September 28, 2016

Candy Cane Christmas

Here is another one of the cards everyone got to make last Monday night. This card was so easy as the Designer Series Paper did all of the work for us!!

I have seen several cards where the houses are cut out to and was thrilled to find one similar to this where you just cut strips of the Designer Series Paper. Much, much quicker than fussy cutting out the houses.

Stamps: Candy Cane Christmas

Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Real Red

Designer Series Paper: Candy Cane Lane

Ink: Early Espresso

Accessories: Lots of Label Framelits, Big Shot, 

Real Red 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

I got the final okay yesterday from my doctor to leave on my Door County trip today.  I was pretty sure he was going to say it was all right, but it just depended on the blood counts from my labs yesterday.  I was so hoping to be able to go because it is so beautiful up there and we had such as awesome time last year!!  Anyway I am headed out the door in about an hour with their blessing to have a wonderful time!!  I will not have Internet access while I am there so will not be posting anything until Monday morning.  We are arriving home last Sunday evening and I am sure I will probably just crash.

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 27, 2016

Star of Light

Even though this card caused quite a bottleneck at the Big Shot during Make-It-Monday, I still think it is an awesome card.  It just takes some patience to die cut all of the little pieces.  

This embossing folder is in the regular Idea Book and Catalog as opposed to the Holiday catalog.  

Stamps: Star of Light

Cardstock: Whisper White Thick, Kraft, Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler, Garden Green

Designer Series Paper: 

Ink: Soft Suede, Garden Green, Real Red

Accessories: Pretty Pines Thinlits Dies, Holly Embossing Folder, 

Big Shot, Stampin Sponges, 

Real Red 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon, Glue Dots

I am posting today as I am getting my second chemo treatment.  The doctor continues to be amazed at how well I am doing and how well I feel.  He actually upped my percentages of beating this because of how I am reacting to treatment and some of the other test results.  However . . . I KNOW I am beating it regardless of whatever percentages he gives me!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 26, 2016

Star of Light

I love the Star of Light stamp set in the Holiday Catalog.  This has always been one of my favorite Christmas carols so it is no wonder that I like it.

This is one of the cards everybody stamping tonight will get to make.

Stamps: Star of Light

Cardstock: Night of Navy, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: 

Ink: Night of Navy

Accessories: Starlight Thinlits Dies, Big Shot

Versamark, Silver Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, 

Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Metallic Foil Doilies, 

Believe it or not I have everything ready to go for tonight sitting by the door so John can help me load it into the car this afternoon.  Now I can focus on getting the rest of my swaps ready for my Door County trip on Wednesday. They are at least all thought out and part way done so I am hoping I have a very productive afternoon since I have chemo all day tomorrow!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 25, 2016

Wonderful Year

I'm working away today in my stamp room getting ready for the Craft Your Christmas Make-It-Monday Stamp Night. 

This is one of the cards everybody will be making tomorrow night. I love the copper embossing powder and the copper foil.

Stamps: Wonderful Year

Cardstock: Whisper White Thick, Whisper White, Copper Foil

Designer Series Paper: 

Ink: Versamark

Accessories: Pine Bough Textured Embossing Folder, Big Shot, 

Copper Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Embossing Buddy, 

Basic Pearl Jewels 

I am finally getting around to burning my Poured Soy candle I bought.  My stamp room smells so good with the fall scent.  The calendar is one that my friend Susie stamped and my friend Judy put together last January.   

No post yesterday as Hanna drove this way and met Julie and I at the outlet mall for a day of shopping.  Nothing like two daughters to dress and outfit you with accessories in a new clothing style.  Somewhat outside my comfort zone but hey . . . . this is going to be an all new me so I went for it!!  I will tell you though . . . trying on multiple clothing outfits is exhausting . . . I was pooped when I when I got home.

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

 Happy Stamping!!

September 23, 2016

Very Special Project

Toady has been another day that I was able to spend in my stamp room.  This afternoon I have been working on a very special project for my niece.

