Tightwad Tuesday Looks towards Easter & Spring

Hi All,

Here we are in the midst of Lent and the end of Winter (hopefully), as we approach Easter, Spring, Passover and whatever other holidays you are celebrate this time of year it’s time once again to get stamping. 

Yesterday saw a few small snow flurries here in my corner of Southern Oregon.  Only the second such this Winter.  Sadly the flakes didn’t last long… though long enough to scare the kitties from going out.  Funny that they don’t mind walking in deep snow but a few scattered flakes and they act like their paws are on fire! I tried to catch a few flakes on my tongue but they seemed to melt before they got that far!   Crazy weather worldwide or so it seems…Georgia & Dallas in the south get snow and Oregon in the Pacific Northwest pretty much not.

Anyway….with Lent under way I’m trying to get some Easter cards ready to hit the mail box and of course I’m trying to conserve my pennies so I can share them with Operation Rice Bowl and other charities…. so the savings on the new line of clear mount stamps and the cool single stamps available in the Occasions mini are helping both those causes quite a bit. 

Next to Christmas and Valentines – Easter and Mothers Day are probably the next most stamped holidays.   Luckily many of those card styles are easily altered to work for birthday’s,  thank you’s, weddings and other general occasions often with just the change in a text.   And also just as luckily the Occasions mini and of course the full catalog has stamp sets to meet the need.

The next couple of weeks I’ll be focusing on Spring and it’s holiday season of Easter, Passover, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and of course the rest of the Occasions mini before it expires on April 30th.   As I mentioned sometime back, with the advent of the Clear Mount line, that puts pretty much every item in the mini into the Frugal category.  Frugal for my purposes being defined as under $20.  For a full listing of all stamps and wheels that meet that criteria check my Sidebar and SCRIBD files for both the Occasions mini and the full catalog that you can download or print or view at your own convenience.

First up then is the Focus on Easter…..

As always to see more detail just click on the image to see the full size.

   

Abbreviations:  W = wood    CL  = Clear Mount

Well Scripted – #117072 (W), $19.95 –  #118601 (CL), $14.95 – pg. 19 Occasions mini

One of the most popular, best selling and versatile of the new Occasions stamp sets this set has just what you need for most occasions.  And in the clear mount version it’s incredibly easy to get the placement just right!  Being the lazy stamper that I am I love not having to get my Stamp a ma jig out if I don’t have to.

Frugally priced in both Wood and Clear Mount you can take your choice and know that this is a set you’ll be holding onto for years to come.   It’s also another of those text sets that each word in the image can stand alone or as grouped depending on how you ink and stamp it.   With the entire set to work with, its possible to come up with phrases like ….Happy Birthday dear, wonderful Mother  or Love You much dear Father or simply use the single words Love, dear, happy, wonderful, mother , father and so on.    Or combine with other stamp sets or alphabets to create Easter Blessings or other variations.

Links:

 SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=18581

 Stampin’ Addicts Gallery: http://www.stampinaddicts.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=3309

**

 http://www.stampinpretty.com/2010/02/ppa29-circle-savvy.html

http://www.peanutsandpepperspapercrafting.com/2010/01/stampin-up-well-scripted-valentines-day.html

http://ustamp4fun.com/5th-avenue-floral-easter-card

http://www.stamperdog.com/2010/02/28-punch-art.html

http://www.barbstamps.com/my_weblog/2010/01/good-neighbors-meets-well-scripted.html

http://micheleforce.blogspot.com/2010/02/very-vintage.html

http://www.carefreestamping.com/2010/01/beautiful-shabby-chic.html

http://creationsbyheather.com/2009/12/04/i-heart-hearts-i-love-love-jumbo-wheel-well-scripted-sneak-peeks – perfect for an anniversary card for hubby

http://creationsbyheather.com/2009/12/09/well-scripted-sneak-peek-twin-baby-boy-card-share/

http://creationsbyheather.com/2009/12/04/messages-for-mom-well-scripted-beautiful-wings-perfect-polka-dots-impression-folder-sneak-peeks/

http://stampvamps.com/?p=676

http://inkspiredtreasures.com/challenges/ccjc8-color-combination-challenge/

http://www.cardscraps.com/blog/?p=1034

http://www.stampeescafe.com/2010/01/more-vintage-vogue-and-well-scripted.html

http://www.stampeescafe.com/2009/12/congratulations.html

http://www.stampeescafe.com/2010/01/happy-birthday-and-happy-easter.html – one card two different sentiments

http://www.firefliesandflutterbyes.com/2010/02/well-scripted-happy-birthday.html

 *****

Abundant Hope – #117054 (W), $17.95 – #118547 (CL), $13.95 – pg.24

This beautiful set offers inspiration and hope with a spiritual Easter message. Available in both wood-mount and clear-mount at frugal prices once again the choice is yours. 

