August 30, 2014

Hello Fall!!!  Today is the first Hawkeye football game for 2014 so it must be fall!!!  

Stamps:  Gorgeous Grunge, For All Things

Cardstock:  Cajun Craze, Crushed Curry, Very Vanilla

Ink:  Crushed Curry, Cajun Craze, Blackberry Bliss

Accessories:  Color Me Autumn Designer Washi Tape, Large Oval Punch, 

Scallop Oval Punch, Stampin'Dimensionals

As soon as I am done posting this we are out the door to go shopping for some fleas!!  Hanna got home last night and we are meeting my other daughter and son-in-law and are going to a flea market in Iowa City.  This has become a favorite activity of our family.  Not sure where we could possible put any more furniture, but you never know!!

Everyday is a gift . . . make the most of the gift you have been given today!!

Happy Stamping!!

August 29, 2014

Maybe because I like coffee so much, or maybe because I send a lot of gift cards, but I think this card was my favorite from the other night's Envelope Punch Board Class.  It is so easy to make and with a change in colors and stamps sets will be perfect for all of your holiday gift card giving!!

Stamps:  Perfect Blend, And Many More, Gorgeous Grunge

Cardstock:  Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla

Ink:  Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Tangelo Twist, Black Stazon

Accessories:  Envelope Punch Board, Blender Pen, Sticky Strip, 

Glue Dots, Natural 5/8" Chevron Ribbon

Here is the inside of the card . . . when closed it nestles down in the bottom, but as you open the card the gift card pulls up!!  This was such a fun card to make and would be a fun card to receive.

As soon as I am done posting this I need to finish getting the room ready for them to deliver the futon for Hanna's room.    We have a very full weekend of activities planned . . . I just hope the weather decides to cooperate!!

Everyday is a gift . . . make the most of the gift you have been given today!!

Happy Stamping!!

August 28, 2014

Check out another one of the cards everybody got to make this week.  I found this idea on Pinterest and traced it back to a stamper named Connie Babbert. I thought it was pretty cute!!

Stamps:  One in A Million

Carsdstock:  Strawberry Slush, Bermuda Bay, Crushed Curry, 

Basic Black, Whisper White, Confetti Celebration DSP

Accessories:  Envelope Punch Board, White Gel Pen, Stampin' Dimensionals

We have been busily rearranging what little furniture is in Hanna's old room to make way for the futon that will be delivered tomorrow.  I will certainly be glad when everything gets all arranged and everything finds a home!!

Everyday is a gift . . . make the most of the gift you have been given today!!

Happy Stamping!!

August 27, 2014

I decided today was the day to celebrate . . . not sure what I am celebrating but everyday is a good day!!!  Here is another one of the cards everybody got to make on Monday night.  This card uses one of the bundles, Flowery Daydream Bundle, that is free with the purchase of a Big Shot, or discounted if you already have a Big Shot until the end of the month.

Stamps:  Sumthin' Sumthin', Daydream Medallion

Cardstock:  Whisper White

Ink:  Memento Black Ink

Accessories:  Beautifully Baroque Embossing Folder, Floral Collection Framelits, 

Big Shot, 1 3/4" Circle Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals, Stampin' Sponges

Yesterday I worked most of the day in my stamping room putting things away and organizing again.  I had just kind of let things sit after we moved all of Hanna's supplies, so it was time to find new homes for things.  It is so much easier to stamp when things are relatively cleaned and organized and you can find everything.

I did take a break and John and I went and bought a futon to put in her old room so she will have a place to sleep when she comes home this weekend.  It is going to be John's painting and fly-tieing room, otherwise.

Everyday is a gift . . . make the most of the gift you have been given today!!

Happy Stamping!!

August 26, 2014

As soon as I saw this camera card I knew I had to include it in the Envelope Punch Board night.  Hanna is way into photography and just had to have the set with the "Oh Snap!" sentiment in it so it was a perfect combination.  I think everyone last night enjoyed it as well.

Stamps:  Hip Notes

Cardstock:  Basic Gray, Basic Black, Whisper White, Silver Foil, Sweet Taffy DSP

Ink:  Basic Black

Accessories:  Rhinestone Basic Jewels, 2 1/2" Circle Punch,

2" Circle Punch, 1 3/4" Circle Punch, Ticket Duo Builder Punch, 

Envelope Punch Board

Be sure and check out the awesome weekly deals this week.  There are some great buys…I know I love my circle framelits!!!

Everyday is a gift . . . make the most of the gift you have been given today!!

Happy Stamping!!

