February 28, 2015

Today's card is another one that I received as a swap in Orlando.  I think I did a pretty good job of swapping even without Hanna to do it for me!!

The Lotus Blossom stamp set is one you will be seeing a lot of before Sale-a-Bration is over!!

Stamps:  Lotus Blossom, Thoughts & Prayers

Cardstock:  Island Indigo, Whisper White

Ink:  Real Red, Strawberry Slush, Blushing Bride, 

Old Olive, Pear Pizzazz, Island Indigo, Versamark

Accessories:  Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Stampin Sponge

By the time you are reading this I should be well on my way to a craft/vendor show in North Liberty.  If you are in the area between 8 and 12 stop by the Recreation Center and see me!!

I believe a nap will be calling my name this afternoon as early as I am leaving today!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

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February 27, 2015

Last January when we had a stamping day, we exchanged these little 2.25" squares as a swap.  I finally managed to get mine put together last night.  The theme was flowers and spring and the color palette was subtles.  It always amazes me how cute these turn out.  I now have place on one of my kitchen walls where my frame hangs permanently and my plan is to change these out with each season.

Another thing I actually got accomplished yesterday was to get my stamping table cleaned off so I have more than an 18" square to work on.  Last weekend when the girls and I went to Ikea I saw this plant holder and though how perfect it would be to hold all of my stamping tools.  I had to take one of them at the store and set it on a table and pretend it was my stamping table so I could be sure it was going to work.  It actually works way better than I had imagined.  It stays put and I was able to get rid of the four or five other things I had that stored my tools.  

Today is going to be another errand running day as I deliver a card order and pick up some things we need in the city.  Then I need to get the car loaded for a craft show tomorrow morning, so I don't have to do it in the dark.  Hopefully the weather will be a little warmer for all of this.

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

Happy Stamping!! 

February 26, 2015

Taking a break from butterflies for a while I have another card to share with you from the display boards in Orlando.

Stamps:  Petal Potpourri

Cardstock:  Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake

Ink:  Soft Suede

Accessories:  Perfect Polka Dot Embossing Folder, 

Window Frames Collection Framelits,

Big Shot, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch, 

Flower Medallion Punch, Something Borrowed Embellishments, 

Stampin Dimensionals

You would have thought being home all day yesterday that I would have gotten something productive done.   NOT!!  It seems like a good book and a nap called my name all too easily.  So…today is the day to get ready for the craft show on Saturday.

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

Happy Stamping!!

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February 25, 2015

Wouldn't it be nice if butterflies were in the forecast rather than snow??  

This is another card that I took a picture of while I was in Orlando (and yes with the forecast today I wish I was back!!)  I absolutely love this stamp set and framelits and the more I work with it and see things made with it the more I love it!!

Stamps:  Butterfly Basics

Cardstock:  Strawberry Slush,  Pistachio Pudding, Whisper White, Baked Brown Sugar

Ink: Strawberry Slush, Pistachio Pudding, Baked Brown Sugar, Hello Honey

Accessories:  Butterfly Thinlit Dies, Big Shot, 

Venetian Crochet Trim, Strawberry Slush Thick Baker's Twine, Glue Dots

Yesterday was an absolutely awesome birthday.  I started the day by volunteering at Hospice and from their went to lunch with a friend.  I ran a few errands and was home in time for our daughter and son-in-law to pick us up to go back to the city for supper at Olive Garden.  I had been hungry for lasagna so that is exactly what I had!!  A great way to start my next 60 years!!!

With the impending snowy forecast, my plans include lots of stamping and getting ready for a vendor/craft show on Saturday, weather permitting!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

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February 24, 2015

This is indeed a week of birthdays!!!  Here is another card I received as a swap in Orlando and one which every one made at Make-It-Monday.  I just love the colors in this Designer Paper and I love this stamp set . . . Big Day.

