November 28, 2023

So Sincere

Today I am again using the So Sincere stamp set along with the All About Autumn Designer Series Paper to share this masculine birthday card with you.  This is one that my friend made for me when I could not go and she attended a Sister's retreat back in September.

The woodgrain pattern in this designer series paper is absolutely perfect for guy cards!!  I love the vertical orientation of the sentiment . . . we don't have very many stamps that are oriented that way!!  This particular sentiment stamp is one you will want to add to your stash for sure!!

Stamps: So Sincere

Cardstock: Early Espresso, Copper Clay, Very Vanilla Thick, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: All About Autumn

Ink : Early Espresso

Accessories: Banners Pick a Punch, Copper & Natural Ribbon Combo Packs,

Stampin' Dimensionals

Posting and Cards in the Mail might be a bit sporadic for the next little while.  The cumulative effects of the chemo seem to be creeping up on me and I have been sleeping a lot saving up my energy for the trip to the Big Ten Championship Football Game this weekend.  I actually had a hard time going to sleep last night so I must be getting caught up.  I have to go to Iowa City today to pick up some prescriptions so am hoping I can stay awake all day today, but we shall see.  I guess I need to get sleep when I can get it!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 26, 2023

Autumn Leaves

Today I am sharing another one of the cards that Susie gave me from her Holiday Extravaganza.  I truly do have a grateful heart to be able to celebrate another Thanksgiving!!

This is a super simple card where the paper does all of the work for you once again.  Add a little jute trim for an embellishment and you are done!!

Stamps: Autumn Leaves

Cardstock: Cajun Craze, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: All About Autumn

Ink: Cajun Craze

Accessories: 2023-2025 In-Color Jute Trim, Mini Glue Dots

Stampin' Dimensionals

The last two days have definitely been resting days.  The chemo I got on Friday always zaps me for a couple of days and I have learned just to go with it and if I feel like sleeping then that is what I do.  I did get home from the hospital a day early again this time and slept very well at home.  

Hanna, Jake, and the kids are coming today as well as Julie and Jason and we are going to celebrate Thanksgiving!  I may not move farther than my recliner!!  LOL

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 23, 2023

So Sincere

Today's card still features the So Sincere stamp set and the All About About Autumn Designer Series paper. It is one that was provided by my friend, Susie, that everyone made at her Holiday Extravaganza and that I put together during my last hospital stay.  

There are lots of leaves to die cut and some dry embossing with the Leaf Fall 3D Embossing Folder.  This embossing folder is not one that is an online exclusive and the only place you can see it is online.  It is not in print form anywhere and not in any of the current catalogs.

Stamps: So Sincere

Cardstock: Cos!!pper Clay, Early Espresso, Pumpkin Pie, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: All About Autumn, Oxidized Copper

Ink: Early Espresso

Accessories: Autumn Leaves Dies, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Greetings again from 3344 JCP UIHC.  I have already posted this picture on Facebook but I have to post it again because I just love this shirt and I am so thankful for these four little blessings.  They definitely remind me why I am doing what I am doing.  

I have already been for a walk, am watching the Macy's Day parade, and am looking forward to the traditional Thanksgiving dinner that is on the patient menu for the noon meal.  This afternoon will bring a little reading, another walk, Hawkeye basketball, and finally some stitching.  My methotrexate levels are falling quickly this time so I am anticipating definitely being by Saturday or Sunday . . . which was the original plan but then we got a little later start with chemo so I wasn't sure it would work out.  Sure am glad it is.

Yesterday I took part in the arts and crafts group they are trying to get started on this unit for patients that are here for extended periods of time.  Let's just say it is a good thing I am a card maker and not a painter of ceramics.

I will proudly display my pumpkin in years to come to remind me of my journey to health once again and the part this pumpkin played in that journey.

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 22, 2023

So Sincere

Once again I am sharing one of this week's Cards in the Mail.  This week's cards feature the So Sincere stamp set and the All About Autumn Designer Series Paper.  This is one of the cards that came from a stamping retreat in September that I was not able to attend but a friend stamped up all of my cards for me! 

This is a super simple thinking-of-you card that uses the retired 1 1/2" Circle Punch.  Super simple to mass reproduce to you have a stash at home to use when you need them!!

