December 27, 2016

Card Collections

I think I might have shared before about my niece who is also undergoing cancer treatments and has been doing so for a couple of years.  On January 7th, they are having a fund raiser in her hometown.  I know she likes my cards as she had asked me to make some for her.  You can read about that here.  I decided to donate some handmade cards for her auction.

I made up four bundles, each one containing 15 cards.  The packaging isn't very glamorous, but it is more about what is in the packaging.

Hanna and I mailed off these four collections this morning.  None of the four collections are the same and they each have a variety of birthday, thank you, friendship, and sympathy cards.

My hopes are that I will be able to attend the benefit on January 7th, but realistically I doubt it will be possible.  I do love the fact though, that I can take something I love to do and help other people with some of the things that I make.

The last few days have been a whirlwind of activity.  The girls and I went shopping for a little while yesterday morning and combined with all the excitement of Christmas, it is making itself evident.  This should be my tired week and tired I definitely am!!  I am hoping the extra medicine they gave me last Wednesday will prevent my counts from dipping really low but that shall remain to be seen.   I would love to be in my stamping room, but that will probably have to wait till after the first of the year as well.

Hanna left a couple of hours ago and I don't think I have moved an inch in my recliner since she pulled out of the driveway.  Good thing there are a lot of college football games on right now, because  I don't intend on doing much this week!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 26, 2016

Pay Attention!!

I love when I can use my stamping supplies for other things that just making cards or scrapbooking!!  Sine the beginning of my diagnosis back in August my son-in-law has been saying these words to me over and over . . . . "Pay Attention . . . everything is going to be just fine!!"  Whenever I would get the least little bit discouraged I would get an email or verbal reminder to Pay Attention to him.  

Cardstock: Garden Green, Real Red, Whisper White

Accessories: Layering Circles Framelits, 

Large Letter Framelits, Big Shot

So when it came time to wrap his Christmas present I thought this would be an awesome way to do it . . . you see he needs new glasses but has just been putting off getting them.  In each of these bags is one letter of his puzzle he had to put together before he opened his real gift . . . . a gift card to help with those new glasses.  I thought maybe he really would pay attention and go get those new glasses!!!

He had the puzzle put together once with just the letters in the right order, but since patterns are important in stamping I told him it wasn't quite right and to try again.  

We decided it was a dangerous thing when a mother-in-law has been cooped up in a house too long and has too much time to think and scheme!!  

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 25, 2016

 Paisleys & Posies

I know I have used this sentiment on most every card lately but it truly does define my life right now so I just had to find a way to incorporate it into our family Christmas card.  I am really pleased with he way these turned out!!

Believe it or not, even with every thing else going on I was able to get 100 of these made and sent out all from the comfort of my recliner!!

Stamps: Paisleys & Posies

Cardstock: Whisper White Thick, Night of Navy, 

Whisper White, Silver Foil, Silver Glimmer Paper

Ink: Night of Navy

Accessories: Starlight Thinlit Dies,

 Lucky Stars Embossing Folder, Big Shot, 

3/8" Ink Glitter Combo Pack Ribbon,  

Rhinestone Jewels, Glue Dots

I got a wonderful surprise delivered to the house yesterday morning about 10:00.  A Hy-Vee delivery truck pulled up and delivered a Christmas meal, compliments of my friends, Bev and Bruce!!  I can't possible thank them enough!!!!  Like I said earlier . . . . thankful, grateful and blessed!!!!

It is early, early Christmas morning and I am the only one up sitting in the dark looking at the Christmas tree lights and reflecting on life and many past Christmases.  This year has definitely made me reflect on my life and even though I have always known this to be true I have been reflecting on what is truly important in life . . . . family, friends, and the memories we make!!

I have truly been blessed in all of these areas!!!!  

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 14, 2016

1300 Die Cut Pieces

Where have I been lately??  I think crazy for one!!   I have been die cutting 1300 small pieces to make this beautiful pine cone embellishment for 130 custom Christmas cards.

Check out this pile of pine cones ready to be adhered to the card.

