October 31, 2021

Nature's Harvest

Today's card is a shoebox swap I made at an event I attended and was brought by my friend, Jenni Olson.   

I must say, I truly do miss the Triple Banner Punch and used it to flag the ends of two of the strips of paper.  There are some retired products that I will keep forever and this is one of them.  

There are also several other stamps in this set, but it seems like this flower stamp is the only one I use other than the sentiments.  Do you ever have a stamp set like that . . . where one stamp is well-loved and the others go unused and unloved?

Stamps: Nature's Harvest

Cardstock: Misty Moonlight, Basic White

Designer Series Paper:  Harvest Meadow, Cork

Ink: Memento Black

Stampin' Blends:  Soft Suede Combo Pack, Calypso Coral Combo Pack, 

Old Olive Combo Pack

Accessories:  Harvest Dies, Layering Circles Dies,  

Linen Thread, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

I am sure you did not hear me cheering for the Hawks yesterday as there was not a lot to cheer about . . . but I love them just the same.  

Today will see a lot of cardstock cutting as I am having several events this week and there is a LOT to cut!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

October 30, 2021

Gorgeous Leaves

One of the things I love most about fall is the colorful leaves so of course, I had to make a card with them.  This Gorgeous Leaves set is one you will want to add to your collection of stamps sets if you haven't already.

This was one of the simpler cards that everyone made last Monday at Make-It Monday.  As with a lot of cards, with a change out of sentiment, it would work for many occasions.  The Heartfelt Wishes is another great stamp set that I use a lot because of its size and font.

Stamps: Gorgeous Leaves, Heartfelt Wishes

Cardstock: Pear Pizzazz, Basic White

Ink: Memento Black, Pear Pizzazz, Bumblebee, Calypso Coral

Accessories:  Champagne Rhinestones

It is great to see the sun shining this morning.  I am kind of tired of cold dreary fall days . . . .but I guess I should be glad that we haven't had any snow yet this year.  If you hear cheering from the Wilson household today then you will know that the Hawks are winning their football game.

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

Happy Stamping!!

October 29, 2021

Pansy Patch

Sometimes you just need a simple little card to tell someone hello.  This one would be perfect!!

I used the Picture This Die set to die cut the designer series paper and then again to position the three rectangles.  As I am sitting here typing this I am envisioning all different kinds of cards . . . I can't wait to try it with Christmas paper and sentiment.

Stamps: Pansy Patch

Cardstock: Soft Succulent, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Tidings of  Christmas

Ink: Evening Evergreen

Accessories:  Picture This Dies, Tasteful Textile 3D Embossing  Folder, 

Matte Decorative Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterday I worked on craft show stuff all day long.  It is amazing how much I can get done when I just make up my mind to do it.  Today looks to be another gray day, so it will be another day of crafting craft show things.

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

Happy Stamping!!

October 28, 2021

Time of Giving

One of the shoebox swaps I took to the stamping retreat last weekend was these covered pumpkins from Dollar Tree. Did you know Dollar Tree is a stamper's best friend??

I had made some of these for my buffet a few weeks ago.  You can see those here.

I just love how these all turn out and they are so inexpensive to make!!

Stamps:  Time of Giving, 

Cardstock: Garden Green, Old Olive, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Harvest Meadow

Ink: Memento Black

Accessories:  Intricate Leaves Dies, Tailor Made Tags, 

Ornate Garden Ribbon (Clearance Rack), 

3.8" Diamond Weave Ribbon, 3/8" Fine Art Ribbon

After an early morning hair appointment, the rest of this rainy day is going to be spent working on craft show projects.  My two craft shows will be here before you know it so I had better get busy.

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

Happy Stamping!!

October 26, 2021

Beauty of Tomorrow

Today's card again features the Blackberry Beauty Designer Series Paper.  Right now it is out of stock but another shipment is expected soon!!

Super simple card because the paper does all of the work for you!!  I love cards like this and they are perfect for Cards in the Mail cards.  I tried putting a lighter strip across the card and stamping in Blackberry Bliss ink but decided that I liked the Blackberry Bliss strip embossed with white the best.

Stamps: Beauty of Tomorrow

Cardstock: Blackberry Bliss,  Rich Razzleberry, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Blackberry Beauty

Ink: 

Accessories: Versamark, Basic Embossing Powders,  Heat Tool, 

Treasured Tags Pick a Punch, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Today is going to be laundry day.  My washing machine is being fixed as I type.  It started making a funny sound a couple of weeks ago and it took a while to get the part and to get it fixed.  I guess there is an upside to having so many clothes . . . I didn't have to go to the laundromat (which I hate)!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

October 25, 2021

Inspired Thoughts

Butterflies might be gone till next spring, but they are still good on cards!!  

