Birthday Greetings

The minute I saw this Wetlands stamp set in the new catalog I knew it would be great for guy cards!!!  There are so many possibilities.

Stamps:  Wetlands
Cardstock:  Pear Pizzazz, Baked Brown Sugar, Very Vanilla, Subtles DSP Stack
Ink:  Basic Gray, Pear Pizzazz Marker
Accessories:  Deco Labels Collection Framelits, 7/16" Natural trim

Today is going to be a low key day at the Wilson household.  Hanna has to go to Grinnell this afternoon to a wedding shower and I want to watch the Hawkeyes opening football game.  I hope you have a safe and cooler day in whatever you choose to do.

Have a great day!

Happy Birthday Flip Card

I love the new thinlet card dies.  They make making a flip card so easy!!!!  We made this card last Monday night at stamp class and at first everyone was like....."How do I do that?"  But everyone was successful at making their very own flip-flop card.

Stamps:  Blue Ribbon, Really Good Greetings,  Chalk Talk
Cardstock:  Raspberry Ripple, Crisp Cantaloupe, Very Vanilla,  Birthday Basics DSP
Ink:  Raspberry Ripple, Bermuda Bay
Accessories:  Circle Card Thinlit Die, Chalk Talk Framelits, 2 1/2" Circle Punch, 2 3/8" Scallop Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, Stampin Dimensionals

I am hoping today is the last of the HOT HOT weather. Hanna is coming home this afternoon and we are hoping to be able to do some outside things this weekend!!  

Have a great day!!

Washi Tape Trick or Treat

Gorgeous Grunge and Washi Tape....what a great combination!!  I love the way this Halloween card turned out...and so simple to do as well!! 

Stamps:  Gorgeous Grunge, Tags 4You
Cardstock:  Basic Black, Very Vanilla
Ink:  Pumpkin Pie Basic Gray
Accessories:  Witches Brew Designer Washi Tape,  Label Bracket Punch, Stampin Dimensionals

Yesterday I met a friend for lunch.....it seemed so weird to be doing something social on a school day!! I will have to try it again next week.

After I get the rest of my peaches frozen this morning I am going to work on getting all of my bookwork done.  It seems like I haven't done any of it since I went to convention in July....and then it just keeps piling up!!

My daughter, Julie, is picking me up and we are going shopping at the outlet mall in Williamsburg after she gets off work.....it will be a hot day for shopping that is for sure.

Keep cool and have a great day!!

Gratitude

I certainly hope that everyone is surviving the heat!! It was very warm at Godfather's last night and we had a big group, but I think everyone had a good time.  This is one of the cards everyone got to make.  I love the color combinations in the Sweater Weather Designer Series Paper.

Stamps:  Magnificent Maple, Harvest of Thanks
Cardstock:  Chocolate Chip, Cajun Craze, Very Vanilla,
Sweater Weather DSP
Ink:  Cajun Craze, Chocolate Chip
Accessories:  Window Collection Framelits, Bitty Banner Framelits, Big Shot,
2 1/2" Circle Punch, 1 1/4" Burlap Ribbon, Stampin'  Dimensionals

I am taking a break from stamping to day and meeting a friend for lunch and then I think I will freeze the peaches that are left.   Like I told someone last night...I am really enjoying this retirement thing!!

Have a great day and stay cool!! 

Simply Happy Birthday

Here is another card everyone will get to make tonight at stamp class.  It uses the hostess set, Simply Sketched.......probably one of my favorite hostess sets of all time!!

Stamps:  Simply Sketched
Cardstock:  Perfect Plum, Whisper White
Ink:  Perfect Plum and Old Olive Markers, Basic Black Ink
Accessories:  Ovals Collections Framelits, Beautifully Baroque Embossing Folder,  Big Shot

Sorry for no post yesterday.......John and I took off thinking we would go toward Muscatine and get some melons and other produce and hit a couple of antique stores.  Well, we got the produce but there were no antique stores to be found.  We decided to cross the river and go down river along on the Illinois side of the Mississippi.  Following your nose can be a good thing, just make sure you have a full gas tank.  While we didn't run out of gas I was a little nervous as we were on a lot of back roads and I had no idea where we were.  Very pretty scenery, though.  Only wish I had remembered my camera!!

