The Last Mini- Peek!

For today's card idea, I want to share a technique and a new product that will debut tomorrow in the new Stampin' Up! holiday mini-catalog.

Can you see the shimmer on the card? Hard to photograph, but very cool in person.

• The card base layer is close to cocoa embossed in the Big Shot with a Texturz plate.
• Then I used the very cool new product Shimmer Paint in champagne mist. But instead of just brushing on a little, I sponged the whole darn piece of cardstock!!
• For the cross I used the kissing technique. Inking up the cross from the stamp set Refuge and Strength in certainly celery (always start with the lightest color), I then inked the small branch in close to cocoa and stamped it onto the cross stamp. After a quick huff, I stamped the cross onto the whisper white cardstock. This technique creates an interesting, aged sort of look.
• Then, of course, I had to sponge a little shimmer on top! However, it just looks kind of grainy in the picture. Trust me, it's pretty in person!

Have a great Monday and thanks for stopping by!

Tasha

• click here to order supplies from my online store
• check back tomorrow for Stampin' Up!s holiday mini-catalog!
• my newsletter goes out tomorrow, sign up in the upper left-hand corner so you don't miss out!!

The Card That Took All Day!

Bet you're thinking this is going to be the most intricate, technique-heavy, layered-up card I have ever shared. But, nope, it's pretty much my normal style.

I started by checking mojo monday at 8am and am just now finishing up at 3pm. And truth be told, the card took about 15-20 minutes if you add up all the times I actually went down there to work on it--one minute at a time!!

Since I still had the Animal Stories stamp set out from Saturday's card, I plucked the whale out and started from there.

• colors: ruby red, bashful blue, whisper white, ballet blue


• pattern paper is Stampin' Up!s designer series patterns in bashful blue


• to emulate waves, I used the scallop edge punch along the bottom of the upper piece of pattern paper and layered a strip of bashful blue behind


• the banner pulled by the whale is made with the new Modern Label punch and then I trimmed off one end with the Tag Corner punch


• hemp twine is the "rope"


• to insert the large grommets, I punched a hole with the 1/2" circle punch and then used the bone folder to lay down the tabs

I hope this gives you an idea of something you would like to make! Thanks so much for stopping by.

Tasha

Happy NTD

As my dear husband informed me this afternoon, today is National Tequila Day! So I will share with you a little project I made for a friend to celebrate her new job (after being at home for 6 years it was a BIG deal).

I have shown you a similar card done in pink. But, as you'll see in the picture below, the packages I included had orange writing so I made the card in apricot appeal. For the clutch, I just measure around the packets that were going inside.
The designer series paper patterns are a great way to get a coordinated look quickly.

And here's the inside of the clutch.


I just love the new bermuda bay with apricot appeal. Such a tropical color combination.

• stamp set is Cheers To You
• markers and aquapainters were used for the coloring
• a mini-library clip add a touch of interest on the pocket
• the drink mixes I found at Aldi (and they're good!)

Have a great weekend and thanks for stopping by!

Tasha

• watch for Unscripted Sketches tomorrow...

Christmas In July Again

Today the limited supplies challenge over at splitcoaststampers is a blast from the past. You are challenged to use your school colors from days gone by or your wedding colors. Since my school colors were red and white with black as needed, I knew this would lend itself to a Christmas card.

This quick and simple card uses a technique I have been wanting to try. Before embossing the cardstock, I actually pressed my craft white pad all over the Texturz embossing plate. That way the background part looks sponged white while the raised part is still real red. Tip: after placing your cardstock on the inked up plate, lay a bigger piece of typing paper over the top to keep the ink from getting on everything.

supplies used:

• cardstock--real red, whisper white, basic black
• ink--craft white, real red
• Texturz plate from Stampin' Up! backgrounds 1 (#114512)
• Christmas Punches stamp set (hostess appreciation set)--LOVE it!
• punches--1-1/4" square, scallop edge
• whisper white taffeta ribbon (#109070)

Ready to host a workshop and earn free stamps? You can email me and I will be happy to get you on the calendar in August or September!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day! Tasha

• unscripted tomorrow!
• click here to place an order through my Stampin' Up! site

August Cards of the Month Club

Yes, I know you've been waiting... so here are the cards for August's Cards of the Month. I am struggling with the page where I normally post this. So, right now, this is the only place you can sign up.