The shimmer vellum is so much prettier in person than it is on the card.  The picture just does not do it justice.  This would be the perfect card for just about any occasion with a changeout of sentiment.  There is a lot of die-cutting using dies from many sets, but they all seem to work together!!

Stamps: Inspired Thoughts

Cardstock: Pale Papaya, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: 2021-2023 In Color Shimmer Vellum

Accessories:  Brilliant Wings Dies, Frightful Tags Dies, 

Layering Circles Dies, Macrame 3D Embossing Folder, 

Versamark, Basic Embossing Powders, 

Heat Tool, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, 

Mini Stampin' Dimensionals

The weekend stamping retreat was a lot of fun.  I am not sure I have laughed as much as we did Saturday night in a long time!!!  Today I need to finish getting stuff ready for Make-It-Monday tonight and putting stuff away from the weekend!

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

Happy Stamping!!

October 22, 2021

Biggest Wish

I think the Biggest Wish stamp set has probably gotten the most use of all the new stamp sets in the Annual Idea Book and Catalog.  It is so versatile and I love the size and variety of the fonts in the sentiments.  If you don't have this stamp set, you surely need it!!

There is a fair amount of die-cutting with this card, but it is worth it!!  A perfectly simple card to send a friend to let them know you are thinking about them.

Stamps: Biggest Wish

Cardstock: Basic White Thick, Cinnamon Cider, So Saffron, 

Soft Succulent, Basic White

Ink: Cinnamon Cider

Accessories:  Intricate Leaves Dies, Banners Pick a Punch, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Cutting cardstock, cleaning my trunk out, and packing are on the agenda for today.  I am heading to a stampin' retreat this afternoon when school is out and my friend, Luetta, gets here.  We will be spending the weekend in some cabins with 12 of our other stamping friends.  A great time of stamping and being together is in store for us!!  There is no Internet access where we are going so there will be no posts on Saturday or Sunday.  Stay tuned next week to see all of the cool things we make!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

October 21, 2021

Cutest Halloween

I am not sure where the month of October is going but if you wanted to send out Halloween cards, you should probably be getting that done.  The Cutest Halloween stamp set makes that very easy.

I adhered all of my circles to the black cardstock and then ran it all through the Stampin' Cut & Emboss machine to achieve this look.  I haven't used that technique in years but thought it would look great on this card.  Any embossing folder would work . . . I just happened to grab the Bark 3D one.

Stamps: Cutest Halloween

Cardstock: Pumpkin Pie, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Hand Penned (Retired Sale-a-Bration Paper)

Ink: Memento Black, Pumpkin Pie

Accessories:  Picture This Dies, Layering Circle Dies, 

Bark 3D Embossing Folder, Matte Black Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Today looks to be a cold dreary fall day!!  What better thing to do than stay inside and get supplies ready for the retreat I am going to this weekend.  I have a fair amount of cardstock cutting to do, so my blanket and my book will have to wait until I am done!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

October 20, 2021

Cutest Halloween

The Cute Halloween Designer Series Paper has so many cool images that you can use without using a larger piece of the paper.   

I just fussy cut the skeleton heads out of the paper with my snips.  I don't normally think of pink as a Halloween color but it sure works with the cheeks on the skeletons.  I can also see that these Picture This Dies sure need to get more work!!

Stamps: Cutest Halloween

Cardstock: Basic Black, Flirty  Flamingo, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Cute Halloween

Stampin' Blends". Flirty Flamingo Combo Pack (to color ribbon)

Accessories:  Picture This Dies, Versamark, Basics Embossing Powder, 

Heat Tool, Black & White 1/4" Gingham Ribbon, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

As soon as I am done posting this John and I are out the door for his monthly eye appointment and injection.  Since they are notoriously slow in that clinic we will get home whenever we get home!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

October 19, 2020

In Symmetry

This week's Cards in the Mail have used a combination of things from the Annual Idea Book and Catalog as well as things that are from the Holiday Mini Catalog.  Today's card features all products from the annual catalog.

