November 30, 2019

Rustic Retreat

Once again, our card today comes compliments of Susie.  This is the card she took as a swap when we went to Las Vegas.  This is a great guy card for birthdays or thank yous.

It is also one of the cards we made at the last Make-It-Monday.

Stamps: Rustic Retreat

Cardstock: Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: Pressed Petals

Ink: Early Espresso,

Stampin' Blends:  Crumb Cake Light,  Old Olive Light

Accessories:  layering Circles Dies, 

Starburst Punch, Metallic Pearls, Stampin' Dimensionals

Jake cooked an awesome Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday.  After a little rest we were ready to go.  Our shopping extravaganza was quite a success.  We were out until about 11:00 Thursday night and then started again about 7:30 Friday morning.  After a stop at Menard's and Machine Shed in Des Moines, Julie and I made our way home.  I got home just in time to turn on the awesome Hawkeye football game!!   But man . . . did I sleep last night.

Today I am on the go again as I am going to Susie's this afternoon to stamp with some friends.  I surely do love the time we spend together!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 28, 2019

Day of Thanks

I had a friend come over the other day and made several Thanksgiving cards to send to people in care facilities in the area. 

This is the card that she made.  

Stamps: 

Cardstock: Cajun Craze, Early Espresso, Crushed Curry, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper:  Pressed Petals Specialty

Ink: Early Espresso

Accessories:  All Around Wreath Dies, Triple Banner Punch, 

Come to Gather Ribbon Combo Pack, Mini Glue Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensions

We arrived at Hanna and Jake's . . . actually we blew in with the strong winds, but no other problems.  The turkey is now in the oven and we are ready to watch the Macy's Day Parade.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 26, 2019

Special Celebration

Although this Bells Are Ringing stamp set and dies are designed for Christmas, they make absolutely awesome wedding cards!!

Pinterest was a wealth of inspiration when I went searching for ideas.  I am not sure who this traced back to, but I sure do like it.  I hope everyone stamping Monday night liked it as well.

Stamps: Special Celebration

Cardstock: Merry merlot, Whisper White, Silver Foil

Designer Series Paper: Feels Like Frost

Ink: Merry Merlot

Accessories:  Detailed Bells Dies, 

Silver 3/8" Metallic Edge Ribbon, Mini Glue Dots,

Stampin' Dimensionals

Can I just say that I hate being sick!!!  I woke up yesterday morning and knew I needed to go to the doctor again.  I am going to be on a first name basis with the office staff soon.  Nothing major, just a residual infection from the stomach virus last week . . . . a few antibiotics and I'm good to go.

John and I are leaving sometime today to head to Hanna and Jake's in Adel for Thanksgiving.  Julie and Jason will be coming tomorrow.  No cleaning and no cooking . . . what could be better!!

Happy Stamping!!

November 25, 2019

Christmastime Is Here Specialty Designer Series Paper

This Christmas Time is Here Specialty Designer Series Paper is just about the best thing since sliced bread!!!  As you can see here it does not have to be just for Christmas.  Now obviously I DON'T need more paper but I may just have to order an extra package of this.  You have until November 30th to get yours, too!!

This is one of the cards that everyone will be making tonight at Make-It-Monday.  Again, I am letting the paper do all of the work!!

Stamps: Perennial Birthday

Cardstock: Old Olive, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Christmastime Is Here

Ink: Cherry Cobbler

Accessories:  Stitched Shapes Dies, Layering Ovals Dies, 

Gold 1/4" Shimmer Ribbon, Gold Glitter Enamel Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Everything is ready for tonight's Make-It-Monday.  It just needs to be loaded into the car.  I have a couple of gals coming today to make some Thanksgiving cards.  They were supposed to come last Monday, but that didn't happen with the Wilson household being in a state of flu all week.  When they are finished I am going to start working on a couple of custom orders I have for Christmas. My goal is to have all of that done by Thanksgiving!!  We will see how I do!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 23, 2019

Flourishing Phrases

When you are SHORT on time but long on designer series paper, you use it to your advantage.  I bought several packages of this paper for a custom order and only used certain patterns so I have a LOT of this left and will certainly be using it . . . it is so pretty.

