August 31, 2021

Party Puffins

I need to up my game when it comes to kid's cards now that I have four littles to make cards for!!  The Penguin Playmates Designer Series Paper, which is a Sale-a-Bration item, will certainly help me do that!!



How did I get that little penguin you right ask?  Well, he is conveniently punched out of the designer series paper with the Penguin Builder Punch.  It does not get simpler than that!!  Layer a little more paper and you have an adorable card!!


Stamps: Party Puffins
Cardstock: Fresh Freesia, Misty Moonlight, Basic White
Designer Series Paper: Penguin Playmates (Sale-a-Bration)
Ink: Misty Moonlight
Accessories:  Penguin Builder Punch, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, 
Stampin' Dimensionals

I am not sure where yesterday went . . . my car needed to go into the shop and when I got home I was all out of my routine.  By the time I realized I had not made a post, it was after supper!!

We had a great time stamping this weekend.  I got several cards made and ideas for some upcoming classes, that I can't wait to share with you.  

Today is going to be a ketchup and mustard kind of day as I have many unfinished projects laying around that need to get done!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

August 27, 2021

Artistically Inked

Funky Folds are always cool and this card that we made at a get-together a month ago is no exception.  


This was the card Lutta brought as her shoebox swap.  Once you have the measurements and get your cardstock scored, it is really an easy card to put together.  I  love trying new folds!!


Stamps: Artistically Inked, Very Versailles
Cardstock: Balmy Blue, Baic White
Ink: Balmy Blue, Just Jade, Fresh Freesia
Accessories:  Stitched So Sweetly Dies, Basic Pearl Jewels

As soon as I am done posting this I am off for an early morning appointment, dropping off some stamp orders, running a couple of errands, and then meeting a friend in North Liberty for a weekend of stamping and visiting!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

August 26, 2021

Craft Show Project #3

Friends Are Like Seashells

I was able to get back to my craft show projects yesterday and finished up these seashell lip balms.  They went together pretty quickly once I was able to sit down and actually work on them!!


Tear and Tape was my best friend with this project.  I tried just using regular adhesive to hold them together, but the Tear and Tape worked the best!!


The hardest part of this whole project was finding the seashell lip balm at my local Dollar Trees.  I was only able to locate five of them, so I guess I will have to be happy with that!!  And believe me . . . .Luetta and I looked at a lot of Dollar Trees in the Iowa City and Cedar Rapids area!!


Stamps: Friends Are Like Seashells
Cardstock: Just Jade, So Saffron, Crumb Cake, Pale Papaya, Basic White
Designer Series Paper: Retired Paper
Ink: Just Jade, So Saffron, Early Espresso, Pale Papaya
Accessories: Layering Circles Dies, Linen Thread



Today I am on to Craft Show Project #4 and gather up what I need to take for my weekend of stamping in Iowa City tomorrow.  It is going to be too hot and muggy to do much else!  I am longing for the cooler days of fall that I know are just ahead.

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

Happy Stamping!!

August 25, 2021

Beauty of Friendship

Today's card is one my friend, Luetta, brought to our demonstrator get-together a while back.

 

The combination of Pool Party and Evening Evergreen is just perfect for this woodsy card.  Even though you don't really see any snow on the card, it reminds me of a snowy scene.


This card is a fun fold card, opening from both sides. . . 


to reveal some beautiful trees on the inside.  I rarely stamp anything on the insides of my cards, but this is perfect!!


Stamps: Beauty of Friendship
Cardstock: Pool Party, Evening Evergreen, Basic White
Ink: Pool Party, Evening Evergreen
Accessories:  Beautiful Trees Dies, Stitched So Sweetly Dies, 
Layering Circles Dies,  Bark 3D Embossing Folder, Metallic Pearls, 
Stampin' Dimensionals


Today is eye doctor day for John . . . we have a morning appointment this time so I hope we are home in time for me to get a little stamping done this afternoon.  You just never know with this eye clinic.  I do have my Nook in my purse so I can always read while we wait.