Stamps: So Sincere

Cardstock: Early Espresso, Copper Clay, Very Vanilla Thick, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: All About Autumn

Ink : Early Espresso

Accessories: 1 1/2" Circle Punch (retired), 1 3/4" Circle Punch, Copper & Natural Ribbon Combo Packs,

Stampin' Dimensionals

It's been a good morning already on 3JCP.  I have already talked to my brothers about the fact that I did get football tickets for the championship game in Indianapolis in two weeks, methotrexate infusion done for this group of infusions, breakfast ordered and a 20-minute walk taken, bed made and reading the newspaper and listening to Christmas music.   Once my post is done I plan to read a little and then move on to stitching!!  All while my Christmas music is playing!!

 

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 21, 2023

So Sincere

Once again I am sharing one of this week's Cards in the Mail.  This week's cards feature the So Sincere stamp set and the All About Autumn Designer Series Paper.  This is one of the cards that came from a stamping retreat in September that I was not able to attend but a friend stamped up all of my cards for me! 

I am surely glad I bought extra of this paper when it was available.  It was actually a fluke that I ended up with as much as I did.  There was one night when I was in the hospital in September that I must not have been able to sleep because I sure did a lot of online shopping . . . some I remember and some I do not.  Ordering numerous packages of this paper is one thing I do not remember. . . but I sure have put it to good use . . . especially since it is now sold out and has been for a while!!

Stamps: So Sincere

Cardstock: Early Espresso, Copper Clay, Very Vanilla Thick, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: All About Autumn

Ink : Early Espresso

Accessories: 2" Circle Punch, 1 3/4" Circle Punch, Copper & Natural Ribbon Combo Packs,

Mini Glue Dots,

Stampin' Dimensionals

Today is a doctor's appointment and admission day.  My bags are packed and I guess I am ready to go.  With all of the football and basketball games that are going to be on TV this time I am not taking much with me to do . . . just my stitching and my Nook.  I am sure I will keep busy though!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 20, 2023

So Sincere

Today I am sharing one of this week's Cards in the Mail.  This week's cards feature the So Sincere stamp set and the All About Autumn Designer Series Paper.  This is one of the cards that came from a stamping retreat in September that I was not able to attend but a friend stamped up all of my cards for me!  

The beautiful papers do all of the work for you and the Copper Ribbon from the Copper & Natural Ribbon Combo Pack is the perfect accent.  The circle punches for the sentiment make this card very easily duplicatable.

Stamps: So Sincere

Cardstock: Early Espresso, Copper Clay, Very Vanilla Thick, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: All About Autumn

Ink: Early Espresso

Accessories: 2" Circle Punch, 2 3/8" Circle Punch, Copper & Natural Ribbon Combo Packs,

Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterday, I met a friend for lunch and ended up doing some Christmas shopping while I was out. It was quite obvious that I hadn't been out in a while, as I made several impulse buys. However, since I was already out, I decided to make the most of it and grabbed a bunch of stocking stuffers and small gifts. It definitely felt good to be out and about!

Today will be a laundry and packing-for-hospital stay kind of day!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 19, 2023

Construction Zone

Today I am sharing another card I received while in the hospital.  This one is from my friend, Jenni.

This is the perfect stamp set to get if you have boys that like to play in the dirt with toy trucks, but as you can see it makes a pretty awesome thinking of you card as well.  All I can say is that Jenni has way more patience than I do to piece all of those strips together going in all different directions.

Stamps: Construction Zone

Cardstock: Basic Black, Crushed Curry, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Delightfully Eclectic

Ink: Memento Black

Accessories:  Classic Matte Dots, Baker's Twine Essentials Pack, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterday was a great day all the way around.  Hanna, Jake, and the kids got here mid-morning and we got all of the Christmas trees and other decorations put up and all totes put back down in the basement.  We ordered in for lunch and sat and visited for a while.  Then came the Hawkeye game.  For three and a half quarters I sat glued to the TV willing them to score.  We finally gave up and Hanna and I went to Subway to get some sandwiches.  Wouldn't you know it . . . they scored while our sandwiches were being made.  I did manage to get home to see the closing seconds of the game.  Needless to say I am super excited to possibly being headed to Indianapolis in a couple of weeks.

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 18, 2023

Seasonal Branches

Today I am sharing a card I received from a friend, Dawn, while I was in the hospital.  I think I have the supplies correct, but I was totally guessing!!

