Frugal Friday & the Occasions mini celebrates Mother’s Day

Oops!  Frugal Friday has slipped over into Savings Saturday…..  

Hi All,  

Life, time sense and knowing what day of the week it is have slipped just a bit so do me a favor and pretend it’s still Friday okay….LOL!  

With Mothers Day on the horizon I started looking through our catalog and the Occasions mini in particular to feature here on Frugal Friday.  Of course with this being a Frugal Friday post I concentrated on stamp sets under $20 and also looked at sets not previously featured.  Of course any of the last few Frugal posts sets would work as well – in particular the Spring and Easter sets featured here – https://jlfstudio.wordpress.com/2010/03/13/frugal-friday-frugal-stamp-sets-for-spring-and-beyond/ & here –  https://jlfstudio.wordpress.com/2010/03/09/tightwad-tuesday-looks-towards-easter-spring/  

The second of those links also feature the Well Scripted set that has the perfect texts for most occasions including Mothers Day and Fathers Day.   

While looking I was talking about the Occasions mini with a friend the other day and they were bemoaning the fact that there was only one Mother’s Day stamp set in it….say what!!!!!!….I don’t know about you but I’ve found that it’s possible to use almost any stamp set to create a special  Mother’s Day card.  All that’s required is a bit of imagination.  After all Mothers come in all shapes, sizes and are pretty generally creative people.  And as all you mom’s out there know they also pretty much always love anything a kid gives them that tells them they are loved and thought about and appreciated.   With that in mind the following sets were my special picks for use in creating Mothers Day cards.  

W= Wood Mount, CL= Clear Mount

Several if not all of these sets are available in both wood and clear mount though for purposes of my frugal under $20 definition several I’m featuring are only shown with the clear mount option.   I still can’t get over saving $4-$8 per set with this option.  Adds so many more stamps to my possibles.  In fact I have yet to see a Clear Mount stamp set that isn’t under $20!  I might add that for those of you hooked on digital there are even better deals to be found.  Vintage Vogue is available for $3.95 as a digital download.  Can’t get better than that now can you?

Stampin’ Up sample creations from the online store:  

  

*****

My Matryoshka – #115213 (W), $14.95 – #118583 (CL), $11.95

Russian nesting dolls were the inspiration for this unique stamp set; use it with the clever sentiment, or to make your own Russia-inspired projects. Available in both wood-mount and clear-mount.

Set Quantity: 4

Something about this set caught my eye when I first saw it in the Occasions mini.   Reminded me of my trip to Russia back in the 1960’s when I was 8 years old.  Stampin’ Up did a great job of capturing the look and feel of these traditional dolls as well as the Slavic feel of the floral images.  Perfect for those who like to color with pencils, watercolors, markers, etc.   Seemed perfect for Mother’s Day as well since after all we were all of us hidden under our Mothers heart before we were born.

Links:

SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=18592

Stampin’ Addicts Gallery: http://www.stampinaddicts.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=3319

http://ilinacrouse.blogspot.com/2009/12/babushki.html

http://andreawalford.com/?p=4284 – includes video on Watercoloring

http://stampcrave.blogspot.com/search/label/My%20Matryoshka

http://www.stampthat.com/blog/my-matryoshka-stamp-set/

http://stampingwithleanna.blogspot.com/2010/01/my-matryoshka-and-whimsical-words.html

http://www.catherinepooler.com/2010/01/watercoloring-with-my-matryoshka-stamp-set/

http://www.2stampis2b.com/2009/12/my-matryoshka-sneak-peek-card.html

http://www.barbstamps.com/my_weblog/2009/12/sneak-peak-my-matryoshka-from-the-occasions-mini-catalog.html

http://nb-no.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=432496175236&comments&ref=mf

http://stampinfrog.blogspot.com/search?q=my+matryoshka

http://runningwscissorsstamper.blogspot.com/2010/01/my-matryoshka.html

http://runningwscissorsstamper.blogspot.com/2010/02/another-matryoshka.html

http://yaphamason.com/blog/2010/01/01/occasions-mini-catalog-blog-hop/

http://craftygrl.blogspot.com/2009/12/merry-matryoshka-christmas.html

http://craftygrl.blogspot.com/2009/12/snowy-days-mean-time-to-play-along.html

http://www.stampinaddicts.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=12986&title=russiandolls&cat=3319

http://stampingtoshare.blogspot.com/2010/01/111-rising-star-swap-card.html

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1594302?&cat=18592

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1616411?&cat=18592

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1591866?&cat=18592

http://sleepyinseattlestamps.blogspot.com/search?q=my+matryoshka

http://understandblue.blogspot.com/2010/03/that-deep-russian-blue.html

http://understandblue.blogspot.com/2009/12/dear-steve-jobs.html

*****

Messages for Mom – #118580 (CL), $18.95, pg. 29 Occasions mini

Let your mom know how you really feel with the Messages for Mom set. Perfect for Mother’s Day–or any day of the year! Available in both wood-mount and clear-mount.