August 25, 2014

Once I started playing with my envelope punch board, I found all sorts of things I could do with it.  Here is my take on a card using a pattern that I got on our stamping Saturday with stamping friends a while back.  Thanks, Anne, for the pattern.

Stamps:  Amazing Birthday

Cardstock:  Real Red, Daffodil Delight, Pacific Point, Brights DSP Pack

Ink:  Pacific Point, Brights Stampin' Markers

Accessories:  Envelope Punch Board, Banner Punch, Basic Rhinestone Jewels, 1/2" Circle Punch, Mini Silver Brads, 1 1/4" Burlap Ribbon

Everything is all cut and ready to go for tonight.  All that is left to do is stuff the envelopes and load the car!!  Sometimes I surprise myself by getting ready early!!  Hope I didn't forget anything!!

Everyday is a gift . . . make the most of the gift you have been given today!!

Happy Stamping!!

August 24, 2014

Here is the last of the sympathy cards I made last week.  Thanks, Judy, for the inspiration.  I took one of the cards she had made for a swap and just changed out the colors to some of the new In-Colors and changed the sentiment. Masculine cards are very difficult for me to make so I was glad for the idea!!

Stamps:  Wetlands, Petite Pairs

Cardstock:  Mossy Meadow, Sahara Sand, Very Vanilla

Ink:  Lost Lagoon, Mossy Meadow, Crumb Cake. Early Espresso

Hopefully today I can finish getting things ready for tomorrow night's "Getting Punchy" stamp night.  With the rainy muggy days, sitting in my chair reading seems much more inviting, but tomorrow will be here before I know it.

Everyday is a gift . . . make the most of the gift you have been given today!!

Happy Stamping!!

August 23, 2014

WOW!!   As I am sitting here posting this the thunder is booming and the lightning is flashing!!!  I think today will be a good day to stay inside and stamp or read!!!  I do need to get ready for Monday's stamp night.

Here is another one of the sympathy cards I made this week.  For the most part any of the cards I have posted could be changed to any type of card by just changing out the sentiment!!

Stamps:  Petite Pairs, Serene Silhouettes

Cardstock:  Crushed Curry, Whisper White

Ink:  Crushed Curry, Strawberry Slush, Memento Black Ink

Accessories:  Stamping Sponges

Hope we don't float away today!!

Every day is a gift . . . make the most of the gift you have been given today!!

Happy Stamping!!

August 22, 2014

Yesterday I finished up my order of sympathy cards so I will have several more to show you over then next few days.  This is one that I particularly liked.  I found a similar card somewhere in my browsing and was really taken with it. 

Stamps:  Wetlands, Thoughts and Prayers

Cardstock:  Soft Suede, Naturals Ivory

Ink:  Mossy Meadow, Pool Party, Soft Suede, Early Espresso

Accessories:  Stampin Sponges

Today I am planning on working on an order for anniversary and retirement cards so look for me to post some of those in the near future!!

Everyday is a gift . . . make the most of the gift you have been given today.

Happy Stamping!!

August 21, 2014

Sympathy cards are one of those kinds of cards that I need to have on hand.  I can't just make them when I need them.  I have an order for 20 sympathy cards so am making several of each one so I should have plenty for a while.

Stamps:  Serene Silhouettes, Bloom With Hope

Cardstock:  Pistachio Pudding, Mossy Meadow, Whisper White

Ink:  Pistachio Pudding, Lost Lagoon, Mossy Meadow

Accessories:  Oval Collection Framelits, 5/8" White Organza Ribbon, 

3/8" Mossy Meadow Stitched Satin Ribbon

Yesterday did not go at all as planned.  My brother was all ready to go in for surgery . . . they had gotten as far as turning off his internal pacemaker/defibulator and starting his IV . . . only to have the doctor come in and tell him his surgery had to be cancelled.  They had gotten word that a lung had become available for transplant and they had to leave immediately to go get it and ready everything for transplant.  While disappointing to have to reschedule everything, (in a month) we certainly understand that transplants need to be done when they need to be done and wish both families the best in the coming days.

Everyday is a gift . . . make the most of the gift you have been given today!!

Happy Stamping!!

August 20, 2014

Hanna has been busy again!!  She wanted something for all of the teachers at her new building to let them know how much she appreciated all of their help and how welcome they had made her feel as she starts her teaching career. This is what she came up with!!  Evidently she saw something similar on Pinterest and adapted it to her size of candy bars.

Stamps:  Amazing Birthday

Cardstock:  Whisper White

Ink:  Pool Party

Accessories:  Beach House Washi Tape, Basic Rhinestone Jewels, 1 1/4" Burlap Ribbon

As soon as I am done posting this I am headed off to the hospital to sit with my niece while my brother has surgery.   Hoping they are able to do the least invasive kind and he will be headed home tomorrow.

