Stampin Royalty Challenge #13

This week's Stampin' Royalty challenge is to make an Easter themed project.  I've had a few on the go, but this one I made specifically for the challenge.  I always laugh when I decide to pull out a specific stamp set that I, "just have to have" only to realize that I've had it for over a year and I haven't mounted one of the stamps yet!  I'm slowly making my way through my wall of stamps and giving some love to those who've never seen the light of day:)

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Stamp Set(s): Eight Great Greetings
Paper: Whisper White, Bashful Blue, Shades of Spring
Ink: Black Staz On, Certainly Celery, Bashful Blue, Pretty In Pink
Embellishments: Buttons Latte, Hemp Twine, 1" Double Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon
Tools: Mat Pack, Paper Piercer, Hobby Blade, Cutting Mat
Adhesives: Snail, s, Dimensionals
Punches: Scallop Trim Border Punch

Last Chance!

Tomorrow, March 31, 2010, marks the end of Sale-A-Bration!  I can't believe how quickly three months have gone!  If you've been stalling on making that big purchase, now is the time... earn extra stuff for free!  For every $65 in merchandise that you order, you are able to choose one of 6 fabulous items from the Sale-a-Bration catty for free!  If you managed to earn all those already, there is an EXTENSIVE list at the back of the SAB catty for you to choose an alternative from!  Don't miss out!  For those of you placing an order between now and tomorrow evening at 9pm*, I will give you the equivalent of 20% of your merchandise amount off of your order total after the s/h and taxes have been calculated!  If you choose to order online, I will mail this to you in the form of a gift certificate:)

 *Club orders are excluded from the promotion.
  
Promotion Details
Our Sale-A-Bration promotion gives reason for everyone to celebrate!
Customers: Receive a free Sale-A-Bration product for every $65 purchase (before tax and shipping).
Hostesses: Receive a free Sale-A-Bration product for every $395* in workshop sales**, in addition to our regular hostess benefits.

**This benefit only available on qualifying customer and workshop orders. Online orders do not qualify.
Recruits: Choose any retail stamp set (valued up to $63.95) from the current catalogues when signing up during the promotion. Plus, get 15 percent off your Starter Kit (Standard or Digital+)!

Starter Kit	Regular Price	Sale-A-Bration Price (15% off)
Standard Starter Kit	$269	$225
Digital+ Starter Kit	$239	$199

If you've been contemplating joining my West Coast Creators time, now is the time to take advantage of the final days of the 15% off of the starter kit and an additional free stamp set from SU!  In addition, I will add in an additional free stamp set (up to $63.95 in value) for free!  That means 15% off of the Starter Kit and TWO stamps sets (up to $63.95 in value each) for free!   Contact me tonight to get you set up!

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Gotta Try This One:)

Do you ever have one of those days where you would absolutely love to go to your craft room and play, there is nothing stopping you, and yet you just can seem to move your buns in there?  I had one of those days... so with the good intentions that I had to go and play, I decided to pull out my MDS and make a card front.  There is something tremendously satisfying about making a card and not making any mess:)  I love being able to shift everything around to get it exactly the way I want... which usually takes at least 7 "final changes":)   Another thing that brought a smile to my face... I'll never run out of my epoxy brads!

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MDS: (Satin Ribbon, Epoxy Brads, Textured Cardstock) Add Ons, Best Wishes and More Stamp

How I Miss This DSP!

I was so excited when Stampin' Up brought out the box template  add-ons for My Digital Studio.  Not only was I able to print out the template on the DSP of my choice, but I was also able to alter the size of the template easily to maximize it on my DSP.  (my hubby brought me a 13x19" printer to do my scrapbook pages:)  As I am a bit of a DSP hoarder, I was having a hard time choosing a pattern for the first attempt so I looked in my retired box.  I forgot how much I loved this Sweet Slumber DSP.  It is textured and just the perfect thickness for a box... more rigid than a regular DSP.  I pulled out that new Out of the Box Hostess Level I set and gave it a little love today... I adding the Dazzling Diamonds to the icing for a little sparkle:)

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Stamp Set(s): Tiny Tags, Out of the Box
Paper: Sweet Slumber DSP (retired)
Ink: Ruby Red, So Saffron
Embellishments: 1" Baja Breeze Double Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon (retired), Metal Edge Tags, Dazzling Diamonds
Tools: Paper Snips
Adhesives:  Dimensionals, Sticky Strip, Glue Dots, Two Way Glue Pen
MDS: Mini Project Boxes
Punches: Medium Jewelry Tag, 1/2" Circle

Anyone?

