Friday, July 31, 2009
Exciting Anouncement!
My Favorite Colors
The combination of old olive, bashful blue, and cameo coral is one of my all-time favorites! A touch of apricot appeal ribbon keeps it from being too matchy-matchy.
- stamp set used is Party Hearty #111532
- pattern paper is bashful blue designer series patterns #112151, there are 12 double-sided sheets with 12 total patterns for only $9.95!
- the 1/2" circle punch #104390 creates the circle centers which are mounted on die cut flowers from the Birds and Blooms sizzlet pack
- the scallop circle punch #109043 is what I used for the cameo coral circle peeking out from behind the white curve (which I believe was traced from a flower pot while we were on vacation)
You can still take part in this month's selection by mail if you sign up by Aug. 8.
Have a great day!
Tasha
PS I'll be back later with an exciting anouncement!
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Time To Stamp
Check your calendar for August 20 or August 22 (if you prefer the morning). We are going to have a trial run, a test drive of sorts.
And you are invited!!
Yes, you can be a virtual member and receive the same benefits and projects through the mail!
Details will be coming out in the newsletter next week. In case you don't already receive it, you can sign up for my monthly newsletter in the upper left hand corner of the blog.
Have a great day!
Tasha
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
The Winds of Change
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
All Good Things...
The two cards above were part of February's Cards of the Month Club and used the Heart to Heart Punch along with the coordinating Love You Much stamp set.
As always, you can order this punch directly by clicking here for my business site.
Or you can email me if you need assistance.
- August Cards of the Month is this Friday! You can still sign up by emailing me or through the link at Cards of the Month Club.
Monday, July 27, 2009
The Card That Took All Day!
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
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Christmas Trends 2009
In 2009, Christmas tree decoration will take its inspiration from fashion. The tree will be decorated with baubles in every shade of purple. In conjunction with grey, which already gave black a run for its money last year, the tree decorations, candles and decorations will be sophisticated and yet subtle. As an alternative, the trends will continue to be based on white, combined with shades of cream, beige or brown.
Style
Traditional and Bold and Bright
Traditional, quality Christmas baubles will decorate the tree, together with glittering wire stars, glass icicles and little birds.
There will also be an element of kitsch to the 2009 festive season: Christmas trees with brightly-colored baubles, garish plastic trees and disco balls in all sizes will add up to a funky Christmas. Inspired by Glam Rock, there are red and black candles with sparkly skulls, roses and silver ornaments.
Edibles
Neutral Decor
Retro Meets Modern
The Green Scene
Patterns, Shapes, and Textures
Crushed-mirror mosaics, disco balls, glitter, snowflakes, snow texture, metallic.
Folk Art / Primitive / Country
Nautical
The nautical style has sailed into all categories of gift and home decor, and has weighed anchor for holiday 2009.
Memory
Personalized
Personalization and customization will continue to be hot in 2009. Budget-minded consumers shopping for something special will take advantage of this trend. Personalized products have continued to sell well during this down economy.
Signs
From wearables to tabletop, the message is clear - and the signs are still everywhere.
Cute sayings, touching sentiments, funny comments.
Words used as design elements.
Handmade, or made to look that way.
Embroidered on pillows and towels, vinyl lettering on walls, painted on wood, walls, glass and planters, etched, routed, stenciled, stamped, needlepointed ... you name it, it's still out there.
Vintage
The aged look of antiques and vintage postcards is still with us for 2009. Bethany Lowe Designs features vintage style glass and glitter. Silver mercury glass and glitter-encrusted pressed paper. Wreaths, sailboats, Santas, teddys, glass trees and more.
Greeting Cards
Plantable or "seeded" greeting cards.
Recycled - greeting cards made from recycled products.
Christmas is the largest card-sending holiday in the United States - approximately 2.1 billion cards are sent annually. According to the Greeting Card Association, "handcrafted and intricately decorated greeting cards continue to capture the imagination and buying habits of consumers who want to give sophisticated cards that are both upscale and unusual."
