black) are on there for under $10 even though they are current shapes. So if you have a punch or 2 on your wish list now is the time to rack up...hehehe rack up.

theres tons of retired dies, dirt cheap!

this one is just $2. 19

and this $70 alphabet die set is $27.99....oooohhhhh....I'm so getting this one!

Now for the one that makes me jump up and down..... the BIG buttons, YAY!

all 4 of the old sets that MATCH our current fabrics are on sale for under $4 for 48 buttons. This size anywhere else can be almost a $1 a button. I'll be grabbing several packs of each!

There is so much I can't show all or you'd be here all day and miss out on some great steals. But if you still need to add the NEW CORE COLORS to your water color crayons and chalks, these sets are dirt cheap, so make sure you have completed sets of both!

Ok so RUN and see what's on sale and remember if you grab a few orders from some friends and you hit $150 you qualify for hostess benefits!

Happy Shopping and Merry Christmas to you!

Mandy

MDS Blog Hop - Holidays

2011-12-09T07:17:00.001-05:00

We'll be showing all things Holiday over the next few weeks on the hop and I realized that I had never show the Christmas Card designs for MY family. I made 2 styles of 9 1/2 x 4 postcards front and back.

Hop on over to see more Holiday inspired posts and have a very, Merry Christmas :)

3. Mandy Grant (that's me!)

4. Julie Leblanc (she's your next stop on the HOP)

MDS Blog Hop - Monochromatic

2011-12-02T07:29:00.002-05:00

I had more fun with this challenge then I expected....I searched and searched....LOVE the search button with stamps and embellishments but it's not always easy for Background Papers so I decided to use a "trick" to make them the color I wanted. I've added a video at the bottom to show you how!

Oh and some of you told me you couldn't SEE the video last time so I've made it bigger. LOL But you can also click the HD arrows and make it full screen without it being blurry. Sorry, last time I was trying a new way to upload my videos that DIDN'T work...I'll try to go back and fix that soon!

There's about a 30 second delay halfway through where MDS was updating (CRAZY) so hang in there I didn't go anywhere. LOL

Check out some of the other Monochromatic Schemes!

3. Mandy Grant (that's me!)

4. Julie Leblanc (she's your next stop on the HOP)

You can find all the categories here!

Create your own Class.....

2011-12-02T07:00:00.000-05:00

We've created so many gift over the last 4 months that I'm THRILLED to be giving this Christmas Season. I want'ed to give you another chance to make some more... to help your holiday budget this year, too!

Friday Dec 9th 10AM or 7PM you can pick any 2 of the projects shown below. You must RSVP with the gifts you want to make by MONDAY, Dec 5th so I can have them ready for Friday. I have a limited number of each so it's the first to RSVP with payment. I'll send you a pay pal invoice after you send me the email of the 2 gifts you want to make.
If you can't make it ask me about kits for some of these great gifts!

Fabric Choices: Spice Cake (shown), Timeless, Springtime Vintage, Deck the Halls, and Candy Cane

Key Chain $6 - video tutorial available

Artistic Frame (shape may vary) $5 - video tutorial available

Stationary box with 6 cards and envelopes $12 - video tutorial available

(MY FAVORITE) Magnetic, Fabric, Dry Erase Board $15 video tutorial available

DVD case with Notepad (missing in action- I must be using it) $8 - video tutorial available

or DVD case with 4 matching cards $10

or DVD case with a calendar and notebook inside $10

Merry & Blessed Banner with Box $10 - picture's only no tutorial

Can Calendar - you provide a LARGE campbell's chunky soup can - $3 written tutorial with pictures

12 x 12 Chunky Blessed Frame $18 - no tutorial but everything is printed, punched, die cut and ready to assemble

Cork Board Trio $15 - video tutorial available

Merry Christmas!

Mandy

Last Gift Class of the Season Tomorrow!

2011-12-01T13:01:00.001-05:00

Hey Gang! I know you don't want to miss my last gift class of the season. I saved the best for LAST.

We'll meet Tomorrow, Friday 10am or 7pm. You pick the time thats best for you!
Class is $10 and I'll have kits you can order to make a few more :)

TEASER - Mark down Friday Dec 9th if you'd like to make a few more of any of the gifts we done, in the last 4 months. I'll post more about these later today. I know I told you I was not having any more classes for Dec but I couldn't resist. I want you to MAKE as many of your gifts this year as possible!

So what's the gift?
It's a beautifully embellished, cork board, Embroidery Hoop Trio....long name, I know!
The recipient of this gift (or you *wink*) can hang notes, pictures and even jewelry on these bad boys.
I'll have 3 styles to choose from - Springtime Vintage Fabric (not shown), Candy Cane Fabric (not shown) or Deck the Halls Fabric (shown below) just make sure you shoot me an email and let me know what style you want to make.

Send me an email - linkedtogether@gmail.com so I can hold your seat and cut your fabric!

Support a Small Business while products are on sale!

2011-11-22T13:00:00.001-05:00

I'm loving this beautiful weather here in Georgia! Not too cold yet it still fells like fall. I hope your healthy, happy and warm wherever you are!

There are some CRAZY sales till tomorrow (Wednesday) that I'd hate for you to miss! Please let me know if you want to get my emails but didn't get one on Monday about this sale. I send out e-cards with specials a few times a year.

You guys rock and I want to thank you for supporting my Small Business this Holiday Season!

I'm going to HIGHLIGHT just my favorite from each sale category but make sure to look through all of them!