I am not big on pattern mixing, but this designer series paper pack makes it very easy to do.  The smaller pattern in the Bumblebee piece complements the bolder pattern of the blue quite well.  As I am sitting here typing I am now imagining all sorts of Christmas cards using this layout and different Christmas papers.  How easy would that be to mass-produce your Christmas cards?

Stamps: In Symmetry

Cardstock: Basic White Thick, Baic White

Designer Series Paper: Sweet Symmetry

Ink: Just Jade

Accessories:  Scalloped Contours Dies, Bumblebee 1/4" Gingham Ribbon, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

As soon as I am done posting this I am off to Iowa City to get my seasonal flu shot and to pick up some things I need for a stampin' retreat I am going to this weekend.  My goal is to get back home by noon so I can spend the afternoon cutting cardstock and stamping.

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

Happy Stamping!!

October 18, 2021

Inspired Thoughts

After celebrating 7 birthdays this weekend, I guess I am still in the birthday mode!!

This card, which is one of this week's Cards in the Mail, is super simple, but the designer series paper makes it oh so special.  It comes straight from a site I follow . . . Stamp With Tracy.  The Blackberry Beauty Designer Series Paper is absolutely awesome.  Stampin' Up! really outdid themselves with this pack.

Stamps: Basic White Thick, Blackberry Bliss, Basic White

Designer Series Paper:  Blackberry Beauty

Ink: Blackberry Bliss

Accessories:  Tasteful Labels Dies, Gilded Gems,

Stampin' Dimensionals

Today is going to be a reading day.  I have our family zoom book club tonight and I still need to get the book finished . . . there are worse ways to spend a day than with a cup of coffee, your feet up, reading a good book!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

October 17, 2021

Gorgeous Leaves

Gorgeous Leaves . . . both in nature and on cards . . . what could be better!!  Today would be an awesome day to go leaf-looking!!  

Although it doesn't show up too well in the photo, the sentiment is embossed with copper embossing powder and really adds to the card.  Very rarely do I make a card with no embellishments on it, but I think the embossed sentiment is enough.

Stamps: Gorgeous Leaves

Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Basic White

Ink: Crushed Curry, Cajun Craze, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede

Accessories:  Intricate Leaves Dies, Versamark, 

Metallics Embossing Folder, Heat Tool, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

A great day was had by all yesterday as well continued our birthday celebration.

The one moment when they were all still enough that we could kind of take a photo!!

I think she liked her hair bow and sweatsuit . . . 

but she was totally tired out after lunch!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

October 16, 2021

Cutest Halloween

I don't normally send Halloween cards, but with this Cute Halloween Designer Series Paper and littles to now make cards for, I may have to start!!

The punch that coordinates with this paper is on backorder and has been for a while but no worries . . . . I just used my paper snips to fussy cut the pumpkin and the cat . . . easy peasy!!

Stamps: Cutest Halloween

Cardstock: Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, Highland Heather, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Cut Halloween

Ink: Memento Black

Accessories: Cute Adhesive Stars, Stampin' Dimensionals

Our birthday celebration weekend got off to a great start last night!!  We started with dinner and it only went up from there!!

I think it would be safe to say that they like their light-up shoes.  They were on their feet within seconds of them opening their boxes!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

October 15, 2021

Reflected in Nature

A couple of weeks ago I went to a stamping event put on by my friend, Susie.  This is one of the cards that we made there. I had been wanting to see this stamp set in action and her card did not disappoint!!

It uses a little more cardstock than your ordinary card but is so cool when you open it as it opens from both sides to real your message.

The stamp itself is a disINKtive stamp, which means that the light and dark shading are already there.  All you do is stamp it one time and you get this awesome look.

Stamps: Reflected in Nature

Cardstock: Soft Suede, Sahara Sand, Basic White

Ink: Soft Suede

Accessories:  Timber 3D Embossing Folder, Banners Pick a Punch, 

Linen Thread, Mini Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals

Each day is certainly an adventure.  It was exactly one year ago today the Hanna and Jake got a call from their adoption agency that changed their lives and ours!!  Each and every day since then has certainly been an adventure.  And it continues tonight as they are all coming for the weekend to celebrate the many many birthdays we have in the fall.  I can't wait!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

October 14, 2021

Festive & Bright

I always loved to color when I was a kid so of course, it carries over to me as an adult.  There is something relaxing about it, I think.  So this card was right up my alley as there is certainly a lot of coloring on it.

The Cute Halloween Paper is just as it says . . . cute.  I am not sure there is anything very spooky about any of the patterns in this pack of paper.  But I think it sure is a cute card!!

