The Sensible Stamper

Well...Hello There!

2009-07-29T01:45:00.000-07:00

I post today with mild trepidation. I feel as if it's the first day of school and I need to remember how to blog. However, while I return to the blog world a little bewildered...I am also refreshed back with new designs as well an opportunity to get together to stamp!

There will be two opportunities to "Stamp-A-Stack" in August:

What is a Stamp-A-Stack?

This is an event where you can stock up on all of your greeting card needs and create 12 handmade cards.
I will pre-cut, design, and set up the cards so that it can be a fun, easy, and relaxing experience.

When will it be?

Saturday, August 8th 2:30-5pm: deadline to RSVP: August 2nd
Saturday, August 15th 2:30-5pm: deadline to RSVP: August 8th

Stamp 12 cards and coordinating Stampin' Up! quality envelopes for $15 in your choice of 3 card designs according to the following options:

Option A: 12 cards in one card design
Option B: 8 + 4 cards in two different designs
Option C: 6 + 6 cards in two different designs
Option D: 4 + 4 + 4 cards in three different designs

Card #1: Big Bold Birthday

A bold and bright birthday card with assorted designer paper in Rich Razzleberry, Melon Mambo, Crushed Curry, and Bermuda Bay. A cheery card to celebrate a special day!

Card #2: Lovely Laurel

This whimsical card utilizes the new Pendant Park stamp set. The neutral colors are strong enough for a man, but also soft enough for a woman. Optional wording is available upon request.

Card #3: A Note of Thanks

The Medallion background stamp provides an artful presence in this understated design. Thank You cards are always great to have in stock. Optional greetings are also available upon request.
_________________

Bring your own favorite adhesive, SNAIL/roller type recommended for ease and neatness.
If you need another date or would prefer your own Private Stamp-A-Stack session with your friends, ask about arranging a time.
$15 SAS fee and design options must be received by Deadline Date to hold your spot.
Space and supplies are limited; friends are welcome but reserve your spot(s) EARLY to guarantee your choices.
Card designs and color combinations are pre-set and cannot be changed, however some optional sentiments are available.
SAS fee is non-refundable after Deadline Date. You may attend another session if available or transfer your spot to someone else if needed.

A Lifetime of Love

2009-05-12T21:40:00.000-07:00

All supplies SU unless noted: Very Versatile stamp set, ink in kiwi kiss, so saffron, perfect plum, cardstock in kiwi kiss, perfect plum, and very vanilla, ribbon in kiwi kiss and very vanilla, stampin' dimensionals

This is another lovely wedding card made from the Very Versatile stamp set. I like this stamp set because there are matching sentiments for the outside and inside of the card. The inside sentiment says:

The stamp set covers a variety of card needs: Wedding, Sympathy, Birthday, and Thank You

If you'd like to add Very Versatile to your collection click here to shop now.

Free Haagen-Daz ice cream

2009-05-12T12:05:00.001-07:00

OOh...I love Ice Cream, especially free ice cream. Free cone from 4-8pm only today!

Check for a location near you!

Free Chocolate from Mars

2009-05-08T12:00:00.000-07:00

A couple of months ago when I first started this blog I promised I would share web coupons and other cool freebies...unfortunately I slacked off.

However, today I am going to redeem myself. If you haven't already heard about the Mars Real Chocolate Relief Act click on the link and register for a maximum of 4 coupons for free chocolate. They will only issue 250,000 coupons per day. I just registered and I was able to get one. Hurry! Click here before it's too late!

Mars Candy includes: M&M's, Dove Chocolate, Snickers, Twix, 3 Musketeers, Milky Way

Big thanks to my wonderful friend Sarah who alerted me about this fabulously chocolately deal. :)

For the Bride

2009-05-06T01:57:00.001-07:00

All supplies SU unless noted: For the Bride stamp set, ink in basic gray, perfect plum, cardstock in basic gray, perfect plum, and very vanilla, stampin' dimensionals, sizzix damask texturz plate, big shot

AH! I never imagined that I'd be such a bad blogger! Things have just been incredibly crazy with the start of the wedding season. I love weddings, but they basically consume your weekend. I'll have a two week reprieve so I'll have some mother's day cards and more wedding cards coming up.