"In stark contrast to the digital-age features of many greeting cards, these unusual cards demonstrate painstaking attention to detail and stand-out artistry. They frequently feature designs incorporating bits of fabric, ribbon, beads, or even tiny origami-like paper decorations that are attached to the card by hand. Elaborately crafted pop-up and paper sculpture cards also fall into this special combination of card, artwork, and gift."
"A similar appreciation of tactile artistry and upscale design can be seen in the growing trend toward incorporating textured papers and special printing methods to create cards with a distinctively luxurious look and feel. Cards featuring letterpress printing, embossing, and a sophisticated use of flocking are at the leading edge of this trend."
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Unscripted Owls
Have you ever seen an owl in person? Not in a zoo but outside? These little owls are so cute! They must be designed after little barn owls or those tiny little burrowing owls. Because great horned owls like we see around here are creepy. Their call is ominous, their outline is sobering, and to have one fly over can make you understand why so many stories have been written about them!
- To put this card together, I reached for the Animal Stories stamp set because I like this little owl! I inked it in soft suede and stamped on the pattern paper and whisper white.
- All the pattern paper is from Stampin' Up!'s new Tall Tales designer series paper pack.
- Soft suede is the color I chose to add a little emphasis behind all the pattern paper. It looks rather green in the pictures, but it is indeed a brown color.
- A little paper piercing adds some edge detail. I seriously considered sewing around the edge of the card, but we have company coming and I didn't want to take the time to get my machine out and mess around!
Well, that's my card! I hope you have some time to create today. I would love to hear what you think about owls, so leave a comment if you have a minute!
Thanks for stopping by.
Tasha
- click here to place an order
- you still order Cards of the Month Kits by visiting COTM
Friday, July 24, 2009
Happy NTD
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...
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Are You A Fan Yet?
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
A Sketch Two Ways
The stamp sets are the new Jumble alphabet, Just Jawing, and an old background called Basic Backgrounds. Colors are bravo burgundy, whisper white, and summer sun.
Now, don't fall off your chair...the second project is a s-c-r-a-p-b-o-o-k page. I know, I haven't been getting many of these done lately but this layout just screamed scrapbook to me!
As you can see, it lends itself quite nicely to a scrapbook page.
All I used for this one is almost amethyst, so saffron, and teaparty designer series paper. A little paper piercing on the left side adds interest. I used the edge of a topnote as a guide.
Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!
Tasha
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Deal of the Week
Please note that silver is shown in the picture, but the Styled Vanilla #112454 is the only set discounted. What a bargain! You can order them by clicking SHOP NOW at my Stampin' Up! site.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Floral Mojo
The centerpiece is the sizzlet die Flower Blossom cut in bermuda bay, attached to whisper white and trimmed with scissors. I just love that loose and loopy flower style. A large rhinestone brad finished it off nicely.
Background strips are whisper white stamped with a flower from Easter Blooms. I used the Bermuda Bay ink and stamped twice before re-inking. Polka-dot ribbon in melon mambo is the final touch.
A simple, quick card that would tuck nicely in a gift with it's finished size of 3"x3". And yes, Stampin Up! does have a coordinating size envelope called the Mini Square (#107309) in case you're like me and won't make a card unless it is the right size for an envelope!
Thanks for stopping by today!
Tasha
- watch for the new blog announcement, coming soon...
- click here to place an order
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Sneaky Unscripted!
This is a great versatile sketch. Here's how I made the card above:
- the base is a basic A2 size, 4-1/4"x5-1/2" whisper white
- for the bottom layer, I cut glorious green to 4"x5-1/4" and stamped it with the leaf from Best Wishes and More (a must-have stamp set #111602) inked in gable green
- the flowers are also from Best Wishes and More stamped in 2 of the new In Colors: melon mambo and crushed curry, punched with the 1-1/4" square
- the greeting is from the stamp set Kind and Caring Thoughts which is another must-have (but you have to earn this as a hostess), it's stamped in melon mambo and punched with the wide oval, then I trimmed off the top and bottom
- best part is that fun new polka-dot ribbon--I love it! Lucky me, as a demonstrator I got it in every color!