Besides all of the die cutting each card had a Merry Medley copper embossed layer.

This was a super labor intensive card, but turned out oh so pretty.  I believe I got the original card in a swap at some point this fall, but since my memory is a little fuzzy these days I have no idea from whom or even where I got it.

Stamps:  Merry Medley

Cardstock: Early Espresso, Old Olive, Pear Pizzazz, Copper Foil

Ink:  Versamark

Accessories: Pretty Pines Thinlits Dies, Big Shot, 

Copper Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Stampin' Dimensionals

I am still feeling very blessed that the lymphoma is in compete remission, but the last two weeks have been anything but smooth sailing.  I ended up in the ER on Saturday with dehydration, vertigo, and extremely low white counts. After two bags of fluids and a bunch of tests, they were going to keep me until I promised them that I would stay at home and wear a mask if I left the house, which I have not since I am still not feeling that well.  I had to go back to the doctor yesterday for labs and they have not improved at all so there was talk of hospitalization again, until I once again promised not to leave the house unless it was for an appointment.  Now I am on three different antibiotics because I have no immune system.  I have to go back again on Friday to see where my counts are.  I am hoping they have improved because I am not sure what the next steps are if they have not.  

I am hoping the antibiotics start to make me feel a little bit better because I have all these new stamps that I want to play with and just have no energy to even go to my stamp room.

    

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 9, 2016

Look What's Under My Tree

Look what I found under my Christmas tree!!  My pre-order from the occasions catalog came yesterday afternoon while I was sleeping . . . . something I have done a lot of lately!!

I can hardly wait to start creating with all of these goodies from the Occasions and Sale-a-Bration catalog . . . . but it will have to wait for a while.  While I am still feeling good, the latest round of chemo has made me extremely tired so I have been doing a LOT of sleeping and just sitting in my recliner!!

The Lighthouse and the Dancing Lady sets from the catalog are definitely my favorites.  I love the sentiments that come with both of these sets.

My plan is to have my last round of chemo the week before Christmas and then give myself about a month to regain my strength before starting in again with stamp nights and classes  I have definitely missed them and cannot wait to get my life back to normal . . . . whatever that might be.  Until then, my recliner and I are becoming best friends!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 4, 2016

Merry Mice

I finally was able to get out yesterday and go to pick up my mail.  On chemo weeks it seems to sit there for quite a while before I can get to the post office.  Waiting for me was this awesome card from my stamping friend in Ohio, Sally.

This was not a set I had chosen to get so I was thrilled to see an actual card made with it!!

I love sitting here looking at the first snow of the season, but I do hope it stops soon as I want to go to Iowa City this afternoon and attend a stamp class that my friend, Susie, is doing in North Liberty.   I was thrilled that I felt like going so I hope the weather does not spoil my plans!!!

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

Happy Stamping!! 

December 1, 2016

Christmas Pines

Here is another awesome swap card from my friend that lives in New York, Rory.  This card fits my feelings perfectly which I will explain below.

I always love the way Rory puts different stamp sets and things together that I would never ever think of!!

Tuesday I posted as I was waiting to see the doctor for my PET scan results and to receive my chemo for the day.  Hence the Christmas blessings . . . my PET scan shows the lymphoma is in complete remission . . . words I did not expect to hear out of my doctor's mouth quite this soon.  I knew it would happen, but not after just four rounds of chemo.  So after the chemo on Tuesday, I have only one more round the week before Christmas and then another PET scan the end of January.  If that still shows total remission, I will just be monitored very closely, but life should get back to a more normal status.  Definitely a Christmas Blessing!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 29, 2016

Merriest Wishes

Okay . . . . okay . . . . I was tireder than I thought!!  The last couple of days I have done nothing but rest!!

 It is a good thing I had several swap cards on hand because there has been  no stamping for me.  Thanks, Dawn for this awesome Christmas card!!

This card uses all of the same supplies that the card I posted here does!!