This super simple card is one that everyone will be making at Make-It-Monday tomorrow night.

Stamps: Flourishing Phrases

Cardstock: Pretty Peacock Whisper White (inside)

Designer Series Paper: Brightly Gleaming

Accessories:  Versamark, White Embossing Powder, Heat Tool,  

Stampin' Dimensionals

Oh my goodness . . . what a Corridor Market Holiday Show this weekend!!!  I had my best EVER show and was pooped when I got home last night.  It never ceases to amaze my what people will buy at one show and not even look at, at the next show!!  I am done with shows for the year and am focusing on the remaining stamp classes and spending time with family and friends over the holiday season!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 23, 2019

Itty Bitty Christmas

When I saw these on a Facebook Craft Show group I belong to I knew I wanted to make some this year.  So I promptly bought the little hand creams that I could cover.  

And then . . . . forgot all about them until yesterday morning.  They are super simple to make and I made all of these yesterday morning in about thirty minutes before heading out to my craft show.

Stamps: Itty Bitty Christmas

Cardstock: Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Wrapped In Plaid

Ink: Memento Black

Accessories: 1/2" Circle Punch, 1" Circle Punch, 

1 3/8" Scallop Circle Punch, Chalk Marker, Stampin' Dimensionals

The Arts and Crafts Show yesterday was awesome.  

Even though I was not sure I definitely had enough stuff to fill my tables and then some!!

I sent this picture to my son-in-law who does not necessarily like the hustle and bustle around the holidays.  The aisles were packed all afternoon long!!

I hope today is just as good as yesterday.  

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 22, 2019

Toile Christmas

I don't know what I am going to do with all of these shadow boxes but I sure do enjoy making them.  I saw one like this on a site I follow, CreativeLee Yours.  She used a rectangular frame, but since I had all of these square shadow boxes, I adapted it to fit.  I am pretty pleased with the way it turned out.

Since I absolutely love this cardinal and I still had several lying around as well as some branches from previous projects, this one came together very quickly.  I also love the Mercury Glass paper and the look it gives!!

Stamps: Toile Christmas

Cardstock: Basic Black, Whisper White, Red Glimmer, Vellum

Designer Series Paper: Mercury Glass

Ink: Memento Black

Stampin' Blends:  Real Red Combo Pack, Old Olive Dark, 

Soft Suede Dark, Pumpkin Pie Dark

Accessories:  Christmas Cardinal Dies, 

Heirloom Frames and Dies and 3D Embossing Folder, 

Merry Christmas Dies, Triple Banner Punch, 

Mini Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals

As soon as I am done posting this I am out the door for the Corridor Market Holiday Snow at Bella Sala in Tiffin.

This is a great event and atmosphere with a ton of fun vendors.  Hope to see you there!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 21, 2019

Greatest Part of Christmas 

Once again I am sharing one of the cards I made at a stamp event that Susie had.  It is so easy, but yet so elegant!!  The perfect card to make if you needed to make a lot of cards in a short amount of time!!

It is one of the cards we made at the last Make-it-Monday.  The Mercury Glass Designer Series Paper is just absolutely awesome!!

Stamps: Greatest Part of Christmas

Cardstock: Blueberry Bushel, Whisper White, Silver Foil

Designer Series Paper: Mercury Glass

Ink: Silver Metallic

Accessories: 3/8" Silver Metallic Edged Ribbon, Mini Glue Dots

Okay . . . I am not sure which is worse . . . being sick yourself or trying to take care of someone who is sick when you are still not feeling very good yourself!!  I do believe men are the worst patients!!!  Needless to say we are still in various stages of our yuckiness.

