Picture the Possiblities

Hi Stampers! As promised, I have Stampin' Up!'s May special to show you. With May being National Scrapbooking Month, this special will help you to get your scrappin' groove on!

The highlights are:

• Buy 3 designer series paper packs, get 1 free
• Buy 3 textured cardstock packs, get 1 free
• Order the not-yet-in-the-catalog Jumble alphabet stamp set at 20% off

And the craziest thing:

• Join my team, the Stamping Circle, for only $75! It's true Stampin' Up! has arranged a scrapbook starter kit option that gets you all the business supplies plus some scrapbooking supplies to get started. Contact me if you are interested by email tasha@thestampinglady.com or 620-960-8490.

I think the Jumble alphabet is genius. Casual, whimsical, fun all in one alphabet at a great price!

You can order this starting tomorrow, May 1, by clicking on My Stampin' Up! website. The alphabet is number 115199 and, for a limited time, the price is $35.16.

Have you gotten out your pictures and started to organize? Are you up for a challenge?

I challenge you to create 15 pages this month--with pictures.

What good are the layouts if they don't have pictures? Yes, this is the challenge I have set for myself as well. And busy as May is, it will not be easy but I know that I will be happy to look at them when they are done. So let's get going!

Thanks for stopping by and have a GREAT day! Tasha

Variation on a Design

Hi Stampers! My card tonight will look familiar to you if you did the May Cards of the Month Club. This card idea came from wanting to use my new free stamp and still having 2 die cut birds sitting nearby!

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This bright, cheery card is 4-1/4"x5-1/2" and uses my new Raspberry Tart paper. Not sure why I haven't ordered that paper yet--I love it! This is going out to a couple who is celebrating a May anniversary. The branch is actually 2 of the sizzlet leaflets, I cut one and just used part to extend the branch so there was seating for two!

Here are the Stampin' Up! supplies I used:

stamps: Forever (free with $40 order from the mini-catalog, 1 more day to take advantage of this--it expires April 30 at 11:00pm mtn time.)

cardstock: whisper white, regal rose, rose red, kiwi kiss, raspberry tart and brown (from Christmas mini) designer series paper

ink: rose red

tools: Big Shot with birds and blooms sizzlet and leaflet sizzlet

Thanks for stopping by! Tasha

PS Tomorrow I will announce the May specials! Don't miss out on getting rewarded for ordering your favorite items from the mini-catalog.

Drum Roll, Please....

Hi Stampers! It's time I let you know what I've been cookin' up for your stamping, card-making, and scrapbooking pleasure.

You’re Invited To

The Stamping Lady’s
Spring/Summer Open House

Come see the latest designs for scrapbooking and rubber stamping!

Sat. May 9, 9am-1pm

So much to see and do…
Make and takes
· Gift ideas
· Order specials
· Quick kits
· Home décor ideas
· Cards for sale
· Sign up for summer classes
· Door prizes

All this and more will be happening at:

My Stamping Place
4011 Sherwood Dr.
Hutchinson

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And for those of you who don't live close enough to come in person, I will have some special activities and a blog candy giveaway! So mark your calendars right now--you don't want to miss it!!

Thanks for stopping by! Tasha

Sorry For the Inconvenience

Hi Stampers! To my Virtual Cards of the Month Club Members: I didn't realize the shipping store closes at noon on Saturday so I missed getting the supplies shipped. They are headed out today, though, and I added a little something to (hopefully) make up for the delay!

It's Cheaper Than Therapy!

Hi Stampers! I just saw this article from scrapbook.com and thought I would share it with you. Many of us crafters joke that stamping is "cheaper than therapy" and now I have a little evidence that it truly is beneficial!!

Companies Focus On Therapeutic Effects of Scrapbooking

As the economic recession leads to a rise in depression (or at least has many people feeling "down"), some scrapbook companies are choosing to focus their marketing efforts on highlighting the therapeutic effects of scrapbooking.

