October 31, 2016

Happy Halloween!!

One for the best parts about stamping and being a demonstrator is all of the awesome people you meet and who become your friends   Several years ago at convention, Hanna and I met a fellow demonstrator, Rory, who lives in Watertown, New York.  She was in the downline of one of the gals we went to convention with and had been a doctor here, and was now practicing in New York.   We keep in contact through Facebook and see each other occasionally at convention, but also through sending cards.

This awesome Halloween card was in my mailbox on Saturday!!

Stamps: Jar of Haunts, Ghoulish Grunge

Cardstock: Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, Whisper White

Ink: Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, Basic Black

Markers:  Basic Gray

Accessories: Everyday Jars Framelits Dies, Big Shot,

Thanks, Rory, for the great Halloween card!!!

Yesterday was what I am now going to call a recliner day!!  I hardly moved from it at all . . . . not because I couldn't, but because I started reading a good book and just sat and read all day!!  I figure this way I am getting rest but also doing something else I love . . . reading!!

I did thoroughly enjoy the Cubs game last night and hope that Tuesday's game is just as exciting.  

As soon as I am done posting this I am going to go to Iowa City and get my nails done and maybe pick up a few groceries and some prescriptions while I am there.  I do hope to spend the afternoon in my craft room working on some swaps for this weekend!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

October 30, 2016

Paisleys & Posies

A couple of weeks ago I received this card from my friend, Susie.  She and I both absolutly love this sentiment.  I have kept it on my end table where I see it daily.

I definitely know I am thankful, grateful, and very, very blessed.  But having this reminder where I see it all the time has become very important this week as I have struggled with not regaining my usual energy as quickly as I would like from my last chemo treatment.  I still feel good, just more tired than usual.

Stamps: Paisleys & Posies

Cardstock: Cajun Craze, Mint Macaron, Soft Suede, very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: Petals & Paisley

Ink: Veersamark

Accessories: Gold Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Banner Triple Punch, Metallic Foil Doilies, 

3/8" Ribbon Pack, Stampin' Dimensionals

My plan for this next week is to get as much rest as possible so that I will be able to go to the On Stage Local Stampin' Up! Convention in Madison, Wisconsin on Friday.   I am really looking forward to it and can't wait to see the Occasions and Sale-a-Bration Catalogs.  I also plan to take a good hard look at my schedule and see what I can realistically do the rest of this year while finishing up my chemo treatments, and still have energy to enjoy the holidays with my family.

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

Happy Stamping!!

October 29, 2016

Oh What Fun!

I have been playing around with Christmas card ideas for the last couple of days.  I have been wanting to try one of these Designer Series Paper folds and decided yesterday morning was the day.

This is super simple to make and looks like you spent way more time crafting a handmade card than you actually did!!

Stamps: Oh What Fun!

Cardstock: Cherry Cobbler, Garden Green, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: This Christmas

Ink: Cherry Cobbler

Accessories: Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterday was a day of two extremes!!  My routine doctor's appointment went well and she was impressed with how well I have been handling everything that has been thrown at me in the last two or three months.  I stayed in town and ran a few errands and then came home to hopefully spend some time in my craft room.  By the time I got home I knew it was rest time so I rested all afternoon and then went to fry some chicken and make mashed potatoes and gravy for supper because I had been craving them.  By the time I was done cooking it was very evident that I had overdone!!  I spent the evening in my recliner trying to watch the Cubs, but really was just trying to feel better.  I may have to admit that it is time to slow down a little bit.  I do know there will be no more extensive cooking for a while and probably more resting and naps in the afternoon.  I am still planning on doing all the things  I want to do, just maybe in a little different way and not moving at the speed of lightning!!

Either way . . . . .

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

Happy Stamping!!

October 28, 2016

Christmas Wreath Part II

Despite a couple of unplanned naps, and a planned trip to Iowa City, I was able to spend some time in my stamping room making this second wreath for an upcoming class.

I like both of the recent wreaths but I think this one is my favorite!!  The colors definitely fit in with my household color scheme a  bit better!!

Cardstock: Cherry Cobbler, Garden Green, Very Vanilla, Red Glimmer Paper

Designer Series Paper: This Christmas Specialty Paper

Accessories: Santa's Sleigh Thinlit Dies, 

Layering Circles Framelits, 

Large Letter Framelits, Big Shot, 

Banner Triple Punch, Wink of Stella Clear

As soon as I am done posting this I am out the door for my routine yearly physical.  I am not really sure why I need to go as often as I am seeing doctors, but I am a rule follower, so if they say I need to go I will go. Hopefully there will be some creative time when I get home.

Christmas Wreath Class

I truly enjoy making these wreaths, so decided I wanted to share that with you.  But here’s the thing . . . . this is going to be a very loose class held at my home.  You decide when you want to come and make one of these!!  Or 2 or 3!!  When you let me know you would like to make one we will come up with a time that suits us both.  This is a win win for me because I still get to share my love of stamping and creating, and I can stay at home minimizing travel and thus preserving energy.  

These would make awesome gifts as well!!  Cost is $10 and I supply everything but adhesive.

