July 31, 2015

Watercolor Wishes Kit

One of the things I like best about convention is all of the cool ideas that you get there.  Today's card that was on the display boards is one of those.  There is very little actually stamping on this card but it is so elegant!!

It is actually designer series paper that has been sponged to give it some color. Isn't it awesome!!!

Stamps:  Watercolor Wishes Kit

Cardstock:  Basic Black, Hello Honey, Go Wild designer Series Paper Stack, Timeless Charm Designer Series Paper

Ink:  Memento Black, Hell Honey, Cucumber Crush

Accessories:  Sponge Daubers

Today I need to clean up my stamp room from the flurry of stamping before convention and think about what cards I would like to do for Monday night's Make-It-Monday.  We are planning on meeting our daughter and son-in-law for supper and maybe do a little planning for our Maine trip.  It should be a busy day!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

July 30, 2015

Watercolor Wings

I am having a heck of a time getting back into a groove at home. I actually slept till 9:30 this morning which is unheard of for me . . . so I am sharing another photo I took of the display boards in Salt Lake City.

I really missed Hanna at convention because I know I took pictures of the same stamp sets and the same kinds of cards.  When she is with me I tend to take a much wider variety of photos.

Stamps:  Watercolor Wings, You're So Sweet

Cardstock:  Tip Top Taupe, Very Vanilla

Ink:  Watermelon Wonder, Tip Top Taupe

Accessories: Bold Butterfly Framelits, Mini Treat Bag Thinlits, 

Fluttering Embossing Folder, Big Shot, 

Washi Label Punch, 1" Watermelon Wonder Dotted Lace Ribbon, 

Basic Rhinestone Jewels, Stampin Dimensionals

I did manage to get my laundry caught up yesterday even with all of my naps. I must have been tireder than I thought when I got home.  My Paper Pumpkin came while I was gone so I hope to get that put together today to share with you tomorrow!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

July 29, 2015

Butterfly Basics

I seem to be on a butterfly roll these days.  I got tons of swaps with butterflies on them and when I saw this card on the display board, I knew I wanted to make some.

I love how this card turned out, especially with the shimmery butterfly!!

Stamps:  Butterfly Basics

Cardstock:  Tip Top Taupe, Very Vanilla, Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer Paper

Ink:  Tip Top Taupe

Accessories:  Butterfly Thinlits, Big Shot, Stampin' Sponge, Stampin' Dimensionals

Today is going to be a day of rest and getting things like laundry and such done and caught up.  I might even take a nap!!!  I need to get rested up before my next big trip to Maine . . . I would hate to go into it tired!!!

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

July 28, 2015

Your Presents

Yesterday I shared a Christmas card using one of the stamp sets that will be in the new Holiday catalog.  Here is another card we made at make-n-takes at convention, this time using it as a birthday card.

I love the versatility of this stamp set.  We used the kissing technique on this card to get the patterns on the presents.

Stamps:  Your Presents

Cardstock:  Watermelon Wonder, Thick Whisper White

Ink: Watermelon Wonder, Archival Black Ink (new in Holiday catalog), 

Mint Macaron, Hello Honey

Accessories:  Silver Cording Trim, 

Fine Tip Glue Pen (both new products in Holiday Catalog), 

2015-2017 In Color Envelope Paper, 

Envelope Paper Punch Board (for envelope) Silver Sequin Trim

We made it home yesterday after a long day of travel.  As usual it was not without a glitch.  We were almost ready to land in Des Moines when the pilot announces that we will be unable to land in Des Moines because of the weather.  Susie and I just looked at each other and my heart sank (visions of Minneapolis were bouncing around in my head since that is where we ended up when coming home from Leadership in January).  He then proceeds to announce that we had plenty of fuel (thank goodness) and we would be circling Des Moines waiting for an opportunity to land.  We circled for probably 25 minutes and then landed.  We must have landed between storms because I know Des Moines got hit pretty hard yesterday afternoon with heavy rain and severe storms.  Hanna even had a dental appointment cancelled because of the storms.  We drove home in some pretty heavy rain but I did make it home by about 5:00.

Today I am back in my regular routine of volunteering at Hospice this morning and then will come home and unpack and look at my convention swaps to figure out what we will be doing next Monday at Make-It-Monday.

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

Happy Stamping!!

July 27, 2015

Your Presents

By the time you read this I am hoping I am winging my through the air back to Iowa.  We left the hotel at 5:30 this morning for a long day of travel.  We should arrive in Des Moines sometime this afternoon and then travel 2 more hours home.

