Hi Stampers,

Email and social networking sites are wonderful in many ways; they provide quick and direct contact with people, usually inexpensively.  I love the fact that I can share my cards etc and never have to leave my craft room.  However, they do come with a price.

Recently USPS announced the need to reduce the number of hours of operation for many of their post offices (particularly in rural areas).  This is in large part due to the reduce volume of stamped mail being sent through the system.  Reduced hours means reduced income and benefits - pretty tough in an economy that is still struggling. 

While an email/FB greeting is nice and shows someone was thinking of you, there is nothing that beats a personal note or card received the old-fashioned way.  And something handmade makes it that much more special. It doesn't even have to be a holiday or birthday to let someone know you care.  And at only $.45 a card, our postal rates remain the absolute cheapest in the world!


Here's my share for today:

This fun card was created by my friend and downline Ashley. It's quick and easy, and totally stylish!


To make one like it, you will need:
stamp set:  Artistic Etchings, Loving Thoughts
card stock:  Whisper White, Gumball Green, Midnight Muse, Summer Starfruit
ink:  Midnight Muse, Summer Starfruit.

The 1-1/4"" white squares are matted on colored 1-1/2" squares.

See QUICK and EASY!

So now, let's get stamping and crafting and getting something into the mail  today.  It certainly brighten some one's life, and may even save a job or two.

Until the next time, keep on stampin'
Trish

SYMPATHY in PINK

Hi Stampers,
Welcome to my blog. Today's card design was pulled from my stash and chosen for its "pinkiness" in recognition that October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Early detection saves lives, so be sure you get your annual screening done.

The card's design is suitable for many occasions.  By changing out the sentiment and colors, you can create a stash to have on hand for life's planned and unexpected times.

To make this A2 card, you will need:
card stock:  Whisper White, Basic Black, Regal Rose
stamps:  Just Believe, Teeny Tiny Wishes, Thoughts and Prayers (inside)
ink:  Certainly Celery, Regal Rose Stampin' Write markers
        Basic Black, Regal Rose classic stampin' pad
ribbon:  1/4" Black Grosgrain (retired), but  3/8" Taffeta would be a lovely substitute
tools:  Perfect Polka Dots textured impressions embossing folder, Big Shot, cutting mats, platform (no tab);
        1-1/4" & 1-3/8" circle punches; paper snips
adhesive:  SNAIL, stampin' dimensionals

To add extra texture to the bottom Regal Rose mat, use the Diagonal Plate on the Simply Scored.  Score  every 1/2" one direction, then rotate CS and score again to create a diamond pattern. I like using the debossed side as a contrast to the Perfect Polka Dots on the white mat.

Until the next time, think pink and keep on stampin'!
Trish

WORLD CARD MAKING DAY

Hi Stampers!
It's World Card Making Day -- hurray!
Let's celebrate our creativity!

 created by Trish Hernandez, images ©Stampin' Up!

Both dry and heat embossing and dimensionals make different elements of the card pop -- especially in person ( my photographer --gulp, me!-- needs a tutor)

I am pretty sure my grandson will love his birthday card.

Until the next time........
Zoom-zoomin' out,
Trish

STOP & CROP

Hi Stampers,
Thanks for stopping by.

Did you notice that I changed the wallpaper for my blog to pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month?  Even though I tend toward earth tones, I am really enjoying playing outside my comfort zone.

My friends know that I love card making and find working on scrapbook pages way more challenging.  (Stacks, drawers and boxes of pictures waiting around to be used are the blatant evidence of this.)  Today's share features products that make the task so much easier.

Stamp with Trish, ©Stampin' Up!

The first thing to check out is the 12" x 12" Divided Page Protector.  They come 10 to a pack, each a different layout to hold a variety of sizes of photos and memorabilia.  Just trim, mount, embellish as desired and slip into each pocket. Voila!

The way that Stampin' Up's inks match our card stock and Designer Series Paper, as well as using the Color Coach tool, takes the guess work out of color coordination.  No fooling!

Did you notice the two brown sections? Both feature our new Natural Composition Specialty paper.  One mats a picture of my darling hubby and me,  and the other is the cover for a little book that would be perfect for journaling, more pictures, you name it.

Stamps are from the fun "You're Amazing" set, and adding just the right amount of bling is a banner of Silver Glimmer paper (glittery without the mess.  oh yes!)

Time to get back to it.
Until the next time, Happy Stampin' and Scrappin'!
Trish

GET an EARLY START on CHRISTMAS