Okay, call me ignorant, but I have no idea why these are called "Sour Cream" containers.  All I do know is that they are adorable!  If you can share the reason with me for this name, please do!!!!!   I can't wait to fill these up with jelly beans and chocolate eggs!  I hope that my club girls liked the quick and easy lesson on these and yet another use for their crimpers, which many were willing to admit had also been collecting dust in their closets!

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Stamp Set(s): Eggcoutremements Clear Mount Set
Paper: Old Olive, So Saffron, Whisper White, Tea Party DSP
Ink: Pretty In Pink
Embellishments: Pretty In Pink Taffeta Ribbon
Tools: Mat Pack, Paper Piercer, Clear Mount Block Bundle
Adhesives: Snail, Dimensionals, Sticky Strip
Punches: Scallop Circle, 1 3/8" Circle, 1 1/4" Circle

Club Night Continuation...

Last month for club we made the Vintage card shown with the bag... the bag will be this month's addition.  I couldn't resist after all of the sweet comments left on my blog this week after posting my Bermuda Bay hostess bag!  I wanted to utilize my crimper for this month's techniques, hence the flower, bag trim and tomorrow's post item!  The flower on the bag can be seen with an amazing instructional video on Patty Bennett's blog... thank you Patty! Watch out for bag instructions available this weekend!

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Paper: Very Vanilla, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip Prints Pattern Paper, Chocolate Chip
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Old Olive
Embellishments: Pretty in Pink Corduroy Brads, Jumbo Eyelets, Pretty In Pink Satin Ribbon
Tools: Mat Pack, Paper Piercer, Sponge Dauber
Adhesives: Snail, Sticky Strip, Sticky Sheets
Punches: Eyelet Border, 1" Circle

Another Little Hostess Surprise:)

If you recognize that little box in the background, yes, you've seen in before.  This was one of the make-n-takes from either leadership or convention last year... I can't remember which for the life of me!  I changed up the little box pattern for my Sizzix Box #2 Die. 

I always like to have a 3-D project to for the girls at my workshop to do.  There is something very satisfying about completing something other than a card for those newbies and seasoned stampers alike.  

 As you saw from my hostess bag the other day, every make-n-take project involves a little gift for my hostess.  This little 3-D project is full of ribbon samples for my hostess.  It's always fun to have a whole bunch of different ribbons to choose from when making your projects and I thought that this would help her add to her collection. 

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Stamp Set(s): Hello Again
Stampin' Around Wheels: Retro Remix
Paper: Old Olive, Whisper White
Ink: Old Olive, Melon Mambo, Crushed Curry, Bermuda Bay
Embellishments: Rhinestone Brads, 1/2" Crushed Curry Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon
Sizzix: Box #2 Die
Tools: Mat Pack, Paper Piercer, Stampin' Around Handle, Stampin' Around Wheel Guide
Adhesives:  Dimensionals, Sticky Strip

Spotlighting with Circle Circus

This is a super simple card to teach the spotlighting technique to my club this month.  Once I started working with my Circle Circus stamp set...there was no stopping me... it was all circles!  I originally finished the card, but it felt like it was missing something... it really lacked dimension.  I decided to try and cover up a botched stamped circle by spotlighting the image and I was thrilled with the way it worked!  I love how your own mistakes can often become a lesson in a whole new technique!

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Stamp Set(s): Circle Circus, Well Scripted
Paper: Dusty Durango, Old Olive, Whisper White
Ink: Old Olive, Dusty Durango, Crushed Curry, Soft Suede
Embellishments: 1/2" Soft Suede Polka Dot Grosgrain
Adhesives: Snail, Dimensionals
Punches: 1/2" Circle, 1" Circle, 3/4" Circle

Stampin' Royalty Challenge #12

Glitter and I are not friends!  I laughed tonight on the phone with Sabriena Satchwell about this card.  I think I made a total of nine cards for this week's Stampin' Royalty Glitter challenge; I wasn't happy with any of them including this one!  My problem was lastnight was my deadline so this is the best of the worst:) I think it has to do with my obsessive cleaning issues and that glitter just seems to make a mess!  I have some girlfriends who are glitter queens and I'm so envious of them right now!  Make sure to go and check out the cards done by the other goddesses:)  What do you think of the colour combo?