Cardstock: Night of Navy, Whisper White, Copper Foil

Accessories: Merry Tags Framelit Dies, 

Softly Falling Textured Embossing Folder, 

Big Shot, Gold Thread

Today is chemo day so I am at the hospital bright and early for my all day appointments.  I brought lots of stuff with me to do , but if it is like the last several days I will probably read and nap!!  I have read more books in the last couple of months that I have read in the last couple of years!!  Good thing I like to read!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 26, 2016

Greeting From Santa

Once again here is a swap card that I have received this fall.  While not using traditional Christmas colors, the blue and white is perfect for this Santa.

This stamp and framelit set reminds me so much of my mom because she had a sweatshirt that she wore a lot at Christmas time with a Santa on it and the words naughty or nice with a question mark!!

Stamps: Greetings From Santa

Cardstock: Pacific Point, Whisper White

Ink: Pacific Point

Accessories:  Detailed Santa Thinlits Dies, Big Shot, 

1 3/4" Circle Punch, Fine Tip Glue Pen, Glue Dots

After a quick trip to a local vendor fair, Hanna is on her way home to take a couple of sessions of family photos this afternoon.  I am enjoying sitting in my living room looking at all of my Christmas decorations and watching football. I think today and maybe tomorrow are going to be days of rest before this next week begins.  I have throughly enjoyed being out and about the last several days, but also know enough not to overdo!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 25, 2016

Oh, What Fun!

There has not been much stamping in my days the last little while.  I know I got this card in a swap somewhere, but I have no idea where or who to give credit to!!

This card would be another one that would be very easy to mass produce many of them if you wanted to choose it for you Christmas cards!!

Stamps: Oh What Fun!

Cardstock: Night of Navy, Very Vanilla, Gold Foil, Gold Glimmer Paper

Ink: Night of Navy

Accessories: Delicate Ornament Thinlits, Big Shot, Gold Thread

Since Hanna got home on Wednesday morning we have been on the go!!  She indulged my need to be out and about last night for early Black Friday shopping and then again this morning for a little more shopping.  We came home and then decorated the house and our now watching  the Hawkeyes!!  It has been an awesome few days and  I can go into chemo week refreshed and rejuvenated from the Thanksgiving break!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 24, 2016

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Paisleys & Posies

Thankful . . . Grateful . . . Blessed!!!  This sums up my feelings perfectly this year!!!

I am so glad this stamp set is being held over for at least another six months . . . I don't know that I can ever get enough of this sentiment!!

Stamps: Paisleys & Posies

Cardstock: Pumpkin Pie, Perfect Plum, Whisper White

Ink: Basic Black

Accessories: Paisleys Framelits Dies, Pretty Paisley Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Halloween Night Enamel Dots

Sorry for the lack of posts this week, but I have just been too tired.  I did a craft show on Sunday which was very successful, but definitely wore me out. Monday I had a PET scan to see if I was responding to the chemotherapy and I am happy to report that for all intents and purposes it is gone.  I still have two more rounds of chemo and will be done for Christmas!!  Definitely answered prayers!!

Hanna came home yesterday and we went to Iowa City to get our nails done and run a few errands.  The rest of the day consisted of rest, rest, rest!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 19, 2016

Sneak Peak . . . . So In Love

Here is yet another sneak peak of some new products coming in January!

The designer series paper in this pack . . . . Falling in Love . . . . is absolutely awesome!!!

Stamps: So In Love

Cardstock: Soft Sky, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: Falling In Love

Ink: Soft Suede, Soft Sky

Accessories: So Detailed Thinlit Dies, Big Shot, Very Vanilla 1/4" Satin Ribbon, Gold Thread

Today is another day of rest watching the Hawkeyes in anticipation of my craft show tomorrow!!  The car is packed and ready to go, so my recliner and I have a date for the rest of the day!!

It was great to see Hanna and her friend last night when we met them for supper.  HuHot was a perfect choice as for some reason Asian food still has taste to me!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 18, 2016

Hawkeye Wreath 

I spent a little time in my stamp room yesterday between naps and made this Hawkeye wreath for an upcoming craft show on Sunday.

