December 6, 2025

Merry Christmas

Since I have been working on my Christmas cards I decided it was time to share some of them.

This is a pretty simple card with a little stamping and some die cutting and embossing.  It doesn't show up very well in the photo but the layer of white cardstock has been embossed with the Jolly Holly Hybrid Embossing Folder.  It just gives the card a little bit of added dimension.  I think it turned out to be a very elegant card.  I love the traditional red and green Christmas cards.

I should be in Adel watching the kids today.  Instead I am sitting in my living room watching basketball and working on stamping projects.  The weather sort of changed my mind for me.  They have a weather advisory starting at noon and we have one starting at 6:00 tonight and I didn't really want to chance having bad roads on the way home.  I decided I worked hard to get healthy I wasn't going to do anything risky so decided to play it safe.  Hanna and Jake were able to make other arrangements at the last minute for which I am grateful.

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 5, 2025

Peace On Earth

Today's card is a sympathy card i received in a swap somewhere.  I hate making sympathy cards, but it seems as if I am sending more and more of them out.  They are one type of card I like to always have on hand because I cannot sit down to make one when I need it.

This card uses the peace on Earth Suite.  The designer series papers are layered on a Thick White card base and layer.  This suite also contains the glimmer paper that is layered across the middle.  The sentiment is stamped in Secret Sea and fussy cut around it.

As soon as I am done posting this John and I are off to yet another appointment.  At least it is warmer than it was yesterday.  I promptly  came home and curled up with my blanket to get warm and fell asleep.  When I woke up it was time for supper, so I got no stamping done.  I am hoping to get some done when we get home this afternoon.

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 4, 2025

Delicate Framing

Today's card is another one that features the Brushed With Beauty Designer Series Paper and is a Cards in the Mail this week.  I got this card from my friend, Susie, as a swap in Las Vegas.

This card features two of the colors that coordinate with the paper . . . Calypso Coral and Petal Pink.  This is a pretty card with basic layering.  the Petal Pink layer is embossed with the Beautiful Pattern Embossing Folder.  The bow was made by separating the petal Pink Braided trim into individual strands and then tying the bow using two of the strands.

BRRRR . . . it certainly is cold this morning, but I am afraid it will get a lot colder before winter is over.  As soon as I am done posting this i am going to warm up the vehicle because John and I both have appointments this morning.  Luckily they are in the same place and close in time to each other.  When we get home I am burying myself in my blankets and either working on my Christma card or taking a nap!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 3, 2025

Delicate Framing

Today's card is another one that features the Brushed With Beauty Designer Series Paper and is one of this week's Cards in the Mail.

I love how the paper all coordinates well together and you can mix and match your patterns in many different ways.  This card is on a base of calypso Coral, but the paper also looks great on Strawberry Slush or Petal Pink cardstock.  Choices are always good.  You can also change out the sentiment and use it for any occasion you might like . . . birthday, thinking of you, friendship . . . the possibilities are endless with just a few supplies and this layout.

Today is going to be a stay at home day as we have appointments for the next two days and then I am going to Adel to watch the kids while Hanna and Jake have an appointment.  As old as it is going to be, I am just fine staying at home!  I am planning on going through my stamp sets and dies and pulling the ones that went on the Last Chance List yesterday.  As long as that list was, I hope I have some things left!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 2, 2025

Last Chance List Has Been Updated

The Last Chance List has been updated with some great bargains.  Click on the links below to check them out.

Two new kits have also been added.  Check them out here.

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 1, 2025

Have you ever wanted to subscribe to Paper Pumpkin?  Now is a great time!!

Starting December 1 at 8 a.m. (MT), we’re offering big savings on prepaid Paper Pumpkin subscriptions! There’s never been a better time to subscribe to get a new all-inclusive crafting kit delivered to your door each month. Take advantage of this Cyber Monday offer for fantastic deals on 3-, 6-, and 12-month prepaid subscriptions.

Whether you’re looking for a last-minute Christmas present that sparks creativity or resolving to make time to craft in the new year, a Paper Pumpkin subscription is the gift that keeps on giving. Read on for more information about this special offer and some key details you

should know.

From December 1–9, prepaid Paper Pumpkin subscriptions will be discounted as follows:

3-month prepaid: $61.00 (regular price $81.00)
6-month prepaid: $122.00 (regular price $162.00)
12-month prepaid: $244.00 (regular price $324.00)

This offer ends on December 9 at 11:59 p.m. (MT), so make sure you don’t miss out! 

And now, here’s the fine print.

