Coffee and Friends

The van is loaded and Hanna and I are already in Iowa City.   A doctor's appointment first thing this morning, then a day of shopping and relaxing, topped off with a night of stamping.  What could be better!!!  Check out one of the cards everybody will be making tonight.

Stamps: Perfect Blend
Cardstock:  Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake, Whisper White,
Season Of Style DSP
Ink:  Early Espresso
Accessories:  Houndstooth Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Sponge Daubers,
Season of Style Washi Tape

Yesterday was a fairly uneventful day . . . a trip to Pella to help Hanna bring home all of her stuff from college. Not sure how we would have gotten it all home in two cars…grateful for a van to help her move back. Everything happens for a reason…so maybe the reason for the deer was so I could have a van this week!!!   Maybe not . . . but it definitely worked to our advantage.

Have a great day!! 

Snowflake Kindness

While browsing the other night I came across a card I thought would make a good thank you card for Christmas. Everyone Monday night will be making this beautiful snowflake card.  Changing out the greeting will be easy for those still wanting Christmas cards.  There is still time to let me know that you will be joining me.

Stamps:  Blooming With Kindness, Best of Snow
Cardstock:  Whisper White, Night of Navy
Ink:  Night of Navy, Midnight Muse, Pacific Point
Accessories:  Squares Collection Framelits, Big Shot,
Versamark, Pewter Embossing Powder,   Heat Tool,  1/8" Silver Ribbon

As soon as I am done posting this I am going to finishing bagging up supplies for tomorrow night and then I am off to Pella to help Hanna move home.  It is hard to believe that she is done with college and will be living at home this next semester as she substitute teaches!!

Have a great day!

Joyful Christmas Wishes Gift Bag

Last Thursday (seems like ages ago with all that has happened . . . thank you Mr. Deer) stamp club members made this little gift bag, which would be great for a gift card or small goodies.  I think they turned out really neat.

Stamps:  Joyful Christmas
Cardstock:  Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla
Ink:  Cherry Cobbler
Accessories:  Oval Collection Framelits, Big Shot, Basic Rhinestone Jewels, Muslin Bags,
Cherry Cobbler Chevron Ribbon, Linen Thread

Awaiting a call from the insurance adjustor to let me know if they are going to total my car or fix it. . . deer can be such a pain!!

While I am waiting I am again making multiple name banners for Hanna and her student teaching placement. At least I know I can't go anywhere since I don't have a car at the moment so I should get them done in no time!!

Have a great day!!

Kalona Craft Goodies

The last couple of days have been a whirlwind of getting things ready for Christmas in Kalona at the Kalona Rec Center.  I will be there from 10-4 today.  Here are a few of the things that I have been making.  

 

Tonight I will be getting stuff ready and organized for Kellie's Christmas card class tomorrow afternoon.  Good thing it is too cold outside to do anything, because I have been buried in my craft room!!

Have a great day!

Checking His List

Here is another great card that everyone attending Kellie's Christmas card class on Sunday will be making. I just love the old fashioned Santa and I know I have used him a LOT!!  Thanks, Becky Roberts for the inspiration.  

Stamps:  Santa's List, More Merry Messages
Cardstock:  Crumb Cake, Raspberry Ripple, Early Espresso, Whisper White
Ink:  Raspberry Ribble, Black Stazon, Raspberry Ripple Marker, Blushing Bride Marker
Accessories:  Circles Die #2, Pretty Print Embossing Folder, Big Shot,
2 3/8" Scallop Circle Punch,  1 3/4" Circle Punch,
Crumb Cake Taffeta Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

Check out another of the craft projects that Hanna and I did this weekend . . . no stamping products used this time, however!!

I hope you all have a great day . . . I will be spending the second day getting ready for the weekend . . . Christmas in Kalona event.

Have a great day!

Buffet Banner

I hope that all of you had a very enjoyable Thanksgiving weekend.  I know that we did. One of the things that we always do this weekend is decorate for Christmas.  Hanna and I decided that we needed some new decorations and for her. . . Pinterest is always a source on inspiration.  She saw something similar to this banner and we decided we could certainly do that with our Stampin' Up! products and that it would make a nice compliment to the wreath I had made earlier.  