One highlight of the weekend was that I got to help put on a bridal shower for my lovely friend Roz. It was a beautiful afternoon of showing our love to the bride to be.

I really enjoyed the look of the card I made for her. The damask texturz plate was a perfect compliment to the Paisley pattern of the bride's dress from the For the Bride stamp set. I didn't want the card to be too "busy" so I kept it pretty simple.

Coincidentally, I think that Roz is going to have her hair done similarly to the bride on the card. :)

Wedding Season

2009-04-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

All supplies SU unless noted: For the Bride and Define Your Life stamp sets, cardstock in baja breeze, red riding hood, kraft, and very vanilla, ink in baja breeze, ruby red, ribbon in red riding hod and very vanilla, baja breeze from flower fusion too, silver brad, stampin' dimensionals

I'll have an ongoing series of Wedding related cards since I'll be attending a whopping 5 within the next 3 months. However, I'll have to wait until some of them pass before posting the card since I know that some of the brides may read this blog. (Hi Roz! Hi Jessie! Hi Pui-Yun!).

Today's card will be for a couple getting married this weekend. This is the first time that I've actually decorated the inside of a card. To be honest, I decorated the inside of the card in order to cover up a mistake a made while stamping the together definition stamp the first time. However, no worries, just cover it up with a contrasting piece of paper and pretty it up with a ribbon and no one will ever know.

For a close up of the together stamp see below:

I love words and definitions. The Define Your Life stamp set includes 28 stamps featuring different words that can be applied to a multitude of occasions.

There are only 2 days left to take advantage of the Get Connected Promotion and receive a free stamp! Click here to shop right away.

A Sweet Pillow Box

2009-04-23T00:22:00.000-07:00

All supplies SU unless noted: Bella Toile Background stamp, cardstock in pale plum, ink in perfect, ribbon in very vanilla, stick strip, sizzix bigz pillow box die

As you can see from the supply list, this project took very little resources and time. I used the sizzix pillow box die on the big shot and out popped a pre-cut and pre-creased box. I folded along the creases, used sticky strip to secure the edge and ends , and voila a pillow box just like that.

The Bella Toile background stamp is featured again today, it likes to show off how it can add elegance to an otherwise pretty but plain piece of paper.

The best part about this box is that it is the perfect size for my favorite chocolate of all time:

I live very close to a Ghirardelli Chocolate factory and my sister bought a case of chocolate squares at Christmas and let me tell you it has taken a lot of self-control not to eat them for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

However, I digress. A pillow box filled with your favorite candy would make a great favor for a wedding, wedding shower, birthday party, or as a baby announcement.

Just looking at the pillow box...I want to untie that ribbon so that I can get to the chocolate...but then again I do have an entire case that I could dig into. :)

A Semi-Masculine Card

2009-04-21T08:00:00.000-07:00

All supplies SU unless noted: Short & Sweet stamp set, textured cardstock in baja breeze, cardstock in kiwi kiss and whisper white, ink in baja breeze, heart to heart and word window punches, urban oasis designer series paper, ribbon in chocolate chip

I struggle to make masculine cards, I have to restrain myself from adding another bow or a sprinkling of glitter. I would consider this just a "semi-masculine" card because I couldn't help but add the subtle heart accents at the top. However, I think that one can get away with putting some lovey-dovey details if you give it to someone special...since it's a gift from the heart after all.

Within this card I can highlight 3 ways that this card was an efficient use of resources:

1. This card was made from a 6x6 piece of paper folded in half to become 3x6. You may have alredy done the math, but this means 4 cards can be produced from one piece of 12x12 cardstock.

2. After using the Word Window Punch on the tweed patterned paper, I placed a scrap piece of Whisper White behind it. Using a pencil I lightly marked the area that would appear through the Word Window. After stamping the "love you" sentiment I adhered the Whisper White cardstock to the back of the designer paper.