Today I will be cutting cardstock for tonight and getting things organized.  Stay cool and hope to see you tonight!!

Never Too Much Happy!!

How true this is...You can never have too much happy and it is a choice!!  Today's card is very simple, but one that has a great message.

Stamps:  Yippee Skippee
Cardstock: Melon Mambo, Whisper White
Ink:  Melon Mambo
Accessories:  Apothecary Accents Framelits,
Chevron Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Gingham Garden Washi Tape,

As soon as I am done posting this I am loading up the car and heading to Pella to take Hanna some things.  She wanted to know if I could make her a pan of peach crisp that she could take to the teacher's lounge on Monday to thank them for being so inviting and helpful during her first week of student teaching.  She also left some things at home that I will be taking to her.  Since it is freshmen move-in day at Pella we decided to go on to Des Moines for the day and do a little shopping.  I asked my other daughter last night if she wanted to go along and of course who could turn down retail therapy!! So like I say...you can never have too much happy!!

Have a great day!

For You

I think it would be safe to say that my taste in cards has certainly changes since I have been stamping with Hanna.  She has opened my eyes and I can appreciate a whole new style of cards.  This is one of those cards, which we took a picture of on the display boards this summer and which we will be making Monday night at stamp class.  

Stamps:  Gorgeous Grunge,  Chalk Talk
Cardstock:  Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Whisper White
Ink:  Crumb Cake, Early Espresso
Accessories:  Chalk Talk Framelits, Big Shot, 1 1/4" Circle Punch,
Early Espresso Baker's Twine, Tea Lace Doilies 

Peach crisp is calling my name again today as I am making another couple of batches.....one to take to Hanna tomorrow and another one to take to the Central Office at school along with this card.  I hope to get the other peaches frozen this afternoon as well.

The errand running in Iowa City yesterday went well, but I must admit that I kept looking over my shoulder hoping I didn't see anyone I knew.  I am sure it will get easier as time goes on!!

Well...better get to work before it gets any hotter.

Have a great day!!

Truly Grateful

Today's card is all made with the materials from one of the kits in the Holiday Mini Catalog.  Demonstrator friend, Dawn Klein, brought the supplies to make this card at our meeting on Saturday.  I love the birch bark ribbon, which here is used as a layer on the card.  It is even more beautiful in person!!

Stamps:  Truly Grateful
Cardstock:  Pool Party, very Vanilla
Ink:  Early Espresso
Accessories:  Thankful Tablescape Simply Created Kit, Naturals Designer Buttons

As soon as I am done posting this I am out the door to run errands in Iowa City.  I truly will feel like I am playing hooky because this will be the first time I have gone anywhere other than the doctor, since school has started.  I got some more peaches yesterday. Since they were so good last time, we decided we wanted some to freeze.  There is no Fruit Fresh to be had here so will have to go to Iowa City.

Hopefully I will find a little time to stamp this afternoon.

Have a great day!!

Live the Life You've Imagined

As I sit here with my third cup of coffee, relaxing before I start my day....this greeting really speaks to me.  

This is another one of the cards we made Saturday during the shoe box swap.

Stamps:  Really Good Greetings, Papillon Potpourri
Cardstock:  Basic Black, Very Vanilla, Strawberry Slush, Modern Medley DSP
Ink:  Black Stazon
Accessories:  Bitty Butterfly Punch, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, Basic Rhinestone Jewels

Today I really do plan to be in my stamping room. John's eye infection yesterday turned out to be a viral infection, but it still took about three hours to find that out!!

Have a great day.

By The Tide

Today's card comes from our shoebox swap last Saturday. I'm sorry, but I can't remember who brought the supplies for this card...I need to do a better job of remembering that.  I am really partial to this set, because I used it along with By The Seashore for everything in my classroom last year.

