Hostess Promotion

Dates: June 1-30, 2009

Promotion Details:
The Stampin' Up! Summer Fun Bonus Promotion is hot, hot, hot! You can get these additional hostess benefits by emailing me to schedule a workshop OR team up with a friend and place your order as a catalog party.

• Customers who either host a workshop or place an online product order from $250-$399.99 will receive an additional $20 in hostess free merchandise dollars.
• Customers who either host a workshop or place an online product order of $400 or more will receive an additional $40 in hostess free merchandise dollars.

With the release on June 1 of Stampin' Up!'s Last Chance Stamps and Accessories (formerly referred to as "retired"), you can stock up on your favorites and earn additional hostess free merchandise.

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NOTE: All hostess benefits are available with an individual on-line order.

A Riddle For You

What happens if a mom has a week that includes...

• getting "burned" on the face for 8 hours by plant sap
• spending a day with left side of said face swollen to the point the eye won't open
• hosting 3 stamping workshops in her home
• watching a neighbor-friend for 3 days
• celebrating her son's 13th birthday
• spending 4 hours of that birthday in the waiting room of dr and optomotrist for birthday boy, along with the 2 sibling AND neighbor-friend
• spending 3 hours of that birthday picking up birthday boy's good friend that has moved away
• running the kids to the pool almost daily (thank goodness it rained 2 days)

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Answer: not much stamping!!

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So here's a quick card idea I'll share with you. I used this week's Unscripted Sketches 08--thank goodness for a sketch jumpstart. I am really starting to look forward to these each Saturday.

What I used:

stamps: Fun and Fast Notes, Darling Dots (available as a level 1 hostess set through the end of June only)

cardstock: whisper white, pretty in pink, so saffron, tea party designer series paper

ink: staz on jet black, certainly celery

accessories: so saffron 5/8" grosgrain ribbon

tools: Big Shot with sizzix die flower, daisy #2 and nestablities

Thanks for stopping by today. We are enjoying the weekend with my husband's parents whom we haven't seen since Christmas!
Tasha

Don't forget I will post the Last Chance Lists on Monday, June 1.

Sneak Peek

Hi Stampers! I just couldn't wait any longer to show this. Stampin' Up! has another special product package with Country Living magazine this summer. Though it is hitting newstands right now, the kit is not available until June 15--which, actually, give you just enough time to get that guest list made so you'll be ready to use this fab kit when it arrives.

(click on the picture to see the flyer in pdf form)

The exclusive Country Living Summer Cookout Kit includes the following products:

• 8 die-cut table tents (2 each of 4 colors)
• Die-cut components, bamboo skewers, and envelopes to create 8 shish kabob invitations
• 12 die-cut coasters (3 each of 4 colors)
• 16 die-cut tags (4 each of 4 colors)
• 24 12" x 12" printed food wrapper sheets (12 each of 2 colors)
• 4 printed recipe cards
• 5 yards linen thread
• Ruby Red Classic Stampin' Spot
• Night of Navy Classic Stampin' Spot
• Dig In stamp set (item number 116700)

Maybe this seems so great to me today as it is drizzling and 70-degrees. Quite a change after our picture-perfect Memorial Day weekend.

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Thanks for stopping by and have a great summer dreaming day.

Tasha

Summery Wishes

Hi Stampers! I have a card idea to share today using this week's color challenge at splitcoaststampers. For me, it also turned into a Limited Supplies Challenge since I have only markers in bashful blue and pumpkin pie right now--lol. But as it turned out, I did find some pieces of paper in my scrap pile (see it is good to keep all the leftovers!).

After deciding on the white dotted background, it seemed so stark that I sponged a little pumpkin pie across it. *To get the layered top note simply cut 2 top notes and trim the front one on the dotted line.
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For the flower image I stamped it in pumpkin pie, then took the fine end of the marker and drew along the base of each flower. A quick technique that really makes a difference in the look.
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Here's what I used:
stamp sets: Flowers in Silhouette, Fundamental Phrases
cardstock: so saffron, pumpkin pie, whisper white, delicate dots dsp
ink: bashful blue, so saffron, pumpkin pie
accessory: 5/8" so saffron grosgrain ribbon
tools: big shot, top note die, dotted swiss embossing plate
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Thanks for stopping by today.
Tasha

Just a reminder:

• Thursday is the last day to sign up for the local Cards of the Month Club.
• Sunday is the last day to get FREE designer series paper--click here for details
• Sunday is the last day to pre-order the Jumble alphabet at a discount--click for details
• Monday you can preorder the new catalog, I'll have the link posted

Enjoy Your Memories

Happy Memorial Day! I hope that you will take the time today to remember family and friends who are no longer living. And at 3:00pm in your time zone, take a moment to reflect on those who have defended our way of life.