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Stamp Set(s): Fifth Avenue Floral
Paper: Whisper White, Going Grey, Basic Grey, Dusty Durango
Ink: Basic Grey, Going Grey
Embellishments: Sticky Sheets, Fire Circle Brads, Fine Supernova Glitter, Old Olive Satin Ribbon
Sizzix: Lattice Die, Scallop Die, Clear Circle Die
Tools: Mat Pack, Paper Piercer
Adhesives: Snail,  Dimensionals

Random Act of Kindness

This adorable card was given to me by one of the talented members of my downline, Sandra Farrell.  Don't you love the layout?  This card makes me sad though... boy to I ever miss Baja Breeze:(  teehee... I really do miss it though!  Sandra is also a Stampin' Royalty Goddess... make sure to check out her blog and the challenge blog for more work by her!

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Best Birthday Gift!

Well, I have to admit that my hubby outdid himself this year... I got a Vespa for my birthday three weeks ago!   He managed to keep it a complete surprise until the morning of my actual birthday when I walked out to the garage to jump in my car and leave for work.  I had wanted to post a picture of it earlier, but I set a goal for myself that I was only allowed to share my exciting gift once I had used my MDS to scrapbook my page.

My only complaint with this gift is that the weather has not been cooperating and I have not been able to ride it nearly enough!  I'll take some more photos as soon as our weather clears up!  I can't wait to share the new helmet that I bought too... it inspired this page.  It is white with blue flowers:)  My niece suggested that I use my Big Shot to make white vinyl flowers for my Vespa as well:)

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Bermuda Bay Hostess Bag

A few weeks ago, I shared a card of Mary Fish's that I'd cased.  I love the clean simplicity of it.  I decided that not only would I make it a project for my workshop today, I would also include it in my hostess gift.  I altered my gift bag pattern to make this perfect A2 card and coordinating envelope sized gift bag.  I had so much fun making the 6 cards for Jen... each has a different sentiment so that she has a stash for up coming events.  I'm in love with the coordinating envelopes too!

Check out the little tag on the gift bag... you'll have to look closely to see that it is actually hanging from the present.  I just used a little of the elastic cord from Christmas to do this:)


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Stamp Set(s): Tiny Tags, Happy Moments, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: Bermuda Bay Prints Pattern DSP, Basic Black, Whisper White
Ink: Black StazOn
Embellishments: Jumbo Grommets, 1/2" Polka Dot Bermuda Bay Grosgrain
Sizzix: Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder, Daisy Die
Tools: Mat Pack, Paper Piercer
Adhesives: Snail, Crystal Effects, Dimensionals, Sticky Strip
Punches: Medium Jewelry Tag, 1/2" Circle, Corner Rounder

Final Simply Sent Card Elements:)

 This was the final Simply Sent Card Elements that I created.  This kit is called Thankful Thinking.  These are the three designs shown on the packaging with some slight alterations.  As I mentioned before these are fabulous for newer stampers, but they are also fabulous for demonstrators!  I always send my workshop customers a personal thank you card and these kits are a fabulous way of show casing more SU products!  I also love the colour combos that they inspire for future cards!

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Stamp Set(s): Thankful Thinking
Paper:  Thankful Thinking Simply Sent Card Elements Kit
Ink: Ruby Red
Embellishments: Thankful Thinking Simply Sent Card Elements Kit
Sizzix: Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder
Tools: Mat Pack, Paper Piercer, Paper Snips
Adhesives: Snail, Dimensionals

Princess Party

I've got a workshop this weekend, and my fabulous hostess has two daughters, age 3 1/2 and 5 who will be joining us as well.  I thought that this would be a fun time to break out the Princess Party Kit that I had on my shelf for them to make their own little projects.  I had so much fun making my crown... the little girl in me came out and I was even wearing it while I made the purse and wand (I decided to alter the food toppers by using a longer stick and turning it into a wand:).  I can't wait to see what the girls think this weekend!

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Stamp Set(s): Jayne's Type Alphabet
Paper: Princess Party Kit #116214
Ink: Rose Red
Adhesives: Snail, Dimensionals, Sticky Strip

Another Simply Sent Card Elements Kit

 Here was another one of the card kits that I played with before I left... again, so quick and easy!  These card kits, along with the coordinating stamp set, are a great way to get someone just breaking into the crafting world interested.  (or should I say addicted:)  I've often used these sets for gifts for friends who don't usually stamp.  It was enough of a teaser that they couldn't help but come back for more... how do you think I got my sis into it????

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Stamp Set(s): Wow Flowers
Paper: Flower Power Simply Sent Card Elements Kit
Ink: Rose Red, Perfect Plum
Embellishments:  Flower Power Simply Sent Card Elements Kit
Tools: Mat Pack, Paper Piercer
Adhesives: Snail,  Dimensionals
Punches: 1 1/4" Circle

Stampin' Royalty Challenge #11

 This is a super fun card that I created for this week's Stampin' Royalty sketch challenge.  I absolutely love the colour combo from the The Write Stuff DSP, and the die cut embellishments are perfect for putting together quick and easy cards!  I can't wait to see what you come up with!  Make sure to check out the fabulous creations of the other Stampin' Royalty Goddesses.


