September 30, 2025

Prairie Grass

Today's card is one every one made yesterday.  I think it is the perfect stamp set for sympathy cards.  I know I have used it a lot for just that reason.

This card has a unique background for the main image.  I took an H block and inked the top part with Basic Beige, the bottom part with Garden Green and the middle part with Cajun Craze.  I spritzed it lightly with water and then "smooshed" it lightly onto some watercolor paper.  I set it aside to dry.  When I was sure it was dry I inked up the image with Memento Black ink and stamped it over the watercolor background.  I added a the sentiment and my card was done.  This is one of the few cards that I have not added bling to but I didn't think it needed it.

Today has been a sit around and rest day and watching the Wild Card baseball games.  I have a feeling I may do the same thing the rest of the week!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 29, 2025

Amber Autumn

Today's card is one everybody will be making this afternoon.  It uses the Earthen Toned Metallic Paper and the Amber Autumn Dies.  It is a card that I got in a swap at Holiday Hoopla last weekend.

I love the way this card is laid out.  You only use half of the die cut from the Amber Autumn Die, so you can actually get two card from one die cut!!  The rest is just basic layering!!

Today started out bright and early with a physical therapy appointment.  I can feel my balance getting better as I walk slowly around the house.  Who knew that standing sstill and slowly turning your head would improve your balance?

When I am done posting this I need to finish getting stuff ready for today's Make-It-Monday.  I worked a while on it yesterday and then decided to take a nap and finish it this morning.  Hopefully it all gets done in time!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 26, 2025

Amber Autumn

Wednesday afternoon I had the pleasure of making cards with a women's group from the church down the street.  This is one of the cards we made using the Amber Autumn stamp set.  You might recognize the layout as I have used it several times lately, but it looks different each time depending on the colors and designer series paper.

This time I picked two coordinating patterns of designer series paper from the Autumn Toile paper pack.  I wanted to bring out the colors in the pumpkins so I chose Cajun Craze as the card base.  I layered them on a piece of Very Vanilla cardstock and then onto the card base.  I added the sentiment and some embellishments.  I decided that the ladies would like gold bling better than a solid color so used that.  I think they all liked it and that it what matters!!

This afternoon I am planning on putting together some UFOs (unfinished objects or cards) that I have been trying to get to for a while.  I do need to go to the Kalona Creamery between 12:30 and 1:00 to get some cheese curds for tailgating tomorrow.  Hopefully they have some left by the time I get there!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 25, 2025

Special Request

I had a special request a while back to make a birthday card for someone's 109th birthday!!  Can you imagine living 109 years and the changes you would have seen in your lifetime?

I started with a card base of Thick Whisper White and added a layer Melon Mambo and a layer of Basic White Cardstock.  I used the Extraordinary Flora Washi tape for my flowers.  I love the way they turned out and it was so easy.  One of the stamp sets and dies that I have kept over the years is the Number of Years stamp set and the Large Number Framelits.  I think these are two products that I will never get rid of.  You never know when they will come in handy.  The Happy Birthday comes in this set as well and I stamped it in Melon Mambo.  What do you think of this special card?

I left early this morning for a nail appointment and an appointment at the Credit Union to fix a stupid mistake that I made yesterday.  Let's just say when you get a phone call and the red flags go up you should pay attention to them instead of ignoring them.  All is good now . . . the Credit Union issued me. new debit card and took care of the fraudulent charges . . . thank goodness!  Just think of all of the stamps I could but with that money.

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 24, 2025

Amber Autumn

Back again after an absence for a variety of reasons, traveling doctor's appointments, and just plain forgetfulnes!!  Anyway, today's card is one that we made at Make-It-Monday last week.

I started with a Very Vanilla Thick cardbase.  I took a piece of regular Very Vanilla cut to 4" X 5.25".  I used the Blending Brushes and some Cajun Craze, Mossy Meadow, and Pecan Pie ink to make blotches all over the cardstock.  I then ran it through the Stampin' Cut & Emboss machine using the Amber Autumn dies ad adhered it to the cardbase.  I die cut a sentiment piece and a couple of leaves to finish my card.