She has organized a  "Festival of L.I.F.E." (Live It Fully Everyday) for the county that she live in which is in Illinois.  It is similar to a Relay for Life with the number one goal to raise money for cancer research and awareness.

We had talked earlier in the summer when they were back in July about me making some cards for her that she could use at this event.  Of course I told her I would be glad to do that.  

All of this sort of took on a special meaning after my diagnosis and I must say working on these survivor cards today was especially rewarding.  Sarah (my niece) is one of the strongest people I know and has an indomitable spirit. She is facing some major surgery a week after this event to hopefully eradicate this disease from her body as well and I will look forward to sending her her very own special survivor card!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 22, 2016

Greetings from Santa

I have been hard at work on more craft show items.  When I first started this stamping gig, John had a friend cut down some reams of paper and make these small notepads for me.  I have tons of them left so decided to use some of them this year to make some covered Christmas notepads.

I debated about putting the Ho Ho Ho sentiment or the Naughty or Nice sentiment on these.  I may end up putting some of each.

Stamps: Greetings From Santa

Cardstock: Real Red, Basic Black, Whisper White, Gold Glimmer Paper

Designer Series Paper: 

Ink: Basic Black

Accessories: Layering Squares Framelits,  Big Shot, 

Decorative Label Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch

Today has been another somewhat lazy day.  I stamped for a bit, rested for  a while, then stamped some more.  I am thinking this may be the new pattern for a while.  It definitely works better than pushing myself and getting too tired.  

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 21, 2016

Tic Tac Holders

Today has been a VERY busy day . . . hence the very late post.  One of the things I did work on today was some tic tac holders for upcoming craft shows.

I am really pleased with the way these came out and am looking to make some more at another time.

I had some tic tacs that I had gotten on sale so I decided today was the day to decorate them.  

Besides working on crafts show items I met some friends for lunch in Kalona and ended up spending most of the afternoon there.  As soon as I got home, John and I took off for Iowa City so he could get some supplies at Menard's for some projects he is working on.  I finished up this project when we got home and am just now sitting down to relax a little.

Tomorrow I need to get busy and figure out what all we are making next Monday night at Make It Monday!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 20, 2016

September Paper Pumpkin

When I went to pick up the mail yesterday, my awesome September Paper Pumpkin kit was there waiting for me!!

I could hardly wait to get home to stamp it and put it together.  Because my appointment ran very late yesterday and I didn't get home till after 7:00, the time to put it together had to wait till today.

Everything I need to make these 16 tubes was included in my Paper Pumpkin, including the tubes.  All they need now is some candy to fill them.  I think they turned out awesome!!  Besides these 16 tubes I still have supplies to make many more tags for either cards or other candy treats!!  I love this month's kit.  I am anxiously awaiting when they put the refills for this month's kit for sale.

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 19, 2016

Paisleys & Posies

I went to pick up the mail this morning and this awesome card was there from my friend and travel buddy, Susie.  I love the colors and simplicity of the design.

But the thing I love most about it is the sentiment.  I am truly thankful, grateful, and blessed by the awesome and supportive friends and family that I have.  

Stamps: Paisleys & Posies

Cardstock: Rich Razzleberry, Always Artichoke, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: Petals & Paisleys

Ink: Rich Razzleberry

Accessories: 1 1/2" Circle Punch, 1 3/4" Circle Punch, 3/8" Ribbon Trio Pack, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

I have my last appointment late this afternoon with my surgeon, so he can see that I am continuing to heal well from the surgery.  After everything that has happened, that seems like so long ago . . . not just six weeks.  I have a ton of things that I want to do in Iowa City so I think I am just going to make a day of it.  I can always sit and rest, if I get too tired.  That way I can spend the rest of the week crafting in say stamp room.

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 18, 2016

Touches of Texture

I am not sure I can ever get enough of this Touches of Texture stamp set. Once again this comes from the display board from my Illinois trip in July.

