Charm Bracelet Club

Simply Adorned Charm Bracelets

Join my charm bracelet club!  At the end of the 3 meetings everyone will have a completed charm bracelet, complete with free Filigree Brad bangles!  You will also have learned 3 techniques for decorating your tiny bracelet charms.  All you need is to spend $21.01 or less each time.  (For a total of $51.35)

1 week before the first meeting everyone will pay $19.84 for the first shipment, which will include:

• $7.95 for the Simply Adorned Bracelet Chain
• $8.95 for the first Simply Adorned 5/8" Circle Charm
• $1.69 in shipping and $1.25 in tax

At the first meeting we will be using glitter and Crystal Effects to make some really pretty inserts.  I will also give everyone a free Filigree Brad bangle.  Everyone will leave with their bracelet chain, a Filigree Brad bangle, a 5/8" circle charm, and glitter inserts in their charm.  

Also at the first meeting, everyone will pay $21.01 for the second installment, to be delivered at the second meeting.  The second installment will include: 

• $8.95 for the first Simply Adorned 5/8" Square Charm
• $8.95 for the second Simply Adorned 5/8" Circle Charm
• $1.79 in shipping and $1.32 in tax

At the second meeting we will be using "Itty Bitty" punches, heat embossing, and jewel accents to decorate our two new charms.  I'll be talking about how to pack a lot of "wow" into a tiny space.  I will also give everyone their second Filigree Brad bangle.  

Also at the second meeting, everyone will pay $10.50 (or more) for the third installment, to be delivered at the third meeting.  The third installment will include: 

• $8.95 for the second Simply Adorned 5/8" Square Charm
• $0.89 in shipping and $0.66 in tax (or more)
• OPTIONAL - $3.95 each NEW Simply Adorned Baubles, available in 4 colors/styles.  See the Holiday Mini catalog p. 31 for photos.  

Between the second and third meeting, please collect digital photos of your favorite people where their faces show well.  You can email the photos to me (or send me a link to where I can find them), and I will have them ready to print out at the next meeting.  

At the third meeting I will show you how to use My Digital Studio to put all your favorite faces on one sheet of paper, and then cut them out to fit in your 5/8" square charm.  Everyone will also receive their third Filigree Brad bangle.  After the third meeting the bracelets will be completed!  

If you don't want to wait for 3 meetings to have a completed bracelet, you can pay the entire $51.35 a week before the first meeting and have your bracelet ready to wear from the very beginning.  

Charly Bratt  *  Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

CharlysInkLink@gmail.com  *  http://CharlysInkLink.blogspot.com

970-988-3129 (cell)   *  970-206-9120 (home)

What do you want?

I've been doing some reading and listening to audiobooks recently, to help me grow my business.  I learned something I may have already known but didn't want to think about: the importance of setting goals. 

I've been going along in my business this last year, just going with the flow, taking things as they came.  It's a non-stressful way to do business, but also a fairly non-productive way at the same time.  Sure my business has grown, but not by much.  I can't say that I am where I want to be today.  So...where do I want to be? 

I somewhat arbitrarily decided I wanted to win the free trip Stampin' Up! is offering - they're giving away trips to Walt Disney World, and they've even reserved Disney's Boardwalk Resort hotel for us.  Woo-hoo!  I want to go!  But how can I produce those big sales, recruits, and downline promotions?  I have no idea.  But I never tried before.  How will I know what I'm capable of if I don't try?  And what happens if I fail?  Um.... I'll have done better than I ever have before?  Is that really all that bad?

My friend Susan says to always aim high.  She says you often miss your goal by just a leeeeeetle bit.  But since doing so makes you so much more productive than you've ever been, even losing is a winning situation. 

So I'm determined to win that trip some day.  I'll work on it this year, and if necessary next year, and every year until I get it.  Then I'll take a look at my business, and pick a new goal. 

When I try to picture myself in my perfect business situation, I see myself with constant workshops and classes, I see myself running one or two clubs, and having a downline.  (I'm reading all this great inspiring material, now I want some stamping sisters to share it with!) 

So far I don't dream of having a downline in excess of 300 people.  I don't see myself on the Advisory Board, or in Founders Circle.  I am, after all, a stay-at-home-mom first and a Stampin' Up! demonstrator second.  But just wait.  I may just make that my goal next year. 

