January 31, 2015

Check out one of the cards that was on the display board at Leadership.  There are so many cool samples this year.

Stamps:  Best Day Ever
Cardstock:  Calypso Coral, Sahara Sand, Crushed Curry, Coastal Cabana, Whisper White
Ink:  Calypso Coral
Accessories:  Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Big Shot,
1 3/4" Circle Punch,  3/4" Circle Punch,  Best Year Ever Accessory Pack, Stampin' Dimensionals

I was lucky enough to win a prize that has everything in it to make that card.

I really am more excited than I look.

I found out yesterday that the card I posted was actually one of the swaps brought my one of my Leadership mates….Sally Davis from Ohio.

As soon as I am done posting this we are out the door for our last day.  I wonder what they will have in store for us today.

We will be leaving for the airport bright and early  (dark) for our trip home.  I hope we make it.  The forecast doesn't look all that good back home.  

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

Happy Stamping!!

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

January 30, 2015

Here is another one of the cards that was swapped a couple of weeks ago and that everyone made earlier this week.  I can't remember who brought this card and I don't have it in front of me to check.  If it is yours please let me know so I can give you credit.

Leadership yesterday was filled with information and announcements about various things.  Last evening while most of my group went to a Manager's Reception, Cindy and I took off to go to Downtown Disney to do a little shopping and exploring.  It was quite entertaining and we had a great time.  I had to take some pictures even though it was quite dark.

I had never seen a live mannequin before and was quite impressed with how you could not even see her breathing.  Every once in a while she would change positions or move to be in a better pose for pictures if someone wanted to take one with her.

I have always been impressed by the things you can make with Legos and these were no exception.  You have to get up pretty close before you even realize they are made out of Legos.

And probably one of the best ice cream sundaes I have ever had at the Ghiradelli Soda Fountain!!

As soon as I am done posting this I need to get myself ready to head back to the convention center for another great day!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 29, 2015

We have arrived in Florida and are ready for our first day of Leadership. Check out the roommate gifts for my condo mates.  I absolutely love these embellishments.

Stamps:  Best Day Ever, Petal Potpourri

Cardstock:  Crisp Cantaloupe, Calypso Coral, Whisper White, Best Year Ever DSP

Ink:  Calypso Coral, Crisp Cantaloupe

Accessories:  Mini Treat Bag Thinlits Dies, Big Shot, Best Year Ever Accessory Pack, Flower Medallion Punch

Yesterday was a long day of travel, but  there were no major glitches  . . . just a 45 minute delay in Atlanta waiting for the catering truck to restock the plane.  Otherwise we were good.  The weather is not as warm as I had expected, but still good.  As soon as I am done with this we will be out the door to start our day.  I am anxious to see what all they have in store for us.  

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

Happy Stamping!!

  

January 28, 2015

As promised here are the masculine versions of the gift card holders.  Once I have started making these all sorts of ideas are running through my head!!  I am sure you will be seeing more of these in the near future!!  

Stamps:  Gorgeous Grunge, A Dozen Thoughts

Cardstock:  Bermuda Bay, Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White

Ink:  Bermuda Bay, Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie

Accessories:  Envelope Punch Board, Black Chevron Ribbon

Stamps:  Gorgeous Grunge, Wetlands

Cardstock:  Early Espresso,  Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, Gold Glimmer Paper, 

Trim the Tree DSP (on Clearance Rack)

Ink:  Early Espresso, Crumb Cake

Accessories:  Star Framelits, Big Shot, Envelope Punch Board, Stampin' Dimensionals

My bags are packed and everything is ready to take off for Leadership.  I will be picking Susie up this morning and heading to Des  Moines to catch our flight to Florida.  Hopefully we will have good travels and not run into any delays or difficulties.  I will try to post from Florida, but am not sure about Internet connections at our condo.

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 27, 2015

You might recognize these gift card holders from a previous post here.  Out of the blue last weekend a lady contacted me who had purchased some of my cards at a craft show.  She wanted to know if I could make her 15 more gift card holders.  She wanted some masculine ones and some feminine ones. Check back tomorrow for the masculine version.

Stamps:  Painted Petals

Cardstock: Blackberry Bliss, Pear Pizzazz, Very Vanilla, Painted Blooms DSP

Accessories:  Envelope Punch Board, Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, 

Blackberry Bliss Stitched Satin Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals 

I think everyone stamping last night had a great time.  We were a much smaller group, but that just gave us more time to visit.