One thing I found out this weekend is that my supply of feminine birthday cards is almost depleted so you can be sure I will be making some of these before my next craft show.

Stamps: Touches of Texture

Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Calypso Coral

Designer Series Paper: 

Ink: Early Espresso,  Calypso Coral, Soft Suede

Markers: Calypso Coral

Accessories: 5/8" Burlap Ribbon, Very Vanilla Lace Trim, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

The last two days have been a huge success but I must admit I am tired today, so am just resting.  But then I stop and think I would probably have been tired, regardless of any other things going on in  my life.  So a book and a nap are calling my name this afternoon!!

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

Happy Stamping!

September 17, 2016

Layering Love

This stamp set, Layering Love, has absolutely the best sentiments in it, hands down!!

This card comes from a photo I took of a display board back in July when I went to Illinois.  I decided to post it today because the sentiment really hit home today.

I had a wonderful day yesterday at The Barn.  The weather was perfect, the company of my fellow vendors was awesome, and it was great seeing so many people.  I can't say enough about the four gals (and their husbands) that organize this event.  They are awesome.  The many kindnesses shown throughout the day do NOT go unnoticed.  I am ready for another great day today!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 16, 2016

Flourishing Phrases

Here is another card from our swap a couple of weeks ago.  Again I am not sure who brought it!!

Flourishing Phrases is one of those sets, even though it is pricey, that is a must have!! Between the images and the sentiments, it can be used for oh so many occasions!!

Stamps: Flourishing Phrases, Petite Petals

Cardstock: Rich Razzleberry, Sweet Sugarplum, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Blooms & Bliss

Ink: Rich Razzleberry, Sweet Sugarplum

Accessories: Petal Burst Embossing Folder, Big Shot, 

Flower Medallion Punch, Petite Petals Punch, Scalloped Tag Punch, 

Basic Rhinestone Jewels, Sweet Sugarplum Ruched Ribbon, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

As soon as I am done posting this I am out the door to my event today at the Barn.  For me, this year, this represents more than the opportunity to share my love of cards and stamping and maybe making a little extra money!  The fact that I am healthy enough and feel well enough to do this is the true reward!  I am very blessed!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 15, 2016

The Barn Flea and Faire

No blog post from me yesterday and no card today!!  Since they said Tuesday I was healthy enough to participate in the Barn Flea and Faire, I have been busy getting things ready.  I didn't want to do too much ahead of time in case I couldn't participate.

Check out this awesome display board that my son-in-law, Jason, made for me.

I am planning on having it right at the front of my booth, so hopefully it will draw attention to the tons of cards I will have there.

My daughter, Julie, is going out with me this evening to help set up my tables. I still have a weight restriction from the surgery in August, so some help was needed.

I am anxiously looking forwarded to seeing tons of people and being out and about this weekend!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 13, 2016

Paisleys & Posies

I love this sentiment . . . I think I have said that before!!    Today I chose to use it on a decorated legal pad I have been making for some upcoming craft shows.

These are really super simple to make.  I hope people like them as well as I do.

I guess if they don't I will have a ton of gifts to give away!!

Stamps: Paisleys & Posies

Cardstock: Cherry Cobbler, Soft Suede, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: Petals & Paisleys

Ink: Mint Macaron, Cherry Cobbler

Accessories: 

I had my first check-up after my first chemo treatment this afternoon.  I am pleased to say that everything is going great . . . my counts are good, my blood work looked good, and I have had virtually no side effects.  The doctors are extremely pleased and it goes without saying that I am as well.  

Now that I know I will be able to go, I am really looking forward to the Barn Flea and Faire this weekend.  I need to really kick it in gear and get organized in the next two days!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 12, 2016

Lovely As A Tree

Lovely As a Tree is one of the first stamp sets I ever bought and one that I still use occasionally so I was really happy to get this swap a few weeks ago using it.  I am not at all sure who brought it though.  I did not do a very good job at all of remembering or even writing down who brought what swap.  Sorry!!