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

Happy Stamping!!

August 24, 2021

Pretty Pumpkins

This card comes directly from a site I follow . . . Flowerbug's Inkspot.  I believe it was made by someone else in LeeAnn's downline, but I absolutely loved it when I first saw it.  It was also a favorite of everyone stamping last night at Make-It-Monday.


How often do we think this about someone in our lives, but rarely tell them?  This card would be perfect!!  There is quite a bit of coloring on it, but it goes pretty quickly.  And with a change out of sentiment it could be used for several other occasions . . . birthday, thank you, thinking of you.


Stamps: Pretty Pumpkins
Cardstock: Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black, Basic White
Ink: Memento Black
Stampin Blends:  Pumpkin Pie Combo Pack, Old  Olive Combo Pack, 
Soft Suede Combo Pack
Accessories:  Detailed Pumpkin Dies, 2021-2023 In Color Jewels, 
Stampin' Dimensionals

After an early morning hair appointment, I am home for the rest of the day.  I am back to my crafts show projects, hoping to finish up some more of them this week.  Stay tuned for more peeks at them.

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

Happy Stamping!!

August 23, 2021

Texture & Frames

I love cards like this where you make your own background.  The Textures & Frames set reminds me of one that was popular a few years back . . . Gorgeous Grunge.  When I first saw it I hated it, but Hanna was stamping with me at that time and pointed out all of the things that you could do with that stamp set and it became one of my all-time favorites.


I rarely use my regular markers anymore with the advent of the Stampin' Blends.  They do come in handy though when you want to have different colors on the same stamp as I did here.  Just color the stamp with your markers and voila', you have a dual-colored sentiment!!




Stamps: Texture & Frames (Sale-a-Bration), Sunny Sentiments
Cardstock: Granny Apple Green, Balmy Blue, Basic White, Vellum
Ink: Balmy Blue, Granny Apple Green, Night of Navy
Markers:  Night of Navy, Granny Apple Green
Accessories:  Layering Circles Dies, Banners Pick a Punch, 
Basic Rhinestone Jewels, 
Stampin' Dimensionals


Wow . . . the first day of school!  I can't believe I am going into my ninth year of retirement!!  Where oh where does the time go!!  I seem to keep myself busy though!!  Product shares are on the agenda today . . . . I need to get them finished up and in the mail or delivered this week!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

August 23, 2021

Clever Cats

Have you ever ordered a stamp set and then turned around and ordered the same stamp set again??  Such is the case with me and the Clever Cats stamp set.  I was telling my friend, Luetta, about doing that and she showed me this cute card that she had seen on a site she looks at, Stamp With Brian.



I decided that it would be a pretty good Make-It-Monday card!!  Super simple, but very cute!!  I rarely make a card without some type of embellishment, but this is one of them.


Stamps: Clever Cats
Cardstock: Cinnamon Cider, Basic Black, Basic White
Designer Series Paper: 2020-2022 In Color 6" X 6" 
Ink: Memento Black, Cinnamon Cider
Accessories: Layering Circles Dies, Stampin' Dimensionals
 

Yesterday was a very productive day, but I now have about 10 things that I have to finish up today.  First and foremost is getting cardstock cut and ready to go for tomorrow night's Make-it-Monday.  Anything else I happen to get done is just a bonus!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

August 21, 2021

In Your Words

There is nothing better in the stamping world than a FREE stamp set.  In Your Words is a great sentiment stamp set that you can earn with a qualifying order or party.



I have used another one of the Sale-a-Bration products on this card . . . the Beautifully Penned Designer Series Paper.  For all of you black and white lovers out there this paper is perfect.  I decided this time to add a little color with the Blending Brushes and my Stampin' Blends.


