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    Sep 03, 2009

    Taylored Expressions Sneak Peeks Day 1

    It’s release week here at Taylored Expressions and we’ll have a ton of new products including four new stamp sets and two Key Ingredients kits available for purchase on Saturday, September 5th at 8AM PST! Of course we can’t wait that long to start showing you what’s coming so sneak peeks start today!

    One of the things I get most excited about is the opportunity to introduce a new stamp in The TE Giving Tree series. The TE Giving Tree is a program designed to raise funds for charity through proceeds from a special stamp set. I am so proud to bring you the next set in this series, The Places You’ll Go! This set includes 9 fun storybook quotations – many of them from the loveable Dr. Seuss – along with 6 whimsical images designed by Nancy McKinney. You’ll find this set to be something you want to play with again and again for so many different occasions. I can’t wait to see *the places you’ll go* with your creativity! I’ve had these Kaisercraft mini books and bookshelf in my “items to alter” pile and I finally found the perfect papers to use! The selection of patterned papers come from the new Stomp and Round & Round collections by My Mind’s Eye and they’re part of our soon to be released The Places You’ll Go Key Ingredients kit! I started by painting the bookshelf with Making Memories Sea Foam acrylic paint. Once that was dry, the bookshelf assembles easily without any need for adhesive. I added patterned paper to the sides and the top of each shelf. I have three little nephews so I’m thinking this decorative shelf will be a gift for the newest addition to the family. Nolan’s nursery decor is jungle themed and I’m hoping this will fit in perfectly! I stamped the jungle image in Memento Rich Cocoa ink and colored it with Copics. Then I masked the image and used a cloud template to create the background. The whole scene was cut out using the Spellbinders Labels 1 die (because it matches the top of the bookshelf!). Then I added some “sand” to the bottom of the image with Brown Sugar Sparkly Fluff. I always have a hard time stopping with just one project. In fact, I just kept going and going and going with this one that I actually had to put it in a drawer in order to finish my other sneak peeks! I’ll have several more projects to share after the release, but I’m going to sneak one more in today! While I was unpacking from our move I found these alterable binder clips that I had been hoarding forever. Well, no more hoarding! I colored a portion of the images from this set, punched it out, adhered it to the binder clip, and added the clear epoxy sticker over the top. I thought these would make cute little bookmarks!

    Those are the sneak peeks I have to show you today! When you’re shopping at the store on Saturday, remember that when you purchase this set during the months of September, October and November, Taylored Expressions will donate $7.00 to support the Books for Kids Foundation! Their mission is to promote literacy among all children with a special emphasis on low-income and at-risk preschool-aged children. Books for Kids creates libraries, donates books, and partners with literacy programs to develop the critical early foundation and skills which young children need to be successful in life. Books were such a huge part of my life as a kid. I still remember poring over the adventures of the Boxcar Children and Nancy Drew! I chose this charity because I think it’s important to foster young imaginations by giving all children access to books! I hope you agree and will consider helping us support this cause with your stamping dollars!

    As Taylored Expressions continues to grow we have new customers each month who are unfamiliar with our stamps. So I’d like to take a minute to share a little more about our stamp sets. Taylored Expressions stamps are made from high quality pink rubber and mounted on EZ Mount cling cushion for use with an acrylic block. Most of our stamp sets are already die cut for you so they’re ready for you to start stamping just as soon as they arrive on your doorstep! However, the stamps sets we release as a part of the TE Giving Tree program are the exception. These stamp sets will need to be trimmed from a sheet of rubber before they’re ready to be used. We made this decision in order to save on manufacturing costs, allowing us to maximize the amount we’re able to donate to charity. We feel it’s worth the little bit of extra effort and we hope you’ll agree! To help you with the trimming of your Giving Tree stamp sets I have some tips:

    1. Here’s a picture of how the stamp set will arrive. You’ll need to pull the sheet of rubber from the sturdy plastic panel in order to begin cutting out the images. You’ll also need a good scissors. My personal favorite is the Tim Holtz Tonic Scissors. This pair of scissors has cut out more stamp sets than I can count and it still cuts the rubber like butter!