I have not used the Abundant Beauty Decorative Masks personally, but I have seen a lot of cute things made with them.  I sure do wish they were carrying over to the next catalog, but alas, they are not.  

Stamps: Seasonal Branches

Cardstock: Early Espresso, Basic White, Very Vanilla

Ink: Early Espresso, Crushed Curry, Pumpkin Pie, Cajun Craze, Old Olive, Mossy Meadow

Accessories:  Stylish Shapes dies, Painted Texture 3D Embossing Folder, 

Abundant Beauty Decorative Masks, Brushed Brass Butterflies, 

Silver Threaded Twine, Blending Brushes,  

Stampin' Dimensionals

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas . . . or at least it will after Hanna and Jake get here and before they go home this evening.  They are coming over to decorate for Christmas.  I was not going to do it this year and Hanna decided that was NOT a good idea . . . so decorate it is.  I know I will enjoy it once it is all done!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 17, 2023

Pick of the Patch

Today I am sharing one of the cards I received while I was in the hospital in September.  It did have a Post-it Note with a message and who is was from but evidently I did not keep that so have no idea who to give credit to!!

These pumpkins are adorable and the punch complements them perfectly. It's disappointing that I couldn't share more ideas with this stamp set and punch due to lack of in-person classes this fall.

Stamps: Pick of the Patch

Cardstock: Copper Cay, Pumpkin Pie, very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: 2023-2025 In Color 6" X 6"

Ink: Pumpkin Pie, Garden Green, Copper Cay

Accessories:  Pick of the Patch Builder Punch, 2023-2025 In Color Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Today was supposed to be a day of rest at home, but I have decided to explore the nearby local shops and boutiques that are part of the Rural Road Trip happening this weekend. It's a great opportunity to get some Christmas shopping done without being in crowded places and still be close to home in case I get tired. I can sense that I'm feeling better as I'm spending less time at home sitting in my recliner!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 16, 2023

Fruitful Blessings

Today I have another one of the card Susie gave me to put together while in the hospital.  This one uses the Fruitful Blessings stamp set and the gorgeous All About Autumn Designer Series Paper.

As you can see this shows off this paper absolutely perfectly.  Both sides of the paper . . . the one with scenery and the flip side that is patterned are equally as awesome.

This fun fold card is called a Double Z fold card.  I definitely need to use this layout and fold more often!!

There is room for your message on the middle vanilla piece or if you want you could layer another piece of designer series paper and then put a vanilla layer on the back for your message.  Imagine the possibilities!!

Stamps: Color & Contour, Fruitful Blessings

Cardstock: Early Espresso, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: All About Autumn

Ink: Early Espresso

Accessories:  Autumn Leaves Dies, Linen Thread, Mini Glue Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Today is going to be the first "normal" day I have had since the end of August.  I am driving myself to get my nails done, then heading to Iowa City to do a little shopping before my PT/OT/Speech therapies.  I am sure I will be ready for a nap when I get home.  

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 15, 2023

Cheers to the Season

During an August demo meeting at Susie's house, we created and shared this card. I used it for a special order of Thanksgiving cards.

I was disappointed when the Layered Circles Dies retired, but I think I might prefer these Deckled Circles even more!  The Copper Ribbon from the Copper & Natural Ribbon Combo Pack is the perfect accent to make this card really pop.  I hope my customer likes this card as much as I do.

Stamps: Cheers to the Season, Brewed For You (dots)

Cardstock: Copper Clay, Gray Granite, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: Earthen Elegance

Ink: Copper Clay

Accessories:  Deckled Circles, Copper & Natural Ribbon Combo Pack, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

It is very hard for me to believe it is the middle of November already, especially with how great the weather has been.  I thought about going somewhere and then decided since I will be gone to therapy most of the day tomorrow, perhaps another day of rest at home would be best.  Hanna and Jake are coming on Saturday to help put out the holiday decorations so I know it will be a busy weekend!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 14, 2023

Joy Of Noel

I want to share with you a card that I made during my stay in the hospital. This card was among the ones that Susie gave me as part of her Holiday Extravaganza cards. Having a variety of activities like card-making helped me pass the time faster.

The Brushed Gold Cards and envelopes make cardmaking easy. These elegant A2-sized card bases add sparkle to holiday cards!