On another note, for those who don't like blog posts without pictures, here's Trotters the Pig.  He's my first attempt at designing punch art, and from the comments I've gotten, people like him.  I never thought I could design punch art before, and now I made myself a pig.  What if becoming a huge business success is just as easy as deciding to give it a shot?

Ingredients:

Cardstock: Pretty in Pink, Old Olive, Whisper White

Tempting Turquoise ink

Basic Black marker

2-step Owl Punch, handmade cloud template, stampin' sponge, paper snips

Charly Bratt

Independent Stampin' Up! demonstrator
(970) 206-9120
CharlysInkLink@gmail.com
http://charlysinklink.blogspot.com/

Man of Mystery

I had such fun making this little guy today!  I found the directions for the Man of Mystery on Ellen Kemper's blog, the streetlight I just pieced together with various circle punches.  I have no idea how people like Ellen can dream up these amazing creations!  Man of Mystery is made entirely with shapes from the Two-Step Owl Punch (item #118074, $16.95).  Give me a call to order yours today!  

Charly Bratt

Independent Stampin' Up! demonstrator

(970) 206-9120

CharlysInkLink@gmail.com

http://charlysinklink.blogspot.com/

August 2010 Newsletter - Flip Open Mini Scrapbooks

Flip-Open Mini Scrapbook

I love the idea of giving hand made, personalized gifts at Christmas.  But in November, the last thing I have time for is dreaming up and putting together a craft project.  Which is why I'm offering this class now!  

Come to my class on Aug. 14th and we'll make this fun and amazing scrapbook.  It folds up into a little package - perfect for gift giving or mailing - but it opens out into many pages, even including extra slide out pages. 

You will finish this entire scrapbook in class (except for the pictures), and you'll also receive step-by-step instructions so you can make another copy or two at home.  

Stampin' Up! offers several different Simply Scrappin' kits, so you can make more flip-open mini scrapbooks with different themes and designs. The kit we will be using for our class is called "One Great Year", and it's perfect for boys, school aged kids from 5 to 25, or for any collection of pictures which spans a whole year.  

Be sure to sign up by Aug. 5th!

Punch Workshops

Have you ever looked through the Stampin' Up! catalog and been baffled by those professional-looking projects?  Have you ever thought "I could never make that!"?  Actually, you can, you just need me to show you the tricks and techniques.  

Host a workshop in August and I'll show you tricks to using Stampin' Up! punches, and how to make many designs using the same punch.  Everyone will make and take home the two cards shown here.  

August is the best time to host a workshop, since Stampin' Up! is giving qualifying hostesses an extra $25 in free merchandise!  See the promotions flier for more information, then give me a call.

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Calendar

Aug. 5: Mini Scrapbook sign-up 

Aug. 14 2:00: Mini Scrapbook class

Aug. 15 2:00: Freestyle Stamping Club

Sept. 9: Scrap Card class sign up

Sept. 18 2:00: Scrap Card class

Sept. 19 2:00: Freestyle Stamping Club

Oct. 7: Stamp 'n Watercolor sign up

Oct. 16 2:00: Stamp 'n Watercolor class

Oct. 17 2:00: Freestyle Stamping Club

Nov. 4: Brayer Class sign up

Nov. 13 2:00: Brayer Class

Nov. 14 2:00: Freestyle Stamping Club

Freestyle Stamping Club

Come to my Freestyle Stamping Club to give yourself a little crafting time and stamp with friends.  I will provide ink, some stamp sets, basic tools, and I will have paper packs available for $5.00.  Any of my current customers are welcome to come - if you have purchased $15 or more from me from the Stampin' Up! catalog in the past 3 months, then you are one of my current customers.

August - Flip-Open Mini Scrapbook

This 5"x 6" flip-open mini scrapbook is a breeze to make with one of our Simply Scrappin' kits.  With 14 pages this unconventional scrapbook has a lot of room for pictures and journaling.  Class fee is $18.  Please sign up by Aug. 5th so I can order your kit.

September Class - Scrap Cards

Scrapbooks can be big, intimidating projects, but scrap cards (cards with photos and journaling) can be made in a snap!  Come learn to make 3 scrap card designs.  Class fee is $9.  Please sign up by Sept. 9th.  

