[Time Sensitive] Advice for MDS Users

With the news that My Digital Studio (MDS) is being discontinued on June 2nd (date extended from May 31) and other MDS resources will be ending on June 9th, I wanted to provide a little advice on how to proceed before the deadlines. Basically, this is an overview of what I’ve done, or will do in the near future, to make sure I’m covered on all MDS fronts. This post assumes you already have MDS and plan to continue using it. *I am more than happy to help answer more specific questions about any of this process- just email me!

First, look at the downloads that you have in MDS. Is there any content that you feel like you are “missing” from  your digital stash? The software comes with quite a bit of content, but depending on how you plan to use MDS you might need more. Jot down a list of “missing” content.

Next, check out the digital downloads in the Stampin’ Up! store. Everything is 30% off until June 2nd, so you are getting a great deal! I did more shopping than I’m comfortable admitting, mainly because I’ve seen some of the other digital content available online, and the Stampin’ Up! stuff is my favorite. (Also, because of my demonstrator discount I also get an extra 20% off!) Now there is a TON of content in the online store, so my strategy was to look through it all by content “TYPE” first, then by “OCCASION.” You may only need to do one or the other, especially if you have very specific MDS needs.

Third, once you’ve gotten all the downloads you desire, enter your download manager and print/save the screen for future reference. On my PC I did this by right-clicking when I was on the download manager, selecting print, and just following my printer instructions. I also saved this as a PDF on my computer. Here’s a screenshot of what the download manager looks like:

Screenshot MDS download mgr

In addition, you will definitely want to go ahead and DOWNLOAD your purchases immediately. The download manager goes away on June 9th!

Once all of your content is downloaded into MDS, find the folder on your computer where your MDS files are saved. Back up everything onto an external hard drive or other backup location. If you need help with this process, *contact me! It’s mostly important that you backup your MDS content during this step, but it’s also a great time to back up any projects you have created as well. Here’s where the MDS files are located on my computer (a PC) and it should be similar for you. One of the main things you want to back up is the highlighted “components” folder:

Screenshot MDS file location

These are the main steps you want to take, but there are some additional/optional backup things you can do. The most important is to get content purchased and downloaded before the deadlines! Purchase by June 2nd & Download by June 9th!

As far as how I’m moving forward after these deadlines…. I’m going to continue to use MDS software until it becomes unusable. At that point I will be using the software called My Memories Suite. It’s made by the SAME COMPANY that makes MDS and it functions virtually the same way! All the content you purchase and use in MDS can be moved over to MMS seamlessly!

*if you purchased MDS from another Stampin’ Up! demonstrator, please contact her/him for assistance first. I’m happy to help you after that, if necessary.

[Time Sensitive] My Digital Studio Being Discontinued

My Digital Studio will be unavailable for purchase after May 31, 2015. If you are interested in purchasing the software and/or any downloads from my Stampin’ Up! Online Store then make sure you do so right away.

I will continue to support any of my customers who use this software, for as long as necessary. I plan to continue using MDS and will just find alternative ways to print my products.

I will have more information on these changes very soon, including how I plan to move forward.

Contact me with any questions!

Blendabilities Product Line Discontinued

I’m sorry to report that Stampin’ Up! has discontinued the Blendabilities line of products, due to continued manufacturing problems.

If you have purchased ANY Blendabilities marker sets since they came out (June 2014) I strongly recommend that you check to make sure they are working correctly. The main issue has been dryness; although I had ONE marker that was not sealed correctly and it came apart when I opened it. Check ALL of the ones you have, and if you have any defective ones, you should call Stampin’ Up! BEFORE JUNE 15 to get reimbursement or replacement product.

1-800-STAMPUP

It’s disappointing for sure, but Stampin’ Up! can’t continue to sell something that has so many problems and no resolution in sight.

If you’d like to ask me any questions, please feel free to email me anytime!