Supplies:  Canvas Creations, Early Espresso Ink, Cherry Cobbler 1" Stitched  Edge Gros Grain Ribbon, Seasons of Style DSP

I really love the way the whole thing turned out!!

Today I will be getting ready for a craft show in Kalona on Saturday….have lots of little things to make between now and then.  Hope to get pictures takes and posted in a timely fashion.

Have a great day!!

Washi Tape Christmas Tree

Have I said lately how much I love washi tape!!!  Check out another one of the cards we made at Karen's Christmas card party on Saturday.  I stamped last week with some friends in Iowa City and one of the gals brought a card made with other washi tape, so I had to try one with Stampin' Up! tape.  I think it turned out pretty cute!!

Stamps:  Wishing You
Cardstock:  Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White, Old Olive, Silver  Glimmer Paper
Ink:  Cherry Cobbler
Accessories:  Northern Flurry Embossing Folder, Woodgrain Embossing Folder,  Big Shot, Season of Style Washi Tape, Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Modern Label Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

Hanna's computer decided to start making funny noises over the weekend so this afternoon I am picking her up in Pella after she is done with school and we are making a run to the Apple store in Des Moines.  Who knows…we may even throw in a little shopping.  I know for sure one thing on the list will be Skinny Peppermint Mochas from Starbucks…..YUM!!!

Have a great day!

Weekly Deals . . November 26-December 2

Check out the great weekly deals this week!!

Merry Christmas

Saturday I was fortunate enough to stamp with a new group of stampers and this is one of the cards we made. The idea came from a presentation I attended at convention this summer from a demonstrator named Cherie Hunt.

Stamps:  Six Sided Sampler, More Merry Messages
Cardstock:  Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla
Ink:  Gumball Green, Cherry Cobbler
Accessories:  Hexagon Punch, Cherry Cobbler Marker, Stampin Dimensionals, Cherry Cobbler  Seam Binding

Today will be spent finishing up the supplies for stamp night tonight at Godfather's.  We will be making all occasion cards so if you would like to join us come on over!!

Not Just For Cards

So…when Hanna and I were at convention this summer we saw a lady wearing some earrings made from the frosted finishes embellishments.  The moment I saw them I knew I had to try it . . . and boy were they easy peasy!! The hardest part was picking out the hardware and deciding how far I wanted them to hang down.

I have had several pairs of snowflake earrings over the years and always manage to lose one of them….not a problem anymore….I can always make more!!

Have a great day!

Remember the 24 hour sale!!!!  Great prices on the trimmer and markers!!

Get ready for tomorrow!!!

The annual Holiday (formerly On-Line Extravaganza) starts tomorrow!!!  There are some awesome deals!!

Check them out:

I know, I know…..too small to read….just click on it and see all of the wonderful products you can get.

Check out the Weekly deals for the week of November 19-25!!  I know I will be ordering!!

A Gift For You

I finally tried the polymer stamps with this Endless Wishes stamp set and gift card holder.  They stamp a nice crisp image, so I won't shy away from them any more.

Stamps:  A Gift For You, Endless Wishes
Cardstock:  Island Indigo, Smoky Slate, Whisper White
Ink:  Island Indigo, Smoky Slate
Accessories:  Circle Card Thinlits, Big Shot,  Label Bracket Punch,
1 3/4" Circle Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals  

Yesterday was spent filling orders and today will be the same.  It is surely nice to see the sunshine…I am thinking that rain and snow are in the forecast so I should enjoy it while I can!! 

Have a great day!!

What Are You Thankful For?

Here is another card that everyone made at a Godfather's stamping night.  Very easy . . . but turned out really cute.

Stamps:  Truly Grateful
card stock:  Crumb Cake, Soft Sky, Very Vanilla
Ink:  Chocolate Chip
Accessories:  Deco Labels Collection, Big Shot, 2 3/8" Circle Punch,  Burlap Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

The last four days have been a whirlwind of activity. Hanna came home on Thursday and we have been on the go since then. Fun days of shopping, not so fun days of doctor's appointments, and have to days of switching summer clothes around for winter clothes.  Thanks Hanna for all of your help in toting tubs up and down the stairs!!