If you are in the market for embossing folders, then this week's Weekly Deals are for you!!

Today, I will be finishing up with all of my packing and other stuff in preparation for leaving tomorrow morning.  I even got a new suitcase for the event.  Since Hanna will not be going a smaller suitcase that I can handle by myself was definitely in order!!  Now I just hope everything fits in it.  LOL

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

January 26, 2015

Today is a very long post as I was asked to participate in a creative blog hop so be sure to read to the very end.

I have two cards to share with you today . . . both of them my Leadership swaps.  They are basically the same card just with different card stock and designer paper.  I didn't have enough of either designer paper to make all of them that I wanted to take.

Stamps:  Painted Petals

Cardstock:  Basic Black, Wild Wasabi, Melon Mambo, Whisper White, 

Irresistibly Yours DSP, Stacked With Love DSP Stack

Ink:  Melon Mambo, Wild Wasabi, Memento Black

Accessories:  Tea Lace Doilies, Basic Rhinestone Jewels, Scallop Oval Punch, 

Stampin' Dimensionals, Stampin' Sponge

I would be hard pressed to say which I like the best.  I have to thank Hanna for her suggestions when I showed her the original card.  Leave me a comment and let me know which one you prefer and I will choose one responder to receive a package of Basic Rhinestone Jewels.


I was asked to do a Stampin' Up! ® Blog Hop from a fellow demonstrator friend. . . Susie Wood.  You can check out her blog:  Stamp With Susie--http://www.stampwithsusie.blogspot.com

I was then asked to answer the following questions--

1.  What are you working on?

I am a retired school teacher so my days are pretty free.  I try to spend some time in my stamp room everyday.  I have two different stamp nights and one technique club every month, so I am always trying to plan ahead and have things ready for those classes.  One thing I would like to try to do is spend more time stamping cards for my own personal use and then of course remember to send them out.

2.  How does your work differ from others in your genre?

I am not sure my work really does differ from others.  I like lots of layers and embellishments on my cards, so if I see a layout or a card I like when I am browsing on line I usually add another layer or embellishments to it.

3.  Why do you create what you do?

My creating is usually dependent on what classes I have coming up and also what time of the year it is.  I do have two different stamp nights each month where we make 6 different cards each time as well as a technique club.  In my technique club we learn two different techniques each month.  We are making a technique book using the project life album pages and then we make two cards using the techniques we have learned.

4.  How does your creativity process work?

I decide what I need cards for, what stamp sets and supplies I have and the needs of my stampers.  Then I just start stamping.  I am lucky in that I have a daughter that loves the creative process and a husband who is an artist and retired art teacher.  I show them my cards and either make changes or not.  Like my daughter says . . . when we create together you would never know we like each other, but we do like the finished projects.

The next part of the blog hop was for me to give you links to two other Stampin' Up! ® demonstrators that have blogs, however other than Susie I really don't know any others with blogs.  So, you can go to her blog and work backwards to see some awesome stampers.

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

Happy Stamping!!

  

 

January 25, 2015

We are have a birthday in our house today . . . John!  This card that we made last weekend and designed by demonstrator friend Christy Kimball is perfect for him.  It is also one that everyone stamping tomorrow night will be making.

Stamps:  Big Day

Cardstock:  Rich Razzleberry, Smoky Slate, Old Olive, Whisper White

Ink:  Black Stazon, Ruch Razzleberry, Smoky Slate, and Old Olive Markers

Accessories:  Finishing Touches Edgelits, Zig Zag Embossing Folder, Big Shot, 

1/4" Rich Razzleberry Cotton Ribbon

We will be going out to supper with our daughter and son-in-law tonight to celebrate.  Hanna was not able to come home this weekend so we will be going to Adel in a couple of weeks to celebrate with her.  It is very unusual that we actually get to celebrate John's birthday close to his actual birthday. In recent years it seems like every time we had something planned the weather had something else planned.  I think we should be okay today.

My Leadership swaps and gifts are done and packed already!!  I am very pleased with how they both turned out.  I will be posting pictures of both of them later this week.

The rest of today will be spent cutting card stock and getting ready for tomorrow night's stamp night.