Set Quantity: 8

So many different greetings that are perfect for Mom’s, Dad’s, friends and really anyone you want to make feel special.  The Mom letters also coordinate wonderfully with our Wild West Alphabet and if you stamp this MOM upside down you get a very fun WOW!

Links:

SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=18589

Stampin’ Addicts Gallery: http://www.stampinaddicts.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=3316

http://www.stampingbyrachel.com/2010/02/messages-for-mom.html

http://dianagibbs.typepad.com/stampin_with_di/2009/12/messages-for-mom.html

http://dostamping.typepad.com/dostamping_with_dawn/2010/03/stampin-up-dawn-messages-for-mom-take-second-look.html

http://dostamping.typepad.com/dostamping_with_dawn/2010/03/dawn-stampinup-messages-for-mom-fabulous-friend.html

http://www.createwithpaper.com/createwithpaper/2010/03/messages-for-mom-happy-birthday.html

http://www.stampthat.com/blog/stampin-up-messages-for-mom/

http://www.stampingwithbrenda.com/2010/02/messages-for-mom-birthday-card.html

http://inkspiredtreasures.com/tag/messages-for-mom/

http://aprilstamps.blogspot.com/2010/01/messages-for-mom.html

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

http://andreawalford.com/?p=4903

http://www.stampinaddicts.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=13476&title=mom-staircase-card&cat=3316

http://www.ilovepapercrafts.com/my_weblog/2010/01/january-color-challengemessages-for-mom-card-.html

http://stampwithtami.com/blog/2010/01/on-board-bird-stampinup/

http://tinkerin-in-ink.blogspot.com/2010/03/mothers-day-mojo-131.html

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1663031?&what=keywords&si=mother

http://gretchenbarron.typepad.com/my_weblog/2010/02/weekend-sketch-challenge-ia120.html

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1674045?&cat=18589

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1662758?&cat=18589

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1659780?&cat=18589

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1657439?&cat=18589

http://stampinwithj.blogspot.com/2010/03/mothers-day.html

http://divastamper.blogspot.com/2010/03/i-love-flowers.html

http://divastamper.blogspot.com/2010/03/kiss-card-class.html

http://divastamper.blogspot.com/2010/01/clean-and-simple-thats-order.html – uses fine flourish too.

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1599238?&cat=18589

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1594797?&cat=18589

http://www.impressionsbyday.com/2010/03/easter-wishes-messages-for-mom.html

http://yaphamason.com/blog/2010/04/09/cameo-coral/

http://yaphamason.com/blog/2010/04/13/mothers-day-owl/

*****

    

I {Heart} Hearts – #118571 (CL), $18.95, pg.14 Occasions mini

Who doesn’t {heart} hearts? Especially the hearts in this delightful set. You’ll love them even more when you discover they coordinate with our heart punches! Available in both wood-mount and clear-mount.

Set Quantity: 8

These Hearts aren’t just for Valentine’s.  There’s a design here for everyone and several coordinate with punches!   Some images coordinate with the Heart to Heart Punch, small heart punch (new design), and the Large Heart Punch and the Movers and Shapers Heart shaped die.   From casual to vintage elegance there’s a heart here for you.

Also available in French #118638 (CL) & Spanish #118653 (CL)

Links:

SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=18571

Stampin’ Addicts Gallery: http://www.stampinaddicts.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=3307

http://www.stampeescafe.com/2010/01/i-heart-hearts-and-vintage-vogue.html

http://stampwithheather.typepad.com/stamp_with_heather/2010/01/i-heart-hearts.html

http://www.jaydeestamping.com/weblog/i-heart-hearts

http://klompenstampers.blogspot.com/2010/01/i-heart-hearts.html

http://www.inkandinspirations.com/2010/01/stampin-up-i-heart-hearts.html

http://www.stampinpretty.com/2010/01/hearts-for-haiti.html

http://mirrorimage.typepad.com/caroleannes-1st-blog/2009/12/i-heart-hearts-ghosting-technique.html

http://www.thestamper.com/the_stamper/2010/03/stampin-up-i-heart-hearts-scrapbook-page.html