Everyday is a gift . . . make the most of the gift you have been given today!!

Happy Stamping!!

August 19, 2014

I finally got around to finishing another one of my convention make and takes. I decided as I am entering into my second year of retirement that I would use this journal as a gratitude journal . . . and keep track of all of the great things that are happening!!

Stamps:  Kinda Eclectic

Cardstock:  Lost Lagoon, Whipser White

Ink:  Tangelo Twist, Early Espresso

Accessories:  White Baker's Twine. Elegant Butterfly Punch, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, 

Stampin Dimensionals

I had a great time at lunch with the ladies.  We had lunch and visited until early evening.  It was after 6:00 when I finally got home.  It is always good to get together, laugh, reminisce, and be glad we are where we are!!

Today is house cleaning day . . . but with just the two of us anymore, there is not a lot to do.  YEAH!!  Leaves more time for stamping!!

Everyday is a gift . . . make the most of the gift you have been given today!!

Happy Stamping!!

August 18, 2014

This spring Stampin' Up introduced a new to them product . . . Project Life by Stampin' Up!  It is awesome for memory keeping, and much quicker than original scrapbooking.  Hanna decided she wanted to document her first year of teaching and she got started yesterday.  She did all of this done in about an hour and fifteen minutes start to clean up!!  I think they turned out pretty cool!!!  I am definitely going to have to give this a try!!!

Today I am meeting a group of friends for lunch/afternoon of visiting.  I also hope to get a little card making done before I go and when I get home.

Everyday is a gift . . . make the most of the gift you have been given today!!

Happy Stamping!!

August 17, 2014

I really like this layout of the DSP.  This is very similar to a card I posted a couple of days ago.

Stamps:  So Very Happy

Cardstock:  Smoky Slate, Crushed Curry, Whisper White Flashback DSP

Ink:  Real Red

Accessories:  Decorative Dots Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Extra Large Oval Punch,

Envelope Punch Board (for corner rounding), Regals Designer Buttons, Neutrals Candy Dots,

Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterday ended up being totally different than what I had pictured . . . kind of one of those good, news bad news kind of day.   The bad news was when Hanna went to start her car to meet me at the mall in Des Moines to get my phone fixed, her car wouldn't start.  The good news was that I was early so was able to go pick her up and then go get my phone fixed.  My phone only needed a new screen and 90 minutes to fix it.  The other good news is that my brother was able to come and get Hanna's car started for her after we got back to her apartment.  The bad news was that it needed a new battery.  The good news was that we found a place late Saturday afternoon to put one in for her and that it didn't leave her stranded anywhere.   The bad news was that it only took some money and 90 minutes to fix it.  The good news was that I got to spend the day in Des Moines with Hanna.  All in all the good news outweighed the bad news.

As soon as I am done posting this John and I are going to take off and go somewhere for the day.  We really have no destination in mind . . . only where our nose takes us.

Everyday is a gift . . . make the most of the gift you have been given today!!

Happy Stamping!!

August 16, 2014

I can't remember a year where I have been so enthused about all of the hostess sets in the annual catalog.  This year they are all fantastic!!

Stamps:  Bloom With Hope

Cardstick:  Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake, Whisper White

Ink:  Memento Black Ink, White Gel Pen, Cherry Cobbler Blendabilities, Soft Suede

Accessories:  Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding

As soon as I am done posting this I am out the door for an impromptu trip to Des Moines to the Apple store.  I dropped my iPhone on Thursday and shattered the screen.  That's the bad news…the good news is that I have Applecare on it so it won't cost me to replace it and I get to meet Hanna for lunch.  All in all not a bad Saturday!!

Everyday is a gift . . . make the most of the gift you have been given today!!

Happy Stamping!!

August 15, 2014

Thinking of all of my colleagues and friends who are starting back to school today for teacher workshops.  You truly do make the world a better place!!

Stamps:  Starburst Sayings, World Map

Cardstock:  Basic Black, Very Vanilla, Pool Party

Ink:  Pistachio Pudding, Pool Party, Basic Black, 

Accessories:  Starburst Framelits, Circle Framelits, Big Shot, Stampin' Sponges

Everyday is a gift . . . make the most of the gift you have been given today!!

Happy Stamping!!

August 14, 2014

I love that my love of crafting and stamping has trickled down to my daughter. She wanted something to give the students in her advisor/advisee class on the first day of school and this is what she came up with from the supplies she had in her apartment!!  Pretty awesome if you ask me.

Today is her first day with students and I know she will do just great.  We are so proud of her!!