This afternoon I am stamping with a ladies group from the church down the street.  I know exactly what we are doing I just neeed to get the cardtock cut so I had better get busy.

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 18, 2025

24 Hour Stamp Sale!!

Today Only

There is a Stamp & Tools Sale for 24 Hours Only! 

Today- Thursday, September 18th, 2025 you can SAVE & get 15% OFF on all stamp sets and some stamping essentials!

This includes:

stamp sets

clear blocks

stamp cases

grid paper

brayer

masking paper

stamping mat

 

Don't miss out on this chance to get your favorite stamps & must have tools!

Hurry- this special SALE ends at midnight tonight- September 18th, 2025!

You can order on line or email me and i will place your order for you!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 17, 2025

Amber Autumn

Fall is a great time of year for cardmaking.  The colors used are probably my favorite color pallette.  This card using, Amber Autumn, is one of the cards everyone made this week.

This tone on tone card features the Amber Autumn dies.  I started with a Cajun Craze card base and added another layer of Cajun Craze which had been die cut to showcase some leaves.  The rest of the card is just basic layering of cardstock and designer series paper.

My day started early again this morning with Labs and then an Oncology appointment.  Everything looks great and I was able to finish all but one of my immunizations.  I can now be an adult again since I am done with my childhood shots.  LOL

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 16, 2025

Simply Said

Today's card is another one that uses the dragging an ink pad technique.  We made it last night at Make-It-Monday.  This is the second or third dragging technique we have done and I think they are getting more comfortable with it.  This card comes from another demonstrator's site,  Bonnie Stamped.

                                 

Ever since Hanna moved into her first apartment and decorated with this yellow and gray color scheme I have loved it.  I don't use it very often, but the Darling Duckling is the perfect shade of yellow!  I guess I have two years to make the most of it since it is and In Color.  I started with a Darling Duckling card base and added a layer of Basic Gray to it.  I embossed the biggest Basic White layer with the Forever Plaid 3D Embossing Folder and adhered it to the card.  I embossed the smaller piece of Basic White with the Sunflower 3D embossing Folder and then drug the Basic Gray ink pad down the debossed side of the cardstock.  This is so the ink shows up on the background of the design and the design shows through white.  I adhered it to the Basic Gray strip and finished building my card.

 

It has been a busy and weird three days around here.  Saturday I was up bight and early to go get two of the grandkids to tailgating and to the ball game Saturday night.  We did not get home until 11:30.  Sunday they wereup petty early so we went for breakfast before taking them back to Grinnell to meet Hanna and Jake.  Yesterday when I woke up one of my toes was bright red and swollen and very sore.  I knew it was hurting in the night and keeping me awake but I didn't get up to look at it.  I decided I should probably have it looked at so I went to a Quick care Clinic.  They had no idea what was going on, but put me on an antibiotic and told me to be cure and show it to my oncologist when I go to my appointment tomorrow.  It doesn't hurt as bad today but is still red and swollen so I am trying to keep it elevated as much as possible.  Guess I am back to making swaps in my recliner!!  Always something!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 12, 2025

Pretty Florals

Today's card is one I received in a swap at a demo meeting that I did not attend because I was on my cruise.  I have no idea shose card it is, but if it is yours or you know whoseit is, please let me know so I can give them credit.

I love the way there are score lines along the left hand side of the card.  It is a familiar layout, but the lines give it a unique look.  I am not sure I would have ever put Timid Tiger with Strawberry Slush, but it definitely works. What do you think? 

After my early morning walk and a trip to Iowa City to take advantage of some sales on groceries, I am settled into my recliner to watch the cubs and to work on my swaps.  I figured I had better rest today because tomorrow will be a big day with the Hawkeye Game in the evening and tailgatingmost of the day!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 11, 2025

Amber Autumn

Today's card is one I found on Pinterest and it was so simple that I thought it would be great for a Cards in the Mail.