Big Picture Scrapbooking, the site started by Simple Scrapbooks magazine founding editor Stacy Julian which offers online education to scrapbookers, did a survey of their students about how scrapbooking affected them and promoted the results to media outlets. They shared what students said about the positive effect scrapbooking - and BPS classes - had on them:

• Where else are you going to find, tucked into scrapbook design medium, a class on choosing joy and gratitude in your life instead of dwelling on the negative things that surround us every day?
• Where else will you learn secrets that will change the way you view life from top photographers and artists in simple, do-able steps?

Big Picture Scrapbooking has changed my philosophy in life. I am learning from amazing women to savor life a little more and capture that in a form that my friends and family can enjoy and learn from for years to come. Big Picture is also highlighting quotes from student reviews on the front page of their website that reflect the same marketing philosophy - their classes are not only about how to scrapbook, but are uplifting as well.

Stampin' Up! is also focusing marketing effort on the positive effects of scrapbooking. During the month of April, the stamping and scrapbooking direct sales company has been trying to encourage people who are stressed by the recession to relieve stress by adopting a new hobby.

The company says that it believes that the "scenario of friends crafting together and enjoying a fun hobby may just be the ticket to relieving stress and helping people 'get connected' during these tough economic times."

Even those among us who are devoted scrapbookers and have known the help that scrapbooking was getting us through a hard time in the past (the loss of a loved one, for instance) can get pulled away from scrapbooking when we are stressed and other things seem more important. Scrapbooking businesses can do their industry and their customers - and their own individual business - a service by reminding people about the intangible benefits of their hobby.

It's value-added marketing: We're not just selling paper and stickers. We're selling relaxation and comfort, too.

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by! Tasha

My Take

Hi Stampers! I finally made it back...what a long day. For some reason I just loved today's Unscripted sketch. I have made two cards so far and think I might do some "mower". ;)

In case you would like to try it, here is the sketch. Now for my second card, I did the circle as a cutout window.
It's really hard to tell that it's cut out. I just couldn't figure out the best way to photograph the card to show the window.

The grass was run through the paper crimper at a slight angle and then again at a different angle which makes it sort of wavy. I simply snipped the top. And the golfer's outfit is paper pieced so he could match the card! Here is the inside.
stamps: And Many Mower (from the mini-catalog)

cardstock: sahara sand, very vanilla (mower card), whisper white (golfer), garden green, unidentified plaid

ink: mower--staz on timber brown, real red, so saffron, crayola gray ; golfer--staz on timber brown, bashful blue, certainly celery, gable green, creamy caramel, really rust and copics for skin (yes Heather and Emily I used them!)

accessories: small designer series circle brad

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This set is really fun and is great because it has images and sentiments. Gotta have it? The set is available through June 30 in the Occasions mini catalog pictured in the right side bar.

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Glad you stopped by! Tasha

Is Your Life Unscripted?

Hi Stampers! It's the w-e-e-k-e-n-d. And I found something new to share--actually they found me. There is a group of 9 ladies who started a Saturday sketch and today is week 3. Here is where you can find out more and play along:

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Unscripted sketches

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Unfortunately, today's sketch isn't posted as I write this so I will add my sample later. But if you have time to stamp, you can try week 2 while you're waiting!

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I head out shortly to sell (hopefully) 400 trees, then help an older friend buy/plant flowers, then on to the work day at our neighborhood pool. So far the weather is cooperating which is a bonus.

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Have a stampendous Saturday and thanks for stopping by! Tasha

If You Plant It, They Will Come

Happy Arbor Day, Stampers! I helped wrap 400 small trees last night that our city tree board will sell on Saturday morning. Right now is a great time to plant and here are my selected

Top 5 Benefits of Trees

1. Established trees will increase the selling value of a home 15-20%.
2. Neighborhoods with trees experience up to a 40% decrease in domestic violence calls.
3. The air temperature in the shade of a tree averages 10-degrees cooler than in the sun.
4. Pollution reduction--filter the air, slow rainfall reducing erosion, muffle noise.
5. Provide a home for birds and other wildlife. Which also benefits us when we get to watch these animals. Who doesn't love seeing squirrels chase up and down a tree?

So if you have a spot--I ask you to plant a tree this spring. It really doesn't take long before the birds come and sit on the branches. Just like on my card for today.