October Class - Stamp 'n Watercolor

Try something new!  With a stamp and an Aqua Painter it's hard to go wrong.  Come make a hand-painted card and gift box.  Class fee is $20 and includes an Aqua Painter set.  Please sign up by Oct. 7th so I can order your supplies.  

November Class - Using the Brayer

I'll show you tips and techniques to take you from "what is a brayer" to becoming a brayer goddess.  We will be making a card and also a photo background suitable as a gift.  Class fee is $17 and includes a brayer.  Please sign up by Nov. 4th so I can order your brayer in time.  

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Extra! Extra! 

Stampin' Up! hostesses get an extra $25 in free merchandise!

From now until August 31, Stampin' Up! hostesses can earn an EXTRA $25 to use toward Stampin' Up! products of your choice when you host a workshop totaling $350 or more.

This extra benefit is included along with the standard hostess benefits you receive when you host a workshop. The standard hostess benefits include:

 *  A free 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalog worth $10.00

 *  Free stamp sets only available to hostesses 

 *  Free Stampin' Up! merchandise

Now when you host a workshop which totals $350, not only will you receive $40 in free Stampin' Up! merchandise of your choice, but you will also be given an EXTRA $25 for a total of $65 in free merchandise.  If your workshop totals more than that, your free merchandise totals will also increase.  See page 9 in the new Idea Book and Catalog, or ask me for more information.  But book your workshop soon, since your workshop must close by August 31st!  

New Color Give-Away

Have you seen the new Stampin' Up! colors?  They've refreshed their color collections, and I just love all the new additions!  From now until December 31st I'm offering this promotion:  For every $50 you spend on catalog purchases, I will give you one free Classic Stampin' Pad in your choice of the new colors.  

Can't wait?  Buy the Complete New Color Kit (shown here, $94.95), and get all the new Core colors at once.  I will then throw in 2 free Classic Stampin' Pads from the new In Colors OR $10 in free catalog merchandise, your choice.  

More new color sets are available - my favorite is the Stampin' Write Markers new color kit for $35.95.  Ask me for more information or see this link.  

Coupon Jackpot  Host a private class, such as my new Flip-Open Mini Scrapbook class.  Hosting gets you many freebies, plus $5.00 for every new customer who signs up for my mailing list.

Bring a Friend and Earn $5.00 Come to one of my classes, workshops, or Freestyle Stamping Clubs and bring a friend!  For every new friend you bring me who signs up for my mailing list, I will give you a coupon for $5.00 off your next catalog purchase. Want to hit the coupon jackpot?  Host a workshop or a private class and invite all your friends!  You'll earn a whole stack of coupons (good for your next purchase after your workshop), and your friends will see how much fun it is to stamp together.  Everyone needs a crafty girl's night out!   Next up: My Freestyle Stamping Club, Aug. 15th at 2:00, open to everyone.  No fee, no planned project, no purchase necessary.  Either bring your own supplies and work on your own project, or buy one of my Paper Packs for $5 and work on that with my stamps and supplies.  And bring a friend!

July '10 - Greenhouse Gala PPSAS7

Paper Pack Stamp-A-Stack 7

July '10 - Greenhouse Gala

 

Supplies:

Greenhouse Gala paper pack (contact me)

Define Your Life stamp set (114950)

Chocolate Chip classic ink (100908)
Pumpkin Pie 1-1/4" striped grosgrain ribbon (115616)
Two-Step Owl punch (118074)

Heart-To-Heart punch (119881)

Bitty Buttons (118761)

Big Shot (113439)
Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder (120175)

Tombow Multi-purpose adhesive (110755)

Snail adhesive (104332)



Steps:

1) Cut all four colored 8-1/2" x 11" sheets, plus one white 8-1/2" x 11" sheet in half, so you have 10 sheets measuring 5-1/2" x 8-1/2". 

 

2) Set aside six sheets to be used as card bases, usually one of each color and two white.  Fold those in half using your bone folder.  

3) From the remaining sheets of 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" colored paper, choose the two colors which coordinate best with all the patterns of designer series paper (DSP).  Cut those sheets in half, and set one half of each color aside for larger mats.  From the remaining two sheets, cut six 1-1/2" x 3-7/8" strips.  If you plan before you cut you can get two strips running one way and a third strip running the other way from each 5-1/2" x 4-1/4" sheet.  

