December 1, 2014

What does a ribbon-holic do with all of their retired, coordinated Stampin' Up! ribbon . . . they make ribbon trees, of course.  When Hanna and I were out shopping this weekend we saw some of these in one of the craft stores and decided we could make our own with the ribbon I had stockpiled in my craft room . . . and it would match all of the other things we had made!!

These are the ones I made.

These are the ones Hanna made.

And here is where we chose to display mine.  Hers are going to her apartment to find a home.

They really coordinate quite well with the banner and wreath we made last Christmas!!

Today I am starting a new project, called December Daily.  I am going to take a picture a day and journal and document the month of December using Project Life.

I will try to post pictures as I get them done!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 8, 2014

Here is the second technique that we did this week . . . rock and roll.  It is a great technique for fall leaves.  I found this idea on Pinterest, but had trouble tracing it back to the original poster.

Stamps:  Seasonally Scattered, For All Things

Cardstock:  Cajun Craze, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla

Ink:  Hello Honey, Cajun Craze, Early Espresso

Accessories:  Burlap Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

As soon as I am done posting this I am going to finish getting everything set out for our Christmas card class.

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 7, 2014

Thumping was one of the techniques we focused on last night at technique club and here is the card everyone got to make.

Seasonally Scattered was one of the stamp sets we received at convention and I have definitely put it to good use.

Stamps:  Seasonally Scattered, Fall Fest, And Many More

Cardstock:  Mossy Meadow, Crushed Curry, Very Vanilla, Tangelo Twist

Ink:  Crushed Curry, Tangelo Twist, Early Espresso; 

Cajun Craze, Always Artichoke, Early Espresso Markers

Accessories:  Fun Fall Framelits Dies, Big Shot, Modern Label Punch, 

Word Window Punch, Stampin Dimensionals

The house is relatively cleaned, the card stock is cut, the groceries are bought and the soups made . . . now the only thing left is to set up the tables and all of the stamping supplies for the 30 card Christmas Card Class tomorrow.  I hope everyone likes the Christmas cards they will be making!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 6, 2014

Here is another craft show project I have been working on . . . CD Calendars. They are really fun and easy to make.  Who wouldn't want one of these sitting on their desks!!!

You just take the CD case apart and put the lid on backwards to make a little easel.  I have also seen these where they actually sit on a little wooden easel.

It sure looks like a cold fall day as I sit here typing this.  I guess it will be a good day to spend in my craft room getting ready for technique club tonight and cutting card stock for Saturday.

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 5, 2014

I have been busily making banners for an upcoming craft show.  This is one of my favorites.  I am really pleased with the way it turned out and think it would look neat hanging just about anywhere!!

 Stamps:  Larger Than Life Alphabet, Cheerful Tags

Cardstock: Kraft 12 X 12, Under the Tree DSP, Very Vanilla 

Ink:  Garden Green, Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake, Versamark

Accessories:  Star Framelits, Big Shot, Note Tag Punch, 

Cherry Cobbler 1" Sheer Linen Ribbon,

Gold sequin Trim, Gold Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, 

Clothespins, Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals

Today will be spent cutting card stock for my Christmas card class on Saturday. I am hoping to get all of the major cutting done today and then just the little pieces on Thursday and Friday.

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

Happy Stamping!!

October 30, 2014

I had time yesterday to finally make my Paper Pumpkin banner that was similar to the one Hanna made last week.  I absolutely love making theses banners and I think I have the perfect place to hang them on my Mother's and Grandmother's buffet.  You can be sure to look for more of these in the future!!

Everything I need to create this banner was included in the Paper Pumpkin kit with the exception of some Very Vanilla card stock and the alphabet stamps.  I debated long and hard before I purchased the alphabet stamps but I absolutely love them!!  Since they are photopolymer, it is very easy to see where you are stamping and to get things lined up perfectly!!

Today I will be working on more things for upcoming craft shows. I am hoping to get started on my CD calendars today or tomorrow.

