April 2020 Wallpaper/Calendar
Your April 2020 Wallpaper/Calendar is ready!

Good news! Your April 2020 Wallpaper/Calendar will not only honor this special season, but also, this year especially, bring a much-needed sense of calm. Spring IS coming, but around here we’re still getting periods of snow, and most spring color has yet to arrive. But close inspection hints at the arrival of those colors we crave, and I know it’ll be SOON!

My monthly desktop wallpaper & calendar offers you a pretty seasonal picture to brighten your computer monitor. But that’s not all. It also includes a handy monthly calendar and serves as a cheat-sheet reference to PDF’s and websites you may want to know about and access.  And it’s even FREE to download, so please don’t hesitate to share this page with your friends and family.

How to download & install your April 2020 wallpaper/calendar

Note: You’ll probably want to consult your own computer operating system’s installation instructions, but installing the background image on my Windows 10 system takes just 3 quick steps – and less than a minute. It’s super-duper easy-peasy! 

Here’s how you can (probably) do it, too.

    1. Start by left-clicking right here and the full-resolution image should pop up or open in a new tab. Then right click on the image and save it to your hard drive.
    2. Once the file has been downloaded, named and saved, click on your saved image to open it. 
    3. Once open, right-click on the image and select “Set as” > “Set as Background”….. then right-click again and select “Set as” > “Set as Lock screen”. And poof! That’s all there is to it! (For convenience, I recommend you install this on both your desktop system and your laptop. Assuming you still have both these days, of course!)

Tips for other operating systems:

And in case you may have an operating system OTHER than Windows 10, you may find these installation tips helpful:

  1. Windows 10, 8.1 or 7: http://www.digitalcitizen.life/how-customize-desktop-background-windows 
  2. Apple Mac: http://www.wikihow.com/Change-the-Desktop-Background-on-an-Apple-Macintosh-Computer 

Finally, please keep in mind that the format of my monthly picture is designed for most modern-day 16:9 monitors (a common format for monitors and HD TV’s since about 2009), oriented in landscape format. (Typically 1920 x 1080 pixels.) If you’re working with an older monitor (and/or one that is more square-ish in format), or your monitor is set up in portrait format or some other variation, the picture may not work for you.

Shucks! And I’m real sorry about that!

Download your April 2020 Wallpaper/Calendar

Apr 1, 2020
Download your April 2020 Wallpaper/Calendar
April 2020 Wallpaper/Calendar
Your April 2020 Wallpaper/Calendar is ready!

Good news! Your April 2020 Wallpaper/Calendar will not only honor this special season, but also, this year especially, bring a much-needed sense of calm. Spring IS coming, but around here we’re still getting periods of snow, and most spring color has yet to arrive. But close inspection hints at the arrival of those colors we crave, and I know it’ll be SOON!

My monthly desktop wallpaper & calendar offers you a pretty seasonal picture to brighten your computer monitor. But that’s not all. It also includes a handy monthly calendar and serves as a cheat-sheet reference to PDF’s and websites you may want to know about and access.  And it’s even FREE to download, so please don’t hesitate to share this page with your friends and family.

How to download & install your April 2020 wallpaper/calendar

Note: You’ll probably want to consult your own computer operating system’s installation instructions, but installing the background image on my Windows 10 system takes just 3 quick steps – and less than a minute. It’s super-duper easy-peasy! 

Here’s how you can (probably) do it, too.

    1. Start by left-clicking right here and the full-resolution image should pop up or open in a new tab. Then right click on the image and save it to your hard drive.
    2. Once the file has been downloaded, named and saved, click on your saved image to open it. 
    3. Once open, right-click on the image and select “Set as” > “Set as Background”….. then right-click again and select “Set as” > “Set as Lock screen”. And poof! That’s all there is to it! (For convenience, I recommend you install this on both your desktop system and your laptop. Assuming you still have both these days, of course!)