Today I plan to work on a large order of Christmas cards and do a little relaxing!!

Have a great day!

Thinking Of You

Today's card which everyone did on Monday night is one I found on Pinterest.   Everyone really seemed to like it the other night.

Stamps:  Gorgeous Grunge, Magnifient Maple,  Four You
Cardstock:  Very Vanilla, Pumpkin Pie, Early Espresso
Ink:  Crushed Curry, Early Espresso,  Pumpkin Pie Marker
Accessories:  Label Collection Framelits, Woodgrain Embossing Folder, 

Life is about to get a lot busier for the next couple of days. Hanna will be home tonight and we have plans for a couple of days of shopping and running around, which we seem to have perfected.

Have a great day!!

Best Wishes For a New Year

Here is another one of the cards that everyone made last Monday night at Godfather's or will be making tonight at the house.  I love the dark blue, white, and silver combination.

Stamps:  Best New Year
Cardstock:  Midnight Muse, Whisper White, Brushed Silver
Ink:  Versamark
Accessories:  Stylish Stripes Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Silver Embossing Powder, 1/8" Silver Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterday was a very low key day at our house.  Even with being retired it seems like we have been on the go constantly . . . so yesterday was a just sit around day. Today I need to get busy and get some things done that have been on the back burner for a while . . . I know with Hanna coming home tomorrow night we will be on the go all weekend.

Have a great day!!

Fun Christmas Wreath

Wow . . . did I come home with a lot of ideas yesterday from our day of stamping in Sigourney!!  Some of us also stayed a little later to make this Christmas wreath.  I had been wanting to try one and just hadn't sat down and made time to do it so this was the perfect opportunity.

I chose to use the Season Of Style DSP for my wreath because it will match my kitchen colors.  Some of the gals used the Winter Frost DSP and the blues were fantastic.  All it takes is DSP and a styrofoam wreath. Now I am trying to decide if I want a bow on it or not . . . what do you think??

I need to get busy and get my stuff ready for stamping at Godfather's tomorrow.  At least I know what cards we are making, which is pretty good since it is only Sunday morning and I have two days left to get things ready. 

I also have to run to Iowa City to get a new phone because on the way home yesterday evening my phone decided not to work!!  Hanna had decided to get a new iPhone and I was on the fence about whether I really need a new phone or not.  Guess this made my decision very easy.

Have a great day!

Happy Together

Greetings from Des Moines!!  "Wicked" was wonderful last night and Hanna and I had a great time.  As soon as I am done posting this we are heading off…her to a basketball tournament in Pella and I am going to spend my day stamping in Sigourney.  Here is one of the swaps I am taking.

Stamps:  Gorgeous Grunge
Cardstock:  Real Red, Basic Black, Very Vanilla
Ink:  Basic Black, Real Red
Accessories:   Very Vintage Designer Buttons, 1/8"  Basic Black Taffeta Ribbon

I am very anxious to see all of the neat things that people come up with today at our stamp day.  I always come home so energized and ready for the next few stamping events.

Have a great day!

Faux Patina Christmas Cheer

Stamp club met last night.  We always try to learn a new technique each month.  This has been good for me because it stretches my stamping as well.  There are some blogs I check out periodically and one of these is LeeAnn Greff's.  We have done shoebox swaps with her at convention for several years.  She had a technique on her blog called Faux Patina.  After some internet searching on how to do this I decided that it would be a great technique for stamp club.  I think all of the ladies really liked it . . .  if the oohs and ahhs were any indication.

Stamps: Christmas Messages
Cardstock:  Cherry Cobbler, Gumball Green, Very Vanilla
Ink:  Cherry Cobbler, Gumball Green, Versamark
Accessories:   Beautifully Baroque Embossing Folder, Chalk Talk Framelits, Big Shot,  Gold Embossing Powder,
Heat Tool,  Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding

Today is going to be a very busy day . . . I need to finish up my swaps for a stamp day tomorrow, finish picking up and cleaning from stamping at the house last weekend, pack and be ready to leave for Pella by about 1:00 because Hanna and I are going to see "Wicked" in Des  Moines tonight.