I think the fall colors achieved in the trees is really beautiful!!

Stamps: Lovely as A Tree, Wetlands

Cardstock: Always Artichoke, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: 

Ink: Basic Black, Always Artichoke, Crushed Curry, Tangerine Tango

Accessories: Woodland Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Sponge Daubers

My energy level has continued to be good so I spent some time in my stamp room this morning making some things for this weekend.  I have been working on many other patterns of post-it-note holders.  I did plan to rest a little bit before taking off for Iowa City a little later for Make-It-Monday.

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 11, 2016

Number of Years

Here is another one of the kid's birthday cards I have been working on.  This Number of Years set has really come in handy!!  I love it!!

This would be really easy to change out the pink cardstock to blue and presto . . . an awesome boy card!!

Stamps: Number of Years, Gorgeous Grunge

Cardstock: Flirty Flamingo, Smoky Slate, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: 

Ink: Flirty Flamingo, Smoky Slate, 

Watermelon Wonder, Crushed Curry

Accessories: Large Number Framelits, Big Shot, 

Basic Rhinestone Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals

I must say, that right now I think prednisone, which is the last drug in my chemo regime for this time, is a wonder drug.  I have all my cardstock cut for tomorrow night, six loaves of zucchini bread baking, the dishes washed from baking, and all before noon!!  I am sure this will not last, but I am making good use of my time while it does!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 10, 2016

Number of Years

Here is another one of the kid's cards I have been working on.  I can't remember for sure but I think I found this one on Pinterest when I did a search for children's birthday cards.

I rarely make one layer cards, but I really like the way this one turned out, although with the balloons, banner, and number, maybe you wouldn't consider it one layer!!

Stamps: Number of Years, Balloon Celebration

Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: 

Ink: Crumb Cake, early Espresso, Watermelon Wonder

Accessories: Large Number Framelits, Big Shot, 

Balloon Bouquet Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

As soon as I am done posting this, Julie is picking up and we are heading to a flea market in Indianola for the morning.  I feel great so am making the most of the feeling great.  I hope to get a nap in this afternoon so that I can stay awake tonight to root my Hawkeyes on to victory against Iowa State.  Go Hawks!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 9, 2016

Vintage Leaves

I have been busy trying to get some thing made up for the big Barn Flea and Fair next weekend.  My intentions are to feel well enough to participate and I know attitude is half or more than half the battle.

I decided to try some other things this year other than just cards so I have made some post it note holders.  I really like the way they turned out.

I was lucky enough to find some small gel pens in the Halloween aisle when I had to stop at Walmart on my way home from Iowa City this morning.

Stamps: Vintage Leaves

Cardstock: Early Espresso, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: 

Ink: Crushed Curry, Cucumber Crush, Tangerine Tango, Early Espresso

Accessories: Leaflets Framelits, Big Shot, Versamark, 

Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Sponge Brayer, 

Kraft Rope Trim, Tear and Tape Adhesive, Glue Dots

I started my morning by going to the dentist, which is no small thing in my circumstances.  I managed to break a tooth eating a piece of bread last weekend.  I was lucky enough that they were able to work me in while my counts are still high and I am feeling good, for which I am very thankful.  I was able to spend some time in my stamp room after I got home, before choosing to rest a little.

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 8, 2016

Santa's Sleigh

I love this card that my friend, Dawn, brought to our stamp afternoon a while back.  

She always has such a neat way of putting things together in a way I would never ever see!!  It's a good thing I ordered this set after I got home that Saturday!!

Stamps: Santa's Sleigh, Wonderful Year

Cardstock: Garden Green, Crumb Cake, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Warmth & Cheer Paper Stack

Ink: Basic Black, Garden Green, Crumb Cake

Accessories: Santa's Sleigh Thinlits Dies, Cable Knit Embossing Folder, 

Big Shot, Blender Pens, Mini Pine Cones, Linen Thread, 

Stampin Dimensionals

Things are still going well, although I am a little more intentional about being sure I rest and not let myself get overtired.  I have spent some time working in my stamp room today, working on a project for my niece.  After I finish posting this I am going to sit in my comfy recliner and put together some cards I have already stamped up for Hanna and her classroom.  I try to rest but not nap so I get good night's sleep.