Tips for other operating systems:

And in case you may have an operating system OTHER than Windows 10, you may find these installation tips helpful:

  1. Windows 10, 8.1 or 7: http://www.digitalcitizen.life/how-customize-desktop-background-windows 
  2. Apple Mac: http://www.wikihow.com/Change-the-Desktop-Background-on-an-Apple-Macintosh-Computer 

Finally, please keep in mind that the format of my monthly picture is designed for most modern-day 16:9 monitors (a common format for monitors and HD TV’s since about 2009), oriented in landscape format. (Typically 1920 x 1080 pixels.) If you’re working with an older monitor (and/or one that is more square-ish in format), or your monitor is set up in portrait format or some other variation, the picture may not work for you.

Shucks! And I’m real sorry about that!

Download your March 2020 Wallpaper/Calendar

Mar 1, 2020
Download your March 2020 Wallpaper/Calendar
Download your March 2020 Wallpaper/Calendar
Your March 2020 Wallpaper/Calendar is ready!

Good news! Your March 2020 Wallpaper/Calendar is ready to bring a riot of color to your computer monitor – to tide us all over until the landscaping outside finally catches up! Around here it’s looking a little drab with nary a hint of blossoms or leaves yet. But SOON! I know it’ll be SOON!

My monthly desktop wallpaper & calendar offers you a pretty seasonal picture to brighten your computer monitor. But that’s not all. It also includes a handy monthly calendar and serves as a cheat-sheet reference to PDF’s and websites you may want to know about and access.  And it’s even FREE to download, so please don’t hesitate to share this page with your friends and family.

How to download & install your March 2020 wallpaper/calendar

Note: You’ll probably want to consult your own computer operating system’s installation instructions, but installing the background image on my Windows 10 system takes just 3 quick steps – and less than a minute. It’s super-duper easy-peasy! 

Here’s how you can (probably) do it, too.

    1. Start by left-clicking right here and the full-resolution image should pop up or open in a new tab. Then right click on the image and save it to your hard drive.
    2. Once the file has been downloaded, named and saved, click on your saved image to open it. 
    3. Once open, right-click on the image and select “Set as” > “Set as Background”….. then right-click again and select “Set as” > “Set as Lock screen”. And poof! That’s all there is to it! (For convenience, I recommend you install this on both your desktop system and your laptop. Assuming you still have both these days, of course!)

Tips for other operating systems:

And in case you may have an operating system OTHER than Windows 10, you may find these installation tips helpful:

  1. Windows 10, 8.1 or 7: http://www.digitalcitizen.life/how-customize-desktop-background-windows 
  2. Apple Mac: http://www.wikihow.com/Change-the-Desktop-Background-on-an-Apple-Macintosh-Computer 

Finally, please keep in mind that the format of my monthly picture is designed for most modern-day 16:9 monitors (a common format for monitors and HD TV’s since about 2009), oriented in landscape format. (Typically 1920 x 1080 pixels.) If you’re working with an older monitor (and/or one that is more square-ish in format), or your monitor is set up in portrait format or some other variation, the picture may not work for you.

Shucks! And I’m real sorry about that!

“Painted Poppies” Valentine Cards

Feb 14, 2020
“Painted Poppies” Valentine Cards
Valentines wtih Painted Poppies
"Painted Poppies" Valentine Cards

Today I’ve got some serious monochromatic pink for you, in the form of “Painted Poppies” Valentine Cards. ‘Cuz what says “Happy Valentine’s Day” better than hearts and flowers, right?

Both of these cards feature Melon Mambo and Whisper White, along with some of what I consider the most basic dies that we should probably all have in our collections. And, of course, my current favorite stamp set, “Painted Poppies”. 

die-cutting-basics
Are you missing any of these basics? Sale-a-Bration is a smart time to update your collection of dies because you get to choose free product(s) with every $50 you order!

Can you find all the places I've used "Painted Poppies"?

20200214_111014 wo wm
Images © Stampin' Up!®

This card features not only the Painted Poppies Bundle (stamp set + dies) along with the Stitched Be Mine and Stitched Nested Labels dies, but also the Coastal Weave 3D Embossing Folder, from the Spring (January – June) 2020 Catalog. 

20200214_110923 wo wm
Images © Stampin' Up!®

And this card is basically the same, except the Whisper White and Melon Mambo of the large heart are reversed, and the inner heart is then stamped with an additional image from the “Painted Poppies” stamp set. 