3. I used the Heart to Heart punch to create some textured hearts to add interest to the top of the card.
When you love paper as much as I love paper you'll enjoy using Stampin' Up! punches as they allow you to conserve your resources. When you can see where you're punching you can punch as close to the edge as you can in order to conserve paper.

Don't throw that scrap away! The negative space left post-punch would make a great border for your next project.

Feel free to share some more paper saving tips in the comments!

Caught in the Act!

2009-04-17T01:28:00.000-07:00

Look who I caught stampin' up a storm. :) Buddy carefully stamped a thank you sentiment from the Short & Sweet stamp set. Then, he used the small oval punch...to very carefully to punch it out. He caught on very quickly and had a good time despite the fact that I insisted on recording this historic moment on my digital camera. :)

Buddy's Tips for Rubber Stamping:

ink your stamp well so that you can get an evenly stamped image
but don't rock back and forth on the ink pad otherwise areas of the stamp that you don't want to show up will make little marks on your paper.
if you mess up, don't stress you can always use the other side of the paper
have fun...once you get rollin' it's a blast!

Crafty Boys

2009-04-16T00:10:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure and privilege of helping five high school make cards for an event that the youth group put on at church. Initially, they were dubious about whether or not they'd be able to replicate the samples I showed them.

However, after a lot of hardwork and determination they were able to add their own personality to the designs I had prepared for them.

I think that they look fabulously snazzy and most importantly they came from the heart.

Don't Forget!

2009-04-15T09:08:00.000-07:00

If you haven't already checked out the Spring-Summer Occasions Mini you should definitely put it on your to do list before April 30th. There's a lot of cute ideas and ways to keep connected with loved ones contained in the latest catalog.

Click here to see the new catalog!

The best part about the new release of this Catalog Mini is that a promotion is attached. You'll receive a FREE item from the Under $10 page (p. 208) in the Spring-Summer 2009 Idea Book & Catalog, when you buy $40 in products from the Occasions Mini Catalog.

However, the promotion is only for 2 more weeks...Don't miss out on this great deal!

*Sorry...no pictures today...for some reason blogger is being difficult.

Flourish

2009-04-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

All supplies SU unless noted: A Beautiful Thing and Thank You Kindly stamp sets, cardstock in basic gray, baja breeze, kiwi kiss and very vanilla, ink in so saffron and close to cocoa, photo corners punch, flourish texturz plate, sizzlits birds and blooms die set (for the leaves), ribbon in very vanilla, stampin’ dimensionals

Hello Tuesday!

I think that Tuesday is automatically better than Monday because you've already gotten used to being a little dazed on Monday after all the fun that you've had on the weekend. Therefore, by the time Tuesday comes around you're ready and rearing to go.

I have a mini-tutorial below on how to use Stampin' Up!'s Texturz plates with the Big Shot. It's pretty nifty how you can turn a normal piece of cardstock into something that gives your card a bit of oomph all with a turn of a crank!

Place your cursor on the pictures in the slideshow below in order to see the instructions for that step.

Enjoy!

Bella Toile

2009-04-10T07:57:00.000-07:00

All supplies SU unless noted: bella toile background stamp, thank you kindly stamp set, cardstock in kraft, chocolate chip and very vanilla, bella rose designer series paper, ink in chocolate chip and red riding hood, scallop edge punch, stampin’ dimensionals

It's interesting how different people can perceive beauty differently. However, I do think that we are trained to see beauty in things that seem to be harmonious with one another.

One thing that I like about Stampin' Up! products is that paper, ink, and stamps coordinate. For example, the small strip of Bella Rose designer paper coordinates pretty well with the look and feel of the Bella Toile background stamp. Given that both of them are given the adjective of "bella" it was a snap to connect the dots.

With this card it was my first time using a background stamp. You ink up this huge stamp, put it down on the paper and BAM! instant sophistication and beauty. The stamp turned a plain piece of kraft paper into something truly beautiful. You can make out every detail of the design.