Stamps:  By The Tide
Cardstock:  Midnight Muse, Calypso Coral, Whisper White
Ink:  Midnight Muse, Calypso Coral
Accessories:  Calypso Coral Baker's Twine, Extra Large Oval Punch,
Basic Rhinestone Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals

I had planned to spend today (the first day of school for the kids) in my stamping room, but as usual plans are subject to change.  I will be taking John to the doctor because he has some type of really bad eye infection going on.  The good news is that I don't have to divide my time between school and doctor visits!!! Schedules can be very flexible from here on out...my rose-colored glasses tip for the day....be flexible!!

Have a great day!

Wedding Invitations

I was lucky enough to get to make my nieces wedding invitations this summer. I waited until she had sent them out to post pictures of them.  I think they turned out really nice and I think she was pleased.

There are some peaches calling my name today.  John and I got a 1/2 bushel the other day and I decided I was going to make peach crisp today.....one for us, one for him to take to coffee this afternoon, one to take out to school, and one to deliver to my son-in-law this evening.  

I might manage to fit in some stamping or reading this afternoon, but that remains to be seen!!

Have a great day!

It's All About the Candy

We had an absolutely wonderful time yesterday sharing, laughing, and stamping in Sigourney.  I came home with so many wonderful ideas, I am not sure I could hold enough events to use all of them...but I am sure going to try.

Here is the shoebox swap that I took for everyone to make.  Kristee, one of my stamping friends who comes to Iowa City events, shared a layout in a magazine similar to this one, last Monday night.  Hanna and I decided it would look great with the Halloween Washi Tape.

Stamps:  Halloween Hello
Cardstock:  Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black, Whisper White
Ink:  Black Stazon, Punpkin Pie and Daffodil Delight Markers
Accessories:  Witches" Brew Designer Washi Tape,  Gingham Garden Washi Tape

Today is going to be a relaxing day.  John is fishing and I have a few errands to run, but other than that I may just sit outside and read all day.

Have a great day!

Santa's List

Today I am lucky enough to get to spend it with stamping friends in Sigourney.  My friend Susie, has graciously adopted me into her downline meetings.  They are so beneficial and I learn so much from her.  I wish she was my upline!!!

Here is one of the cards I am taking for the swaps today.   I had the basic idea of what I wanted to do and with color help from my husband, this is the finished card.  I really love the way it turned out.

Stamps:  More Merry Messages, Santa's List
Cardstock:  Chocolate Chipe, Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White,  Season of Style DSP Stack
Ink:  Gumball Green, Chocolate Chip, Versamark
Accessories:  3" Circle Die, Big Shot, Tea Lace Doilies, Stampin' Sponges,
White Embossing Powder, Heat Tool,  Basic Pearl Jewels

I can't believe how nice the weather has been and today promises to be the same.  Enjoy your day, whatever you choose to do!!

Lacy Thank you

Today's card is another one we took a picture of on the convention boards.  I love the color combination in this card.  

Stamps:  Hello Doily, Lacy and Lovely
Cardstock:  Raspberry Ripple, Chocolate Chip, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla
Ink:  Crumb Cake, Raspberry Ripple, Chocolate Chip
Accessories:  1 3/4" Scallop Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Crumb Cake 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon

Yesterday was a very productive day......we had a former student come and give us a bid on some landscaping we would like to have done around our back patio, I stamped quite a bit, and then John and I went to Stringtown to get a half bushel of peaches.  A good day for the first actual day of retirement....when I got to stay home and every one else went back to work.  I joked that I worked so hard at retiring that we had to go out for supper last night.

Hanna had an awesome first day of student teaching and was  thrilled that she got to design all of the bulletin boards in the classroom.  That is right up her alley.

Today I am planning on getting all of my swaps ready for tomorrow.

Have a great day!!

Smile!!

Late start for me this morning!!  For the first time in 53 years I am not having a first day of school.  I am doing a lot of smiling!!!

