May 31, 2021

Wild Cats

Once again I have another Hawaii swap, this time by Jess Bridgen.  This is again, not a set I own or intend to buy, so it was good to get a sample.

I do love the sentiments in this set . . .  they all revolve around the wild cats and a play on words.  And while I am not crazy about the cat motifs on one side of the designer series papers, I do love the designs and patterns on the opposite side so I am sure you will be seeing more of those.

Stamps: Wild Cats

Cardstock: Evening Evergreen, Soft Succulent, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper:   In The Wild

Ink: Evening Evergreen,  Crushed Curry, Cajun Craze

Accessories:  Big Cats Dies, Evening Evergreen Open Weave Ribbon,  Metallic Pearls

Today I am going to spend some time in my stamping room getting it turned over from the last catalog.  The incentive trip happened so soon after the new catalog was released that I did not have any time to pull the retiring products off of my shelves to make room for the new ones.  I do have all of my new stamp sets put together and cataloged so I am hoping this is a fairly quick process and I can get to the business of actually stamping something.

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 30, 2021

Color & Contour

I will get back to my stamping room, but for now, I am so glad I have a lot of cool swaps to share with you.  This is another Hawaii swap, this time by a demonstrator named Michelle Halleen.

Although the multiple embossing folder pieces on this card could be quite time-consuming, the end result is so worth it.  It definitely adds another layer of dimension to the card.  This is also a great card to showcase the new 2021-2023 Colors.

Stamps: Color & Contour

Cardstock: Whisper White Thick, Polished Pink, Soft Succulent, 

Fresh Freesia, Pale Papaya, Evening Evergreen, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: 

Ink:

Stampin' Blends:  Evening Evergreen Combo Pack

Accessories:  Scalloped Contours Dies, Brick & Mortar 3D Embossing Folder, 

Tasteful Textile 3 D Embossing Folder, Painted Texture 3D Embossing Folder, 

Greenery Embossing Folder, Ornate Floral 3D Embossing Folder,

 Genial Gems, Soft Succulent Open Weave Ribbon,

Mini Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals

Another good night's sleep and another day of rest is on the agenda for today.  I would like to take a ride this afternoon and look at all of the flags flying high over the area cemetaries.  We shall see if that happens or not.

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 29, 2021

Perfect Plants

One of the things I love most about attending Stampin' Up! Events is receiving swap cards made with stamp sets I don't own or have no intention of buying.  Such is the case with this stamp set, Perfect Plants, and this swap card made by Jill Olsen. 

I may totally change my mind about buying this bundle if I keep on seeing cards that I like as well as this one.  Macrame was a huge thing when I was growing up . . . I wonder if it is making a comeback.  It is on cards at least.  I love the way she has used the plant stamp and her color combination.

Stamps: Perfect Plants

Cardstock: Cinnamon Cider, Crumb Cake, Cajun Craze, Basic White

Designer Series Paper:  In Good Taste 

Ink: Garden Green

Accessories:  Perfect Plants Dies, Macrame 3D Embossing Folder, 

Linen Thread, Mini Glue Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

As soon as I am done posting this John and I are going to make a run to Iowa City to the cemetery with some flowers.  I am planning on continuing my resting when I get home.  I was talking to a friend last night and she told me it took about a week to get acclimated to the time and to catch up on sleep and rest after traveling that far.  If that is the case I have a couple more rest days to go!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 28, 2021

Sweet as a Peach

I have not fallen off the face of the earth since returning home . . . just trying to catch up on things.  And then yesterday when I was ready to start blogging again, the site did not want to cooperate.   So we will try again for today.

I received some awesome swap cards while on my trip and this is one of them.  We were supposed to include our name on the inside but there was no name on this one at all.

I will say that I think this Basic Border die will be getting a workout this year.  I love the way it looks and gives you another layout option.

Stamps: Sweet as a Peach

Cardstock: Basic White Thick, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: 2021-2023 In Color Designer Series Paper

Ink: Pale Papaya, Old Olive, Pear Pizzazz

Accessories:  Peach Dies, Basic Borders Dies, Blending Brushes, Pale Papaya & White 1/2"  Ribbon, Metallic Pearls, Mini Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals

Hawaii was awesome . . .  but I am very glad to be home.  It has taken a few days to get back into the swing of things after arriving home on Monday evening.  I am not sure that I will be back to my normal schedule for a while!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 13, 2021

Flowers of Friendship

Love love love this stamp set. . . .so much so that I got one in English and one in French!!  And that is the honest truth!!  I thought about sending the French one back, but then thought I might like to have the two sets of images in case I want to do a card with multi-color flowers.

