January 31, 2025

Delightful Wishes

Today I have combined the Delightful Wishes stamp set with a sentiment from the Unbounded Love set to create this card to share with you.  It is the last one I have to share with you from Monday night's Make-It-Monday.

 

When stamping the flowers I started by using Daffodil Delight and stamped the details of the flowers.  I then added the rest of the flowers using Lemon Lolly ink.  I added the stem using Early Espresso and the leaves with Old Olive.  When I stamp this again I will start with the stem, add the leaves, and then the flowers.  I did not realize that the stem had gaps in the stamping where the flowers should go.  It would be a whole lot easier that way than what I tried.  As you can see mine is a hot mess, but decided you should see that evrybody stamps a hot mess sometimes.

When you open the card there are other layers the same size as the focal piece with the white one being blank so you can write a small message.  These bright yellow flowers and the warmer temperatures with the rain today remind me that spring is right around the corner.

My out and about day yesterday was a huge success.  I got everything picked up and everything delivered.  I spent some time wandering around Target and lo and behold they actually had the Valentine's sweater I had been coveting in stock in the store.  I had only seen it on line.  And wonder of wonders they had my size and it fit!!  Like I told Hanna that sweater just jumped in my cart all on its own.

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 30, 2025

Heart Shaped Bundle

Today's card is featuring a FREE Sale-a-Bration item that I did not think I needed until my friend Susie convinced me that you could make awesome cards with it.  So off I went on my search for cards made with the Heart Shaped Bundle and boy was she right!!  Pinterest was a great help!!

Most of the cards I saw were Valentine themed cards, but this one really struck me since it used a different color palette.  It totally reminds me of some needlework projects I have seen.  Almost all of the cards I saw had the heart shape stamped in one color and then had a second layer with the die cut from a complimentary or different shade of the same color heart.  There are some yellow flowers added to tie in the designer series paper and my card is done!!

I think today is going to be and out and about day.  I am planning on running some errands, delivering some stamp orders, and just enjoying the day before it gets rainy and dreary again.  As I will probably be saying for the next month or so . . . anything I choose to do will be better than where I was this time last year.  But then I quickly remind myself . . . if I hadn't had last year, I might not be here to enjoy this year.  It's all in the perspective!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 29, 2025

Beautiful Butterflies

For today's card I used the Beautiful Butterflies Bundle, the Bloom Impressions Designer Series Paper which is a FREE Sale-a-Bration item, Sunny Day Iridescent Dots, and the Nested Essentials Dies.  

 

I love Pinterest for finding ideas for various products.  This is a card I found there and it took me to a website that I look at sometimes . . . Stamp With Tracy.  The bright cheery butterfly would brighten anyone's day.  After diecutting and embossing the butterfly, which can be done in one step with the hybrid embossing folder, I wanted the veins in the butterfly to show up a little better so I took a blending brushed and White Craft Ink and lightly went over the butterfly.  I then wiped him off with a paper towel and voila' . . . the veins stood out a little more . . . just the look I was going for.  I am really wanting to try this card with some of the other patterns in this FREE Sale-a-Bration paper.  Stay tuned to see what I come up with!!

It is hard to believe it is the end of January and it is going to be almost 50°.  I can remember 60 years ago today when my grandpa passed away the temperature did not get above -20°, a difference of 70° and that was without wind chill factored in. I will take today's weather anytime.  Like John always says when we have nice days like this in the middle of winter that it gets us one day closer to spring without snow or bitter cold.  What are you going to do on this beautiful day?? 

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 28, 2025

Memorable Blooms

My very late post today uses the stamp set Memorable Blooms and die set from the January-April 2005 Mini Catalog.  It also uses the Plaster Painting 3D Embossing Folder.  It is one I found on Pinterest and is one of the cards everyone stamping with me this week gets to make.

Luetta and I were talking when we got together to stamp before Christmas about this unusual 3D embossing folder and how or when you would use it.  I think it is the perfect folder for this card. . . it gives it some texture without totally overwhelming the card.  I started by die cutting the center of the smallest piece of white cardstock and then embossing it with the 3D embossing folder.  I placed it on another piece of white cardstock and gently drew where the opening would be.  This was so I could get the placement of my flowers exactly where I wanted them.  I stamped and colored the flowers and then built the rest of my card.  I love how it turned out.