One of the perks of attending convention this year was receiving a stamp set that will be in the Holiday Catalog.

This was one of our make and takes this year.  At first I wasn't sure that I would like this set, but I saw some really cute things made with it.

Yesterday morning Susie and I went to hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. They were spectacular as always.

I have so many ideas spinning around in my head and can't wait to get home and try some of them out!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

July 26, 2015

Wild About Flowers

Convention is over.  We had a great day yesterday.  We finished off convention by going out to eat with some other friends and having a small card swap.  Here is the one I took.

Like Hanna says, if I think something is missing, I just need to add pearls or jewels.

This is a gate fold card that closes with a belly band.   

Stamps:  Wild About Flowers, Watercolor Wishes Kit

Cardstock:  Calypso Coral, Very Vanilla, Tip Top Taupe

Ink:  Cucumber Crush, Calypso Coral, Tip Top Taupe

Accessories:  Brick Wall Embossing Folder, Big Shot, 

Stampin' Sponges, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, 

Susie and I are headed out this morning to go to listen to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.  This has become somewhat of a tradition for us, and we are looking forward to it.  

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

Happy Stamping!!

July 25, 2015

Vintage Leaves

I finally got brave enough this year to join an organized swap at convention. We swapped out our cards yesterday.  Here is the swap I brought.

This is going to be one of the techniques we do at our August technique club.

Stamps:  Vintage Leaves, You've Got This

Cardstock:  Very Vanilla, Tangelo Twist, Early Espresso

Ink:  Tangelo Twist, Cucumber Crush, Hello Honey, Early Espresso, Versamark

Accessories:  Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Tool 1 3/4" Circle Punch, 

2" Circle Punch, Stampin' Sponges, Basic Pearl Jewels

I got to walk across the stage yesterday because of my sales milestone.  I think I even managed to smile for the picture!!

We stopped by the photo op booth to get our picture taken.

We finished off our day with supper at Olive Garden and then an evening in our hotel room pouring over the new holiday catalog.  All I can say is WOW!!  It is awesome!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

July 24, 2015

Convention Gifts

Here are the survival kits I made as convention gifts this year.  They are made from the full size wood mount cases.

I thought that the sentiment was super appropriate since we are in Salt Lake City doing what we love.

I was lucky enough to hit a sales milestone this last Stampin' Up! Year.  They had an area for people that had achieved certain things.  I thought I was going to go in and just get something cold to drink, but lo and behold there was a prize there waiting for me as well.

Tonight was awards night and we were lucky enough to be with Susie as she earned Founder's Circle again.  I am so fortunate that she has adopted me into her group!!

I am ready for another fun filled day of learning all kinds of new things!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

July 23, 2015

Vintage Leaves

I am ready for convention to start.   Our first general session is this morning. Here is the swap I made for my general swap. 

I am really pretty pleased with the way it turned out.  

Stamps:  Vintage Leaves, Butterfly Basics

Cardstock:  Early Espresso, Tangelo Twist, Tip Top Taupe, Very Vanilla

Ink:  Hello Honey, Cucumber Crush, Tangelo Twist, Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Versamark

Accessories:  Leaflit Framelits, Woodgrain Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Extra Large Oval Punch, Whisper White Seam Binding, Stampin' Sponge,  Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterday morning we toured the head office in Riverton.  I would love to work in a place like this.

I would also love to have something like this is my stamp room to display things on. This is part of the concept room at the office.

Usually when we are here it is so hot that going out to the Stampin' Up! rock is a real chore.  This year the weather is VERY pleasant.

I have never really taken the time to look at much of the scenery around the office on my previous trips.  The mountains are beautiful!!

When we got back from our tour we went to the Nauvoo cafe and had another turkey pot pie.  I tell you, these things are delicious!!!  And they are HUGE!! Susie and I have split one the last two days.

 I had never had gelato before.  There is a really neat little gelato place on the way back from the convention center, so we stopped to try that as well.  Mint Cookies and Creme gelato is fabulous.

Check back tomorrow to read all about the first day of convention!!

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

July 22, 2015

Watercolor Wings

Last night we participated in a shoebox swap.  This is the one I took to share.   

This is one of my favorite layouts.  I have used it for many cards and swaps.