This month the local club will be on July 31.


Local Club 1:30pm

Local Club, 7:00pm

Online Club: supplies will ship directly to your door on the 25th of each month or 2 days after signup (if after the 25th). Kit includes all the pre-cut cardstock, designer paper, embellishments and envelopes to complete the cards according to the tutorial. You may also purchase the stamp set used and other supplies listed or just use your own!


Club by Mail

To complete the cards at home as shown, you will need the following supplies:

• Party Hearty stamp set, Celebration wheel
• ink: melon mambo, crushed curry, dusty durango, bashful blue, cameo coral, old olive, certainly celery
• paper piercing tool/mat
• Stampin' sponges
• adhesive

click here to order supplies

I hope you like the cards! Thanks for stopping by and have a great day.

Tasha

Making a Difference

Each year Stampin' Up! designs an exclusive stamp set to help raise money for Ronald McDonald House Charities. This year the set is called Very Thankful.

The set price is $14.95. When you purchase this set $2 goes to Ronald McDonald House Charities. Through the purchase of the sets Stampin' Up! has contributed nearly $800,000 to date!

You can purchase the Very Thankful stamp set (115338) from my business site.

Or by emailing me.

Just a reminder that I am on a short vacation and may not be able to reply to emails until Tuesday, July 14.

Thanks for stopping by! Tasha

Animal Fun

Today you can see a sample from the Open House made with the new Animal Stories stamp set. I can't take credit for the idea because I saw it online somewhere, but isn't it cute?

A very simple and quick project! This is the way I made it:

• cut a piece of melon mamba cardstock in 1/2 lengthwise (so it's 11"x4-1/4")
• score at 5" and 6", fold on score lines
• hold top together and punch two holes for ribbon about 1/2" down from the top
• cut a piece or Tall Tales (115678) designer series paper 4"x4", glue to front
• use the coluzzle with oval template to cut a window in the front
• add a piece of sticky strip inside the back, stick sandwich bag with animal crackers to it
• tie shut with ribbon, sample is 5/8" grosgrain in so saffron
• punch a melon mambo piece with the new Modern Label punch (116630)
• stamp sentiment from Teeny Tiny Wishes (115370) onto white cardstock, punch out with word window, glue onto melon mambo piece
• attach label with sticky strip

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

Tasha

Click here to place an order.

Sampler packs can be ordered through July 15. Click here for details, U.S. only.

Introducing Sampler Packs

As the catalogs start arriving, you will probably getting a really long wish list! With so many new designer papers and scrumptious ribbons how does one decide? So to keep your pocketbook intact I have devised a few sampler packs. You get a lot of different product for a reasonable price--can't beat that! But they are only available until July 15.

(U.S. customers only)

Designer Series Paper Samplers

I have grouped together 4 styles of the designer series paper in each pack. Each sampler has generous 12"x6" pages to use for scrapbooking, card-making, or 3-d projects. You will receive 1 of each design, 24 pages in all. The cost of $13 includes shipping right to your door.

Paper Sampler A

Autumn Traditions
Cast a Spell
Tall Tales
Kaleidescope

Paper Sampler B

Thoroughly Modern
Razzleberry Lemonade
Flock Together
Cottage Wall

Originals Ribbon Sampler

You will receive 1 yard each of all 9 styles included in Orchard, Masterpiece, and Elementary. The cost of $13 includes shipping right to your door!

Big Ribbon Sampler

You will receive a generous 2-yard sample of the larger ribbons listed below. That's 10 yards total for a cost of $12 which includes shipping right to your door!

1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain in old olive and chocolate chip

1" Double-Stitched Grosgrain in bashful blue and rose red

3/4" Polka-Dot Grosgrain in real red

Choose Your Sampler

Designer Paper Group A $13.00Designer Paper Group B $13.00Originals Ribbon $13.00Big Ribbon $12.00

If you have any questions, email me before ordering.