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 24, 2015

When I left home my mom painted my old bedroom a lavender shade and had a bedspread that matched.  The Painted Petals stamp set and coordinating Designer Series Paper remind me so much of that bedroom and bedspread!! Everybody stamping Monday night will be taking home a little piece me as we all make this card.

Stamps:  Painted Petals

Cardstock:  Blackberry Bliss, Whisper White, Painted Blooms DSP

Ink:  Blackberry Bliss, Wild Wasabi

Accessories:  Spring Flowers Embossing Folder, Big Shot, 3/8" 

Blackberry Bliss Stitched Satin Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterday was a super productive day as I got a bunch of cards made up from packets from the last two stamp nights and I also got all of my swaps cut and the bases put together.  All that remains is to stamp the main piece and the sentiment and then adhere them to the card.  My plan is to get everything stamped this morning and then finish assembling them while I watch the Hawkeye basketball game late morning. That will still leave me all afternoon to finish up some other things I want to take to Leadership with me!!

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

Happy Stamping!! 

January 23, 2015

Today's card is another one we stamped last weekend at our get together and also designed by demonstrator friend Nicole.  It is also one everyone stamping with me next week will be making.

Stamps:  You Plus Me

Cardstock:  Real Red, Whisper White, Basic Black, 

Red Glimmer Paper, Stacked With Love DSP 

Ink:  Real Red

Accessories:  Happy Heart Embossing Folder, Big Shot, 

1 3/4" Circle Punch, 2" Circle Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterday was the day . . . I finally got all of my Christmas stuff put away.  I just love looking at the tree and hate putting it away but I decided it was finally time!!  So needless to say there was not much stamping going on yesterday.  I am going to try and work on my Leadership swaps today!! Wish me luck!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 22, 2015

You might be looking at this picture going . . . what???  I thought this was a paper crafts blog!!  Well, it still is.  These awesome earrings were made from the embellishments in the Occasions catalog.  A couple of fish hook wires, a couple of minutes . . . and there you go . . . beautiful earrings!!

I have worn these several times since I made them and always get ask . . . where did you get your earrings . . . they are so cool!!

Yesterday was spent at the eye doctor and then in picking out new glasses for Hanna and myself.  We both got a totally different type of frame than we have right now so I hope that we both like them!!!  Like I told Hanna multiple times when I was trying on frames . . . I don't have to look at me, so what do you think they look like?

We also put the finishing touches on my leadership swap while we were eating lunch so look for it to be posted soon!!  I will be working on at least getting everything cut out and stamped today so I can start assembling them.

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 21, 2015

This is one of the swap cards I took to our stamping meeting on Saturday.  It is exactly the same layout and stamp set as the one I posted here, but just changed it up a bit.

Stamps:  Big Day

Cardstock:  Coastal Cabana, Calypso Coral, Whisper White,

Best Year Ever DSP

Ink:  Black Stazon, Crushed Curry, Coastal Cabana, 

Calypso Coral, and Garden Green Markers

Accessories:  Large Scallop Edge Edgelit, Big Shot, Ornate Tag Topper Punch,

Best Year Ever Accessory Pack, Stampin Dimensionals

Today I am meeting Hanna in Iowa City and we are both going to get our eyes checked and then pick out new glasses.  We are hoping to squeeze in some lunch and maybe a little shopping before she heads back to Adel.

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 20, 2015

Each time I use one of the Sale-a-Bration sets I think it is my favorite!!  This is one of the cards that we stamped at our meeting on Saturday and was designed by demonstrator friend, Nicole Slaubaugh.   Although this lotus blossom looks hard to do, it is really very easy since it is photopolymer and has tabs to help you line it up!!

Stamps:  Lotus Blossom, Gorgeous Grunge

Cardstock: Costal Cabana, Brushed Gold, Whisper White, Lullaby DSP

Ink:  Bermuda Bay, Coastal Cabana, Baked Brown Sugar

Accessories:  Artisan Label Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

This week is going to be one of those weeks where I want everything on the weekly deals!!  Check them out below and then let me know what you want!!

I had a great meeting my friends for lunch yesterday.  We met at noon and managed to visit though the lunch crowd, all afternoon, and part way through the supper crowd, finally leaving at 5:30.  It was great catching up, visiting, and laughing a ton!!