Stamps:  Watercolor Wings, A Dozen Thooughts

Cardstock:  Mossy Meadow, Hello Honey, Whisper White, English Garden DSP

Ink:  Mossy Meadow,  Hello Honey, Tangelo Twist Cajun Craze, Chocolate Chip

Accessories:  tea Lace Doilies, Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

We had a great first day in Utah.  We took our time getting around this morning, had a famous turkey pot pie (they are absolutely delicious), and did some stamping in our room in the afternoon.  We had supper at the Blue Iguana and then participated in the shoe box swap in the evening.

Today we are planning on going to the home office in Riverton.  It is an awesome place and any one would be really lucky to work in that environment.

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

Happy Stamping!!

July 21, 2015

Friendly Wishes

I found this card I made when the catalog first came out as I was straightening up my room before leaving for convention.  I don't think I have shared it yet.

I love this new ribbon and how easily it ties and lays so nicely on a card!!

Stamps:  Friendly Wishes

Cardstock:  Watermelon Wonder, Whisper White

Ink:  Black Stazon, Watermelon Wonder Marker

Accessories:  Elegant Dots Embossing Folder, Big Shot, 

1" Watermelon Wonder Dotted Lace Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

We are here!  We had a long day of travel, but one that was problem free.  We went out for a quick supper and then crashed for the night.  Our day today is pretty free until our shoebox swap tonight.  I am hoping for some great ideas to share with all of you!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

July 20, 2015

Watercolor Wishes

I love the stamp that my friend, Judy, made from fun foam and one of the butterfly thinlits.  I can't wait to  get some and try to make some from the other thinlits.  

This was such an easy card to make and it reminds me of all of the butterflies that flew over my school building and that we would watch during recess.

Stamps:  Watercolor Wishes Kit

Cardstock:  Crushed Curry, Basic Black, Whisper White

Ink:  Black Stazon, Crushed Curry and Tangelo Twist Markers

Accesssories:  Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, 

Stampin' Sponge, Stampin' Dimensionals

My swaps are done, my bags are packed, and I have things ready around the house to be gone for another week.  I am leaving mid-morning to pick up my friend, Susie, (who I wish was my upline as she has so generously adopted me into her group) and head to the airport for a mid-afternoon flight to Salt Lake City.  I can't wait to see what all Stampin' Up! has planned for us this week.  I love the convention atmosphere and just taking everything in.  It will be a little different this year as Hanna will not be with me, but that just means I have to be a little more outgoing myself and do my own swapping (which I think I can handle).  Stay tuned for news from Utah this week!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

July 19, 2015

Wild About Flowers

My stamping friend, Judy, made me a stamp from fun foam and one of the butterfly thinlits.  I couldn't wait to try it out.  

I really like the way the butterfly turned out.  You can't see it in the photo but it is embossed with clear embossing powder and very shiny.

Stamps:  Wild About Flowers, Watercolor Wishes Kit

Cardstock:  Melon Mambo, Whisper White

Ink:  Melon Mambo, Cucumber Crush, 

Hello Honey, Blushing Bride

Accessories:  Butterfly Thinlits, Big Shot, 

Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Glue Dots

We survived our trip to Illinois yesterday to visit my family that was camping over there, but it was HOT, HOT, HOT!!  Great company, great food, and fun times though.

Today I have been finishing up laundry and am getting ready to pack my suitcase for Utah.  I will be leaving mid morning tomorrow, so I hope I have everything done that I need to get done!!

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

July 18, 2015

Definitely Dahlia

I just had to make a couple more cards with these two sets before I put them away.  Pinterest has a wealth of ideas for this set.

Once again I love the thank you sentiment.  I would be hard pressed to choose a favorite in this set.

Stamps:  Definitely Dahlia, One Big Meaning

Cardstock:  Watermelon Wonder, Whisper White, 2015-2017 In Color Envelope Paper
Ink:  Watermelon Wonder, Memento Black Ink

I actually did get all of my cards and swaps done yesterday.  I just have a couple of things to gather up for the shoebox swap we are doing in Utah and have to put all of my cards in their clear envelopes.  I feel really good about having everything done three days before I am leaving. 

As soon as I am done posting this, John and I are heading to Illinois to spend the day with my brothers and their families who are all camping over there.  I think we chose the hottest day of the year to spend outside, but it should be a fun 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

July 17, 2015

Definitely Dahlias

Here is a quick and easy card using one of the new background stamps . . . Definitely Dahlias.

I paired it with the stamp set One Big Meaning.  This set has some really cool thank you stamps in it!!