Everyday is a gift . . . make the most of the gift you have been given today!!

Happy Stamping!!

August 13, 2014

If you haven't tried Paper Pumpkin, now is a great time to sign up--get 50% off your first two months. With a deal like this, you'll want to invite everyone you know to give it a try too!

Offer Dates: July 16, 2014--September 10, 2014

Offer Details: Use the code HALFOFF2 to join Paper Pumpkin before September 10, 2014, and get 50% off the first two months! After that, keep the creativity coming for only $19.95 + tax per month (shipping included).   Be sure to add my name as your demonstrator.

This is the September "My Paper Pumpkin Kit".  If you want to get this kit be sure to sign up by September 10th.  Some of the bags had stripes and some had polka dots, but they were all CUTE!!!  These would be great for any type of Halloween candy giving!!!

Hanna needed a quick little gift last Saturday for a birthday party and she whipped up these two things from the July Paper Pumpkin in a matter of moments!!

Every thing you need other than adhesive is in the box that comes to you every month.  It is a great bit of creativeness without all of the mess!!!  

Everyday is a gift . . . make the most of the gift you have been given today!!

Happy Stamping!!

August 12, 2014

Despite our best intentions, Hanna and I still did not complete our make and takes when we went to convention.  I finally got around to completing my take on this one yesterday made with the Kinda Eclectic stamp set.  The make and take version was a one layer card, but I just had to add another layer!!  This is one of the cards everyone stamping last night got to make.

Stamps:  Kinda Eclectic

Cardstock:  Mossy Meadow, Very Vanilla

Ink:  Crumb Cake, Mossy Meadow, Tangelo Twist, Hello Honey, Early Espresso

Accessories:  Elegant Butterfly Punch, Petite Petals Punch, 1 1/4" Burlap Ribbon,

Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Honeycomb Embossing Folder, Stampin' Dimensionals

Today looks to be kind of a quiet day at the Wilson household.  I am meeting a friend for lunch before she starts back to school and running a couple of errands, but other than that there is nothing on the schedule.  After the last month and a half, that is certainly all right with me!!

Everyday is a gift . . . make the most of the gift you have been given today!!

Happy Stamping!!

August 11, 2014

Hanna and I loved the simplicity of this card when we received a similar card as a swap at convention.  Everyone stamping with me tonight or Wednesday will be making one of these.  I am planning on making up several without the sentiment so then when I need a particular type of card all I have to do is stamp a greeting and I am good to go!!!

Stamps:  A Dozen Thoughts

Cardstock:  Whisper White, Basic Black, Hello Honey, Mossy Meadow, 

Blackberry Bliss, Lost Lagoon, Tangelo Twist

Ink:  Basic Black

Accessories:  1 1/4" Circle Punch, 1"circle Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch

Niagara Falls had always been on my bucket list of things to see, so I was delighted when I found out that it would only be a half hour away from our planned route to Maine.  We stopped on the way back and it was worth the drive over to Canada!!  It is certainly hard to do justice to the beauty of the falls in pictures.  It was lightly raining (and yes it was rain as well as the spray from the falls) the evening we were there.  I would love to see them again on a sunny day.

Today I am planning on finishing up things for stamp night tonight at Godfather's Pizza.  Hope to see you there!!

Everyday is a gift . . . make the most of the gift you have been given today!!

Happy Stamping!!

August 10, 2014

I had a great time yesterday at our stamping meeting.  I came home with so many ideas!!!  Here is another one of the cards I took as a swap that uses products from the upcoming Holiday catalog that will be available on August 28th.

Stamps:  Cheerful Christmas

card stock:  Very Vanilla

Ink:  Versamark

Accessories:  Filagree Frames Embossing Folder, Big Shot, 

Gold Embossing Powder, Heat Tool Cherry Cobbler Blendabilities, Basic Rhinestone Jewels,

Stampin' Dimensionals

Here are a few more pictures from Maine and our sailing day.  This is what sat outside the house of the gentleman that took us sailing.  We joked about hoping that wasn't our sailboat . . . little did we know what would happen later.

Getting things ready for our sail . . . 

It really is a great experience and so calm . . . here we are putting up a larger sail in front so that the wind would catch better and we would move along at a greater speed.

Relaxing, waiting for the next thing to take a picture of, right before our big bump.

 Here is our rescue lobster boat coming to give us a tug off of the ledge.

Loved the name of his boat . . . Perserverance . . . so glad he rescued us rather than the boat we saw earlier named Confused!!

And then back to the relaxing sail . . . sailboats really are awesome to see out on the open ocean.

Everyday is a gift . . . make the most of the gift you have been given today!

Happy Stamping!!