Want more details about these cards? Be sure to order your Painted Poppies stamp set (or bundle) by Saturday, Feb. 15 (that’s tomorrow, btw), in order to receive the package of tutorials I’ll be sending out after that! Contact me to place your order for you, or submit it yourself at store.YourPaperDreams.com. (Current host code is always at hostcode.YourPaperDreams.com)

YOUR favorite moods of the “Painted Poppies” stamp set?

Feb 4, 2020

Have you ever thought about the many moods of the “Painted Poppies” stamp set? This delightful set of images, featured on the front cover of Stampin’ Up!®’s 2020 spring catalog, as well as on pages 24- 27, can confidently step up and shine for almost any occasion: birthday, anniversary, thank-you, friendship, invitation, wedding, sympathy, congratulations, and on and on! Dress it up, or leave it simple. Make it shout, or let it whisper. 

The next time you’re ready to create a card, friendship gift, scrapbook page, or even some home decor, there’s a really good chance that Painted Poppies can lend a hand.

The "understated" mood of "Painted Poppies"

Painted Poppies #simplestamping
Just stamps, ink and paper. #simplestamping
20200114_200104 - w wm
Step it up with a bit of layering, some masking, ribbon & rhinestones.
stepped up Painted Poppies
Step it up again. This time I added a die-cut poppy and leaves for interest & dimension, along with a fussy-cut bottom border that offers a glimpse of the sponging inside.

The "feeling pink" mood

20200125_205157 - w wm
A Valentine gift for a special someone
moods of the Painted Poppies stamp set
A little vintage look, anyone?
Painted Poppies cling stamp set

Free tutorials with purchase of "Painted Poppies"

Check back in a couple of days for some additional moods of the “Painted Poppies” stamp set. And in the meantime, why not grab your Painted Poppies (or even the Bundle with its coordinating dies) right here, so you’ll have everything when you’re ready to use it. 

I’ll be sending out a set of tutorials featuring some of the samples in this grouping (and the next) to everyone who purchases a Painted Poppies stamp set (or Painted Poppies bundle) through me by February 15th! And yes, if you’ve already purchased yours thru me, that order counts, too. (Tutorials will send AFTER the 15th, tho, because I’ll send them all at once to everyone who qualifies.)

Oh! And don’t forget that the Painted Poppies bundle will also qualify you to select a free item from the Sale-a-Bration brochure, too!

Download your February 2020 Wallpaper/Calendar

Feb 1, 2020
Download your February 2020 Wallpaper/Calendar
February 2020 wallpaper/calendar
Your February 2020 Wallpaper/Calendar is ready!

Good news! Your February 2020 Wallpaper/Calendar is ready to bring some cheerful color to your monitor. And along with that, maybe even some hope in your heart that spring might actually arrive eventually! For me? I just wanna see something other than gray skies. Apparently our area just claimed second-place for the gloomiest January on record. Now, of all the records one wants to break… right?!? So I’m starving for some color (of which pink is one of my faves), and some flowers, and I sure wouldn’t mind seeing some blue one of these days, either… provided it was up in the sky! What about YOU?

My monthly desktop wallpaper & calendar offers you a pretty seasonal picture to brighten your computer monitor. But that’s not all. It also includes a handy monthly calendar and serves as a cheat-sheet reference to PDF’s and websites you may want to know about and access.  And it’s even FREE to download, so please don’t hesitate to share this page with your friends and family.

How to download & install your February 2020 wallpaper/calendar

Note: You’ll probably want to consult your own computer operating system’s installation instructions, but installing the background image on my Windows 10 system takes just 3 quick steps – and less than a minute. It’s super-duper easy-peasy! 

Here’s how you can (probably) do it, too.

    1. Start by left-clicking right here and the full-resolution image should open in a new tab. Then right click on the image and save it to your hard drive.
    2. Once the file has been downloaded, named and saved, click on your saved image to open it. 
    3. Once open, right-click on the image and select “Set as” > “Set as Background”….. then right-click again and select “Set as” > “Set as Lock screen”. And poof! That’s all there is to it! (For convenience, I recommend you install this on both your desktop system and your laptop. Assuming you still have both these days, of course!)