Today started with a sorely needed nail appointment.  I rarely go more than 3 weeks without having them redone and this time it had been over 6 weeks since I had to cancel last time since John and I were both sick.  At least now I can button my pants with less difficulty!  LOL.   The time since I got home has been spent in my recliner with my heating pad once again.  I think I overdid it yesterday.  I need to learn the fine art of pacing myself.

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 27, 2025

Something For Everything Ephemera Pack

Today I am sharing a card that we made on the cruise back in October.  I am in the middle of getting cards ready for tonight's Make-It-Monday and thought I would have a new spring catalog or Sale-a-Bration card ready to share but the football games yesterday kept me from getting as much done a I would have liked.

These cards have no stamping on them a they are made totally with the ephemera, some 6" X 6" designer serie paper and some white cardstock.  Everything is popped up on a dimensional and then covered with a window sheet to make it appea asif the images are floating!!  They are pretty cool in person!!

This morning will be spent getting ready for this stampers to make their cards this afteroon and this evening.  And their is always Hawkeye basketball tonight. . . let's hope the on fire team shows up tonight!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 26, 2025

Terrific Toadstools

Today I am sharing a card that reminds me of the 70's . . . Terrific Toadstools.  If you are old enough, how many of you had toadstool canisters sitting on your counter??  I know I did!!

This is a fun fold card that starts with a base of Melon Mambo.  It has a partial flap that folds down over the back of the card.  I layered a piece of Pumpkin Pie cardstock onto the flap followed by a piece of the FREE Sale-a-Bration paper . . . Toadstool Garden.  The toadstool is stamped in Pumpkin Pie ink and the stem is punched out of Old Olive cardstock.  The sentiment piece is from another stamp set from the Mini catalog . . . Bright Borders and the words are from the Toadstool stamp set.  This too, has a punch to punch out the shape.

The inside layer of the card is from the Country Lace Designer Series Paper from the annual catalog.   What a fun card!!

Yesterday's shopping trip was very productive . . . I found my heater for the kitchen, a light for over my sink and it was on sale, and we had a great lunch at a little Mexican restaurant that we usually don't go to.  When I got home my memories on Facebook reminded me that a year ago yesterday I was getting my stem cells harvested so I decided that shopping was a lot more fun.  And the day was capped off by Luetta and he husband delivering some fresh chocolate chip cookies to John for his birthday!!

Today I am planning on working on getting everything ready for tomorrow's Make-It-Monday.

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 25, 2025

Rainbow Celebration

Today I am showing you one of the card kits you can get as a FREE Sale-a-Bration item . . . the Rainbow Celebration Kit.

I actually found this an easy one! I have often been guilty of buying the fabulous kits that Stampin' Up! sells - then not finding the time to make them up! I love the idea of quick crafting and will often take a kit in my bag for a spot of 'crafting on the go' at doctor's appointments, but rarely make time to make one up 'just for fun'. So I decided to start as I mean to go on and reached for the Rainbow Celebration card kit that I actually received FREE as part of our current Sale-A-Bration promotion and set to work.  Turning over a new leaf . . . no more "Orange Box Build-up" from Paper Pumpkin Kits or other kits sitting around my stamping room.  These kits are great for my crafting from my recliner days!! This card kit makes 6 cards, two each of three designs. Here they are . . . 

The cards themselves are rainbow shaped and come with coordinating printed envelopes too. This is a no-stamping kit: the card bases are pre-printed and each of the designs requires the addition of a spotted rainbow band, some die-cut clouds and two sentiment labels. All you have to do is sort the pieces and pair with the respective bases, then add Stampin' Dimensionals to each of the pieces according to the instructions and then build the card. Here's a close-up of each of the designs:

The second one:

The last one:

The cards are great for birthdays and to send someone congratulations - they took less than 10 minutes to put together and best of all the kit can be yours for FREE with a $60 purchase during the current Sale-A-Bration promotion! If that's not a reason to fall in love with this kit, I don't know what is!