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

Happy Stamping!!

October 29, 2014

 "To love what we do and share what we love, as we help others enjoy creativity and worthwhile accomplishments ... in this we make a difference."

A couple of weeks ago Hanna emailed me with the heading "Breakthrough". She has been mentoring one of her at risk students in the morning before school.  The student was looking at some of the things Hanna and I had made for her classroom and also Hanna's Project Life Memory Keeping album for this school year and said she wished she could do some things like that.  Well . . . that was all it took.  I cut some cards for Hanna to make with this student and yesterday was the day!!  While the stamping is not stellar on these cards I love what it represents.  If this doesn't fit the statement of the heart I am not sure what would!!   Establishing a positive relationship with a student who needs extra attention and sharing her creativity and love of paper crafting!!  Proud mama moment here!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

October 28, 2014

I believe the glimmer pair was a big hit last night.  Here is another one of the cards everybody got to make.

I love how simple this card is yet still very elegant.  With a quick change of greeting it could work for a lot of other occasions!!

Stamps:  Good Greetings

Cardstock:  Whisper White, Brushed Gold, Champagne Glimmer Paper

Ink:  Gold Encore Ink

Accessories:  Delicate Designs Embossing Folders, Snowflake Card Thinlits Dies, Big Shot,

Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Glue Dots

Today brings another busy day in the stamping room, getting things ready for upcoming craft shows and filling orders for muffin tin covers. I must say . . .  I do love retired life.  I am not sure when I would find the time to work . . .  am working now . . . just doing something I love!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

October 27, 2014

This has been a very busy weekend, even though it was one spent at home.  I had a great time stamping with Kirsten and her friends and some friends of her mom on Saturday morning.  If there is one thing I miss about teaching it is interacting with the students!!

Yesterday I spent the day cutting card stock and getting ready for stamp night tonight, which features glimmer paper.   This is one of the cards everyone gets to make tonight.

Stamps:  Bright & Beautiful, Watercolor Winter Too

Cardstock:  Smoky Slate, Whisper White, Silver Glimmer Paper

Ink:  Smoky Slate, Lost Lagoon

Accessories:  On Point Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, 

Stars Framelits, 1/8" Silver Ribbon, Basic Rhinestone Jewels, Stampin Dimensionals

Today I am working on finishing up details for tonight and also working on some orders for advent muffin tin calendars.  I would love to see you tonight.

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

Happy Stamping!!

October 24, 2014

The last few days have been very busy getting ready for some craft and vendor fairs coming up in November.  Here are a few additions to my table . . . candy or little gift holders made with the Curvy Keepsakes Box Thinlits Die.  I did a quick Pinterest search and came up with a plethora of ideas, but settled on these three.

Cardstock:  Basic Black, Whiper White, Real Red, Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive, 

Pumpkin Pie, Silver  Foil, Trim The Tree DSP Stack

Ink:  Black Stazon

Accessories:  Curvy Keepsakes Box Thinlits Dies, Wondrous Wreath Framelits Dies, 

Bitty Banners Framelits, Big Shot, Owl Builder Punch, 

Modern Label Punch, Hearts Border Punch, Bird Builder Punch, 

Extra Large Oval Punch, Petite Curly Label Punch, 1/8" Silver Ribbon,

Glue Dots (LOTS) 

These were so much fun to make and very easy as well!!

Today I will be cutting card stock for Kirsten's stamping party tomorrow morning.  I am looking forward to seeing some former students and their mothers!!  Also meeting new people who love to stamp!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

October 23, 2014

Once again it is Hanna to the rescue when I need a blog post.  She received her November Paper Pumpkin in the mail on Tuesday and last night set out to create a banner with the ingredients rather than the original project.  I think it came out super sweet.  She said everything she needed was in the kit except for a Project Life marker and a small hole punch.

Here is the original project.

I guess I know what I am going to be doing this afternoon . . . making of these sweet banners!!!