If you don't have MDS yet and you've been considering it NOW'S the time! You can download RIGHT NOW and get an extra $40 in downloads FREE - if you pick the booster pack you'll have all the content that comes in the $80 program or you can pick choose from 2 other download bundles - Holiday downloads or Scrapbooking downloads - how fun is that!?

That's like getting MDS RIGHT NOW for half off!!!

I teach classes monthly that you can join from anywhere by video. Get it half off and I'll teach you how to use it.

Click here to see the items that come in each of these options so you can choose before you go to buy it! Once you add it to the cart you'll see a congrats message under the special offer for you to pick your bundle of downloads free!

My favorite at 25% off

is Frosty Day II for only $7.46!

my favorite at 40% off is

Downtown Grunge (my all time favorite - I use it a TON)

is now 11.97!!!

the candy wrapper die is only 26.36 and I can show you how to make it fit a FULL size candy bar! Whoo hoo :)

the yummy ribbon BUNDLE -

OH MY 40% off ink spots...if your new to stamping this is a MUST HAVE ( I still use them all the time)- you'll get 10 colors of ink for only $13.17. If your a demo you need these for classes they are easy to carry and great for new stampers!

The Occasions Alphabet is only $21.98 - yay!

I love both of the FABRICS that are 60% off - oh and theres some in the 50% off category, too!

gotta love the bling of GLIMMER BRADS!!!

Stay warm and have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING. I'm so thankful for each of you and your support! I'm thankful that I can provide for my family and have fun at the same time!
Mandy

Downloads for Digital class on 11/20

2011-11-18T13:00:00.001-05:00

Hey ladies! We'll be making this fun and functional Can Calendar at our digital class this Sunday 7pm.

Digital downloads needed for the class: click each to add them to your shopping cart!

Month to Month brush stamp set $7.95 - MUST HAVE used on Birthday Swatchbook

Simple Stitches and Corners $4.95 - Must HAVE used on Birthday Swatchbook

Spice Cake Digital DSP $9.95 - any DSP will work - but spice cake is YUMMY!

Dotted Scallop Ribbon Boarder Punch $0.95 - used on Birthday Swatchbook

See you Sunday at 7pm!

Oh BTW, I added a video on how I made the background paper on my Philippians Word Art! Scroll down and watch it. Let me know what you think.

MDS Blog Hop - Home

2011-11-17T02:06:00.002-05:00

This has been a hard month for many of my family and friends so my project is beautiful word art for the home. I made this to remind me where my focus MUST be and I hope it will bless you as well. Honestly, I think this will be the new mantra for our home and I can't wait to get it back from the printer and stick it in a pretty frame!

Philippians 4:8-9

Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything is worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me (Christ), practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Inspiration Alert....I found this gem in my 8 1/2 x 11 templates. It's part of the Write Stuff II download and I've told you before I love that set so it became my springboard for this piece.

I know each of you will have a blessed weekend as you dwell on these things.

Remember God is bigger then all circumstances so let's focus on Him!

xoxoxo Mandy

EDITED: You asked so I added a video on how to make the background paper! Enjoy

I can't wait to see what the others have come up with this week. I wonder if there will be more home decor? I sure hope so I'd love to be inspired to make some more!

3. Mandy Grant (that's me!)

4. Julie Leblanc (she's your next stop on the HOP)

MDS Blog Hop - Remembrance

2011-11-11T07:43:00.000-05:00

I honestly can't believe it's already friday....I forgot to get my post ready for this morning so I'll come back later to edit it but for now hop on over and see how the ladies REMEMBER their loved ones.

3. Mandy Grant (that's me!)

4. Julie Leblanc (she's your next stop on the HOP)

MDS Bog Hop and the Calendar Feature!

2011-11-04T07:38:00.000-05:00

I'm in heaven with the new Calendar feature! Have you checked it out? If not you need to take some time to play. Over and over I heard people say SU needed to come out with calendar temples a year in advance. Well true to the + one campaign they have blown that out of the water AND it was FREE! You can make a calendar on ANY project (card, tag, scrapbook page...etc! ) with dates until 2021. Did I hear you scream for joy? Oh wait that was me... but I'm sure you did too when you first saw this new feature!

So because I'm in the gift making mood my project is a QUICK, EASY, project you can duplicate for ANYONE. Yes, I even think you could make it masculine and it would work for any man that has a desk!

I created 5x7 calendar pages cut them out and stuck them into an acrylic frame! All 12 month tuck neatly behind the frame and are easy to change out each month! I love that you can use a dry erase to write notes or circle important dates like Valentines day on this one. BUT my favorite part is the Calendar Cues stamp set made it easy to customize each month with games, appointments, birthdays, and such!

I printed these on the side of the 8 1/2 x 11 and cut them small then I applied our "blue" two way glue and let it dry completly. This makes it reposition-able! So I stuck all the ones I was not using for that month on the back side of the frame with the dry erase marker. Fun right?!

Her's what it looks like in MDS before I printed it.

The top one is another way to use it with a picture but the calendar cues won't work. Still a cute idea for grandparents and such!

So take some time to be inspired by the fabulous ladies in the blog hop and play with the new calendar feature. Don't forgot to thank SU for going above and beyond!

3. Mandy Grant (that's me!)

4. Julie Leblanc (she's your next stop on the HOP)

Thanks for hopping by and have a beautiful day!

Mandy

Traditional Christmas Cards

2011-10-31T13:31:00.000-05:00

are still a BIG deal with crafty people (look at the votes to the right) so I wanted to share 2 more designs that I've come up with. The Sounding Joy was a must have set as soon as I saw it in the mini catalog but I have to be honest the Pines & Poinsettias was not a favorite till I got it FREE and played with it!

this is a gate fold photo card half open

If you'd like to make these with us on Friday morning or evening RSVP now!