Stamps:  Big Day

Card stock:  Calypso Coral, Whisper White, Best Year Ever DSP

Ink:  Black Stazon, 

Calypso Coral, Pool Party, Crushed Curry, and Sahara Sand Markers

Accessories:  Window Sheets, Best Year Ever Accessory Pack

Starting March 1st and running through the 31st there will be four additional Sale-a-Bration products you can earn!!  With every $50 purchase you can get one of these four new products.  They are  absolutely awesome!!  There are two stamp sets, some printed vellum and some in color twine and buttons. You will definitely want some of them.

Today will be spent with friends and family.  I am starting my day by volunteering at Hospice and then having lunch with a friend.  Tonight John and I are going for a birthday supper with our daughter and son-in-law.  A perfect day!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

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February 23, 2015

This is a week of birthdays!!  Here is one of the cards everyone will be making tonight.  Once again it is cased from one that I got as a swap in Orlando.

The one I got was all one color so I changed it up a bit to use the primary colors.  I love the more colorful version.

Stamps: Fabulous Four, Balloon Bash
Cardstock:  Whisper White, Basic Black
Ink:  Real Red, Pacific Point
Accessories:  Regal Candy Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals

We had a very successful trip to Kansas City.  Everybody came home with some great bargains and we had a great time.

Now today to finish up gathering supplies for tonight and get rested up for Make-It-Monday.  I think I may need a week to get rested up after all of the walking of the weekend.  So glad we decided to do the outside shopping on Saturday when the weather was warm enough for shirt sleeves as opposed to Sunday when we were bundled up in winter coats, mittens, and scarves!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

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February 22, 2015

Here is another card everybody will make this week.  The Lotus Blossom makes such an elegant looking flower and it is so easy to do!! 

Do you notice a new stamp set that you haven't seen before?  Well, you should!!  Lovely Amazing You is the newest of the photopolymer stamp sets released on a monthly basis.  I absolutely love the words in this set!!

Stamps:  Lotus Blossom, Lovely Amazing You

Cardstock:  Bermuda Bay, Whisper White

Ink:  Bermuda Bay, Old Olive

Accessories:  Stampin' Dimensionals

Today brings to an end our Girl's Weekend.  We should be heading home sometime after lunch . . .  in time to get rested up and get the rest of the supplies ready for tomorrow night's card making. 

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

Happy Stamping!!

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February 21, 2015

One of the best things about being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator is the wealth of ideas that you have access to.  This card, which everyone will be making Monday night was on the Stampin' Up! website called Stampin' Connection. The moment I saw it I knew we had to make one just like it.  

We are certainly doing a more of what makes up happy this weekend . . . shopping, laughing, eating good food, and spending time with family!!

Stamps:  Hello, Life, Kinda Eclectic

Cardstock:  Daffodil Delight, Whsiper White, 

Stacked With Love DSP Stack

Ink:  Daffodil Delight, Black Stazon

Accessories:  Elegant Butterfly Punch, Bitty Butterfly Punch, 

Basic Rhinestone Jewels, Glue Dots

Today will bring more shopping and bargain hunting.

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

Happy Stamping!!

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February 20, 2015

Yet another butterfly!!!  I have a few blogs that I follow and this card is cased from one of those.  LeeAnn Greff posted a card similar to this on her website a few days ago  and I believe she cased it from a demonstrator named Mary Fish.

How could you possibly go wrong with butterflies and Hawkeye colors!!!

Stamps:  Butterfly Basics

Cardstock:  Basic Black, Crushed Curry, Whisper White

Ink:  Black Stazon

Accessories:  Butterfly Thinlits, Big Shot, Glue Dots, 

Best Year Ever Accessory Pack, Crushed Curry Baker's Twine

This is one of the cards that we will be making at Make-It-Monday next week.

By the time you read this I should be well on my way to Kansas City for a fun shopping weekend with my daughters!!  We have no specific plans other than to go to Ikea.  Other than that we will just follow our noses to whatever we find interesting!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

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February 19, 2015

In my post the other day I mentioned that there would be many more butterflies in my future.  Here is another card made using the butterfly die. 

 I have several people I sent birthday cards to in the month of February and some of them received this card.