Tips for other operating systems:

And in case you may have an operating system OTHER than Windows 10, you may find these installation tips helpful:

  1. Windows 10, 8.1 or 7: http://www.digitalcitizen.life/how-customize-desktop-background-windows 
  2. Apple Mac: http://www.wikihow.com/Change-the-Desktop-Background-on-an-Apple-Macintosh-Computer 

Finally, please keep in mind that the format of my monthly picture is designed for most modern-day 16:9 monitors (a common format for monitors and HD TV’s since about 2009), oriented in landscape format. (Typically 1920 x 1080 pixels.) If you’re working with an older monitor (and/or one that is more square-ish in format), or your monitor is set up in portrait format or some other variation, the picture may not work for you.

Shucks! And I’m real sorry about that!

Download your January 2020 Wallpaper/Calendar

Jan 1, 2020
Download your January 2020 Wallpaper/Calendar
Download your January 2020 Wallpaper/Calendar
Your January 2020 Wallpaper/Calendar is ready!

So here we are on the very first day of January in North Idaho. I picked out this picture a month ago and have saved it ‘specially for today’s wallpaper. And wouldn’t you know… today my thermometer topped out at 47-degrees, and that, combined with a reappearance of some sunshine, worked to erase nearly all traces of the winter wonderland we had just a day and a half ago! Oh well, I’m sure the snow will return in due time. And in the meantime why not download and set up your January 2020 Wallpaper/Calendar! We can always pretend!

Happy New Year!

My monthly desktop wallpaper & calendar offers you a pretty seasonal picture to brighten your computer monitor. But that’s not all. It also includes a handy monthly calendar and serves as a cheat-sheet reference to PDF’s and websites you may want to know about and access.  And it’s even FREE to download, so please don’t hesitate to share this page with your friends and family.

How to download & install your January 2020 wallpaper/calendar

Note: You’ll probably want to consult your own computer operating system’s installation instructions, but installing the background image on my Windows 10 system takes just 3 quick steps – and less than a minute. It’s super-duper easy-peasy! 

Here’s how you can (probably) do it, too.

    1. Start by left-clicking right here and the full-resolution image should open in a new tab. Then right click on the image and save it to your hard drive.
    2. Once the file has been downloaded, named and saved, click on your saved image to open it. 
    3. Once open, right-click on the image and select “Set as” > “Set as Background”….. then right-click again and select “Set as” > “Set as Lock screen”. And poof! That’s all there is to it! (For convenience, I recommend you install this on both your desktop system and your laptop. Assuming you still have both these days, of course!)

Tips for other operating systems:

And in case you may have an operating system OTHER than Windows 10, you may find these installation tips helpful:

  1. Windows 10, 8.1 or 7: http://www.digitalcitizen.life/how-customize-desktop-background-windows 
  2. Apple Mac: http://www.wikihow.com/Change-the-Desktop-Background-on-an-Apple-Macintosh-Computer 

Finally, please keep in mind that the format of my monthly picture is designed for most modern-day 16:9 monitors (a common format for monitors and HD TV’s since about 2009), oriented in landscape format. (Typically 1920 x 1080 pixels.) If you’re working with an older monitor (and/or one that is more square-ish in format), or your monitor is set up in portrait format or some other variation, the picture may not work for you.

Shucks! And I’m real sorry about that!

Download your December 2019 Wallpaper/Calendar

Dec 2, 2019
Download your December 2019 Wallpaper/Calendar
Download your December 2019 Wallpaper/Calendar
December 2019 Wallpaper/Calendar is ready!

Sitting here shivering as I’m writing this, I was particularly attracted to the warm and glowing tones of these festive packages. While I’m nowhere near ready to admit just how close Christmas is already, in my mind’s eye I picture buzzing households full of decorations, beautifully-wrapped packages, crackling fireplaces, excited children and my favorite aroma, ginger cookies baking. It’s time to download your December 2019 Wallpaper/Calendar. Merry Christmas!

My monthly desktop wallpaper & calendar offers you a pretty seasonal picture to brighten your computer monitor. But that’s not all. It also includes a handy monthly calendar and serves as a cheat-sheet reference to PDF’s and websites you may want to know about and access.  And it’s even FREE to download, so please don’t hesitate to share this page with your friends and family.