The beauty of the daffodils line art and the scrolling flourish image also will work for any other occasion.  From Passover to Spring greetings to Mother’s Day, etc.   It even works for Father’s Day.  Whether simply stamped in a monochromatic treatment or a favorite coloring technique is applied this is an image that will charm and warm the heart.  Lots of possibilities for layering and cutting out if you have the time and scissor control too!

Set Quantity: 4

Links:

 SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=18585

 Stampin’ Addicts Gallery: http://www.stampinaddicts.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=3313

**

http://www.kerinstamps.com/stampin_with_kerin/2010/02/abundant-hope-saturday-sketch-challenge-137.html

http://www.kerinstamps.com/stampin_with_kerin/2010/02/abundant-hope-easel-card.html

http://www.kerinstamps.com/stampin_with_kerin/2010/02/saturday-sketch-challenge-easter-blessings.html

http://technostamper.blogspot.com/2010/03/abundant-hope-i-really-love-this-set.html

http://technostamper.blogspot.com/2010/02/monday-lunchtime-sketch-challenge-111.html

http://creationsbyheather.com/2009/12/07/even-more-sneak-peek-shares/

http://www.stampthat.com/blog/abundant-hope-rejoiceing-in-gods-mercy/

http://www.stampthat.com/blog/abundant-hope-framed-art/

http://www.stampingbyrachel.com/2010/03/simple-sunday.html

http://www.stampingbyrachel.com/2010/02/abundant-hope.html

http://www.jaydeestamping.com/weblog/abundant-hope/

http://www.sandimaciver.com/sandi_maciver/stamp-set—abundant-hope/

http://remarkablycreated.com/2009/12/abundant-hope/

http://s674.photobucket.com/albums/vv110/jennyk_stamps/Feb%202010%20stamp%20camp/?action=view&current=feb-10-camp-Easter-flower.gif&newest=1

http://www.stampatlindas.com/2010/02/abundant-hope-easter-card.html

http://ribbonsbuttonsbrads.blogspot.com/2010/01/abundant-hope.html

http://www.createwithpaper.com/createwithpaper/2010/02/abundant-hope.html

http://sleepyinseattlestamps.blogspot.com/2010/03/free-standing-pop-up-card.html

http://sleepyinseattlestamps.blogspot.com/2010/02/abundant-hope.html

http://jillstamps.typepad.com/stampin_in_his_name/2010/03/easter-blessings-ftl80.html

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1641727?&cat=18585

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1635029?&cat=18585

http://mrsboz.blogspot.com/2010/02/hope-of-spring-mmtpt82.html

http://www.stampingwithsheryl.com/stamping_with_sheryl/2010/02/abundant-hope-challenge.html

http://www.stampingwithsheryl.com/stamping_with_sheryl/2010/02/abundant-hope-sketch-challenge.html

http://www.kerinstamps.com/stampin_with_kerin/2010/02/mojo-monday-abundant-hope.html

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1621661?&cat=18585

http://stampercamper.com/home/cardpost/abundant_hope_2/

*****

Eggcoutrements – #118556 (CL), $16.95, pg.22

While the wood mount is outside my frugal guidelines the fact that this set coordinates with various punches – Scallop Border Punch, Designer Label, Large & Small Tag, 1” Circle – may make even the wood mount version a cost effective addition to your stamping cupboard.  The scallop image itself can be used year round to create borders for other occasions than Easter.  Though of course it will also create a very cute egg stand for the Easter Bunny and his colorful contributions.

One downside as far as punching the images goes –  the oval image doesn’t coordinate with any current punch though you could use the Wide Oval or Curly Label if you are okay with a wide border.  Otherwise you’ll have to cut out the oval by hand.  On the other hand the Wide Oval Punch with this image does make for a cool Easter Egg looking piece that could be placed in a pile with the Chocolate Bunny to keep an eye on.

Also note that the scallop bordered image as shown in the catalog is shorter than the actual stamp image.  The full stamp image as seen above has a full 14 scallops on it.  Stampin’ Up! wanted to show the full size of the piece but the small size nature of the mini didn’t allow the showing of the full length of the image.