These wreaths can be so addicting to make and once I got started on them I can see all sorts of possibilities.

I really like the way it turned out and hope other people do too!!

Last night Julie and I went to the Ainsworth Opera House to the Washington and Henry County Relay for Life Festival of Trees.  I bought an absolutely awesome Christmas tree and can't wait to pick it up Saturday and then put it up after Thanksgiving.  It is so cool that it will make not having my traditional tree up a lot more pleasurable.

Tonight John and I are meeting Hanna and one of her friends at HuHot for supper.  They are going to Davenport for "Friendsgiving" which is what the college roommates and friends call their annual Thanksgiving celebration. Since they were going through the area and needed to stop to eat we decided to meet. I haven't seen Libby for quite a while so it will be good to see her and catch up. 

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 17, 2016

Another Sneak Peak

Check out another sneak peek of new products that will be in the Occasions catalog available on January 4, 2016.

This is another one of the make and takes from the weekend in Madison.

I love the pop up balloon framelits that accompany this stamp set.  They seem much easier to use for me than the other birthday ones for some reason.

Stamps: Balloon Adventures (new)

Cardstock: Crushed Curry, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Party Animal Paper Stack (new)

Ink: Crushed Curry, Emerald Envy, Pacific Point, Tangerine Tango

Accessories: Balloon Pop-Up Thinlit Dies (new), Big Shot, 

Party Animal Embellishments (new), 

Emerald Envy 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon (new), 

Crushed Curry Baker's Twine

Can you believe what a gorgeous day this is going to be and to think that it is already the 17th of November.  As soon as I am done posting this I am taking my Nook outside and sitting on my patio to read and enjoy the weather!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 16, 2016

Occasions and Sale-a-Bration Catalogs Sneak Peak

Are you ready for a sneak peak at some new products??  This is one of the make and takes that we made in Madison a couple of weekends ago!!

Since I love to color and always have this new Designer Series Paper in the Sale-a-Bration catalog is right up my alley.  Ane we have new watercolor pencils to help with that coloring!!

Stamps:  Dragonfly Dreams (new)

Cardstock: Calypso Coral, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Inside the Lines (new . . . Sale-a-bration product)

Ink: Calypso Coral, Basic Black

Accessories: Watercolor Pencils (new), Blender Pens, 

5/8" Burlap Ribbon, Basic Black Solid Baker's Twine, Glue Dots

Amazing what a day of rest and a good night's sleep can do.  After Tired Tuesday I am ready for Welcome Wednesday where I feel relatively like my old self.  Today I have an appointment and then plan to head to Iowa City and meet some friends for lunch and to deliver several stamping orders.  I also am planning on ordering our traditional Thanksgiving dinner and let Hy-Vee do the cooking and the work so I can focus on enjoying time with the family!!  Life is good!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 15, 2016

Furry of Wishes

I absolutely love the color combination in the Warmth and Cheer washi tape this year.  I have decided that I am going to make it easy and buy a pre-decorated Christmas tree and I want it to have this cool scheme!!

Wish me luck in finding one!!  If I can't . . . . I can always just look at this card!!  LOL

Stamps: Flurry Of Wishes

Cardstock: Cherry Cobbler, Basic Black, Whisper White, Soft Suede

Ink: Cherry Cobbler

Accessories: Santa's Sleigh Thinlit Dies, 

Softly Falling Embossing Folder, 

Big Shot, Warmth and Cheer Designer Washi Tape, 

Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine

Tired Tuesday has started out to be a pretty good Tuesday.  Maybe since I wasn't so tired going into it or the fact that I just gave my self permission to be tired has made a difference.  At any rate, there is nothing on the schedule today but sitting in my recliner, napping and reading for the whole day!!  Life is good!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 14, 2016

Thankful Thoughts

Hopefully this week I can get back in the swing of making some new cards but in the meantime here is another one that I swapped for in Madison last weekend.

This may be one card that I am making several of because my stash of thank you notes in fast decreasing.  This would be a pretty simple mass produced card.