I guess I better get off the computer and get busy!!!

Have a great day!!

Christmas Star

I think this Christmas Star has to be by far one of my favorite single stamps. I really wish it were going to be around for a longer period of time . . . it could have so many other uses than just at Christmas time. 

Stamps:  Christmas Star
Cardstock:  Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler, Champagne Glimmer Paper,
Brushed Gold CS
Ink:  Versamark
Accessories:  Gold Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine,
Scallop Edge Border Punch,  Brights Glimmer Brads

Today I need to get some ideas around and get things ready for stamp club tonight.  I have been out and about running around instead of getting things ready!!  I guess since it is tonight I need to get in gear.

Have a wonderful day!!

Peace Dove

Today we have another one of the cards the ladies made over the weekend.  We decided that the blues and turquoises really made very pretty Christmas cards….even if the are non-traditional colors!!

Stamps:  Calm Christmas
Cardstock:  Bermuda Bay, Island Indigo, Whisper White, Winter Frost DSP
Ink:  Bermuda Bay, Silver Encore Ink
Accessories:  Silver Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Frosted Finishes Embellishments

Imagine my delight when I opened my laptop this morning and saw that they were continuing the weekly deals . . . at least for a while.  There are some great products on sale this week!!! 

It looks cold and rainy out today so I think I will just stay home and stamp the day away . . . I have several projects that I need to get done before the weekend…so I am thankful for the day at home to get them done.  

Have a great day!!

Season's Greetings

"A Peek Into Santa's Workshop", held on Saturday and Sunday went very well.  I think everyone was pleased with their 30 Christmas cards.  Now . . . my job today is to get the extra cards stamped up and everything put away.  Wish me luck!!

Here is one of the cards that everyone made.  I love the bow made from the oval punches.  Thanks, Susie!!!

Stamps:  Joy To the World
Cardstock:  Real Red, Whisper White, Silver Glimmer Paper
Ink:  Real Red
Accessories:  Stylish Stripes Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Extra Large Oval Punch, Sticky Strip

Tonight is the Washington Township Open House.   My plan is to go and see everyone tonight, so I am not disrupting the teaching day!!

Have a great day!! 

Last Minute Christmas Card

So . . . today is the second of the "Peek Into Santa's Workshop" Saturdays.  As I am getting stuff set out, I can't find my snow flurry framelit that I need so I have to switch cards at the last minute . . . here is the replacement card . . . not too bad for last minute!! 

Stamps:  Christmas Collectibles, Greetings of the Season
Cardstock:  Old Olive, Whisper White
Ink:  Crumb Cake, Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler
Accessories:  Stylish Stripes Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Christmas Ornament Punch,
White Baker's Twine, Basic Pearl Jewels, Stampin Dimensionals

Between stamping today and tomorrow, we are going to a Halloween party tonight.  I think I will go as dressed as a happily retired teacher!!

Have a great day!

Hello

In my browsing around the Internet I came across this card and knew I had to make one similar to it for a stamp class.  This is another card that everyone made last Monday night.

Stamps:  Gorgeous Grunge, A Dozen Thoughts
Cardstock:  Sahara Sand, Soft Suede, Naturals White, Night Of Navy, Baked Brown Sugar
Ink:  Night of Navy, Sahara Sand, Soft Suede
Accessories:  Naturals Designer Buttons, 1/4: Burlap Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

Well…the house is relatively clean, and all that is left to do is to finish cutting card stock for this weekend's "Peek Into Santa's Workshop" Christmas card class. Everyone attending will go home with 30 of their Christmas cards already made!!

Have a great day!!

Celebrating Fall

I just love the fall colors and this card matches the colors we have been seeing on our rides around eastern Iowa.  Everyday should be a day to celebrate!!