What a lovely day . . . at least looking out my living room window.  I am meeting Luetta later in the day and we are headed out to buy an under the cupboard light, a small space heater (to take the chill out of the kitchen . . . not to actually be the heat source) and some groceries.  Not our usual shopping but all things I need.  I am thinking if I buy a small space heater to put in the kitchen when I am stamping, then it will get warmer outside and I won't need it.  Probably faulty reasoning but I am going to give it a try. 

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 25, 2025

Thank You Kindly Card Kit

I’m sharing the beautiful Thank You Kindly Kit from Stampin’ Up!’s Kits Collection with you today.  This set of cards is SO much prettier in real life, there are textured panels under the focal images that don’t show up well in the photos, but they’re amazing!

The Thank You Kindly Kit creates eight beautiful white-on-white cards with gold foil accents with coordinating envelopes.  The cards are stunning and so quick to put together!  All of the items needed to create the kit are in the box, including adhesives!

This card features a beautiful die cut set of leaves and a gold foil sentiment.  The two circle die cuts under the leaf image are lightly textured adding a beautiful accent!

This card features a beautiful floral image with a pretty sentiment, both with gold foil accents.  The rectangle under the flower die cuts is also lightly textured and it’s so pretty!

I love that these cards go together in a snap too!  The kit took less than 20 minutes to complete and the cards are stunning!  Perfect for wedding thank you notes or any other time that you need a pretty thank you card!

You can buy this kit in my On Line store.  Go get yours today.

Today is going to be spent finishing up getting my product shares ready to hand out.  If you are interested in getting these, let me know!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 23, 2025

Corners  in Bloom

Today's card is one that uses a unique set . . . Corner in Bloom.  This is a Sale-a-Bration stamp set that you can get FREE with a qualifying purchase.  Pinterest is a great place to go for ideas and that is where I found this one.  I traced it back to a demo I know  . . . Flowerbug's Inkspot.

I started by stamping my border flowers and then cut my Basic White cardstock to the appropriate size.  I colored in the leaves and the flowers with various Stampin' Blends.

As you can see this is a fun fold card with the flaps opening both ways.  I also used another Sale-a-Bration product . . . the Bloom Impressions Designer Series Paper on the flap on the left hand side of the card.  The sentiment comes from the Memorable Blooms stamp set.  Who wouldn't want to get this bright and cheery card as a thank you??

Today is laundry day!!  It has been uite some time since I did laundry so you can imagine there is a lot.  It will probably take me all day to finish it!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 22, 2025

Handmade Designs

If you've been thinking of joining the Stampin' Up! family, there is no better time than now during Sale-A-Bration! When you join by February 28th, you can choose between (2) fabulous offers - including an EXCLUSIVE stamp set - Handmade Designs and your kit will ship FREE!  I have used the Handmade Design stamp set in this card which everyone got to make Monday night.

I inked up my stamp with Moody Mauve Ink, wiped the ink off of the leaves, and then colored them with a Pebbled Path Stampin' Write Marker, breathed on the stamp, and then stamped onto Very Vanilla Cardstock.  I repeated this process two more times for the other flowers.  After being sure that the ink was good and dry, I colored the bloom with a Light Fresh Freesia Stampin' Blend.  I love how they turned out.  Like I said earlier, the only way you can get this stamp set is to sign up to be a demonstrator.

Today has been another cleaning day . . . Angie has been here cleaning and dusting and vaccuming around where all of the Christmas stuff was.  I was going to do it, but with John having been sick it just did not get done.  It is very nice to at least have my house back to "normal", whatever that is.

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 21, 2025

Beautiful Butterflies

Today I am sharing another one of the cards that people stamping last night got to make. It is also one of the cards we will be makaing at the Sale-a-Bration Open House on Thursday afternoon.

This is a super simple card where we will be stamping directly onto the Beautiful Boho Designer Series Paper.  Some added embellishments and layered on to Basic White Cardstock and then onto a Fresh Freesia card base and my super simple card is done.