If you would like to get our stamping/scrapbooking supplies at a discount (or even free) you may want to become a demonstrator. We enjoy discounts, free supplies, and the opportunity to earn a little (or a lot of) cash plus trips and more. If you have questions or are just ready to go, email me. I would love to help you get started. **Guess what? There is a special right now where you can become a demonstrator and get all your business supplies for $85!!
Now for the sketch:
If you have a blog and you post your creation, leave a comment. I will gladly come check it out!
Thanks for stopping by and have a great Saturday!
Tasha
Friday, July 17, 2009
Christmas In July Again
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
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
August Cards of the Month Club
This month the local club will be on July 31.
Local Club 1:30pm 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
I hope you like the cards! Thanks for stopping by and have a great day.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Glad To Be Home...I Think
Maybe I'm not ready to be home.
Back tomorrow with the August Cards of the Month. Thanks for stopping by!
Tasha
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Making a Difference
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
Friday, July 10, 2009
Just a Little Peek!
Yep, there are some things this month that are retired...SO... the only way to get them is from someone who saved a few or be a part of COTM this month!
Have a great day! Tasha
- you can still get in on the ribbon and pattern paper samplers, through July 15
- click here to order supplies
Thursday, July 9, 2009
We're All Abuzz
This is my first use of Rich Razzleberry, on of the new In Colors, and I love it! That lighter color is pale plum (not a favorite of mine) and it looks fabulous paired with the razzleberry. Once I saw those colors together, I knew I didn't want to add anything but white. So here's how it went together:
- the dove and message are from Special Blessings, both stamped in Rich Razzleberry on whisper white
- the narrow printed strip is actually the dove stamped repeatedly in pale plum then trimmed into shape
- white craft ink and the branch stamp from Strength and Refuge make up the larger pattern paper
- running the pale plum background through the Big Shot with a texturz plate gives a subtle backdrop
- a single flower from the 3-flower punch with a rhinestone brad center make a perfect accessory
- the card base is Rich Razzleberry in a standard A2 size (4-1/4"x5-1/2")
But the card is not what has my family buzzing. We are headed out of town for a long weekend and then my boys will go on to spend the week with Grandma and Grandpa. So if you have a bad moment anytime in the next few days, just remember you could be with my family in a mini-van that will log about 1700 miles in the next 10 days!
There may be a couple days when my email replies are slower. But all-in-all there should not be a big difference. I just hope our yard, garden, and pets hold on while we are gone because it is supposed to be 100-degrees (or more)!
Thanks for stopping by and have a great day! Tasha
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Wacky Wednesday
For today's challenge, sc236, I used the Animal Stories elephant as the centerpiece. She is stamped in Melon Mambo and backed with a MM background. The pattern paper layers are part of the Tall Tales designer series paper pack--a neat group of patterns! Adding a petite get well message on the old olive cardstock was the perfect touch. The Teeny Tiny Wishes set has a perfect greeting for nearly every card-giving occasion.
Thanks for stopping by today! Tasha
- It's almost time for the sneak peek of August Cards of the Month Club! Be sure to stop by on the 10th to check it out!
- Click here to order supplies!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Animal Fun
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
Sampler packs can be ordered through July 15. Click here for details, U.S. only.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Open House Specials
- Free shipping on any order placed directly through my business site. The way it will work is that I will actually send you a check for the shipping amount. You will receive it by the time you receive your order!
- In Colors Combo Pack
- all 6 In Colors markers
- 1 yard of all 6 polka-dot ribbons
- 1 set of 8-1/2x11" cardstock (3 of each color)
- 1 set of 8-1/2x11" textured cardstock (3 of each color)
Cost for this entire set, shipped directly to your door is $38. To purchase all seperately would be over $69! Great way to try out all the colors!
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Introducing Sampler Packs
If you have any questions, email me before ordering.