I reinked a small portion of the background stamp in red riding hood in order to stamp the small blossom as an accent. The background is so huge you could potentially pick and choose what design you wanted to stand out depending on how big your paper area is.

K.I.S.S.

2009-04-08T23:08:00.001-07:00

All supplies SU unless noted: short & sweet stamp set, textured card stock in baja breeze, cardstock in basic gray and whisper white, walk in the park designer series paper, ink in basic gray, small oval punch, scallop oval punch, stampin’ dimensionals

K.I.S.S has come to be known as a mnemonic device for "Keep it simple, stupid" or "Keep it short and sweet".

When it comes to making cards K.I.S.S. can also be used to remember to "Keep it simple and sensible". With busy schedules and long to-do lists sometimes making time to stamp is difficult. However, whenever I do sit down to make something I like to keep it simple and let the paper speak for itself. If I were to add anything else it would just seem like a detraction from what's already great on its own.

Simplicity aids to higher productivity as well as increasing the enjoyment of being able to create something with little stress involved. :) With beautiful paper this card was quick and easy to make.

Think Pink

2009-04-08T01:46:00.000-07:00

All supplies SU unless noted: short & sweet stamp set, textured card stock in pink pirouette, cardstock in pink pirouette and whisper white, walk in the park designer series paper, ink in basic gray, taffeta ribbon in pretty in pink, small oval punch, scallop oval punch, stampin’ dimensionals

This card reminds me of the movie "Funny Face" starring Fred Astaire, Audrey Hepburn, and Kay Thompson. Kay Thompson plays a fashion magazine editor who becomes suddenly inspired to "Think Pink" for the upcoming fashion season. After having sung an entire song about the virtues of Pink , she's asked why her gray-clad-self isn't wearing pink and she retorts, "I wouldn't be caught dead!"

So this card is dedicated to "Maggie Prescott", a mix of pink and gray

The Winner

2009-04-02T19:18:00.001-07:00

*scroll down to find out the winner

For the first time, Stampin' Up! has created a line of stamps that are all Under $10. They are all so cute and there's one for every occasion.

You can select one for FREE if you place a $40 purchase from the Mini Occasions Catalog. My favorite items are the Mini Note Kits because it not only includes two stamps, but it also includes notecards. Check them out below:

Thank you all for participating in my first ever blog giveaway and sharing SO any great money tips, I feel like I've learned so much reading all of your great tips. Now...onto the winner.

I used the random integer generator* on random.org to determine the winner of the blog giveaway and the winner is...

littlecumulus said...: My money-saving tip is along the same lines as Laurel Plum's - to look at what food I already have and see what tasty things I can make without buying anything new. It always shocks me with how much I can come up with!

Congratulations littlecumulus and thanks for sharing your money saving tip!

I often feel like I have no food in my house, but I looked in my freezer today and what do you know...I could have made myself dinner tonight! :)

*Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

Timestamp: 2009-04-03 09:41:52 UTC

A Fabulous Gable Box

2009-04-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

All supplies SU unless noted: Oval All stamp set, cardstock in baja breeze, kiwi kiss, very vanilla and whisper white, Walk in the Park Designer Series Paper, ink in basic gray and baja breeze, very vanilla grosgrain ribbon , stampin' dimensionals, sticky strip

The Occasions Mini Catalog is out! It includes some really cute and springy stamps and paper. I especially fell in love with "Oval All" because I like how it coordinates with the large oval punch. Additionally, Stampin' Up! recently added a new punch to their collection, the scallop oval punch. Used together, it's a piece of cake to add something fabulous to your card or project.

I couldn't wait to try out my new stamp set as well as attempt to construct a gable box. I wanted to make a gift for a friend for her birthday (so hopefully she doesn't see this). I made three 3x3 note cards and placed them inside the gable box with three envelopes.