Stamps:  Happy Day
Cardstock:  Smoky Slate, Crushed Curry, Coastal Cabana, Whisper White,
Eastern Elegance DSP
Ink:  Smoky Slate, Coastal Cabana, Crushed Curry
Accessories:  Beautifully Baroque Embossing Folder, Big Shot, 3/4" Circle Punch, 1" Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, 7/8" Circle Punch, 11/4" Scallop Circle Punch, 1 3/4" Circle Punch, Basic Pearl Jewels, Coastal Cabana 3/8" Ruffles Stretch Trim

We got Hanna all moved in yesterday but it was a LONG day!!  I got home last night a little after 9:00.  She was lucky enough to get a cart to help move stuff this year and her dorm has an elevator so those were both very good and helpful things.  She will be there a little over a week before her roommate moves in. Because she is student teaching she had to go early. The rest of the students can't move in until August 26th.

I met with a former student this morning to see about having some patio landscaping done.  Now that I am home, I want to be able to sit outside and enjoy things.  After almost 25 years it is time to replace the railroad ties that have seen better days.

I plan to spend the rest of my day in my stamping room, getting ready for the downline/sideline meeting on Saturday.  

Have a great day!!

Celebrate Today!

Wow....I can hardly believe that we are moving Hanna back to Pella today for her last semester as a college student!!  Where had the time gone??  We will be celebrating today as she gets ready to start her student teaching tomorrow!!

Stamps:  Perfectly Penned
Cardstock:  Baked Brown Sugar, Crisp Cantaloupe, Very Vanilla, In-Color DSP
Ink:  Baked Brown Sugar, Pistachio Pudding, Cantaloupe Crisp

The house will be quiet once again tonight as it will just be John and I.  

Have a great day!

Christmas Cheer

Wow...I am getting a late start this morning.  Hanna and I were gone all day yesterday, shopping and getting things she needs to move into her dorm room and be ready for student teaching.  We capped off the night with stamping with a large group of ladies at Godfather's Pizza last night.  Needless to say I am not moving very fast this morning.   Today will be another day of packing and sorting and getting her stuff ready to go. We take her to Pella tomorrow.

This is one of the cards that everybody got to make last night.  I love the unusual color combinations that are in the Winter Frost Designer Series Paper. 

Stamps:  Festive Flurry, Christmas Messages
Cardstock:  Bermuda Bay, Pool Party, Whisper White, Winter Frost DSP Stack
Ink:  Bermuda Bay
Accessories:  Deco LAbel Collection Framelits, Festive Flurry Framelit Dies,
Argyle Embossing Folder,  Big Shot, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Stampin' Dimesnsionals

I suppose I really should get started on all the laundry that has to be done by tomorrow.

Have a great day!!

Deck The Halls

We will be decking the Halls of Godfather's tonight with all of the Christmas cards we will be making.  We have a large group of women coming to get started on their Christmas cards!!  This will be the only stamp camp that Hanna gets to help me with this summer, since she has been at camp the whole time.  This is one of the cards everybody gets to make.

Stamps:  Christmas Messages, Christmas Collectibles
Cardstock:  Midnight Muse, Whisper White, Winter Frost DSP Stack
Ink:  Midnight Muse
Accessories:  Christmas Ornament Punch, Silver 1/8" Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

As soon as I am done posting this Hanna and I will be loading up the car.  I have a dental appointment in Iowa City this morning and then we are going to spend the day in Iowa City before stamp night doing what we do best...shop!!

See you tonight!!

Halloween Happiness

Happy Sunday!!  I can't believe how fast this year seems to be moving along.  Halloween will be here before we know it.  I really like this Halloween Happiness stamp and they had some great samples on the convention boards.

Stamps:  Halloween Happiness
Cardstock:  Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, Very Vanilla
Ink:  Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black, and Old Olive Markers
Accessories:  Window Frames Collection Dies, Big Shot, Festive Paper Piecing Pack, Piercing Toool and Mat,  Epic Day This and That Washi Tape, 7/16" Natural trim

Today I will be cutting cardstock for stamping tomorrow night.  We have a big group of ladies coming, so it will be a busy day.

Have a great day!

Happy Anniversary, Bob and Jeanie!