Stamps: Joy Of Noel

Cardstock: Shaded Spruce, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Joyful Specialty, Gold Foil, 

Brushed Gold Card & Envelopes

Ink: Memento Black, Shaded Spruce

Stampin' Blends:  Old Olive Combo Pack, Shaded Spruce Combo Pack, 

Real Red Combo Pack, 

Accessories:  Joy of Noel Dies, Red Pearlized Enamel Effects, 

Gold & Silver Trim Combo, Mini Glue Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

There is nothing like sleeping in your own bed and not being woke up for vitals!!  I slept like a rock for 10 hours last night!!  I actually might be able to stay awake today and get something accomplished!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 12, 2023

Beary Cute

Today I am sharing one of the cards I made yesterday that was in the packet Susie gave me from her Holiday Extravaganza.  It used the Beary Cute stamp set.  This is one that I don't have at home and probably don't need to buy at this point!!

There isn't much stamping on this card besides the sentiment and the message inside. I love it when the paper does all the work!

This is a fun fold card that features a cute bear on the circle that shows up on the front of the card and also when you open it up. By using a single package of designer series paper, you can approximately get 30 bears out of it, making it an ideal choice if you are planning to mass-produce this card.

Stamps: Berry Cute

Cardstock: Balmy Blue, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Berry Christmas

Ink: Balmy Blue

Accessories:  Stylish Shapes Dies, Snowflake Sky 3D Embossing Folder, 

Modern Oval Punch, Balmy Blue 3/8" Sparkle Ribbon, 

Adhesive-Backed Glitter Sequins, Mini Glue Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Today is the last chemo day for this hospital stay . . . it is also my least favorite because it makes me so tired . . . I think it is the premeds they give you so you don't get sick.  I usually sleep all day for this infusion so decided I should get this post done before we get started with it!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 11, 2023

Heartfelt Hexagon

I wanted to share a card with you that I found on my friend Susie's website. The card features the Fresh as a Daisy Designer Series Paper. I have a lot of this paper at home, so I decided it was time to start putting it to good use.

I love the angle cut of the designer series paper.  I am not sure I would have put Lemon Lolly with the darker Pretty Peacock but they look great together, particularly with the DSP.

 P

Stamps: Heartfelt Hexagon

Cardstock: Pretty Peacock, Lemon Lolly, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Fresh as a Daisy

Ink: Pretty Peacock

Accessories: Hexagon Punch, 3/8" Sheer Ribbon Combo Pack, 

Adhesive-Backed Sequins Trio Pack, Mini Glue Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Today has been a pretty busy day for me despite being in the hospital. You may be wondering how I managed to have a busy day in the hospital. Well, I spent the day putting together over 75 cards that are ready to be sent. Additionally, I watched Stampin' Up! On Stage at Home and had visits from various hospital staff who were curious about what I was doing. During the first half of the Iowa football game, I watched it on TV, took a walk during halftime, and came back to watch the second half. I also chatted on the phone with a few friends, sent a bunch of emails, and texted back and forth with several people. I am just about to start writing my post for today as I have been busy with all these activities. 

Tomorrow, I plan to watch professional football, undergo more chemo, which I usually sleep through, and hopefully do some stitching and reading. Today, I became pretty good at multitasking, which helped me to pass the time more quickly.

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 10, 2023

Christmas Classics

Today, I used the Christmas Classics stamp set to create a card that I want to share with you. The cold temperature in my hospital room made me feel like it's already Christmas, so I was inspired to share this card. I hope you like it!

This card is ideal for mass reproduction as the designer series paper takes care of everything for you. I believe they would make perfect Christmas cards for John and me to send this year. They are effortless, yet elegant!

Stamps: Christmas Classics

Cardstock: Pretty peacock, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Winter Meadow

Ink: Pretty Peacock

Accessories:  Silver & White 1/2" Sheer Ribbon, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

It's been a productive first day of my inpatient stay. I completed two tests for my upcoming transplant and finished the book I had been reading all week. Additionally, I completed 20 unfinished cards that I had previously stamped. Today, my plan is to work on some more UFOs, Christmas cards that my friend Susie gave me, and maybe even do some stitching. How the day progresses will determine how much I can complete. Since I slept well last night, I'm confident that I won't need to take a nap today.

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 9, 2023

Autumn Leaves

Today I have again used the stamp set, Autumn Leaves, to make this Cards in the Mail card to share with you.  I have also used the now "no longer available" All About Autumn Designer Series paper.

