My Favorite Stamp Set-----Field Flowers

I am not sure where this year has gone, but it has certainly flown by!!  As I reflect back over the year, 2012 has been a great year for us.  I think we are healthier than we have been in probably 8 years!!!  We have been able to take a couple of big trips...San Antonio and the Bahamas.  But most importantly, we have been able to spend time with our kids and enjoy doing things with them!!!

I thought I would end 2012 with a card made with my favorite stamps set....Field Flowers.

Stamps:  Field Flowers
Cardstock:  Calypso Coral, Lucky Limeade, Very Vanilla
Ink:  Calypso Coral, Riding Hood Red, Lucky Limeade
Accessories:  Flower Garden Embossing Folder, Big Shot,
3/8" Lucky Limeade Ruffled Ribbon,
1 1/4" Circle Punch, 1" Circle Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch

I am ending the year by going to the eye doctor....even though they are dilating my eyes, I hope I feel like doing some things when I get home.  it usually wipes me out, but I have a couple of special projects I am working on and would like to complete before the new year.

Have a safe and Happy New Year's Eve!!

You Are Loved

Today is the day that I am GOING to get my stamping room cleaned and stuff put away from all of my Christmas stamping.  I really want to get to work on Valentine cards.

Stamps:  You Are Loved
Cardstock:  Whisper White, Real Red
Ink:  Real Red
Accessories:  1/4" Real Red Stitched Gros Grain Ribbon

Have a great day!!

Bargain Shopping

If you are like me, you have been out and about since Christmas.  This is the time I stock up on different candies that I use for my crafting in the spring.  The York Peppermint Patties are perfect for this Valentine Day project.

Stamps:  Lovely Alpahabet
Cardstock:  Real Red,  Pretty In Pink, Whisper White
Ink:  Basic Black
Accessories:  2 3/8" Scalloped Circle Punch, 1 3/4" Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch

Today has been an expensive day...Hanna had an eye appointment and needs glasses all the time now, not just for reading and I have an eye appointment on Monday and will probably need new lenses.  Too bad they don't give a volume discount!

Have a good day!

Affection Collection

Yesterday I got a glimpse of retirement life will be like.....no alarms, a leisurely second cup of coffee, and reading a good book.   I can see that I am going to have to set some type of schedule next year...cause I sure can waste a whole day doing nothing!!!

Today's card uses the Affection Collection stamp set from the Holiday Mini.  This is a card that Hanna and I saw at convention last year.

Stamps:  Affection Collection
Cardstock:  Basic Black, Cherry Cobbler, Tempting Turquoise,
Lucky Limeade, Whisper White
Ink:  Basic Black, Cherry Cobbler, Tempting Turquoise,  Lucky Limeade
Accessories:  Large Oval Punch, Scalloped Oval Punch,
Pumpkin Pie 1/8: Taffeta Ribbon, Linen Thread

We are off today to deliver stamp orders that got delayed by last week's blizzard and maybe we will check out a clearance sale or two.  Who knows....I may find double sided tape on sale again!!

Have a great day!

Hearts a Flutter

I have finally had time to look at and play with the new stamps that will be coming in the Spring Mini Catalog starting January 3rd.   I can't remember where I got the inspiration for this card when I was browsing the net.   There are so many neat things in the new spring mini.....it's a good thing it lasts for 4 months!!

Stamps:  Hearts a Flutter, Bitty Banners
Cardstock:  Crumb Cake, Bashful Blue, Real Red
Ink:  Crumb Cake, Bashful Blue, Real Red
Accessories: Hearts a Flutter Framelits, Bitty Banners Framelits,
Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Big Shot

Hanna is off to Des Moines to meet up with friends, so today is going to be a day of relaxation.  No running anywhere....it seems like a good day to curl up with a blanket and a book!!

Have a great day!

Happy New Year

I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas Day. I know we certainly did.....ate too much food....but that is nothing new.  

Today will be spent doing a little after Christmas shopping and waiting while Hanna has a doctor's appointment.....maybe a little time to get started on my New Year's cards.  Here is one of the versions I tried.