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 7, 2016

Baby Bear

Here is another one of the cards I am making for some of my upcoming craft shows that I still hope to be able to do.

I think I have said before how much I love this Baby Bear stamp and how easy it is to line up and use!!

Stamps: Baby Bear, Banners For You

Cardstock: Sweet Sugarplum, Whisper White, Early Espresso

Designer Series Paper: Bliss & Blooms

Ink: Sweet Sugarplum, Early Espresso, Crumb cake

Accessories: Layering Circles Framelits, 

Bunch of Banners Framelits Sparkle Embossing Folder, 

Big Shot, Sweet Sugarplum Ruched Ribbon,  Stampin' Dimensionals

I am still amazed at how well yesterday's first chemo treatment went.  I am hoping to run a couple of errands in Iowa City this morning and then come home take a little rest and spend the rest of the afternoon in my stamping room.

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 6, 2016

Pun Intended

It is a total coincidence that I planned this card for my blog today but truer words could never be spoken.  All of the texts, emails, and Facebook notifications have been truly appreciated and you all do truly light up my life.

I had made a card similar to this with another light bulb stamp we had several years ago and decided to revisit it with the current hostess stamp set, Pun Intended.

Stamps: Pun Intended

Cardstock:   Whisper White Thick, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Neutrals Designer Series Paper Stack

Ink: Archival Black

Markers:  Real Red, Tangerine Tango, Old Olive, Bermuda Bay

Accessories: 

My chemo infusion is about 3/4 done as I am typing this.  Considering we got to the hospital well before 7:00 this morning it has been a long day, but one that has been way easier than I ever expected.  That was totally helped by the news that the lymphoma had not spread beyond the original area where it was originally found.

I am looking forward to spending the day in my stamping room tomorrow as my energy allows. 

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 5, 2016

Paisleys and Posies

I know I've said it before but this stamp set and sentiment has a special meaning this year.  I am truly thankful, grateful and blessed.

I have finally used the copper embossing powder.  I was sure I had ordered some earlier and went to use it a couple of weeks ago and could not find it anywhere so I ordered some more.  It is awesome!!!

Stamps: Paisleys and Posies

Cardstock: Early Espresso, Old Olive, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: 

Ink: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Old Olive

Accessories: Paisley Framelits Dies, 

Layering Ovals Framelits, Big Shot, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

This morning our daughter and son-in-law picked us up bright and early and we went to a flea market that has become an annual tradition.  I didn't find any fleas that I needed but I did get a really cool blingy hat that was calling my name.  After lunch out, we came home and I have been resting since last night was not the best sleeping night.  I know tonight will be much better!!  It certainly decided to warm up this afternoon.  I was glad to get home to my air conditioning.

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 4, 2016

Pineapple

I absolutely love it when Hanna calls and says "Mom, can you make me this"!! This year her advisory class theme is "Be a pineapple; stand tall and be sweet on the inside!"  So of course she needed birthday cards with pineapples on them.  How fortunate that Stampin' Up! just happens to have this new stamp that is a pineapple.  

Perfect Plum is the perfect color to use for Hanna's school colors.  This card seems a little plain to me but she liked it just the way it is. Middle schoolers probably don't go for a lot of bling or really fancy stuff anyway.

Stamps: Pineapple

Cardstock: Perfect Plum, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Pop of Pink

Ink: Crushed Curry, Cucumber Crush, Perfect Plum

Accessories: 1 1/4" Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Pinch, Stampin' Dimensionals

Since all of those pineapples have to be fussy cut I have everything all stamped up and ready to cut out and put together.  I am going to take them with me to work on, on Tuesday when I start my chemo to make the day go faster!!  I can craft anywhere!!

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

Happy Stamping!!