June 30, 2016

Swirly Bird

I think this will be the last Swirly Bird card for a while . . . I have many more new stamp sets that I need to explore!!

This set is just so versatile, however!!

Stamps: Swirly Bird, Better Together

Cardstock: Tip Top Taupe, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: 

Ink: So Saffron, Delightful Dijon, Tip Top Taupe, Old Olive

Accessories: Tip Top Taupe Marker, Basic Rhinestone Jewels

Yesterday ended up being a totally lost day for me.  When I got home from the doctor I promptly laid down and went to sleep.  I woke up long enough to eat supper and answer a few emails and then went back to bed.  Today is a much better day and I am hoping to get a lot of stamping done today!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

June 29, 2016

Congratulations

Once again I turned to one of the card images I had saved from a blog I follow (Stamp with Amy) when I needed a quick card this morning.

I can't believe there is no stamping on this card, but there isn't.  I have to tell you though, that the new platform for the Big Shot sure makes the precision base plate work like a dream.  The words and little swirly were so easy to cut, and my acrylic plates are not curling up like they did with the old platform.  That is a double win in my book!!

Stamps: 

Cardstock: Melon Mambo, Basic Black, Whisper White, Gold Foil

Designer Series Paper: 

Ink: 

Accessories: Sunshine Wishes Thinlits, Big Shot, 

Pop Of Pink Designer Washi Tape, Star Border Punch, 

Fine Tip Glue Pen

As soon as I am done posting this I am out the door for a doctor's appointment.  I hope to feel like stamping some this afternoon when I get home,  but we shall see!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

June 28, 2016

Time of Year

The framelit set, Flourish Thinlits, that I ordered by mistake, is turning out to be a huge win!!  This Pinterest inspired card is one I whipped up this morning in about 10 minutes.  It makes such elegant cards in little or no time!!

The Time of Year hostess set is going to get a workout this year as well.  I love the way it coordinates with Bunches of Banners Framelits.  I am planning on whipping a bunch of these up in different colors for the many anniversaries that are coming up this summer!!

Stamps: Time of Year

Cardstock: Whisper White Thick, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Floral Boutique

Ink: Night of Navy

Accessories: Flourish Thinlits, Bunches of Banners Framelits, 

Confetti Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Stampin' Dimensionals

Today is going to be a day away from actual stamping.  I am sure there will be stamping conversation though. My friend, Luetta, and I are going out for lunch and then make a stop or two.  When I get home I want to finish the mystery book that I started the other day.  it looks be a great day to sit outside and read the afternoon away!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

June 27, 2016

Pun Intended

I love this Pun Intended hostess set.  Of course I probably need to use something else other than the camera, but I still have 11 months to do that.

I have seen a card similar to this in many places and I am assuming it was on the display boards at convention in April.  I am thinking this would be perfect for a budding photographer's birthday or if you switch out the greeting to the "News Flash" one it would be perfect for just connecting with people.

 

Stamps: Pun Intended

Cardstock: Dapper Denim, Basic Black, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: 

Ink: Basic Black

Accessories: Elegant Dots, Layering Circles Framelits, 

Big Shot, Triple Banner Punch, Basic Rhinestone Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals

Everything is ready for tonight, just waiting to be put into the car.  As soon as the UPS man brings my order that is supposed to be delivered today I am off to town.  Hopefully he comes relatively early as there is a framelit die that I need for class tonight!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

June 26, 2016

Playful Backgrounds

One of the blogs I look at regularly, Stampercamper, had this card on her blog yesterday.  I immediately decided it was one I wanted to do at stamp night tomorrow night.

This card would be awesome in just about any color you would want to use!!

Stamps: Playful Backgrounds, Time of Year

Cardstock: Sweet Sugarplum, Basic Black, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: 

Ink: Sweet Sugarplum, Basic Black

Accessories: Bunch of Banners Framelits Dies, Big Shot, 

Basic Rhinestone Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals

Everything is ready for tomorrow night with the exception of writing out my supply lists.  It is a good thing since I stayed up till the wee hours of the night reading yet another book.  Hopefully a nap can be had this afternoon!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

June 25, 2016

Badges and Banners

Here is the second of the cards I came home and made from sketches I saw while out on our shopping excursion.