Stamps:  Happy New Years (Single Stamp)
Cardstock:  Very Vanilla
Accessories:  Stripes Embossing Folder, Label Collection Framelits, Big Shot,
Gold Embossing Powder, heat Tool, Champagne Glimmer Paper,
 Crumb Cake Seam Binding, Stampin Dimensionals

Have a great day and stay warm!

Merry Christmas From My Family to Yours

Merry Christmas from my home to yours!!!!  We are awaiting the rest of the family so thought I would post this before they get here.

So....Hanna and I went to deliver our food to the SICU waiting room families and staff that has to work over the holidays.  Like I said yesterday this has become a tradition for us.  As we walk into the waiting room this Christmas tree greets us.....the same Christmas tree we left there when John a patient there 7 years ago because we thought they needed one.  Little things do mean a lot....don't ever let anyone tell you they don't!!!!!

And finally our card for the day.....

Stamps:  Come to Bethlehem
Cardstock:  Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso, Brushed Gold, Very Vanilla
Ink:  Early Espresso
Accessories:  Versamark, Gold Embossing Powder, Heat Tool,
1/8" Early Espresso Taffeta Ribbon

Merry Christmas!

Yearly Tradition

Hanna and I are off as soon as I finish posting these pictures.  This card is one that will be accompanying the food that we are taking to the patient's families in the SICU waiting room.  We want them to know that even though they don't know us and we don't know them that someone is thinking about them as they spend Christmas in the hospital with their loved ones.   

This card doesn't use all Stampin' Up! products and the ones that it does use are long retired but I love the message it portrays.

This is the card that will be accompanying the food that goes to the staff in SICU.  Once again I want them to know how much it means that they are there taking time from their loved ones to take care of someone else's loved ones during the Christmas season.

Stamps:  Tags Til Christmas
Cardstock:  Marina Mist, Bashful Blue, Whisper White
Ink:  Marina Mist
Accessories:  Nother Flurry Embossing Folder,  Big Shot,
2 3/8" Scallop Circle Punch, 1 3/4'" Circle Punch, Basic Rhinestone Jewels,
White Gros Grain Ribbon

This is something we have done every year since 2005 and it has become very important to me.  Spending Christmas in the hospital is not easy and I hope that we can bring a little peace to the people that are there.

Have a great day and hold your loved ones tight.  Every day is a gift...make the most of the gift you have been given today!!!

I may make it away from Christmas cards yet!!   This card uses two accessories that I have but don't use to their full capacity...the Fashionable Hearts Embosslits and the Adorning Accents little embossing strips.  They do work nicely together, however.

Stamps:  Affection Collection
Cardstock:  Pretty In Pink, Real Red, Soft Suede
Ink:  Real Red, Soft Suede
Accessories:  Fashionable Hearts Embosslits, Adorning Accents Folders, Big Shot

Today we are continuing a family tradition we started a few years ago....spending the Sunday before Christmas in the Amanas.  We spend the day shopping, looking at Christmas trees and lights, and then eating a late lunch/early supper in one of the wonderful restaurants they have there.  Today will be especially pretty with the little bit of snow, but warm enough so that we don't freeze walking from place to place.

Have a great day!!

Grandma and Snowflakes

My mind is still on snowflakes and Christmas I guess.....I can't seem to get past that when it comes to my card making right now.  This card uses another of the single stamps that will no longer be available after January 2, 2012

.

Stamps:  Bold Sbowflake, More Merry Messages
Cardstock:  Baja Breeze, Midnight Muse, Whisper White
Ink:  Baja Breeze, Midnight Muse
Accessories:  Blossom Punch, Basic Pear Jewels, 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon

Hanna and I are off again today....this time to Cedar Rapids.  I wrapped Christmas presents last night and even though it seems like we have been shopping continuously, I still need a couple more items to complete our gift giving.  I always think of my grandma at Christmas time...she never said she wanted much...but Christmas time was one time she always said  "I wish I was rich.....I just love Christmas shopping for my family".  I guess sometimes the nut doesn't fall too far from the tree as I feel exactly the same way!!!

Have a great day!

Snowbuddy Friends

Yesterday was a great day to sit inside and stay bundled up.  Looking at the pictures of kids outside playing in the snow reminded me that we should all look at the world through children's eyes.  They are so excited about everything....even snow!!!

