October 17, 2024

Changing leaves

Today's card is one of this week's Cards in the Mail.  I have used the Changing Leaves stamp set but had not ever used the dies with the hybrid embossing folder.  It worked like a dream.

For as easy as this card was to make it sure has the WOW factor going for it.  After embossing a piece of white cardstock with the hybrid embossing folder I used it again.  This time with the die attached and a piece of Oxidized Copper Paper.  I love the way the leaf turned out . . . both die cut and embossed.  With a sentiment and a few Sparkle Gems my card was complete.

Today has been a pretty busy day.  The gal that comes and cleans for me came this morning . . . she used to come twice a month . . . now she only comes once a month so we had a lot of catching up to do.  That explains why I am just not getting around to posting today's card!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

October 16, 2024

Frozen Edges

The weather seems about right for this kind of card!!  It is chilly out today!!  This is the winter/holiday card that I took as a swap when I went to a stamping event a month ago.

It doesn't really show up well in the photo but the snowflakes have been embossed with silver embossing powder.  The layer underneath the Night of Navy is silver and there is a silver border on the sheer white ribbon.  This card really sparkles in person.  

I am ready to snuggle up, but not  ready for snow.  The weather 33 years ago on this day got up to 70° believe it or not.  I remember it vividly as today is Hanna's birthday.  She was also born on a Wednesday.  When we took her home from the hospital the following Saturday it was cold and snowy.  I sure hope the same thing doesn't happen this year.

With all of the stamping and embossing on this card I was glad I only had to make 20 of them.  I love heat embossing but it is messy!!!

I am writing today's post as I sit at the car dealership waiting on my Rav 4 to be serviced.  It's been well over a year since it was serviced but then I didn't really drive it for most of that year.

This afternoon I will be back in Iowa City to have the stitches removed from my nose.  I am ready to be done with bandages on face . . . I hope they think so as well.

 

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

Happy Stamping!!

October 14, 2024

Latte Love

Today's card is one I have had for quite some tie that I received from Susie that I have just not shared yet.  It ues another OnLine Exclusive stamo set . . . Latte Love.

This is a fun fold card with the center piece opening to reveal the area for your message.  I used this paper and stamp set quite a bit when it was first released but it has been a long time since it has seen any ink.  It is still one of my favorites however.  It does use a retired punch for the coffee underneath the cup but you could use any circular punch or die and achieve the same look.  The coffee cup is fussy cut out of the a piece of the designer series paper.  There are a lot of cups on the paper so you could get about 40 cards from this one sheet of paper if you were patient enough to fussy cut them all!!

Tonight is Family Zoom Book Club and I have yet to finish the book so my plan is to read most of the day trying to finish it.  We will see how successful I am!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

October 13, 2024

Frosted Forest

Today's card is one I made a while back at an event that Susie hosted and she provided this card for us to make.

Believe it or not the tree is not stamped at all.  It uses the stencils that are in the Frosted Forest Bundle.  This bundle is not in any catalog or brochure . . . it is an online exclusive and can only be seen Online.  I then die-cut the trees with the dies that are in the bundle.  The Birch Wood Embossing Folder can be found in the September-December 2024 Mini Catalog.

This week has not gone at all like I thought it would.  I had an appointment bright and early Wednesday morning to have a basal cell carcinoma removed from my nose and another skin cancer removed from my right arm.  I knew it could be a lengthy appointment and it was but I wasn't expecting it to make me so tired.  Thursday morning I had an Oncology appointment to go over my MRI results which went very well . . . but they wanted me to go back to dermatology because they thought my nose was seeping and bleeding more than it should.  They worked me in right away and cleaned things up and rebandaged my nose and I got home shortly after lunch.  I rested the rest of the day and also on Friday.  Yesterday I was ready to go again and was up bright and early to go tailgate and go to the Iowa Football game.  It was a great game and the walk back and forth to the stadium was easier than it has been in the past.  Today I am hoping to get cardstock cut and things ready for Cards in the Mail tomorrow.

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

Happy Stamping!!

October 8, 2024

Thoughtful Wishes

Good Morning!!  I think I am back and rested after a wonderful 10 New England and Canadian Cruise.  This card was the last card in the Cards in the Mail packet before I left.

This super simple card features the awesome Splendid Autumn Designer Series Paper and a couple of simple embellishments.  I chose the fall tree pattern for this card but there are many other beautiful pages that you could chose from.  The linen thread and gold foil are the perfect complement for this fall designer series paper.

Yesterday was my three month MRI check up and I am happy to say that I am still doing great with no signs of any reoccurence.  With that being said I think I am ready to go back to some In Person stamping events that I will hold in my home.  I am going to spend today planning some of them out so be sure to look for emails to sign up.