I also used a Pinterest site for the color combination.  I am not quite sure I would have ever put these colors together but once done I really like it.

Stamps: Badges and Banners

Cardstock: Emerald Envy, Calypso Coral, So Saffron, Basic Gray

Designer Series Paper: 

Ink: Emerald Envy, Calypso Coral, So Saffron, Basic Gray

Accessories: Festive Embossing Folder, Big Shot,

1 3/8" Circle Punch, 1 1/2" Circle Punch, 

Best Badge Punch, 1/8" Handheld Punch, 

Calypso Coral Thick Baker's Twine,  

Stampin' Dimensionals

Today looks to be another gorgeous day with absolutely nothing  on my agenda.  I may run to the city to get some groceries and run a couple other errands, but other than that it will be a day of rest and relaxation.  It seems that there have been many of those the last few days.  Even though I have been retired three years and all days are pretty much free, my psyche still runs on a school schedule and since it is summer it is time to take it easy!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

June 24, 2016

Designer Tin of Cards

The other day Luetta and I had the opportunity to go to a couple of stamp stores in the Des Moines area.  They had tons of samples everywhere you looked.  One of the layouts that caught my eye was this one . . . . so I came home and found some Stampin' Up! stamps that would work for the design I wanted. I am really pretty pleased with the way it turned out.

One of the new catalog products that I was trying to decide I really needed was the new Big Shot platform.  I went ahead and ordered it and boy am I glad I did.  I had absolutely no problems what-so-ever when die cutting the flourish.  The new platform with the precision base plate works like a dream!!!

Stamps: Designer Tin of Cards

Cardstock: Early Espresso, Mint Macaron, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: 

Ink: Early Espresso, Mint Macaron

Accessories: Flourish Thinlits, Precision Base Plate, Big Shot, 

2" Circle Punch, Sponge Daubers, Fine Tip Glue Pen

Yesterday I spent the whole day reading a mystery book.  I finally finished it about 9:00 last night.  It has been a long time since I have spent absolutely the whole day reading!!

Today I hope to spend some time in my stamp room but also start yet another mystery book.  The joys of being retired!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

June 23, 2016

Patriotic Sampler

I have been wanting to make a patriotic sampler for a couple of years and decided that this was the year to do it!!  I love how it turned out and it really didn't take me very long at all . . . maybe 90 minutes yesterday morning.

I wanted to use the new large letter dies for the USA.  They were a little larger than the 2 inches squares I usually use when making one of these but I REALLY wanted to use them so just adjusted the rest of the measurements. The border isn't as big on the white square, but I think it is still okay.

Stamps: Kinda Eclectic, Gorgeous Grunge, Flower Patch

Cardstock: Real Red, Night of Navy, Whisper White, Silver Glimmer Paper, red Glimmer Paper

Designer Series Paper: 

Ink: Night of Navy, Real Red

Accessories:   Large Letter Framelits, Stars Framelits, 

Layering Squares Framelits, 

Lucky Stars, Elegant Dots, and Sparkle Embossing Folders, 

Big Shot, Triple Banner Punch, Basic Rhinestone Jewels, 

Star from Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack (Retired)

Today I hope to get everything planned out for Monday night's stamp night.  If I do I will be way ahead of myself, because I usually don't start planning until the weekend.  Maybe today would be a good time to change that up!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

June 22, 2016

No card today as I spent my day yesterday organizing my current stamp sets so I could quickly find what I was looking for.  Believe it or not even though the catalog is not yet a month old I have some duplicates, so it was time to get myself organized.  I knew it had to be simple or else I would never put things back in their proper places after stamp nights.

Saturday I asked my fellow demonstrators how they organized their stamps. Almost all of them said they do it by the sections of the catalog.  That is an awesome idea, but that also means you need to remember what set goes in what section.  NOT!!  So I took it one step further and used small colored dots for each section.

Now when I go to put away my stamp sets all I need to do it look at the colored dot on the spine of the stamp cases and voila!!!   Easy organization for me!! 

Now that I have myself all organized I am planning on making a 4th of July sampler today.  I hope to have pictures to show you tomorrow!!

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

 Happy Stamping!!

June 20, 2016

Thoughtful Banners

Here is the second card I took as a swap on Saturday.  Looking at this card again reminds me that I really need to get my 4th of July decorations out again.  It will be here before you know it!! 