As soon as I am done posting this I am out the door to go to Iowa City and spend my morning volunteering at Hospice in the office.  This has been something I have been wanting to do and the opportunity presented itself, so off I go!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

October 18, 2014

At stamp night last week somebody today me that feathers were the new hexagon.  I am not sure about that but I do know that I really am liking this feather set the more I work with it.  I know I saw this card on Pinterest but could not trace it back to its original designer.  It must have been someone from another country because the hello was in a different language.   None the less, I really like the way the card turned out!!

Stamps:  Four Feathers, Hi There

Cardstock:  Soft Suede, Very Vanilla

Ink:  Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake, Early Espresso

Accessories:  Feathers Framelits Dies, Big Shot, 

1 1/4" Burlap Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

John and I took off yesterday to follow our noses and look at the beautiful colored leaves.

I will always be a first grade teacher at heart because of course we had to stop at a pumpkin patch first!!

It was a great day!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

October 15, 2014

The last couple of days I have been very busy getting some stuff ready for a couple of craft shows I am doing in November.  One of the things I have been making are gift card holders.  

Stamps:  Wondrous Wreath

Cardstock:  Real Red, Old Olive, Whisper White, Silve Glimmer Paper

Ink:  Old Olive, Real Red

Accessories:  Wondrous Wreath Framelits, Circle Collection Framelits, 

Decorative Dots Embossing Folder,

Big Shot, Extra Large Oval Punch, 

1/8" Silver Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

These are perfect for gift cards, or hot chocolate, or even a small piece of candy.

It is so nice to sit here and see the sun after a couple of dreary days!!  If it weren't quite so chilly I might be tempted to sit on my porch with my second cup of coffee!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

October 14, 2014

For some reason this year, fall cards are a lot more appealing to me than Halloween ones.  I know I have made far more autumn cards this year than in the past.  This is another one of the cards that everybody made last night.

Stamps:  Fall Fest, For All Things, Gorgeous Grunge

Cardstock:  Old Olive, Basic Black, Very Vanilla

Ink:  Mossy Meadow, Cajun Craze, Hello Honey, Sahara Sand

Accessories:  Essentials Paper Peiercing Pack, Paper Piercing Tool

These cold rainy days tell me that it is time to start making soups!!  When I am done posting this I am off to the grocery store to get the making for cheesy broccoli potato soup!!  Just the thing for a rainy, cool fall day!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

October 13, 2014

This Wondrous Wreath stamp is fast becoming on of my favorites from the Holiday Mini catalog.  While originally supposed to be a Christmas stamp, I think, I am loving it as a fall wreath.  This is one of the cards everybody will get to make tonight at stamp night.

Stamps:  Wondrous Wreath, Hardwood, Good Greetings

Cardstock:  Cajun Craze, Very Vanilla

Ink:  Cajun Craze, Crushed Curry, Chocolate Chip, Baked Brown Sugar

Accessories:  Wondrous Wreath Framelits Dies, Big Shot, Gold Stampin' Glitter, 

Multipurpose Liquid Glue, Modern Label Pinch, Stampin' Sponges, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

John and I had a great day yesterday . . . we took off on a ride and just followed our noses.  He showed me a lot of the places he used to duck hunt and we saw a lot of trees just starting to change color.  I am looking forward to going a little further north on another ride looking for beautiful colored leaves.

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

Happy Stamping!!

October 9, 2014

Today's card idea comes from Crystal, a gal I stamp with once a month in Iowa City.  I know she said she found it on Pinterest, but not sure where the original idea comes from.

I love how the train seems to be moving off of the card.  

Stamps:  A Dozen Thoughts, Traveler, Gorgeous Grunge

Cardstock:  Smoky Slate, Whisper White

Ink:  Night of Navy, Smoky Slate

Accessories:  Sqaure Collection Framelits, Big Shot, Stampin' Dimensionals (LOTS)

As soon as I am done posting this I am out the door to meet my brother, niece, and great nephew in Iowa City for lunch.  He has a checkup from his recent surgery and hopefully will be able to eat real solid food . . . not soft and mushy food.

