January 27, 2024

Notes of Nature

Today’s card features Stampin’ Up! Poetic Expressions Designer Series Paper, Notes of Nature stamp set, the Softly Sophisticated Bundle which includes the Softly Sophisticated stamp set and Softly Sophisticated Embossing Folder. The Softly Sophisticated Bundle is a FREE Saleabration gift with a $100 purchase!  I am taking this card for a shoebox swap I am participating in today!!

I started with a piece of Moody Mauve for the base of my card. Then, I added a layer of Bubble Bath cardstock and Moody Mauve cardstock that I embossed using the Softly Sophisticated Embossing Folder.

I layered a piece of Bubble Bath cardstock with a piece of Softly Sophisticated DSP, added Stampin’ Dimensionals to the back and adhered it to the front of the card. I stamped the sentiment onto a piece of Basic White cardstock using Moody Mauve ink and the Notes of Nature stamp set. I then cut it out using the Stylish Shapes Dies, added Stampin’ Dimensionals to the back and adhered it on the DSP. To complete the card, I added two 2023-2025 In Color Dots in Moody Mauve to each end of the sentiment and added a piece of Basic White cardstock to the inside. 

Stamps: Notes of Nature

Cardstock: Moody Mauve, Bubble Bath, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Poetic Expressions

Ink: Moody Mauve

Accessories:  Stylish Shapes Dies, Softly Sophisticated Embossing Folder (Sale-a-Bration), 

2023-2025 In Color Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

After an extremely busy week with a fantastic outcome, I'm excited to spend the day stamping with my friends today. I haven't been able to do this since August, and I won't be able to for quite some time, so you can imagine how thrilled I am. I'm also happy that the weather decided to cooperate this weekend!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 24, 2024

Cheerful Daisies

Today's card, made with the Cheerful Daisies stamp set, is another one of the cards that my friend, Luetta, sent me a picture of.

I am not entirely certain of all the products Luetta used on this card, but I know for sure that she used the Deckled Circles Dies. This is an excellent way to use the largest die in the set, although I am not entirely sure if she used the largest one.

Today was another early morning appointment at the hospital for an injection to stimulate my bone marrow.  I had some labs drawn also to see if the medication is doing what it is supposed to.  

I have to be at the hospital before seven for the next two days for cell harvesting so I am not sure I will be posting until the weekend.

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 23, 2024

Panda & Friends Kit

Today I wanted to share the Panda & Friends Kit that I assembled the other day.  Super cute, super simple . . . I think it took me less than 30 minutes to do it!!

 

Send adorable cards filled with love with the Panda Friends Kit! These irresistible pandas are perfect for celebrating love and friendship throughout the year. This kit includes cards in two different sizes to keep your crafting versatile and fresh. 

Use the preprinted sentiments to make quick multiples and send happy hello greetings to those you care about!

Once again I would be hard-pressed to tell you which one is my favorite . . . they are both adorable!!

KIT INCLUDES
*Predesigned projects
*Step-by-step instructions
*Precut pieces (No prep work! Get right to crafting)
*Printed sentiment labels in Dutch, English, French, and German
*Makes 8 cards: 4 each of 2 designs
*Folded card size: 4-1/4″ x 5-1/2″ (10.8 cm x 14 cm), 8-1/2″ x 3-1/2″ (21.6 cm x 8.9 cm)
*8 preprinted envelopes
*Enough adhesive to complete all projects
*Iridescent Sequin Embellishments
*A 9-7/8″ x 6-1/2″ x 1-3/4″ (25.1 x 16.5 x 4.4 cm) printed designer box for storage or crafting on the go.

It looks like I will be staying in Iowa City all week this week.  the weather in the afternoons os good enough to get home but every morning there is a chance for freezing rain or freezing drizzle.  It is so slick in Iowa City this morning that the shuttle bus from the hotel is only running once an hur!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 22, 2024

Perennial Postage

Today's card comes from a demo event I should have attended last weekend but the weather interrupted my plans.  The Stamping Sisters went ahead and sent us all the supplies to make the projects that everyone in attendance made.  I decided this was a perfect card for a Cards in the Mail card.

The new Adoring Hearts Hybrid Embossing Folder embosses and cut the cardstock at the same time, which is pretty cool!!!  The softly Sophisticated Embossing Folder was also used on this project.  It is a Sale-a-Bration item you can get for FREE with a qualifying purhase. 

Stamps: Perennial Postage

Cardstock: Flirty Flamingo, Smoky Slate, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Most Adored (Sale-a-Bration)

Ink: Smoky Slate

Accessories:  Adoring Hearts Hybrid Embossing Folder, 

Softly Sophisticated Embossing Folder (Sale-a-Bration), 

Rainbow Adhesive Backed Dots, Baker's Twine Three Color Pack, 

Mini Glue Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

As soon as I am done posting this I am out the door of my hotel room to catch the shuttle to the hospital to get the second of my four injections to ramp up the production of my bone marrow in preparation for harvesting my cells.  Because of the weather, I came up last night and am staying again tonight.  I have worked this hard to get healthy, I am not taking any chances on slick roads!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 19, 2024

Rock Legend Kit

I was able last night to assemble another one of the new kits Stampin' Up! has offered . . . the Rock Legend Kit.

Stampin’ Up! also has a another new kit in the Kits Collection! It is the Rock Legend Kit in case you have some rockstars in your life! You get paper diecut pieces of electric guitars, lightning bolts, stars and other designs! Sounds so fun! Make 8 cards, four each of two designs with preprinted sentiments!

I really liked the vellum star and guitar pick cut outs.

These cards have no inside sentiment which leaves plenty of room for a note to the recipient. Clearly the Happy Birthday card is birthday specific, but I think the You’re a Legend can be used for a variety of things

This kit contains enough supplies to make these eight cards.

Kit includes:
*Predesigned projects
*Step-by-step instructions
*Precut pieces (No prep work! Get right to crafting)
*Printed sentiment labels in Dutch, English, French, and German
*Makes 8 cards: 4 each of 2 designs
*Folded card size: 5-1/2″ x 4-1/4″ (14 x 10.8 cm)
*8 preprinted envelopes
*Enough adhesive to complete projects
*Adhesive-Backed Star Embellishments
*A 9-7/8″ x 6-1/2″ x 1-3/4″ (25.1 x 16.5 x 4.4 cm) printed designer box for storage or crafting on the go (box that it comes in)

If you would like to purchase one of these for yourself you can do so here.

Another cold and white day!!  Hanna, Julie, and I are supposed to head to Chicago tonight for part of their Christmas present.  We are going to see Downton Abbey:  The Exhibition.  Both girls are huge fans of the show and are looking forward to the exhibit.  I hope the weather cooperates this weekend!!

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

 Happy Stamping!!

January 18, 2024

Painted Wishes Card Kit

I ordered the Painted Wishes Card Kit from Stampin' Up!'s Kits Collection before Christmas and had a few minutes last night to put it together. . .  and I LOVE it!!

The Painted Wishes Card Kit creates 9 cards with no stamping involved!  The sentiments and card bases are all pre-printed (with foil touches!!) and they’re so pretty!

Love that I’ve got 9 pretty cards ready to go in the mail in a matter of minutes AND with the price point of $14, it’s a great value too!

The kit also includes beautiful preprinted envelopes that coordinate with the card designs!  

And I love the little sequins and gold trim too!

Which of the cards is your favorite??

I am surely glad that it is a little warmer and that the roads are good today.  I had to be at the hospital at 8:30 this morning for labs and also for an education day about my transplant and to sign consent forms.  I think I have read the three-ring binder pretty carefully and this is just another hoop I have to jump through.

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 17, 2024

Heartfelt Hexagons

It is Luetta to the rescue again with this birthday card made with the Heartfelt Hexagons stamp set and punch.

It took me a couple of minutes to figure out how she made the sentiment piece, but she stamped one of the outlines in Azure Afternoon and then cut the dotted section off and adhered it to a hexagon punched from Lemon Lime Twist.

I think I am going to venture out this afternoon.  I have a prescription I need to pick up in Washington and I also want to get a few groceries.  A trip to the post office is also in order to mail out several packets of Cards in the mail that should have been mailed last week!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 16, 2024

Heartfelt Hexagon

Today's card is another one that my friend, Luetta, made and sent the picture to me.  It is another sympathy card made with the Heartfelt Hexagon stamp set.

She started with a card base, this time Night of Navy, and then added a Basic White layer that had been stamped with Night of Navy Ink and then embossed with the Distressed Tile 3D Embossing Folder.  The sentiment piece was stamped with Night of Navy and Crumb Cake Ink and then punched out with the Heartfelt Hexagon Punch.  She took a dark Night of Navy Stampin' Blend and colored both the top and bottom of the Silver & White ribbon.  Layer it and some Linen Thread under the sentiment piece and you are done.

Stamps: Heartfelt Hexagon

Cardstock: Night of Navy, Basic White

Ink: Night of Navy, Crumb Cake

Stampin' Blends:  Night of Navy Dark

Accessories:  Distressed Tile 3D Embossing Folder, Heartfelt Hexagon Punch, Linen Thread, 

Silver & White 1/2" Ribbon, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

I have decided that being homebound because of the weather is just good practice for being homebound after my stem cell transplant.  Considering this has only been four days, going on the fifth day, I am not sure how I will make it to one hundred days.  But just like everything else. . . one step at a time, one day at a time.    As Hanna's husband, Jake, continued to remind her when this all started back in September, we’re taking it all one step at a time, worrying about the thing right in front of us and not ahead of us.

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 15, 2024

Heartfelt Hexagon

My friend Luetta sent me a picture of a card she made with a designer series paper. Unfortunately, this paper was released just before I got sick, so I haven't had the chance to use it yet. Fortunately, it is still available as an online exclusive product.

It seems like she started with a Berry Burst card base and then added a Basic White layer that had been embossed with the Distressed Tile 3D Embossing Folder. The sentiment piece was stamped with Pretty Peacock ink and then punched out with the Heartfelt Hexagon Punch. She punched a second Heartfelt Hexagon from Pretty Peacock cardstock and cut it in half. Then, she layered the two halves on the top and bottom of the sentiment piece. Finally, she added some Linen Thread and Tinsel Gems Four Pack to complete the card.

Stamps: Heartfelt Hexagon

Cardstock: Berry Burst, Pretty Peacock, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Delightful Floral

Ink: Pretty Peacock

Accessories:  Distressed Tile 3D Embossing Folder, Heartfelt Hexagon Punch,  

Linen Thread, Tinsel Gems Four Pack, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

I had an eventful morning at my home. I woke up at around 3:00 am and realized that the furnace wasn't working, making it quite chilly inside with the temperature at 57 degrees. After listening for a while, I discovered that the exhaust pipe had snow blocking it. It is situated right outside our bedroom window. I put on warm clothes, grabbed my flashlight, and went outside at 3:30 am to try and clear the snow from the exhaust pipe. However, I fell partway up the front yard due to the deep snow. I managed to get up after a while and thought of trying again, but that seemed like a bad idea. So, I went back inside and waited until 6:30 am to call our furnace people. They arrived at 7:00 am and helped to clean out the exhaust pipe and got the furnace running again. It has been running ever since as it tries to catch up. I'm grateful for having dependable service people, and I want to give a huge shout-out to Kuenster Heating & Air LLC.

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 14, 2024

Color & Contour

 I found this card in my photos from a while back. With all the appointments this week, the weather, and resting, I haven't had much time to stamp new products.   

I used a Basic White Thick cardstock as a base and added a layer of Berry Burst. Then, I embossed a smaller layer of Basic White with the Cane Weave 3D Embossing Folder, and layered it on top of the Berry Burst. After that, I die-cut several pieces out of Berry Burst and the Brights 6" X 6" Designer Series paper using the Something Fancy Dies. Finally, I added a few Basic Rhinestone Jewels as embellishments. I believe this card would be perfect for Valentine's Day with a change of sentiment.

.

Stamps: Color & Contour

Cardstock: Basic White Thick, Berry Burst, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Brights 6" X 6"

Ink: Berry Burst

Accessories: Something Fancy Dies, Cane Weave 3D Embossing Folder, 

Basic Rhinestone Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals

"It's great to see the sun shining, even though it's super cold outside. It makes it seem a little warmer. Not much has been happening lately, except for me resting in my recliner and watching sports on TV. However, the cold weather has not been kind to my hip, where I had a biopsy done. Therefore, I have been sitting with a heating pad and resting. It's probably a good thing that I was unable to attend my stamping retreat this weekend. The rest has been good for me."

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 13, 2024

Perennial Postage

If you are looking for an awesome sentiment set, then you need to check out the Perennial Postage stamp set.  The sentiments are geat and the fonts are even better.  This is the last of this week's Cards in the Mail.

Today's card is another funky fold card.  I started with a piece of Highland Heather cardstock for the base of my card  I then cut a piece of Perennial Lavender Designer Series Paper and adhered it to the front of the card. This paper is GORGEOUS in person!  I then cut another piece of Perennial Lavender Designer Series Paper and a piece of Basic White cardstock and adhered them to the inside of the card.  I stamped the sentiment in Gorgeous Grape ink onto Basic White cardstock using the stamp set, Perennial Postage. I cut the sentiment out using the Perennial Postage Dies and then cut the same shape but larger out of Highland Heather cardstock.  I adhered the two pieces together and on the back added Stampin’ Dimensionals to just the part that would be on the left-hand side flap and adhered it to the front. To complete my card, I added three Purple Fine Shimmer Gems below the sentiment.

Stamps: Perennial Postage

Cardstock: Highland Heather

Designer Series Paper: Perennial Lavender

Ink: Gorgeous Grape

Accessories:  Perennial Postage Dies, Purple Fine Shimmer Gems, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

My driveway has been plowed and my sidewalks have been shoveled. Right after posting this, I am planning to clean off my car. Even though I don't have any plans to go out, I still want it to be cleaned off just in case of an emergency. I prefer to do it before it gets colder and in the daylight. After that, I am going to relax in my recliner with either a book or stitching and a cozy blanket.

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 12, 2024

Heartfelt Hellos

I have another card from this week's Cards in the Mail collection to share with you today. What's more exciting than a card that's been made using three free products? The Flight & Airy Designer Series Paper, the Heartfelt Hexagon stamp set, and the Softly Sophisticated Embossing Folder are all Sale-a-Bration products.

 

The card depicted in the photo is a Z-fold card, which might not be immediately apparent. This card design is quite easy, and it would be a great option for mass-producing cards that can be customized with different sentiments based on the occasion for which they are needed.

Stamps: Heartfelt Hellos (Sale-a-Bration)

Cardstock: Misty Moonlight, Balmy Blue, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Flight & Airy (Sale-a-Bration)

Ink: Misty Moonlight

Accessories:  Softly Sophisticated Embossing Folder (Sale-a-Bration), 

Heartfelt Hexagon Punch, Rainbow Adhesive-Backed Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Once again the weather has played havoc with my schedule.  I was supposed to be on my way to Wisconsin to a Demo Day, however I have actually spent the day in my recliner.  I even had my swaps done early for a change!!

I got them all stamped up and ready and then put them together in the vehicle on the way to the Citrus Bowl a couple of weeks ago.  It just goes to show that you can craft anywhere!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 11, 2024

Thoughtful Expressions

Today I have another Cards in the Mail card to share with you.  This one uses the Thoughtful Expressions stamp set and the Sale-a-Bration item, Flight & Airy Designer Series Paper.

This paper is so gorgeous that it very definitely does all the work for you.  This would be a great card to mass reproduce and then customize for any occasion as you need them.  I found this card on one of my web browsing excursions.  I debated using the ribbon or some other embellishment and finally settled on the ribbon. 

Stamps: Thoughtful Expressions

Cardstock: Calypso Coral, Boho Blue, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Flight & Airy

Ink: Calypso Coral

Accessories: Modern Oval Punch, Boho Blue 3/8" Textured Ribbon, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Are you prepared for another snowstorm? At least, I will be staying in the comfort of my own home during this one. Today, my day started early with a 6:45 am shuttle bus ride to the hospital for labs. I met with my oncologist and then directly proceeded to have my bone marrow biopsy. After a three-hour nap, I checked for my results and found out that my bone marrow showed no signs of lymphoma. This was the last test before proceeding with the transplant. Currently, I am sitting in the lobby of the hospital waiting for Julie and Jason to pick me and my vehicle up for a ride back home. I am sure it will be an early night and a relaxing weekend watching the snow from my recliner.

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 10, 2024

Heartfelt Hellos

Today I am using the beautiful Perennial Lavender Designer Series Paper along with the FREE Sale-a-Bration stamp set, Heartfelt Hellos.  It does not get much better than FREE with a qualifying order.

All the designer series papers in this collection complement each other perfectly, so you can easily mix and match different patterns. This particular color combination happens to be one of my favorites, so you can expect to see a lot of it in the upcoming months.

Stamps: Heartfelt Hellos (Sale-a-Bration)

Cardstock: Highland Heather, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Perennial Lavender

Ink: Gorgeous Grape

Accessories:  Exposed Brick 3D Embossing Folder, Heartfelt Hexagon Punch, 

Tinsel Gems Four Pack,

Stampin' Dimensionals

Good afternoon. I'm currently in my hotel room again. Unfortunately, it took me a long time this morning to get my car out of the snow and with the weather forecast, I decided to stay in Iowa City. Tomorrow morning, I have appointments at the hospital at 7:30 am, and the forecast is predicting more snow tonight. While I could have made it home this afternoon, it would be difficult to get back to the hospital in the morning. So, I've been reading and taking it easy. After clearing 12 inches of wet, heavy snow off my vehicle, I don't have much energy left. I'm hoping to go home after my bone marrow biopsy tomorrow.

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 9, 2024

Textured Florals

I'm back and I hope to be able to keep up with things now!!  My main chemotherapy is done and so are the holidays so I shouldn't be as tired.  I am in a waiting period right now before the transplant at the end of January.

How could I not be back when we are starting one of my favorite times of the year in the Stampin' Up! world . . . Sale-a-Bration!!  Today's card uses one of the cool packages of Sale-a-Bration Designer Series Paper . . . Flight & Airy along with an Annual Idea Book and Catalog stamp set, textured Florals.

This card starts with a base of Misty Moonlight and a layer of Flirty Flamingo.  I used the All That Dies to die cut a small circle out of the designer series paper and then cut a second larger circle from a piece of Misty Moonlight cardstock.  I stamped the sentiment using only the top half of the stamp because all I wanted it to say was Happy Birthday.  Here is what the original stamped image looks like.

The Tinsel Gems Four Pack has just the right color for a little embellishment.

Stamps: Textured Floral

Cardstock: Misty Moonlight, Flirty Flamingo, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Flight & Airy (Sale-a-Bration)

Ink: Misty Moonlight

Accessories:  All That Dies, Tinsel Gems Four Pack, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Today would have been an excellent day to stay and home with a blanket, a cup of tea, and a good book!!  Unfortunately, this is my view this morning!!

I am waiting in a hotel in Iowa City for the shuttle bus to take me to UIHC for a PET scan and a brain MRI.  Since my appointments will not be done until after 6:00 this evening I will be staying here until Wednesday morning because I do not want to drive home after dark with the blowing and drifting snow that is predicted.

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

Happy Stamping!!