Two very special people I know are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary today.....Happy Anniversary Bob and Jeanie.  While I don't want to show you the card I made for them until they receive it, this celebrate card tells it all.  They are celebrating with their family this weekend.  I know they will have an awesome time!! 

Stamps:  Simply Stars
Cardstock:  Real Red, Whisper White, Night of Navy
Ink:  White Craft Ink, Real Red Marker, Night of Navy Marker
Accessories:  Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Big Shot,
White Embossing Powder, Heat Tool. White Baker's Twine

Hanna came home from her summer job as a camp counselor last night.  We now have three days to get her ready to go back to Central and start her student teaching.  I have a feeling it will be three days filled with sorting, packing and maybe throw in a little shopping. It's hard for me to believe she is starting her last semester as a college student.  Where does the time go??

Have a great day!

Christmas Cheer

Today's card is another one everyone will be making Monday night at stamp class.  I am a sucker for snowflakes so of course this set was one of the first things that caught my eye as I was looking through the Holiday Mini catalog.

Stamps:  Christmas Messages, Festive Flurry
Cardstock:  Bermuda Bay, Coastal Cabana, Whisper White, Winter Frost DSP Stack
Ink:  Bermuda Bay
Accessories:  Festive Flurry Framelit Dies, Deco Labels Collection Framelit Dies,
Argyle Embossing Folder, Basic Jewel Rhinestones, Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterday I had the unique (at least to me) experience of stamping with several women from the International Women's study group from the University of Iowa.  We had a great time and I think they all enjoyed themselves. Card making and scrapbooking are pretty universal hobbies regardless of our language or origin.

I have one more big job to do on my list of things I wanted to get done this summer....and I plan to tackle that today.  I am going through my bookshelves and sorting books that I want to donate to either the Library or Goodwill.  

See you Monday night at stamp class.

Thank You...You're the Best

Good Morning...today's card is one that is going to my oldest daughter and her husband.  They truly are the best...last night they came over and helped us trim our trees and pull some weeds/thingees.....that John and I couldn't have possibly done by ourselves.  I told Jason that I wouldn't post pictures on Facebook, but I didn't say anything about not posting on my blog and telling the world how great they are!!

Stamps:  Hello, Lovely
Cardstock:  Crisp cantaloupe, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla, Soho Subway DSP
Ink:  Cantaloupe Crisp, Early Espresso
Accessories:  Alphabet Press Embossing Folder, Lace Tea Doilies, 1 3/4" Circle Punch, 1" Circle Punch,
Basic Pearl Jewels

As soon as I am done posting this I am out the door to stamp with some ladies...most of whom have never stamped before.  We are making three pretty easy cards.   I hope they love cardmaking as much as I do!!

Oh, Hello.....Take Two

The Oh, Hello set was just sitting on my stamping table yesterday so I decided to just keep using it rather than put it away.  I was going through my convention pictures and had to try this one.

Stamps:  Oh Hello
Cardstock:  Pumpkin Pie, Soft Suede, Very Vanilla
Ink:  Pumpkin Pie, Soft Suede
Accessories:  Oval Collection Framelits, Honeycomb Embossing Folder,  Magnetic Platform, Bog Shot,  7/8" Cotton Ribbon. Delicate Details Lace Tape

Today is going to be another low key day at our house. I will be getting ready for a mini stamp class tomorrow with several women...all new to stamping.  It should be a great time.  I am excited about introducing them to this great hobby.

Have an awesome day!!

Oh, Hello!!

Yesterday was an extremely busy day.........cleaning out a kitchen closet that has not seen the light of day in many years!!!  However....it has reiterated one thing for me...I am glad we live in a house that has no stairs.  The ladder was not kind to my knees!!!  Today is going to be much less strenuous.  I, mean really....how strenuous is lifting a stamp!!!

I just love this Oh, Hello stamp set and the colors in the Epic Day DSP.