This is one of the cards in the May Cards of the Month Club. Those kits start shipping tomorrow and you can join until May 10.

stamps: Great Friend

cardstock: very vanilla, kiwi kiss, baja breeze, brown pattern paper

ink: chocolate chip

tools: sponge, Big Shot with Little Leaves and Birds and Blooms sizzlets and cuttlebug embossing folder

Not in the market for planting trees? You can always donate to your local parks department and many other "green" organizations.

As always, if you need any of these or other supplies you can order directly through my Stampin' Up! website here or email me at tasha@thelandscapelady.com.

Have a great weekend and thanks for stopping by! Tasha

Are You Connected?

Hi Stampers! There is one week left of the Get Connected promotion.

You can order online by clicking my Stampin' Up! site and entering your order with your free item last. It will automatically show $0--how cool is that! Or, for those of you more like me, you can email me with your order and your phone number. I will be happy to help you. :)

Click here to download and see the mini-catalog

And, don't forget, local Cards of the Month Club for May is this Friday. Registration ends today so don't miss out!

Have a great day! Tasha

Happy Earth Day

Hi Stampers! Isn't it crazy how we have made a "holiday" out of nearly everything? So today is Earth Day and Administrative Professionals Day (which I have to admit I don't know what that is). So if anyone can help me out I would appreciate it. Is it a new title for Secretaries' Day or Bosses' Day?


Not one to like indecision, I made a card for Earth Day! Plus, trees and green are kinda my thing anyway. :) Everything for this card came from my scrap/leftover pile! The 4 background panels are actually grocery bag. I left the jaggedy edge from the top of the bag to create a point of interest.

The sky was created by punching a scallop circle out of stampin' dimensionals backing paper. I placed the circle randomly on the upper part of the square and sponged blue along the top and repeated until I liked the look. For the ground I tore another piece of the dimensionals backing paper and placed it on the sky, sponging below to make the grass. Quick and easy. I like the heaviness of the backing paper and it is coated so it holds up well.

Go look around. I bet there are some things you can make a card out of today without getting out anything new!

stamps: Forest Friends (113748 in the mini-catalog)

cardstock: very vanilla, certainly celery, close to cocoa, grocery bag

ink: bashful blue, certainly celery, close to cocoa

accessory: hemp twine

tools: stampin' sponge, scallop circle punch, stampin' dimensionals backing paper

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by! Tasha

Hi Stampers! The sun is shining outside and in when you take a look at this cheerful card.

Both the flower and greeting are from Stampin' Up!'s very versatile set Best Wishes & More (111602). The bold flower is striking alone or in a group and I just love the wavy sentiments that are included in the set.

stamps: Best Wishes & More

cardstock: old olive, tangerine tango, whisper white, rainbow sherbet designer series paper

ink: old olive, pumpkin pie, ballet blue, versa mark

accessory: small circle designer brad

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Don't forget! Tomorrow is Administrative Professionals Day so if you are fortunate enough to have someone who handles your phone calls, paperwork, or appointments you should definitely show your appreciation. And I recommend a hand-made card! :)

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Thanks for stopping by! Tasha

Jumpstart the Week

Hi Stampers! I have a bright card for you today to jumpstart your week. With a little help from the Mojo Monday team, I was able to put this card together in just a few minutes. This week's sketch looks like this:

My card is 5-3/8" square which fits perfectly in Stampin' Up!'s medium square envelope (107289). Not sure why the butterfly accessory on the sketch immediately made me think "star", but that's good since I can always use boy cards! And, yes, I did simply stamp the ribbon. I don't always like to use ribbon for boys, but it need a little something on all that orange so I tried to camouflage it.