Stamps:  Butterfly Basics

card stock:  Coastal Cabana, Calypso Coral, Whisper White, BestYear Ever DSP

Ink:  Baked Brown Sugar

Accessories:  Butterfly Thinlits, Big Shot, Best Year Ever Accessory Pack, Basic Rhinestone Pearls

Today is going to be another busy day, although not as busy as the last three.  I am off to get my hair cut as soon as I finish posting this and then will be delivering some stamp orders.  When I get home I need to start cutting card stock for Monday night's Make-It-Monday and also make a dessert for a meeting I have tonight.  All in all a great day!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

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February 18, 2015

No matter how many flower sets and punches I may have, I always seem to like new ones that come out, too. That was just the case with stamp set, Petal Potpourri in the Occasions catalog.  

It works very well with the Painted Petals Designer Series paper.

Stamps:  Petal Potpourri, Simply Wonderful

Cardstock:  Garden Green, White, Hello Honey, Painted Blooms DSP

Ink:  Garden Green, Real Red

Accessories:  Flower Medallion Punch, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack, Basic Rhinestone Jewels,

Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterday and it's appointments ended up being a very interesting day.  Let's just say that a piece of glass or glitter that gets embedded in the bottom of your foot can cause all sorts of problems.  It is amazing how much better it feels once it is out!!!  Today is the last whole day I will be spending in the city for a while.  Another appointment this morning and then this evening I will be stamping with a group of friends.  I have missed my stamp room!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!    

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February 17, 2015

At Leadership this year we received the kit "Hooray, It's Your Day" as well as the stamp set "Hooray, It's Your Day"  Last night I finally had the time to sit down and stamp and assemble the cards that came in the kit.  It took me about 90 minutes to make 20 cards.

The kit had everything to create 20 cards 5 each of 4 designs.  It also included colored envelopes.  The only things that I need to supply were Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight, Bermuda Bay, and Wild Wasibi ink and adhesive.  Everything else was included in the kit.

Check out the four individual cards!!

This one is actually a gift card holder!!

This one had a pullout card for your message.

I am normally not a kit person, but I was thrilled with the 20 cards and can see purchasing other card kits in the future.

This morning I am heading into the city again for a couple of appointments and to do some volunteer work at Hospice.  On my way home I am meeting a friend for coffee to share my leadership swaps.  Hopefully tonight there will be some more stamping time.

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

Happy Stamping!!

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February 16, 2015

I think I am on a butterfly roll!!   Once I found out how easy these little guys were to cut out I just can't stop!  Hope you don't get tired of them anytime soon because I have several more to share with you.    Besides it also makes me think spring is around the corner!!

The pop of color from the butterfly just makes this card so striking.  This is another card I took a picture of while I was in Orlando.  My camera got quite a workout!!

Stamps:  Butterfly Basics

Cardstock:  Wild Wasabi, Crisp Cantaloupe, Whisper White

Ink:  Wils Wasabi, Crushed Curry, Crisp Cantaloupe, Sahara Sand

Accessories:  Butterfly Thinlits, Big Shot, Basic Pearl Jewels

Today is a day of appointments . . . unfortunately one is this early this morning and one is later in the afternoon, so I guess that means I will be spending all day in the city!!  Hopefully I  will get home in time to spend a little time in my stamping room.

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

Happy Stamping!!

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

February 15, 2015

February is the month of birthdays or so it seems.  For a short month, I sure do know a lot of people with birthdays.  I think I will be sending out at least 15 birthday cards this month.  This is one I found on a display board in Orlando and it is made with the Sale-a-Bration set that I love!!

Stamps:  Big Day

Cardstock: Bermuda Bay, Cherry Cobbler, Crushed Curry, Whisper White,

 Regals DSP, Brights DSP

Ink:  Crushed Curry, Black Memento, Bermuda Bay and Cherry Cobbler Blendabilities

Accessories:  2 1/2" Circle Punch

Yesterday ended up being a very lazy day for me . . . might have had something to do with being out VERY late the night before.  We went out to eat with another couple and went back to their house to visit.  Before we knew it it was 1:00.  I am not a night owl and it takes me a while to get my umph back.  Hopefully today is a little more productive!!  It better be as I have a very busy week this week and I have some things I want to get done.