4) Cut six 4-1/8" x 5-3/8" large mats out of the remaining colored sheets.  

5) Cut six 3-7/8" x 3-5/8" patterned mats out of the 6"x6" squares of designer series paper.  

6) Lay out your cards to choose your color combinations.  Each card requires one card base, one large 4-1/8" x 5-3/8" mat, one patterned mat, and one strip.  Do not glue the large mat to the card base yet!  You will need to tape your ribbon to the back of the large mat first.  

7) Run the 1-1/2" x 3-7/8" strip through the Big Shot to give it texture, either with an embossing folder or a texture plate.  

8) Adhere the patterned mat and the textured strip to the large mat.  Choose a ribbon to cover the seam between the two.  Tape the ribbon to the back of the large mat with simple office tape, then adhere the large mat to the card base.  

9) Now that you've gotten this far, take your card design in any direction.  Look through your stamps and choose whatever you think works with the patterns in the designer series paper.  Use the untouched white sheet of card stock to stamp, and the textured card stock and leftover DSP as mats and highlights.  

To continue duplicating my design....

10) Punch the owls out of both colors of textured card stock, and alternate colors when building the owl.  First place the vest, but don't glue it down.  Next glue the large eye circles using Tombow multi-purpose glue, and using the vest as a guide.  Once the eyes are placed, glue down the vest.  Separately, glue the tiny eye circles on the medium eye circles, using tweezers if necessary.  When those are done, glue the medium eye circles to the owl.  Lastly attach the heart.

11) Stamp the "together" definition in Chocolate Chip ink on white card stock and cut it out.  Cut a mat out of textured card stock.  Adhere the matted definition and the owls to the card as shown in my example.  

12) Punch two small hearts with the heart-to-heart punch.  Glue them to the backs of the heart shaped Bitty Buttons.  Glue those to your card as shown in my example.  You're done!  

 

Tips:

• Don't follow all my directions! Make this layout your own. Get creative. Adjust for your own style and your supplies. 
• If you don't have a Big Shot to add texture to the 1-1/2" x 3-7/8" strips, cut those strips out of textured card stock instead.  
• Experiment with different layouts within this larger layout design.  Try leaving the DSP uncovered to show off it's pattern, or cover it almost completely with another square of white cardstock and a stamped design.  Place your focal point on the right hand strip, or in the center of the DSP mat.  There are a lot of possibilities.  
• Experiment with different ways to dress up your ribbon.  Try a bow, a knot with ends, layered ribbon or layered lace on ribbon, or a strip of contrasting DSP used in place of a ribbon.
• To add "thread" to the heart buttons, cut tiny strips of card stock from scraps and thread those through.  Since these buttons are transparent, cut the ends of the strips very short and try to wrap them directly underneath.  Attach with Tombow glue.    
• It's easy to punch out additional hearts from the Two-Step Owl punch.  Hold the punch upside down so you can see the punch holes.  Since the heart is on the edge of the punch, you can just slide a small corner of paper into that area only and punch out a heart without wasting card stock.  Try placing the owls' hearts above their heads.  
• Don't forget the inside of the card and the envelope!  Stamp a subtle design or a greeting on each.  Think of how your recipient will open the envelope and the card.
  
• Post a picture of your creations and leave a link here in the comments section!  If you upload to a public site, such as SplitCoastStampers.com, please use the keyword PPSAS7.  

NEXT MONTH: Play Date designer series paper!

Charly Bratt

Independent Stampin' Up! demonstrator

(970) 206-9120

CharlysInkLink@gmail.com

http://charlysinklink.blogspot.com

Download this Google Doc here

 

Summer Promotions

New Color Give-Away

Have you seen the new Stampin' Up! colors?  They've refreshed their color collections, and I just love all the new additions!  From now until December 31st I'm offering this promotion:  For every $50 you spend on catalog purchases, I will give you one free Classic Stampin' Pad in your choice of the new colors.  

Can't wait?  Buy the Complete New Color Kit (shown here, $94.95), and get all the new Core colors at once.  I will then throw in 2 free Classic Stampin' Pads from the new In Colors OR $10 in free catalog merchandise, your choice.  

More new color sets are available - my favorite is the Stampin' Write Markers new color kit for $35.95.  See this flier for more information.  