This is another one of the cards that everyone made Monday night at Make-it-Monday.  Supr super simple but yet very pretty and conveys your message perfectly.

Stamps: Flowers of Friendship

Cardstock: Fresh Freesia, Soft Succuent, Basic  White

Ink: Memento Black

Stampin' Blends:  Fresh Freesia Combo Pack, Soft Succulent Combo pack

Accessories:  Fresh Freesia 3/8" Open Weave Ribbon, 2021-2023 In-Color Jewels

And we are off . . . we got up at 0Dark 30 and headed off to the airport for our 5:59 flight to Phoenix.   After a couple hour layover we are actually on our flight to Hawaii.

I am not planning on blogging while I am there.  I will be posting periodically of our daily adventures on my Facebook page but other than that I am taking a break from actual stamping for a couple of weeks.

Talk to you all when I get back!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 12, 2021

Beauty of Friendship

Although this card does not have a lot of stamping on it I am really in love with its simplicity!!  I'm not crazy about the stamp set that goes with these Meadow Dies, but I do really love the dies.

This is one of the cards that everyone stamping on Monday night got to make.  It would be great for just about any occasion.  I am thinking when I get back I may make up a bunch of them as sympathy cards so that I have them on hand!

Stamps: Beauty of Friendship

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

Ink: Memento Black

Accessories:  Meadow Dies, Stitched Rectangle Shapes, 

Tasteful Textile 3D Embossing Folder, Matte Black Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Swaps are done, suitcases packed sitting by the back door, and I think everything is ready for me to head to Des Moines shortly.  Hanna and I are spending a little time together before I go to my brother and sister-in-law's house later tonight.   I am still having a hard time believing that I am actually going to get to go!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 11, 2021

Party Puffins

I participated in a New Catalog Swap with some of my demonstrator friends and this is one of the cards I got in return.  It is from my friend, Christy.  It also uses one of my favorite new In-Colors . . . Fresh Freesia.

I don't make very many kids' birthday cards so I was thrilled to get this one and I think my stampers were the same way last night as this is one of the cards that they all made.  

Did you catch all of the detail that Christy put into this card?  The Stitched Whimsy Die cut around the Basic Black layer and the Painted Texture 3D Embossing under the scalloped circle just add a lot of dimension to the card.

Stamps: Party Puffins

Cardstock: Basic Black, Fresh Freesia, Basic White

Ink: Memento Black

Stampin' Blends:  Calypso Coral Combo Pack, Daffodil Delight Combo Pack, 

Fresh Freesia Combo Pack

Accessories:  Layering Circles Dies, Stitched Whimsy Dies, 

Stitched Rectangle Dies, Painted Texture 3D Embossing Folder, 

Fresh Freesia 3/8" Open Weave Ribbon, Wink of Stella, Mini Glue Dots, 

Stampin, Dimensionals

Today is going to be VERY busy.  I have hair and nail appointments with a COVID test appointment thrown into the middle of all of that.  We have to have a negative COVID test within 72 hours of travel to go to Hawaii so today is the day!!  When I get home from all of that I do need to start to tame the pile of stuff I have sitting in the living room and see if it will all fit in my suitcase.  If I get that done, I will work on assembling my swaps.  If not, there is always the long flight on Thursday!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 10, 2021

Color & Contour

Pale Papaya may just be my new favorite In-Color . . . or at least it is the one I have been using the most lately!!  

The scallop layered dies from this die set may also become a new favorite.  I was pretty disappointed when most of the layering dies were retired, but in typical Stampin' Up! fashion, they have replaced them with things that are becoming my new favorites!!  I can also see that I will be using my Stampin' Blends a lot with all of these gorgeous flower stamps!!

Stamps:  Color & Contour

Cardstock: Pale Papaya, Soft Succulent, Basic White

Ink: Memento Black, Soft Succulent

Stampin' Blends:  Soft Succulent Combo Pack, Pale Papaya Combo Pack

Accessories:  Scalloped Contours Dies, 

Pale Papaya 3/8" Open Weave Ribbon, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterday was an awesome day for many reasons!!  We actually went out to eat with Julie and Jason to Red Lobster for supper.  We talked about how it had been well over 15 months since we had been in a car together, let alone go out to eat!!  The food was good, but the company was even better!!  

I also had a special delivery from Hanna and Jake of a t-shirt with Gigi printed on the front of it which is what we decided the kids would call me. 

It was a pretty special Mother's Day!! 

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 9, 2021

Color & Contour

I love the color lavender so this pattern out of the Hand-Penned designer Series Paper is probably one of my favorites.  Although this is not a specific Mother's Day card it could certainly work as one to thank all of those Moms for everything they have done!!