How to download & install your December 2019 wallpaper/calendar

Note: You’ll probably want to consult your own computer operating system’s installation instructions, but installing the background image on my Windows 10 system takes just 3 quick steps – and less than a minute. It’s super-duper easy-peasy! 

Here’s how you can (probably) do it, too.

    1. Start by left-clicking right here and the full-resolution image should open in a new tab. Then right click on the image and save it to your hard drive.
    2. Once the file has been downloaded, named and saved, click on your saved image to open it. 
    3. Once open, right-click on the image and select “Set as” > “Set as Background”….. then right-click again and select “Set as” > “Set as Lock screen”. And poof! That’s all there is to it! (For convenience, I recommend you install this on both your desktop system and your laptop. Assuming you still have both these days, of course!)

Tips for other operating systems:

And in case you may have an operating system OTHER than Windows 10, you may find these installation tips helpful:

  1. Windows 10, 8.1 or 7: http://www.digitalcitizen.life/how-customize-desktop-background-windows 
  2. Apple Mac: http://www.wikihow.com/Change-the-Desktop-Background-on-an-Apple-Macintosh-Computer 

Finally, please keep in mind that the format of my monthly picture is designed for most modern-day 16:9 monitors (a common format for monitors and HD TV’s since about 2009), oriented in landscape format. (Typically 1920 x 1080 pixels.) If you’re working with an older monitor (and/or one that is more square-ish in format), or your monitor is set up in portrait format or some other variation, the picture may not work for you.

Shucks! And I’m real sorry about that!

Download your November 2019 Wallpaper/Calendar

Nov 3, 2019
Download your November 2019 Wallpaper/Calendar
November 2019 Wallpaper/Calendar

Early snows, harsh winds, and a record-breaking cold October in Spokane (just the next sizable town over from here) have all conspired to treat the autumn leaves around here rather harshly.  So, as I’ve remained hungry for a bit of peaceful fall color, this image caught my eye right away. It may not be what I see outside my window, but it says “fall” in the gentle whisper I crave. And you can enjoy it, too; the November 2019 Wallpaper/Calendar is ready to download and install on your own computer monitor(s). 

My monthly desktop wallpaper & calendar offers you a pretty seasonal picture to brighten your computer monitor. But that’s not all. It also includes a handy monthly calendar and serves as a cheat-sheet reference to PDF’s and websites you may want to know about and access.  And it’s even FREE to download, so please don’t hesitate to share this page with your friends and family.

How to download & install your November 2019 wallpaper/calendar

Note: You’ll probably want to consult your own computer operating system’s installation instructions, but installing the background image on my Windows 10 system takes just 3 quick steps – and less than a minute. It’s super-duper easy-peasy! 

Here’s how you can (probably) do it, too.

    1. Start by left-clicking right here and the full-resolution image should open in a new tab. Then right click on the image and save it to your hard drive.
    2. Once the file has been downloaded, named and saved, click on your saved image to open it. 
    3. Once open, right-click on the image and select “Set as” > “Set as Background”….. then right-click again and select “Set as” > “Set as Lock screen”. And poof! That’s all there is to it! (For convenience, I recommend you install this on both your desktop system and your laptop. Assuming you still have both these days, lol!)

Tips for other operating systems:

And in case you may have an operating system OTHER than Windows 10, you may find these installation tips helpful:

  1. Windows 10, 8.1 or 7: http://www.digitalcitizen.life/how-customize-desktop-background-windows 
  2. Apple Mac: http://www.wikihow.com/Change-the-Desktop-Background-on-an-Apple-Macintosh-Computer 

Finally, please keep in mind that the format of my monthly picture is designed for most modern-day 16:9 monitors (a common format for monitors and HD TV’s since about 2009), oriented in landscape format. (Typically 1920 x 1080 pixels.) If you’re working with an older monitor (and/or one that is more square-ish in format), or your monitor is set up in portrait format or some other variation, the picture may not work for you.

Shucks! And I’m real sorry about that!

24-Hour Stamp Sale!