Bring a Friend and Earn $5 Come to one of my classes, workshops, or Freestyle Stamping Clubs and bring a friend!  For every new friend you bring me who signs up for my mailing list, I will give you a coupon for $5.00 off your next catalog purchase. Want to hit the coupon jackpot?  Host a workshop or a private class and invite all your friends!  You'll earn a whole stack of coupons (good for your next purchase after your workshop), and your friends will see how much fun it is to stamp together.  Everyone needs a crafty girl's night out!   Next up: My Freestyle Stamping Club, July 18th at 2:00, open to everyone.  No fee, no planned project, no purchase necessary.  Either bring your own supplies and work on your own project, or buy one of my Paper Packs for $5 and work on that with my stamps and supplies.  And bring a friend!

Host a private class, such as my new Christmas in July class.  Hosting gets you many freebies, plus $5.00 for every new customer who signs up for my mailing list.

Estes Park Stamp 'n Scrap Retreat

Join me for a weekend of stamping and scrapbooking in beautiful Estes Park.  The date is tentatively scheduled for October 8th - 10th, at the Big Horn Mountain Lodge.  

Amenities: 

* an 8-foot table all to yourself.

* 24-hour access to the crop room

* internet access 

* a computer and printer available for digital journaling 

* use of a Big Shot and a Cricut 

* a fireplace, balcony, and partial kitchen inside the crop room

* gorgeous views, and Lake Estes within walking distance

* a queen bed Friday & Saturday nights

* continental breakfast Saturday and Sunday, plus catered lunch and dinner Saturday.

Price per person depends on number of attendees, but it is estimated at $175 total for two nights logding, 24 hour use of the crop room, and catered food on Saturday.  

Please RSVP to reserve your spot!  

Charly Bratt

(970) 206-9120

CharlysInkLink@gmail.com

http://charlysinklink.blogspot.com

July 2010 Newsletter - Christmas in July

Christmas in July

The best time to make Christmas cards is when the weather is hot and the drinks are cold.   Come to my July 17th class and make 30 cards quickly and easily using the brand-new Simply Scrappin' kit "Christmas Cheer".  

Make your cards now with no holiday stress, and they'll be finished and ready when you want them on December 1st.  Everyone on your Christmas list will love receiving special hand-made cards which are unlike anything they've seen in the stores.  You'll love how fun they are to make with the self-adhesive die cuts, designer paper, and quality Stampin' Up! designs.  This year's Christmas colors of Cherry Cobbler, Always Artichoke, Marina Mist, and Very Vanilla are beautiful and stylish.

Bring your friends and we'll have a Christmas in July card-making party!  If you can't make the date, just find 3 friends who also want to make cards and we'll schedule a private class, either at your house or at mine.  

The new Stampin' Up! Idea Book and Catalog is here!  

See the newest colors, designs, tools, and ideas!  I am absolutely in love with the colors which are available this year, and it seems like there is a new stamp set on almost every page of the catalog.  This year we have clear-mount stamps, a new punch design, new storage solutions, new accessories... there is so much, you'll just have to get a catalog for yourself.  Even if you aren't looking to buy much, you'll love the ideas on every page.  The catalog is a $10 value, but you can get one for free by hosting a workshop!

I am especially thrilled with the new Getting Started collection.  This is a set of 12 colors which are versatile enough to be used for any occasion, and which look good together in almost any combination.  Instead of buying ink and card stock in individual packages, or as a collection of Brights, Subtles, etc., try the Getting Started collection of ink spots and card stock.

Featured Project for July

July's card is a quick and easy design, just perfect for when you need to restock your stash of handmade cards.  Use different sentiments to make cards for every occasion.  This example features Greenhouse Gala paper from the new catalog.  Would you like to make this card, plus receive the new catalog for free?  Host a workshop with your friends!

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Calendar

July 8: Christmas Cards sign-up 

July 17 2:00: Christmas Cards in July

July 18 2:00: Freestyle Stamping Club

Aug. 5: Mini Scrapbook sign-up 

Aug. 14 2:00: Mini Scrapbook class

Aug. 15 2:00: Freestyle Stamping Club

Sept. 9: Scrap Card class sign up

Sept. 18 2:00: Scrap Card class

Sept. 19 2:00: Freestyle Stamping Club

Freestyle Stamping Club

Come to my Freestyle Stamping Club to give yourself a little crafting time and stamp with friends.  I will provide ink, some stamp sets, basic tools, and I will have paper packs available for $5.00.  Any of my current customers are welcome to come - if you have purchased $15 or more from me from the Stampin' Up! catalog in the past 3 months, then you are one of my current customers.

