March 31, 2023

Cup of Tea

Today I have a card I made a while back using the soon-to-retire products, Cup of Tea Stamp Set, Tea Boutique Cards & Envelopes, and the Tea Boutique Designer Series Paper.

The Tea Boutique Cards & Envelopes make card-making very simple.  They also come with a decorated envelope.  You get 20 cards and matching envelopes using 2022-2024 In Colors. These will be on sale for only $4 starting Tuesday.  That is only $.20 for both the card base and envelope.  What a deal!!

Stamps: Cup of Tea

Cardstock: Tea Boutique Cards & Envelopes

Designer Series Paper: Tea Boutique

Ink:  Starry Sky

Accessories: Layering Circles Dies, Stylish Shapes Dies, 

2022-2024 In Color Decorative Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Today is going to be an excellent day to stay at home!!  I must say I am not sure I have ever seen so many schools dismiss early for the threat of bad spring weather . . . snow . . . yes . . . rain . . . not so much!!  Cleaning and organizing in my room, stamping a little, reading a little, and of course watching the Hawkeye Women's Basketball game tonight are on the agenda!!  Go Hawks!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 30, 2023

Beautiful Thistle

Today I am using the On-Line Exclusive product, Naturally Gilded Designer Series Paper, to make this card to share with you.  This paper is so beautiful that you really don't need to do much else to make a fantastic card.

The foil sheets can be a little tricky to stamp on as the stamp has a tendency to slide just a little bit.  I think this has to be one of my favorite sentiments of all time (I know I say that a LOT!).  It is the only stamp I have used in this set!!  I have cut just two small strips of Copper Foil to put on either side of the designer series paper.  You don't use nearly as much foil that way!!

Stamps: Beautiful Thistle

Cardstock: Basic White Thick, Copper Foil

Designer Series Paper: Naturally Gulded

Accessories:  Something Fancy Dies, Versamark, 

Basics Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Pearl Basic Jewels, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Today brings another round of appointments for both John and me at the eye clinic.  It is later in the afternoon so I am hoping to get a little stamping done around the appointments and delivering some stamp orders.  We shall see.

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 29, 2023

Rhino Ready

Today I have used the On-Line Exclusive stamp set, Rhino Ready, along with the coordinating dies, Rhino Ready, to make this card to share with you.  This is one of the cards that everyone got to make on Monday.

How did I get the beautiful background for the tree silhouette?  Well, I could tell you that I sponged and brushed the color on a piece of Basic White, but I won't.  It was way easier than that!!  I simply took a piece of designer series paper from the Enjoy the Journey package and cut it up. You can get six cards like this from the two pieces of paper!!  It doesn't get much easier than that!!

Stamps: Rhino Ready

Cardstock: Basic Black, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Enjoy the Journey

Accessories:  Rhino Ready Dies, Layering Circles Dies, 

Versamark, Basics Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

The doctor's appointment went well and we were in and out pretty quickly.  That left me quite a bit of time to start my organizational process.  Believe me, it will take quite a while.  Today will bring more of the same only today's appointment is a fun salon appointment.  Much closer and also more fun!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 28, 2023

Ginkgo Branch

Today I am sharing an easy card using the Ginkgo Branch stamp set.  This is one that everyone made last night at Make-It-Monday.

This is really truly Soft Succulent Ink evening though it looks super dark.  I had just reinked my ink pad and didn't realize how dark it would be.  After I got it stamped I decided that I kind of liked it that dark.

Stamps: Ginkgo Branch

Cardstock: Soft Succulent, Balmy Blue, Basic White

Ink: Soft Succulent, Balmy Blue

Accessories:  Ginkgo Branch Dies, Versamark, Basics Embossing Powder, 

Heat Tool. Blending Brushes,  Balmy Blue & White Varigated Ribbon, 

Iridescent Perl Basic Jewels, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Today's agenda brings a doctor's appointment for John and I am finally going to try and get my new piece of furniture organized in my stamp room.  I didn't get much done with it right after we brought it home because of feeling unwell.  I am anxious to get it organized!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 27, 2023

Playing in the Rain

Today I am using the Playing in the Rain stamp set and coordinating dies to make this cute rabbit card to share with you.

I love that they look like they are doing a happy dance!!  I fussy cut the words and added them to the cards with mini dimensionals.  The Iridescent Rhinestones look like they are pink but they just pick up the color of whatever they are on!!  Love how that works.