Have a great day! Tasha

Happy Independence Weekend

These festive treats will go with us to a picnic tonight. Aren't those Kisses cool? I hadn't seen them before (of course, I don't get out much) but in case you're looking, I found them at K-Mart. Once I saw them, I knew instantly they needed a box with star "windows".These Hershey bar wrappers are quick to make. This idea came from Dawn at her Stamping with Dawn site. They fit the snack size.

• whisper white cardstock cut 3"x 3-3/4", scored at 1", 1-1/4", 2-1/2",2-3/4" on the long side
• blue square is 3/4", stripes are 3" by 1/8" (yes, tiny), trim ends after gluing on
• I fully intended to dot the blue with a white gel pen and add a star punched with the small star punch but those items are hiding from me together somewhere
• finish with 2-way glue pen and irridescent ice glitter on the white parts (correction: the glitter is Dazzling Diamonds, Irr. Ice is embossing powder and that would be way to much work for these!)
  

The box goes together quickly, too!

• measures 4"x4"x1", so I started with a 6"x11" piece
• be sure to stamp and punch and adhere window sheet before assembling box!
• stars are stamped in white craft ink using the stamp from Just Jawing
• star windows are simply punched with Stampin' Up!s star punch

And the last cool tip I have to share is an article over at http://www.pcworld.com/ . This a very good article on photographing fireworks with most any kind of camera. The link is below. (Photo by foxypar4.)

Photographing Fireworks, Step by Step

(Photo by stage88.)

Have a great and safe holiday!!

Thanks for stopping by! Tasha

• Open House Monday night--don't miss it! For those too far to drive I'll have some fun things right here for you. 6:30-8:30 July 6th.
• you might want to join Follow My Blog since my posts have been getting on at all different hours, I hate for you to waste a visit! There are a couple options in the left sidebar that you can choose from.

Is It Right For You?

It's always a great time to become a demonstrator and join the Stampin' Up! family, but this summer the opportunity is extra hot!

Starting your own Stampin' Up! business means free and discounted products, plus a little extra cash--and who couldn't use that? Plus, from July 15 - August 31, you can become a Stampin' Up! demonstrator for only $85! The special, limited-time Mini Starter Kit contains many of the items you need to get started in your new business, including

-For All You Do stamp set
-In Color Classic Stampin' Pads (6)
-Whisper White card stock (8-1/2" x 11")
-In Color assorted card stock (8-1/2" x 11")
-Business forms and tools

Or if you want to buy the standard $199 Starter Kit, in addition to the supplies listed below, you'll get all six of the new In Color Classic Stampin' Pads and one pack of In Color assorted card stock (8-1/2" x 11")--a $43 value!

The standard Starter Kit includes
-Four stamp sets
-A Stampin' Around wheel, handle, and ink cartridge
-Stampin' Pastels
-Card stock
-Eastern Blooms Décor Elements and applicator tool
-Five Classic Stampin' Pads
-VersaMark Pad
-Stampin' Scrub and Mist
-Blender pens
-Business forms and tools

These special offers--the Mini Starter Kit and the In Color add-on to the standard Starter Kit--are only available for a limited time, so you must act fast!

Benefits of Becoming a Demonstrator

Whether you just love to stamp, or you want to grow a successful, thriving business, the Stampin' Up! opportunity is the right fit for you. Stampin' Up! demonstrators enjoy many benefits, with just a few listed below:

• Product discount. Demonstrators get a 20 percent discount on all Stampin' Up! products, including stamp sets, paper, and accessories. It's a great way to support your love of stamping and paper crafting.


• Extra income. You'll earn extra income based on your sales and recruiting--how much extra income is up to you. Maybe you just want enough income to pay the electric bill every month, or maybe your goal is bigger--the monthly payment for your new car--it's your decision!


• Flexible schedule. This is your business, so you can put in as much (or as little) time as you'd like.



• Support from Stampin' Up! We love our demonstrators and it shows through our demonstrator support materials, including a monthly magazine, workshop ideas, and audio and video trainings on all kinds of topics available on our Demonstrator Web Site

If you've ever thought about becoming a demonstrator, this just might be the right time. I would love to have you join our group! You can email me with any questions or call me at 620-960-8490.

Stop by tomorrow for a new 3-d sample!

Tasha