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My card idea for today is based on the past, present and future. The layout is from today's Mojo Monday sketch 88.

Using the Dreams du Jour stamp set which has 2 beautiful messages that speak of being happy with today, but dreaming for better tomorrows, I added a little "past" by distressing the cardstock for a vintage look.

The colors are actually pale plum and perfect plum which didn't photograph true but they came out a pretty color anyway! The images in this set are fun to color. With the bold, black lines it is hard to do any wrong. *I prefer to use Staz On Jet Black when stamping in black because it is permanent and does not run when using Stampin' Up markers or aquapainters.

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The pattern at the top is made simply by scoring lines on the backside!

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Here's what is used for the card:

stamp set: Dreams du Jour

cardstock: whisper white, perfect plum, pale plum

ink: versa mark, staz on jet black, perfect plum, pale plum, lavendar lace, old olive

accessories: mini-library clip, old olive 5/8" grosgrain ribbon, 1/4" gingham ribbon

tools: aqua painter, stampin' sponges

Enjoy today--I hope you get time to create something!

Tasha

In Case You Need a Reason

Hi Stampers! If you accepted my challenge to do 15 scrapbook pages this month, how are you coming? I hope you have at least started!

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If you aren't "into" scrapbooking, here's an article I found that might help you understand those who have fallen under the spell.

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Many Benefits of Scrapbooking
by Carole DeJarnatt
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The scrapbooking hobby has been around for a long time and people do it for a variety of reasons. If you are an outsider to the world of scrapbooking, then you will not understand until you experience the craft the many reasons a person invests so much time and energy into a scrapbook page.

When I was first introduced to scrapbooking via my church family, I told them I had neither time nor energy to invest in creating pages of photos matched up with paper and cute little embellishments. I thought those people were crazy staying up all hours of the evening, dragging around tons of supplies, just to sit and create scrapbook pages.

One evening I was invited to a scrapbook night and I agreed to come with the intent of visiting and watching. No scrapbooking for me. I was a business professional who could not imagine investing time or energy into something I felt was for stay-at-home moms or those who had nothing better to do.

Little did I know I was about to change my mind and attitude…during the evening of socializing and viewing all the pages of creation, something changed in me. One person in particular needed help with color coordinating and matting her photos. I started working with her and ended up finishing her page for her. The scrapbooking bug bit me and it bit hard! The very next day I was out buying all the essential tools to create my very own pages of photos.

What is it about scrapbooking that captures so many people's devotion and attention?

-Focus--You lose your focus on everything except for the scrapbook page you are working on. You forget the world exist for a few moments and you focus on nothing but what is in front of you.
-Creativity--All it takes is a sheet of paper and a few ideas to get your creative juices going. Whether the ideas are from a magazine, your surroundings, or the scrapbook paper held in your hand; the end result is pure enjoyment.
-History--When I think of a scrapbook, to me it is the history of the day, moment, or event. The page was created for future generations to learn of their family.
-Expressing myself--The scrapbook is made by someone and that in itself is a source of pride and joy. The feeling you get from completing, giving, or sharing your scrapbooks is indescribable.
-Giving--When working on a scrapbook layout, you are giving your thoughts, feelings, and memories to an event to share with others. The joy you feel when others express pleasure and enjoyment from your work is worth all the time and energy.

. Scrapbooking has become so sophisticated you do not even need to leave the comfort of your home to get started. If you are experienced with computer programs such as Photoshop Elements, your tools are at the tips of your hands. If you prefer traditional scrapbooking, you still have the ability to order supplies and tools at the comfort of your home and within days you will be completing your own scrapbook.

. People today have a variety of reasons for making their own scrapbooks and/or creating creations of beauty with their supplies. The majority of my experience has been to create something to share with future generations. People want to be remembered and through a scrapbook their lives are shared.

About the Author: Carole DeJarnatt began her love with paper but now also designs digitally for the future generations of her family. Visit Bestscrapbookingresources.com for ideas, supplies, and learning guides. From beginner to expert, traditional scrapbooker to digital, the resources are available at http://www.bestscrapbookingresources.com to find what you need to create your own scrapbook or gifts for your friends and family.