NOW for some BIG MDS NEWS....

Our super crafty friend, Lana Brooks, has been selected as one of the 5 customer finalist for the My Digital Studio Contest. YAY!!! Click on her name to see her samples and don't forget to vote so she can win $400 in downloads.

While you're there look at all the amazing samples and vote for your 3 favorite customers and

3 favorite demonstrators. We have 3 demonstrators represented from our MDS Blog Hop! Whoo hoo!

Congrats to Jeanna, Heather and Rochelle

If you'd like to see my entries for the contest you can find my card here and my layout here. I had a blast creating them and I'm so glad I entered because I designed things I wouldn't have otherwise.

Happy Crafting!

Mandy

Digital Christmas Cards...MDS Blog Hop

2011-10-28T06:00:00.007-05:00

It always makes me smile when I can create with pictures of theses beautiful people! Is my sisters family not just gorgeous?! She had these pictures taken by on old friend who has a photography business - Lisa Rappa Photography. I love that my sister helped a FAMILY OWNED business! Since were going to spend the money this season shouldn't it be with Local Artists?!

Here's a few MDS tips: Creating all 3 designs inside a Tri Fold card project will help with the cost of printing! Plus, if your like me and can't decide which you like best you could have them printed just like this and get 3 postcard designs out of one card. hahaha

No, really I would make a decision and change all 3 panels of the card to look the same. The next image shows the back side of the card so they could be cut into postcards when they arrive.

*Save some cash* Adding your designs into a full card is the most cost effective way to order them without sacrificing quality! Prints sent off to Stampin' Up! are a heavy weight cardstock with a matte finish that look and feel like you paid a fortune - but you didn't - and your helping a small business owner, and friend, YOUR Stampin' Up! Demonstrator.

If you don't have a local demonstrator, I'd love to help you with your cards and gift giving this season!

Since inquiring minds (mostly just me) what to know... I created two polls on the top right of my blog.

I sure hope you'll take a minute and answer them.

Which design you like the best?

What kind of cards do you typically send and What kind of crafter are you?

The ornaments

Stamps: Merry & Type, Friends 24/7, Season of Cheer

Paper: Elegant Soiree

Happy Holidays

Stamps: Season of Cheer, Friends 24/7

Merry and Bright - Indigo

Stamps: Thoughtful Overlays, Merry & Type

Punch: Flag

Merry and Bright - Cobbler

Wether your a digital designer, traditional crafter, or not crafty at all I'd love to help you with all your Holiday needs. I teach gift and card making classes, offer gift making kits, and have ready to give items for sale! How may I help you, this season? linkedtogether@gmail.com

For all you Digital Designers, thanks for following the HOP! It's time to gather some more inspiration from these super talented ladies.

3. Mandy Grant (that's me!)

4. Julie Leblanc (she's your next stop on the HOP)

Out side of the box - MDS Blog Hop!

2011-10-21T00:01:00.000-05:00

Well I started in a whole 'nother direction and wound up here...But I'm happy with the way it turned out!

Now that it's time to plan for Leadership I'm pulling out some Convention photos - I'm so behind but it's fun to look back. Besides these photos helped me get into the Leadership spirit.

We just booked our tickets to San Antonio! Are you going?

On to the design....Did you see how I used this outside of the box? There was only one frame on the original paper, shown below, so I cropped it and added them together to make my own background paper! It's a little over the top, I know, but perfect for Convention memories. I also used the "journaling" by cutting them (with the punch tool) out of another paper in the Beau Chateau pack. Just zoom in and out to get the right sized words for the box you want!

Is this too busy for you? Let me know your thoughts!

Hop on over to see what the other designers have in store.... I know I'm eager to see!

3. Mandy Grant (that's me!)

Catch the fever at gift class this Thursday...

2011-10-17T17:03:00.000-05:00

Oh man, now that I've made one, I so have Chunk Frame Fever! I know you'll catch it too when you make yours at gift class this Thursday! I only have 12 chunky frames so RSVP quickly to get your seat! This is a really great deal too since the class fee is less then the cost of the project supplies...just my early gift to you. There will be 4 different background papers so they won't be exactly the same.

I made it in MDS first so I could see what it would look like and then decided to make it hybrid. So I cut card stock with the Peek a Boo die and all I can say is it's sooo cool! Then printed the numbers and punched them out. I'm working on another one for Christmas. Whoo hoo.....

It's a frame all about blessings and could be up all year round but.....since I couldn't COMMIT, I created it all on a pice of DSP backer and then just added it to the frame with glue dots in the corner so I can change it out for each season. So let me know what you think?

Will you be at class this Thursday morning at 10AM or evening at 7PM?

RSVP here

Number my days....MDS blog Hop- gratitude

2011-10-14T07:55:00.001-05:00

Oh, I've had a blast with countdowns this week! I can't wait for you to see them :) This weeks challenge was to create something related to Thanksgiving or Gratitude. I'll start with my less obvious thanksgiving creations. I wanted to create a Birthday Countdown to help celebrate the birthday child (or adult ;) for more then just one day. I found my inspiration form Super Mommy. Man, I am SO NOT a super mommy but I love my children and I hope they know that.

It's a little late in the game but I am going to print these bad boys (make a few age appropriate changes) and celebrate my children, letting them know how thankful I am to have them in my life. Or is it ever to late to start a NEW tradition? I think not, if it shows them I love them!
These are screen shots of my projects....They are just like my Christmas Countdown and I will have them stick to the fridge in a 12x12 page protector. The cupcakes are the magnets and under them reveal a way to celebrate the birthday child each day as they countdown the week to their birthday!

