The health of our environment is as important as our own physical and mental health, right? Without clean air, clean water and healthy food let's face it: we'll be in a heap of trouble and pretty unhealthy! But this isn't going to be a "shame you into action" blog post. Rather, I'm going to blog-forward the concept of doing your "one green thing" and enjoying some craft therapy and make a difference!
Rubber stamping are a great way to make a difference and very therapeutic. With one stamp you can create cards, tags, invitations, thank you's, place holders, book marks, book covers... the list goes on and on. I design a lot of stamps for Janlynn, owners of the "Stamps Happen" line of rubber and clear stamps.
I love the stamps because they put full color stickers on the front of anything and better yet there's a small carbon footprint. The designs, rubber, wood and stickers are all from the USA. So buying and using "Stamps Happen" stamps lets you feel good about keeping Americans employed and decreasing the use of fossil fuels to move them half way around the world.
In the picture you can see above is how I took a paper bag from the grocery store, cut it open, stamped the inside and created gift wrap. This is just one of many things you can do with a stamp and some ink. I wonder what you will be inspired to create?
Rubber stamps aren't the only thing sporting my green designs. I have a "Make it A Green Year" calendar coming out for 2010 from Trends International. Each month it reminds you of one green thing you can do - from "Love Green" to "Wrap Green" and lots of things in between it will decorate your wall and engage your mind. Visit www.TaraReeddesigns.com
Oh what a wonderful calendar!
I love creating and using rubber stamps.
For me, it provides the fun and excitement of printamking without the press! Very rewarding and portable.
What a great post!
Posted by: Melissa | August 13, 2009 at 06:39 AM
I do alot of collage work, to connect to the deep inner wisdom. It helps for seeing what truly lies in my heart. I use rubber stamps in my collages and also when I make cards for people. There is nothing like receiving a handmade card in the mail. Here's to go green and making things locally, helping simplify on Mother Earth. love! Annie
Posted by: Annie Linnea Sherwood | August 14, 2009 at 08:11 AM
I love that you did the stamps and the calendar in the green theme! I went to a stamping class with my step-mother in Neosho, MO once, and it was a hoot! They had so much fun and made the most beautiful creations! -Beth
Posted by: Beth Parker | August 14, 2009 at 11:46 AM
I love the idea of using stamps to create a smaller carbon footprint. I am always using and sending staionary and will definitely use this idea in the future.
Posted by: J.L. Garrus | August 14, 2009 at 01:35 PM
Awesome work Tara. In traveling to other countries for mission work and learning some stats, its amazing that we are such a minor part of the world but consume and waste sooo much. Its great we recycle but I wish we would just consume less and package smarter!! Green is definitely a GOOD thing! Wonderful ideas!
Posted by: Judi Kruis | August 14, 2009 at 08:45 PM
I am a Berkeley, green, long-time recycler who is also a collage/mixed media artist and now, totally inspired by today's discovery of Tara Reed, I am going to take the leap into licensing! Thank you, Tara. I am also a "calendar person" and would love your 2010 green one. Here's to the best year yet!
Posted by: Paula deJoie | August 17, 2009 at 08:37 PM
I love it, Tara! You're inspiring me every day. Thanks!
Posted by: Deb | August 18, 2009 at 12:50 PM
Tara is my idol! :) I love everything she does ~ especially her green campaign.
Posted by: Mary G | August 18, 2009 at 01:06 PM
what a great giveaway!
thank you for a chance :)
Posted by: Sara | August 19, 2009 at 04:58 AM