Remember, the sketch isn't a "rule" just a suggestion to help you build a card faster. So why don't you give it a try?

stamps: Sporting, Fundamental Phrases

cardstock: whisper white, tangerine tango, pacific point, old olive designer series paper

ink: pumpkin pie, brilliant blue, craft white, old olive

tools: star and large star punches, scallop edge punch

Thanks for stopping by today! Tasha

Busting Three Myths About Scrapbooking

Hi Stampers! With National Scrapbooking Month just around the corner, I've been thinking about some of the things people say to me about scrapbooking. And then I found this great article so instead of reinventing the wheel I will let you read what Karen Siegel Fitting has to say.
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Busting Three Myths About Scrapbooking
-by Karen Siegel Fitting
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When I tell people about what I do, I often hear things like; "I am not creative at all", "I just don't have the time" , "I would love to be able to scrapbook". If you have the desire to scrapbook, you can make to happen.
Read on... three common scrapbooking myths are about to be BUSTED!
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Scrapbooking Myth #1: There's no time to scrapbook. Scrapping doesn't require more time than you are willing to give to yourself for other activities (like exercise or the spa), it just requires scheduling. Most retail stores post their scrapbooking times 2 to 3 months in advance. Independent consultants offer workshops as well and will likely have their schedules prepared 4 to 6 months in advance. My friend, Jackie, only scrapbooks twice a year - at weekend retreat events an independent consultant runs. Jackie knows 6 months in advance when the next retreat will happen and works her family calendar around it. She is able to remain up to date with her photo projects by simply making the most of these two opportunities. In my experience, busy people get things done - because of planning.
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Scrapbooking Myth #2: You have to be creative to make a scrapbook style photo album. Putting photos into safe albums is mostly about preserving the memories & stories that the photos represent. Some of my favorite album pages are 'naked'. They lack any stickers or embellishments whatsoever. I love pages like this because they celebrate the memories. Digital scrapbooking and pre-designed layouts make things easier. Just add pictures and your words and you have a beautiful page!
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Scrapbooking Myth #3: Scrapbooks are for families with kids. As long as you are taking pictures, kids or no kids, there's plenty to work on! Look at your pictures, aren't they worthy of celebration? It's time to show off your exciting life! Celebrate your everyday, your family and friends. Your story is worth telling and sharing, putting these stories and memories into a safe album is a great way to do this!
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Now that you know how to bust these myths, it is time to get started. Find a few pictures, find some friends or some help from a store or consultant and celebrate your memories.
To request your free digital scrapbooking software, go to http://karenfitting.wordpress.com/ Karen Siegel Fitting has been helping her clients keep up-to-date with their photos for over 5 years. Since January, 2009 her clients have completed over 10 albums, hundreds of pages, and have maintained sanity in the effort of keeping their photos managed.
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So now that you have no excuses, why don't you spend some time in the next few weeks finding and organizing some pictures. Then you can scrapbook with me next month! Let's see if we can make this the most productive May ever!!
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Thanks for stopping by, Tasha

PS--Not sure where to start? Stampin' Up!'s Simply Scrappin' kits are a great way to get started. I can get a whole album out of one kit--that's pretty cost (and time) effective! These kits are listed in the catalog on pages 163-165.

And don't forget, you can still sign up for May's COTM club here.

Inspired Great Friend

Hi Stampers! Happy Saturday--I hope you get to enjoy it! I visited the inspiration challenge over at www.splicoaststampers.com today. And here is what I came up with.

The white creates a neat layering effect with the darker colors making it hard to tell what is on top. By simply making a smaller panel with the same pattern, I was able to create a focal point while maintaining the simplicity.
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stamps: Great Friend, Yummy
cardstock: mellow moss, close to cocoa, very vanilla
ink: craft white, craft old olive, creamy caramel
accessories: hodgepodge hardware, hemp
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Should you need any supplies you can order by clicking my order site or by sending an email to tasha@thestampinglady.com . The best part is.... if you order this weekend, more than likely you can use your new stuff next weekend!!
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Thanks for stopping by! Tasha
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Don't forget you can sign up for May's COTM club right now!

Feelin' Lucky?