So are you ready to get started? Let's finish the month strong and roll into June with that great feeling of accomplishment after completing 15 (or more!) pages.

And remember, check your pattern paper supply before the end of the month. Stampin' Up! is offering Buy 3, get 1 FREE on all designer series paper packs. You can order directly from my business website or by emailing me.

Enjoy your holiday tomorrow! Tasha

Patriotic Thanks

Good afternoon! Today's card idea uses the layout from today's Unscripted Sketches. And I think you can tell where the theme stems from!

For the blue bunting, I used the eyelet border and then ran it through the paper crimper. *Be sure to leave the piece a little longer than you want it, since it will shorten when it's crimped.

stamp sets: Matchbox Messages (mini-catalog), Warm Words, Darling Dots (hostess level 1)

cardstock: riding hood red, brilliant blue, whisper white

ink: real red, riding hood red, craft white, white gel pen

tools: star, small star, scallop circle, and eyelet border punches

That's it for me today! Enjoy your weekend and thanks for stopping by, Tasha

2009/2010 Idea Book and Catalog

Hi Stampers! In case you haven't heard Stampin' Up! has gone back to a yearly catalog and July 1st is the release date.
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You can pre-order the catalog from me starting June 1st and I will mail it to you as soon as I receive my shipment. The cost for this is $10 which includes priority mail shipping.

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BUT, if you join my July Cards of the Month Club you can receive the catalog absolutely FREE. I will post the ordering link on June 1. **Also, the information will be in my June newsletter--make sure you sign up so you don't miss a thing! (Sign up box is in the upper left side bar).

Above is my project for today. This gift box fits 6 cards (2 of each design shown) with their envelopes. I put this entire gift together in just over 1 hour. To make the box, cut your cardstock at 6-5/8"x7-7/8" for the lid and 6-1/2x7-3/4 for the base, then score each one at 1" on every side. You should be able to figure it out from there!
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Stampin' Up! products I used:
stamp sets: Oval All (in the mini catalog), Lovely Letters
cardstock: old olive, riding hood red, Bell Rose designer series paper, whisper white, pink pirouette
ink: rose red, old olive
accessories: organza ribbon, 5/8" old olive grosgrain ribbon
tools: eyelet border punch, scallop oval punch, scallop circle punch, 1-1/4" and 1-3/8" circle punches

Have a great weekend and thanks for stopping by! Tasha

Ahead of the Game

Hi Stampers! Today's card idea is for a lady's summer birthday or could easily be given for another occasion depending on the message you put inside. I am trying to stay ahead because I do not like making cards at the last minute.

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I am having a great time with this cocktail set! I used a monotone theme today which is quick and easy with Stampin' Up!s Patterns designer series paper packs. The "drinks" are colored in with an Aquapainter that I inked up from the Stampin' Up! markers. And the rims are sugared with dazzling diamonds glitter! The image panel is sponged with pixie pink and raised with stampin' dimensionals.

The layout came from splitcoaststampers sketch challenge #229.

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Best thing about the card? I earned this set and the paper pack free during sale-a-bration. Want to know how you can get a discount on all your supplies and even get them for free? Send me an email with your phone number and I will give you all the juicy details!

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Stampin' Up! supplies for this card:

stamp set: Cheers To You

cardstock: Whisper White, Pink Patterns Designer Series Paper, Pink Pirouette

ink: black staz-on, markers--pretty in pink, regal rose, pixie pink

accessory: dazzling diamonds glitter

tools: aquapainter, stampin' sponge

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Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

Tasha

Double Dare

Hi Stampers! Today's card idea uses both the color challenge from Splitcoaststampers and this weeks Unscripted Sketches. The colors to use were Only Orange, Purely Pomegranate (retired In Color) or Rose Red, and Brilliant Blue. Wow! What a bright pallete to work with and I love the summery combination they make.

To start out, I created the background pattern by coloring the flower with a Rose Red center and Only Orange petals. I stamped it twice before re-inking to give the pattern variation.

The small flowers were punched with the 3-flower punch in Purely Pomegranate and secured with Only Orange eyelets (retired). The vertical piece is 7/8" Brilliant Blue cardstock run through a crimper.

The inside is finished with another flower in the corner and orange dots in a swoosh.