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Stamp Set(s): Wow Flowers, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: Crushed Curry, Soft Suede, Whisper White, The Write Stuff DSP, Old Olive
Ink: Ruby Red, Soft Suede
Embellishments: Earth Elements Brads
Tools: Mat Pack, Paper Piercer
Adhesives: Snail,  Dimensionals, 
Punches: 1 3/4" Circle, 1" Circle, 1 1/4" Circle

A Little Hint...

Our trip to Disneyland was a complete surprise to the boys... we didn't even tell them where we were until we landed in LAX and met up with my parents who had flown in from Winnipeg to join us.  It was the best surprise ever!  I had these little autograph books ready to give the boys when we told them.  They were so excited to get these signed when we met characters.  I even had them trained to flip the page each time we came to a new character so that I could add the photos later.  I will admit that I had to blow the dust off my Cricut for these as I'm not creative enough to make my own characters!

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Stamp Set(s): Jayne's Type Alphabet
Paper: Whisper White, Basic Black, Summer Sun, Real Red, Basic Gray, Glorious Green
Ink: Real Red
Embellishments: Real Red Satin Ribbon
Adhesives: Snail
Extras: 5x5 Art Journal

Explanation...

 Sorry for the lack of posts in the past week... I was off in Disneyland with my family!  I had a few projects completed, but in the chaos of getting out of the house last week I never got to post them.  I decided while on vacation that my blackberry and computer were going to suffer from severe neglect as I didn't want to miss a moment of our trip!

Just before I left, I realized that I had a few of the Simply Sent Card Elements Kits in my drawer still. One afternoon, when I just needed to relax... I went a little crazy.  These are so fast and fun!  I'm thinking these will be perfect for those little boy birthday parties!

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Stamp Set(s):  Starring You
Paper: Old Olive, More Mustard
Ink: Brilliant Blue, Old Olive
Embellishments:  Rock Star Simply Sent Card Elements
Tools: Mat Pack, Paper Piercer
Adhesives: Snail, Dimensionals
Punches: Small Star

Birthday Card Share:)

 

This adorable card was made by one of my super sweet customer for my birthday... it accompanied the most amazing bag of cookies!  Thanks Jess... I love the stitching!

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Stampin' Royalty Challenge #10

This is for this week's Stampin' Royalty challenge, "Use Only Green".  Although Old Olive is one of my favourite SU colours, I never use green on its own; it was kind of fun to be limited like that!  Now I just have to find a good person to send this card to:)

Don't forget to check out the fabulous creations by the other members of the Stampin' Royalty design team.

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Stamp Set(s):  Go Green Stamp Set #117074
Paper: Whisper White, Old Olive, Garden Green
Ink: Old Olive, Garden Green
Embellishments: Circle Ice Brads
Sizzix: Texturz Plate SU Backgrounds #1, Tipsy Heart Die
Tools: Signo White Gel Pen
Adhesives: Snail,  Dimensionals
Punches: 1 3/4" Circle Punch

More Family Fun

As I showed you yesterday... I've managed to get my sis into the cardmaking... and it's already rubbed off on my neice, her daughter.  This was my birthday card from Becky who is only five years old!  No assistance on this card... she is amazing!  I'm seeing a future SU demo! Notice how she used the Build-a-Bear shoe to make a hat for her bear... look at it upside down:)

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Paper: Cameo Coral
Embellishments: Happy B-Day Simply Scrappin' Kit
Sizzix: Build a Bear
Tools: Mat Pack, Paper Piercer
Adhesives: Snail, Dimensionals
Punches:  Corner Rounder

It's a Family Affair:)

When I first got into the whole card making thing, my sister teased my mercilessly.   Overtime she had a gradual shift in attitude and was soon coming to the occasional class and requesting my assistance on Valentine's cards for her children's classes.  She now makes all her own cards, and I love seeing what she comes up with.  We think so differently and out layouts are so different.  I love what she did with the Simply Scrappin' Kit!