Stamps:  Gently Falling, Perfectly Penned
Cardstock:  Tangerine Tango, Very Vanilla
Ink:  Crushed Curry, Tangerine Tango, Cherry Cobbler
Accessories:  1 3/8" punch (used in making the template for the sponged circles), Stampin' Sponges

Yesterday was very low key with the only thing on the agenda… a trip to Pella last night to see Hanna.  Today I need to get busy and get the house cleaned up and start to cut card stock for Saturday and Sunday's classes… A Peek Into Santa's Workshop.

Have a great day!!

You Are Never Too Young to Start Stamping!!!!

We had another successful night of stamping at Godfather's  Here is the one Christmas card that we made last night.  I really love this Christmas Star stamp.

Stamps:  Christmas Star, Christmas Messages
Cardstock:  Basic Black, Whisper White, Brushed Silver
Ink:  Silver Encore Ink
Accessories:  Silver Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, 1/8" Silver Ribbon,  Basic Rhinestone Jewels

You are never too young to start stamping………under the direction of her mom, this five year old preschooler turned out some pretty awesome cards last night.  She did ALL of the stamping herself…..Mom just gave some direction.  Way to go!! 

I think we are off to Pella tonight to have supper with Hanna.  Since she is student teaching, her time at home has been limited this semester, and she thought it would be nice if we came down.  I love being able to do that!!

Have a great day.

You Can Never Have Too Much Happy!

So……another product that I won at convention this summer…..the Gift Bow Bigz L Die…..that I hadn't used at all.  Saturday, stamping with Susie, we made a Christmas card with this die.  I came home and decided to make a birthday card using the same layout.  Everybody will be making one of these tonight at Godfather's.

Stamps:  Yippee Skippee
Cardstock:  Summer Starfruit, Bermuda Bay
Ink:  Bermuda Bay
Accessories:  Gift Bow Bigz L Die, Big Shot, Label Bracket Punch

I really need to get to work to get everything ready for tonight.  It was such a nice day yesterday, that we decided to take another ride to look at leaves.  This time our destination was Bonaparte and Bentonsport.  It was a beautiful day to be out and about.

See you tonight at Godfather's!!

Personalized Muslin Gift Bags

Some things you just have to try to see if you will like them!!!  I have had the banner kits and some muslin bags from the Holiday mini catalog since coming home from convention in July.  Had I even opened the packaging…

NO!!!!!  Yesterday, while stamping at Susie's stamp event, I made this muslin bag.  Now I know I am going to be ordering more of them and using them as both tree decorations and also for holding small presents like gift cards, etc.  I am thinking a different color for each one of the kids and I might even make some for John and I.  (I'll have to write down somewhere who has what color for my three J's……Julie, Jason, and John.)  I think it turned out really cute.

Supplies:  Build A Banner Simply Created Kit, Cherry Cobbler Ink, Sponge Daubers,
1" Cherry Cobbler Stitched edge Grosgrain Ribbon

I need to get to work and figure out what cards we are making tomorrow night at Godfather's so I can get everything cut and ready to go.  I would love to have you join us!!

Serene Silhouettes Flip-It Card

Today we have another one of the cards that we made at Stamp Fest last Saturday.  We used one of the new flip-it die dies.  These make really awesome cards and so easily too!  Believe it or not both of these cards are black and white and were taken in the same lighting. Not sure what is going on with my camera!!!

Stamps:  Serene Silhouettes
Cardstock:  Whisper White, Basic Black, Modern Medley DSP
Ink: Black Stazon
Accessories:  Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Circle Card Thinlit Dies, Big Shot, 2 1.2" Circle Punch, 1 3/4" Circle Punch, 2 3/8" Scallop Circle Punch

Have a great day!!!

Truly Grateful For this Beautiful Day

Wow!!  Now that the frost has gone and it has warmed up a bit, it is a beautiful day.  How nice is was this morning, not to have to defrost the car at 7:00…but be able to wait until it defrosted on its own around 9:00!!!

I am sure I will be more than truly grateful as the mornings get chillier and chillier!!

I love this fall colored card that we made at Godfather's.