Oct 21, 2019

 

Shop online at http://store.YourPaperDreams.com

I’ve promised it’s coming, and it’s almost here! Stampin’ Up!®’s 24-Hour Stamp Sale is set for Wednesday, October 23rd. That’s just day after tomorrow!

On that day, you’ll find just under 60 stamp sets from the 2019-2020 Annual Catalog available at 15% off!

Download a preliminary PDF listing (here) indicating which stamp sets are slated to be included in this very rare opportunity. And then on the 23rd, you’ll find them in my online store. (Please be aware that the specific sets and/or pricings are subject to change between now and then – due to Stampin’ Up!’s discretion.)

And oh, by the way, if you’ve been thinking about joining (or returning to) Stampin’ Up!, Wednesday would be an excellent time to do so because you could choose these stamps for your starter kit at their *discounted* prices! So you could pack even MORE value into your starter kit! (Click here to join (or re-join) Stampin’ Up!)

Be sure to mark your calendar for Wednesday, Oct. 23 (maybe even in RED- with stars all over it) – so you don’t miss out on this exciting 24-hour stamp sale!

Report your counts for World Card-Sending Week

Oct 11, 2019
Report your totals for World Card-Sending Week
Click image to report your number of total cards sent this week.

So last weekend my online friends and I marked World Card-Making Day with our 6th Annual WCMD Virtual Retreat. 48 hours of online card-making fun, including theme challenges, learning new layout ideas, and getting to know each other a little more. And then THIS week has been the brand-new concept (that I sure hope will become an annual event), “World Card-Sending Week”! Sponsored by Stampin’ Up!®, WCSW has been all about encouragement to SEND all those newly-made cards and let someone know you’re thinking of them!

World Card-Sending Week cards

And participation in World Card-Sending Week is not only open to demonstrators, but to all of our card-sending friends, as well. (Of course!) So here’s how YOU can play along and add YOUR cards-sent tally to the global count, which has a goal of hitting 50,000 cards sent between Oct. 6 and Oct. 12!

Here's how to play with us!

If you’re already a card-maker you probably already have a pile of cards somewhere that you haven’t gotten around to sending to anyone yet. So grab that pile of cards and address them to friends, family, or anyone else who’s been on your mind. Enclose a little personal note if you’re inspired to do so, and send them on their way. 

But don’t forget to record a tally of each card you’ve sent this week, and then report your total number of cards on this form right here! 

I  will accept your totals up thru Tuesday, Oct. 15 (this upcoming week), and then I’ll combine your totals with my own, and report the entire amount to Stampin’ Up!, where the *worldwide* count will be tallied and maintained. Wouldn’t it be fun if our Paper Dreaming peeps could report 100 or more cards as a group? And in the meantime, I’ll update how we’re doing towards that 100-cards goal. Keep your eye on my Facebook page for those updates over the next several days.

But let’s be careful to help keep the worldwide totals accurate, and not accidentally double-report the same cards. That means that each card sent must ultimately only be reported to Stampin’ Up! ONE time. 

So if you’re a current demonstrator, you should report your card count directly through Stampin’ Up!’s reporting system. (Link found in the Oct. 8 updates.)

If you’re NOT a demonstrator, but are a friend, family member, customer or follower of mine, you can report your cards on my custom tally form… as long as you don’t report those same cards elsewhere, too. I will ensure that your total will be included in the Paper Dreamers group total that I will report directly to Stampin’ Up! on Oct. 16 (next week).

"World Card-Sending Week" - in review

  • Oct. 6 – Oct. 12 – Send as many cards as you can during World Card-Sending Week. 
  • Oct. 12 – Oct. 15 – Report the number of cards you sent
    • Demonstrators – report your counts directly via Stampin’ Up!’s system (by Oct. 16)
    • All others (friends, customers, followers, family, etc.) – report either through me or another demonstrator who is actively participating in this campaign, and who will ensure that your count will be included in the total he or she reports to Stampin’ Up! by Oct. 16.

A real big thank-you to everyone who participated in our WCMD Virtual Retreat last weekend and/or will be sending cards during World Card-Sending Week, too! Do you think the total numbers of cards will have enough impact to make the USPS wonder what just happened?!?

SEND your cards, then REPORT your numbers for World Card-Sending Week!