• Subscriptions purchased during this promotion start immediately with the December Watercolor in Bloom Kit. This kit cannot be skipped.
• Do not purchase multiple subscriptions for the same recipient. The subscriptions will all start with the Watercolor in Bloom Kit, so the recipient will end up receiving duplicates of the same kit each month.
• Shipping cost is built into the price of the kit and is not reduced. The promotional discount applies only to the product value of the kit itself.
• Subscriptions purchased during the promotion will earn reduced rewards compared to full-priced subscriptions due to the discounted price, but they will still qualify for rewards once the threshold is met.

Don’t miss your chance to enjoy months of exciting kits at an incredible value! Spread the word and  take advantage of these savings!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 30, 2025

Words of Beauty

Today's card is one that I received in Las Vegas  and one of this week's Cards in the Mail.  I am featuring the Brushed With Beauty Designer Series Paper this week.

It starts with a Petal Pink card base with another layer of Petal Pink that has been embossed with the Beautiful Pattern Embossing Folder.  She took a layer of Very Vanilla and added a layer of Mossy Meadow.  Next comes two coordinating pieces of the designer series paper and sentiment and some embellishment and you are done.

I hope you all stayed warm and safe yesterday in all of the snow.  I was supposed to meet Hanna and Jake in Grinnell this afternoon to get Johan home but it looks as if he may be staying with us another night.  None of us are crazy about driving on I80 and by the time it is clear enough to drive on, it will be dark.  We are still trying to decide what to do.  At least we are warm and safe and fed so all is good.

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 29, 2025

Delicate Pines

I have been waiting to share this card until we had some snow, but I didn't need this much snow.  This is a fun technique that I call "Magic Snowflake."

I started with a card base of Secret Sea and added a layer of Basic White.  I then took a spiece of glossy photo paper (or you can use the Glossy Paper Stampin' Up! used to sell.)  I stamped the snowflake with Versamark and embossed it with Basic White Embossing Powder.  I took a cotton ball and filled it with rubbing alcohol and then dropped different shades of blue reinkers into it.  I used Secret Sea and Balmy Blue reinkers and then I dabbed it onto the glossy cardstock.  I made sure the whole piece had some blue on it.  I then took my heat tool and went over the Glossy Cardstock.  The ink dried and disappeared where ever the snowflake was.  This was one of the first techniques I learned over 20 years ago and hadn't used it since.  I decided it was time to resurrcect it!  What do you think?

I have a feeling today is going to be a stay at home day.  Johan is with us until tomorrow if we can get to Grinnell tomorrow after noon.  He is happily watching TV and I am going to start stamping when I am done with this.

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 26, 2025

Simply Said

This bright and colorful card is one of the swaps I received when I was in Las Vegas from one of my friends that I traveled with.  It is also one of the cards everyone made on Monday.

It is very hard to see in the photo but this card has been embossed with two different embossing folders. . . Beautiful Pattern 3D and Exposed Bricks Embossing Folders.  It is pretty much just layering cardstock from there and choosing your sentiment.

Today is the kind of day we used to say we needed to tie strings onto the kindergartners at recess because if we didn't hold onto them, they would blow away.  It is a great day to stay home and finish up getting ready for Thanksgiving.

Stay safe and don't blow away.

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 25, 2025

Pretty Florals

Today's card is one that reminds me that even though winter is coming and the temperatures are getting colder, flowers will grow again.  It is also one that everyone made last night at Make-It-Monday.

When I was making this card I did not think I did a very good job of linig up the flowers but now that I look at it again, they are not so bad.  This is a very forgiving stamp set, so if you were thinking about buying it don't think that it needs to be perfectly lined up.  I used Garden Green for the stems, Summer Splash for the flowers, and Pretty Peacock for the sentiment.  The centers of the flowers are stamped full strength and the rest of the flower is stamped off.

I guess I will have to venture out of the house today to pick up a prescription for John.  Now I look like Alvin the chipmunk who has been in a fight as bruising has set in.  Luckily they prepared me for all of this before they extracted the tooth so I know I am on the right path.  Like I keep telling John . . . at least it doesn't hurt unless I bump it or try to rest my chin on my hand.  The simple ansswer to both of those is . . . well . . . don't do that!!

After picking up prescriptions I want to finish stamping up left over pieces from last night and get my table cleaned off again so we can eat there on Thursday!! 

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 24, 2025

Love and Courage

Today's card is one I received as a swap in Las Vegas and one that everyone stamping with me today will be making.