Stamps: In Your Words (Sale-a-Bration)
Cardstock: Basic Black, Basic White
Designer Series Paper: Beautifully Penned (Sale-a-Bration)
Ink: Memento Black
Stampin' Blends:  Polished Pink Combo Pack, Daffodil Delight Combo Pack, 
Granny Apple Green Combo Pack
Accessories:  Layering Circles Dies, Blending Brushes, 
Black & White 1/4" Gingham Ribbon, 
Stampin' Dimensionals

Another day at home . . . more projects completed.  Today is also a cardstock cutting kind of day.  I am hoping the Cubs are on TV this afternoon so that I can stuff envelopes while I watch them.

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

August 20, 2021

Craft Show Project #2

Crafts Show Project #2 is complete!!  I have been gathering these small hand cream tubes this summer as my friend, Luetta, and I have been out and about shopping this summer.  Yesterday was the day to get them all packaged up!!

                                           

I tried to get a variety of colors and scents as I was gathering them.  I think I did a pretty decent job of that.  There are actually seven different scents.  I tried to match the packaging to the color of the tube.  I am hoping to find some Christmas-colored ones and maybe some that are black or white in color before I am done.


I am on to another packaging project today so be sure you stay tuned tomorrow.  And of course, listening or watching the Cubs this afternoon!!  

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

Happy Stamping!!

August 19, 2021

Craft Show Project #1

Craft Show Project #1 is complete!!  The Mini Jam Jars that are in the Annual Idea Book and Catalog this year are super cute.  I found some bath salts on one of my shopping trips this summer and decided that they would look super cute in some decorated jars.


I wasn't totally sure how many jars I could fill with one big jar of salts, but it ended up being way more than I thought.  I started out trying to decorate the jars according to the scent, but soon gave up on that and just decided to decorate them however I wanted.


I did end up with seven different scents and about 30 filled jars.  I hope they end up being a good seller and I don't have a lot leftover at the end of the year!!


Today I am moving on to packaging for some small hand creams.  At the rate I am going I will have all of my crafts show items done by the first of the month.  The good news is that I will have them done, but the bad news is that will mean I think I need to come up with some new ideas and will scramble to make them.

Today is also going to be a zucchini bread baking day.  I really should get started on that while it is still relatively cool!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

August 18, 2021

Ornate Thanks

I am sure I will hear from my non-Hawkeye friends, but I sure do love a black and yellow card!!  And what makes this one even better is that the designer series paper is a hostess item in the Annual Idea Book and Catalog!!


Very simple layout, but perfect for a Cards in the Mail card.  Sometimes simple is the very best!!


Stamps: Ornate Thanks
Cardstock: Basic Black, Basic White
Designer Series Paper: Pattern Party
Ink: Memento Black
Accessories:  Matte Black Dots, 
Stampin' Dimensionals

Today is doctor appointment day for John so I think I will spend the morning getting myself organized for upcoming craft shows.  I need to pull out what I already have made and see what items I still need to make packaging for.  I love making little stocking stuffers and things like that.

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

Happy Stamping!!

August 17, 2021

Sweet As A Peach

If you know me well, you know my answer when someone asks me how I am is "Peachy!"  This stamp set . . . Sweet As a Peach . . . is absolutely perfect and I love the sentiment . . . Have a Peachy Day!  When my friend, Luetta, showed me this card from another demonstrator, Brian King, I knew it was one I wanted to include in a Cards in the Mail Packet.


This layout is so simple, yet makes a pretty cool card.  I need to put it in my idea folder to try with some other designer series paper.  Perhaps with some Christmas paper or maybe even some snowflakes.  For right now though, I will just enjoy the warmer peachy weather!!

I always tell everyone that there are no mistakes in stamping only chances for embellishment . . . that is also the case with this card . . . the Holiday Rhinestones are covering up my dots of ink from when I stamped the sentiment.  If I hadn't told you, you would think they were supposed to be there . . . no mistakes . . . only chances for embellishment!!