After that I am helping out at Iowa City Hospice for a couple of hours while they have an open house of their recently remodeled facility.  This is something I have long wanted to do, since they helped out so much with both of my parents!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

October 8, 2014

Here is another one of the cards everybody stamping with me a couple of weeks ago got to make.  The more I work with the new In-Colors, the more I like them!!  I would have to say that Blackberry Bliss is my favorite by far!!

Stamps:  For All Things, Gorgeous Grunge

Cardstock:  Blackberry Bliss, Very Vanilla

Ink:  Blackberry Bliss, Sahara Sand, Mossy Meadow

Accessories:  Color Me Autumn Washi Tape, 1 1/4" Burlap Ribbon, 

Vintage Buttons, Glue Dots

I actually think that I get to stay home today.  This week somehow had become filled with appointments of one kind or another, so even though the weather is gorgeous, I will welcome the day to stay at home!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

October 7, 2014

Here is one of the cards that technique club made last Thursday using the baby wipe technique.  I am pretty sure they all loved it judging by the oohs and aahs that I heard as I was demonstrating how to get the variegated look in the wreath.

 Stamps:  Wondrous Wreath, A Dozen Thoughts

Cardstock:  Tangelo Twist, Hello Honey, Very Vanilla, Glimmer Paper

Ink:  Tangelo Twist, Early Espresso

Accessories:  Wondrous Wreath Framelits, Circle Collection Framelits, Big Shot, 

Tangelo Twist, Hello Honey, Vherry Cobbler, Mossy Meadow, Soft Suede Reinkers, 

Regals Candy Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals

Here is my latest flea market find!!!  It is absolutely awesome . . . kind of like it was made to hold cards.  Each of the drawers is exactly 4.5" inches wide so it holds cards perfectly.  They are about 18 inches deep so I will be able to store MANY MANY cards in them.  It is so nice to have them all in the drawers so I can see what I have without having to go through multiple boxes to find what I want.

Today I get to do one of my least favorite things in the world . . . go to the dentist!!   I guess I will just have to pair it with something else fun to do in Iowa City!!

Everyday is a gift . . . make the most of the gift you are given today!!

Happy Stamping!!

October 5, 2014

For the last card I made with the September Paper Pumpkin, I used a layout that I got from my demonstrator friend, Susie.  You can see her card here.  

Stamps:  September My Paper Pumpkin

Cardstock:  Tangelo Twist, Basic Black, Whisper White

Ink:  Tangleo Twist, Basic Black

Accessories:  Stylish Stripes Embossing Folder, Fun Fall Framelit Dies, 

Big Shot, Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterday was quite the exciting day in the Wilson household  Hanna picked up her brand new car yesterday afternoon!!

We knew this car was meant to be for many reasons, but the one I like . . . it even has a Stampin' Up Color Name . . . Brown Sugar!!

We also went to a flea market and I picked up another great addition to my stamping room . . . I will post pictures when I get it situated in my room.

Be sure and join me today for my World Cardmaking Open House.  As you can see I was quite busy yesterday, so the Open House is today!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

October 4, 2014

Happy World Card Making Day!!  What are you doing to celebrate?? I would love to see what cards you are creating!!  I am celebrating World Card Making Day with an Open House tomorrow afternoon, since today is jam packed!!

Man . . . I am not sure where the time is going but it sure is flying by!!! Halloween will be here before we know it!!  Here are two more of the cards made from the September My Paper Pumpkin.  

Stamps:  September My Paper Pumpkin

Cardstock:  Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White

Ink:  Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black

Accessories:  Epic Day Washi Tape, 

Witch's Brew Washi Tape (From the Clearance Rack)

I have one more card to show you tomorrow made from this kit.

As soon as I am done posting this we are out the door to shop for fleas at the What Cheer Flea Market. It will certainly be a cold day to shop there . . . much different than the July show!!