Change . . . my life is all about change and a new normal right now . . . so I love this particular sentiment!  And this card is perfect for making and assembling a lot of cards in a hurry!!  Super simple all because of the designer series paper!!

Stamps: Autumn Leaves

Cardstock: Cajun Craze, Crushed Curry, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: All About Autumn

Ink: Cajun Craze

Accessories:  Adhesive-Backed Speckled Dots

My bags are packed, I'm ready to go . . . but not on a jet plane or for a vacation!  Today is the day for my fifth infusion. Packing for a hospital stay is not as fun as packing for a vacation, but I have brought my books, stamping projects, cross-stitch, and fuzzy warm socks to keep myself busy. I like to call these hospital stays my "craftcation" because it's all about your mindset. Instead of "having to go" to the hospital, I "GET" five whole days to read, craft, stitch, and watch sports on TV without feeling guilty that I should be doing something else.  Attitude . . . it is everything!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 8, 2023

Phrases For All

Today I used a stamp set from the Annual Catalog and Idea Book to create this card. If you haven't seen this set yet, you really should - it has some amazing sentiments!

I regret to inform you that I have used the All About Autumn Designer Series Paper Pack, which has been discontinued. If you were lucky enough to get your hands on this paper, I have several more cards that I created using it that I will share with you in the coming days.  I have a lot of future Cards in The Mail that use this paper.

Stamps: Phrases For All

Cardstock: Pumpkin Pie, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: All About Autumn

Ink: Early Espresso

Accessories:  Banners Pick a Punch, Linen Thread, 

Brushed Metallic Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

I feel like the many days of activities I've had might be catching up with me today, so I'm going to take advantage of having nothing on my schedule and just rest. Tomorrow, I'll be starting another inpatient hospital stay, and we all know that there isn't much rest that goes on while you're in the hospital.

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 7, 2023

Autumn Leaves

I am back and committed to posting on a daily basis. I have regained my footing and have a clear understanding of the path ahead. I have four more chemo infusions to go through and then a stem cell transplant at the end of January. Despite this, I still plan to enjoy other activities and hope to keep up with everything.

Today I have used the Autumn Leaves Bundle to create this card to share with you.  This is one of this week's Cards in the Mail!  Yes, I am back to doing those as well!!

I did use adhesive sheets with the Distressed Gold Specialty Paper to make the veins of the leaves a little easier to adhere to the embossed leaves.  I love the way this card turned out!!

Stamps: Autumn Leaves

Cardstock: Cajun Craze, Crushed Curry, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper:  Distressed Gold Specialty Paper

 Ink: Cajun Craze

Accessories:  Autumn Leaves Dies, Distressed Tile 3D Embossing Folder, Leaf Fall 3D Embossing Folder, Adhesive Sheets, Stampin' Dimensionals

I am trying to make the most of my non-hospital days so today I am meeting my teacher friends for lunch.   It has been a while since we all had lunch together . . . middle of summer I believe and a lot has happened since then.  I am sure the rest of the day will be spent relaxing as I had a late night last night as well, going to the off-broadway production of Pretty Woman.  It was an awesome performance and I am glad I had the opportunity to go.

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 28, 2023

Seasonal Branches

Today I am sharing a card I received in the mail from one of my friends, Dawn.  These Abundant Beauty Decorative Masks are pretty awesome.  I surely hope I have the energy to stamp when I get home next week.

I think Dawn used Crushed Curry as a base layer on the mask, then added Pumpkin Pie ink on top. She may have started with Old Olive for the green and then applied some Mossy Meadow.

Stamps: Seasonal Branches

Cardstock:  Shaded Spruce, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: 

Ink: Crushed Curry, Pumpkin Pie, MossyMeadow, Old Olive, Pecan Pie, Early Espresso

Accessories:  Stylish Shapes Dies, Painted Texture 3D Embossing Folder, Abundant Beauty Decorative Masks, Blending Brushes, Brushed Crass Butterflies, 2023-2025 In-Color Jute Trim, 

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

Happy Stamping!!

I've been thinking about how to adjust my plans for the next few months. It's disappointing to realize that some of the things I was really looking forward to might not be possible. But, I'm trying to stay positive and find other safe and fun activities to do until February.

My new tagline in addition to the one above is this

"Stay true to me and not be identified by my diagnosis". I want to keep the medically fragile part of me safe while allowing me to do the things my emotional, touchy-feely side still need.