I wish I could say that we will be able to stay inside where it is nice and warm today, but alas, that is not the case.  John has a doctor's appointment this afternoon so we will venture out into the frozen tundra for that but come right back home!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 20, 2025

Everyday Arches

Today is the first Make-it-Monday for 2025 and this is one of the cards we will be making.  It uses On Line Exclusive products in the Everyday Skies Suite Collection.  It is one I found when I was browsing for card ideas. 

I started by stamping my sentiment on a piece of Fresh Freesia and then chose what size arch would fit the print.  I die-cut it and then die cut the piece of designer paper using the same arch.  The Fresh Freesia arch is just adhered to the card, while the designer series paper one is popped up on dimensionals.  I stamped three little birds using Blueberry Bushel Ink and fussy cut them and adhered to  the card using Mini-Dimensionals.  What a great card to start the 2025 In Person Stamping Classes . . . 

I don't think it got as cold last night as they thought it might . . . it looks beautiful outside, but I thinj I will be content to stay in and get ready for Make-It-Monday and maybe stamp some more cards just for myself!!  I also started a new book yesterday . . . The Housemaid by Frieda Mcfadden and I want to read some more of that today.  This evening will bring Zoom Book Club as well as another football game . . . this time the College Championship Game. I really don't care who wins as long as it i a good game!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 19, 2025

With You in Mind

I am again using the purple/lavender design from the Bloom Impressions designer Series paper as well as the With You In Mind for today's card which is the last of last week's Cards in the Mail.

Once again I started with a card base of Blackberry Bliss and layered Basic White onto it. I cut four rectangles the same size from the designer series paper and used the flowered pattern for two and the solid pattern for the other two. I grabbed my 2 3/8" Circle Punch for the focal piece because it was easier than getting my die cutting machine out.  Add some sequins and I am done.

Boy does the sunshine look good coming in the windows but I can tell by the trees that it is pretty windy outside, which equates in my mind to COLD!!!  Good thing I have nowhere to go today . . . great day to stay inside and craft, read, and watch football.

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 18, 2025

Simply Said

Today I am sharing a simply made card with the stamp set, Simply Said.  It is one of last week's Cards in the Mail.

To make this z-fold card that I found on Pinterest, I started with a base of Calypso Coral and scored it at 4.25" and 2 1/8".  Fold your card in half and then fold the front flap back towards the first fold.  The rest of the card is just basic layering.  I debated about using the checked ribbon because it is black and vanilla and the rest of my card is white and I usually don't mix vanilla and white.  However, I couldn't find a ribbon that I like any better so decided to stick with it.

I am meeting Luetta and her mom for lunch today in Kalona as kind of a last hurrah before hunkering down for a few days in the COLD COLD weather we will be having.  I have books to read, stamping to do, and cross-stitching to get back to, so I won't lack for things to do.  There are also football playoffs to watch later this afternoon and tomorrow so I should be good.  

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 17, 2025

Everyday Greetings

Today I am using the On Line Exclusive Stamp, Everyday Greetings.  If you don't have this set, you should take a look at it.  It has some super sentiments in it using fun fonts!!

I just had to order another package of this designer series paper because after I made this card I could see that I would be using it a lot.  It is so bright and springy and will be perfect for Easter cards or to brighten someone's day with a cheery get well card.  This one is pretty easy . . . just layer a couple of your favorite patterns of paper and find a shape you like for your sentiment and you are done!!

I was out the door bright and early this morning for my three month oncology check-up.  I knew I had been feeling well, but they were veery pleased with how all of my labs looked and with the actvities I have been doing.  I ended up getting another pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine (2nd of the three I need) and an RSV vaccine so both arms are kind of sore but that is better than getting sick.  It's hard to believe it has almost been a year since my transplant, but with my next appointment I have to start in with my childhood vaccines.  

I promptly came home and took a nap and just now woke up so posting is a bit late today!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 16, 2025

With You In Mind

This is one of this week's Cards in the Mail.  I love the larger sentiments that are in this stamp set.

This card is patterned after one made my my friend, Luetta.  Her's had a bigger strip of designer series paper and a different size white circle but other than that I pretty much copied the entire thing.   I happened to have that size strip of designer series paper sitting right beside me when I was making this card so just decided to use it.  Her's also has the strip right down the middle while mine is offset just a little bit.  This is not a color combination that I would have ever put together but it certainly does work with the patterned flowered paper.