http://www.stampinsmiles.com/2010/03/stampin-up-i-heart-hearts-shamrock-card-idea-happy-saint-patricks-day.html

http://vanessawebb.net/blog/?p=1229

http://stampwithtami.com/blog/2010/01/texture-frame-hearts/

http://www.staceystampinspace.com/2010/01/i-heart-hearts-times-3.html

http://www.stampinpress.com/2010/01/i-heart-hearts-with-tiny-tags.html

http://www.letsgetstampin.com/2010/01/i-heart-hearts-easel-card.html

http://www.rubberroomramblings.com/2010/02/fine-flourish-and-i-heart-hearts.html

http://pattystamps.com/pattys_stamping_spot/2010/01/i-heart-hearts-clear-mount-stamps.html

http://mauistamper.wordpress.com/2010/02/16/one-last-valentine/

http://mauistamper.wordpress.com/2010/02/03/vintage-style/

http://www.stampinaddicts.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=12996&title=i-heart-hearts-half-fo&cat=3307

http://klompenstampers.blogspot.com/2010/02/i-heart-hearts-day-2.html

http://klompenstampers.blogspot.com/2010/02/i-heart-hearts.html

http://klompenstampers.blogspot.com/2010/01/i-heart-hearts.html

http://suideacorner.blogspot.com/2010/01/sab-and-occassions-mini-card-swaps.html

*****

I {Love} Love JumboWheel – #117084, $8.50, pg.15 Occasions mini

Coordinating Wheel to I {Heart} Hearts stamp set

This wheel is perfect for unmounting and cutting up into a variety of smaller stamps or use as is.  It’s even possible to use markers to highlight different sections in different colors before carefully rolling.   Use as a full strip or roll and cut out the section you want to use.

Links:

SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=18579

Stampin’ Addicts Gallery: http://www.stampinaddicts.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=3335

http://www.jaydeestamping.com/weblog/i-love-love

http://www.jaydeestamping.com/weblog/2010/01/i-love-love-wheel-masculine.html

http://www.craftincaro.ca/2010/01/gearing-up-for-valentines-day-5-i-heart.html

http://www.stampinpretty.com/2010/02/i-heart-mojo-monday.html

http://www.sassystampchick.com/stamping_with_the_sassy_s/2010/01/more-valentines.html

http://creationsbyheather.com/2009/12/04/i-heart-hearts-i-love-love-jumbo-wheel-well-scripted-sneak-peeks/

http://www.stampwithamy.com/2010/01/valentines-treat-box-with-i-love-love-wheel.html

http://www.stampinaddicts.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=13268&title=joy-fold-valentine-for&cat=3335

http://www.stampinaddicts.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=13155&title=lots-of-love&cat=3335

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1614363?&cat=18579

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1609313?&cat=18579

*****

With All My Heart – #118134 (W), $17.95 –  #118623 (CL), $13.95 – pg. 12 Occasions mini

Set Quantity – 6

With a bit of a retro pop art feel this set is only limited by your imagination and creativity.  From friendship to Valentine’s to Mother’s and Father’s day and beyond the possibilities are truly “far out”.

The brackets around the word friend can be inked individually and used with any text or alphabet set.  Wonderful images to create your own background papers you can go simple or complex as far as techniques used.  I’ve seen quite a few with a wonderful resist technique that blew my socks off.  Also this stamp set coordinates with the Occasions only Specialty DSP Sending Love.  Lots of built in glitter on that paper gives you a few ideas for using this set with shimmer and glitter as well.   The two together could really bring a shine to your Mom’s eyes don’t you think!

Links:

SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=18578

Stampin’ Addicts Gallery: http://www.stampinaddicts.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=3306

http://www.stampinpretty.com/2010/03/envelope-envy-video-part-three-embossed-flap.html

http://creationsbyheather.com/2009/12/10/pinking-hearts-corner-border-punch-sneak-peek-more

http://www.stampinpretty.com/2010/01/pals-valentine-holiday-hop.html

http://creationsbyheather.com/2010/01/01/happy-new-year/

http://jillstamps.typepad.com/stampin_in_his_name/2010/01/with-all-my-heart-friend.html

http://klompenstampers.blogspot.com/2010/01/with-all-my-heart_23.html

http://klompenstampers.blogspot.com/2010/01/with-all-my-heart.html

http://www.inkandinspirations.com/2010/01/stampin-up-with-all-my-heart-friend.html

http://samiville.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=6&products_id=1124