Stamps:  Definitely Dahlias, One Big Meaning

Cardstock:  Hello Honey, Soft Suede. Whisper White

Ink:  Hello Honey, Soft Suede

Accessories:  Decorative Dots Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Basic Rhinestone Jewels, Glue Dots

As soon as I am done posting this I am out the door to deliver some stamping orders and catalogs and pick up some things that I think I just have to have for my next trip.  Hoping to finish everything by the time I go to bed tonight.  I only have about 20 cards left to finish and I am done!!

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

July 16, 2015

Wild About Flowers

Here is the card I took to my monthly shoebox swap group last night.  I finally used another one of the flowers in this set.  

Once again I have also used one of the sentiments from the Watercolor Wishes stamp kit.  And I finally used the brick embossing folder!!   Love it!!

Stamps:  Wild About Flowers, Watercolor Wishes Kit

Cardstock:  Watermelon Wonder,  Tip Top Taupe, Very Vanilla

Ink:  Mossy Meadow, Watercolor Wonder

Accessories:  Brick Wall Embossing Folder, Big Shot, 

1" Watermelon Wonder Dotted Lace Ribbon, 

2015-2017 In Color Blossom Accents, Basic Rhinestone Jewels, 

Stampin' Sponges, Glue Dots

I really wanted to read on my back patio again today, even though I know I need to finish up my convention swaps.  I guess the weather had other plans for me . . . kind of like it knew I shouldn't take the day off to read!!  Hopefully by the time I post tomorrow morning I will have all swaps DONE!!

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

July 15, 2015

Wild About Flowers

Once again my stamp set of choice yesterday was Wild About Flowers.   I just can't seem to put it back on my stamp shelf, so there is sits looking me in the face every time I sit down to stamp so of course it has to be used!!

 I am also lovin' the sentiments in the Watercolor Wishes kit.  I haven't even looked at anything else in the box other than the stamps.  I think the font is fantastic!!  It will probably have a permanent place on my stamp table as well!!

Stamps:  Wild About Flowers, Watercolor Wishes, Butterfly Basics

Cardstock:  Thick Whisper White, Whisper White, Tip Top Taupe

Ink: Mossy Meadow, Tip Top Taupe

Accessories:  Decorative Dots Embossing Folder, Big Shot, 

Bitty Butterfly Punch, 1" Tip Top Taupe Dotted Lace Ribbon, 

Basic Rhinestone Jewels, Glue Dots

As soon as I am done posting this I am out the door for an early morning appointment at the Allergy and Immunology Clinic for my yearly check up. Since my appointment is so early I hope to be done in good time to come home and stamp the rest of the day away before going to my monthly stamp group tonight.  I made excellent progress on my convention swaps yesterday and would like to get a lot more done today.  My goal is to have them all done by the weekend!!  We will see how I do with that!!

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

July 14, 2015

Remarkable You

After a conversation at stamp night last night, I decided to try this stamp set with other flowers than the lilies.

I think this stamp set is going to be getting a workout in the next few days!!  I also love the greetings in the Watercolor Wishes stamp set that I received while I was in Florida.

Stamps:  Remarkable You, Watercolor Wishes

Cardstock:  Whisper White, Old Olive

Ink:  Black Stazon, Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive

Accessories:  AquaPainter,
Essentials Paper Piercing Pack, Paper Piercing Tool

Today was volunteer morning at Hospice.  I actually slept in until right before I needed to leave . . . something I am not usually able to do.  As soon as I am done posting this I am going to get to work on my convention swaps until time to fix supper.  I figure if I plug away at them a little at a time I will soon get them all done.

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

July 13, 2015

Wild About Flowers

I love the Wild About Flowers stamp set.  I really need to use one of the other two sets of flowers, however!!

This photopolymer set is so easy to line up.  I am liking the photopolymer more and more!!

Stamps:  Wild About Flowers, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Cardstock:  Hello Honey, Calypso Coral, Very Vanilla

Ink:  Mossy Meadow, Hello Honey, Calypso Coral

Accessories:  Calypso Coral Seam Binding, Word Window Punch, Glue Dots

I am getting a bit of a slow start this morning.  I think I was in bed by 8:30 last night.  I guess I need to catch up on some sleep before I leave for convention next Monday.  I have been finishing up gathering things for tonight's stamping night.  Hopefully if I get another good night's sleep tonight I will be good to go to get my convention swaps done!!

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