Stamps: Playing in the Rain

Cardstock: Flirty Flamingo, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Rain or Shine

Ink: Memento Black

Stampin' Blends:  Daffodil Delight Combo Pack, Crumb Cake Combo Pack, 

Old Olive Combo Pack, Flirty Flamingo Combo Pack

Accessories:  Playing in the Rain Dies, Iridescent Rhinestone Basic Jewels, 

Mini Stampin' Dimensionals, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterday was a perfect day, minus the few snowflakes that fell on us when we got closer to Adel.  To hear Johan give his testimony about why he wanted to be baptized was emotional, to say the least!!!  There were many people there to surround and support him from a lot of different areas of his life.  The number of his teachers that came and supported him was absolutely awesome!!!  He is such a neat kid!! (Proud Gigi speaking)

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 26, 2023

Decorative Borders

Today I have used the stamp set, Decorative Borders, to make this card to share with you.  This is the card I took as a swap to the retreat at the beginning of the month and it is also one everyone will be making at Make-It-Monday tomorrow night.

When making this card I stamped the Watercolor Shapes circle first in Pool Party.  It is a DistINKtive stamp so the shading is in the stamp.  When coloring the flowers and leaves on the stem I just colored right over the Pool Party and it worked great.  I also colored the Pearl Basic Jewels with my Dark Calypso Coral Stampin' Blend to add some color.

Stamps: Decorative Borders, Watercolor Shapes

Cardstock: Calypso Coral, Basic White

Ink: Memento Black, Pool Party

Stampin' Blends:  Calypso Coral Combo Pack, Old Olive Combo Pack,

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

Basic Pearl Jewels, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

As soon as I am done posting this, Julie and Jason should be here to pick us up and we are heading to Adel.  Johan is getting baptized today and we are celebrating as a family!

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 25, 2023

Playing in the Rain

Today I have used the Playing in the Rain stamp set, along with the coordinating dies, Playing in the Rain, to make these awesome treat holders to share with you.  I took A LOT of these to the stamping retreat that I went to back at the beginning of the month.

I love all of the characters that are in this stamp set, but I think the little rabbit is my favorite!!

I forgot to take a picture before giving most of them away but this is what I had left when I got home.  As you can see there was a lot of coloring, die-cutting, and paper folding, but I think they turned out super cute.

When you opened them up there was a cute chocolate carrot umbrella inside.  When I saw the carrot umbrellas I just knew they were crying out for a fun treat holder.

Stamps: Playing in the Rain

Cardstock: Calypso Coral, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Rain or Shine

Ink: Memento Black

Stampin' Blends:  Pool Party Combo Pack, Calypso Coral Combo Pack, 

Crumb Cake Combo Pack,

Daffodil Delight Combo Pack,

Accessories: Playing in the Rain Dies, Balmy Blue & White 1/2" Variegated Ribbon, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterday's outing went very well, the driving was no problem, and I got released from physical therapy, with exercises to do if the vertigo were to come back.  It feels good to feel good again!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 24, 2023

Beautiful Thistle

Today I am sharing an awesome card that I saw on my friend, Susie's, site.  It was so striking I knew I had to make one of these for Make-It-Monday.

The Naturally Gilded Specialty Designer Series Paper is an On-Line Exclusive and actually looks like this.

You get two sheets of each . . . one copper, one silver, and one gold.  For this card, I took one of the copper patterned sheets and just rubbed my Memento Black Ink Pad over it.  It sure does make the copper pop out.  It was an awesome idea that Susie had!!

Stamps: Beautiful Thistle

Cardstock: Basic Black, Evening Evergreen Basic White, Copper Foil

Designer Series Paper: Naturally Gilded

Ink: Memento Black

Accessories:  Basics 3D Embossing Folders (Cross Hatch Pattern), 

Versamark, Metallics Embossing Powders, Heat Tool, 

Bough Punch, Evening Evergreen 3/8" Open Weave Ribbon, Mini Glue Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

My doctor's appointment went well yesterday and everything is still headed in the right direction.  I got clearance to drive so drove around Wellman a little bit.  I am hoping to meet some friends for lunch today before physical therapy.

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 23, 2023

Petal Park

Today I have used the stamp set, Petal Park, along with a coordinating set, Sentimental Park to make this card to share with you.