    2.Start trimming each image by making straight cuts around the lines of the image. You don’t want to leave too much space around the outside because your ink can get on the excess and leave a mark when stamping. You also want to be sure not to trim too closely to the lines as it will affect how the image stamps. The sturdy plastic index that comes with your stamp set serves several purposes. First, it shows you exactly how many images are in the stamp set so you know how many you should have when you’re finished trimming. It can also be your color inspiration as you begin to create. And it comes with binder holes already cut and sized to fit exactly into our Mini Binder Box for storage.

    3. After all of your images have been trimmed you can place them on the back of your panel for storage. The EZ Mount cling cushion allows them to stick to the back of the laminated surface.
    I hope this has been informative for you! Thanks for stopping by for our first day of sneak peeks! I can guarantee you don’t want to miss what the Baker’s Dozen has in store for you so you better hop around:
    Charmaine Ikach, Dawn Easton, Denise Marzec, Donna Baker, Jackie Pedro, Jodi Collins, Karen Giron, Karen Motz, Laura Fredrickson, Laurie Schmidlin, Sharon Harnist, Sankari Wegman

    • Posted by Taylor at 3:00 pm
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    • Patti Gingrich

      September 6, 2009 at 4:14 pm

      Hi Taylor,
      Can you tell me what the dimensions of the bookshelf are?
      Thank you,
      Patti

      • Reply
    • Charmaine (CharmWarm)

      September 4, 2009 at 5:45 pm

      Oh my goodness, what a sweet project, Taylor! ADORABLE!

      • Reply
    • Mary Ashby

      September 4, 2009 at 2:49 pm

      I am REALLY excited about this set — I even expanded your photo of the rubber sheet and worked to read the backwards images and sentiments… 🙂 I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this! You rock! And I hope there will be some add-ons to this one in the future, too!

      • Reply
    • Jen Tapler

      September 4, 2009 at 4:28 am

      Oh Taylor!! This set and KI look FANTASTIC! Sooo excited to see the rest! And what an AWESOME altered project!!

      • Reply
    • Laura (scrapnextras)

      September 4, 2009 at 3:36 am

      Love that little bookshelf! And you trim your stamps as close as I do!!

      • Reply
    • Lisa Hjulberg

      September 4, 2009 at 12:29 am

      How marvelous is this!!! Sold!!! Is it Saturday yet????

      • Reply
    • the whimsical butterfly

      September 3, 2009 at 9:43 pm

      Ok, i am going to break out into hives here!!! Is it the 5th yet?!?!?! Anyone who knows me KNOWS I'm a quote girl and this is what I've been waiting to see from TE!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE the whimsical nature of this set and I ADORE Dr. Seuss too…whoa…I'm gonna faint LOL!!!

      • Reply
    • Yolanda R.

      September 3, 2009 at 8:47 pm

      I cannot wait for this set to come out! I am most definitely going to buy it. These would make perfect bookmarks for my kids and the kids in my classroom. These are so awesome. I so love children's books and the fact that they are quoted is fantastic. The Wild Things one is absolutely perfect since the movie is coming out soon!!!!! I can't wait!!!!

      • Reply
    • Jackie Pedro

      September 3, 2009 at 6:27 pm

      Oh my gosh….I feel faint…THUD!

      I am not worthy!!! LOL! This project is just too fabulous for words!~!!

      • Reply
    • Denise (peanutbee)

      September 3, 2009 at 5:38 pm

      Oh my gosh, your projects are beautiful! I'm LOVIN' that bookshelf and the mini books! WOW WOW WOWWW!

