August 31, 2016

Tin of Cards Stamp Set

Here is another birthday card I am making for my stash of kids cards.  Once again I was able to spend quite a while in my stamp room this morning before running out of energy.

I think for my shows I will have a sample and a bunch of numbers so people can pick the age they want.

Stamps: Tin of Cards

Cardstock: Bermuda Bay, Flirty Flamingo, Crumb Cake, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Pop of Pink Specialty paper

Ink: Bermuda Bay

Accessories: Large Number Framelits, Layering Ovals Framelits, 

Sparkle Embossing Folder, Big Shot, 

Flirty Flamingo Ruched Ribbon, Stampin Dimensionals

Tomorrow is port day so I am not sure what time I will post or if I will even feel like posting.  Just one more step to get this show on the road!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

August 30, 2016

Number of Years

I am working on a special project which I will share in its entirety at a later date.  This 4th birthday card is just one part of the project.

One of the things that people have told me at craft shows is that I need more kid's cards so I am trying to fill up my inventory.

Stamps: Number of Years

Cardstock: Basic Black, Peakboo Peach, Very Vanilla 

Designer Series Paper: Playful Palette

Ink:  Basic Black

Accessories: Layering Circle Framelits, 

Large Number Framelits, 

Elegant Dots Embossing Folder, 

Big Shot, Stampin' Dimensionals

It felt good to spend some time in my stamp room this morning.  I will admit that I did not get as much done as I wanted before I got tired, but with a little rest I hope to spend some more time there this evening.

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

Happy Stamping!!

August 29, 2016

Snow Place

I thought I was done with the swaps from my Illinois trip but I was wrong.  I love the way that the designer of this card used the Swirly Scribbles Thinlits to make the head of the snowman.

 

I also love the color combination that she used in this card.

Stamps: Snow Place

Cardstock: Garden Green, Mint Macaron, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Regals Designer Series Paper Stack

Ink: Basic Black, Cherry Cobbler

Markers:  Cherry Cobbler

Accessories: Swirly Scribbles Thinlits, Snow Friends Framelits, 

Layering Squares Framelits, Christmas Greetings Thinlits, 

Softly Falling Embossing Folder, Big Shot, 

Basic Rhinestone Jewels, Stampin Dimensionals

Today has been another day full of medical appointments and tests. I must say that I am quite glad the bone marrow biopsy is over.  I had awesome people doing the test and I know my apprehension was much worse than the actual test, but I am glad it is over.  I think I will rest the rest of the day and hope to be able to work in my stamp room tomorrow!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

August 28, 2016

One Wild Ride

Sorry for the late post today but I have spent most of the day sleeping.  Our shopping trip was a huge success yesterday, but I did not get home till 12:30 last night so I was really wiped out today.  This card is the last of the swaps I have from our Illinois trip in July.  This shoebox swap was supplied by Christy.

Although I don't personally like motorcycles, I love all of the cards I have seen made with this set.

Christy has used this fold on other card swaps she has made and I really like it.  I should use it more often on stamp nights.

Stamps: One Wild Ride

Cardstock: Basic Black, Smoky Slate, Basic Gray, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: 

Ink: Basic Gray

Accessories: Sparkle Embossing Folder, Big Shot

I am sure tonight is going to be an early night because even though I have slept a lot today I am still tired.  I did find several very stylish hats yesterday and the girls and I had a blast picking them out.  I might even wear some of them after this is all said and done!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

August 27, 2016

Thoughtful Branches

I absolutely  love this Thoughtful Branches card that my demonstrator friend, Susie, brought to our hotel shoebox swap when we were in Illinois.  I was on the fence about ordering this bundle but when I saw this card, I was sold!!

Not only is it an awesome design, but I love the crayon resist technique she used for the snow!!

Susie is also very talented at coming up with and using unique folds and designs.

Stamps: Thoughtful Branches

Cardstock:basic Black, Soft Sky, Whisper White 

Designer Series Paper: 

Ink: Basic Black

Accessories: Softly Falling Embossing Folder, Big Shot,  

1 1/2" Circle Punch, Pool Party Ribbon, Glue Dots, 

Stampin' Sponges, Stampin' Dimensionals

As soon as I am done posting this I am going to get ready so that my daughter, Julie, can pick me up for a fun shopping day in Des Moines with Hanna.  We are first going to Hanna's new abode, since neither one of us has seen it, and then we are going to spend the day shopping for hats and scarves and other things I might need as time the goes on.   Since I am an accessory junkie . . . whether it be on cards or in my personal life . . . . I have decided to embrace the scarves as opposed to wearing a wig, should I lose my hair during the coarse of treatment.  I have big plans for a Hawkeye one, Halloween, Fall, Thanksgiving, Christmas . . . . the list goes on and on!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

August 26, 2016

Thoughtful Branches

My demonstrator friend, Christy, gave me this card last weekend at our stamping afternoon.

I love the color combinations that she used.

Remember my two "Surgery Specials".  There are only a few days left to to take advantage of these specials.  One is that if you purchase this bundle in August there will be six free cards that you get to make when I am back on my feet . . . just like a free class using the Thoughtful Branches stamp set . . . two fall cards, two winter cards, and two spring cards.  You will want to let me know soon if you want this bundle so I can get them ordered. This set and thinlit dies are only available while supplies last so I want to make sure you get one.

The second "Surgery Special" is free shipping during the month of August!    No matter the size of the order and yes you can combine it with the above "Surgery Special".

Today has been a day of rest again.  Hopefully soon I will feel like I have enough energy to start making more of my own cards to post!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

August 25, 2016

Flourishing Phrases

Flourishing Phrases is one of my favorite stamp sets in the new catalog.  This is one of the swaps from my Illinois trip.  I can't remember if this is one of the swaps the gals I went with swapped or if I got it from someone else.

The thinlits that coordinate with this stamp set and are the focal point of this card are really striking!

Stamps: Flourishing Phrases

Cardstock: Basic Black, Peekaboo Peach

Designer Series Paper: 

Ink: Archival Black

Accessories: Flourish Thinlits, Layering Circles Framelits, 

Boho Chic Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Peekaboo Peach Ruched Ribbon, 

Basic Rhinestone Pearls, Stampin' Dimensionals

Today was a LONG day.  I didn't sleep the best last night which actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise.  I started the day with a PET scan.  To prep for the test you have to lay absolutely still for 80 minutes and then another 25 minutes for the actual scan.  I managed to sleep through both parts and left the hospital feeling rested and refreshed.  I got my nails done and then went on to my next appointment.  I picked up something for supper and headed home a little after 5:00.  Luckily there is nothing on the schedule for tomorrow so I think it will be a day of rest!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

August 24, 2016

Santa's Sleigh

This is one of the swaps we made last Saturday at our afternoon stamping event.  I did not do a very good job at all of keeping track of who brought what swap this time!!

I think this is such a simple and elegant card!!

 

Stamps: 

Cardstock: Whisper White Thick, Whisper White, Silver Foil

Designer Series Paper: 

Ink: 

Accessories: Santa's Sleigh Thinlits Dies, Softly Falling Embossing Folder, 

Big Shot, Silver Metallic Thread, 2" Circle Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

This morning I met with a group of retired teachers for our second annual back to school coffee.  Today is the first day of school in our district and last year we decided we should make this coffee an annual event.  I went with the idea of staying an hour or so and ended up being gone over three hours.

The rest of the day has been spent making doctors appointments for tests and things that need to be completed before I start my chemo treatments on the day after Labor Day.  The sooner I get started the sooner I will get done!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

August 23, 2016

Love You Lots

Here is another card that we made as part of our Friday night shoebox swap last month.  Like I said, this set was one of the first ones I ordered after coming home.

I just love this elephant and the little guy!!

Stamps: Love You Lots

Cardstock: Whisper White Thick, Basic Black, Real Red, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Brights Paper Stack

Ink: Archival Black

Markers:  Basic Gray, Cucumber Crush

Accessories: Sweet and Sassy Framelits, Big Shot, 

Basic Rhinestone Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals

Yeah!!!  I finally got to go get my hair cut today!!  Since I normally get it cut every three weeks and it has been almost six since I last had it cut it was driving me crazy!!  Now I really feel more like myself!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

August 22, 2016

Love You Lots

Here is another Z fold card that my friend Christy took to Illinois to swap. This set was not on my radar until after that trip and it was one of the first on my order after we got home!!

I have never been drawn to any of the other hedgehog stamps but there was something about this one that spoke to me!!

And . . . I am really becoming addicted to these Z fold cards!!

Stamps: Love You Lots

Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Flirty Flamingo, Crumb Cake, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: 

Ink: Archival Black, Chocolate Chip, Crumb Cake

Markers:  Flirty Flamingo, Pear Pizzaz

Accessories: Layering Ovals Framelits, Sparkle Embossing Folder, 

Woodgrain Embossing Folder,  Big Shot, 

Aqua painter, Flirty Flamingo Ruched Ribbon,

 Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals

This afternoon will be filed with doctor's appointments for me.  Our son-in-law is picking us up and going with us.  I have a post-op check up and also a first oncology appointment to see what the treatment plan might be.  But....

Every day is a gift . . . so I plan make the most of the gift I have been given today!! 

Happy Stamping!!

August 21, 2016

Better Together

Today's card comes from one of our shoebox swaps last month and was brought by my stamping friend, Dawn.

This type of fold is called a Z fold card and a lot of fun to make.

We had to give Dawn a hard time when we made this card because I think it used between 20 and 25 dimensionals, but as Dawn says it fits in the envelope and doesn't cost extra postage so all is good.

Stamps: Better Together

Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Basic Black, Watermelon Wonder, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: Affectionately Yours

Ink: basic Black

Accessories: 1 1/4" Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, 

Watermelon Wonder and Tip Top Taupe 5/8" Mini Striped Ribbon, 

Basic Rhinestone Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals (Lots)

Yesterday Luetta and I went out for lunch before going to an afternoon of stamping with our stamping buddies.  It was a great time and I got tons of new ideas using items from the Holiday catalog but boy was I tired when I got home.  I think I was in bed by about 8:00!!

Today is going to be a day of rest and relaxation before going out for supper with our daughter and son-in-law.

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

Happy Stamping!!

August 20, 2016

Thoughtful Branches

I had an opportunity yesterday to actually use my own Thoughtful Branches. It came right before I had surgery and has been laying on my stamp table ever since.

It is such as awesome stamp set with coordinating thinlits and has unlimited possibilities!!

Stamps: Thoughtful Branches

Cardstock: Cajun Craze, Delightful Dijon, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: 

Ink: Crumb Cake, Delightful Dijon, Cajun Craze, Wild Wasabi

Accessories: Beautiful Branches Thinlit Dies, Big Shot, Stampin' Dimensionals

Remember my two "Surgery Specials".  One is that if you purchase this bundle in August there will be six free cards that you get to make when I am back on my feet . . . just like a free class using the Thoughtful Branches stamp set . . . two fall cards, two winter cards, and two spring cards.  You will want to let me know soon if you want this bundle so I can get them ordered. This set and thinlit dies are only available while supplies last so I want to make sure you get one.

The second "Surgery Special" is free shipping during the month of August!    No matter the size of the order and yes you can combine it with the above "Surgery Special".

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

Happy Stamping!!

August 19, 2016

Christmas Pines

I have been busy again in my stamping rom today getting my shoe box swap ready for tomorrow afternoon's stamping time.  Here is a sneak peek  of another stamp set and thinlits that will be available September 1st.

There are so many cool stamp sets and accessories in this Holiday catalog that I am not sure there would ever be time to share them all!!

Stamps: Christmas Pines

Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Mint Macaron, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: 

Ink:  Early Espresso 

Accessories:  Pretty Pines Thinlits Dies, Petal Burst Embossing Folder, 

Big Shot, 2" Circle Punch, Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals 

Today has actually been a very busy day.  I made my first solo run to Iowa City to pick up some of John's prescriptions this morning.  I was only gone about 90 minutes, and I was quite tired when I got home, but it was good to get somewhere under my own power and know that I can do it.  Every day gets a little better and I can feel myself regaining some of my strength each day!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

August 18, 2016

Star of Light

I actually spent all day yesterday in my stamp room stamping swaps for this weekend.  It sure did feel good to get back into somewhat of my normal routine!!

Here is a sneak peak of a stamp set that is in the holiday catalog and will be available on September 1st.

You are only seeing one of the stamps in this set.  It has a lot of other images and sentiments that are equally as awesome.

Stamps: Star of Light

Cardstock: Dapper Denim, Very Vanilla, Copper Foil

Designer Series Paper: 

Ink: Dapper Denim

Accessories: Starlight Thinlits, Softly Falling Embossing Folder, 

Big Shot, Basic Pearl Jewels, Gold Wink of Stella, Stampin' Dimensionals

Today has been a busy day.  I went out to lunch with my friend Luetta and her mom in Iowa City. We stopped to do a little shopping and get a few groceries. I believe resting might be in my future for a while before I attempt anything else!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

August 17, 2016

Shaker Card

It has been a long time since I have made a shaker card but with the new foam strips that are in the catalog this year it is a piece of cake.  You might wonder what that is that is rattling around in the card.  You won't believe it!! You know those little packages of silicone beads that you get in shoes and other packed items . . . put a few drops of what ever color reinker you would like and you have the perfect shakers for your card.

This is one of the cards I actually swapped for a couple of weeks ago.

Today is the first day I feel almost like my normal self since surgery and actually for quite a while before that.  I have spent my morning in my stamp room working on swaps for this weekend.  I have a feeling I will still take a little rest this afternoon and cuddle up with my pillow, heating pad, and blanket . . . but I might actually watch TV instead of sleeping!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

August 16, 2016

May Flowers Framelits

Today has been such a busy day I almost forgot about posting a card.  I started the day by taking a four block walk and then coming home and fixing breakfast.  I got all of my new Holiday catalog stuff organized and put away and even drove for the first time since surgery.  Granted it was only a few blocks to the post office and the grocery store, but it felt good to know I could drive somewhere if I wanted to.

 

This card is another one we made at our Friday night shoebox swap when we were in Illinois.

Now that I have all of my Holiday catalog products organized and put away in my stamp room I am hoping that tomorrow I can work on a couple of swaps for the weekend.  I am getting together with some other demonstrator friends for an afternoon of stamping on Saturday afternoon.    I think that is a perfect second outing!! 

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

Happy Stamping!!

August 15, 2016

Bunch of Blossoms

I love the sentiments that are in this set, Bunch of Blossoms.  The fonts are awesome and I love the thoughts behind all of the sentiments.

This is one of the cards that we made at our Friday night shoe box swap a few of weeks ago.

Stamps: Bunch of Blossoms, Watercolor Wash

Cardstock: Peekaboo Peach, Calypso Coral, Crumb Cake,  Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: 

Ink: Peekaboo Peach, Calypso Coral, Old Olive, Basic Black

Accessories: Brick Wall Embossing Folder, Big Shot, 

Blossom Builder Punch, Banner Triple Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

Today has been a busy morning . . . I actually got outside and walked to the corner and back a couple of time.  Doesn't sound like very far but it was far enough especially when the way home was uphill!!

I am hoping to get up enough energy to work in my stamp room yet this afternoon or evening!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

August 14, 2016

Better Together

Here is another card Sally brought as a shoebox swap to our Saturday night stamp time.  Sally actually designed and brought four cards to our event. They were all awesome.

I had actually not thought about using the Swirly Birds thinlits as a tree!!

Our trip to Iowa City was a success yesterday.  It was good to get out and see something other than the view outside my living room window.  We even managed to go to our favorite Mexican restaurant for supper last night. However, I do think I will spend the day resting today . . . as I was definitely tired last night and was asleep by about 8:00.

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

Happy Stamping!!

August 13, 2016

Hello

Today's card comes from a swap my stamping friend, Dawn, designed.

Dawn loves all things vintage and that goes for her cards as  well!!

Each day is getting a little bit better.  If I could just my pain-free days with my non sleepy days it would be perfect.  Hanna arrived around noon yesterday and brought her little puppy, Willow.  

Willow must have thought I needed company because she spent quite a while just laying on my lap.  Today Hanna and I are going to try and venture out and get our nails done.   We will see how that goes!! 

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

Happy Stamping!!

August 12, 2016

Better Together

Here is another card that Sally brought to the shoebox swaps.   The Touches of Texture stamp set has so many possibilities!!

Once again I love Sally's choice of color combination.  I think one of the things I like best about swapping is seeing how other people use color and their color combinations.

Stamps: Better Together, Touches of Texture

Cardstock: Pumpkin Pie, Peekaboo Peach, Basic Black

Designer Series Paper: 

Ink: Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie

Accessories: Layering Circles Framelits, Big Shot, 

Playful Palette Washi Tape,1/2" Circle Punch, Clear Wink of Stella, 

 Stampin' Dimensionals

I am definitely getting a slower start to my day today.  Keeping my eyes open for longer than fifteen minutes has been a problem!!  I guess that is okay and I just need to realize that I need the rest.  Hanna came home this morning and will be here for a few days, but I don't think there will be any shopping in the near future on the trip home!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

August 11, 2016

Flourishing Phrases

Here is another one of the cards we made during our Saturday shoebox swap in Illinois.  Sally contributed this card.

I love the color combination that Sally used in her card. 

Stamps:  Flourishing Phrases

Cardstock:  Sweet Sugarplum, Crumb Cake, Rich Razzleberry

Ink:  Rich Razzleberry

Accessories:  Flourish Thinlits, Layering Squares Framelits, 

Big Shot, Fine Tip Glue Pen, Stampin' Dimensionals

I got home from the hospital about 11:00 yesterday morning.  This is what was waiting for me when I walked in the door.

My pre-order from the holiday catalog.  Unfortunately all I felt like doing is this!!

Hopefully in the next few days I will feel like playing with some of my new stuff!!  But I need to keep reminding myself to take it easy and it is okay to just do nothing for a while!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

August 10, 2016

Touches of Texture

Touches of Texture is fast becoming one of my favorite stamp sets.  My stamping friend, Susie, who is such a great inspiration, brought this card to our shoebox swap.

She loves fall and fall colors so her color choice is no surprise!!

Stamps: Touches of Texture, One Big Meaning

Cardstock: Calypso Coral, Basic Black, Old Olive

Designer Series Paper: 

Ink: Basic Black , Old Olive, Calypso Coral

Accessories: Delicate White Doilies, Classic Label Punch, Basic Pearl Jewels, 

Calypso Coral Thick Baker's twine, Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals 

There is a rumor going around that I may be able to go home today!!  I don't usually pay that much attention to rumors, but I think I would like to believe this one.  Hopefully tomorrow my blog post will come from home instead of the hospital!!

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

Happy Stamping!!