http://www.stellarstamps.com/stampin_and_scrappin_up/2010/03/sharing-a-card-made-using-stampin-ups-with-all-my-heart.html

http://www.stampwithglenda.com/2010/01/with-all-my-heart-to-my-friend-easel-card.html

http://inkspiredtreasures.com/tag/with-all-my-heart/

http://www.sunflowerstamper.com/2009/12/with-all-my-heart.html

http://stampvamps.com/?p=706

http://stampsandscraps.com/2010/03/24/simply-adorable-occasions-mini-week/

http://stampwithkriss.com/alys-birthday-gift-card-holder

http://www.rubberroomramblings.com/2010/01/with-all-my-heart-and-scallop-trim.html

http://andreawalford.com/?p=4351

http://www.stampwithamy.com/2010/02/with-all-my-heart-fancy-flower-card-stepped-up.html

http://stampinwithjacque.com/with-all-my-heart-purse-and-cards

http://www.catherinepooler.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=2515

http://www.mukibug.com/2010/01/with-all-my-heart-tag.html

http://stampingjo.com/stamping-ideas/z-fold-butterfly-card/

http://www.simpleandsincere.com/2010/04/cheery-hello.html

http://myhappyplace.typepad.com/my_happy_place/2010/03/raspberry-resist.html

*****

Vintage Vogue – #118598 (CL), $17.95, pg.26 Occasions mini

Stampin’ Up told demonstrators a few months ago that this is one set that will be in the new July catalog for sure.  Makes it all that much more of a deal since you know that there will be papers and other embellies that will work with these images.   Also a go to set for any occasion.  With the multitude of images it’s truly a good deal and if you only buy one new set this year this is probably the one!

What SU has to say about it…..

If you love vintage clothes, vintage movies, or vintage art, you’ll love the Vintage Vogue set! Use it to express love, thanks, or appreciation. Available in both wood-mount and clear-mount.

Set Quantity: 8

Also available as a digital download for My Digital Studio or other graphic software – Vintage Vogue Stamp Brush Set – Digital Download – #121062, $ 3.95

Now you can create many of the same designs shown below digitally!

Also available in French Version #119109

French somehow lends another layer of elegance to this already classic set.

Links:

SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=18586

Stampin’ Addicts Gallery: http://www.stampinaddicts.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=3314

http://creationsbyheather.com/2009/12/08/you-raise-kindess-to-an-art-vintage-vogue-share/

http://stampingtoshare.blogspot.com/2010/02/228-pretty-is-as-pretty-does.html

http://www.jaydeestamping.com/weblog/vintage-vogue

http://klompenstampers.blogspot.com/2009/12/more-vintage-vogue_14.html

http://klompenstampers.blogspot.com/2009/12/stampin-up-vintage-vogue.html

http://www.createwithpaper.com/createwithpaper/2010/03/gift-card-holder-with-hugs.html

http://stampvamps.com/?p=781

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

http://www.simpleandsincere.com/2010/03/vintage-vogue-diorama.html

http://www.simpleandsincere.com/2010/03/vintage-vogue-mothers-day.html

http://suideacorner.blogspot.com/2010/02/february-club-projects.html

https://jlfstudio.wordpress.com/2010/03/15/january-stamp-camp-recap/

http://polkadotsandpaper.typepad.com/polka-dots-and-paper/2010/02/vintage-week-day-1-of-5.html

http://itsastampthing-vicki.blogspot.com/2010/01/vintage-vogue-2-challenges.html 

http://barbsstampingspot.blogspot.com/2010/01/rock-n-roll-technique-challenge.html

http://dianagibbs.typepad.com/stampin_with_di/2010/02/a-case-and-a-casey.html

http://melissahuie.blogspot.com/2010/01/vintage-congratulations.html

http://melissahuie.blogspot.com/2010/01/stamping-411-challenge-vintage-birthday.html

http://papervernissage.blogspot.com/2010/01/vintage-vogue-fan-and-some-photos.html

http://papervernissage.blogspot.com/2010/01/featured-stamper-challenge.html

http://stampspaperscissors.typepad.com/stamps_paper_scissors/2010/01/there-comes-a-point.html

http://papervernissage.blogspot.com/2010/03/cleaning-up.html

http://thestampinbunny.blogspot.com/2010/01/recipe-monday-15-cranberry-almond-brie.html 