This shows the page that I will print to cut out the cupcakes and add the magnets! Oh and the NAME at the top will also be a magnet so I can change them out for the boys with out having to print 2 of the background pages. I will offer kits of anyone is interested!

Now for the girly one (well kinda, Erika is not very girly)!

Are these not sooo much fun?! I know my nephews will love getting these and my sister will think I'm a super mommy for the idea. LOL

Now for the more obvious gratitude project with MDS.....
I fell in LOVE with Kim Assaly's Advent Calendar using the Chunky frames that are on the clearance rack....man you need to get one RIGHT NOW!!! But I wanted to PLAN it out before I just starting cutting away and was un happy with the colors and such so I created the DRAFT in MDS and I will make it IRL this afternoon! Whoo Hoo - I can't wait to show you the finished project! Remember it's still a work in progress but I'm so excited with how it's looking! What do you think???

Ok so there's what I've been working on and I'll have kits for the birthday countdowns for sale if you're interested let me know!

Hop on over and see what the others are THANKFUL for!

3. Mandy Grant (that's me!)

Letters to Santa DSP $4.95

Christmas Countdown Class and Kits

2011-10-11T13:16:00.000-05:00

I'm so happy with this project that I want to teach you how to make it!

Or give you the option to order the kit! Whoo Hoo (see below)

Join me this Sunday evening at 7pm for our My Digital Studio Gift class. We'll make these together in MDS then you can print and make a bunch of them to give away!

If you are coming to class (or want to get the video) these are the digital items you'll need to order.

Letters to Santa Embellishments $3.95

Merry & Type Brush Set $3.95

If you don't want to make this in MDS but would love to give a few to some loved ones.....I have a new KIT option for MDSINR (My Digital Studio In Real Life) projects!

Starting this month you can order the project kit and make it at my Chics and Chocolate class that month (or at home in you can't come to class).

Christmas Countdown Kit - must be ordered by this Sunday October 16th.

The kit will include the two 12 x12 printed pages used in this design, a 12 x12 page protector, 25 magnet squares, and an envelope to store the pieces in while not in use.

Everything you need to create this gift for just $10. Order 4 or more of these kits and you'll get one FREE, from me! Send me an email before Oct 16th, I'll send you a pay pal invoice. You'll have the kits in time for my Oct 28th Chics & Chocolate Crafting Class.

Check back later this week for more Countdown Kit options for Birthdays, Teachers and more! Please, comment on this post to let me know what you think about the new kit option!

I have a gift for you...

2011-10-10T15:28:00.000-05:00

I'm so excited about the Big Deals in Oct and I want to share them with you. I started crafting because of the gifts I could make and give for Christmas. I love giving gifts! I'd love to get together with you and a few friends and share my passion for gift giving and give you a few gifts too. I'll be making a few calls tomorrow to book a few parties and share the Big Shot deal with you, my friends and customers. If you answers the phone tomorrow Oct 11th and give me the codeword I have a free gift for you! But if you already know you want to have a few friends over for some stamping fun then shoot me an email that says YES (don't forget to include the codeword free Big Shot to get your 1st free gift) I want to make some gifts with friends I'll have an second gift for you! Remember to answer the phone tomorrow and say the codeword FREE BIG SHOT......I'll tell you how you can get one too :)

Happy Crafting - L-inked Together with Ink, Paper, a FREE BIG SHOT and YOU!
Mandy Grant

It's a party MDS Blog Hop

2011-10-07T07:20:00.000-05:00

The challenge today was to create anything that could be used in a Halloween party, how fun! Plus I got the create a hybrid project which makes me super happy to see my creation come to life.

I just re did the party theme project we did in class a few months back with the Beau Chateau paper. So the idea was already create all I had to do was change it out. Another reason that MDS make life so much easier!

Here what it looked like on an 8 1/2 x 11 project before I printed it.

Next, I cut them out and to make them straight when I hang them over the twine I use the Simply Scored tool to make an even fold. Whoo hoo, that makes me so happy!

Join the rest of the PARTY and Hop on over to see what the other girls have for you today!

3. Mandy Grant (that's me!)

Not sure where to start - LOTS of UPDATES!

2011-10-02T18:09:00.000-05:00

All I can say is I'm overly excited -WHOO HOOO.....

Stampin' Up! made tons of announcements yesterday.

I'll post the two most exciting first because we all love to save $ on things we want, right?

Let me tell you - you MUST go check out the items on sales in the Clearance Rack!

They can only be ordered from my online store. Click the link below to see them!

NEW items added to the Clearance Rack in the Online Store, including some holiday products!
Please note: Clearance Rack items are non-refundable and only available while supplies last.

You can see them HERE.

I love my Big Shot and I want to give you one for FREE.....

This is an offer to DIE for, if you love Stampin' Up! product, no commitment, just amazing quality products at a discount! Plus, discounts on my classes :)

Click HERE to get more details and then call me (678-215-3581) so we can chat about the rest!

Promotion Details: Buy two Simply Sent Kits and get a FREE coordinating stamp set! Our Simply Sent Kits are the ideal choice for the beginning crafter. The card kits offer a variety of basic themes, so it's easy to create cards for any occasion. These are a great Holiday Gift Idea. Not everyone is crafty or has the time to create like you love to, but everyone can give a hand made card with these SIMPLY Beautiful Kits!

NEW MDS HOSTESS OPTION, BULK CARD PRICING AND NEW PRINT PRODUCTS to be announced tomorrow! I'll post more on Friday with the Blog Hop!!!

Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps a great gift at only $16.95.
are a brand-new product that will appeal to crafters and non-crafters, alike--not to mention kids!
Just make your favorite shortbread cookie dough (or one of the two included recipes) and stamp away! Create beautiful, hand-stamped cookies in a flash. The stamp images are completely food-safe and child-friendly.

The easy-to-use cookie stamp has a solid wood handle with three interchangeable stamp images: a heart, a jack-o-lantern, and a snowflake.

WINNER of the Christmas Card SAS on Friday 10am or 7pm.

Reminder, Monday is the last day to sign up for either of these classes! Shoot me an email linkedtogether@gmail.com

to let me know when you'r coming.

I asked my son to pick and random time and the winner would be the lady who posted on my FB page closest to that time. Drum Roll............................

Corey picked 5:13pm! Three of you were close but Liene Tuttle was the closest, with 5:27pm!!! Whoo hoo, Liene, I'll send you your goodies :) too bad you can't join us at class. We all miss you!

MDS Blog Hop - Color Combo

2011-09-30T03:24:00.000-05:00

Big Bummer, I was not able to play in MDS this week for our Color Combo. It's been a little nuts around here getting ready for our Gifts Galore Team Event and I'm sure if my sweet hubby saw me "playing" in MDS when he has no clean underwear he may have been a bit disappointed. LOL

BTW - I've not forgotten about the Winner for the Christmas Card SAS - Check back monday for the announcement!

So that's enough from me - HOP on over and be inspired by COLOR - specifically So Saffron, Night of Navy, Pear Pizzazz, and Cajun Craze!

1. Jeanna Bohanon
2. Rochelle Gould

3. Mandy Grant (that's me)

Month to Month brush stamp set $7.95

Organizational gift #2

2011-09-24T08:00:00.000-05:00

plus, 3 and 4....I guess you can say I've been creating like crazy!
Thank you Stampin' Up! for Fabric, Cardstock, Designers Paper and Digital Images that ALL match, yaaaayyyy! They helped me make some fun gifts for Jenny's Birthday! I hope she likes them :)

We'll be focusing on the Calendar in this post but I have to mention the Bakers Twine Holder (L) and the Credit Card Holder/ Picture Album (B). The Credit card holder was inspired by this post, sent to me by my friend Kasey. It's yummy in person and so much cheaper then a Vera Bradley! And my sweet friend Kay brought a twine holder that she made for show 'n tell, it was SOOOO cute I had to make one, too!

Let me show you the Calendar/ Pen Holder up close

Give me a big Woo Hoo, because it's pretty and functional. Mom sent me this idea from a local office supply store and I thought "Oh my, I could make this in MDS and it would be pretty." There's was just basic but I loved the idea and we've been eating soup. hehehe

Here's how I used MDS to get'r done

(did you know you can find "get'r done" in the Urban dictionary - oh how I love the south)

These are the 2 pages I created in MDS and printed at home. The numbers were printed on regular paper and the main image on vanilla card stock.

Each page design needs to measure 4 3/4 x 10 to wrap around the can and then cut them into 4 pieces.

cut out the hole for the number

place sticky strip along one side

wrap the numbers first - NOT TO TIGHT

Then wrap the pretty pieces, starting at the bottom, using the lip on the can as your guide.

"Souper" easy! LOL

I will be making several of these for teachers but it'd make a great gift for an friend at work, too! Just toss in some coffee beans and a few pens. We'll make this at our MDS class in November!

Supplies used:

Spice Cake Digital DSP

Simple Stitches and Corners $4.95

Dotted Scallop Ribbon Boarder Punch $0.95

I've been so inspired to create recently and I hope this inspired you!

Let's get organized continued....tomorrow

2011-09-23T07:59:00.001-05:00

For my second project I used MDS to make a really fun gift for my friend Jenny who is coming to visit this weekend for her Birthday! YAY! I'm so excited but I can't post it till I give it to her tonight. LOL

I made her an organizational gift that my mom sent me the idea for :) Thanks Mom it's super cute and I'll be making more of these for teachers. Any guesses?

If you want to know what it is.... you have to come back tomorrow!

MDS Blog Hop - Let's Get Organized!

2011-09-23T06:00:00.000-05:00

Well, I'm not sure that this is an organizational project; however, it will help me see how quickly things are approaching and it MIGHT get me moving a little quicker! LOL

I made a magnetic Christmas Countdown for the fridge and had it printed with the Stampin' Up! printing service. I couldn't be happier, the colors are bright and it's just what I expected!

I added our magnet sheets to the back of the countdown pieces and the main background is in one of our 12x12 page protectors.

How fun is that?!

It was so easy that I'll be making a few more... Birthday Style! It will make a perfect gift for each one of my nephews. I know they will love counting down to their big day. They will get a countdown to Christmas, too but I plan to give it to them at Thanksgiving :)

Wanna make some too? This will be the gift project we'll be making in October at my MDS class. I know you won't want to miss it. I'll show you all the little tips and tricks.

Supplies used:

Letters to Santa DSP $4.95

Letters to Santa Embellishments $3.95

Merry & Type Brush Set $3.95

Go find some other great organization ideas with the lovely ladies in the MDS Blog Hop!

1. Jeanna Bohanon
2. Rochelle Gould

You choose and I'll pick a winner

2011-09-21T12:29:00.000-05:00

because I'm just not sure. I'm making cards for my Christmas Card SAS on October 7th and my vintage side says the Cobbler w/ Espresso (R) but I think the Riding Hood Red (L) just pops!