Stampin' Up! supplies I used:

stamps: Love You Much, Darling Dots level 1 hostsess*

cardstock: Whisper White, Brilliant Blue, Purely Pomegranate

ink: Only Orange, Rose Red

accessories: Only Orange eyelets

tools: 3-flower punch, crop-a-dile, paper crimper

*This hostess set can be yours with an order or party of only $150 or more. If you don't have a demonstrator, I'd be happy to help you get that set!

I dare you, nope, I double-dare you to make a project this week using either challenge.

Thanks for stopping by! Tasha

The End is Near

Hi Stampers! As we get to the end of the school year, we are also approaching the end of Stampin' Up!s catalog year. So...the retiring stamp set list and the last chance accessories list will be published June 1. I will have that posted for you as soon as possible.
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What's the difference?

• The Retiring Stamp Sets will be available for order until June 30th and then will no longer be available.
• The Last Chance Accessories are only available while supplies last. The best way to get them is to order directly online so you know immediately if the items are still available. I am happy to place an order for you but you have to realize the delay could mean the items become unavailable in the meantime. And some of the accessories go very fast!

I'll be back tomorrow with a little show and tell!

Have a great day! Tasha

Don't forget to take advantage of the Designer Series Paper special this month. It's Buy 3, get 1 FREE through May 31. You can place your order directly through my business website or by emailing me.

And The Winner Is...

Hi Stampers! Yes, the blog candy officially closed Saturday night and I drew the name today.


Here is a not-so-good picture of what will be going out.

The winner will be receiving

• June Cards of the Month Kit
• 6x6 sample pack of designer series paper which includes many colors plus pieces from Tea Party, Bella Rose, Raspberry Tart, and Rainbow Sherbet
• 2-hr. Scrapbook Kit
• Polka-Dot Punches Stamp Set

So without further delay...congratulations to Regina! She said:

hi, Tasha

what a lovely selection of candy!It’s so generous of you! I've linked your candy on my sidebar under the section "Blog Candy time”.Thanks for the chance to win.

Greetings Regina
May 9, 2009 12:57 PM

I will email you to find out your mailing address, Regina.

Thanks to everyone who played along. Wish I had something to send everyone!

Tasha

June Cards of the Month

Hi Stampers! It's the 15th so that can only mean one thing...Cards of the Month Release!! The June cards feature Stampin' Up!'s Big,Bold Birthday stamp set. As shown on the sneak peek there is a Father's Day card which can easily be changed to a birthday or other occasion card.

For more information and to sign up for the club live or by mail click here--Cards of the Month.

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Just want the set? You can order it from me 24/7 by visiting my Stampin' Up! website or you can email me.

Thanks for stopping by and have a Fabulous Friday! Tasha

Chugging Your Way

Hi Stampers! I have a card idea today for the Choo Choo set from the Stampin Up! mini-catalog. This 5-1/2"x4-1/4" pocket card has a pull-out train with birthday message. The back of the insert could be used for party invitation information as well.

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To make this card, I started with 8-1/2" x 4-1/4" scored at 1-1/2" and 5-1/2". Before assembling, I sponged all the edges with basic black "soot". After stamping and adhering the red piece, I folded down the flap and secured with the ribbon and grommet. Isn't that grommet just perfect for a train card? I love the black metal look. The red insert is 3-3/4 x 5" with the white piece 1/4" smaller. A piece of ribbon folded and secured between the layers forms the pull-out loop. I had enough room to stamp the engine, caboose and 1 car. The ultra-cute set also comes with a coordinating train-track wheel. For this card, however, I used a strip of Going Gray cardstock for the "track". Quick sponging of bashful blue finished off the scene with sky.

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Stamping Up! supplies for this card:

stamps: Choo Choo

cardstock: kraft, riding hood red, whisper white

ink: versa mark, basic black, old olive, gray (Crayola), bashful blue, riding hood red

accessories: old olive 5/8" grosgrain ribbon, basic jumbo grommet in black

Have a great day! And thanks for stopping by, Tasha

Cheers To You on Monday!