This is the last of this week's Cards in the Mail.  There is still time to get a packet if you would like one.  I think you will be seeing a lot more of these Stitched So Sweetly layered die pieces, after all of the dies that retired last week.  I like them so much more than the Stitched Rectangle Dies and they are so much easier to die cut.

Stamps: Color & Contour

Cardstock: Highland Heather, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Hand-Penned

Ink: Highland Heather

Accessories:  Stitched So Sweetly Dies, Brilliant Wings Dies, 

Rhinestone Basic Jewels, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterday was a great day of getting a lot of things accomplished.  Product shares delivered, last-minute items bought for the trip, a great shopping excursion, and lunch with my friend, Luetta, a lot done on my swaps for this week, and listening to a Cub win on the radio.

Today I need to get all of the cardstock cut for stamp night tomorrow night and then Julie and Jason are picking us up to go out for a Mother's Day supper.  As Luetta and I were talking yesterday, maybe we are on our way back to a somewhat normal existence after the last year!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 8, 2021

Hand-Penned

The second technique we worked with Thursday night was one I used a lot many years ago . . . . Cracked Glass.  I am thinking that I actually should use it more!!

While this technique is time-consuming and uses a lot of clear embossing powder, I do think it is worth it.  I love the way it turned out.  Some of the ladies liked the look of the focal piece with just the clear embossing powder on it before cracking it.  That is the beauty of stamping . . . it is your card and you can make it any way you want it!!

Stamps: Hand Penned

Cardstock: Cinnamon Cider, Basic White, Very Vanilla (Inside)

Designer Series Paper: Hand-Penned

Ink: Memento Black, Cinnamon Cider

Stampin' Blends:  Old Olive Combo Pack, Cinnamon Cider Combo Pack, Pale Papaya Combo Pack

Accessories:  Layering Circles Dies, Versamark, Clear Embossing Powder, 

Heat Tool, Blending Brushes, Basic Pearl Jewels, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Today is going to be a pretty busy day . . . as soon as I am done posting this I am off to deliver some product share orders and then Luetta and I are going out for lunch and I will do some major shopping to get the last minute things I think I need for my Hawaii trip.  I am hoping to get cardstock cut for Monday night when I get home!!  Lots to do in the next three days!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 7, 2021

Flowers of Friendship

Yesterday was the first Thursday of the month so that means it was Technique/Stamp Club night.  Cindy wanted to know how to do the Lattice Fold so this is one of the cards we made using the new stamp set Flowers of Friendship.

Everybody thought this looked really difficult but once they started they realized how easy it really is with a template.

I am loving all of the new In-Colors and how well they look together. A pretty spring flower garden. 

 

Stamps: Flowers of Friendship

Cardstock: Sofy Succulent, Basic Black, Basic White

Ink: Memento Black

Stampin' Blends:  Fresh Freesia Combo, Pale Papaya Combo, 

Polished Pink, Soft Succulent Combo

Accessories:  Evening Evergreen 3/8" Open Weave Ribbon, 

Basic Pearl Jewels, Mini Glue Dots

My expedited New Catalog order arrived yesterday so my goal today is to get all of the product shares cut, labeled, and packaged so that I can get them delivered before leaving next week!!  And the Cubs are on TV this afternoon, I think, so that will be a perfect job to do while watching them!!

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

Happy Stampin!!

May 6, 2021

Color & Contour

New paper, new dies, new stamps . . . it is all so exciting to work with!!  The Pansy Petals Designer Series Paper has many cool pansy motifs as well as this awesome gingham check in a couple of different colors.

This card which is super simple would be a great way to use up other designer series paper scraps that you might have laying around your stamp area.  It is one of the cards everyone is making if they get this week's Cards in the Mail packet.

Stamps: Color & Contour

Cardstock: Fresh Freesia, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Pansy Petals

Ink: Memento Black

Accessories:  Scalloped Contour Dies, Genial Gems, 

Soft Succulent 3/8" Open Weave Ribbon, Mini Glue Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterday was a big day for appointments again.  I graduated from physical therapy, which is a good thing as long as I remember to do the exercises I have been given.  John had an eye appointment in the afternoon.  The last time we went we were there for six hours so this time I went prepared and took a lot of stamped pieces of  cards to assemble while we were there.  Low and behold . . . we were in and out in one hour and fifteen minutes . . . hardly enough time to get anything done.  I guess the moral of the story is to take a lot along and then we will get done in record time!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 5, 2021

Beauty of Friendship

I love this new stamp set . . . particularly for the name.  But the images and the sentiments are equally as cool.  I am sure that this particular sentiment will definitely get a workout this year!!

The vellum die cut piece behind the sentiment is actually suppose to be a tree trunk and branches, but I love the way it looks here.  This is one of the cards that everybody that is getting the Cards in the Mail packet this week gets to make.