Which one do you like best?
Post a comment and LIKE my L-inked Together page on Facebook. If you already like my page LIKE this post on from my facebook page. I'll pick one lucky winner to join me at our SAS in October for FREE. If you live out of town I'll mail you the unstamped kit with 20 cards! 10 of the Poinsettia Card (of your choice) and 10 of the Doily Card below.

card designed Fran Sabad cased and tweeked by Me

Here's the 2nd card we'll be making at the SAS

I have a seat with your name on it for October 7th at 10AM or 7PM. Just let me know if you'll be attending the Morning or the Evening class and if you plan to make 12 or 20 cards!

But hurry....last months morning class was FULL.

RSVP with payment

Gift Giving AGAIN....MDS class Sunday Sept 18th

2011-09-16T10:20:00.000-05:00

Can you tell that I truly love the gift giving possibilities with Stampin' Up!? What other hobby can you USE to bring joy to others. If I have to have it all...which I do...then at least I can use the supplies I'm buying to help with other things that we spend money on, like gifts!

The next 3 months in of our My Digital Studio Class are a MUST ATTEND! We'll be doing 3 gifts that you can make once, send to the printer and have multiple gifts ready for Christmas. Saving you time and money! I'll even show you some alternate ideas, whoo hoo!

For September's class I'll be showing you how you can make a Swatchbook Perpetual Calendar for all the important dates we should not miss. (I made this one for me because I need some help in this area!) It's going to be one of the gifts I alter to give for the men in my life. The swatchbook is small enough for them to sit on their desk as a great REMINDER tool!

I've added the list below of what you'll need to order and download before class this Sunday. This is not when we normally have class - so make a note - I will not be here if you show up on Saturday!

If you can't attend but still want the video of the class, just order the supplies below and I'll send you a link to the video!
Downloads needed for Digital Class Sunday, September 18th 7PM
Dotted Scallop Ribbon Boarder Punch $0.95
Simple Stitches and Corners $4.95
Flag Punch $0.95 (used at a previous class check your downloads!)
Pocket Full of Posies Designer Paper $4.95 (used last month)

If you have some of the downloads above here's an alternate suggestion that you will LOVE for this project but is NOT required....
Month to Month brush stamp set $7.95

See you SUNDAY at 7PM. This is not when we normally have class - so make a note - I will not be here if you show up on Saturday!

MDS blog hop week 7

2011-09-16T07:55:00.000-05:00

I thought it would be fun to show y'all the first page I ever created in MDS since the theme this week is FALL and this page fits the bill! And Honestly I just didn't have time to create something new. LOL

When I first downloaded MDS in 2009 I also bought a few downloads because I couldn't resist having some FUN designer series papers. When you fist get the program there are over 2000 images in it but we have so many great paper downloads that's where I'd say you should add to the program first. So, I ordered the Wright Stuff II and Sweet Pea Kit as my fist two downloads and I still use them both a ton. Great selections of papers and embellishments!

Here's my fist ever MDS layout - drumroll please.......

What makes this page even more fun is that when I had it printed from Stamping Up! I was able to add the Sweet Pea felt embellishments right over the top of the the little circles and it just adds a nice pop!

This is a simple layout but you know what I still love it and for me that's a big deal. LOL

Go check out the rest of the group and their fun fall projects.

3. Mandy Grant (that's me!)

Simply INKredible gift class - next Thursday

2011-09-09T12:32:00.000-05:00

Have I told you how excited I am about this class? Yes, I know - several times!!! But I'm just thrilled because gift giving is what got me started stamping. I LOVE that you can take a simple candy bar wrap it in paper, add a quick tag and you have a sweet little gift.

So this weeks class has another sweet "little" gift - we'll be making a DOUBLE sided MINI banner! And it fits in our NEW craft boxes - yaaaayyy!

Here's a sneak peek - I've tried to take pictures of the whole thing and it's just hard to do because it's double sided! This banner says BLESSED on one side and MERRY (Christmas and a Happy New Year) on the other.

I hung mine in the kitchen and was giddy! I know the recipient of this gift will be happy to hang it for almost half the year. Now, that's a gift that keeps on giving :)

Class Fee is $10 for the supplies you will need to bring your adhesive.

I will have kits, to remake these as Christmas gifts, for sale at the class.

If you place a $25 order you'll even be entered into a drawing for Hostess Benefits, too. If you are a CLUB member that means you could earn FREE stuff more then once in your 6 months, whoo hooo!

There is limited seating in both the morning and evening class

so RSVP now with payment to guarantee your spot.

MDS Trick or Treat

2011-09-09T07:55:00.000-05:00

How about both! Today is a Hybrid MDS blog hop. It was my turn to pick the theme and I LOVE Hybrid projects so I guess I gave the girls a pretty big challenge. I know they will all rock it and I can't wait to see their Hybrid projects. Oh BTW - Sorry I missed playing along last week.

My project was inspired by the downloads that came out on Friday - you can see them here - they are on the right side, just scroll down to see all of them!

Trick or Treat's

Sorry the picture is a little blurry.

But these treats are so cute, and super quick!

I'm loving the 1" x 8" treat bags in the new mini catalog so I HAD to use them. I should have showcased it a little more but you imagine how cute it is with the pixi sticks in it, right? I wanted you to focus on how cute the lolly pop tent and the scalloped topper were since that was the Hybrid part. LOL

To create these I started in the cards and tag section of MDS and picked the square tag. It measured 3 1/4 x 3 1/4 which is bigger then what I needed but it's easier to create in then a 1x1 inch square! Once I created several of them I saved them as jpegs, opened an 8 1/2 x 11 page and created one inch photo boxes. Then, just drag and drop the jpegs into the photo boxes. You can see below that I've opened mine in the photo palette on left side of MDS so it's easier to drag and drop! Oh yeah, I used one more NEW tool from the Holiday Mini catalog - the 1x1 inch square punch. Man, that's so much quicker then cutting them out!