Hi Stampers! My card idea for today started with the mojomonday sketch. With a bright sunny morning here, I am feeling the summer coming and can't wait for the long warm, evenings. It's a little hard to see but those champagne glasses are sparkling with Dazzling Diamonds glitter.

stamps: Cheers To You
cardstock: ballet blue, whisper white, gable green, apricot appeal, rainbow sherbet designer series paper*

ink: staz on black, apricot appeal, tempting turquoise, cameo coral, rose red, regal rose, real red, gable green, barely banana, versa mark

accessories: dazzling diamonds glitter

tools: aqua painter, scallop edge punch

Here's the sketch if you would like to play along.

*Choose any 3 designer series paper packs and get 1 free until the end of May. To take advantage of this special you can order from my business site or email me.

Don't forget, you can enter my blog candy giveaway by posting a comment here.

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by!

Tasha

And the winners are...

Hi Stampers! Lot's going on today. First of all I have a sneak peek for the June Cards of the Month. The release is Friday the 15th. This card can be used for Father's Day or switch the sentiment and make it a birthday card.

Now on to the winners from Saturday's open house.

#1--Note Tote Quick Kit goes to Karen Wingfield

#2--Post-It Note Holder goes to Jenise Holland

#3--Create-a-card Quick Kit goes to Sarah Blake

#4--Will be drawn on Saturday, May 16 click here for details to win

#5--(local giveaway) June Cards of the Month goes to Joyce Lancaster

Congratulations to the winners!

I hope you have had a great Mother's Day! Be sure to stop in daily and leave a comment on the blog candy post for a chance to win.

Tasha

The Best for Last

Are you ready? I don't have the picture ready so a list will have to do! This is what you can win:

• June Cards of the Month
• 6x6 designer series paper sampler pack including 24 sheets from 4 different styles
• 2-Hr. Album, summer theme (album not included)
• polka-dot punches stamp set

How to enter:

• leave a comment on this post each day, 1 entry/day
• post a link on your blog and let me know with another comment, 1 additional entry

For 2 bonus entries, answer this question by emailing me:

What is my new favorite designer series paper pattern? I mentioned it at least twice last week. :)

You have until May 16 at 9pm CST to enter. I will post the winner May 17.

Good luck! And thanks so much for playing along.

Tasha

Third Time's a Charm

*This blog candy is now closed.

The third part of the blog candy giveaway is for the Create-A-Card Quick Kit.

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Just leave a comment here before 12:00pm cst to be entered into my open house drawing. I will draw later today and post on Mother's Day.
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Don't forget, there is one more giveaway!

Second Giveaway

*This blog candy is now closed.

This second door prize is for this post-it note holder plus the template/measurements so you can make more!

Enter by leaving a comment on this post before 11:00am and I will get your name into the drawing. I will draw later today and post the winner's on Mother's Day.

Good luck!

First Blog Candy

*This blog candy giveaway is now closed.*
You may enter from the time this posts until 10am cst. Simply leave a comment and I will get you entered into the drawing. I will draw the names later today and post them on Mother's Day.

This first Blog Candy giveaway is for the Note Tote Quick Kit.

Good luck!

Open House!

Hi Stampers! My Open House has officially begun, thanks so much for joining us today. I am going to have 4 giveaways that you can register for--1 each hour. Scroll down for the new posts as this one should stay on top.

Ways to enter: post a comment on the giveaway post, will change each hour
**last drawing will be open for 1 week AND you can get an extra entry for linking my blog candy on your blog

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Summer Classes-sign up by emailing me or through my newsletter

May 29—June Cards of the Month, cost $10
1:30pm and 7:00pm, rsvp by May 28

June 6—2-Hr. Scrapbook!
9:30am, cost $30
Pay by May 28 to reserve your spot

June 19—Mom and Me, make a super-special wallet for Dad
10:00am and 1:30pm, cost $15
Pay by June 10 to reserve your spot
(continued on the back)

June 20—Create-a-Card gift set*
9:30am and 1:30pm, cost $20
Pay by June 10 to reserve your spot

*available as a kit by mail, contact me for details

June 26—July Cards of the Month, cost $10
1:30pm and 7:00pm, rsvp by June 25

July 6—New Catalog Kick-Off Party!!