Stamps:  Oh Hello
Cardstock:  Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, Epic Day This and That DSP
Ink:  Early Espresso
Accessories:  Oval Collection Framelits, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Delicate Designs Embossing Folder, Magnetic Platform, Big Shot, Linen Thread, Epic Day This and That Washi Tape

As soon as I am done posting this John and I are going to make a run to Iowa City to pick up his new glasses we ordered last week and a few other things and then I am coming home and hibernating in my stamp room!!

Have a great day!!

Dream

Can you imagine sailing across the ocean in a ship like this???  I guess if Christopher Columbus hadn't followed his dream.....none of us might be here today!!!!

Stamps:   Open Sea, Loving Thoughts
Cardstock:  Midnight Muse Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla
Ink:  Midnight Muse
Accessories:  Label Collection Framelits, Big Shot

Yesterday we had an awesome day touring the Columbus ship in Davenport.....they were much smaller than I had ever imagined!!!  This is the complete front end of the bigger ship.....and to think they had animals...horses included as well as the sailors.

We then headed up the river to LeClaire where we did some antiquing and had a great lunch.  Have you ever heard of tongue tacos??

No....I didn't eat them, but John said they were delicious!!!

Today's project is to clean out a kitchen closet that has needed it for years and to start planning what cards we will be making next Monday night at stamp class.

Have a great day!!

Easy Peasy Birthday Card

How about an easy peasy birthday card that you can whip up in minutes?  That is what we have for today.  

Stamps:  You're Amazing
Cardstock:  Gumball Green, Whisper White, Polka Dot Parade DSP
Ink:  Gumball Green
Accessories:  Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Apothecary Accents Framelits, Big Shot,
1 3/4" Circle Punch, 1 1/2" Circle Punch, Whisper White Baker's Twine,
Stampin' Dimensionals

As soon as I am done posting this we are out the door to pick up our daughter and son-in-law for a day of sightseeing and antiqueing.  We are headed to Davenport to check out the Christopher Columbus ships...the Nina and the Pinta...and then we will antique our way back home.    I think it will be a beautiful day to be outside.

Enjoy your day!!

A Year From Now

I saw this sign on a desk when we visited the Riverton facility while we were at convention.  So today I am starting......I set some goals for myself when I was in Salt Lake City, and so far I have done nothing about them.  So today is the day!!  

Stay tuned!!

Add caption

Here is another one of the cards we will be making at the next stamp class.

Stamps:  More Merry Messages,  Festive Flurry
Cardstock:  Whisper White, Silver Glimmer Paper
Ink:  Silver Metallic Encore Ink
Accessories:  Festive Flurry Dies, Large Rhinestone Jewels,  Silver 1/8" Ribbon,  5/8" Organza Ribbon

Join me, so you too, can send all hand-made cards this year!!

Are You Ready to GET Ready for Christmas??

Christmas will be here before we know it and now is the time to get ready.  This is one of the cards everybody will be making Monday night at the Christmas in July (One Month Late) Stamp camp.  This will be the only stamp camp I have this year that is totally devoted to Christmas.  I am planning on having a 30 card Christmas card class in September and November.

Stamps:  Sassy Salutations,  Tags 4 You
Cardstock:  Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive
Ink:  Cherry Cobbler
Accessories:  Label bracket Punch, Basic Rhinestone Jewels

I got the wedding invitations delivered yesterday.  I think she really liked them.  I can't wait for her to mail them out so I can share the pictures with you!!

I have a big order of stamps coming in this afternoon, so I can finish organizing my stamp room.  It has a lot of organizational supplies in it!!

Enjoy the weather we are having and have a great day!!

Happy Halloween and Holiday Catalog

Today is the first day you can order from the Holiday Mini catalog.  I think there are some pretty awesome stamps and accessories in the catalog.  This card is made from one of the stamp sets we received in an all atttendee give-away at convention.

Stamps:  Tags 4 You
Cardstock:  Tangerine Tango, Basic Black, Whisper White
Ink:  Basic Black
Accessories:  Label Bracket Punch, Black 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon

I am off to Illinois today to deliver wedding invitations....if I get them done!!!  There is not much left to do and I have until this afternoon to get them done.  Should be a piece of cake!!

Have a great day!