Are You Showing Your Appreciation?

Hi Stampers! Today is Nurses' Day and Teacher Appreciation Day/Week so I have a couple of gift ideas to show you in the next few days. Both of these are upcoming classes and will be available as Quick Kits.

This wonderful gift idea came from fellow Stampin' Up! demonstrator Betty Traciak. Using her basic idea for a mix and match card set, I created the Choose A Card Gift Box Class.




This gift lets the recipient have a little fun by putting on the sentiments.

The class includes making the beautiful box, 6 coordinating gift cards, 12 scallop ovals, and 12 stamped ovals.

Details about the class and mail kits will be released at Saturday's Open House.


The next picture shows the dividers and the inside of the box. Note how I took the picture before the card was glued together and one of the dots slid off! But you get the idea.


Because the papere is the double-sided, the combinations are almost limitless and no 2 projects turn out exactly the same. Fun, huh?

I am loving using my new favorite Raspberry Tart designer series paper. Yes, I took advantage of this month's special!





I hope you have a great day and thanks for stopping by! Tasha

The Countdown Continues

1. 3 days to the Open House
2. 3 days to help at the flower shop
3. 4 days to June's Cards of the Month sneak peek
4. 12 days of school

Special Blessing

Hi Stampers! With Confirmation last Sunday, I reached for the Stampin' Up! set Special Blessing to easily create cards for the occasion. This set is a must-have for religious cards with it's beautiful images and versatile sentiments.

This is a quick card to make so the design works well for mass production.

stamp set: Special Blessing

cardstock: so saffron, whisper white, delicate dots designer series paper

ink: certainly celery, staz on black

accessory: certainly celery twill ribbon

Don't forget to take advantage of the designer series paper special this month. You can buy 3 packs and receive a 4th one free! Each pack contains 12 designs on twelve double-sided pieces. There are 21 different packs to choose from plus the 14 monotone packs which feature shades of one exclusive color. You can see them all in the catalog on pages 158-161.

This sample is Tea Party.

Ready to order? Click to Shop Now or email me at tasha@thestampinglady.com .

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day! Tasha

The Countdown Continues

1. 4 days to the Open House


2. 4 days to help in the flower shop


3. 5 days till June Cards of the Month sneak peek


4. 13 days of school

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

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

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!

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).

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

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

An Egg-cellent Easter

Hi Stampers! I took a little time to play with my new Easter set, An Egg-cellent Easter. This card is 3x3 and perfect for tucking in a gift or Easter basket.
This basket below I created from a 6x8-3/4" piece of so saffron cardstock. Very economical and quick to make! Notice I used thin strips of the matching cardstock and ran through the paper crimper to create my basket filler.


Coloring tip: to make the bunny stand out, I used the barely banana marker just below the black lines, kind of like a shadow.
To make the subtle background I stamped the hanging egg using summer sun.

Here's what I used if you want to make these at home. All products are Stampin Up! and can be ordered directly by clicking on the catalog in the upper right corner.

stamp set: An Egg-cellent Easter (113196)

cardstock: so saffron, lavender lace, certainly celery, whisper white

ink: certainly celery, bashful blue, pretty in pink (for sponging edges), so saffron, black Staz-On and Stamp 'n Write Markers in certainly celery, pretty in pink, lavender lace, barely banana, bashful blue

accessories: eyelet border (113692), celery twill ribbon (free from SAB), paper crimper

And remember, that Easter set can be ordered today, you do not have to wait for the spring mini-catalog release.

Thanks for stopping by today!

Tasha

Double Sketches For You Today

Hi Stampers! I love a sketch challenge-hope you do too! The first one is posted over on splitcoaststampers, sc220. Head on over if you want to participate. If you'd rather just use my sample for an inspiration, the supplies are listed below.

The image is a sneak peek!!! It will be available in April, see bottom of post.

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

stamps: scene in a garden (available April 1)

cardstock: so saffron, whisper white, kraft

designer series paper: delicate dots (free during SAB)

ink: black staz-on, Stampin' Up! markers

accessories: 1/4" blue grosgrain ribbon, 5/8" twill certainly celery ribbon (free during SAB), mini-library clip

tools: aqua painters

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The second design I have for today uses the Wednesday sketch from Diva Coffee Break Designs. This is the second purse I created this month. Hmm....wonder if my brain is telling me it's time for some retail therapy?!

Stampin' Up! supplies to make this card:

stamps: polka-dot punches (free during SAB)

cardstock: so saffron, kraft, bashful blue

designer series paper: delicate dots (free during SAB)

ink: versa-mark, craft white

accessories: gold brad

tools: crop-a-dile

I hope one of the cards inspires you to get stampin'! My order came a couple days ago with several sneak peek sets!!! So fun--but I haven't had time to play until today. If you need some of these supplies, you can email me at tasha_hickert-consulting@yahoo.com or order 24/7 by clicking on the link in the upper right.

Thanks for stopping in, Tasha

Want to see what's coming in April? I'll be showing off some creations with the sneak peeks in the next few weeks!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Hi Stampers! I hope you'll get a chance to do a little celebrating today, green cookies, green beer, soda bread...whatever your preference.
I might just have them all! :)
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My card idea today is for those of you who have Stampin' Up!s Pinch Proof set and aren't quite ready to put it away. I think shamrock birthday cards are fine for the next week or so! (Yes, if you participated in the March Cards of the Month Club you have made this card.)
Here are the Stampin' Up! supplies needed to make this card:

cardstock: whisper white, kraft, garden green

stamp set: Pinch Proof, greeting from Big Bold Birthday

ink: certainly celery, basic black, garden green

tools: scallop punch, 1-3/8" and 1/2" circle punches, tool kit (for paper piercing tool and mat)

accessories: white organza ribbon, 1 stampin' dimensional (to pop up the small shamrock in the center of the medallion)

I hope you like it. As with most designs you can switch out colors and stamps and still make a great card so don't be bummed if you don't have this set! Remember, each comment you leave will get you entered for the blog candy giveaway ending March 24.

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Thanks for stopping by! Tasha

On The Fence?

Hi Stampers! In case you have been toying with the idea of becoming a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, I think you should know about a Never-Done-Before promotion that just started. As I mentioned before, the starter kit is on sale until the end of the month. But sometimes, it is hard to come up with (or at least justify to your spouse) even $169.

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So to sweeten the deal, you can now spread it out over 3 months!!

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Here's how it works:

sign up March 15-31, pay $56.34 +tax

April 15, pay $56.33

May 15, pay $56.33

At this rate, even a new demonstrator can earn that money before even paying it all!!

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The most important stipulation is that this cannot be done online. So in order to get going you need to either call me at 620-662-8130 or email at tasha_hickert-consulting@yahoo.com .

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And here's my stamping idea for the day. For this card I used the Mojo Monday sketch. Our friends' dog was hit by a car this weekend and they were all heartbroken at church Sunday. I know not everyone would send a sympathy card for a pet, but it depends on the situation I think. Here's my card:

To make this card you need these Stampin' Up! supplies:

cardstock: whisper white, so saffron
ink: certainly celery, basic black

stamp set: Eastern Blooms

designer paper: delicate dots (offered FREE till March 31)

ribbon: bashful blue 1/4" grosgrain

Want to earn that free paper or a stamp set? Click on the Sale-A-Bration catalog on the right to see what it's all about. Or email me, I am happy to answer any questions and place orders for you.

Thanks for stopping by! Tasha

PS Don't forget the chance to win some blog candy by leaving a comment. Scroll down one post for info.--good luck!