Wow . . . I am certainly looking forward to the warm-up the next few days before we go into the deep-freeze again.  I have a PT appointent this afternoon that will be much more fun to go to when I don;t freeze to death on the way.  Other than that, it is a stampy kind of day for me!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 15, 2025

Handmade Designs

Today I am using a stamp set that is only available if you sign up to be a demonstrator during Sale-a-Bration . . . Handmade Designs.

I have paired it with strips of designer series paper from the Bloom Impressions package and layered it onto Basic White and then onto a melon mambo card base.  I love these kind of card bcause it shows that a card does not need to take a lot of work or supplies to be a great card.  I found this card while browsing Pinterest and loved the combination of flowered paper.  Add some Baker's Twine and some of the FREE Purple Adhesive-backed Sequins and I was done!!  Easy-peasy!

Hopefully it really acually warms up this afternoon because it is COLD outside right now.  I have to go to Iowa City for an appointment this afternoon that got cancelled last week and I would rather it be a little warmer.  When I get home, I am having a "kit together" class where everyone attending will be putting the Perpetual Beauty Calendar Kit together.  

I finished my book club book and can now go on to finish anothr book I started a while back . . . not only do I have UFO's (Unfinished Objects  . . . cards) in my stamping, I have UFB's (Unfinished Books . . . not a bank) to finish up this winter.

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 14, 2025

Unbounded Love

Today's card uses my favorite piece of designer series paper from the Bloom Impressions package . . . the purple one!!  I have used it a lot and will probably continue to show lots of card using it!!

Although the card base looks black it is actually Blackberry Bliss.  I used a white layer and then another layer of Blackberry Bliss. The strips across the front measure .75" X 3.75".  This is a great way to use up those strips you might have laying around from other projects.  They are not that wide and I know I had an abundance of them in my scrap pile.  The Everyday Detail Dies happened to be sitting on my counter so I grabbed those for my focal point.  Again, this card could be used for many occasions with a change of sentiment.  Add some FREE Purple Adhesive-Backed Sequins and your card is done!

With the cold temperatures today I think I will stay inside until late afternoon and John has his post-hospital check-up.  The bright sunshine makes it look deceptively warm, but I am sure it is not!!!  Finishing my book club book might also be on my agenda!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 13, 2025

Everyday Arches

Today we are using a different sheet of the Bloom Impressions Designer Series Paper, this time in the yellow family.  I also used a sentiment from the Everyday Arches stamp set.

Once again the designer series paper does the bulk of the work for this card.  All it needed was a sentiment and some ribbon for embellishment and my card was done.  I can tell I need to stock up on my Daffodil Delight cardstock.  That is not a color I normally use, but it goes great with the Shy Shamrock cardstock and these two patterns of designer series paper.

This morning started out bright and early with a hair cut.  I cannot believe how fast my hair is growing once it decided to grow.  It also seem like it has come back in much thicker than it was when it left.  Whatever has caused it, I will take it!!  I am also meeting some friends for lunch and a visit and hope to fit some stamping or organizing in as well.  I know for sure that I will be watching the Vikings playoff game tonight.  They used to be my favorite team when I was a kid. 

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 12, 2025

Beautiful Butterflies

The next Sale-a-Bration product I want to feature is the Bloom Impressions Designer Series Paper.  Both sides of this paper are gorgeous and what makes it even better is that it is FREE with a qualifying order.  Today I have paired it with the Beautiful Butterflies Bundle for a colorful birthday card.

I started by choosing my four favorite flower patterns from the six that are offered.  I cut them in 1" X 3" strips and adhered them to a piece of Basic White Cardstock.  Using Stampin' Dimensionals I adhered it to my basic White Thick Cardstock base.  I die cut a butterfly and sentiment piece, stamped them, and adhered them to the card with Mini Dimensionals.  A FREE Purple Sequin  (Sale-a-Bration item) completed my birthday card.

Today is going to be a football and basketball watching kind of day with some stamping thrown in.  I have many other things I should be doing, but as John always tells me "there is always tomorrow!".

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

Happy Stamping!!