As you can see, I don't have my leaves lined up perfectly but it is okay.  They still look great.  I chose to use both the outline stamp and the solid stamp full strength, but some of the stampers at Make-It-Monday chose to stamp off with the solid image.  Those looked great as well.  The Pastel Pearls were the perfect embellishment for the flower centers.

Stamps: Petal Park, Sentimental Park

Cardstock: Blushing Bride, Basic White

Ink: Blushing Bride, Granny Apple Green

Accessories:  Pastel Pearls, Whisper White 1/4" Crinkled Seam Binding, 

Mini Glue Dots

Well, I thought on Sunday I was over the hump and well on my way to being back to normal . . . but alas, that was not the case.  Monday morning the vertigo hit again with a vengeance.  A few physical therapy maneuvers and hopefully it has gone away for good this time.  I am anxious to hear what my doctor says about all of this when I see her later in the day.

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 19, 2023

Rhino Ready

Today I have used the Rhino Ready stamp set along with the coordinating dies, Rhino Ready, to make this card to share with you.  These are both part of the On-Line Exclusive offerings.

The Like an Animal Designer Series Paper is the perfect complement to this Rhino Ready stamp set and dies.  I did die-cut the rhino out and popped him up on some dimensionals, just to give it a little more dimension.  Perfect birthday card for a child or adult that likes to party!!

Stamps: Rhino Ready

Cardstock: Basic White Thick, Smoky Slate, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Like An Animal

Ink: Memento Black

Stampin' Blends:  Smoky Slate Combo Pack

Accessories:  Rhino Ready Dies, Stylish Shapes Dies, Brushed Metallic Dots,

Stampin' Dimensionals

I am back after a bit of a vacation . . . NOT even close . . . I wish it had been a vacation!!!  I took a fantastic ambulance ride Thursday morning, with a detour through the ER at the University, to my lovely room on floor 7 for a short stay.  The best part of this vacation was the three excellent IVs that were inserted with absolutely no problem in my poor dehydrated body.  Four physical therapy maneuvers later my BPPV (type of vertigo) is slowly improving.  The ER doctor said it was right up there with the more severe cases she has seen.  They can usually be resolved with meds in the ER but alas, I was not one of them.  So off to a room, I went!!  I will be doing outpatient physical therapy for a while but otherwise, life is back to normal for the Wilsons . . . . there is always something going on!!   

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 15, 2023

Irresistible Blooms

Today I have used the Irresistible Blooms stamp set to make this card to share with you.  I do love the combination of purple and green on a card!! 

We used the emboss resist technique on this card.  With the small blending brushes, I lightly added a little Highland Heather and Garden Green to the areas where I was going to put the flowers and the leaves.  I wanted a little hint of color to show through the embossing powder.  I then stamped the leaves and flowers with Versamark and embossed them with Clear Embossing Powder.  I then went back over with the blending brushes and added color to the flowers with both the Highland Heather and Gorgeous Grape inks.  The last step was to add just a hint of darker color with Starry Sky.  I really like the way that this card turned out.  The neat thing is that no two cards are going to be exactly the same.

Stamps: Irresistible Blooms

Cardstock: Highland heather, Starry Sky, Gorgeous Grape, Basic White

Ink: Highland Heather, Starry Sky, Gorgeous Grape, Garden Green

Accessories:  Happy Labels Pick a Punch, Veramark, 

Basics Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Small Blending Brushes, 

Real red & Garden Green 3/8" Ribbon Combo Pack, 

Iridescent Pearl Basic Jewels, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

What a great day today looks to be!!  I will enjoy the warmer weather before the rain and the cooler weather in the next few days.

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 14, 2023

Colorful Kaleidoscope Card Kit

I ordered one of the pretty new Colorful Kaleidoscope Card Kits from the Stampin’ Up! Kits Collection, it arrived the other day and I’m sharing it with you today.

The kits come packed with everything that you’ll need to put them together including a stamp set, an ink spot and adhesives!  The kits also include a block so that you’ve got everything you’ll need to start creating!

I dove right in and got everything organized on my lap desk.

The Colorful Kaleidoscope Kit contains everything that you’ll need to create these 9 pretty cards with coordinating envelopes!

The stamp set in the kit is a good one!  You can use it for lots of other cards outside the kit.

Here are some close-ups of the individual cards.  I love all of the gold touches on this fun geometric blue card.

I love the angled cut on this one as well as all of the gold touches.

I made all of my cards thank you cards because I am always in need of them.  But the sentiments are interchangeable so you could make them whatever you like.