After that, this afternoon, Hanna will be picking up her new car!!  She is one excited girl!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

October 3, 2014

Today brings another one of the cards I made with the stamps from the September My Paper Pumpkin Kit.    They are absolutely awesome!!!

Stamps:  September My Paper Pumpkin

Card Stock:  basic Black, Basic Gray, Whisper White

Ink:  Black Stazon, Pumpkin Pie

Accessories:  Black Thread from the Paper Pumpkin Kit

Last night we had stamp/technique club at our new home…Culver's. It worked out very well.  While I was sad that Godfather's closed, the new homes have some definite advantages . . . number one being better lighting!!!  I will be posting the cards we made last night sometime next week.  If you would like to be part of a technique club, let me know and I can fill you in on all of the details.

Today's project is to make 15 birthday cards for Hanna's advisor group and get her invitations done for her "Friendsgiving" dinner she is having.  

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

Happy Stamping!!

October 2, 2014

Here are a couple of the Halloween cards I made from the stamps that were in the September Paper Pumpkin kit.  I LOVE the Halloween stamps that were in there.  That is one of the best things about Paper Pumpkin . . . the exclusive stamps that come only in the kits!!

Stamps:  September My Paper Pumpkin, Gorgeous Grunge

Cardstock:  Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black, Whisper White

Ink:  Black Stazon, Pumpkin Pie

Accessories:  Witch's Brew Washi Tape, Epic Day Washi Tape, Stampin Dimensionals

The Witch's Brew Washi Tape is available on the clearance rack for only $1.99 for all three rolls.  What a bargain!!!

Stay tuned tomorrow for some more cards made with the September My Paper Pumpkin!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

October 1, 2014

I am absolutely thrilled with the September Paper Pumpkin kit.  Yesterday I made great headway in getting the bags done for Hanna.   Here is what I got out of the original kit . . . 6 treat bags and 6 other tags I can use on other bags!!  All I had to add was adhesive . . . everything else came in the kit . . . stamps, ink, tags, bags, thread, sequin trim, and the clothespins.

Because I am a Paper Pumpkin subscriber I could order refill kits that had all of the supplies to make more bags.  So today I will work on getting more of them done. I also took the stamps that came in the kit and made 6 other Halloween cards which I will post in the coming days.  I think I can say by far that this month is my favorite month of Paper Pumpkin so far.

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 30, 2014

I do believe we have found a new home for our stamp nights.  Midtown Diner worked out marvelously…the room was big enough, the lighting was awesome, and the food was great.  Couldn't ask for more!!

Here is another one of the cards that everybody got to make last night.  I just love the hardwood background stamp.

Stamps:  Four You, Hardwood, By The Tide

Cardstock:  Soft Suede, Cajun Craze, Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake

Ink:  Soft Suede, Cajun Craze

Accessories:  Ovals Collection Framelits, Big Shot, 1 1/4" Burlap Ribbon,

Gold Basic Metal Buttons, Stampin' Dimensionals

Today I am going to start my September Paper Pumpkin Projects.  I hope to get several cards as well as treat bags made today for Hanna to share with the teaching staff in her school.

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 29, 2014

A couple of years ago I would never have made an all one color card, but Hanna's influence is rubbing off on me!!  I love the simplicity and beauty of these types of cards!!

Stamps:  Four Feathers, Lots of Thanks

Cardstock:  Very Vanilla

Ink:  Crumb Cake, Early Espresso

Accessories:  Feathers Framelits Dies, Woodgrain Embossing Folder, 

Big Shot, 1 1/4" Burlap Ribbon, Metallic Gold Baker's Twine,

Stampin Dimensionals, Basic Pearl Jewels

Yesterday I actually managed to get everything ready for tonight's stamp night early on in the morning so I spent the rest of the day with a good book and football on TV!!  Today I am meeting some friends for lunch before heading to Iowa City for stamp night tonight.  I am anxious to see how our new stamp home is going to work out!!

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

Happy Stamping!!