Hi Stampers! My card to share today is perfect to send when your friend or relative wins something. Even winning the friendly wager over who can mow their yard the fastest will seem much more worth bragging about after receiving a card like this!
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It's hard not to love this silly skull and crossbones. For a little extra pizzazz I added Dazzling Diamonds Glitter twinkles to the eyes and one tooth. The cool border at the top was made with a punch! (Thanks, Janna) Here's the breakdown of what I used:

stamps: Just Jawing, Game Night, In the Cards standard roller wheel

cardstock: whisper white, basic black, craft, riding hood red

ink: craft white, real red cartridge, black staz on

accessories: dazzling diamonds glitter

tools: standard Stampin' Around wheel/handle, EK punch

Happy Friday to you. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Thanks for stopping by, Tasha

Spring Has Sprung!

Hi Stampers! When I say "spring" I am not just talking flowers--it seems all the activities that sort of hibernated are now calling once again! And soon those activities will all have their final meeting or party or field trip. May can be a crazy time, but I hope to enjoy every minute.

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Today's card is for a friend who had a hip replacement. I grew up in a family that only went to the hospital to have babies and to die so I am still in awe of anyone who survives a surgery! I have, in my adult years, come to realize it is not that unusual. LOL

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The layout is from splitcoaststampers sketch challenge 224 and color challenge 214.

stamps: Eastern Blooms, Fun & Fast Notes (sentiment)

cardstock: whisper white, bordering blue, pirouette pink

ink: basic black, versa mark, bordering blue, pretty in pink

accessories: so saffron 5/8" grosgrain ribbon, silver brads

I hope that you have some time to stamp today. Get a lot of cards made up this month because May is......National Scrapbooking Month! I'll have to switch gears a little but one nice thing is many scrapbook layouts lend themselves to cards and vice versa.

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As always, if you need supplies you can order by clicking here and then choosing "shop now" in the upper right corner OR emailing me at tasha@thestampinglady.com.

Have a great day! Tasha

Ta Da!

Hi Stampers! May Cards of the Month is officially released! You can sign up today to make these 5 cards for May. Learn more about how the club works or Sign Up by clicking the COTM webpage.

That's it--short and sweet today!
Thanks for stopping by--Tasha


Stampin' Up! sets used to complete the kit as shown:
Great Friend (113792 Occasions mini-catalog)
Fundamental Phrases (114968 p. 139 spring-summer catalog)

Mojo...Tuesday?

Hi Stampers! It's been awhile since I made a Mojo Monday sketch and I needed a change from all the pretty pastels I've been using so you can see where I ended up. Here is the sketch:

And here is the card. I am still loving the gerbera daisy die cut that goes with the Big Shot. Rub-ons are pretty awesome too since they stick to nearly anything and can go right on embossed cardstock. However, I don't really like the one I picked for this card. :( It would be better suited somewhere else I think, but I suppose not all of my cards can be masterpieces--lol.

stamps: Dreams du Jour

cardstock: riding hood red, kraft, certainly celery, Jackpot designer series paper

ink: versa-mark

accessories: rub-ons, certainly celery twill ribbon, small circle designer brad, dazzling diamonds glitter

tools: texturz plate and daisy die cut with big shot, scallop edge punch

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All the supplies are from Stampin' Up! You can order them 24/7 by clicking on the catalog and then selecting "shop now" or by emailing me at tasha@thestampinglady.com .

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Have a great day! Tasha

PS Don't forget that the May Cards of the Month Club release is tomorrow. And so is the tax deadline (now you know what I'm doing tonight).

Hostess With The Mostest

Hi Stampers! Though my post is later today, I am feeling on top of the world because I conquered (I think) a technical issue with our internet/router. So, hopefully, I will not continue to have connection issues--hooray!

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Today I have a cheerful little card created with the level 1 hostess set Darling Dots. In just 3"x3" the bright colors pack a large burst of cheer. Wouldn't this be a great way to invite your friends to a backyard gathering? The simple design and limited supplies make it easy and economical to produce in multiples.

AND...it would be a snap to make some matching thank you's if they were needed for your occasion!

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But the only way to get this set is to have a workshop that reaches $150. Not here in town? Then you have 2 options:

• gather a few orders from friends and email me to place the "book party"



• gather a few orders from friends and enter it online yourself

Either way you will receive the same benefits and the products will be delivered directly to your door! -- Don't forget you will get your choice from the catalog pg. 208 free in April as well.