Stamps:  Snow Much Fun
Cardstock:  Marina Mist, Real Red, Bashful Blue, Whisper White
Ink:  Basic Black and Marina Mist Stamp Pads,
Basic Gray, Real Red, Bashful Blue, Marina Mist, and Only Orange Markers
Accessories:  Northern Flurry Embossing Folder,  Big Shot, Scallop Edge Punch,
1 1/4" Square Punch, 1 3/8" Square Punch

Hanna and I are off and running again!!!   I am going to get my hair trimmed and then we are off to Iowa City to do some more Christmas shopping and be out and about in the Holiday bustle.  I do love the holiday season and love being out amongst all of the activity.  No on-line shopping for this gal....I would miss all of the excitement!!

Have a great day!

Tea and Friends

This blogger woke up to find out today was a snow day and promptly went back to bed...so sorry for the late post.  

Opened up my Christmas mail last night to find out one of my mom's dear friends passed away.  My mom and dad and this other couple were such good friends that my dad did the proposing for the other gentlemen because he was to shy to do it.  They were married within 4 days of each other and remained very close friends, even though distance separated them, until my parents passed away. 

Whenever I think of my mom and her friends I think of coffee and tea.   There was nothing a good cup of tea couldn't cure.  I don't know if Nora drank tea, (I know she drank coffee) but you can bet they are catching up on their visiting as I am writing this.

I found this card that I made last winter.....not sure where I got the idea.....but it certainly reminds me of them.

Stamps:  Tea Shoppe, Hello, Doily
Cardstock:  Pool Party, Whisper White
Ink:  Pool Party
Accessories:    Tag Punch,  Basic Pearl Jewels

Today seems like a good day to stay inside and read a good book or maybe finish my Christmas cards.  Whatever you choose to do, stay safe and warm!!

Have a good day.

Tree Ornaments

I shared my love of paper crafting with my fourth graders yesterday.   They all know how much I love stamping and card making and kept asking when they could do something like that, so I figured this was a great opportunity.  We made paper strip tree ornaments with their school pictures.  I got this wonderful idea from a fellow demonstrator, Susie Wood.

Cardstock:  Be of Good Cheer DSP, Very Vanilla, Cherry Cobbler
Accessories:  Scallop Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, 1/16" Handheld Punch,
Gold Brads, Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine

Sounds like we are in for a huge snowstorm.  If you are out on the roads, stay safe and be careful.  Sounds like a good day tomorrow for baking and card making!!

Affection Collection

Like I said...I had overlooked Affection Collection for far too long.  There are some really neat cards that can be made with this set.  It is still available through January 2nd.

Stamps:  Affection Collection
Cardstock:  Basic Black, Very Vanilla, Cherry Cobbler
Ink:  Bassic Black, Cherry Cobbler
Accessories:  Apothecary Accents Framelits, Elegant Lines Embossing Folder,
Big Shot, Red Glimmer Paper, Basic Rhinestone Jewels, Brights Glimmer Brads

Sounds like I might actually get some time later this week to finish my Christmas cards!!  Thursday is supposed to be the last school day before break, but with the way the weather is sounding...who knows.

Have a great day!!

Always

Here is another card that sums up my family....always.

Stamps:  Affection Collection
Cardstock:  Whisper White, Real Red,
Ink:  Daffodil Delight, Real Red, Basic Black
Accessories:  Daffodil Delight 1/4" Stitched Gros Grain Ribbon,
Basic Black Brads, 1/16" Handheld Punch

I want to share my younger brother's Facebook post after we all left his house last night.

"I would just like to thank my parents for instilling in their children the value of family.  I just spent an awesome weekend with my family.  We all have our problems and issues but when a family comes together it is awesome.  God is good and has given me more blessings than I deserve."

Have a great day!

Friend

This is a stamp set in the Holiday Mini Catalog that I have overlooked...even though it was one I received at convention.   This particular stamp set will be available through Valentine's Day even though the rest of the catalog is not.   Today's card was one of our make and takes from convention.