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

Happy Stamping!!

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February 14, 2015

Happy Valentine's Day!!!  

Stamps:  Perfect Pennants

Cardstock:  Real Red, Basic Black, Whisper White, Gold Foil

Ink:  Real Red, Black Stazon

Accessories:  Itty Bitty Punch Pack

Anyone who has lived very long at all knows that there are bumps in the road of life.  But that does not means that it can't still be wonderful!!!  I think this might be one of my favorite sayings in the whole catalog!!!

Enjoy today and the people you are with on this Valentine's Day!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

February 13, 2015

I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE the Designer Series paper that is a Sale-a-Bration option this year!!!  It is so bright and cheery!!  I know I will be stocking up on this for my own card making use before March is over!!  

This is one of the swaps I saw while at Leadership.  Not only do I love the DSP, but the sentiment is great as well!!  And so easy to make!!

Stamps:  So You

Cardstock:  Coastal Cabana, Bermuda Bay, Whisper White, Best Year Ever DSP

Ink:  Bermuda Bay

Accessories:  Large Polka Dot Embossing Folder, Big Shot, 

Basic Rhinestone Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals

Today I will be delivering stamp orders that came yesterday and John and I have plans to go to Iowa City for supper with another couple.  I hope to squeeze a little stamping in this afternoon . . . or at least get cleaned up from this week!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

February 12, 2015

Butterfly Basics has so many possibilities!!!  I really wish the weather would warm up enough enough that I could really start thinking about butterflies and flowers!!  Here is another card that everyone made at Make-It-Monday and that was a Leadership swap.

Stamps:  Butterfly Basics

Cardstock:  Whisper White, Old Olive, Basic Black

Ink:  Black Stazon, Old Olive

Accessories:  Honeycomb Embossing Folder, Big Shot, 

Stampin Sponges, Basic Rhinestone Jewels

Yesterday was a great day to run errands . . . it was sunny outside even though the temperature wasn't all that warm!!  I was glad to get to wear my new sunglasses, though!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

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February 11, 2015

Big on You is one of those stamp sets that just jumps out at you when you first see it!!  About all you really need is that set, card stock, and ink and you can make a huge variety of cards.  This is yet another one of my swaps from Leadership and one of the cards that we made at Make-It-Monday.

Stamps:  Big On You, Work of Art

Cardstock:  Lost Lagoon, Whisper White

Ink:  Versamark, Lost Lagoon

Accessories:  Silver Embossing Powder, Heat Tool

Yesterday ended up being one of rest and relaxation.  A good book and putting my feet up seemed to be a good idea so that is exactly what I did!!  I must say that is one of the things I like best about retirement!!

Today I will be running some errands in Iowa City and I hope to get home in enough time to do some stamping before stamp night tonight.

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

Happy Stamping!!

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February 10, 2015

The butterfly thinlits were always on my wish list but after some of the difficulty I had had with the doily thinlit I was kind of skeptical about buying it. But I did and I am so glad. After hearing how easy it is to use if you have the right sandwich when I was at Leadership, I was quite anxious to try it out.  This is one of the cards I received as a swap and also one that we made last night at Make-It-Monday.  Nobody had any trouble with the die at all!!  YEAH!!!  I can see many more butterfly cards in my future!!

Using the dryer sheet makes all of those little pieces come out so easily . . . many of them actually stick to the dryer sheet.  Now I know what I am going to do with all those boxes I accidentally bought before I remembered I had a softener bar in my dryer!!