This card does use a retired designer series paper but you could use any pink and white paper.  Or one thing I like about this design is that you could customize it to any cancer simply by changing the colors and designer series paper.  For example, for lymphoma, you could use Garden Green or Granny Apple Green cardstock and any designer paper with a cool pattern and coordinating colors.  Speaking from experience, anyone would love to get this card and know someone was thinking about them.

I still look like Alvin the chipmunk, but at least feel like moving around today.  I need to get everything ready for Make-It-Monday.  The cardstock is all cut and ready to go . . . I just need to gt all of the supplies set up on the table after John finishes his lunch that they bring him.  I might even step outside and get a breath of fresh air since I haven't even stuck my nose out the door since I got home Friday afternoon!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 23, 2025

Lovely Florals

Today's cards are a couple I whipped up quickly yesterday for an order of Thanksgiving cards.  Since we don't really have a Happy Thanksgiving stamp I figured "thankful" would work.

I used the same layout as I did for my swap card for Las Vegas.  You can see that card here.  Same layout, same dimensions, just different paper and it looks totally different.

I had smaller pieces of this designer paper that was perfect for this card so I did two different cards.  Which do you like better . . . this (on the left) or that (on the right)?

Just call me Alvin the Chipmunk . . . the right side of my face is way more swollen today than yesterday.  The good news is that there is no pain or bruising so I will take the swelling!!  It should start to go down by Tuesday, so let's hope they were right!!  Another day of crafting from my recliner!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 22, 2025

Surprise in My Order

When I opened one of my stamping orders there was a delightful surprise in it!!

This beautiful card from the Riverton Order Fulfillment center was in the package.   I have been a demonstrator for over 20 years and this is the first time I have ever received a thank you note.  Isn't it beautiful!!

 

Today is most definitely going to be a rest day.  I look like I went a couple of rounds with Muhammad Ali.  I had the tooth pulled yesterday that I lost part of in Las Vegas.  It only took about 30 minutes from start to finish and I was heavily novacained so there was no pain at all.  I slept well last night and today there is just a little bit of swelling but no bruising.  This weekend is going to be a stay at home and rest weekend.

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 19, 2025

Gallery Blooms

Today's card is the second card I took to Las Vegas for a birthday card swap.

As you can see this is a fun fold card with flaps opening both ways.  There is a small space on the inside for your message.  Once again I showcased the gorgeous Brushed With Beauty Designer Series Paper.  I colored the flower with a Mossy Meadow Stampin' Blend for the leaves and an Ivory Stampin' Blend for the actual flower.  I love the way it turned out.

As you can seemy I made quite a few of these as well. Definitely took more time than the one I posted yesterday.  I think my days of making swaps are done until at leat the end of January.

A word of advice . . . if you need a Covid vaccine, an influenza shot and a pneumonia vaccine, done't get them all on the same day!!  I don't think I am going to do much the rest of the day other than sit in my recliner and rest!!  They really took it out of me!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 18, 2025

Sentimental Framing

Today's card is one I took as a swap to Backstage last week.  It uses the Sentimental Framing stamp set and the Traditional Labels Dies.  It also uses the gorgeous Brushed With Beauty Designer Series Paper.

I used a Strawberry Slush card base and layered it with Very Vanilla cardstock.  I chose two patterns of designer series paper that coordinated well together and added them to the Very Vanilla cardstock.  The sentiment is stamped with Mossy Meadow ink onto a  shape cut out of Very Vanilla cardstock using the Traditional Labels  Dies.

I really only needed 11 swaps for the swap I was in, but once I got going I ended up with 20.

Today started with a salon appointment and is ending with an oncology appointment.  I am typing this as I sit in the waiting room waiting to have my blood drawn and then I will wait another hour to see the doctor.  It's a good thing I brought a book with me to keep me entertained.

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 17, 2025

We asked, and they listened! Announcing our first-ever Black Friday sale! From November 25 to December 1, you  can get up to 40% off select products.  Don’t forget to mark your calendar so you can save BIG starting November 25! Visit the online store starting November 25 to see all the products that will be on sale.

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 10, 2025

Weekend Adventures

And we are off!!  Susie and I are sitting in the Des Moines airport waiting for our flight to Las Vegas so I thought this was an appropriate card . . . our adventure is starting.  We are headed to Stampin' Up! Backstage for a few days.

My card starts with a base of Basic Black with some layers of Pecan Pie and Basic White.  The sentiment is embossed in white on some Weekend Adventures Designer Series Paper.  I added a few Streaked Dots as an embellishment.