Stamps:  Affection Collection
Cardstock:  Melon Mambo, Whisper White, Basic Black
Ink:  Melon Mambo, More Mustard, Not Quite Navy, Daffodil Delight
Accessories:  Scallop Edge Border Punch, Black Eyelets, 1/16" Handheld Punch

A fun time was had by all at the Mann family weekend yesterday.  Lots of good food, laughs, reminiscing and game playing.  The fun will continue for another day. As soon as I finish this up we are out our hotel door to head back to their house for a delicious breakfast!!!

Scentsation Season

Good Morning from rainy Des Moines.  The Mann family Christmas is in full swing.  My brother and sister-in-law (and yes she is my sister-in-law for those of you who were there last night) had so much food it was unbelievable.  Today will be spent hanging out, doing some shopping, and going out to eat tonight at a restaurant of my brothers' choosing.

Today's card again shows the versatility of the Festival of Prints DSP paper stack. This 4.26" X 6" stack of paper has a great variety of designer series papers at an awesome price.  Just wait till you see the ones that will be offered in the Spring Occasions Catalog starting in January.

Stamps:  Scentsational  Season
Cardstock:  Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler, Festival Of Prints DSP Stack
Ink:  Gumball Green, Daffodil Delight
Accessories:  Window Framelits,  Holiday Collection Framelits,
Petals-a-Plenty Embossing Folder, Big Shot

Well...I am off to get ready for another day.  I hope to get a lot of my Christmas shopping wrapped up.

Clearance Rack Blitz

Beginning today, December 14, 2012, we have added nearly 300 products to the Clearance Rack in the Online Store-with some discounted up to 80 percent! Go to my online store to take advantage of these huge savings. 

Snowflakes

For some reason I just can't seem to move away from Christmas cards.  Once again the non-traditional colors have caught my eye.  Change out the greeting on this card and it would work for birthdays, thank you's, thinking of you.......

Stamps:  Snowflake Soiree, More Merry Messages
Cardstock:  Crumb Cake, Island Indigo,  Naturals Ivory
Ink:  Old Olive, Island Indigo, Crumb Cake
Accessories:  1/2" Old Olive Scallop Dots Ribbon,
Basic Rhinestone Jewels

My bags are packed and loaded into the car.  My family is picking me up from school today and we are headed to Des Moines for my side of the family's Christmas.(Fourth grade punctuation to the rescue with possessives!!) It is always a good time hanging out with my brothers and their families.  Even though we give each other a hard time, I don't know what I would do without them.  Love you guys!!!  (Even though they won't read this).

Families Are Forever

Today is going to be a very busy day. Right after school I am off to Iowa City for our monthly stamp club.  The ladies graciously agreed to meet early so that I can be back in Wellman by 7:00 for another commitment.  

Today's project is one I will be doing with a community club of which I am a member.  Our theme for the year is "Memories".  Each member is to bring a photo and we will be making this scrapbook page.  I think this is one of my favorite pictures of Hanna and myself.

Stamps:  Forever With You
Cardstock:  Cherry Cobbler, Festival of Prints DSP Stack
Ink:  Cherry Cobbler
Accessories:  Apothecary Accents Framelits, Big Shot, Scallop Square Punch,
Very Vanilla Seam Binding, Cherry Cobbler 1/2" Scallop Dots Ribbon, Regals Designer Buttons

When I get home from both of my meetings I have to pack for the "Mann Family Christmas"  in Des Moines this weekend.  We will be leaving right from school Friday afternoon, so I need to have everything ready by the time I go to bed tonight.  I hope my energy holds out!!

Have a great day.

Evergreen

Please excuse the poor photo....it's a good thing I don't make my living as a photographer.  Today's card could be used as a Christmas card, but could also be used as a winter thank you.  

Stamps:  Evergreen
Cardstock:  Crumb Cake, Gumball Green, Very Vanilla
Ink:  Gumball Green, Versamark
Accessories:  Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Gold Embossing Powder,
 Heat Tool, Crumb Cake Seam Binding

Tonight will be spent figuring out a project for the community club that I belong to that meets tomorrow night as well as figuring out what cards my stamp club is going to make tomorrow night.  Hoping inspiration comes!!!

Snowflake Thank You

Even though I don't have my own personal Christmas cards done yet, my mind has turned to thank you notes.  I love these snowflakes and will be sorry to see them go at the end of december.  Hopefully they will be carried over to the new catalog in July!!