Stamps: Festive &n Bright

Cardstock: Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Cute Halloween

Ink: Memento Black

Stampin' Blends:  Highland Heather Combo Pack, Daffodil Delight Combo Pack, 

Cinnamon Cider Combo Pack, Old Olive Combo Pack, 

Basic Black Combo Pack, Smoky Slate Combo Pack, 

Pumpkin Pie Combo Pack

Accessories:  Festive Finishes Dies, Matte Black Dots, 

Black 1/4" Black & White Gingham Ribbon, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Today is birthday gift wrapping day . . . I am not the fastest wrapper in town and when you are doing all four at once and a couple of presents each . . . it might take me a while!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

October 13, 2021

Little Delights

Who is ready for Halloween card-sending??  If you don't have yours done yet, try this super simple black and white card.

I used the Picture This Dies to die cut the white circles and then again for placement onto the textured Basic Black cardstock.  I then filled in the spaces with some of the Frightfully Cute Designer Series Paper.  Think how cute this would be with some other Halloween stamps and maybe a little Pumpkin Pie cardstock or ink!

Stamps: Little Delights

Cardstock: Basic Black, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Cute Halloween

Ink: Memento Black

Accessories: Picture This Dies, Tasteful Textile 3D Embossing Folder, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Rain Rain Rain . . . I know we need it but I am tired of it!!  I guess after my grocery shopping trip I will just have to stay in and craft!!  I have several projects in the works, not all of them stamping-related, so I guess I am grateful for the time to work on them.  

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

Happy Stamping!!

October 12, 2021

Happiest of Birthdays

Sometimes simple is good.   If you need a lot of birthday cards quick and easy then this is the one for you.  The designer series paper has many colors you can draw from for your card base.

This is one of the cards that everyone made last night at Make-It-Monday.  I had several other more time-consuming cards so needed a quick and easy one to balance things out.  The sentiment is large enough that is can stand on its own and with a few simple embellishments you are good to go!!

Stamps: Happiest of Birthdays

Cardstock: Flirty Flamingo, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Pattern party

Ink: Flirty Flamingo

Accessories:  Basic Rhinestone Jewels, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Today is going to be another baseball watching day!!  I might as well get my fix in now since there will soon be no more games.  Crafting in my lap and baseball on TV . . . life is good!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

October 11, 2021

Frightfully Cute

Last year someone ask me if I would do a Halloween Cards in the Mail Class so I did and it was so popular that I decided to try it again this year.  This is one of the cards that will be in the packet.

This quick & easy fun fold is a great way to showcase our double-sided Designer Series Papers as well as use up some scraps from your stash!

This is a Crossover Gate Fold Card, which opens from both sides to reveal the inside and the area for your message.  It looks way more difficult than it actually is!!

Stamps: Frightfully Cute

Cardstock: Basic Black, Highland Heather, Flirty Flamingo, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Cute Halloween, Black Glitter Paper

Accessories:  Frightful Tags Dies, Versamark, 

Basic Embossing Powders, Heat Tool, 

Silver & Clear Epoxy Essentials, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Rain Rain Rain . . . . good thing I have plenty to do to keep me busy inside today.  I need to finish getting everything ready for Make-It-Monday tonight and finish up the Halloween Cards in the Mail Class.

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

Happy Stamping!!

October 10, 2021

Peaceful Cabin

Thursday was the first Thursday of the month so of course, it was Technique/Stamp Club.  One of the techniques we worked with was a funky fold . . . The 6-Panel Tower Card.  This too was a card I made a couple of weeks ago when I attended the Stampin' Sisters Holiday Hoopla.

When laying flat the card looks like an ordinary card . . . but wait . . . it is NOT!!

Looking from the top of the card you can see the cylinder with the spokes coming out of the six sides.

One panel has the sentiment, and then the alternating larger panels have a cabin scene or an evergreen scene.  The smaller panels are also from the same pack of paper but are lighter in color so you could write on them if you wanted to.  I probably would not make a whole lot of these cards, but they are fun to experiment with and seem to be very popular right now.

Stamps: Peaceful Cabin

Cardstock: Smoky Slate, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Peaceful Place

Ink: Smoky Slate

Accessories:  Simply Scored

Wow . . . Holy Moly . . . .I think my heart rate is somewhat back to normal after the great Hawkeye win last night.  What a great day to be an Iowa football fan!!!  

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

Happy Stamping!!