Speaking of the touchy-feely side of me . . . housekeeping just came into my room and I had a delightful conversation with her about our favorite books and movies.  And of course it is getting to be close to baseball playoff time so there is always that.  Maybe it will help me with my multitasking homework!! I have several puzzle books, both mathematical and language, books that are suppose to helpwith that.  Good thing I liked those things before this all started.  

September 27, 2023

Autumn Leaves

Thirty some days ago I was going to be on a jet plane on my way to Las Vegas to a Stampin' Up! event.  My plans were to post again when I got back on that Sunday night.  But you know what they say about plans . . . "The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry!"  Mine did not have to go quite so awry.  In the next five days I had two ER visits, three PCP visits, and am still enjoying a hospital stay.  I have not spent any significant time at home since August 23rd.  We have gone from having ParaInfluenza Type 2 (confirmed), to stroke (ruled out), to a brain tumor with returning lymphoma (unfortunately true).  We (and I do mean we because I know what it is like to be on the other side of this journey as a family member), have had scopes, scans, and biopsies (ask a family member what they used, but at least I have a brain (confirmed).  But I am where I need to be.  Just wait till you see the scrapbook . . . 

In. the meantime I am going to be sharing some of the cards I have received through the mail or some swaps I have participated in recently.

The first one is from my friend Luetta.  We have chuckled over the use of Very Vanilla and Basic White on the same card.  The combo is growing on me!!

I love the way the dies cut and emboss the leaves all at once!!

Stamps: Autumn Leaves

Cardstock: Gorgeous Grape, Night of Navy, Orchid Oasis, Berry Burst, Vanilla, Basic White

Ink: Night of Navy

Accessories: Leaf Fall 3D Embossing Folder, Autumn Leaves Dies, Mini Glue Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

This might look like an ordinary container of cards waiting to be put together.  But according to the Yellow Dot Taxi company driver who brought me from UIHC to St. Luke's rehab it is half of my heart and soul.  WE were ready to leave the hospital and were out on Melrose drive when we suddenly turned back toward the hospital.  I had forgotten a bag of clothes as well as this container.

When they put it in the front seat he said "we can't leave half of your heart and soul here!"  I could have cried . . . .he got it!!  He knew it was more than stamps, paper, and ink!  You see . . . his mother is a cardmaker in Indiana and he said he understands how important that is . . . but more important is the people you meet along the way.  Evidently his mom's group of stampers helps ease her loneliness. 

After I had a couple of days of therapy under my belt and some adhesive, I thought I was ready to put some cards together . . . NOT!!!  I mentioned this to my Occupational Therapist so she came up with some exercises to help strengthen my left arm and hand and to help with dexterity.  Have I mentioned what an awesome place ST. Luke's Rehab is!!!  Never fear . . . I will keep trying . . . I might not talk as much as I did when stamping because multi-tasking is a little difficult, but that just means I need to keep trying.

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

My new tagline in addition to the one above is this

"Stay true to me and not be identified by my diagnosis". I want to keep the medically fragile part of me safe while allowing me to do the things my emotional, touchy, feely side still need.

Let's hope it is not another 34 days till I post again.

Happy Stamping!!

August 24, 2023

Beautiful Balloons

Today I am sharing a card that I made at an event Susie hosted in April.  It is the perfect celebratory card for many occasions.  This is one of this week's Cards in the Mail.

Although it has many layers, it shouldn't cost more to mail. The textured cardstock and designer series paper add depth and interest to the card.

Stamps: Beautiful Balloons

Cardstock: Basic Black, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Zoo Crew

Ink: Memento Black

Accessories:   Beautiful Balloons Dies, Basics 3D Embossing Folders, 

Baker's Twine Essentials Pack, Neutrals Adhesive-Backed Sequins, 

Mini Glue Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Swaps ✔️ Laundry ✔️ Packing ✔️ Cardstock cutting only half✔️.  I decided to wait on Monday night's cards in case I get some fabulous swaps that I want to share right away.   I actually got quite a bit done on my list.  and I was in bed before midnight.  Of course, I was wide awake at 3:30 going over my list in my mind because I was sure I was forgetting something.  ,  I just need to wait for my friend, Susie, to come and pick me up and we will level on a jet plane!!

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

Happy Stamping!!