July Class - Christmas Cards in July

Finish all your hand-made Christmas cards now, and be stress-free and prepared when the holidays come around again.  We'll be making 30 cards for $30, using the new holiday Simply Scrappin' kit.  Please sign up by July 8th.

August - Flip-Open Mini Scrapbook

This 5"x 6" flip-open mini scrapbook is a breeze to make with one of our Simply Scrappin' kits.  With 14 pages this unconventional scrapbook has a lot of room for pictures and journaling.  Class fee is $18.  Please sign up by Aug. 5th. 

September Class - Scrap Cards

Scrapbooks can be big, intimidating projects, but scrap cards (cards with photos and journaling) can be made in a snap!  Come learn to make 3 scrap card designs.  Class fee is $9.  Please sign up by Sept. 9th.  

Super Summer Sale

For every $50 you spend on Stampin' Up! catalog purchases, I will give you a free Classic Stampin' Pad in your choice of the new colors!  

Also, for every new customer you bring me who signs up for my mailing list, I will give you a coupon for $5 off your next catalog purchase!  

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What have you been doing this year?   Wouldn't you like to share your family news, along with all your pictures, with your family and friends?  Send a family newsletter!  Some people send newsletters now during the summer break; others wait and send a Christmas letter.  Either way, your distant family would love to see photos and hear the latest on your family.  In this age of Facebook and email, sending a real letter means twice as much.   How to write a family newsletter:  Most importantly, write like you're talking on the telephone.  Don't write in the third person like the butler is writing the letter for you.  Instead say, "The kids and I went to the beach", or "I've just started a new project".  Devote one paragraph to each family member and one paragraph to each major event.  Keep it simple.	Easily add photos, text, background patterns, mats and layers, or other elements.  My Digital Studio has the most intuitive interface I've ever used.
Pictures are worth 1,000 words.  Make sure you include many good-sized photographs.  Consider designing your newsletter a little like this one, with photos and captions down the side of your block of text.  If you don't have much to write, add more photos.  Design the back side of your letter with nothing but extra-large photos and captions.  Write all your captions first - it will change what you write in your letter.   Think about layouts. You don't have to be an experienced scrapbooker to lay out text and photos for your family newsletter.  First plan how much you want to write.  Will it take up most of a page or just three paragraphs?  Then arrange your photographs accordingly.  You could have a few smallish photos down one side, or many photos across the top, bottom, and both sides.  If you're using My Digital Studio, artist-designed templates and layouts are available for you to use directly or as inspiration.	Some software does too much and you need to be a professional to use it.  Other software doesn't do enough.  Buy the right program for the job -  My Digital Studio.
Make it easy.   You might be thinking that writing a family newsletter is just too hard, or you don't have the time.  I admit, with the wrong software it can be a frustrating, time consuming project.  But with the right software you can put together a letter in just one afternoon!  For example, every month I send out "Charly's Ink Link" newsletters with different backgrounds, photos, and embellishments.  I can put it all together quickly, since I'm using My Digital Studio from Stampin' Up!   Take care of Christmas in July.   The winter holidays are stressful enough.  Why not prepare for them this summer when you have some extra time?  Buy My Digital Studio now, and check out the amazing templates and fun designs which come with the program.  Experiment by putting together a first-draft letter and your photos of the year so far, and then you'll be able to finish up your holiday letter in November, stress-free.   Family newsletters are only the beginning.   My Digital Studio is perfect for family newsletters, but of course that's not all it does.  It's a digital scrapbooking and card making program, and it comes pre-loaded with backgrounds, photo layouts, punches and shapes, digital stamps, images, embellishments, and templates.  Use it to print out a professional quality last-minute birthday card, or show off your vacation photos using the artist-designed scrapbook templates.   There is so much you can do with this program, you'll just have to schedule a meeting with me so I can give you a tour.  Invite your friends and make it a party!  Everyone will take home a sample.	With My Digital Studio you can start creating the same day you install your software.  You won't need to take a class or buy a book, just start experimenting and see how easy it is.