Stamps: Beauty of Friendship

Cardstock: Mossy Meadow, Old Olive, Basic White, Vellum

Designer Series Paper: Beauty of the Earth

Ink: Mossy Meadow

Accessories:  Beautiful Trees Dies, Tasteful Labels Dies, 

Bark 3D Embossing Folder, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterday was a super fantastic day!!  For those of you that don't know, my daughter and her husband are in the process of adopting a family unit of 4 children from Colombia, and yesterday they got to Skype with them for the first time.  Hearing their little voices call Hanna and Jake Mama' & Papa' for the first time brought tears to my eyes.

Someone had given them these coffee mugs when they started their adoption journey and yesterday is the first day that they actually used them.  Their lives will forever be changed!! I can't wait until they are actually here!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 4, 2021

Pansy Patch

Today is the day . . . . the launch of the 2021-2022 Annual Idea Book and Catalog!!  And man . . . are there some awesome stamp sets and other products in there!!

I am thrilled to have all new designer series paper to start working with and this Pansy Petals is no exception.  One side has different pansy motifs and the other side is checks, stripes, and dots in various colors.  

Stamps: Pansy Patch

Cardstock: Basic Black, Soft Succulents, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Pansy Petals

Ink: Memento Black

Accessories:  Layering Circles Dies, Dragonfly Punch, 

Rhinestone Basic Jewels, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Today is another relatively low-key day to try and finish up some ongoing projects.  I am hoping I get lots of stuff done today because tomorrow starts three weeks of whirlwind activity!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 3, 2021

Elegantly Said

Can you say ABSOLUTELY AWESOME???  That is what this Simply Elegant Designer Series Paper is!!  It is just one of the packages of the new designer series paper that is in the new 2021-2022 Annual Idea Book and Catalog.

The photos do not do justice to how beautiful this paper really is!!  The copper and silver combination is pretty spectacular.  You will be sure to want your packet of this week's Cards in the Mail!!

Stamps: Elegantly Said

Cardstock: Basic Black, Smoky Slate, Very Vanilla (Inside)

Designer Series Paper: Simply Elegant 

Accessories:  Potted Succulents Dies, Versamark, 

Metallics Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Simply Elegant Trim, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Today and tomorrow are going to be the calm before the storm of getting ready for many things in the next week, culminating with the trip to Hawaii!!  My plan for today is to start my swaps for Hawaii . . . or at least to get my idea started so that I can finish them early without stressing about getting them done!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 2, 2021

Hand-Penned Petals

Are you ready for a sneak peek at another new stamp set and use of In-Colors?  Did I really need another flower set . . . no . . . but this one is so awesome and I love the sentiments in it!!

 

I am participating in a couple of swaps in the near future, and this is one of them.  I am pretty pleased with the way it turned out.  It will probably be a Make-It-Monday night card as well.

Stamps:  Hand-Penned Petals

Cardstock: Basic White Thick, Fresh Freesia, Basic White

Ink: Memento Black, Fresh Freesia

Stampin' Blends:  Soft Succulents Combo Pack, Pale Papaya Combo Pack, 

Fresh Freesia Combo Pack

Accessories: Scalloped Contour Dies, Painted Texture 3D Embossing Folder, 

Blending Brushes, Genial Gems, 3/8" Soft Succulents Open Weave Ribbon, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

There was a lot of cardstock cutting going on yesterday.  I was also wanting to go out and spray my weeds with my homemade concoction but decided it was too windy to do that.  I have a feeling it will be too windy again today, so I guess it will be cards and baseball for Sunday afternoon.

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 1, 2021

Circle Celebration

This is the last of the cards that I made at Susie's event last Saturday and that everyone made at Make-It-Monday this week.  I really love this Circle Celebration stamp set.  It reminds me of one we had several years back called Circle Circus.  It was always a favorite.

The smeary look is achieved by twisting your stamp just a slight bit without picking it up from the cardstock.  At first I thought I would rather have a clean stamped image, but this really grew on me after I had made the card.  Just gives it a little different look.

Stamps: Circle Celebration, Itty Bitty Birthdays (Retiring)

Cardstock: Night of Navy, Basic White

Ink: Night of Navy

Accessories:  Classic Label Punch (Retiring), 

Frosted & Clear Epoxy Droplets  (Retiring), 3/8" Denim Ribbon, 

Mini Glue Dots

Another beautiful, but windy day!!  I have one of my swaps almost complete and am going to start on my Hawaii swap this afternoon.  I should cut cardstock for a Product Based Cards in the Mail but we shall see if that happens or not!!

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

Happy Stamping!!