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 25, 2024

Everyday Greetings

Today's Cards in the Mail card uses an On-Line Exclusive stamp set . . . Everyday Greetings.  If you haven't already gone on line and checked it out you should.   It has some pretty neat sentiments in it and the fonts are super cool.

I have used the reverse side of the Lily Pond Lane Designer Series Paper.  I am not too fond of the ducks and lily pads but I love the reverse side of the papers.  Add a sentiment and a pop of pink with the bordered ribbon and your card is done!!

My bags are packed and I am ready to go . . . this time really on a jet plane.  My long awaited cruise is finally here.  I will not be posting again until at least October 7th.  I do jump right back into the thick of things with three doctor's appointments on MOnday the 7th.  I am intending on resting and relaxing for the next 10 days and not thinking about doctors or appointments!!!  I do have access to Facebook so if you would like to follow along on our adventures I will be posting pictures there.

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 23, 2024

Autumn To Remember

I can finally share this card that I absolutely love made with a stamp set in the Scrapbooking Brochure . . . Autumn to Remember.  This is one of the swap cards that I took this weekend to Illinois when I attended Holiday Hoopla hosted by the Stampin' Sisters.

It uses my favorite technique . . . Joseph's Coat.  I actually looked back through my posts to find another fall card that I had made several years ago that uses that technique.  You can see that card here.  It's a pretty messy technique but oh so worth it!!  Autumn is my favorite time of year to use this technique because fall colors lend themselves well to the blending and shading underneath the clear embossing powder.

I had to make siteen of these cards for the swap so it took me a while to get them done . . . especially since I am not. moving that fast these days.

I spent the weekend stamping with friends in Illinois.  I actually got along better than I thought I would and completed all of the projects except for assembling four treat holders.  All of the stamping and coloring is done for them and I hope to get them together before I leave for the cruise on Wednesday.  Today will bring an appointment this morning and then coming home to start my packing.

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 19, 2024

Autumn To Remember

Today's card uses another one of the new stamp sets in the Scrapbooking Brochure that you can see On-Line.

I once again used a layout I used a couple of weeks ago, just changing the cardstock, designer series paper, and the sentiment.  You can see that card here.  I am really liking the paper that is in the Scrapbook Brochure.  For a change, I actually like both sides of the designer series paper.  Be sure to check it out!!

Today is an errand running, meeting friends for lunch, finishing my swaps kind of day.  I also need to start packing both for my weekend stamping retreat as well as the cruise next week.  I am sure it will all get done, I just wish it WERE already done!!  Hopefully, there will be a little time for some relaxing today at some point!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 18, 2024

Enjoying Little Things

Today's card is not only a Cards in the Mail card but also words to live by!!  Sometimes I think we get so wrapped up in the big things of life that we forget to enjoy the little things along the way.

Just like we should stop and enjoy the little things in life. . . sometimes less is more on a card such as this one.  Using only Basic Thick White Cardstock and some designer series paper, we have a card anyone would love to receive.  The Country Woods Designer Series Paper is perfect for just such a card.

I ended up having a lot of time to work on things yesterday . . . my appointment got canceled because the doctor was sick.  Actually, the extra day of rest was a good thing!!  Besides getting some stamping done I now have my packing list complete or almost complete.  It gives me time to look it over and add those things I think I might be forgetting.

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 17, 2024

Potions & Spells

Today's Cards in the Mail card uses some products from the new Scrapbooking brochure available only online.  In the future scrapbooking products will be in the main catalog.  The Designer Series Paper is in that brochure and the stamp set, Potions, & Spells, is an OnLine Exclusive product.

  

I decided to rework one of the layouts I did last month, only using Halloween paper.  You can see that card here.  Instead of reinventing the wheel all the time, I need to do more of that.  It definitely shows how easy cardmaking is once you have some products and an idea or two!!  I didn't have any ribbon that I thought was the right color so I colored some of the Black & Very Vanilla Large Checked Ribbon with my Dark Pumpkin Pie Stampin' Blend!!  I love being able to make ribbon any color you might need.

If you haven't checked out the Scrapbooking Brochure you really need to do that.  You might think it is only for scrapbookers, but that is not the case.  You can check it out by clicking this link.  What a great time to tock up on papers and such tomorrow during the FREE shipping event!!

Yesterday, I had a sudden burst of energy and got everything ready to mail for Cards in the Mail. I also worked on my second swap for this weekend. Today, I have an appointment in Iowa City right in the middle of the afternoon, so I am planning on running all of my errands before it and then coming home and trying to get those finished up!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 16, 2024

Changing Leaves

Today's card is another one I got from Susie at her last demo event.  It uses the Changing Leaves stamp set.