Stamps:  Snowflake Soiree, Sassy Salutations
Cardstock:  Midnight Muse, Whisper White
Ink:  Baja Breeze, Midnight Muse
Accessories:  Versamark, Silver Embossing Powder, Heat Tool,
Sponge Daubers, Baja Breeze Seam Binding, basic Rhinestone Jewels

Hanna, if you are reading this good luck on your finals starting today.

She will be home on Thursday for Winter break.  It will be good to have her home again for a while!!

Have a good day!

Winter Thank You

I just love this little guy from the No Peeking Stamp Set.    This is a very quick and simple card to make...which makes it perfect for a thank you card.

Stamps:  No Peeking, Perfectly Penned
Cardstock:  Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla, Festival of Prints DSP Stack
Ink:  Basic Black, Island Indigo, Cherry Cobbler
Accessories:  2 3/8" Scalloped Circle Punch, 1 3/4" Circle Punch

Well...the cardstock is cut and the car is loaded for the last stamp class of the 2012 year.  See you there.

Bold Snowflakes

I am out the door to Pella as soon as I finish posting today's card.  I am going to church with Hanna where they will be sharing the story of Lucy----the little girl Hanna's advisor brought back from Africa on Hanna's first trip to Sierra Leone.

I am very glad there are none of these snowflakes falling today.

Stamps:  Bold Snowflake (singled stamp for sale), More Merry Messages
Cardstock:  Whisper White, Riding Hood Red
Ink:  Riding Hood Red, Illuminate Glimmer Pad
Accesssories:  Blossom Punch, Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon

As soon as I get back from Pella I will be cutting cardstock and getting ready for the last stamp class of 2012.  See you there!

Snow Swirled----Part ???

Today we have another non-traditional color combination for Christmas cards.  I do love the black, blue, and silver color combination.

Stamps:  Snow Swirled
Cardstock:  Pacific Point, Basic Black, Whisper White, Brushed Silver
Ink:  Versamark
Accessories:  Top Note Die, Big Shot,  Silver Embossing Powder, Heat Tool,
3/16" Metallic Brads, 1/16" Handheld Punch,  3/8" Inch Black Taffeta Ribbon

Today is very unusual....there is nothing that I absolutely have to do.  I think I will just enjoy the peacefulness today as the next three weeks will probably be a whirlwind of activity.

Enjoy your day!!

I absolutely love the saying that goes along with this stamp set....

Stamps:  Snow Swirled
Cardstock:  Regal Rose, Pretty In Pink, Whisper White, Brushed Silver
Ink:  Regal Rose, Pretty In Pink, Versamark
Accessories:  Scallop Circle Bigz Die, 3 1/2" Circle Die, Big Shot, Silver Embossing Powder, Heat Tool

My fourth graders keep asking me if they get to stamp something for Christmas or make a tree decoration...I guess I better get busy planning something we can do. Stay tuned for pictures!!

Elegant Christmas Tree

Sometimes I get caught up in all of the new products in the mini catalogs and I forget about some of my favorite stamps that have been around for a while and are in the main catalog.   The next few days I will be featuring one such set....Snow Swirled.  Some of the accessories might be retired, but can easily be replaced with new accessories if you don't have any of them in your stash of stamping stuff.

Stamps:  Snow Swirled
Cardstock:  Always Artichoke, Elegant Eggplant, Brushed Gold
Ink:  Versamark
Accessories:  Gold Embossing Powder, Heat Tool

Today is Mix-it-Up day at school where we have a crazy lunch, sit in mixed grade level groups and change playgrounds for recess.  The theme this time is Christmas.  The kids were to dress festively to go with the theme.  It will be interesting to see what all they come up with as festive wear!!

Bells and Boughs

Flip Flops and Christmas Sweaters.....it doesn't get better than that....can you believe the weather we are having!!!!  It sure is nice to be able to leave the heavy winter coat in the closet for a few more days.

Today's card uses non-traditional colors for a Christmas card...but when it is all put together I really like it.  

Stamps:  Bells and Boughs
Cardstock:  Regal Rose, Pink Pirouette, Real Red
Ink:  Regal Rose, Real Red, Always Artichoke, Whisper White Craft Ink
Accessories:  Blender Pens, Oval Punches, Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder,
Big Shot, Stampin'  Sponges

I am still in the process of coming up with my Christmas card idea for the year...how about you?

