I have discovered a “new-to-me” color challenge…Scrapmaster’s Paradise Color Combo Challenge. This week a trio of colors were featured: Really Rust, Crushed Curry, and Always Artichoke. Since these colors just cry out “Fall”, the Autumn Splendor stamp set seemed the perfect choice to select. Of course, Sponge Daubers and my trusty Linen Thread completed the distressed effect I wanted to achieve. How about joining me in some “Really Rusty Crushed Artichoke”?

• Feel the warmth! Texture and warm colors are made for each other. With the Big Shot, you can achieve texture in the blink of an eye. The Finial Press Embossing Folder and Always Artichoke card stock were the perfect pair, as were Really Rust and the Distressed Texturz Plate. The result is a fabulously embossed card base and accent layer.
• In distress? SOS (Spritz or Sponge)! An Always Artichoke Stampin’ Write Marker and the Color Spritzer Tool soften the Very Vanilla backgrounds, as does Soft Suede ink and a Sponge Dauber.
• Delightfully different! Linen Thread is used to create the cross-stitching and the blanket-style stitch that grace the horizontal mat. Of course, the Paper Piercer and Template are a must for evenly spacing the holes.
• Sometimes it’s hip to be square, but it doesn’t hurt to be well-rounded either! Opposite corner treatments provide visual impact for the image mat. The Corner Rounder and Ticket Corner Punch mix it up. Two Vintage Brads and Hemp Twine complete the embellishments.
• Blender Pens dabbed in inks can be used to quickly color in the Autumn Splendor “Oak Leaf”. The resulting hues are soft and a striking contrast against the deeply embossed card base.

It’s Pals Paper Arts day! This week our challenge is “Anything But a Card”. Since one of my goals this year is to “be prepared” for the holiday season, I am getting a head start on preparing some gift packaging options. Of course, packaging those special little gifts is as easy as one-two-three with the Big Shot and a collection of Bigz dies. The basket was prepared using the Pillowbox die, the rectangular box is the Box #2 die, and the gift bag is none other than the Stampin‘ Up! Fancy Favor Bigz XL die! Whisper White card stock was quickly zipped through the Big Shot with the Petals-a-Plenty Textured Impressions Folder and adhered to Old Olive textured card stock. Jumbo Snowflakes, punched out in my favorite non-traditional holiday colors of Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive and Taken with Teal, were attached with a single Clear Rhinestone Brad. This trio is just the perfect size for Santa to package gift cards, jewelry, or the keys to a new car! (Hey…It never hurts to dream!)

The Stampin‘ Schach Tips:

• “KISS” it! In other words, Keep It Simple, Sweetie! With so much texture, embellishments for these packages do not need to be elaborate. A simple snowflake and brad look elegant and classy, but not overly done.
• It’s all in the details! Why settle for a plain handle on your pillowbox basket when an embossed handle adds so much more?
• Think outside the box…or in this case, bag! Adding a wide embossed handle to the Fancy Favor bag is just the “Wow” factor this little gem needed. And speaking of gems, a large Clear Rhinestone Brad is the perfect “bling” and serves as a closure.

. Trust me…it’s quick and easy!

And don’t forget that on October 29th, Pals Paper Arts will be hosting a special challenge in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness month. We will be offering a huge PINK prize package to one lucky participant. Think PINK!

• Don’t overlook the journaling! Every picture has a story to tell. In this case, I wanted to convey the love between a young man and his dog.
• Experimentation isn’t just confined to the lab! With My Digital Studio, you can change colors and add elements to your heart’s content! I started out with a Really Rust mat, and once had flowers, buttons and bows adorning my layout. There was a flourish here, and a flourish there. Talk about over-done! But as easy as it was to add these elements, it was just as easy to remove them. Which brings us to our final tip…
• Less can be more!

What am I planning on changing with this layout? I plan on moving my flourish to the front and changing the journaling font. I had originally selected a font which coordinated with the “Cherish” sentiment. However, it did not show up well on the blog, so I switched to the current font. Tomorrow I will convert it back. I love the fact that I can experiment without using up my resources. In the case of cards, how wonderful it is to be able to try out an embellishment or a color combination before committing it to paper! To watch a quick video about My Digital Studio, please Click Here!

The Stampin’ Schach Offer:

Don’t forget my Stampin’ Schach offer. I am impressed with My Digital Studio, and I want you to have the chance to enjoy it, too. NOW through October 30th, I am offering an exclusive Stampin’ Schach offer for customers who purchase My Digital Studio through me. Once I receive notification of your My Digital Studio purchase, I will send you a Stampin’ Schach Gift Certificate in the amount of $15.00 to use on a future purchase from The Stampin’ Schach. (Gift certificate must be redeemed by December 30th and is redeemable only through Ann Schach-The Stampin’ Schach. Redemption details will be included with your gift certificate.) Click Here to order My Digital Studio (118108—$79.95) now!

If you have any questions about My Digital Studio, please do not hesitate to email me. And please let me know what you think about today’s digital scrapbook page. I really do appreciate your feedback. And if you are in the Southeast Iowa or Western Illinois area, don’t forget my Fall Open House November 7th. Space is limited, so reservations are necessary. Email me today to reserve your spot. Until next time…