Ooh and before I forget from April 1-30, when you buy $40 in products from the Occasions Mini Catalog you can take your pick of one item from the "Under $10" page (p. 208) in the Spring-Summer 2009 Idea Book & Catalog--FREE!

My 1st Blog Giveaway

2009-03-27T00:48:00.000-07:00

You read that correctly, in order to jump start this blog I want to conduct a Blog Giveaway featuring the Yummy Sale-a-Bration stamp set, a spool of Certainly Celery twill ribbon, and a 6x6 Delicate Dots Designer Series Paper Sampler (16 sheets). All you have to do is leave a comment and share your favorite money saving tip.

You have until 11:59pm PST Thursday, April 2. I will announce the winner Friday morning. Only one comment per person please. I can't wait to hear from you! Subscribe to this blog to hear about future Blog Giveaways.

All supplies SU unless noted: Yummy SAB stamp set, cardstock in kraft, bashful blue, and whisper white, Delicate Dots Designer Series Paper, ink in certainly celery, almost amethyst, apricot appeal, and close to cocoa, certainly celery twill ribbon from SAB Ribbon Bundle, stampin' dimensionals, sponge dauber, Sizzix Bigz Scallop Envelope Die used with my Big Shot

Congratulations!

2009-03-26T02:02:00.000-07:00

All supplies SU unless noted: Congrats SAB stamp set, Botanical Blooms SAB stamp set, cardstock in certainly celery, kraft, and whisper white, ink in certainly celery and pink pirouette, So Saffron Grosgrain ribbon from SAB Ribbon Bundle

I made this card for a couple who didn't know the sex of their baby. So, I tried to cover all of my bases with the green cardstock. I suppose it's a good thing the baby was a girl because the pink flower counterbalanced all of my efforts to make it seem neutral. :)

The Congrats Sale-a-Bration Stamp Set is great because it covers a variety of occasions. "Congratulations" is its own stamp, and then the "on the birth of your baby" is a separate stamp. Aside from the baby sentiment there are five more to choose from. This way you can mix and match according to your needs.

This set was also given to me as a birthday present. Best gift ever, I love versatility. If your birthday is coming up, let our friends know how easy it is to order Stampin' Up! Online.

Two Step Stampin' Technique

2009-03-25T00:08:00.000-07:00

All supplies SU unless noted: Botanical Blooms *SAB stamp set, cardstock in almost amethyst, pink pirouette, and very vanilla, ink in almost amethyst, pink pirouette, and kiwi kiss, word window punch, making memories silver brad

I earned the Botanical Blooms stamp set for FREE since it's Sale-a-Bration time. Sadly, Sale-a-Bration is almost over with only six days left! This is a limited time offer and all the free products will be discontinued and won't be available ever again! Don't miss out!

What makes this set so great is that it gives the image a natural watercolor look. Also, try as you might you will not be able to get the two images to match exactly and that's what makes it's so incredibly freeing knowing that you won't be expected to.

For this card, I used the two step stampin' technique:

$ Money Tip: Make a purchase of $50 this month and receive a stamp set, ribbon, or paper for free. This offer is my favorite because the minimum puchase is only $50. However, if you want to get the most bang for your buck. Make a $150 purchase and you receive:

Your choice of 3 of the stamp sets, ribbon bundle, or paper
1 Hostess Stamp Set
$15 Instant Rewards to be used towards additional merchandise.

That's a lot of free stuff! If you're going to order, then this is the way to do it. As always, if $150 is breaking the budget for you there's no reason why you can't split this up amongst friends. :) Don't forget to check out the Sale-a-Bration Goodies here.

You've Got a Friend in Me

2009-03-24T10:23:00.001-07:00

All supplies SU unless noted: Cheep Talk stamp set, textured card stock in pacific point, cardstock in kiwi kiss and whisper white, ink in pacific point, rose red, kiwi kiss, pumpkin pie, and chocolate chip, grosgrain ribbon in chocolate chip, stampin’ dimensionals

A week ago I had a conversation with a friend, and be both concluded that we would like to exercise more. Well, I had just purchased a new workout video and I invited her over to try it out with me. In general, I choose to purchase workout DVDs instead of going to classes because then I can look foolish in the privacy of my own home. Also, I can pause the video when I need to take a break. :P

We both admitted to one another that had we been alone we would have turned the DVD off a long time ago. So not only is it good to have company while doing knee rolls, it's also insurance against quitting midway.