Ornamental Elegance

WOW!!!!!!!  I can't wait to order mine.....

The ornament on the cover of our holiday catalog is such a hit that we are making it available to you-just in time to deck the halls with terrific trimmings you've made yourself! We've simplified this fun project so that you can quickly and easily achieve the same results. In addition to the kit, all you need is a glue gun, scissors, and adhesive. (Our Anywhere Glue Sticks [104045] are perfect for assembly.) Want greeting or place cards to go with those ornaments? The Ornament Keepsakes Stamp Set (W 128048 C 128051) gives you perfect coordination. Fancy a little sparkle and shine? Sprinkle on our Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter (102023)!

You won't want to miss out on taking advantage of this amazing offer--just in time to create 10 heirloom ornaments--or stunning tags to attach to a special neighbor gift.

The Ornamental Elegance Kit (132832) is $14.95 and includes:

• Die-Cut Cardstock Elements
• Cherry Cobbler 3-1/2" Scalloped Tulle Ribbon
• Natural Linen Thread
• Vintage Faceted Designer Buttons 
• Large Pearl Basic Jewels

Order these now so you will have plenty of time to make them for Christmas gifting--or for your family tree! Available while supplies last.

Scentsational Season Gift Tags

I think I may actually reach my goal of hand-making all of my gift tags this year.  Here are four more tags we made last night.

Stamps:  Scentsational Season
Cardstock:  Gumball Green, Real Red, Whisper White
Ink:  Gumball Green, Real Red, Daffodil delight, Early Espresso
Acccessories:  Apothecary Accents Framelits, Holiday Collection Framelits,
Big Shot, Stampin' Dimensionals

I think it will be a quiet night at the Wilson household tonight...not a bad thing in the hustle and bustle of the season.

Have a great day.

Gift Card Holder

I've seen these gift card holders several times and finally decided to try one of them.  They are surprisingly easy and a great way to dress up a gift card.

These would be great, not only for Christmas but also for birthdays or weddings.

Stamps:  Sassy Salutations
Cardstock:  Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla, Gumball Green, Be  of Good Cheer DSP
Ink:  Cherry Cobbler
Accessories:  Oval Punch, Scalloped Oval Punch, Sticky Strip, Velcro Dots

The car is once again loaded with everything that is needed for the gift tag and gift card holder class tonight.  See you there.

Have a great day!

Santa

Yesterday was a great day spent Christmas shopping with the girls in Des Moines.  It was topped off with a stop in Pella and supper with my niece, Allyson, Hanna, and one of their friends.  Smokey Row makes the best cheeseburger chowder anywhere!

While shopping and seeing the long lines of children waiting to see Santa yesterday, I was reminded of a card we took a picture of on the display boards this summer. I do miss taking Hanna to see Santa....

Stamps:  Wondrous Wishes
Cardstock:  Primrose Petals, Gumball Green, Whisper White
Ink:  Black Stazon, Primrose Petals, Gumball Green, Chocolate Chip,
Crumb Cake, Daffodil Delight
Accessories:  Norther Flurry Embossing Folder, Finishing Touches Edgelits,
Big Shot, Blender Pens, 7/8" Cotton Ribbon

Since I played all day yesterday, today will be a busy day getting cardstock cut for the tag and gift card holder class Monday night.  See you there.

Have a great day!

Snowflakes

I absolutely love making cards with snowmen and snowflakes.  In fact, I think you can never have too many snowflake stamps.  However, I would be just fine if the only snowflakes I saw this winter were on my cards, not on the ground.  This card uses the single stamp, Bold Snowflake, that is available through January 2nd.

Stamps:  Bold Snowflake (Single Stamp)
Cardstock:  Night of Navy, Whisper White
Ink:  Night of Navy
Accessories:  Blossom Punch, Silver Glimmer Brad, Stampin' Dimensionals

Today is going to be a girls shopping day in Des Moines. My oldest daughter Julie, is picking me up and we are going on to Pella to pick up Hanna and then heading to Des Moines.  I hope to get most of the rest of my Christmas shopping done today.

Have a great day!