Stamps:  Butterfly Basics

Cardstock:  Hello Honey, Whisper White,  Best Year Ever DSP

Ink:  Soft Suede

Accessories: Butterfly Thinlits, Big Shot, Tea Lace Doilies, 

Hello Honey Quilted Cotton Ribbon, Basic Pearl Jewels 

A lot of the emphasis at Leadership was on all of the kits that Stampin' Up! has to offer.  We received one while we were there and I ordered two other ones when I got home.  I am going to work on those today so stay tuned for pictures in the next couple of days.

Check out the amazing Weekly deals this week!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

  

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

February 9, 2015

Baby cards are not something I make very often, but it would be nice to have some on hand.  This is another one of the cards people will be making tonight at Make-It Monday.

Stamps:  One Tag Fits All

Cardstock:  Sahara Sand, Pool Party, Crisp Cantaloupe, 

Whisper White, Best Year Ever DSP

Ink:  Memento Black Ink, Daffodil Delight Blendabilities

Accessories:  Large Polka Dot Embossing Folder, Big Shot,

2" Circle Punch, 2 3/8" Scallop Circle Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

Everything is cut and ready to go for tonight's Make-It Monday.  All that is left to do is to load the car.  Cleaning and putting things away in my stamp room will be on my agenda this afternoon, so I can begin to plan for upcoming classes.

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

Happy Stamping!!

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

February 8, 2015

Check out one of the cards that I received as a swap at Leadership. We will be making one similar to this Monday Night at Make-It Monday.  We don't always make a lot of guy cards and I really liked this one!!

Stamps:  Traveler, Hey You, Hardwood

Cardstock:  Night of Navy, Crumb cake Naturals Ivory, Very Vanilla (for inside)

Ink:  Night of Navy, Crumb Cake

Accessories:  Starburst Framelits, Big Shot, 2" Circle Punch, 

Extra Large Oval Punch, Natural 5/8" Chevron Ribbon, 

Stampin Sponges, Stampin' Dimensionals

We had a great time at the flea market yesterday.  We ended up going to another antique show on the fairgrounds and ended our day at Valley Junction in Des Moines.  The girls thought this store . . . Sisters at the Junction . . . was a great place to get their picture taken!!  It was a long day, but a very fun one day!!

I hope to get all of the card stock cut and everything ready for tomorrow night's Make-It Monday this afternoon.  We have several people coming.  If you would like to join us, shoot me an email and I can give you all of the details!!

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 7, 2015

Brayering was one thing the members of Technique Club really wanted to learn how to do.  We experimented Thursday night and I think we all learned a lot. Here is one of the results.  It definitely takes some practice!!

Stamps:  Lovely As A Tree, A Dozen Thoughts

Cardstock:  Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, So Saffron, Whisper White,

Ink:  Memento Black Ink, So Saffron, Crushed Curry, Pumpkin Pie

Accessories:  Brayer

As soon as I am done posting this we are out the door to go to Des Moines with our daughter and son-in-law, Julie and Jason.  We will be meeting Hanna there and spending the day together at a flea market.  I really don't need any more fleas but you never know what we might find!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

February 6, 2015

Last night was Technique Thursday and stamp club and one of the techniques we worked on was the bokeh effect.  According to the dictionary here is the definition of bokeh.

1. In photography, bokeh (Originally /ˈboʊkɛ/, /ˈboʊkeɪ/ BOH-kay — also sometimes pronounced as /ˈboʊkə/ BOH-kə, Japanese: [boke]) is the aesthetic quality of the blur produced in the out-of-focus parts of an image produced by a lens. Bokeh has been defined as "the way the lens renders out-of-focus points of light".

It has become quite popular in the stamping world and here is the card they made last night.  

Stamps:  Best Day Ever

Card stock:  Perfect Plum, Basic Black, Watercolor Paper

Ink:  Memento Black Ink, Perfect Plum, Crisp Cantaloupe, Whisper White Craft Ink

Accessories:  Aquapainter, Sponge Daubers, Vellum for template for white circles, 1" Circle Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, 2013-2015 In Color Sequin Assortment, Glue Dots

There are many other color combinations that I want to try so I know what I will be spending my day doing today!!!

I also hope to get started cutting for Monday night's class which will now be called Make It Monday!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog