November 29, 2016

Merriest Wishes

Okay . . . . okay . . . . I was tireder than I thought!!  The last couple of days I have done nothing but rest!!

 It is a good thing I had several swap cards on hand because there has been  no stamping for me.  Thanks, Dawn for this awesome Christmas card!!

This card uses all of the same supplies that the card I posted here does!!

Cardstock: Night of Navy, Whisper White, Copper Foil

Accessories: Merry Tags Framelit Dies, 

Softly Falling Textured Embossing Folder, 

Big Shot, Gold Thread

Today is chemo day so I am at the hospital bright and early for my all day appointments.  I brought lots of stuff with me to do , but if it is like the last several days I will probably read and nap!!  I have read more books in the last couple of months that I have read in the last couple of years!!  Good thing I like to read!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 26, 2016

Greeting From Santa

Once again here is a swap card that I have received this fall.  While not using traditional Christmas colors, the blue and white is perfect for this Santa.

This stamp and framelit set reminds me so much of my mom because she had a sweatshirt that she wore a lot at Christmas time with a Santa on it and the words naughty or nice with a question mark!!

Stamps: Greetings From Santa

Cardstock: Pacific Point, Whisper White

Ink: Pacific Point

Accessories:  Detailed Santa Thinlits Dies, Big Shot, 

1 3/4" Circle Punch, Fine Tip Glue Pen, Glue Dots

After a quick trip to a local vendor fair, Hanna is on her way home to take a couple of sessions of family photos this afternoon.  I am enjoying sitting in my living room looking at all of my Christmas decorations and watching football. I think today and maybe tomorrow are going to be days of rest before this next week begins.  I have throughly enjoyed being out and about the last several days, but also know enough not to overdo!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 25, 2016

Oh, What Fun!

There has not been much stamping in my days the last little while.  I know I got this card in a swap somewhere, but I have no idea where or who to give credit to!!

This card would be another one that would be very easy to mass produce many of them if you wanted to choose it for you Christmas cards!!

Stamps: Oh What Fun!

Cardstock: Night of Navy, Very Vanilla, Gold Foil, Gold Glimmer Paper

Ink: Night of Navy

Accessories: Delicate Ornament Thinlits, Big Shot, Gold Thread

Since Hanna got home on Wednesday morning we have been on the go!!  She indulged my need to be out and about last night for early Black Friday shopping and then again this morning for a little more shopping.  We came home and then decorated the house and our now watching  the Hawkeyes!!  It has been an awesome few days and  I can go into chemo week refreshed and rejuvenated from the Thanksgiving break!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 24, 2016

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Paisleys & Posies

Thankful . . . Grateful . . . Blessed!!!  This sums up my feelings perfectly this year!!!

I am so glad this stamp set is being held over for at least another six months . . . I don't know that I can ever get enough of this sentiment!!

Stamps: Paisleys & Posies

Cardstock: Pumpkin Pie, Perfect Plum, Whisper White

Ink: Basic Black

Accessories: Paisleys Framelits Dies, Pretty Paisley Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Halloween Night Enamel Dots

Sorry for the lack of posts this week, but I have just been too tired.  I did a craft show on Sunday which was very successful, but definitely wore me out. Monday I had a PET scan to see if I was responding to the chemotherapy and I am happy to report that for all intents and purposes it is gone.  I still have two more rounds of chemo and will be done for Christmas!!  Definitely answered prayers!!

Hanna came home yesterday and we went to Iowa City to get our nails done and run a few errands.  The rest of the day consisted of rest, rest, rest!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 19, 2016

Sneak Peak . . . . So In Love

Here is yet another sneak peak of some new products coming in January!

The designer series paper in this pack . . . . Falling in Love . . . . is absolutely awesome!!!

Stamps: So In Love

Cardstock: Soft Sky, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: Falling In Love

Ink: Soft Suede, Soft Sky

Accessories: So Detailed Thinlit Dies, Big Shot, Very Vanilla 1/4" Satin Ribbon, Gold Thread

Today is another day of rest watching the Hawkeyes in anticipation of my craft show tomorrow!!  The car is packed and ready to go, so my recliner and I have a date for the rest of the day!!

It was great to see Hanna and her friend last night when we met them for supper.  HuHot was a perfect choice as for some reason Asian food still has taste to me!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 18, 2016

Hawkeye Wreath 

I spent a little time in my stamp room yesterday between naps and made this Hawkeye wreath for an upcoming craft show on Sunday.

These wreaths can be so addicting to make and once I got started on them I can see all sorts of possibilities.

I really like the way it turned out and hope other people do too!!

Last night Julie and I went to the Ainsworth Opera House to the Washington and Henry County Relay for Life Festival of Trees.  I bought an absolutely awesome Christmas tree and can't wait to pick it up Saturday and then put it up after Thanksgiving.  It is so cool that it will make not having my traditional tree up a lot more pleasurable.

Tonight John and I are meeting Hanna and one of her friends at HuHot for supper.  They are going to Davenport for "Friendsgiving" which is what the college roommates and friends call their annual Thanksgiving celebration. Since they were going through the area and needed to stop to eat we decided to meet. I haven't seen Libby for quite a while so it will be good to see her and catch up. 

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 17, 2016

Another Sneak Peak

Check out another sneak peek of new products that will be in the Occasions catalog available on January 4, 2016.

This is another one of the make and takes from the weekend in Madison.

I love the pop up balloon framelits that accompany this stamp set.  They seem much easier to use for me than the other birthday ones for some reason.

Stamps: Balloon Adventures (new)

Cardstock: Crushed Curry, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Party Animal Paper Stack (new)

Ink: Crushed Curry, Emerald Envy, Pacific Point, Tangerine Tango

Accessories: Balloon Pop-Up Thinlit Dies (new), Big Shot, 

Party Animal Embellishments (new), 

Emerald Envy 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon (new), 

Crushed Curry Baker's Twine

Can you believe what a gorgeous day this is going to be and to think that it is already the 17th of November.  As soon as I am done posting this I am taking my Nook outside and sitting on my patio to read and enjoy the weather!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 16, 2016

Occasions and Sale-a-Bration Catalogs Sneak Peak

Are you ready for a sneak peak at some new products??  This is one of the make and takes that we made in Madison a couple of weekends ago!!

Since I love to color and always have this new Designer Series Paper in the Sale-a-Bration catalog is right up my alley.  Ane we have new watercolor pencils to help with that coloring!!

Stamps:  Dragonfly Dreams (new)

Cardstock: Calypso Coral, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Inside the Lines (new . . . Sale-a-bration product)

Ink: Calypso Coral, Basic Black

Accessories: Watercolor Pencils (new), Blender Pens, 

5/8" Burlap Ribbon, Basic Black Solid Baker's Twine, Glue Dots

Amazing what a day of rest and a good night's sleep can do.  After Tired Tuesday I am ready for Welcome Wednesday where I feel relatively like my old self.  Today I have an appointment and then plan to head to Iowa City and meet some friends for lunch and to deliver several stamping orders.  I also am planning on ordering our traditional Thanksgiving dinner and let Hy-Vee do the cooking and the work so I can focus on enjoying time with the family!!  Life is good!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 15, 2016

Furry of Wishes

I absolutely love the color combination in the Warmth and Cheer washi tape this year.  I have decided that I am going to make it easy and buy a pre-decorated Christmas tree and I want it to have this cool scheme!!

Wish me luck in finding one!!  If I can't . . . . I can always just look at this card!!  LOL

Stamps: Flurry Of Wishes

Cardstock: Cherry Cobbler, Basic Black, Whisper White, Soft Suede

Ink: Cherry Cobbler

Accessories: Santa's Sleigh Thinlit Dies, 

Softly Falling Embossing Folder, 

Big Shot, Warmth and Cheer Designer Washi Tape, 

Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine

Tired Tuesday has started out to be a pretty good Tuesday.  Maybe since I wasn't so tired going into it or the fact that I just gave my self permission to be tired has made a difference.  At any rate, there is nothing on the schedule today but sitting in my recliner, napping and reading for the whole day!!  Life is good!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 14, 2016

Thankful Thoughts

Hopefully this week I can get back in the swing of making some new cards but in the meantime here is another one that I swapped for in Madison last weekend.

This may be one card that I am making several of because my stash of thank you notes in fast decreasing.  This would be a pretty simple mass produced card.

Stamps: Work of Art, Thankful Thoughts, Flourishing Phrases

Cardstock: Pear Pizzazz, Flirty Flamingo Whisper White

Ink: Pear Pizzazz, Blushing Bride, So Saffron

Accessories: Flourishing Thinlits, Big Shot, Clear Wink of Stella

As soon as I am done posting this we are out the door for a doctor's appointment for John this time.  I think we are going to run a few errands when we are done and grab some lunch.  I am hoping to be able to do a little stamping when we get home and then rest later on this evening!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 12, 2016

Jar of Love

After our Door County trip I just had to order the Jar of Love stamp set and framelits.  So far I have only used it for nugget treat holders, so when I swapped in Madison, I was on the lookout for other ideas for these.

This was one of them I came home with and I love it!!

Stamps: Jar of Love, Playful Backgrounds

Cardstock: Pool Party, Peekaboo Peach, Night Of Navy, Whisper White

Ink: Night Of Navy, Peekaboo Peach, Tempting Turquoise

Accessories: Everyday Jar Framelits, 

Large Polka Dot Embossing Folder, Big Shot, 

1" Circle Punch, 7/8" Circle Punch, Night Of Navy Solid Baker's Twine, 

Clear Wink of Stella, Stampin' Dimensionals

By the time you read this Julie and I should be well on our way to Aurora, Illinois to the outlet mall that is up there.  My leg is feeling much better and I hope it holds out today.  This will be the first long shopping trip since the extra tiredness has set in so we shall see how it goes.  We had planned this trip back for August and it was postponed so we decided now was the time before the snow starts to fly.  We have been there before and I know there are several benches spread around so I can always sit and rest if need be.  No grass is going to grow under my feet!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 11, 2016

Happy Veteran's Day

Today , we honor all the men and women who have served our country in uniform. To all of our veterans . . . . .  thank you!!

I know I have posted this card before but it seemed appropriate to post it again!!

Cardstock: Night of Navy, Real Red, Whisper White

Accessories: Swirly Scribbles Thinlits, Big Shot, Confetti Stars Border Punch, 

Basic Rhinestone Jewels, Fine Tip Glue Pen, Glue Dots

Yesterday's chemo injection went off without a hitch and I rested all afternoon in my recliner so I am good to go today.  I am meeting some friends for lunch and then have a date with the book I started yesterday. I think one more day of rest and my leg and I will be good to get out and about for longer periods of time!!  

We came home to a yard minus leaves and a clean house.  What a blessing!! And Tony worked all afternoon on our new patio and it is coming along quite nicely!!

Life is good!!

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

given today!! 

 Happy Stamping!!

November 10, 2016

 Sweet Cupcake

I love this Sweet Cupcake card that was one of the swaps I received in Madison.  This multi-step photopolymer stamp looks very difficult to do at first glance but is actually very easy to line up!!

I love the colors this stamper used for the cupcake.  Unfortunately she did not include her name so I cannot give her credit!!

Stamps: Sweet Cupcake, Tin of Cards

Cardstock: Rich Razzleberry, Sweet Sugarplum, 

Designer Series Paper: Petals and Paisley Specialty Paper

Ink: Rich Razzleberry, Sweet Sugarplum, 

Sahara Sand, Chocolate Chip

Accessories: Sweet Sugarplum Ruched Ribbon

As soon as I am done posting this John and I are out the door for my second chemo treatment of the week.  Luckily this one does not take as long and then I am home to my recliner for the rest of the day to rest my leg and keep pressure on my back from the spinal injection.  All of this sounds like a lot, but in the big scheme of things it is really very minor.

We had a wonderful surprise yesterday afternoon. The fifth grade teachers from the elementary school, who both John and I worked with knocked on the door and asked if it would be all right if they brought some kids over today to rake our leaves.  The class is working on community service and thought of us when brainstorming things they could do.  How awesome is that!!  So not only do we come home to a clean house after chemo (today is the day it gets cleaned) but also to a clean yard!!  Life is good!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 9, 2016

Holly Jolly Greetings

I posted when I got home from Madison that those of us that did not attend a Stampin' Up! event Friday evening spent the time stamping in our hotel lobby. Susie graciously provided us with this project to make that night.

I absolutely love the way it turned out and it will definitely fill my wall space after Christmas is over.

I will say sitting with your leg elevated for a couple of days is really putting a crimp in my plans.  At least two of those days are chemo days so today is the only day I really need to just sit at home.  I can already tell after just three hefty doses of the blood thinner that it is working because it is not nearly as painful as it was yesterday morning so that is definitely a good thing.  I guess one way or the other I am getting the message that I need to slow down and rest more!!   LOL!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 8, 2016

Seasonal Bells

Check out another one of the swap cards I received while in Madison!!  I love the bells and the shiny silver paper.

Wouldn't this make an awesome wedding card in the bride and groom's specific colors???  And of course using the wedding sentiment that is in this set!!

Stamps: Seasonal Bells

Cardstock: Cherry Cobbler, Silver Foil, Whisper White, 

Designer Series Paper: Irresistible Floral

Ink: Cherry Cobbler

Accessories: Versamark, Silver Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, 

Bell Punch, Sponge Brayer, 1/8" Silver Ribbon, Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals 

Today is chemo day which I am receiving as I type.  I got a late start today with my chemo as I had to have an ultrasound because I have developed a blood clot in my right leg.  Not totally uncommon and I am so glad that it is something that will go away with treatment and not just a side effect of chemo that I have to put up with for the duration of my treatment.  My doctor said that clinically I am doing far better than he ever thought I would . . . . other than being tired, I have had no other side effects.  He said that is quite unusual, but I will take it!!  I am still on target to finish my treatment the week before Christmas!!  Totally great Christmas present!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

SaveSave

November 7, 2016

Frosted Medallions

One of the best parts about going to a stamping event is the swaps that you receive while you are there.  This is one of them I got this weekend.

I have this set but it has yet to see any ink.  That might have to change sometime here in the very near future.

Stamps: Frosted Medallion

Cardstock: Sweet Sugarplum, Whisper White, Silver Glimmer Paper

Ink: Sweet Sugarplum, Soft Suede

Accessories: Basic Rhinestone Jewels

Today is going to be another day of rest, I think.  I was up with the chickens . . . . maybe even before the chickens this morning.  I hate this time change.  Just when I get so I can sleep in a little bit, the time changes.  Oh well . . . . there are worse things than taking a nap mid afternoon!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 6, 2016

 My Hero

Before you think I have totally lost my mind and skipped Thanksgiving and Christmas, let me say that this was my swap for the Madison On Stage Local event.  I wanted to use a stamp set that was in the Big Idea Book and Catalog and wanted to try and stay away from Christmas and products that would be retiring at the end of December so decided to go with Valentines Day.

You probably recognize this layout from a card I posted here that came from Freshly Made Sketches.

Stamps: My Hero

Cardstock: Real Red, Basic Black, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Neutrals Designer Series Paper Stack

Ink: Real Red

Accessories: Layering Circles Framelits, 

Happy Heart Embossing Folder, Big Shot, 

1 1/2" Circle Punch, 1 3/4" Circle Punch, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

We had an awesome time in Madison.  We got home late last night after a long day of stamping inspiration.  This was what awaited us at our table when we arrived yesterday morning.  While I can't share any product or things made with the new product that will be in the Occasions and Sale-a-Bration catalogs yet . . . . let me just say that it will be worth the wait!!!!

Friday evening Susie and one of our other roommates attended a supper put on by Stampin' Up! for those in leadership positions with many in their downlines.  The rest of us ventured out for supper and then what do you think we did??

Stamped in the lobby of the hotel of course!!  Susie had graciously provided a project for us to do while she was gone. I hope to share it tomorrow or the next day.

I was thrilled to be able to attend this event!!  I do think I will be resting for the next couple of days however!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 4, 2016

Vintage Leaves

I can hardly believe the nice weather we have been having lately.  Although the leaves have not been spectacular around here, there is no reason they can't be on my cards.

Vintage Leaves is one of those stamp sets that I don't think I will ever get tired of.  I know my stamp set certainly shows the love it has received, as it is quite ink stained, but I go back to it time and again.

Stamps: Vintage Leaves, Banner Greetings

Cardstock: Early, Espresso, Soft Vanilla

Ink: Early Espresso

Accessories: Leaflets Framelits, Petal Burst Embossing Folder, 

Big Shot, Versamark, Gold Embossing Powder, 

Heat Tool, Stampin' Sponges, 

Kraft Rope Trim, Classic Label Punch, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Today's card definitely reflects how I am feeling today.  I am VERY blessed to be feeling well enough to go to Madison, Wisconsin to the On Stage event Stampin' Up! is holding there.  Susie will be picking me up with a car load of other ladies . . . . Kathy, Lorraine, Betty, and Cindy. . . . and we will be meeting several other demonstrator friends up there . . . . Christy and Kimberly and some other people I don't know yet, but who I am sure will become friends!! I registered for this event before I started my chemo treatments on the chance that I would be feeling well enough to go.  Last week that was not looking too promising but this week has been much better and I am looking forward to the event.  My swaps are done, and my bags are packed, so I am ready to go!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 3, 2016

Candy Cane Christmas

I love the Candy Cane Lane Suite that is in the holiday catalog.  There are just so many possibilities.  I guess it is no wonder I would like is since I have always loved Christmas baking since I was a young girl. 

I found this layout on a site called Freshly Made Sketches.  

Stamps: Candy Cane Christmas

Cardstock: Real Red, Crumb Cake, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Candy Cane Lane

Ink: Real Red

Accessories: Layering Circles Framelits, Festive Embossing Folder, 

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

Wow!!!  What a baseball game last night!!  Even as tired as I was there was no way I was going to bed before the end of the game.  I can hardly believe the they won!!  Coming from a family of Cubs fans, starting with my mom, it was amazing.  I know how excited my brothers were . . . . and how long they have waited.   However . . . it will be an early to bed night tonight!!  

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 2, 2016

Santa's Sleigh

Finally after a hectic morning I was able to spend a little time in my stamp room.  Christmas cards are on the agenda these days.

I used one of the blocks that came in one of my first Paper Pumpkin kits for the Crumb Cake rectangle behind the Christmas tree.

Stamps: Santa's Sleigh

Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Garden Green, Whisper White

Ink: Basic Black, Garden Green, Crumb Cake

Accessories: Santa's Sleigh Thinlit Dies, Big Shot, 

Metallic Enamel Shapes, Stampin' Dimensionals

John and I started the day by going to vote early.  Next Tuesday is my chemo day and I was not sure I would have the energy to do so afterwards, so we decided to just get it taken care of today.  After running a couple of errands while we were out, it was after noon before we got home.  I worked a little bit on my swaps for this weekend and then made the above Christmas card.  I decided rest would be in order next if I have any hopes of staying awake for the Cubs game tonight and I certainly do want to do that!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 1, 2016

New Framelits and 25% Off Selected Stamp Sets

Stampin' Up! is releasing a new set of Framelits early!!

They are the Stitched Shapes Framelits Dies . . . a set of 12 which includes 4  circles, 4 squares, and 4 ovals.  All have Faux stitching around the edges and they are gorgeous.

These framelits will go into the next annual catalog to be published in June of 2017--but you are able to purchase them from November 1-30!!

And that's not all . . . . 

For the month of November, Stampin' Up! is reducing the price of selected stamp sets that coordinate with these framelits by 25%!!

Would you like to see the Framelits in action?  Have a look at the video from Stampin' Up!

Aren't these awesome . . . let me know today and I will get yours ordered!!

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

Happy Stamping!!