Stamps: Sweet As a Peach
Cardstock: Balmy Blue, Pale Papaya, Calypso Coral, Basic White
Designer Series Paper: You're a Peach
Ink: Calypso Coral
Accessories:  Picture This Dies, Holiday Rhinestones, 
Stampin' Dimensionals

Wow . . . thinking back eight years, today I would be trying to make the most of my summer vacation knowing I would be starting school tomorrow.  As my son-in-law said when I was reading to the kids last Friday . . . "You can take the teacher out of the classroom, but you can't take the teacher out of the person", because I really think I need to do something today as it is the last day before workdays start.  After a salon appointment when I am done posting this, I may head to Iowa City and just embrace the last day of summer vacation!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

August 16, 2021

Inspired Thoughts

I am certainly in love with all of the plant-like silhouette dies that Stampin' Up! seems to have this fall.  I know I probably do not need them all, but I certainly have them all.  This card, which I found on a site I look at, Stamper Camper, seemed to make the perfect sympathy card.


This is one of this week's Cards In the Mail card.  Even I will probably think I am crazy when I get done getting all of the pieces for this week's cards die cut.  There are certainly a lot of them!!  But I do think that they are all pretty cool.


Stamps: Inspired Thoughts
Cardstock: Basic White Thick, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, Early Espresso, 
Pale Papaya, Basic Whiteapaya, 
Designer Series Paper: Harvest Meadow
Ink:  Early Espresso
Accessories: Harvest Dies, Timeworn Type 3D Embossing Folder, 
Brushed Metallic  Adhesive Backed Dots, 
Stampin' Dimensionals

My own appointment for today has been canceled so today is wide open.  I thought about manufacturing someplace to go or something to do and then decided that I would just continue to plug away at my Christmas craft show projects so that I am not scrambling around during the holiday season.

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

Happy Stamping!!

August 15, 2021

Elegantly Said

I must be on an anniversary roll or something because today's card is also an anniversary one.  It is one that Kathy brought to our get-together a couple of weeks ago as a shoebox swap.




I think this is probably going to be one of this week's Cards in the Mail.  It would actually work for any occasion with a change out of sentiment.


Stamps: Elegantly Said
Cardstock: Basic Gray, Basic Black, Gray Granite, Basic White (Inside)
Designer Series Paper: In Good Taste
Ink: Memento Black
Accessories:  Meadow Dies, Matte Black Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals

I think today is going to be a pretty low-key day.  John and I had talked about taking a ride somewhere this afternoon, but couldn't decide on a place to go so will probably end up staying home doing what we usually do . . . he paints . . . I craft.
Every day is a gift . . . make the most of the gift you have been given today!!

Happy Stamping!!

August 14, 2021

Art Gallery

I love a good set of leaf dies and the Intricate Leaves Dies are no exception.  And lately, I seem to be intrigued by the mixing of metallic colors.


This would make an awesome guys birthday card . . . or maybe even a sympathy card.  


Stamps: Gorgeous Leaves, Art Gallery
Cardsto Stampin' Dimensionalsck: Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, Brushed Metallic Specialty Paper
Designer Series Paper: In Good Taste
Ink: Night of Navy, Early Espresso
Accessories:   Intricate Leaves Dies, Scalloped Contours Dies, 
Brushed Metallic Adhesive-Backed Dies, 
Fine Art Ribbon, Mni Glue Dots,
Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterday's visit with the kids was awesome.  I spent a good share of the day with kids crawling all over me and I loved it.


Of course, sharing Clifford  whether in Spanish or English, was a big hit.  I loved hearing Johan reading in Spanish.


We had a take-out supper and then headed for home.  It was a great day!!




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

Happy Stamping!!

August 13, 2021

Elegantly Said

Today's card, which comes from a swap I received from my friend, Janeen, seems perfectly appropriate for today.  John and I are celebrating our 32nd anniversary today.


I love the way the mixed metallic colors all seem to come together on this card.  The Simply Elegant Designer Series Paper is pretty awesome when it comes to this!!