Stamps: Work of Art, Thankful Thoughts, Flourishing Phrases

Cardstock: Pear Pizzazz, Flirty Flamingo Whisper White

Ink: Pear Pizzazz, Blushing Bride, So Saffron

Accessories: Flourishing Thinlits, Big Shot, Clear Wink of Stella

As soon as I am done posting this we are out the door for a doctor's appointment for John this time.  I think we are going to run a few errands when we are done and grab some lunch.  I am hoping to be able to do a little stamping when we get home and then rest later on this evening!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 12, 2016

Jar of Love

After our Door County trip I just had to order the Jar of Love stamp set and framelits.  So far I have only used it for nugget treat holders, so when I swapped in Madison, I was on the lookout for other ideas for these.

This was one of them I came home with and I love it!!

Stamps: Jar of Love, Playful Backgrounds

Cardstock: Pool Party, Peekaboo Peach, Night Of Navy, Whisper White

Ink: Night Of Navy, Peekaboo Peach, Tempting Turquoise

Accessories: Everyday Jar Framelits, 

Large Polka Dot Embossing Folder, Big Shot, 

1" Circle Punch, 7/8" Circle Punch, Night Of Navy Solid Baker's Twine, 

Clear Wink of Stella, Stampin' Dimensionals

By the time you read this Julie and I should be well on our way to Aurora, Illinois to the outlet mall that is up there.  My leg is feeling much better and I hope it holds out today.  This will be the first long shopping trip since the extra tiredness has set in so we shall see how it goes.  We had planned this trip back for August and it was postponed so we decided now was the time before the snow starts to fly.  We have been there before and I know there are several benches spread around so I can always sit and rest if need be.  No grass is going to grow under my feet!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 11, 2016

Happy Veteran's Day

Today , we honor all the men and women who have served our country in uniform. To all of our veterans . . . . .  thank you!!

I know I have posted this card before but it seemed appropriate to post it again!!

Cardstock: Night of Navy, Real Red, Whisper White

Accessories: Swirly Scribbles Thinlits, Big Shot, Confetti Stars Border Punch, 

Basic Rhinestone Jewels, Fine Tip Glue Pen, Glue Dots

Yesterday's chemo injection went off without a hitch and I rested all afternoon in my recliner so I am good to go today.  I am meeting some friends for lunch and then have a date with the book I started yesterday. I think one more day of rest and my leg and I will be good to get out and about for longer periods of time!!  

We came home to a yard minus leaves and a clean house.  What a blessing!! And Tony worked all afternoon on our new patio and it is coming along quite nicely!!

Life is good!!

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

given today!! 

 Happy Stamping!!

November 10, 2016

 Sweet Cupcake

I love this Sweet Cupcake card that was one of the swaps I received in Madison.  This multi-step photopolymer stamp looks very difficult to do at first glance but is actually very easy to line up!!

I love the colors this stamper used for the cupcake.  Unfortunately she did not include her name so I cannot give her credit!!

Stamps: Sweet Cupcake, Tin of Cards

Cardstock: Rich Razzleberry, Sweet Sugarplum, 

Designer Series Paper: Petals and Paisley Specialty Paper

Ink: Rich Razzleberry, Sweet Sugarplum, 

Sahara Sand, Chocolate Chip

Accessories: Sweet Sugarplum Ruched Ribbon

As soon as I am done posting this John and I are out the door for my second chemo treatment of the week.  Luckily this one does not take as long and then I am home to my recliner for the rest of the day to rest my leg and keep pressure on my back from the spinal injection.  All of this sounds like a lot, but in the big scheme of things it is really very minor.

We had a wonderful surprise yesterday afternoon. The fifth grade teachers from the elementary school, who both John and I worked with knocked on the door and asked if it would be all right if they brought some kids over today to rake our leaves.  The class is working on community service and thought of us when brainstorming things they could do.  How awesome is that!!  So not only do we come home to a clean house after chemo (today is the day it gets cleaned) but also to a clean yard!!  Life is good!!

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

Happy Stamping!!