Word to the wise, if you're going to do jumping jacks and fake jumping rope you'd better choose a good friend to do it with.

impressed, amazed, inspired {by you}

2009-03-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

All supplies SU unless noted: Sweet Little Sentiments hostess stamp set*, card stock in baja breeze, kiwi kiss, and kraft, Urban Oasis designer paper, ink in baja breeze, taffeta ribbon in basic gray, stampin’ dimensionals, scallop edge punch

I admit I am not easily impressed. However, recently one of my dear friends gave birth to her first child without an epidural. Now, that is definitely impressive. One of my greatest fears is that I will pass out during childbirth and wake up having missed the whole experience. Hrm...or maybe that's wishful thinking. :)

What impresses you the most?

*You can earn hostess stamp sets by hosting workshops where you invite friends to collectively place an order greater than $150. Feel free to contact me if you're interested in earning free stamp sets. See Stampin' Up Shop Q & A for more details.

Thanks So Much

2009-03-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

All supplies SU unless noted: Trendy Trees set, card stock in kiwi kiss, pink pirouette, baja breeze, ink in kiwi kiss, baja breeze, close to cocoa, rose red, double stitched ribbon in rose red, stampin’ dimensionals

Today I am thankful for the internet, we've been disconnected from the internet at work this week and it has caused me to truly appreciate it. I've realized that I use the internet to look up definitions of words, historical events, current weather conditions, recipes for dinner, current news, send e-mail, look up phone numbers and much more. To me, the internet is my passage into another world. You can read other people's blogs and learn what they're interests are, and you're even allowed to comment! In real life I probably would have been too shy to openly comment, but with the internet I've been complete freedom from inhibition.

What aspect of the internet are you thankful for?

Thinking of You

2009-03-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

All supplies SU unless noted: Bird on a Branch set, card stock in baja breeze, very vanilla, and kiwi kiss, ink in so saffron, kiwi kiss, and baja breeze, *ribbon in so saffron, stampin’ dimensionals

Three simple words "Thinking of You" can bring about such warm and cozy feelings. Sometimes when we grow through tough times we feel that it's us against everything else. When in fact there are those who are thinking of you. If you haven't already, let someone know that you're thinking of them today. I guarantee it will make their day a little sunnier.

*I forgot to mention that the so saffron grosgrain ribbon that I used yesterday and today is a part of the Sale-A-Bration Ribbon Bundle that you receive for free with any $50 purchase of Stampin' Up! goodies.

Another Year Older

2009-03-18T00:17:00.000-07:00

All supplies SU unless noted: Yummy (*Sale-A-Bration set) and Fifth Avenue Floral, card stock in craft, almost amethyst, ink in chocolate c hip and almost amethyst, Bella Rose Designer Paper, ribbon in so saffron, stampin’ dimensionals

A couple of weeks ago it was my birthday. It was great to get together with friends from different spheres of my life to celebrate my special day. My college roommate continued her tradition of gifting me with new stamp sets. She wrapped it up in brown paper and string which of course prompted me to want to see "My Favorite Things" from the The Sound of Music.

Today I used the Yummy stamp set that is included in the Sale-a-Bration limited time offer. This is honestly a really great deal and there's only two weeks left! With each minimum purchase of $50 from Stampin' Up! You can have your pick of free stamp sets, paper, or ribbon as an extra treat. If you're just starting to stamp or need to refresh your collection, Sale-a-Bration is a great time to stock up on stamp sets.

Sale-a-bration ends March 31st so you need to act fast and place your order before the special ends. If you want to shop online you can click on my link on the right to access the Stampin' Up! online store.