I had so much fun with these that I started making a BUNCH of 1x1 inch inserts to fit my simply adorned charm. I'll be wearing one of these to my daughters football game tomorrow....humm which one should I wear first???

Now for the Trick.....
I had to have the new Pick your Poison DSP and the circle frame paper is one of my favorites. I wanted a pop of color in it so I added a pumpkin pie circle over the top of the frame, created another circle, dropped the DSP in it, and zoomed in till the frame fit the circle! Here's an up close shot.

These are the 3 1/4 x 3 1/4 tags I was creating :) They are so quick that now I have time to make some of the 1 x 8 treat bags for my daughters team with these cute go bucs toppers!

Ok that's all I have for you so HOP on over and check out the rest of the crew!

3. Mandy Grant (that's me!)

6. Cindy Schuster

7. Erica Shaw

8. Heather Summers

Christmas Card Stamp A Stack!

2011-08-30T12:13:00.000-05:00

Yay! It's already time to make Christmas Cards.

Our first Stamp A Stack (SAS) will be in just a few days.

THIS Friday 9AM or 7PM.

Space is limited to the first 12 to RSVP with payment.

Join us the 1st Friday of September, October and November and you'll have your cards ready to send right after Thanksgiving.

For September we'll be using the BRAND NEW Stitched Stocking stamp set

and matching punch, how fun! Here's the cards we'll be creating. Quick and super cute.

How many cards do you need... 12, 36, maybe even 60?

Then, you need to attend all 3 classes!

Attend all 3 classes and you'll receive a coupon for $10 in FREE product, in November.

Just one of my Christmas gift's to you!

20 (10 of each design) cards and envelopes for $25

12 cards (6 of each design) and envelopes for $15

Pick the time that's best for you and RSVP with payment below, spaces will fill quickly!

Who's in charge around here, anyway?

2011-08-26T07:29:00.001-05:00

MDS blog hop week 4 was all about the boys! So I decided to scrap my boys and their friend building a tree house about 4 years ago. Fun stuff! I love they way these turned out :)

These pictures NEEDED some explaining so I incorporated the title and the text into a conversation.
After trying several background colors I landed on gray it's just such a great neutral and I really need to use it more!

Here's what I used:
Stamps: Timeless Portrait (tree) & Vintage Overlays (dark splotchy background)
Embellishments: Downtown Grunge Template (frames & stitching) This is a MUST have kit!
Paper: Basic Gray Background & Pocket full of Posies DSP
Font: PR8 Charade

There several out this week for the Blog Hop but here's the link to all the ladies.

Check out what they have going on, even if it's not MDS, I'm sure it's awesome :)

3. Mandy Grant (that's me!)

11. Alesha Walls

Thanks for stopping by and I'd love to hear what you think about the layout.
Mandy

cards, gifts, layouts and chocolate

2011-08-23T11:58:00.000-05:00

At my place this Friday night for Chics & Chocolate! If you missed any of this months classes here's your chance to make them up! Sign up for one or two of the kits below, $10 each, bring your adhesive and something chocolate to share. I'll have coffee (decafe and reg) and hot water for tea.

Card kits have 4 cards (2 of each design) with fun techniques!

(cased and adapted from my sweet friend Jenny)

Scrapbook kit includes the 2nd half of last months layout too!

Gift class is a DVD case with 4 matching cards

Please RSVP here and let me know what I need to cut for you! See ya Friday night :)

Cupcakes Made Simple

2011-08-19T00:05:00.000-05:00

It's the 3rd week of our MDS blog hop and I know you've been inspired. I sure hope you've sat down to play in MDS and create something special!

This weeks Alesha picked a CUPCAKE theme. How fun! Well back in December I fell in love with a card that Dawn Olchefske created and it's been sitting in my "cards to case" file for way too long. So I thought this would be the perfect time to use it. I love how her card had all the cupcakes stacked on top of each other but (you know me) I just can't spend that much time on one card. So my solution was to make it all in MDS so I could print 6 cards from one sheet of cardstock! Plus, anything HYBRID get me excited! Yes, even more excited then I was in the picture on the right. LOL

So what do you think? It's so full of texture and not a FLAT printed card, right! I wonder if you can TELL what's printed and what's real...Go ahead, get a little closer!

The only thing stamped is the birthday tag and it was "masked" out of the Delightful Dozens stamp set.

After I printed and put together the first one, I started thinking, we all need guy birthday cards and I think this could work.

I made a few changes and Voila, it's fit to give a guy...no bows, no bling, just cupcakes!

They went together quick and easy, with the help of the YUMMY new Smitten Alphabet download.
You'll get to create these cards tomorrow(Sat, August 20th) at our MDS class... in real life and digitally!

Downloads used for these cards:
Cupcake Punch $0.95 (if you attended my class with the cute trees you already have this one)
Smitten Alphabet Punch $7.95
Pocket full of Poises $4.95 not required for the class but oh so worth it!
If you already own these downloads any $10 will cover your class fee.

I used the Grunge Kit for the texture you see in the Masculine card. I love how it looks like the cupcake wrapper is wrinkled! Did you see that?!

If you'r not already, I'm sure you'll be drooling after you see what the others have created with CUPCAKES!