I think Dapper Denim my be my favorite new In-Color.  I know I have said before it reminds me of Not Quite Navy which retired a while back and was always one of my favorite colors.

Stamps: Thoughtful Banners

Cardstock: Dapper Denim, Real Red, Whisper White, Silver Glimmer Paper

Designer Series Paper: 

Ink: Versamark

Accessories: Stars Embossing Folder, Swirly Scribbles Framelits, Stars Framelits, Big Shot, White Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Classic Label Punch, Basic Rhinestone Jewels

As soon as I am done posting this I am out the door for a day of shopping in Des Moines with Luetta.  We are planning on hitting the scrapbooking and stamping stores there.

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

Happy Stamping!!

June 19, 2016

Perfectly Wrapped

We had a great time at the stamping get together yesterday.  Here is the card I took as a shoebox swap.  

I used a Freshly Made Sketch for my idea.

I really should use this sketch site more than I do.  They have some rally great layouts for cards.

Stamps: Perfectly Wrapped

Cardstock: Cucumber Crush, Whisper White, Night of Navy

Designer Series Paper: Floral Affection

Ink: Cucumber Crush, Night Of Navy

Accessories: Layering Circles Framelits, 

Lovely Lace Embossing Folder, Big Shot,

Stampin' Dimensionals

As soon as I am done posting this our daughter and son-in-law are coming to pick us up to do something for Father's Day.  I have no idea what we are doing or even what direction we are headed, but it looks to be a great day to be out and about.

Happy Father's day to my dad!!  I think this must have been  his first Christmas as a dad!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

June 18, 2016

Thoughtful Banners

Here is another card that is Pinterest inspired.  I found tons of cards like this one on a Swirly Bird page but could never get back to the original poster. Evidently other people liked it as much as I did because it has been cased many, many times.

This is one set that truly amazes me because you can use the stamps in so many different ways and you never realize it is the same stamp set. This is the last of the cards that everyone made on Monday night.

Stamps: Swirly Birds, Thoughtful Banners

Cardstock: Dapper Denin, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: 

Ink: Dapper Denim, Versamark

Accessories: Swirly Scribbles Framelits,  Big Shot, 

White Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Duet Banner Punch, 

Basic Rhinestone Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals

Today I am off to spend the day stamping with some of my demonstrator friends. I do so enjoy getting together with everyone . . . not only for the great stamping ideas, but also for the camaraderie that comes from being with people who share the same passion.  

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

Happy Stamping!!

June 17, 2016

Perfectly Wrapped

Today's card comes from the blog, Stampin' Pretty.  I absolutely love the black and yellow!!  I am not sure if this is because I am a Hawkeye fan or if I just like the color combination. I do remember having an outfit with a pattern similar to this when I was in first grade.  Add a coupe of bumblebees and I would think I was seven again!!

This is another one of the cards everyone got to make last Monday night.

Stamps: Perfectly Wrapped

Cardstock: Whisper White Thick, Crushed Curry, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: 

Ink: Basic Black

Accessories: 2" Circle Punch, Scalloped Tag Topper Punch, Basic Pearl Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals

My swaps are all done for tomorrow's stamping day, so I think a good book will be calling my name this afternoon.  Hopefully reading in the afternoon instead of before I go to bed will result in a better night's sleep!!!  

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

Happy Stamping!!

June 16, 2016

Gift of Love

Today's card is one from one of the other hostess sets I actually bought during the demonstrator pre-order.  I also found this card on Pinterest.

This is another one of the cards that everyone made on Monday night.  One of my stamping friends does not like tone on tone cards so she took the ink pad and sponged all around the edge of the actual white card before putting her layer on.  It turned out really cool as well.

Stamps: Gift of Love, Gorgeous Grunge

Cardstock: Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: 

Ink: Basic Black, Peekaboo Peach, Pear Pizzazz

Accessories: Basic Pearl Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals

I am not sure where yesterday went but for some reason it seems to have escaped me.  Neither John nor I felt that well and spent the better part of the day snoozing, napping, and just resting.  After a good night's sleep I was totally amazed this morning to realize it was Thursday and trash day!!

Today I am planning on working on some swaps for a demonstrator meeting I am going to on Saturday.  Later this afternoon, three other retired teachers and I are going to a visitation for a former student, whose children we also had in our classroom.  It will be good to see my friends, but not under such circumstances!! 