July 17/18—Christmas in July Stamp Camp
Make cards, gift boxes, and other gift items.
These templates will help with gift giving year-round.
17th, 6:30-9:30pm
18th 2:00-5:00pm
Pay by July 3 to reserve your spot, cost is $30

July 31—August Cards of the Month, cost $10
1:30pm and 7:30pm, rsvp by July 30

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Specials

today--order $50 and get 2 entries on the 50/50 board

today--order and set from the mini-catalog and I will send you a card template plus the supplies to make it

all month--buy 3 designer series paper packs, get 1 FREE

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Quick Kits--by mail

Note Tote--kit includes all the cut, punched and scored cardstock/designer series paper that you need to make the 4 cards with envelopes, the tote, notepad, pen, and directions

2-Hr. Scrapbook--kit includes all the die cut stickers, designer series paper, and cardstock needed to create a fabulous 8x8, 14-page (7 front and back) album PLUS lots of stickers and paper leftover. Great for a gift! Cost does not include the album

Create-a-Card Gift set--make this fun mix and match set of 6 notecards with envelopes, 24 coordinating tags and matching gift box.

Note Card Purse--this cute purse holds 4 notecards plus envelope, stamps can go in the outside pocket

You can order any of the projects by selecting the drop down menu under QUICK KITS in the right sidebar.

Have a great day and good luck ! Tasha

A Scrapbook Page!

Hi Stampers! There is a great sketch to check out today over at http://www.unscriptedsketches.com/ . I had to do a quick one since my Open House starts in just a few minutes. Be sure to check out the next post about today's events, there is blog candy that runs until next Saturday.

I have the Stampin' Up! Just Football set, but I think it might be at my neighbors or still packed up from a workshop we did. Anyway, the Sporting set worked fine.

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Have a great day and thanks for stopping by! Tasha

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Tomorrow's the Big Day

Hi Stampers! Hard to believe I have nearly made it through the week. ;) It's been busy in a good way. I revisited a favorite project of mine this week. Nearly 10 years ago I started making these little folded paper pockets and have used them off and on since. Back then, Stampin' Up!'s designer series paper was printed on only one side so we had to stamp the other side in order for it to look good! Now we are so spoiled with the gorgeous, double-sided paper.

These pockets are just right for a Ghiradelli chocolate or a teabag. Also a small note card could be stamped and slipped in. I have directions for them in this month's newsletter. Sign up on the upper left to get a copy.

Guess what? They are quick and easy to make (kind of my theme).

I also have a Man Card for you today. Sometimes these are harder to think up but this new set-And Many Mower-- from the mini catalog makes it a breeze. This 5-1/2 x 4-1/4" card is perfect for Father's Day or a man's birthday.

And a picture of the inside.

Here are the Stampin' Up! supplies I used:

stamps: And Many Mower

cardstock: kraft, very vanilla, garden green, delicate dots designer series paper

ink: black staz on, close to cocoa (sponging), markers real red, so saffron, certainly celery

accessories: mini library clip

I have some great things to share tomorrow along with those Open House giveaways so be sure to stop in. Have a fabulous Friday! Tasha

The Countdown Ends

1. 1 day to help at the flower shop
2. 1 day until the Open House
3. 2 days until a sneak peek of June's Cards of the Month
4. 11 more days of school
   
   
   

Note Tote Gift Set

Hi Stampers! As I promised yesterday, I have another gift idea to show. I think just about anyone would be tickled to receive this. And this idea came from Becky Roberts in Idaho.


Note the scallop oval punch accents. That is such a neat way to get a little pizzaz. This tote holds 2 pocket card on the front and 2 on the back.











While the inside holds the 4 envelopes on one side and a notepad/pen combo. on the other. The notebook can be attached with velcro for easy removal.





I forgot to show the cards apart but each one is actually a pocket and the white insert with trim at the top pulls out.


I used this retired designer paper because I made this for a teacher. Just think how fun it would be to receive such a clever kit!


Yes, sign up details for this class will be available Saturday and those who receive my newsletter have a jumpstart on the info.!

I will post a tutorial on this later in the month as well.
Thanks for stopping by and have a great day! Tasha

The Countdown Continues

1. 2 more days till the Open House
2. 2 more days to help at the flower shop
3. 3 more days till June Cards of the Month sneak peek
4. 11 more days of school

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

The Countdown Begins

Hi Stampers! Hope you're ready to get your groove on. The Mojo Monday team has another sketch today--and a contest. I have been dying to use this flower stamp since I saw it in the mini catalog. But life is about getting sidetracked so I am just now getting around to it.

Here is the sketch. You can head over to http://www.mojomonday.blogspot.com/ and enter as well!