Links:

SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=18583

Stampin’ Addicts Gallery:

http://www.stampinaddicts.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=3311

**

http://www.stamperdog.com/2010/03/03.html

http://stampvamps.com/?p=741

http://www.stampingbyrachel.com/2010/03/milk-carton.html

http://www.stampingbyrachel.com/2010/03/eggcoutrements.html

http://www.kerinstamps.com/stampin_with_kerin/2010/02/create-with-connie-julie-easter-cards.html

http://procrastistamper.blogspot.com/2010/02/easter-basket-oval-scallop-box-2.html

http://thestampinbunny.blogspot.com/2010/01/eggcoutrements-mojo-monday-sketch.html

http://www.stampatlindas.com/2010/03/eggcoutrements-set.html

http://stampingwithgail.typepad.com/stamping_with_gail/2010/02/march-card-of-the-month-kit.html

http://www.katlodesigns.com/stamping_with_kathryn_low/2010/02/easter-blog-hop.html

http://sistersinstamping.blogspot.com/2010/02/easter-eggcoutrements.html

http://unfrogettablestamping.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/12/playing-with-my-new-sets.html

*****

Chocolate Bunny – #116980, $7.95, pg.43 Occasions mini

Another one of Stampin’ Up’s frugally priced single stamps with the full detail and etched look that Stampin’ Up is famous for.   Gorgeous when embossed whether in Chocolate colors (White or Brown) or even in shimmery Gold.  

Beautiful in the many baskets crafters are coming up with or sitting in various types of grass or all alone in a simple CAS setting.  A few creative stampers are even having fun taking bites out of the bunny using scallop  punches!

When I saw this in the catalog I knew it was a must have image.  Reminiscent of childhood Easter baskets and other fond spring memories this bunny is to Spring and Easter what the Dasher stamp was for Christmas and Winter.  And all at a very reasonable price!  The only downside I can see is that this bunny isn’t edible!  Where oh where is Willy Wonka when you need him!

Links:

SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=18600

Stampin’ Addicts Gallery: http://www.stampinaddicts.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=3329

**

http://www.stampingmoon.com/2010/02/put-down-the-bunny.html

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1643198?&cat=18583

http://inkspiredtreasures.com/cards/create-with-connie-and-julie-ccjc7/

http://www.2stampis2b.com/2010/03/stampin-up-chocolate-bunny-club-card.html

http://stampinalldaywithbev.blogspot.com/2010/02/no-calorie-chocolate-bunny.html

http://inkspiredtreasures.com/cards/sccsc4-chocolate-bunny/

http://zindorf.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/2010/01/27/easter-chocolate-bunny-tutotial-300-and-chocolate-bunny-blog-candy/

http://stampingtoshare.blogspot.com/2010/02/26-dark-chocolate-bunny-treat.html

http://stampcrazygirl.typepad.com/stamp_crazy_girl/2010/02/chocolate-bunny.html

http://www.megastampinstudio.com/mega_stampin_studio/2010/02/chocolate-bunny.html

http://www.loristamps.com/lori_stamps/2010/02/chocolate-bunny-anyone.html

http://www.stampinup.net/blog/9023/entry/my_first_blog_entry_projects

http://gottheartart.blogspot.com/2010/01/chocolate-bunny.html

http://www.inkchatter.com/ink_chatter/2010/01/choc.html

http://www.stampsomefun.com/2010/02/chocolate-bunny-conversation.html

http://stampinbythesea.com/todays-agendaworkshop

http://www.carlas-scraps.com/2010/02/chocolate-easter-bunny.html

http://stampcrave.blogspot.com/2010/03/top-note-easter-basket.html

http://stampinbygenny.wordpress.com/2010/02/22/good-things-come-in-small-packages/

http://monikastamp.wordpress.com/2010/02/25/easter-projects/

*****

Spring Floral Standard Wheel – #115166, $6.50, pg. 22 Occasions mini

Create rows of beautiful flowers with the Spring Floral Stampin ‘Around wheel.  And only available for a limited time!   As with all Stampin’ Up’s wheels you can create frames, borders, background papers and so much more.  Lovely for jazzing up plain envelopes too.

Links:

SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=18584

Stampin’ Addicts Gallery:

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1626720?&cat=18584

**

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1626720?&cat=18584

http://www.juliabettencourt.com/blog/?p=5633

http://stampinwithleah.blogspot.com/2010/02/spring-floral.html

http://www.oh2bstampin.com/happy_2b/2010/02/fun-with-kits.html

http://inkspiredtreasures.com/tag/scallop-circle/

http://stampmaven.typepad.com/cardcandy/2010/03/i-know-easter-is-weeks-away-but.html – used on the So Saffron

http://www.katlodesigns.com/stamping_with_kathryn_low/2010/02/easter-blog-hop.html

http://itsaninkinstampede.blogspot.com/2010/03/spring-time.html

http://stampinwithlaura.blogspot.com/2010/03/scallop-envelope-die.html

*****

Beautiful Wings Embosslit die – #118138, $11.95, pg.24

What the well dressed card is wearing this year…or so it seems.  Everywhere I look online the last few months I’m seeing these gorgeous butterflies.  This embosslit die when used with the Big Shot (or other die cutting machines) not only cuts but embosses fun patterns on the butterflies.   Shaped similarly to those die cuts from the Beautiful Butterflies Bigz die you can group these little un’ s with their bigger siblings with charming results.  The raised embossed images lend themselves to sponging or the use of a sponge dauber to add some extra color to the detail.  You’ll find these little winged beauties addicting as well as a cause for depleting your stock of glue dots!

Here’s what Stampin’ Up! says about them:

Give your creativity wings with our Beautiful Wings Embosslits die. This chemically-etched die cuts and embosses a Beautiful Wings at the same time.

■ Designed to cut through one sheet of paper or card stock at a time
■ Use with Sizzix Big Shot machine, standard cutting pads, and multipurpose platform
■ Die size: 2-1/4″ x 2-1/2″

Tip: Here’s the measurements of the individual butterflies.

Measuring them from the widest wing span and top of wing to bottom of wing are:
large – 1 14/16″ W x 1 1/4″ H
spotted- 1″ W x 3/4″ H
striped- 10/16″ W x 1/2″ H
smallest (left side of spotted) 7/16″ W x 1/4″ H
last one to the right of spotted 3/4″ W x 1/2″ H

Tip:  Stampin’ Up! recommends placing the die with the hinge side on to the rollers of the Big Shot and only using one sheet at a time of paper in the die.  This should add to the life of the die.  On a personal note I discovered that the embosslit type of die works quite well with pretty much any manual die cutting machine on the market even the older pump handle versions.   Some have even reported success using a rolling pin or stomping on the die applying lots of pressure!  Of course those last two probably voids the dies warranty so I wouldn’t recommend it.

Links:

SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/showgallery.php?si=beautiful+wings+embosslit

Stampin’ Addicts Gallery: http://www.stampinaddicts.com/gallery/search.php?searchid=7734

**

http://lovenstamps.blogspot.com/2010/03/one-embosslit-several-techniques.html – video with tips

http://www.stampingwithbrenda.com/2010/02/beautiful-wings-well-scripted.html

http://creationsbyheather.com/2010/01/16/beautiful-wings-card-purse-card-share

http://creationsbyheather.com/2009/12/08/for-all-you-do-tiny-tags-new-beautiful-wings-embossing-card-share/

http://creationsbyheather.com/2009/12/03/with-all-my-heart-vintage-vogue-beautiful-wings-sneak-peek-card-share/

http://stampingwithsheryl.typepad.com/

http://www.stampingwithsheryl.com/stamping_with_sheryl/2010/02/beautiful-wings-embosslit.html

http://www.kerinstamps.com/stampin_with_kerin/2010/02/mercys-tuesday-sketch-challenge-well-scripted.html

http://www.kerinstamps.com/stampin_with_kerin/2010/02/beautiful-wings-embosslit.html

http://stamptasticcreations.blogspot.com/2010/02/beautiful-butterflies.html

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1634358?&si=beautiful wings embosslit

http://ilinacrouse.blogspot.com/2009/12/ocassions-mini-catalog-case.html

http://ilinacrouse.blogspot.com/2009/12/mini-catalog-sneak-peek-with-all-my.html

http://stampspaperandink.typepad.com/stamps_paper_and_ink/2010/02/beautiful-wings.html

*****

Eggcellent Eggs Kit – #117179, $9.95

While originally aimed at decorating Easter Eggs or other 3D projects – looking at all the goodies in the kit convinced me that I could use the contents to make a bazillion Easter cards if I parceled the goodies out with some added in cardstock and DSP.  The Eggstands make perfect border pieces and accents, the die cut flowers and leaves and swirls perfect spring card accents, rub ons of course always work on cards and of course the rhinestones add the bling factor.  Whether you add in your own stamps or go inkless you’ll have some sweet cards for gift enclosures, full size Easter, Thank You, Birthday or what have you.  Use on Dark Cardstock and you can write your own greetings with a gel pen!  All sheets in the kit are 6″x6″.