      • Reply
    • Karen Giron

      September 3, 2009 at 5:12 pm

      Wow Taylor! These little books are just so sweet and thoughtful and perfect for your new nephew! I love how you coordinated the shelf and papers, that looks amazing!

      • Reply
    • Dawn Easton

      September 3, 2009 at 4:42 pm

      Taylor, your bookshelf project is AMAZING! I love those little clips too!!

      • Reply
    • Jami

      September 3, 2009 at 4:37 pm

      I love this project – you rocked that sweet little bookshelf!

      • Reply
    • Amera

      September 3, 2009 at 4:30 pm

      This is the cutest set I've seen in awhile – can't wait to get it on Saturday!

      • Reply
    • Karen Motz

      September 3, 2009 at 3:57 pm

      The bookshelf and mini books are really adorable! I love the colours…perfect for a nephew! And those binder clips are really fun too!

      • Reply
    • Margaret de Witt

      September 3, 2009 at 3:55 pm

      Wow – I love your bookshelf and books. Gorgeous.

      • Reply
    • Jodi Collins aka Kharmagirl

      September 3, 2009 at 3:53 pm

      LOVE the bookshelf Taylor! I can picture one of these in my stamp room! So fun! The binder clips are SO fab and creative! What an awesome idea!! LOVE your projects!!!!!

      • Reply
    • Sharon Harnist

      September 3, 2009 at 3:35 pm

      What a darling bookshelf and books, Taylor — just perfect for your new nephew! And those binder clips/bookmarks are fabulous — they look painted on!

      • Reply
    • KathyN

      September 3, 2009 at 3:25 pm

      Love the bookshelf! So you're going to keep me waiting to see what Cuppie will be doing this month. Big sigh….LOL!

      • Reply
    • Donna

      September 3, 2009 at 3:07 pm

      the bookshelf is so cute! I'm sure I will be making my niece & nephew one in the future! thanks for sharing, I LOVE this set!

      • Reply
    • Lacey

      June 29, 2009 at 2:05 am

      When we moved 2 cats for only a 3 hour move, my vet gave us a low dose setative for them. It helped them to sleep during the move.
      Good luck. We are moving 5 hours to South Florida from North Florida in about 3 weeks! This time only with a dog…she will handle the drive with no problems. Why is it that cat's hate the car?
      ~Lacey

      • Reply
    • Melissa

      June 27, 2009 at 1:10 pm

      I drove from AZ to NC with two cats that hate being in a crate. I bought harnesses for both of them. I used the crates to load them in to the car from the hotel each morning and then let them loose in the car. I had both a litter box and food & water dish in the back seat. They didn't eat or potty in the car, but it made me feel better having them just in case. They were able to sleep most of the ride!

      • Reply
    • Ryann

      June 26, 2009 at 10:19 pm

      Hey Taylor. I've done a road trip (San Diego to Seattle) with cats and my one big suggestion is make sure they get enough water and fresh air – not A/C air. Good luck in the rest of your packings 🙂

      • Reply
    • Jekka

      June 26, 2009 at 4:07 pm

      Ohh I feel your pain!! I too am packing right now but luckily for me the move is only about ten minutes down the road.

      Enjoy your adventure and don't forget to document the journey!!

      • Reply
    • Sankari W.

      June 26, 2009 at 4:04 pm

      Awww Taylor – packing and boxing things are no fun! I totally feel for you! And taking down the craft space is even MORE no fun!! I would recommend getting a huge order of cupcakes so that if you ever need a break – a cupcake is just a bite away!!! And those pics of your little kitties were just cracking me up – esp. the quote under them: "packing boxes" ha!!! Wishing you guys smooth sailing and smooth driving and flying!!! THis is the first step to an exciting adventure that awaits you both!!! Congrats on your first home!!!
      YAY!!!
      Big hugs!
      Sankari 🙂

      • Reply
    • patriciad

      June 26, 2009 at 3:32 pm

      Aren't cats lucky? Every morning when I walk out the door to go to work I look at my cute little furball and say "I wish I were you". The vet can give you something for the dreaded move. Good luck!