Your friends can also take advantage of the April offer if they order $40 or more from the Occasions mini-catalog, then they can also choose something from pg. 208 for free.

With so much to gain, what are you waiting for?

Here is a list of Stampin' Up! supplies I used for the card:

stamps: Darling Dots, To You and Yours (sentiment)

cardstock: garden green, whisper white

ink: garden green, real red, black Staz On

accessories: real red 1/4" grosgrain ribbon

Thanks for stopping by today! Tasha

-Here's what the complete set looks like:

Happy Easter

Happy Easter, Stampers! I realize not everyone celebrates this day, but if you do I hope that you are lucky enough to be able to spend some time this weekend with your family. And I am honored that you took the time to visit today because I most certainly enjoy my "stamping family".

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Here is the card I made for you. A clean and simple style full of symbolism.

We will be celebrating with my family this year. Since my husband will be working (a definite negative to his otherwise great job) I decided I wasn't up to driving 9 hours to his family. Ends up that was a good decision because my sister-in-law who was hosting (hi Monica!) had a business trip come up and will be flying out mid-afternoon. They certainly didn't need my rowdy bunch there while she tries to get ready!

I plan on eating lots of jelly beans and chocolate eggs--hope you do too! Tasha

April Showers Bring May Flowers and Another Peek

Hi Stampers! Hope you are having a great Saturday. We had quite a bit of rain the other night, but the sun came out late in the day leading into a beautiful evening. The card I am showing you today will be part of the May Cards of the Month Club.

I just love this gerbera daisy die cut. This bright, cheery flower will warm the heart of any recipient! Perfect for Mother's Day, this card is a 5-1/4" square. The daisy is mounted on the almost amethyst background which is embossed using the Big Shot and a Texturz plate from Stampin' Up!s background 1 set.

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Just for fun, the flower's center is a large Circle Designer Brad.

Sign up for May's Cards of the Month Club begins on April 15. I hope you can join us this month either locally or with a virtual kit!

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Thanks for stopping by! Tasha

It's Time Once Again

Hi Stampers! It's time for a Sneak Peek of the May Cards of the Month Club.

The five cards you create this month can be used for birthday, sympathy, graduation, Mother's Day, and thank you--BUT customize them as you make them and your options are limitless! Release date for this May club is April 15. Virtual club supplies will mail out by April 24 and local club will meet on April 24. This is the way to be ready for all those May events.

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The May COTM features the Stampin' Up! stamp set Great Friend from the Occasions mini-catalog which you can view in the right side bar. Remember, any order from the mini- of $40 or more gets you a F-R-E-E item from the main catalog page 208.

As always, you can order 24/7 by clicking on the catalog in the upper right hand corner and then selecting "shop now". OR you can email me with your order or questions at tasha_hickert-consulting@yahoo.com.

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Thanks for stopping by today. Have a fabulous Friday!

Tasha

Grow Your Own Embellishments

Hi Stampers! As we head into spring and start visiting those garden centers, I have something you might want to add to your list. Flowers for pressing.

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This age-old practice is a wonderful way to add your own personal touch to a card. And fun way to send a little summer long after the growing season has ended. But like everything related to plants, it takes some planning ahead and the best time to start is now!

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Pressing flowers is not terribly hard, but there are tricks to make it go well. The easiest plan for success is to use flowers that lend themselves to pressing. Look for those with an open/flat face and ones that are a single layer. Here are some of the best plants for beginners to try:

• pansies
  
• larkspur
  
• violets
  
• ferns

Kathryn Saultzbaugh wrote a terrific article for Fine Gardening that gives complete details about pressing flowers. She covers everything from best harvest time to building your own press (should you get that involved). You can read her article by clicking here--Pressing Flowers.

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Have great day and thanks for stopping by! Tasha

Another Gift Idea and New Schedule

Good morning, Stampers! As promised I have another gift idea to share. This set of 8 monogramed cards with envelopes fits nicely in the gift purse. You can see the cards in the lower pocket and the lining in the upper pocket before I put those cards in.
This time I did use one of Lauren Meader's MyTimeless Templates. However, since my printer is still not talking to my computer, I just had to guess at the exact dimensions!! The outside is 5"x7"x1".