You're a Hoot!

2009-03-17T08:00:00.001-07:00

All supplies Stampin' Up! unless noted: Owl Together Now stamp set, card stock in chocolate chip, confetti, pacific point, Haiku designer paper, ink in chocolate chip, pumpkin pie, close to cocoa, creamy caramel, more mustard, and kiwi kiss, stampin’ dimensionals

Let's take a little wisdom from our owl friend when it comes to saving money. Saving money is always on my mind, but sometimes it's hard to keep up especially when the whole concept can seem quite daunting.

Real Simple Magazine's March edition boasts "71 ways to spend smarter (and save a lot)", so naturally I was intrigued. So far, I've implemented the "dust of your library" suggestion. My local library has made some technological improvements since I went there as a child. Now I can check the availibility of a book, as well as put it on reserve. It's so convenient...and guess what...it's free!

Now, I think twice about pressing the "Add to Cart" button when I'm browsing online for books and dvds.

Real Simple also offers other online Money Tips if you want to check them out.

Do you have any money saving tips that have added some padding to your pocketbook?

Thank You For Your Friendship

2009-03-16T08:00:00.000-07:00

All supplies Stampin' Up! unless noted: Upsy Daisy and Frames with a Flourish stamp set, card stock in kraft, baja breeze, chocolate chip, ribbon in chocolate chip, stampin’ dimensionals

This card reminds me how blessed I have been to have many wonderful friendships. By "wonderful" I also mean brutally honest. The friends who are brave enough to tell you that it is time for you to pluck your eyebrows, or let you know that your brown suede shoes do not go with black dress pants are the ones that are worth keeping around. These are friends who look out for your well being and to point out the error of your ways. Especially, the whole brown shoes-black pants faux pas.

You're the Best!

2009-03-13T10:25:00.000-07:00

Supplies: (all supplies SU unless noted): A Little Birdie Told Me stamp set, card stock in chocolate chip, kraft, certainly celery, and whisper white, ink in basic back and apricot appeal (used to watercolor birdie with aqua brush), ribbon in so saffron, designer paper (retired), stampin’ dimensionals

Isn't it great when someone affirms you, and lets you know that you're appreciated. Honestly, I am terrible at giving affirmation,but it's something that I'm working on. I think this little birdie does a great job of conveying what I struggle to express.

The A Little Birdie Told Me set from Stampin' Up! is one of my favorites. Included in the set are six other sentiments that cover an array of occasions. With this one set I'm pretty much set for any card I'd need to whip up at a moment's notice.

It's all in the presentation

2009-03-12T11:47:00.000-07:00

You know how you can go to a very fancy schmancy restaurant and pay double for the price of the food because you're paying for the ambiance, and the presentation of your courses. Generally, you feel content with paying extra because you're paying for the experience after all.

Well, with crafting cards it's exactly the opposite effect. When you make your own cards you get to have the experience of creating, and it also ends up costing you less in materials. If you go to any stationary store and pick up a set of note cards it can cost anywhere from $10-15. However, depending on the materials you use...you can make a set of cards for a fraction of that price. That fact just thrills my soul since I love a great bargain.

While saving money is great, let's not forget about the presentation. To put the final touch you can either bind your cards together with gorgeous ribbon, baking twine, or on occasion I've been known to even recycled cello packaging from when I purchase envelopes at Michael's. If you're willing to spend a little bit more, the clear plastic boxes from Papertrey Ink give a nice finishing touch. The boxes can fit up to 12 cards and 12 envelopes. (I first saw this used by my friend Kelly who is fabulously creative.) In the end, the gift recipient gets to enjoy handmade cards with a professional look without the professional price tag.

$ Money tip: Papertrey Ink will offer free shipping if you order a minimum of $55. Let's face it you're not saving any money if you have to spend money for shipping and handling. I would suggest that you get together with a couple of other crafters so that cumulatively you can order the $55 minimum and all benefit from the free shipping.