3. Mandy Grant (that's me!)

11. Alesha Walls

My quick video below will show you how I laid out the elements
to get 6 cards out of one sheet of cardstock!

(If you are reading this in your email you'll need to go to my blog to watch the video)

If I'd only been drinking...

2011-08-18T22:58:00.000-05:00

I'd have a much better explanation for why all my links didn't work in the last post I sent out. (LOL)
But I was sober when I posted that mess, so sorry. Thanks for letting me know it was all wonky!

Here are the corrected links:
My website listing my events www.mandygrant.stampinup.net - please RSVP there or on FB
Gifts Galore registration page that's working http://l-inkedbygiftsgalore.blogspot.com/p/register.html

Upcoming classes and how to RSVP!

2011-08-17T10:34:00.003-05:00

Man - I'm super excited about the gift giving classes that I have coming up and apparently so are you!
Tomorrow's Gift Giving class filled in 2 days and we even filled a morning class, too! Mark the 3rd Thursday on your calendar for the next one :)

Grab your spot for Gifts Galore, Oct 1st from 10AM - 5PM - this is our 9th year hosting this event, and the projects get better each time! We promise you'll want to re-create them to give to friends and family this Holiday Season. You'll find all the details on our Gifts Galore Website. RSVP quickly because we only have 60 seats and there are 10 demonstrators advertising this event. Demonstrators in the Atlanta are encouraged to attend. You'll get some great ideas for classes!

I've revamped where and how I'm listing my classes
and MANY of you have caught on quickly but I want to make sure everyone has a heads up! Theres NO more meetup.

All classes will be listed 3 months out, on my website www.mandygrant.stampinup.net
I have a button on the right side of this blog (shown below) that takes you right to my events page.

find this button on the right side of my blog

Each class has an RSVP button at the bottom of the description. Please, use this button so I can keep track of who will be attending! It will shoot me an email when you click the RSVP and enter your information, so that's all you have to do :)

Within one week of the event I will post it on my Facebook page. Your welcome to RSVP there as well and I'll keep up with when a class fills. Please LIKE my page if you have not already done so.

find this button on the right side of my blog

Scrapbooking and Digital are this Saturday go to my website to RSVP. I'll post the download list for Digital on Friday with my MDS Blog Hop post. See you then.

Thanks for making what I do so much FUN!
Mandy Grant

Friday are for....a MDS blog hop!

2011-08-12T06:03:00.002-05:00

Yes, I went digging through old photos again and found these fun birthday pictures of Erika when she was in the 1st grade! That's what scrapbooking is all about memories, right?! I hope you'll scrapbook a few memories today!

Our MDS Blog Hop Challenge was a Birthday Theme. There are some great new Birthday Downloads in the digital shop - that came out on Tuesday. You can log on to Stampinup.com click the Store button (on the top, far right) and then you'll see all the new downloads on the right side of the page. Just scroll down to see everything they have added for the week.

I check that page every Tuesday and you should, too!

Well, that's my fun birthday layout of my dramatic little girl. I did a double page layout this time and just for you to see I should have added an outline... but I think you'll get the drift :) One of my favorite downloads is Word Play. You get the same fun images as the stamp set but they are broken up so you can use multiple colors and place them where you'd like! I used Word Play to stamp the WISH BIG on bottom of this layout.

Digital Supplies Used: highlighted items indicate downloads that I've purchased in addition to the 2000+ images in the full version of MDS. All downloads, even those included in MDS, can be purchased and used with your current digital design program! Ask me for more details.

Punches: Oval, Square, Scallop Square (overlapping to create the pink border under the pictures), Top Note Die, Tasteful Trim # 2, Scallop Trim Border

Stamps: Big Bold Birthday (Candle and Make a Wish), Word Play, Nursery Alphabet Images (Giraffe)

Embellishments: Clouds in Sunny Day Kit

Designer Papers (DSP): Sweet Stiches

Tips & Tricks with MDS: Here's a quick view of how I used the oval and square punches, to fill the giraffes holes brown. Now you would just bring the giraffe to the front!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Now, hurry on over to see the rest of the amazing digital designs from the MDS Blog Hop team!

Remember to play in MDS today and leave me a comment because I'd love to hear all about what YOU created with MDS :)

3. Mandy Grant (that's me!)

Simple Stiches #126025 $4.95

11. Alesha Walls

Don't forget about the Buy three get one FREE sale we have on our yummy designer series paper!

Digital has us hopping...Back to school

2011-08-05T05:00:00.001-05:00

Woo Hoo, I'm so excited to share with you my first ever blog hop and I'm giddy because it's with my favorite product...MDS! When Erica Shaw asked me to join this truly talented group of ladies, I was honored. Many of these women have taught me tips and tricks on www.MyDigitalStudio.net that I have passed along to you. We'll be doing a weekly challenge with My Digital Studio *squeal* and I will try my darndest to play along each week.

Our theme this week was Back to School.....
Well, we start back in a few weeks and I'm hoping Erika will let me take a picture of her first day of Middle school. Sadly enough, I'm fairly sure the boys will NOT smile for me to snap a shot as they drive off to High school. So for me the challenge was to FIND the pictures. I managed to dig up a few old pictures of Erika on her 1st day of Kindergarden. Where has the time gone?

Supplies Used:

Noteworthy HOSTESS only CD

This is my favorite and I'd love for you to get it free, let's have a digital PARTY!

School Days #11832 $5.95

And the NEW Petite Pennant punch $0.95 that we used in class last week!

Now hurry and hop on over to be inspired by all of these talented ladies projects...

but make sure you save some time to design a page of your own. *wink*

3. Mandy Grant (you're here)