Changing Leaves is an On-Line Exclusive which means that it is not in a print catalog anywhere.  Anyone can order these, but you can only see it On-Line.  If you need help finding it On-Line, I can help you.  This card also features the new Basic Beige color that replaced very Vanilla.  I didn't think I would like it but it is growing on me!!!

Today is the only day where nothing is scheduled between now and when I leave for my cruise on the 25th of September.  I am hoping to get my second set of swaps completed and all of the cardstock cut for this week's Cards in the Mail.  I am hoping for good energy and motivation today!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 14, 2024

Changing Leaves

Today's card uses the Changing Leaves stamp set along with the coordinating Hybrid Changing Leaves 3D Embossing Folder and Dies.

                              

Most of the cards I have seen made with this stamp set have been fallish cards but as you can see it works great for spring and summer cards as well.

I first stamped the leaves on the Thick Basic White card base using Pool Party ink which has been stamped off a couple of times.  I then took a piece of Granny Apple Green cardstock and embossed it with the Changing Leaves Hybrid Embossing Folder.  Then I stamped the large leaf image in Shaded Spruce ink and cut it out with the Changing Leaves Dies.  Lastly, I stamped the sentiment in Shaded Spruce ink, cut it out with the same dies, and wound some Linen Thread underneath it.  To finish it off, I added some Iridescent Pearls around.

Today is a tailgating, football kind of day.  Hanna needs to be in Iowa City on Sunday and Monday for a school conference so she is coming earlier on Saturday so that she can tailgate and go to the football game with me.  It has been a lot of years since we have attended an Iowa game together.  I sure hope the weather cooperates with us, although with my seats this year it doesn't make that much difference if it is sunny or rainy.

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 13, 2024

Wanted to Say Dies

Today's card is another one that uses the Wanted To Say Dies.  It was a shoebox swap from the demo meeting in June that was provided by Luetta.

As you can see, there is no stamping on the outside of the card. . . just beautiful designer series paper and die-cuts.  We used the Adhesive sheets to adhere the pink Happy Birthday to the white outline. That makes it so much easier to adhere together. 

Again, as you can see, this is a funky fold card that is much easier to make than it looks.  As long as you get your score marks in the right place, the card folds together very easily.  Decorate it up, and you are good to go.

I actually started my swaps for next weekend yesterday.  I knew what I wanted to do for my fall swap, but when I started it didn't work the way I wanted it to so I had to switch gears and change the entire card layout.  The good thing is I can still use the same technique.  I will post a picture next weekend after we actually swap.  I also figured out what I wanted to do for the Christmas swap.  Hopefully, I can get both of them done this weekend in between going tailgating and to the football game and watching baseball on TV.

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 12, 2024

Wanted to Say Dies

Today's card is another one of the cards that I received back in June at the demo event at Susie's.  I believe this card was made by another demo, Jenni.  I actually just sent this card off today to my great-niece in Illinois.

After die-cutting the words Happy Birthday I believe she used the blending brushes to blend the ink onto the words.   The "to you" is embossed with white embossing powder.   I am not entirely sure which designer series paper she used for the three strips in the middle but any three colors you have would work.  This would be a great way to use up some of the small strips if you are like me and have plenty of them lying around.

Today looks to be another great weather day.  It is definitely going to be another low-key day for me . . . three tailgating weekends in a row might have been a bit more than I should have scheduled!!  As long as I can rest during the week things should be good.

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 11, 2024

Changing Leaves

Today's card is one we made at a demo event back in June and was provided by my demonstrator friend, Dawn.

We started by stamping the leaves with Versamark on watercolor paper and them embossed them with white embossing Powder.  We spritzed the leaves with water and then painted over them with Granny Apple Green and Garden Green ink refills.  We let them dry for a while and then finished drying them with a quick shot of the heat tool.  The last step in stamping the leaves was to die-cut them.  They were adhered to a piece of Basic White cardstock with Stampin' Dimensionals that had been embossed with the coordinating 3D Embossing Folder.  This was layered onto a piece of Soft Sea Foam cardstock and then onto a Lost Lagoon card base.  Such a beautiful card in person . . . the photo does not do it justice.

Today has been Grand Central Station around here.  Angie came to clean, a friend came for some stamping advice, and Don delivered John's noon meal all at the same time.  I am now sitting and waiting for the UPS man to deliver my package so that I can give him back the one they delivered yesterday that does not belong to me.  

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

Happy Stamping!!