Stamps: Elegantly said
Cardstock: Basic Gray, Basic Black, Basic White,  Gold Foil
Designer Series Paper: Simply Elegant
Accessories: Potted Succulents Dies, Elegant Punch, Parisian Flourish Embossing Folder, 
Sprig Punch, Versamark, 
Metallics Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Gold 1/4" Shimmer Ribbon, 
Simply Elegant Trim, 
Stampin' Dimensionals

Today is going to be a pretty special day as we are headed off to Adel after my early morning doctor's appointment.  We are anxious to spend a little time with Hanna and Jake and those four grandchildren after they have been home for a while.  A pretty special way to spend an anniversary, if you ask me!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

August 12, 2021


If you haven’t heard already, Paper Pumpkin is our monthly One-Stop Box™ that offers a wide variety of unique paper crafting projects for subscribers of any skill level! These themed, all-inclusive craft kits encourage you to explore your creativity, try new techniques, and discover your paper crafting potential!

So, what’s in store for this month’s kit?

About the September Kit:

  • Kit contains enough supplies to create 12 treat packages—4 each of 3 designs. The all-inclusive kit includes printed die-cut boxes, die-cut sheets, adhesive, and more!
  • Finished treat box size: 2-1/2″ x 2″ (6.4 x 5.1 cm)
  • Includes an exclusive stamp set and a Classic Stampin’ Spot
Coordinating colors: Basic Black, Pale Papaya, Poppy Parade, Pumpkin Pie, Soft Succulent

Order yours today!!

Yesterday turned out to be a pretty good organizational day!!  I actually managed to get all of my past Paper Pumpkin Kits organized into my pouches so that I can grab them and go when I want to craft on the run.  Each pouch contains everything I need, including stamps and ink, as well as glue dots, dimensional, and adhesive.  Hopefully, this will help me get caught up on my monthly paper crafting!!


Today is a zucchini bread baking and appointment kind of day!!  I hope to get lots of bread baked before leaving for my knee appointment this afternoon.



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

Happy Stamping!!

August 11, 2021

Forever Fern

Once again, I used a card that I received as a swap for a Make-it-Monday night card.  This card was made by a fellow demonstrator, Betty, and shared at our get-together last weekend.  I did change it up just a bit, but not much.

 

Betty originally had a stamped piece of cardstock down the right-hand side, but I used a  piece the Tidings of Christmas Designer Series Paper.  The colors were perfect and I wanted to show that this paper would work for many occasions . . . not just Christmas.


Stamps: Forever Fern, Peaceful Moments
Cardstock: Soft Succulent, Evening Evergreen, Basic White
Designer Series Paper: Tidings of Christmas
Ink: Soft Succulent, Evening Evergreen, Pear Pizzazz
Accessories: 2021-2023 In Color Jewels


Today is going to be an organizing kind of day.  I got some back-to-school pencil pouches very economically and am going to organize my undone Paper Pumpkin Kits in them rather than the orange boxes.  That way when I go somewhere they will be much easier to grab and pack!!  And they won't take up near as much room in my stamping room!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

August 10, 2021

Delicate Dahlias

There is nothing better than FREE stamps . . . well yes there is . . . FREE stamps that you REALLY like!!  Such is the case with the Delicate Dahlias stamp set that is one of the Fall Sale-a-Bration offerings.


My Stamp-a-ratus really came in handy when making this card.  I stamped the outline of the dahlia with Gorgeous Grape ink and then the inside of the dahlia with Highland Heather.  I then took a sponge dauber and daubed on a little Gorgeous Grape on the inside dahlia stamp to give it a little more dimension.  I thought it turned out great!!  And how can you go wrong with a purple and green card . . . one of my favorite combinations.


Stamps: Delicate Dahlias (Sale-a-Bration)
Cardstock: Basic Gray, Gorgeous Grape, Basic White
Ink: Gorgeous Grape, Highland Heather, Just Jade
Accessories:  Checks & Dots Embossing Folder, Stamparatus, 
Highland Heather 1/2" Gros Grain Ribbon, Double Oval Punch, 
Stampin' Dimensionals

Today's plans include one last lunch out with my friend, Luetta, before she has to head back to school.  I have several things on my list to get while we are in town, so I am sure a little shopping will be included with lunch.

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

Happy Stamping!!

August 9, 2021

Penned Petals

I love love love black and white cards!!  That is why you will be seeing a lot of this Sale-a-Bration Paper, Beautifully Penned.  There are 12 awesome patterns of black and white in the FREE pack.  You will surely want some for yourself!!


The whole front of this card is embossed with the Tateful Textile 3D Embossing Folder.  It is much easier for me to cut a quarter of a sheet of cardstock and emboss that than it is for me to try and emboss just half of the card.  I also like the inside of my card to be smooth so it takes care of that issue as well!!


Stamps: Hand Penned Petals, Artistically Inked
Cardstock: Smoky Slate, Basic Black, Basic White
Designer Series Paper: Beautifully Penned (Sale-a-Bration)
Ink: Memento Black
Stampin' Blends:  Smoky Slate Combo Pack, Light Basic Black
Accessories:  Layering Circles Dies, Tasteful Textile 3D Embossing Folder, 
Matte Black Dots, 
Stampin' Dimensionals

Everything is cut, stuffed into envelopes, gathered into baskets, and sitting by the back door waiting to be loaded into the car for Make-It-Monday tonight.  I am hoping to decide what to do with the remaining garage sale items (except stamps and dies) today and get that corner of my kitchen back to normal.

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

Happy Stamping!!

August 8, 2021

Nature's Harvest

The August-December 2021 Mini Catalog has so much to offer . . . and this Nature's Harvest and Harvest Dies Bundle is just one of the many cool bundles.  Whether you are a Christmas cardmaker, a Halloween junkie, or just a fall lover, there is something for you!!



This card, which was a shoebox swap brought by my friend, Dawn, to our get-together last weekend is one of the cards made with one of the awesome fall bundles.


Stamps: Nature's Harvest
Cardstock: Soft Succulent, Night of Navy, Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake
Designer Series Paper:  Cork Specialty Paper
Ink: Early Espresso
Stampin' Blends:  Soft Succulent Combo Pack, Soft Suede Combo Pack, 
Daffodil Delight Combo Pack, Pumpkin Pie Combo Pack
Accessories:  Harvest Dies, Timeworn Type 3D Embossing Folder, Versamark, 
Basic Embossing Powders, Heat Tool, 
Linen Thread, 
Stampin' Dimensionals

Today is a cardstock cutting kind of day.  If it is as warm and muggy as yesterday was, then it is going to be a good day to stay inside and keep cool.  Hopefully, everything will be cut and ready to stuff into envelopes tonight as I watch the Cubs again.  Yes, I still love than even though they are not doing so good right now!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

August 7, 2021

Shaded Summer

Fall colors and fall card making have to be among my favorite time of the year to make cards.  I know I probably say that about whatever season we happen to be in!!  This was the card swap that I took last week to our stamping get-together.   I love the fact that the stamp set now has dies that coordinate with it, and it is even better because they are free during Sale-a-Bration with a qualifying order.


There is definitely a lot of coloring on this card but it goes pretty quickly.  I think I colored the 20 flowers I needed for my swap in less than 15 minutes.


Just because I get tired of the same folds, I made this one a z-card fold.


Stamps: Shaded Summer
Cardstock: Mossy Meadow, Pale Papaya, Basic White
Ink: Memento Black
Stampin Blends:  Calypso Coral dark, Mango Melody Dark, 
Old Olive Dark, Pale Papaya Dark
Accessories:  Scalloped Contour Dies, Summer Shadow Dies (SAB), 
Macrame 3D Embossing Folder, 2021-2023 In Color Jewels, 
Pale Papaya 3/8" Open Weave Ribbon, Mini Glue Dots, 
Stampin' Dimensionals

There is nothing to do today other than to figure out what cards I want to make Monday night at Make-It-Monday.  I have some of the cards figured out but am undecided on a couple of them.  And of course, I want to watch the Cubs on TV this afternoon, even if they did trade away all of my favorite players!!

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

Happy Stamping!!