http://thestampinbunny.blogspot.com/2009/12/occasions-mini-setvintage-vogue.html 

http://thestampinbunny.blogspot.com/2009/12/josephs-coat-inside-out.html

http://weeinklings.blogspot.com/2010/01/vintage-vogue-meets-bella-bleu.html 

http://weeinklings.blogspot.com/2010/01/very-vintage.html

http://dreamingaboutrubberstamps.com/?p=2491

http://www.stampinred.com/stampinred/2010/01/sab-makentakes.html

http://www.seasidecrafts.com/2010/01/all-things-vintage-and-blog-candy.html

http://creationsbypatti.blogspot.com/2010/01/vintage-vogue-valentine.html

http://creativewishes.blogspot.com/2010/01/desktop-calendar-instructions.html

http://www.kreativejewels.com/my_weblog/2010/01/vintage-vogue.html 

http://jackiestamps4fun.wordpress.com/2010/01/01/happy-new-year-2/ 

http://mirrorimage.typepad.com/caroleannes-1st-blog/2009/12/vintage-vogue-christmas-non-traditional.html

http://sunshinesmilesstamps.blogspot.com/2009/12/vintage-friends.html 

http://stampspaperscissors.typepad.com/stamps_paper_scissors/2009/12/thank-you-thank-you-very-muchblog-candy.html

http://www.mylovelyinspirations.com/harper-designs/2010/04/vintage-bleu-birthday-mojo133.html

http://www.mylovelyinspirations.com/harper-designs/2010/03/april-calendar-ppa35.html

*****

Very Vintage Jumbo Wheel – #117693, $8.50, pg.27 Occasions mini

Coordinating wheel to Vintage Vogue though it stands alone beautifully.

Perfect for giving your creations that unique antiqued look – not to mention a favorite with the shabby chic’ers among us!   You can attain a true vintage look by lightly coloring small sections of the flourish and butterfly with muted pastel tones.  Stampin’ Up Watercolor Pencils are perfect for this then run a quick blender pen over it for the watercolor look.

Links:

SCS Gallery:  http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=18587

Stampin’ Addicts Gallery: http://www.stampinaddicts.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=3340

http://www.stampingbyrachel.com/2010/01/almost-amythest-valentine.html

 http://stamping411.blogspot.com/2010/03/i-hope-your-week-was-wonderful-here-at.html

http://stampinonit.blogspot.com/2010/04/friends-24-7.html

http://www.frenchiestamps.com/2010/02/friends.html

http://stampingleeyours.blogspot.com/2010/02/stamping-411-sketch-challenge.html

http://stampingleeyours.blogspot.com/2010/01/back-from-leadership-conference-in.html

http://www.mylovelyinspirations.com/harper-designs/2010/04/daffodil-delight-sneak-peak.html

http://www.mylovelyinspirations.com/harper-designs/2010/04/vintage-lilies.html

http://www.mylovelyinspirations.com/harper-designs/2010/04/vintage-birthday-ppa37.html

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1673283?&cat=18587

http://roseyscrapper.blogspot.com/2010/03/casing-shelli-scrapbook-page.html

  *****

Another though though perhaps on the wacky side….If you want to go  all Jettson’s or other world for your Mothers Day card you might consider using this years new catalog sets Greetings Earthling or Lots of Bots.   When I saw the alien with the bubble helmet and ray gun (or is it a drill for fixing things around the house) I immediately thought Mom (okay I also thought about the Jettson’s too).  On the other hand the alien with the eye stalks might also be a mom since she can see from all directions with those eyes!  And doesn’t the wide eyed kid alien have that perfect “who me”? expression mothers all over the universe know so well.     Of course the Robots have lots of potential too…since most kids have a screw loose here and there…but as you’ll notice even robot kids know to bring flowers for their Mom’s.   

Another set to consider though not featured here today is Happy Together (catalog pg.72) with the Momma Quail and babies and the flower there are lots of possibilities.  

The set Friends Rock also caught my eye for a modern style card with a bit of retro to it as well.  After all Mom’s Rock! so why not tell them so!

And of course sets like All Holidays and Teeny Tiny wishes contain Mother’s Day and other much used greetings.  While priced considerably over my usual $20 limit their value lays in the number of stamps in the set and the wide ranging use you’ll get from them.  Teeny Tiny Wishes at $36.95 sounds expensive until you realize that you get 24 separate greetings in the set!  That’s only $1.54 each…talk about a bargain!

Well that’s all for this edition of Frugal Friday (no matter what day it is when you actually read this :D).   I hope this look at some non traditional Mother’s Day possibilities has given you some ideas and shown you the versatility Stampin’ Up! builds into all their designs.

Hugs and Blessings and TGIF! – Jean