It looks like it is about time to start boarding our plane so I had best put my laptop away.  I hope to post while I am away but not sure about time and Internet.

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 9, 2025

Gingerbread Man

Today's card is another one I made from the Cozy Craft retreat.  

This card totally reminds me of Hanna, because whenever something would go wrong she would always say "Oh Snap!"  At least her leg didn't come off.  There is very little stamping on this card, just a lot of die cutting.  The base of the card comes from the Christmas Greetings Specialty Cards and Envelopes.  It is a little larger than a regular card measuring 4.25" X 6.25"

Everything is ready to go to Vegas tomorrow.  I just need to put it in my suitcase and go to the grocery store to get John some food for while I am gone.  I might even be able to sneak in a nap this afternoon.

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

 Happy Stamping!!

November 8, 2025

Baby, It's Cold Out There!!

Today's card is one I made from a class I bought  . . .  called the Cozy Craft retreat. 

There is no stamping on this card whatsoever.  It is all made with designer series paper and letters cute out with the new large letters dies.  Amazing what you can do with no stamps . . . just paper.

Today is a football kind of day.  I made the decision to stay home from the game based on the weather forecast.  I did not want to get sick before leaving for Las Vegas on Monday.   I can watch the dame on TV in the warm comfort of my home.  I think I made the right decision.

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 7, 2025

More Messages

Today I am sharing one of the cards that I made at Susie's Holiday Extravaganza.

This card used the Sunflower 3D Embossing Folder as well as the More Messages stamp set and accompanying die.   It also uses the two tone Daffodil Delight Paper.  I love the way it turned out.  The other dies are from the Branching Out Dies and the retired Thankful Garden Dies.

 

What a beautiful day it is today.  We had better enjoy it today because I have a feeling tomorrow is going to be quite different.

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 6, 2025

Festive Friends

Today's card is one I made with a few weeks ago when I went to Wisconsin.  The basic card came from a class I bought called the Cozy Craft retreat.  

The basic card was in the shape of the Pool Party Pennant and had no bling on it.  I added it to a quarter sheet of Real Red cardstock and also added a red faceted Snowflake to his hat.  All cards need some kind of bling and I wan't sure where to put it so it ended up on his hat.

This is now like a fun fold card.  I like it much better on the red background.

dog, happy, apple

If you are over 65 you might know what those words mean.  I had a Medicare yearly checkup (my first) and those were the three words they gave me to remember.  Clearly I still remember them!  Now that that is out of the way for today and also for another year, I can settle down and finish up my swaps for next week.  I thought I would get them done last night, but decided to go to bed instead.  I still have four days to get them done!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 5, 2025

Friendly Foliage

Today's card is one everyone got to make last week at Make-It-Monday.  I hionestly do not remember where or when I got this card.  My best guess is when I was stamping with my friend, Susie.  The reason I say this is because of the way the sentiment tag is cut.

The card base is Early Espresso, although it looks black.  It is layered with Mossy Meadow that has been embossed with the Gathering Leaves 3D Embossing Folder.  The Autumn Toile Designer Series Paper has been layered on another piece of Early Espresso and adhered to the card.  This would be a great card to send to someone just to let them know you are thinking about them.

It looks warm and inviting when I look out my living room window, but that wind is pretty strong, at least in Wellman.  I spent all day yesterday out and about and I have a big week coming up next week so I think I will just stay home today and work on swaps and other projects.

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 4, 2025

New Kits and November On Line Exclusives

Stampin' Up! has just released its November On Line Exclusives and two new kits.  they are all pretty awesome.  You can see all of them below.  Let me know what I can order for you!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 3, 2025

Gathering Moments

Today's card is a thank you card with beautiful fall colors.  Everyone stamping last week got to make this card.

I started with a layer of Basic Beige on a Cajun Craze card base.  I layered two different patterns of gathering Together Designer Series over this.  The leaf is die cut and then ran through the Stampin' Cut & Emboss using the Gathering Leaves Embossing Folder.  It is popped up on the card using dimensionals.  Add a sentiment and some twine for embellishment and you card is done.

I started the day with an early morning eye appointment.  I go twice a year so they can check the health of my eyes.  The current thought is that is probably where my lymphoma started and they eye doctor I was seeing at the time just dismissed it as nothing to worry about.  The doctor I have now would rather see me twice a year and be sure everything is all right rather than miss something again.  I certainly do agree with her.  When I am done posting this I am taking a nap and letting my super-dialated eyes rest.

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

Happy Stamping!!