It is very hard to see in the photo, but the Early Espresso strip doen the left hand side has been embossed with the Birchwood 3D Embossing Folder.  It certainly does not show up in the photo!!   Just think how many different cards you could make with this sketch just by changing up the designer series paper.  And how many different occasions by changing up the sentiment!!  A SUPER easy card to make and change!!

Enjoy these beautiful fall days (although it is going to be warm this afternoon) while they last.  I was later going for my walk this morning and it got a wee bit warmish!!  I just looked at Accuweather and it seems like we are going to have comfortable fall temperatures at least through the middle of October.  I will definitely take it!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 10, 2025

Gathering Moments

Today's card is another fall card that is in this week's Cards in the Mail.  I am loving all of these fall colors and products.

For this card I cut a 3"  3" piece of designer series paper and then cut it into 3" strips and layered it onto Early Espresso cardstock.  This was layered onto a piece of Cajun Craze cardstock that had been embossed with the On Line Exclusive 3D Embossing Folder, Gathering leaves.  The embossing is not very deep on this piece of cardstock so does not show up very well.  Next time I will use a shim so I get a deeper impression!  I finished my card with a sentiment piece and some embellishments.

It was a beautiful morning for my walk today . . . 60° and sunny.  If I start to walk any longer I probably need to wear a hat or apply some sunscreen.  The last thing I want is to have more skin cancer spots removed!!  

This afternoon is going to be spent working on my swaps for the following weekend.  I have one set done and have the othr set in my mind I just need to get them done!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 9, 2025

Lovely Florals

Today's card is a fun fold card that features the Lovely Florals stamp set and the Gathering Together Designer Series Paper.  This is another one of this week's Cards in the Mail.

The designer series paper in both the September-December Mini catalog and the On-Line Exclusive paper are to die for this time.  It does not show up well in the photo but this paper has gold veins in some of the leaves and the berries are a shimmery gold as well.  

As you can see this is a fun fold card, opening at both the top and the bottom with your writing space in the middle.  This paper reminds me of some of the trees that I could see every day in my first teaching position in northeastern Iowa.  The leaves up there are beautiful and you don't have to plan on a weekend to go see them because when you live there they are visible every time you leave your house.

The day started out with my usual walk and then John had a doctor's appointment.  I wasn't going to walk, but then deicded if I skipped a day it would make it easier to skip tomorrow and the next day and the next.  You can see where that would lead.  So I sucked it up and away I went.  When I am done posting this I am going to sit outside and read my book club book.  Since I am the leader on Monday evening I better get it finished.

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 8, 2025

Simply Said

Today's card is a CASE from my friend, Susie.  I used the same card, just changed up the colors and the designer series paper.

This card uses a couple of new products .. . . The Streaked Dots and Irregular Trim Weave.  I am pretty happy with this color combination.  It reminds me of fall without all of the yellows, oranges, and browns.

I started a new routine today . . . first thing I do every morning is to go for a walk.  I started yesterday and so far have managed to walk a mile each morning.  I am hoping to increase that as time goes on.  I will say I think I have more motivation to do something.  When I start my day sitting in my recliner it is easy to stay there.  Now I have the energy and ambition to do other things.  Wish me luck!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 7, 2025

Simply Said

Today's card is one I made when I had the six young girls come and stamp earlier this summer.  The actual turtle stamp set did not interest me at all but the turtle designer series paper is super cute.

For this card I simply cut out one of the turtles (not very well I might add) and popped him up onto the layered cardstock.  There were three different turtles the girls could choose from     . . . this one, one on a bicycle, and one laying on his back.  The bicycle one is very cute but not so easy to fussy cut!  I think this was a favorite of all of the cards the girls made that day!!

Today seems like way too nice of a day to stay indoors, but I really have nothing I need to or want to do outside.  I thought about going shopping to see if I can find the bins I want for reorganizing my craft room, but don't really want to drive to Cedar Rapids.  I have exhausted all of the stores in Iowa City.  

