Labor Day (or...er...life!)

It's been a busy weekend so far! We had our first football game on Thursday and Marlin's parents drove out here to see it. We had a nice, although short, visit since they had to leave this morning.

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For today's papercraft idea, I have some gift containers to share.

• A friend of mine is looking for something that she can fill with candy to give as thank yous for co-workers who help her out. So I made a few options for her to look at.
• All but the matchbox use the window sheets which are so cool! Tip: be sure to use permanent ink such as StazOn when stamping on the window sheet.
• Below you can see the basket style with it's matching card.

I'll be back later in the week with some dimensions/tutorial for making these!

Thanks for stopping by!

Tasha

• Cards of the Month Sneek Peek is Thursday!
• Times still open for Die Cut Day (see right side bar)
• Looking for a local fundraiser? email me!
  

Animal Gift Box

Instead of a card today, I have a gift packaging idea. Well, technically, there is a card since it includes a gift card.

The stamping is very basic. You may not always want to make an elaborate card, or sometimes you simply don't have time. But this shows you that a few minutes of simple stamping and punching can still make a gift special.

The box is 4x4 square by about 3-3/4" high. I jumped over to splitcoaststampers for my color palette. Today's color challenge is:

• so saffron-- used in cardstock and ribbon
• kraft--makes up the box, tag back, and card base
• not quite navy*--ink, cardstock layering

*actually supposed to be Night of Navy but I forgot by the time I got downstairs!

The decorative edge, created by the eyelet border punch, shows up even more when lined with a contrasting color.

The quick way to get everything to stay securely is sticky strip. I went through so many rolls before Christmas!!

• stamps used are the new Animal Stories and Teeny Tiny Wishes, both available to order starting on Wed. July 1 at noon.

Thanks for stopping by today! Tasha

Don't miss the catalog kick-off party next Monday at My Stamping Place!

Unscripted Today!

Hi Stampers! I have a bright cheery card to share today. Using the UnscriptedSketches 09 for the layout, I came up with this:

• The base is whisper white cardstock which is so nice to stamp on. If you haven't used the Stampin' Up! whisper white, you are in for a treat. It's smooth finish gives a crystal clear stamped image.
• A layer of basic black sets off the main panel of old olive which has been textured with the (retired) Canvas background stamp in versamark.
• The small panels use Darling Dots level 1 hostess set (available through June 30) stamped in real red and yoyo yellow. They are backed with ruby red.
• the sentiment is from Best Wishes and More and the bow is made from 1/4" grosgrain ribbon in real red

I hope that you have a great weekend planned. Mine should be wonderful since we are still homebound with "the patient".

Thanks for stopping by! Tasha

**Don't forget--if you want that Darling Dots you can still schedule a workshop for the last week in June and get the bonus hostess special as well. Online orders qualify for hostess benefits as well, starting at $150.

Fond Farewells

Hi Stampers! These next couple weeks I will focus on stamping ideas using some of my favorite sets that are retiring. Of course, I have to start with Heartfelt Thanks. This workhorse of a set has been the one I could always turn to when I wasn't feeling inspired. I feel this set should go in the stamp set Hall of Fame for it's versatility and usefulness!
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I used today's sketch challenge 231 over at splitcoaststampers for my layout.
Tips to create this card:

• stamp a 3x5 inch whisper white piece with the flower image repeatedly using ballet blue, bashful blue, and almost amethyst; use certainly celery to stamp some flower centers--then cut into 3/4"x5" strips
• for the single flower image ink stamp with almost amethyst, then tip stamp and place an edge onto ballet blue pad, roll stamp around so that the blue gets just on the outside
• StazOn jet black gives a crystal clear stamp so that is my choice for the black
• sponging almost amethyst along the scallop accents the edge
  
  If you don't already own Heartfelt Thanks (114980, $32.95) and can possibly afford to buy it before it's gone, I highly recommend purchasing this set--you won't be disappointed. If you don't have a demonstrator, you can email me to place the order OR place your order online. Or have a workshop and earn this set for free!

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by! Tasha

Don't forget the Last Chance Accessories are limited so I am updating the list each day.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Variation on a Design

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

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

Here are the Stampin' Up! supplies I used:

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

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

ink: rose red

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

Thanks for stopping by! Tasha

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

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

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