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

Happy Stamping!!

June 15, 2016

Pun Intended

I don't normally buy the hostess stamps sets during the demonstrator pre-order period for new catalogs.  This year was an exception, though.  I love the Pun Intended hostess set and primarily for this camera!!

I think it goes quite well with Playful Palette Design Series Paper Stack.  Kind of like the little flashes that you see after someone takes your picture.  This was another one of the cards everyone made on Monday night.

Stamps: Pun Intended

Cardstock: Sweet Sugarplum, Basic Black, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: Playful Palette

Ink: Basic Black, Emerald Envy

Accessories: 3/8" Ruched Emerald Envy Ribbon, 

Stampin Dimensionals

I think today may be a day to take it easy and finish my mystery book that I have been trying to read in the evenings.  Hanna headed for home last night after we had a delicious dinner at one of our favorite restaurants . . . Red Lobster.  I should put stuff away in my stamping room, but there is always tomorrow!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

June 14, 2016

Swirly Birds

Here we are again with Swirly Birds.  If I did not know I was using the same stamp set and thinlits, I would swear I had several different products!!

This was one of the cards everyone made last night at Make-It-Monday.  We had a FULL house of busy stampers last night!!

Stamps: Swirly Bird, Watercolor Wishes

Cardstock: Flirty Flamingo, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: 

Ink: Flirty Flamingo, Emerald Envy

Accessories: Swirly Scribbles Thinlits, Big Shot, 

Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Fine-Tip Glue Pen, Stampin' Dimensionals

Today is going to be another busy, busy day.  As soon as I am done posting this Hanna and I are headed out to breakfast before she goes to class and I spend my morning volunteering at Hospice.  I will come home for a couple of hours and then John and I are headed back up to Iowa City to meet Hanna, Julie, and Jason at Red Lobster for an early Father's Day supper.  I believe rest will be on the agenda the remainder of the week!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

June 13, 2016

Painter's Palette

I am having such a great time playing with all of the new stamp sets and colors.  Each year I think I can't possible love the new In Colors more than the ones that just retired, but once I start working with them I do!!  I also love the fact that Pinterest has such great ideas!!

This is one of the cards that everyone will be making tonight at Make-It-Monday!!

Stamps: painter's Palette, Flower Shop, Rose Wonder

Cardstock: Sweet Sugarplum, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: 

Ink: Basic Black, Sweet Sugarplum

Accessories: pansy Punch, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals

Hanna and I had a great time yesterday afternoon.  We decided to get a pedicure and get our nails done instead of shopping.  It was quite relaxing. She headed off to the first evening of her class that was supposed to last till 9:00 and I came home to finish getting things ready for tonight.  She called about 7:15 and said they were done already and did we want to meet for ice cream in Kalona.  Who can resist ice cream so off we went to Kalona to meet Hanna, and Julie and Jason.  It was probably 10:00 before we got home as it was a great evening to sit around and visit.

Since everything is ready for tonight, today will be spent trying to get cleaned up from the garage sale and going to Iowa City early this afternoon to run some errands.

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

Happy Stamping!!

June 12, 2016

Flower Shop

Today's card is one that comes from one I saw on a blog that I look at regularly . . . Flowerbug's Inkspot.  She had one in each of the new In Colors to showcase the ink and cardstock.

I love the way these turned out!!

Stamps: Flower Shop, Watercolor Wishes

Cardstock: Peekaboo Peach, Basic Black, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: 

Ink: Basic Black, Peekaboo Peach

Accessories: 

Today I am going to work a little more on getting things ready for tomorrow night and then go to Iowa City to meet Hanna for an afternoon of fun.  She is taking a class at the University so will be around for a couple of days!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

June 11, 2016

Gift of Love

Many times the hostess sets in the catalog don't appeal to me as much as the regular sets.  THAT is not the case with this catalog!!  I love the hostess sets!!!

I made this card using all of the new In-Colors except Emerald Envy and I used that for the leaves.  Even though it doesn't look like it this one is Flirty Flamingo.

Stamps:  Gift of Love, Love and Affection

Cardstock: Flirty Flamingo, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: 

Ink: Basic Black, Flirty Flamingo, Emerald Envy

Accessories: 

The garage sale yesterday was a huge success and I am still open for business today.  There are plenty of stamp sets left to choose from!!