40% off Michael's Coupons

2009-03-11T15:49:00.001-07:00

There was a time when I subscribed to 3 newspapers. The beauty of having 3 newspapers was that it meant that I got triple the coupons. I would hurriedly flip through the ads on Sunday looking for the one coupon that mattered to me...the Michael's Coupon. Michael's coupons are also available on the internet, which makes it all that much easier to print out as many as you want. The fact that Michael's coupons are accepted by their competitors is a crafter's dream come true.

What I've noticed is that when items go on sale in the ad, they are at most 30% off of the regular price. This being said, if you have incredible self-control and patience you shouldn't buy their products when they're on sale. Rather, you should buy them when they're at their regular price but use your 40% off coupon. This way you can have ultimate savings.

$ Money Tip*: Michael's and other retail stores use their coupons to lure you in so that you'll buy more than just one item. Beware! Unless you're buying clearance items that are over 40% off don't put anything else into your basket/cart. If you really want to buy more than one item at a time because you have a project that requires it, then keep your eyes peeled during major holiday weekends. There will often be a 20-30% of your entire purchase coupon. (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Memorial Day). Also, coupons are often printed onto your receipt so before you throw them away be sure to examine it first.

*Okay, so you may be thinking...but if I am constantly driving and back and forth from the craft store because I'm only allowed to buy one item at a time...this won't save me any money on gas! Ah, well this is where you can utilize any willing human being (sister, mother, child, boyfriend, husband) that you know who will accompany you to the store so that you can use more than one coupon at a time. If they're unwilling you can bribe them with ice cream...or something.

Free Redbox DVD

2009-03-11T10:08:00.000-07:00

Click Here for the promo code to rent a Redbox DVD for free. It's only good for today (Wednesday). You can use the promo code again if you use a different credit card at the time of rental.

If you sign up for their e-mail updates you can also receive a promo code for free Redbox DVD rental every Monday.

Nothing like a free dvd to perk up your Wednesday.

Edit: For those of you who haven't used Redbox before. It's like a DVD rental vending machine usually found in drug stores and supermarkets. Normally, the cost is $1/night. You use your credit card to charge the purchase. You may return the DVD to any Redbox vending machine.

Give Thanks

2009-03-10T23:12:00.000-07:00

I love to give sets of thank you cards to people for their birthdays. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I have all of the supplies already on hand. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that after a birthday you often have to write Thank You cards. :)

Thank you cards are definitely something that all people need at any given moment. My mom would always make us write notes to our relatives after Christmas to thank them for our Christmas gifts, and I never understood why it was so important. That is until I received my first handwritten thank you note from a friend who had just gotten married, and I got to feel that warm feeling of affirmation and appreciation. A thank you card is inexpensive, but yet so wonderful to receive.

(all supplies SU unless noted): Fifth Avenue Floral, Thank You Kindly stamp sets, card stock in baja breeze, kraft, and whisper white, ink in kiwi kiss, baja breeze, and basic gray, stampin’ dimensionals

Welcome

2009-03-10T13:29:00.000-07:00

Dear Friend,

Welcome to my blog! My hope for this blog is that I will be able to share my love for stamping (on a budget) as well as my own money tips and blunders.

I've been blogging for the past 10 years, ever since I went away to college and wanted to have a way to keep in touch with my friends. Now, I see blogging as a way to learn how to do things from other people and a way to broaden my worldview.

I've always grown up around rubber stamps. My mother rubber stamped when I was growing up. However, I first started to become reacquainted with it 3 years ago. Since then, I have seen how a simple card can really brighten someone's day. An expression of gratitude, celebration, or sympathy goes a long way in connecting with your friends and family.

Now, I enjoy sharing my hobby with others and sharing in their pleasure of having created something on their own.

Coming Soon...

Money Blunders: where you can learn from my mistakes when it comes to living on a budget.
Tool of the Trade: where I'll show you how to use different tools to add dimension to your cards.
The Savvy Consumer: I will post up things that I've learned over the years on how to get the most bang out of your buck.