Stamps:  Truly Grateful
Cardstock:  Whisper White, Baked Brown Sugar
Ink:  Cajun Craza, Crushed Curry, Baked Brown Sugar, Chocolate Chip
Accessories:  Early Espresso Baker's Twine, Stampin' Dimensionals

I am enjoying my slow week this week.  I even picked up some supplies when we were in Elkader to pick up an old hobby…cross stitching.  I may start my first project this afternoon!!

Have a great day!

Pretty Print Thank You

You will want to be sure and check out the Thank You Thursday deals today...they are awesome.  We used one of the framelits that is on sale on this card at Godfather's stamping night.  You can never have too many thank you cards!!

Stamps:  Oh Hello, Four You
Cardstock:  Very Vanilla,  Pumpkin Pie
Ink:  Baked Brown Sugar, Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Oval Collection Framelits, Hearts a Flutter Framelits, Prety Print Embossing Folder,
Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Pumpkin Pie Chevron Ribbon, Linen Thread,
Very Vintage Designer Buttons,  Stampin' Dimensionals

When I was sitting here writing my post yesterday I kept looking out the window at the sun on the leaves.....thinking it would be a great day for a drive. So John and I did just that....we took an impromptu trip to a pumpkin patch, up north to look at the leaves, and ended up in antique stores in Elkader, where I taught for a year.  It was a great day!!

Today will consist of some stamping and general cleaning in my stamp room!!

Have a great day!

Peace on Earth

Wow.....I am definitely not ready for the cooler (colder) weather we are having, but it has put me in more of a mood to make Christmas cards.  This is one of the cards everybody made at Godfather's last week.  I love this big Christmas star and the best news is that it is on sale until next Monday, October 28th at 25% off......a bargain since it is only $9.95 to begin with.

Stamps:  Calm Christmas, Christmas Star
Cardstock:  Whisper White, Night of Navy
Ink:  Silver Encore Pad
Accessories:  Stylish Stripes Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Extra large Oval Punch,
Silver 1/8" Ribbon, Silver Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Basic Rhinestone Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals

As I sit here looking at the sun shining on the trees outside my window, I am thinking it would be a good idea to see if John would like to go for a ride and look at leaves today.  There are a lot of other things I should be doing, but there is always tomorrow for that!!

Have a great day!!!

Stamp Fest Remake

Stamp Fest on Saturday was a huge success.  No post yesterday because I was pooped!!!!  One of the things I love about stamping is seeing how people take an idea you give them and make it their own.  Here is a great example of just that!!!

The sample was the card on the right, but this stamper likes the vintage look, so changed hers around somewhat to achieve just that!!  Great job!!

Stamps:  Perfect Blend, Yippee Skippee
Cardstock:  Pool Party, Calypso Coral, Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake, Epic day DSP
Ink:  Chocolate Chip
Accessories:   Argyle Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Boho Blossom Punch, Itty Bitty Punch Pack
Basic Pearls or Jewels Lace Doilies, 2 1/2" Circle Punch, 1 3/4" Circle Punch

This is going to be a low key week....at least that is what I am saying on Monday.  My plan today is to get stuff straightened up in my stamping room from the last four weeks and start to work on cards for next Monday night's Godfather's stamping night.

Have a great day!!

Stamp Fest Christmas Wishes

The cardstock is cut, the tables are set up, and we are almost ready for the Fall Stamp Fest.  Luetta and I finished setting things up last night and all that remains is to set the projects on the tables and wait for people to come.

Here is one of the cards that everybody will be making today.  This poinsettia is fast becoming one of my favorite stamp sets!!

Stamps:  Joyful Christmas
Cardstock:  Real Red, Whisper White
Ink:  Silver Encore Ink, Real Red
Accessories:  Stylish Stripes Embossing Folder, Chalk Talk Framelits, Big Shot,
Silver Embossing Powder, Heat Tool

After Stamp fest today we are off to celebrate all of the October birthdays is our family and an anniversary. Between October 16 and October 22, we have 3 birthdays and an anniversary.  Carlos O'Kelly's it is for tonight!!!

Have a great day!!