I am supposed to do a big craft show tomorrow and Saturday.  At the beginning of the week it was really iffy but I think I will make it now!!! Looking forward to getting some fresh air and a view other than my living room and bathroom!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 20, 2019

Frosted Foliage

Susie is making my technique classes easy with cards I am making with her.  I did the Triple Time Stamping Technique with the first goup many years ago and decided it would be the perfect time to do it with the second group after making this card one Sunday afternoon.

I think they really liked this technique.  Snowflakes are the perfect stamp to showcase it.

Stamps: Frosted Foliage, Peaceful Boughs

Cardstock: Blueberry Bushel, Seaside Spray, Whisper White

Ink: Blueberry Bushel

Accessories:  Story Label Punch, Basic Rhinestone Jewels, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Man oh man . . . what a rough couple of days it has been.  I got home from Las Vegas about 5:00 Sunday night and knew I was really tired but thought it was from lack of sleep while I was there.  NOT!!!  I woke up in the middle of the night with the worst case of stomach flu I think I have ever had. I was not even that sick during chemo!!  I am still not feeling great but at least I am awake and can think somewhat straight.  

On Stage was awesome.  The new mini catalog is great and the Sale-a-Bration items are even better.

This was my table spot when we got there . . . 

I think I was most excited about my name banner and the ribbons I had underneath . . . especially the Flex Points achiever.  And then low and behold . . . the inspirational talk at the beginning of On Stage was all about practicing happiness . . . something that is right up my alley!!!  The other thing was to celebrate accomplishments, no matter how big or small . . . and I intend to do that as well!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 16, 2019

Stitched All Around

One of the best parts, as I have said before, of going to a stamping event is the swapping.  I was part of an organized swap last night and this is the card I took.

One of the guidelines of the swap was that we were to use only Annual Catalog products.  This really helped in not getting a lot of swaps from the Holiday Catalog that will be retiring soon.

Stamps: Stitched All Around

Cardstock: Blackberry Bliss, Petal Pink, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: magnolia lane

Ink: Blackberry Bliss and Mossy Meadow Markers

Stampin' Blends:  Blackberry Bliss Combo Pack  

Accessories:  Stitched Shapes Dies, Layering Circles Dies, 

Pearl Basic Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals

I believe I have also said before that I can craft anywhere, and I did just that yesterday.

I had the thirteen swaps done that I needed last night but I went ahead and cut and stamped some more before I left home to make in case I had time to share for general swaps.  Well the airplane was the perfect opportunity to finish them all up.  So I now have swaps for today, also.  I am headed out here soon to On Stage where I am very anxious to see the Occasions and Sale-a-Bration catalogs and see what all else they have in store for us!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 15, 2019

Most Wonderful Time of the Year Product Medley 

Back in July when Susie and I traveled to New York we had a chance to play with some of the things that were new at the time.  One night we each took limited products and created a card.

That is not my forte and I was not very happy with this card I came up with.  I had been kind of looking for it since I came home and could not find it so decided that I must have thrown it away since I didn't like it very well.  This morning when I was getting my stamping stuff ready to take with me to Las Vegas I found it in my portable stamping kit.  When I looked at it again, it is not as bad as I thought so decided to share it.

Stamps: Most Wonderful Time of the Year Product Medley Kit

Cardstock: Garden Green, Whisper White

Ink: Garden Green, Real Red

Accessories:  Red Basic Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals

I made it . . . I got my order of 80 individual cards done yesterday and delivered them!!!  Eighty cards is not problem, but when they are all different is changes the game somewhat!!

As soon as I am done posting this I am put the door for the Des Moines Airport. I am meeting Susie and her husband there and we are flying to the On Stage event that is in Las Vegas.  I can't wait to see what all they have in store for us!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 14, 2019

Christmas Toile

Back again with another cardinal card.  I just can't seem to get enough of them!!  Today's card is pretty generic but you could certainly change that by whatever sentiment you chose to use.

I think everybody Monday night liked this card as well, even though there was a fair amount of coloring on it!!

Stamps: Toile Christmas, Itty Bitty Greetings

Cardstock: Real Red, Basic Black, Whisper White

Ink:Memento Black 

Stampin' Blends:  Real Red Combo Pack, 

Shaded Spruce Dark, Mango Melody Dark, Bronze

Accessories:  Christmas Cardinal Dies, Stylish Scroll Embossing Folder, 

1" Circle Punch, 1 1/8" Scallop Circle Punch, 

1 3/8" Scallop Circle Punch, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Today I need to get my special order of cards finished up and then start working on my swaps for the stamping event in Las Vegas this weekend. I think I can get it all done . . . if not I can always assemble my swaps along the way or once I get there.

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 13, 2019

Christmas Rose

The Christmas Time Is Here Ley Suite is one that you do not want to miss. Although it is labeled Christmas Rose the images and the designer series paper can be used anytime of the year.  They are absolutely beautiful!!

This card which everyone made on Monday night has no sentiment on it yet is absolutely beautiful.  The picture doesn't to do it justice!!

Stamps: Christmas Rose

Cardstock: Mossy Meadow, Very Vanilla, Gold Foil

Designer Series Paper: Christmastime Is Here

Accessories: Versamark, Gold Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Gold 3/4" Shimmer Ribbon

Luckily our furnace dilemma from yesterday was an easy fix.  On a whim I decided to go out and look at the outside vent pipe, because I know if it gets clogged with snow, it keeps the furnace from coming on.  The vent appeared to be clear but there was a tiny tiny ice droplet at the edge of the pipe. I removed it and ran my hand inside the rest of the pipe to see if there was anything else in there and there was not.  When I came back inside the furnace was running.  I called the HVAC people to see if that small ice droplet could really have been causing the problem and they said absolutely!  It was causing the furnace to go into safety mode.  The furnace has been working just fine ever since.  Who knew such a small droplet could cause so much trouble.  I am just thankful that it was such an easy fix!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 12, 2019

Birds of a Feather

I love it when people take the supplies I give them and come up with a completely different card.  Such was the case last night when Denise went to stamp her Birds of a Feather card.  She loves the snowmen on the Let It Snow paper and her piece just so happened to have two snowmen perfectly placed so she decided to use that side of the designer series paper.

 

You can see the original card here.  And then her whole card . . . perfect!!

Stamps: Birds of a Feather, First Foliage

Cardstock: Whisper White Thick, Real Red,  Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Let It Snow

Ink: Memento Black, Delicate Silver

Accessories:  Layering Circles Dies, 2" Circle Punch, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Well . . . our day is off to an interesting start . . . our furnace has decided that it does not want to come on.  At least it is not freezing cold today.  A call to our local HVAC company was made and I am waiting for them to call back about when they can come to look at it.  Hopefully it is something minor . . . but who knows where we will be spending the day!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 11, 2019

Birds of a Feather

I am not sure this little chickie could survive the cold temperatures today, but he sure does make a cute Santa Chick.  And the snowy background is perfect for today as well.

This is one of the cards that everyone will be making tonight at Make-It-Monday.  It might be cold . . . but we will be stamping away by the fireplace!!

Stamps: Birds of a Feather

Cardstock: Whisper White Thick, Real Red,  Balmy Blue, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Let It Snow

Ink: Memento Black

Stampin' Blends:  Balmy Blue Dark, Real Red Dark, 

Pumpkin Pie Dark, Daffodil Delight Dark

Accessories:  Layering Circles Dies, 2" Circle Punch, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Everything is cut, packed and ready to go for tonight.  I have a few errands to run in Iowa City before stamp night so there is not much else on the agenda for today!!!  Stay warm!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 10, 2019

Beautiful Friendship

One of the blogs I follow, Stamp With Amy, used the beautiful designer series paper that is only available during November on this beautiful birthday card. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful . . . there are no other words to describe this paper.

While this is a Christmas rose, it works great for any other occasions.

Stamps: Beautiful Friendship, Very. Versailles

Cardstock: Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White, Gold Foil

Designer Series Paper: Christmastime Is Here

Ink: Cherry Cobbler

Accessories:  Stitched Shapes Dies, Layering Circles Dies, 

Versamark, Gold Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, 

Gold Glitter Enamel Dots, 

Stampin Dimensionals

Today will be spent getting things ready for Make-It-Monday tomorrow night. The cards are all planned . . . which is the hard part . . . cutting and gathering is easy!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 9, 2019

Peaceful Boughs

As I was putting together the last of the cards from the Christmas card class, I decided to change one of them up just a tiny bit.  You can see the original card here.

I am not sure which of them I like better.  I tried layering the stamped piece on both the Shaded Spruce green and the Soft Suede brown and decided it looked better on the Very Vanilla.

Stamps:  Peaceful Boughs

Cardstock: Very Vanilla Thick, Very Vanilla, Soft Suede

Ink: Shaded Spruce, Soft Suede

Stampin' Blends:  Shaded Spruce Dark

Accessories:  3/8" Gold Metallic Edge Ribbon, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

As soon as I am done posting this I am out the door for the first of only two craft shows I am doing this year.  

And then it is home to watch the Hawkeyes later this afternoon!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 8, 2019

Gather Together

Last night was the first Thursday of the month so that meant it was Technique/Stamp Club.  This group did the tie dye background, but using fall colors the time.  You can see the card the other group made here.

I am pretty pleased with the way it turned out and I think the ladies were as well.

Stamps: Gather Together, Day of Thanks

Cardstock: Cajun Craze, Early Espresso, Crushed Curry, Whisper White

Ink:  Cajun Craze, Early Espresso, Crushed Curry

Accessories: Gather Leaves Dies, Sponge Daubers, Stampin' Dimensionals

Today I need to get my car loaded with craft show stuff, because I can take it and get it set up late this afternoon.  I am going to take it easy the rest of the day because starting tomorrow I feel like I will be going 100 (well maybe 75) miles an hour until after the middle of December!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 7, 2019

Let It Snow Embellishment Kit


I saw these little guys pop up yesterday when I was browsing Facebook and knew I needed to make some for the craft show this Saturday!!

I already had the little Hershey Nuggets at home waiting for inspiration to strike as to how to cover them . . . and then it happened!!  I made a dozen of these guys in just under an hour last night while watching TV.

There are many more embellishments in the kit that I did not use . . but I thought they turned out pretty cute!!   We'll see what the response is Saturday and I may be making more of them!!

Tonight is Technique/Stamp Club.  I do need to get ready for that today . . . I know what we are doing . . . I just need to get cardstock cut and things gathered up!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 6, 2019

Playful Penguins

Playful Penguins is one stamp set that I did not purchase from the Holiday catalog.  I made this card at a stamping event that my friend, Susie, had a couple of weeks ago.

I am now rethinking my decision about this set . . . I will have to see what the next couple of months bring and see if they are carrying over this stamp set. That won't be announced for a while, though.

Stamps: Playful Penguins 

Cardstock: Basic Black, Whisper White, Bermuda Bay

Ink: Memento Black, Bermuda Bay

Accessories: Layering Circles Dies, Swirls and Curls Embossing Folder, 

Frosted Clear and Epoxy Droplets, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Late blog post today but I got distracted by something else!!  I actually completed my registration for the Hawaii incentive trip.  I told Hanna after I had completed it that I am still kind of in disbelief that it is actually happening!!

Today I need to get things ready for Technique/Stamp Club tomorrow night and maybe come up with a couple more things for the craft show this weekend.

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

Happy Stamping!!