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 6, 2025

Jar of Joy

My card today is one I received in a swap.  It uses the Jar of Joy stamp set.

This particular card has little stars glued all over coming out of the jar.  Most of the cards I have seen have cookies in the jar.  I think it would be a lot of work to glue all of those little stars to the card.  I think I prefer the cookies.  What do you think?

I am watching the Iowa/Iowa State football game on TV, the Cubs game on my laptop, and typing out my blog post all at the same time.  I guess I haven't forgotten how to multi-task after all!!  So far, both games are tied!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 5, 2025

Spotlight on Nature

This is a card that I have had in my "post" folder for quite a while.  I received it from a friend a long time ago.  It uses the retired stamp set, Spotlight on Nature, and the current Spotlight on Nature dies.

This is one stamp set that I am sorry is retired.  The flowers were so pretty.  I am glad, however, that the dies are still current.  I use them quite a bit.

Today's post is very late because I have been trying to help John find the charging cord to his clippers.  He got halfway through buzzing his hair and the clippers ran out of battery.  He has no idea where he put the charging cord and as I found out, a regular charging cord does not work.  I guess we will be getting a new set of clippers.  I finished buzzing his hair with my paper snips.  Good thing I am not a hair stylist!!  

As soon as I am done posting this I am settling in and watching the Cubs baseball game.  Not sure if I will do anything else, while watching . . . I am still sort of tired from last weekend!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 4, 2024

Artistic Leaves

Today's card is one I got from my friend Susie.  I have tried this and mine didn't come out quite as nice, but if you didn't see the original you might not know the difference.

I believe Susie used three different colors of brown in on hers, dragging them across the cardstock lightly.  I think my problem was that I drug my ink pads to heavily so my embossing did not show up near as well.

As soon as I am done here I am headed out the door to get my nails done and pick up some groceries.  I am also hoping to stop at Home Goods to see if they have more containers so I can continue with my stamp reorganization.

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 3, 2025

New On Line Exclusive Products Available

You can click on any of these products to go to my store to purchase them or you can shoot me an email and I will order for you.

The same goes for the September-December Mini Catalog.

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

Happy Shopping and Happy Stamping!!

September 2, 2025

Layered Thoughts

Today's card uses the Layered Thoughts stamp set with one of my favorite techniques . . . Joseph's Coat.

I have used this technique a ton in my stamping years.  You start with a piece of white cardstock and sponge or brush various colors all over it.  Once you have your paper covered you stamp your image with Versamark.  Be sure you are using a juicy Versamark pad.  As you can see, I did not get enough Versamark on my stamp for the top Happy Birthday, so my image is not as colorful as I would like.  Emboss with Clear Embossing Powder.  Once that is good and dry, drag a Memento Black juicy in pad over the cardstock.  Once your cardstock is nice and dark, use a paper towel to wipe it off and the black ink will resist where you stamped and emossed the images.

Yesterday was definitely a day of rest, but today I am on the go again.  I need to pick up prescriptions, go to Iowa City to get groceries, and then come home and clean off my kitchen table again.  That seems to be a never ending battle!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 1, 2025

Painted Stripes

I know I have shared this card before but I thought it was appropriate for this Labor Day.

The Painted Stripes stamp set really makes the perfect flag.  The stripes look like the flag blowing in the wind to me.  I did use a retired star punch as I didn't want to get my die cut machine out.  It was much easier!!  I used Secret Sea as my base but it is really dark.  Maybe Night of Navy would have been a better choice

I hope you have all had a great Labor Day weekend.  I have had a busy, but fun weekend.  Saturday was spent tailgating and attending th first Hawkeye football game.  And what a great win it was.  Yesterday I met Hanna, Jake, and the kids in Mount Pleasant and went to Old Threshers.  It has been over ten years since I have been there. We had a great time and the kids certainly enjoyed themselves.  Today is going to be a day of rest and gearing up for a busy fall!!

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

Happy Stamping!!