My main job today is to finish getting things ready for Monday night!!  At least I know what I want to make . . . I just have to gather things together!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

June 10, 2016

Swirly Birds

Here is another card that I made as a sample for the New Catalog Open House.  Again the inspiration came from Pinterest.

I don't normally like the five new In-Colors together but here they seem to work well together.

Stamps: Swirly Birds, Gift of Love

Cardstock: Whisper White Thick, Peekaboo Peach, Dapper Denim, 

Emerald Envy, Flirty Flamingo, Sweet Sugarplum, Whisper White,

Designer Series Paper: 

Ink: 

Accessories: Swirly Scribbles Thinlits, Big Shot, 

Stampin' Dimensionals, Basic Rhinestone Jewels

My garage sale is set up and ready to go . . . over 200 stamp sets, some retired ink pads and refills and tons of designer Series Paper.  I hope it goes well, because I certainly don't want to have to find room for it in my stamping room again.  LOL

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

Happy Stamping!!

June 9, 2016

Swirly Bird 

I saw a one layer card similar to this on Pinterest the other day.  I decided layering it up and using fall colors would be perfect to use in a couple of months.

The thinlits that go with this set are so versatile and can be used for many different things.  This is the same thinlit that I used to make the flag card here.

Stamps: Tin of Cards, Swirly Bird

Cardstock: Tip Top Taupe, very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: 

Ink: Tip Top Taupe, Cajun Craze, Crushed Curry, Always Artichoke

Accessories: Swirly Scribbles Thinlits, Big Shot, Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals

My mega-garage sale is all set up and ready to go for tomorrow.  I ended up having to set up two more tables than I intended to fit all of the stamp sets!! Like I said . . . I really purged!!

Today I am going to plan out what we are doing at Monday night's Make-It-Monday and maybe try to do a little other stamping!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

June 8, 2016

Swirly Birds

I love the way Dapper Denim coordinates with the neutrals color family.  It reminds me of Not Quite Navy that retired a while back.  I always liked that color.  I think I will be using this a lot in the next two years!!

This is another one of the cards that everyone made at the New Catalog Open House.  I saw one like it on Pinterest and knew that it would be a great class card.

Stamps: Swirly Birds, Watercolor Words

Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla 

Designer Series Paper: 

Ink: Crumb Cake , Dapper Denim

Accessories: Dapper Denim 3/8" Ruched Ribbon

Today is going to be spent getting my stamping garage sale all set up.  I am starting today so that I can be sure I have room in my kitchen for everything and still have time to look through my stamping room for more things to put out.  At last count there are 218 stamp sets, ink pads, designer series paper, and paper stacks.  Who knows what I might find before Friday!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

June 7, 2016

Layering Love

Here is one of the cards everyone attending the New Catalog Open House last night got to make.

I am loving this new rushed ribbon.  It ties so nicely and lays well too.

Stamps: Layering Love

Cardstock: Sweey Sugarplum, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Playful Palette Stack

Ink: Sweet Sugarplum

Accessories: Swirly Scribbles Thinlits, Big Shot, 

3/8" Sweet Sugarplum Ruched Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

Today is my volunteer morning at Hospice and then I am coming home and starting to set up for the garage sale this weekend.  I am sure hoping that everything fits on the tables I have in the kitchen.  

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

Happy Stamping!!

June 6, 2016

Hanna Project

I love when Hanna asks if I can make her cards for different occasions.  Even though we don't stamp together anymore and I know she could make these by herself it warms this mom's heart when she asks.

She recently got a little puppy and wanted some thank you cards for some people that have helped her out greatly as a first time pet owner.  We found one similar to this on Pinterest.  Most of the I things I used on this card are retired but I wanted to share it with you anyway. 

Yesterday John and I took and afternoon drive with our daughter and son-in-law to Lake Rathbun.  They were wanting to check out the campgrounds and all of the facilities to see if that is somewhere they would like to camp.  It was a beautiful day for a drive and we ended the day by a great supper at Applebees.

Today I am planning on finishing up things for tonight's New Catalog Open House before I head to Iowa City for a doctor's appointment.  It looks to be another great day!!

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

Happy Stamping!!