■ White Rub-Ons (two 6″x 6″ sheets)
■ Printed, die-cut egg stands (24)
■ Clear self-adhesive rhinestones (one 6″ x 6″ sheet)
■ Die-cut flowers, 4 sheets (one 6″ x 6″ sheet each of 4 colors)
■ Die-cut leaves (one 6″ x 6″ sheet)

Coordinating Colors:

Pretty in Pink, Pale Plum, Certainly Celery, So Saffron, Bashful Blue

Links:

SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/showgallery.php?si=Eggcellent+Eggs+Kit+&x=23&y=17

Stampin’ Addicts Gallery: http://www.stampinaddicts.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=3339

**

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1629994?&si=Eggcellent Eggs Kit  

http://procrastistamper.blogspot.com/2010/02/spring-bonnet.html

http://monikastamp.wordpress.com/2010/02/20/create-challenge-ccjc-easter-cards/

http://www.oh2bstampin.com/happy_2b/2010/02/fun-with-kits.html

http://stampercamper.com/home/cardpost/ccjc7_-_easter_card/

http://stampspaperandink.typepad.com/stamps_paper_and_ink/2010/02/sweet-sunday-surprise.html

http://www.diypapercreations.com/2010/02/february-blog-hop.html

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1626612?&si=Eggcellent Eggs Kit – Eggcellent Eggs part 1

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1626613?&si=Eggcellent Eggs Kit – Eggcellent Eggs Part 2

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1626614?&si=Eggcellent Eggs Kit – Eggcellent Eggs Part 3

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1626615?&si=Eggcellent Eggs Kit – Eggcellent Eggs Part 4

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1626438?&si=Eggcellent Eggs Kit – Eggcellent Eggs

http://stampinwithk.blogspot.com/2010/02/punching-perfect-fabulous-friday.html

http://stampinwithk.blogspot.com/2010/01/happy-fabulous-friday-new-year.html

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1599906?&si=Eggcellent Eggs Kit 

*****

Sweet Pea Stitched Felt – #117266, $7.95, pg. 32

Custom-colored felt pieces that match Stampin’ Up’s exclusive line of colors they add a whimsical touch to your creations.

With 52 pieces in the set you are looking at about 15 cents apiece in cost.  Not bad since you can create beautiful projects with just one or a couple for each card or page or 3D object.   They also coordinate well with the latest craze for die cut felt baskets using the Big Shot and the Birds and Blooms die, not to mention felt bird nests and appliqué pieces for quilts.  And as felt they can be needle felted to larger pieces (watch out for those wicked needles though as they can go right through your fingers)  – perfect for creating pin cushions as Lynn Larson did here (though she cut out her own felt pieces using the big shot – the sweet pea pieces would work as well) – http://www.learntostampandscrap.com/learn_to_stamp_and_scrap_/2010/01/tutorial-needle-felting-.html & http://www.learntostampandscrap.com/learn_to_stamp_and_scrap_/2010/01/big-shot-pincushion-obsession.html

52 pieces total: 8 three-petal flowers; 20 French-knot circles; 16 leaves; 8 six-petal flowers. Several are handcrafted with delicate stitching.

Coordinating colors:  Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, Old Olive, Pretty in Pink, Rose Red

Links:

SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/showgallery.php?si=sweet+pea+stitched+felt

Stampin’ Addicts Gallery: http://www.stampinaddicts.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=3341

**

http://jillstamps.typepad.com/stampin_in_his_name/2010/02/happy-birthday-sweet-pea.html

http://jillstamps.typepad.com/stampin_in_his_name/2010/03/share-what-you-love-sweet-pea-notepad.html – text stamp can be substituted for any other

http://www.mychicnscratch.com/2010/03/gift-bags.html

http://www.mychicnscratch.com/2010/02/st-patricks-day-card.html

http://stamptasticcreations.blogspot.com/2010/03/sweet-pea-well-scripted-congratulations.html

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1621113?&si=sweet pea stitched felt

http://inkingpink.blogspot.com/2010/02/this-ones-for-girls.html

http://www.diypapercreations.com/2010/01/ppa26-sweet-pea-mini-tote-bag-with-note-cards.html

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1614045?&si=sweet pea stitched felt

*****

Other frugal sets previously featured with Spring & Easter images and possibilities:

You can use the search box in my sidebar to find the previous entries relating to these sets or check the Featured under $20 category also in the sidebar

Yippee Kiyay Holiday  #114369, $19.95. pg 42 IBC

Bella Toile background stamp

Pretty Petals background stamp

French Filigree

Beary Best Friends & Beary Best Times (not yet featured)

All Holidays

Holiday Blitz

Flower for all Seasons

Celebrate Everything

*****

That’s it for this weeks edition of Tightwad Tuesday.  I hope you’ve found something here to add some pizzazz to your stamping fun while maintaining your claim to the Frugalista name.

Hugs and Blessings – Jean