Stampin' Up! supplies I used:
stamps: Wagon Full of Fun, Darling Dots
cardstock: green galore, whisper white, apricto appeal, tempting turquoise, rainbow sherbet designer series paper
ink: staz on black; apricot appeal, barely banana, creamy caramel, pretty in pink, gable green markers
accessories: none!
tools: paper crimper

I am off to help in the flower shop for this Mother's Day week. So my countdown includes:

1. 5 days to work at the flower shop
2. 5 days till my open house
3. 6 days till the first sneak peek of June's Cards of the Month
4. 14 days till school is out

Wishing you a wonderfully crazy week as well! Tasha

It's Time Again!

Hi Stampers! Saturday morning is time for the Unscripted Sketch so...here's my take! This 4-1/4"x5-1/2" card features a message from the Stampin' Up! set Refuge and Strength. Certain colors don't photograph well and rose red is one for me. In person, the colors are much nicer!

If you would like to play along, here's the sketch. I think it would make a great scrapbook page as well. If I have time today, I'll get one posted later. I am busy getting samples ready for next Saturday's Open House. I did complete 2 8x8" scrapbooks to display for the 2-hr. scrapbook class--woohoo things are falling into place.

Stampin' Up! supplies I used:

stamps: Refuge and Strength

cardstock: whisper white, certainly celery, pink pirouette, raspberry tart designer series paper (my new favorite)

ink: certainly celery, regal rose

accessories: rose red 1/4" grosgrain ribbon

tools: eyelet border punch

Needing supplies? You can order 24/7 by clicking my business site or email me at tasha@thestampinglady.com .

Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend! Tasha

Make It Count!

Hi Stampers! Today I want to share an article about scrapbooking that I wrote. When I take the time to get out my pictures and focus on getting them in an album, I am a woman possessed. And it took me a while to realize not everyone does it like me. Case in point: the first time I went to a "crop", we all shared our progress at the end (of 4 hours). Most had done 1-5 pages. I did 22! Having 2 small children at home, I was not about to waste a minute of my time!!
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So how did I do it? I have gone through my process and hope my steps will help you as well.
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Getting The Most Out of Your Scrapbooking Time

As with anything, organization is key. And you have to plan ahead. Scrapbooking can be such a fun and fulfilling hobby or it can be frustrating, expensive, and messy. If you are way behind, or just starting from lots of pictures I recommend picking a year. It doesn't really matter which year you do first, you're going to get them all done eventually.

Well before your scrapbooking time, you need to get your pictures ready. For many of us, that means getting them printed. I know lots of families that take lots of pictures that never make it out of the camera/computer. If time is an issue, consider looking through them quickly and simply removing the definitely bad ones. Don't get bogged down, cropping, editing, and deciding which one is "the best" because they will look different in real life--trust me. Then get them printed!

Now that you have pictures printed or gathered up you have another prep session which involves sorting your pictures. This is the first of:

5 Steps To Dominate Scrapbooking

1. Sort your pictures by month. Have a folder or page protecter or envelope for each month--labeled. That way if you have to put everything way, it's easy to start right where you left off. Still best if you can do this before your scrapbooking session.


2. Using the pictures from just one month, sort them into events or categories: Bob's birthday party, swim lessons, picnic day. Evaluate the pictures in each category and choose which to use. Guess what? If you have kids at home, they will like to have those leftover pictures.


3. Get out your sketches or scrap maps. Working with one event, choose colors and lay out your cardstock. It is so much quicker to have a sketch available to get going. For even faster results you can use a Simply Scrappin' kit which has coordinating cardstock and embellishments all ready to go.


4. The fun part! Put your pages together, get your pictures on, and embellish to your heart's content.


5. Journal it. Do not skip this step! I know you may not be in the mood to reminisce and find the right words, etc. That's ok but make sure you get the date, the subject, and the place. The sappy stuff can be added later. :)

After you complete one event, you just repeat steps 3-5 until the month is done. That is the best feeling! Then grab the next month and start over at step 2. Repeat this process until you are all caught up.

That's really all there is to it. You can break it into bits and do a month at a time or several months at once. Try it, I think you'll be happy with the results.

Author Tasha Hickert owns a rubber stamping and scrapbooking business. She started scrapbooking before the word existed and has been stamping for 11 years. For more tips or supplies, contact her at tasha@thestampinglady.com or visit her blog http://tashasdesignworld.blogspot.com .

I'll be back tomorrow for show and tell. Have a Fabulous Friday and thanks for stopping by! Tasha