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Here is the whole kit ready to ship off.

Clasp detail. Aren't those designer brads cool?

Want to make one yourself? Here's what I used:

stamps: polka-dot punches

cardstock: kraft, delicate dots designer series paper

ink: craft white

accessories: so saffron 5/8" grosgrain ribbon, circle designer brads (small size)

tools: eyelet border punch, corner rounder

If you like this but prefer to make things in a class setting I have good news! I am now announcing my schedule through June. I'll release more about the events as they approach, but wanted to give you a chance to mark your calendars.

• April 24--Cards of the Month Club (May)
• May 9--Open House
• May 29--Cards of the Month Club (June)
• June 12, June 13 Scrapbook Class
• June 26--Cards of the Month Club (July)

Thanks so much for stopping by and have a wonderful Wednesday!

Tasha

Gift Idea

Hi Stampers! Today I want to share a 3-D item with you--a little purse I made for a friend's daughter who is turning 12. Not having planned ahead, I opted for a gift card and lip gloss from a store she likes. But I certainly couldn't send it "as is". Inspired by one of Lauren Meader's MyTimeless Templates, I put on my thinking cap and came up with this little purse which measures 5-1/2"x3-3/4"x1" when closed. Here is a close-up of the front closure.

And here is the purse! I hung the gift tag from the handle after taking the photo. The ribbon is easy to apply using sticky strip. The corner detail is made with Stampin' Up!'s new eyelet border punch (one of my current favorite items).

I chose cameo coral because I like how it looks with the cobalt blue holder that the gift card came in. I made a pocket to hold the gift card and matching greeting on the other side. I simply used Stampin' dimensionals to hold the lip gloss in place.

Here are the Stampin' Up! supplies I used in case you want to try one, too!

stamp sets: Eastern Blooms, Fundamental Phrases

cardstock: cameo coral, whisper white, brilliant blue

ink: brilliant blue, cameo coral, old olive, versa mark

accessories: old olive 5/8" grosgrain ribbon, green square jewel brads

tools: eyelet border punch, crop-a-dile

Have a terrific Tuesday and thanks for stopping by!

Tasha

PS I have another one I'll share tomorrow! I have had to wait for it to reach the recipient since I didn't want her to see it online first! ;)

The Difference An Hour Can Make -OR- Location, Location, Location

Good Monday morning, Stampers!

No card today, just an amazing picture. This was taken by an Air National Guard plane as they patrolled for stranded motorists near Byers, KS. That is a farmstead about 1 hour from our house.
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I have to say I can't even fathom how I would deal with that!!
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Hope you got your Easter cards done. I'm going to have to make a few more since I thought of more people today that I should send them to--isn't that the way?


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Have a great week and thanks for stopping by!
Tasha

PS I looked back and realized I never shared anything about our part of the blizzard! Here are a couple shots from our neighborhood Saturday, March 28. Keep in mind it was blizzarding until about 10:30 am and these were taken about 4pm.

View out my back garage door of the patio--couldn't open the door very well!!

We shoveled for hours to get 1/2 the drive open. You can see the snow in the street is up to my husband's knees! But the neighbor on the 4-wheeler is telling us he has a front loader on the way to clear the street. (That man got monster cookies packaged up with the "Yummy for your Tummy" stamped on it and a sincere thank you card made with "Just Jawing" sentiment--YOU ROCK).

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Our hero in action! If you want to read a little more about it, you can check out my neighbor/friend/upline's version of the story.

It's the Cute Chick!

Hi Stampers! I'm really enjoying these pastel colors this spring.

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This is another stamp from Stampin' Up!'s Egg-cellent Easter set. I just think this chick is so cute and the size works well on a 3x6 card. Talk about quick!! Just stamp him up and a touch of markers and the image is ready for mounting--my kind of card!