Today I am going to be thinking about my swap to take to Leadership next week and spending the day in my stamping room!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 19, 2015

One of the best things about Project Life memory keeping is the ease with which you can do it.  Now, I am not a scrapbooker by any means . . . I have all of these great ideas, but my photos sit in a box because I just don't ever get around to making the scrapbooks.  Not so much any more!!  I decided this year I was going to jump on the December Daily bandwagon and document our December memories.  It went together so easy!!  I have had this mostly done since New Year's Day . . . I just forgot to take pictures and post it!!

The covers of the small albums are so easy to stamp on and I think it adds a great touch.  The only thing I would do differently is when Stampin' Up! comes out with any special small albums I would order several in the beginning because they sold out so fast!!

Some days there just wasn't really anything special going on so I tried to capture some of the decor around the house.

This might have been my first Project Life project, but I can tell you . . . it won't be my last!!

Leave me a comment about my project and I will choose one of you to send something special to.

Today I am meeting some other retired teaching friends for lunch which usually lasts till supper!!  I do so enjoy visiting with them and catching up on all that is going on in our lives.

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 18, 2015

I love this stamp set and the sentiments in it because it so defines my life right now . . . Love Life.  I have always been a pretty positive person and have been pretty happy with my life but I must say I am loving retirement!!

Stamps:  Love Life

Cardstock:  Crushed Curry, Basic Black, Whisper White

Ink:  Black Memento Ink, Bermuda Bay Ink

Accessories:  Daffodil Delight, Cherry Cobbler, and 

Bermuda Bay Blendabilities, Pearl Basic Jewels

This card comes from a You Tube video I watched that was highlighting all of the Sale-a-Bration Stamp sets.  I have a terrible habit of screen capturing ideas I like and unfortunately I forget to tag the original poster . . . sorry!!

Yesterday was spent with several other demonstrators stamping the day away!! We had a great time and I have a ton of new ideas to share at stamp classes!!  I can't wait for the next one to share some of the ideas!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 17, 2015

I love the Lotus Blossom stamp set that you can get as one of your Sale-a-Bration stamp sets for FREE!!  It looks way more difficult to do than it really is. This was my first attempt at a card with it and I can tell you I will be making many more before the next two months are over with. 

Stamps:  Lotus Blossom

Cardstock:  Blackberry Bliss, Whisper White

Ink:  Blackberry Bliss, Perfect Plum, Pear Pizzazz

Today I am lucky enough to get to spend the day stamping with 17 other demonstrators.  My side-line Susie Wood has graciously adopted me into her group and we get together about four times a year and spend the day stamping and swapping ideas.  I know I will come home with my head spinning and tons of ideas!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 16, 2015

Here is another one of the cards everybody got to make this week at stamp nights.

Once again I found a similar card on Pinterest that was a one layer card, so I added a Tangerine Tango layer and here you go!! (the smudges on the card are not supposed to be there . . . must have had something on the lens . . . sorry)

Stamps:  Kinda Eclectic, Crazy About You

Cardstock:  Tangerine Tango, Crushed Curry, Whisper White

Ink:  Tangerine Tango, Crushed Curry

Accessories:  Hello You Thinlits, Big Shot

I would like to think that my card is responsible for the sunshiny days we have been having lately!!!  I love the sunshine!!

I am off to Iowa City to do some shopping and just be out in the lovely warm and sunshiny weather!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 15, 2015

One of the things I really love about Stampin' Up! and stamping is that you can make a lot of things other than cards and scrapbook pages.  Last December when several demonstrator friends and I got together to see the Occasions catalog for the first time we tried something new.   Instead of swapping whole cards we swapped these 2.25" inch squares.   We really didn't have a particular theme in mind and several of us made Valentine squares.   There were quite a few red and black ones so I decided to make a few more yesterday and put them together in this sampler.  I LOVE the way it turned out!! I still have some more Valentine squares that were not red and black so will be making another one sometime soon.  

  

I am anxious to try this for several different holidays.  It is so easy to change out the 12 X 12 piece of scrapbook paper.  It only took me three or four trips to my local craft store to remember to get the frame!!

Let me know what you think!!

I am definitely looking forward to the warmer temperatures forecast for the next few days!!  

Today I am working on swaps for this weekend and I am thinking that it would be good to get out and get some fresh warmer air!!

Everyday is a gift . . . enjoy the gift you have been given today!!

Happy Stamping!!

January 14, 2015

I have had a lot of time to browse around Pinterest lately and here is another idea I saw on there.   Again it was a one layer card and I switched that up a bit. I wasn't too sure about the color combo till I got it done and everybody Monday night seemed to like it as well.

Stamps:  You Plus Me

Card stock:  Basic Black, Real red, Whisper White

Ink:  Calypso Coral, Black Stazon

Accessories:  Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack, Gold Sequin Trim, 

Stampin Dimensionals

Today I think I am going to finish up the Valentine's sampler that has squares several of us swapped out in early December.  I am really anxious to finish one of these up.  Hopefully I will have pictures for you tomorrow.

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 13, 2015

Here is another one of the cards everybody stamping last night got to make.  I saw one with the same basic design on Pinterest.  Since it was a one layer card I added a couple of other layers and here it is!!  Very simple, but yet one anybody would love to receive.

Stamps:  hello Life

Cardstock:  Real Red, Basic Black, Whisper White, Card Stock Vellum

Ink:  Real Red, Black Stazon

Accessories:  Itty Bitty Accesnts Punch Pack, 

Basic Rhinestone Jewels, Glue Dots, Dimensionals

I think everyone had a good time last night, despite the cold.  One more cold day and then we we may be home free!!  I know wishful thinking on my part!!

Today I need to figure out my swaps for a stamping meeting I am going to on Saturday and hopefully finishing up my December Daily scrapbook from Christmas.  About all that remains is the cover and the tittle page.

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 12, 2015

Today's card is one everybody get to make tonight at stamp night.  This is a layout I have used many times and is one of my favorites.  I also think that this Sale-a-Bration stamp set is my favorite this year!!

  

Stamps:  Big Day

Cardstock:  Bermuda Bay, Crushed Curry, Whisper White, 

Birthday Bash DSP

Ink:  Black Stazon, Bermuda Bay, Calypso Coral, Crushed Curry, 

Night of Navy and Smoky Slate Markers

Accessories:  Scallop Edge Border Punch, Ornate Tag Topper Punch, 

Best Year Ever Accessory Pack, Lucky Stars Embossing Folder, Big Shot

The card stock is all cut an everything is ready to load into the car for tonight's stamp night.  I think even the weather is going to cooperate!!  I may go to Iowa City a little earlier to do some window shopping and just walk around a little bit!!  I would love to have you join us tonight, so shoot me an email if you would like to come and make this card and five others.

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 10, 2015

Another technique we used Thursday night was Triple Time Stamping.  It looks much more difficult that it is.  The hardest part is keeping all of the pieces in order so you know how to adhere them all.  I definitely was trying to think spring on Thursday with the very cold temperatures.

Stamps:  Crazy About You

Cardstock:  Calypso Coral, Whisper White

Ink:  Calypso Coral, Pear Pizzazz

I love this time of the Stampin' Up! Year….almost more so than the release of the new catalog.  The new occasions catalog is great this year and I love all of the sets in the Sale-a-Bration catalog.  If you would like either of these two catalogs, shoot me an email and I will get you one right away.

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 9, 2015

Despite the cold and snowy weather Stamp/Technique club met last night. One of the techniques we worked with was Magical Masking Tape.  It does make for some really neat backgrounds!!  I really like this tree that is in one of the new stamp sets in the Occasions catalog . . . Sheltering Tree.

Stamps:  Sheltering Tree

Cardstock:  Real Red, Basic Black, Whisper White

Ink:  Real Red, Blushing Bride, Pink Pirouette, Black Stazon

Accessories:  Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack

It was certainly good to get out and get some fresh air yesterday!!  While it is nice not having to go anywhere when the weather is bad, it also can make you feel kind of penned in.  I would like to think when it warms up this weekend it will stay that way but I know that is probably wishful thinking on my part.

But . . . 

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 8, 2015

If you are like me and have been in a paper crafting funk lately, then Paper Pumpkin is just the thing to get you going again.  Here are the three cards that you could make with the January Kit, which contained everything (minus adhesive) you need to make 9 cards…three of each.  I actually completed all 9 cards in about 45 minutes yesterday afternoon.  

I absolutely love the bright colors that are in the confetti in these cards.  I already have several of these written in and ready to send out!!

Today I will be getting ready for the second round of our technique/stamp club meeting tonight.  Check back tomorrow to see one of the techniques we will be learning.

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

Happy Stamping!!