I love that I have a stack of thank you notes all ready to send out and it took me less than 45 minutes from start to finish . . . including unpacking and organizing the supplies.  What could be better than that!

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 13, 2023

Playing in the Rain

Today I have used the Playing in the Rain stamp set and the coordinating paper, Rain or Shine, to make this card to share with you. These little guys are so cute.  I would much rather see them in the rain than the snow we have had the last few days!!

I am really liking these layouts that have the diagonal split in them.  It is so easy to take a smaller piece of designer series paper and cut it diagonally.  You can use this smaller piece of paper and cover just as much of the card.  There is a fair amount of coloring on this card but I think it is worth it . . . he is just adorable.

Stamps: Playing in the Rain

Cardstock: Balmy Blue, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Rain or Shine

Ink: Balmy Blue, Memento Black

Stampin' Blends:  Daffodil Delight, Balmy Blue, Calypso Coral

Accessories:  Balmy Blue/White Variegated Ribbon, Mini Glue Dots,

Stampin' Dimensionals

I think I have everything ready for tonight!!  At least I hope I have everything ready!!  All that is left to do is to load it in the car in a little bit and head to Kalona.

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 12, 2023

Something Fancy

Today I have used the awesome sentiment stamp set, Something Fancy to make this card to share with you.

This is a fun fold card, opening both ways, with a smaller flap on the right side.   The Fancy Flora Designer Series Paper does most of the work for you as it is so cool.  Add a sentiment and a little embellishment and you are good to go!!

Stamps: Something Fancy

Cardstock: Poo; Party, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Fancy Flora

Ink:  Bermuda Bay

Accessories:  Layering Circles Dies, Decorative Circle Punch, 

2021-2023 In Color Opal Rounds, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Today is a cardstock cutting day!!  My plan is to have all cardstock cut by mid-afternoon so that I can stuff envelopes while watching the Big ten Championship basketball game and the Selection Sunday broadcast to see where and when the Hawks will be playing in the NCAA tournament.  

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 11, 2023

Framed Occasions

Today I have a card made with the Framed Occasions stamp set and the Layering Circles Dies,  This was a card I received as a swap last weekend in Illinois and made by my friend I went with.  It is also one of the Cards in the Mail for this week.

This sentiment works for many occasions and this is a layout that I have used many times.  It is always amazing to me how different they look depending on the colors used and the designer series paper.  You can also change it up by changing the shape of the sentiment piece.  A good all-purpose layout!!

Stamps: Framed Occasions

Cardstock: Blackberry Bliss, Pale Papaya, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Design a Daydream

Ink: Blackberry Bliss

Accessories:  Layering Circles Dies, Pale Papaya 3/8" Open Weave Ribbon, 

Elegant Faceted Gems, Mini Glue Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

As soon as I am done posting this I am out the door to meet my son-in-law, Jason, in Kalona and he is going to help me bring my new cabinet home.  I am sure I will spend the rest of the day organizing it and deciding exactly what I want to put in it!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 9, 0223

Fitting Florets

Today I am sharing one of the birthday cards I received from my friend, Susie.  She used the Fitting Florets stamp set and the Flowers & More Designer Series Paper hostess item.

It is kind of hard to see in the photo but the Starry Sky piece has been embossed with the Elegant Eucalyptus 3D Embossing Folder.  It adds a lot of texture and some dimension to the card.  The designer paper is just one of the beautiful patterns that is in this pack of paper . . . and the beauty of it is that it is FREE as a hostess item.

Stamps: Fitting Florets

Cardstock: Crushed Curry, Starry Sky, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Flowers & More

Ink: Starry Sky

Accessories:  Stylish Shapes Dies, Elegant Eucalyptus 3D Embossing Folders, 

Label Me Fancy Punch, Starry Sky 1/8" Metallic Ribbon, 

Glossy Dots Assortment, Mini Glue Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

If you want to find me for the next several days I will probably be parked in front of the TV watching basketball.  Between the Big Ten Tournament starting last night and the NCAA Tournament starting next week I will be in basketball heaven!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 8, 2023

Irresistible Blooms

I have again used the On-Line Exclusive stamp set, Irresistible Blooms, along with the coordinating paper, Hello Irresistible, to make this thank you card to share with you.

The actual color in the designer series paper is Pretty Peacock, which is one of the returning colors in the Color Refresh, but as you can see it also goes nicely with Evening Evergreen which is one of the retiring In Colors.  At least I think it is retiring.  We really have no idea what is retiring and what is staying.  We will know more about that on March 29th.