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These are the Stampin' Up! supplies you'll need to make this card:

stamps: Egg-cellent Easter

cardstock: barely banana, almost amethyst, certainly celery, whisper white

ink: black staz on, markers in certainly celery, pretty in pink, barely banana, almost amethyst, apricot appeal (for shading)

accessories: so saffron ribbon (from SAB catalog), large designer circle brad

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I hope if you are making Easter cards that you are nearly done so you can enjoy the season. We dyed eggs last night. I have been saving them for a couple weeks since we only have 1 chicken that lays white eggs!

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Thanks for stopping by. Oh--if you need any stamping supplies you can order 24/7 by clicking the catalog in the upper right or you can always email me at tasha_hickert-consulting@yahoo.com. Tasha

Easter Reminder

Hi Stampers! Just a little nudge for those of you who haven't completed (or started) your Easter cards. Now you can tell your family "I have to stamp" this weekend. You can always come to me for a reason to stamp and I'll help you out! Anyway, I'll be mailing my cards out Monday to ensure they're not late.
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Here's another card idea in case you are needing some inspiration.

The Stampin Up! supplies I used are as follows.

stamps: Special Blessing, Great Friend (in the mini)

cardstock: almost amethyst, elegant eggplant, barely banana

ink: Versa Mark, elegant eggplant
accessories: white organza ribbon, irridescent ice embossing powder
tools: eyelet border punch, stampin' sponge
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I hope you have a good weekend. We'll race around outside today getting things done before the next cold front comes in--getting a little tired of the wind!!
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Thanks for stopping by! Tasha

Let's Get Connected

Hi Stampers! I wanted to let you know about Stampin Up!'s newest promotion Get Connected. Not only is the spring mini-catalog filled with many must-have items, but if you order $40 at one time you'll be rewarded with your choice from p. 208 of the Spring-Summer Catalog.

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Today's card features the new stamp set Great Friend. This set is very well-rounded having images, sentiments, and even a tag. I see lots of potential for beautiful spring cards.

To create the subtle background I stamped the butterflies in Versa Mark and the branch in gable green on the gable green cardstock. For a whimsical touch I gave the butterfly a body and antenae with apricot appeal grosgrain ribbon.

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Here is the list of supplies so you can make this card as well.

stamp set: Great Friend (113792, pg. 6 of the mini)

cardstock: apricot appeal, gable green, whisper white

designer series paper: rainbow sherbet

ink: tempting turquoise, gable green, versa mark

accessories: apricot appeal 1/4" grosgrain ribbon, square orange fire jeweled brad

If you don't have the Occasions mini-catalog yet, you can click here to see all the new items or email me (at tasha_hickert-consulting@yahoo.com) with your address and I will send one to you.

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Have a stampendous Friday and thanks for stopping by!

Tasha

My New Favorite Set

Hi Stampers! My favorite set is kind of like a young child's best friend--whoever I played with last. lol So today it is the new Stampin Up! set called Scene in a Garden.
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I love the set but was bothered by the clean and tidy look of it. Most who garden much do not keep things super neat and tidy so I did a little cut and paste to get the look I wanted.

Here's what I used in case you would like to try one like it:
stamps--Scene in a Garden (in the new mini!!)
cardstock--kraft, whisper white
ink--black Staz On, timber brown Staz On, creamy caramel
markers with aqua painter--bordering blue, creamy caramel, really rust, ruby red, night of navy, ballet blue, apricot appeal, pretty in pink
accessories--mini-library clip
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Hope I inspired you to do a little spring stamping! If you need some of the products listed, you can order online anytime by clicking the catalog in the upper right corner. Or you can email me at tasha_hickert-consulting@yahoo.com .
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Thanks for stopping by! Tasha

Time For Spring Occasions

Hi Stampers! I hope you are excited to see Stampin Up!'s spring mini-catalog which goes live today!! (click on the image to download the mini-catalog pdf file and look inside!)

Of course, I have shown you a few sneak peeks, but you can now click on the image to see all that's waiting for you inside! There are still a few more sets that I haven't even inked up yet so stay tuned these next few days for more samples and inspiration.

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Don't forget that today is April Fool's day so go have a little fun!!

Thanks for stopping by! Tasha