      • Reply
    • Anonymous

      June 26, 2009 at 1:51 pm

      Best of luck on your move. Our cat really hates car rides and where we board him when we go on holidays, said to give him Rescue Remedy or half a child's graval 30 minutes before we leave. So I imagine you would have to do that everyday. Take care, Hugs n'
      Stuff, Lynne

      • Reply
    • Margaret de Witt

      June 26, 2009 at 12:10 pm

      I wish you and Jon (and the cats too) all the best on your trip to your new home. I'll keep you in my prayers that your journey may be a safe one.

      • Reply
    • Lynn Mercurio

      June 26, 2009 at 9:23 am

      I moved across country with my dog once, and my vet prescribed a relaxer for the pup. She was comfortable and slept a good part of the drive, which made it nice for me. Of course anytime I stopped she was fully awake and ready for a walk. I don't know how you let a cat out to "go", but surly others have moved kitties across country before. They might have some good advice. I don't envy the move Taylor, but in a few weeks, the move will be behind you and only a bright new future to look towards!

      • Reply
    • Jana

      June 26, 2009 at 3:24 am

      Do your cats get along? I had to drive my two about 7 hours once. I bought a really large carrier that they could be in together. I thought it would be comforting to be next to each other. I'm not sure if it was for them but it was for me. 🙂 No matter what it's not going to be something they enjoy. 🙁

      • Reply
    • {pam}

      June 26, 2009 at 1:22 am

      LOL about the cats not helping . . . i am always soooo jealous of my cats and their ability to nap!!! {btw . . . my sweet bo kitty looks exactly like your skitters kitty. . . too cute!} ask your vet for suggestions on moving the cats . . . i think they give them something like tranquilizers to help calm them down and relax!

      • Reply
    • Wanda.

      June 26, 2009 at 12:47 am

      My girlfriend used Rescue Remedy for her cat when she moved from MN to OR She said it worked just fine, her cat that is not fond of riding in the car was just fine. Doesn't hurt to check into!!

      • Reply
    • Shirley Martin

      June 25, 2009 at 9:27 pm

      Yeah, my husband Jeff and I drove our cat (and puppy!) from Prince Edward Island to Ontario when we moved. It wasn't three days, but 20 hours was long enough for us! one of us had to hold the puppy on our lap while the other one drove! the cat was in the back. We tried to feed him, but he just refused to eat – but he was fat (still is, in fact), so I didn't feel too badly about it. We just cleaned out the cat kennel whenever we smelled poop. What else could we do, right? Well, he survived. Our cat (Alfred) looks JUST like your orange cat, by the way. I'm sure that bit of information will help!

      • Reply
    • Alli Miles

      June 25, 2009 at 8:09 pm

      Of course we just moved and seeing those boxes makes me cringe since we still have about 10 boxes to unpack (no place to put the stuff). As far as the cats go, we have two and have LOTS of experience driving them long distance. I highly recommend that he brings LOTS of paper towel. Cats can get quite nervous and of course you want to be prepared for the unpexpected surprises. One of our cats froths at the mouth during the journey do we make sure that we provide lots of "bedding" in the cat carrier. If you can find a flat surface for the cats to sit on that is best (the seats in cars are often angles). I often cushion the bottom of the carrier with a blanket or towel (not in the carrier but underneath it). The cushion makes the bumps a bit more bearable for kitty. Also make sure you restrict food and water. So the night before your travel stop food by midnight or roughly 7-8 hours before travel. During our "long" move, we fed the cats after the car journey. Also don't forget to plan for at least one or two bathroom breaks. I have heard of people using a leash outdoors but we just brought the litter and let them use it every 5 hours. Good luck my friend and all the best.

      • Reply

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    Tags: Card Creations, Gift Ideas, Guest Blogger


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