Stamps: Irresistible Blooms

Cardstock: Evening Evergreen, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Hello Irresistible 

Ink: Evening Evergreen 

Accessories: Lasting Label Punch, White 3/8" Glittered Organdy Ribbon, 

Loose Frosted Dots, Mini Glue Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

I have sorted, cleaned, and organized and am just about ready to start moving furniture around in my stamp room.   Now I have to figure out how to get this piece of furniture home!!! 

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 7, 2023

Irresistible Blooms

Today I have used the On-Line Exclusive product, Irresistible Blooms, and the coordinating designer series paper, Hello Irresistible, to make this card to share with you.  This paper is fabulous!! 

It might look as if I stamped and embossed the flower piece, but let me tell you it is way easier than that!!  I simply die-cut a piece of the designer series paper with the Stitched Rectangle Dies and layered it onto another piece of Flirty Flamingo cardstock.  It does not get any easier than that!!

Stamps: Irresistible Blooms

Cardstock: Flirty Flamingo, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Hello Irresistible

Accessories:  Stitched Rectangle Dies, Versamark, Basics Embossing Powder, 

Heat Tool, Loose Frosted Dies, Mini Glue Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Wow . . . I made great strides in rearranging my stamping room yesterday.  The process will continue today.  I also made great inroads in getting caught up with my bookworm when I sat down to rest after cleaning in my room.  I hope today goes as well.

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 6, 2023

Rainy Day

Today I have yet another card that I made at the demo even in January hosted by the Stampin' Sisters.  This is also one of the cards that everyone made last Monday at Make-It-Monday.

This is a pretty straightforward layout with the exception of the right side of the white cardstock.  There is a small strip that was die cut with the Penned Flowers Dies and layered under the main white layer.  It just gives it a little different look than if it was just cut on the single layer.

Stamps: Playing in the Rain

Cardstock: Pool Party, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Dandy Designs (retired Sale-a-Bration)

Ink: Memento Black

Stampin' Blends:  Pool Party Combo Pack, Crumb Cake Combo Pack, 

Calypso Coral Combo Pack,

Accessories:  Penned Flowers Dies, Pool Party 3/8" Gros Grain Ribbon, 

Iridescent Rhinestones, Mini Glue Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Another successful stamping weekend is in the books!  We had a great time and made some awesome projects.  Travel was excellent with no problems from the weather!  Looking forward to the next great stamping adventure!!

Today I am going to start to tackle the rearranging of my stamp room to incorporate the new piece of furniture I bought to put in there.

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 4, 2023

Welcome Home

Today I have used the stamp set, Welcome Home, along with the coordinating dies, to make this card to share with you.  This is one of the cards that I made back in January at the demo event I attended held by the Stampin' Sisters.

The black scalloped circle is not really a whole circle with a white circle on top.  It is just the outline of a scalloped circle and the presents are just layered with dimensionals onto the white rectangle.

Stamps:  Welcome Home

Cardstock: Polished Pink, Basic Black, Baic White

Ink: Memento Black

Stampin' Blends:  Basic Black Combo Pack, Polished Pink 

Accessories:  Warm Welcome Dies, Metal Plate 3D Dies, Banners Pick a Punch, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

The weather held out in our favor and we made it to our stamping retreat with no problems.  Considering the fact that when I went to bed Thursday night there was the possibility of freezing rain and lots of snow once we got here so we considered ourselves very fortunate.  We did a little shopping, ate supper, relaxed a little bit, and then headed down to start our retreat stamping.  We are headed downstairs in a little bit for a full day of stamping and fun.

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 3, 2023

Lucky Clover

Today I have used the Lucky Clover stamp set to create this St. Patrick's Day card to share with you.

Unfortunately, the Lucky Clover Punch is sold out but it is very easy to fussy cut and the stamp set has some other awesome sentiments in it.  We don't often get St. Patrick's Day stamp sets so be sure to get this one while it is available.

This is a fun fold card opening from both sides as shown below.

Stamps: Lucky Clover

Cardstock: Granny Apple Green, Basic Black, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Dandy Designs (retired SAB paper)

Ink: Granny Apple Green

Accessories:  Stampin' Dimensionals

As soon as I am done posting this I am out the door to head to a stamping retreat in Illinois.  I am hoping to come home with tons of great ideas.

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

Happy Stamping!!