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Paper: Happy B-Day Simply Scrappin' Kit
Adhesives: Snail, Dimensionals
Punches: Scallop Trim Border

Out of My Comfort Zone

This was just another quick and easy thank you card that I made using The Write Stuff Specialty DSP! The reason the title of the post was "Out of My Comfort Zone" was because I really have a hard time cutting up the die cut pieces in packages like this.  I have a hard time imagining them not in their full....self, I guess:)  Once I've done it, it is very liberating as I see so many different ways for the pieces to be used!  Funny, I think I've only ever pulled out my spiral punch one or two times... what was I thinking!!!!!!  This was so much fun to change up a plain piece of paper and give it the appearance of having been torn out of book.   Now I'm seeing images of vintage with curled and weathered edges.... hmmmmmmm:)

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Stamp Set(s): Jumble Alphabet
Paper: The Write Stuff Specialty DSP, Soft Suede, Whisper White
Ink: Old Olive, Soft Suede
Adhesives: Snail, Dimensionals
Punches: Spiral, 1 3/4" Circle, 1" Circle, 1 3/8" Circle, 3/4" Circle

Hanging on by a Thread!

Do you ever feel like life is FLYING by and you're just hanging on by a thread?  Well the past few weeks have been like that:)  I was feeling so proud of my blogging lately as I've been able to post everyday since before Christmas.  That is a huge accomplishment for me as I always seem to get wrapped up in daily life and my crafting seems to take a back seat when that happens.  Blogging has forced me to make time for myself to get to my room and create new things.  I also live for the comments and the encouragement seems to push me to be more creative:)

I finally got down to my craft room this evening and wanted desperately to play with The Write Stuff Specialty DSP.  I knew that Thank You cards were on my "to do" list so I thought I could take care of two things at once.  This was a quick card that I created...

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Stamp Set(s):  Jumble Alphabet
Paper: Ruby Red, The Write Stuff Specialty DSP, Crushed Curry, Whisper White
Ink: Soft Suede
Embellishments: Library Clips
Adhesives: Snail, Dimensionals
Punches: Fancy Flower Punch, 1 3/8" Circle, 1 1/4" Circle

Quick Share:)

This was another quick workshop project that we completed the other day.  Although this has an obvious Valentine's flair, simply changing the colours and the sentiment could make it fit for any occasion.  

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Stamp Set(s): Well Scripted
Paper: Pretty In Pink, Melon Mambo, Welcome Neighbor DSP
Ink: Melon Mambo
Embellishments: Library Clips
Sizzix: Mini Milk Carton Die, Movers & Shapers Magnetic Windows
Tools: Mat Pack, Paper Piercer
Adhesives: Snail, Dimensionals, Sticky Strip
Punches:  Full Heart Punch, Small Heart

So Cute....

When I woke up yesterday morning this adorable picture card was in my inbox.  This was from one of the amazing members of my downline, Shanda Stirk.  She was so cute when I asked her if I could share this on my blog... she said, "Oh my.....sure - I am trying to learn how to use that program - this could be advertisement that it is not too hard of a program."  She is so modest and I absolutely love what she created!

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Happy Birthday to Me with an SR Challenge!

This week's Stampin' Royalty challenge is an inspiration challenge.  I love this photograph, and yet it had me stumped.  All I could fixate on was the colours of the pots that the plants were in.  I decided that was all I needed for inspiration and off I went!  I think the dots on the side of the card came from the pots too:)

Although today is my b-day... I was not making a card for myself:)  I actually made this for my sis last week.  Our birthdays are only 9 days apart... actually, one year and nine days to be exact!  Yes, you read that correctly, my mother got pregnant with me when my sis was only 2 months old!  Looking back, I don't know how she did it!

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Stamp Set(s): Everything Nice
Paper: Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, Bordering Blue, Ruby Red, Old Olive, Summer Sun
Ink: Bordering Blue, Ruby Red, Old Olive, Summer Sun
Embellishments: 1" Double Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon, Earth Elements Buttons (retired), Designer Playground Buttons, Button Bouquet (retired)
Sizzix: Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder
Tools: Mat Pack, Paper Piercer
Adhesives: Snail,  Dimensionals, Sticky Strip, Mini Glue Dots
Punches: Scallop Trim Border, Scallop Trim Corner, Flower Trio, 1" Circle, 3/4" Circle

New Digital Downloads Available!

 Check out these fabulous new Digital Downloads available!  There's even a Mini Project Boxes with fabulous templates to cut out!  Check out the Springs Shades Designer Series paper.... I want this DSP in paper form too... it is so gorgeous!

In celebration of Canada winning the hockey I'm going to be offering 25% off of My Digital Studio from March 2nd-March 6th at 11:59pm.  If you don't have this amazing program... now is the time!  You must place this order directly through me and not online to receive this discount.  This items also qualifies for a Sale-abration item so don't miss out!

Item Number	Name	Price
121063	Satin Ribbon - Digital Download	$5.95
120171	Mini Project Boxes - Digital Download	$2.95
120172	Springs Shades Designer Series paper - Digital Download	$6.95

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