RSVP by Monday October 31st and let me know which wreath you would like to make  . . . . maybe both!!  

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

Happy Stamping!!

October 27, 2016

Cookie Cutter Christmas 

I spent some time in my stamp room yesterday afternoon making a couple of projects . . .  one of them being this wreath.  My friend, Susie, had made a Halloween wreath like this and had brought the supplies so we could all make one when we went to Wisconsin last month.

I decided I wanted to make a Christmas one so used the Candy Cane Lane Paper and also made one with the This Christmas Specialty design paper which I will show you later.   These are so easy to make and take right around an hour to finish.

Stamps: Cookie Cutter Christmas

Cardstock: Early Espresso, Whisper White, Red Glimmer Paper

Designer Series Paper: Candy Cane Lane

Ink: Crumb Cake

Accessories: Layering Circles Framelits, Big Shot, 

Triple Banner Punch, Jolly Hat Builder Punch, 

Cookie Cutter Builder Punch, Multipurpose Liquid Glue

Today is going to bring more time in my stamp room stamping and making the left over cards from this weeks class.  John and I may also run to Iowa City to get him some supplies for a project he is working on.  At least I won't stay up late tonight watching the Cubs . . . although last night was totally worth it!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

Add caption

October 26, 2016

Merry Medley

I love this Christmas card that Susie brought as a swap on our Door County trip.  It is also one that everybody got to make that stamped with me this week.

This card would be so easy to mass produce for your Christmas card giving and anyone would love to receive it.  I also love the color combination of Crumb Cake and Always Artichoke.

Stamps: Greetings From Santa, Merry Medley

Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Always Artichoke, Very Vanilla

Ink: Soft Suede, Always Artichoke

Accessories: 1 1/2" Circle Punch, 1 3/4" Circle Punch, 

5/8" Burlap Ribbon, Metallic Enamel Shapes, Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterday ended up being a tired day!!  I have decided to just go with it and have scheduled every Tuesday that follows my chemo treatment as a tired day.  I even put it on my calendar as such . . . . just so I don't forget and schedule something else.  I ended up sleeping till about 1 and then did get all caught up on my Stampin' Up! bookwork that I have not done since the end of July.  I did manage to stay up to watch the Cubs and I certainly hope they play better tonight.

Today brings a mid day appointment and then I hope to spend the afternoon in my stamp room.  I am meeting some friends for supper before they come to the house to make this week's cards.  After my rest yesterday I am ready to go again today!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

October 24, 2016

Vintage Leaves

Check out one of the cards everybody will be making tonight at Make-it Monday.  It comes from one of the blogs I look at from a demonstrator in Georgia . . . .Stamp With Amy.  

I figured that it would be a pretty good guy card for fall and I wanted to try out the Dynamic Knit embossing folder since I had not yet done that!!!  My card ended up with way more sponging on it that I had intended to cover up some of my other clumsy mistakes, such as incompletely stamping of the leaves on the large Sahara Sand layer!!

Stamps: Vintage Leaves, Time of Year

Cardstock: Soft Suede, Early Espresso, Sahara Sand, Very Vanilla

Ink: Soft Suede, Early Espresso, Sahara Sand

Accessories:  Bunch Of Banners Framelits, 

Cable Knit Embossing Folder, Big Shot, 

Stampin' Sponges, Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterday was another fun day of being out and about shopping with my daughters.  Once again I sort of turned myself over to them for some other clothes options as the weather is turning a little cooler.  Some WARM winter hats were in the cart yesterday as I can see where I will need them soon!!!  I may sit a little more while they look around, but a good time is still had by all!!

When I got home, and Hanna left for home, I turned my thoughts to tonight's Make It Monday and got all of the cardstock cut and organized and directions written out.  This morning all I need to do is gather the supplies up and load the car.  I have some other errands I would like to run in Iowa City this afternoon before stamp night so hope it all gets done in a timely fashion so I can get my errands done!!  Then it will be rest for the rest of the week!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

October 23, 2016

Craft Show Saturday

Yesterday was craft show Saturday so I thought I would give you a small glimpse of my booth.

I love my barn board that my son-in-law made for me.  It really seems to draw people into the booth.  Many, many people stop and look at what is on the board.

When I decide to to do more shows Julie and I scoured through all of the Goodwills and flea markets in the area to get table coverings.  It was a great way to get the look I wanted without spending a ton of money.  I don't think I paid over $2.00 for any one table covering.  Most were under a dollar!!

I had all of the cards all ready made, so I have just been making some Christmas treats and stocking stuffers.

The legal pad holders proved to be a big hit.  The good thing . . . . every body liked a different design so I still have plenty of those left.

One of the most popular items was the Hawkeyes Tic Tac holders.  I will need to restock those before the next show.

The small coaster calendars sold well too . . . . as you might imagine the Hawkeye ones went first!!

The one thing that surprised me was the fact that none of my woodland 5 nugget holders sold at all.  I figured they would be very popular.  However, if after the next show I have some left I already have a plan for them.

Post-It Noted holders are good stocking stuffers as well and the sales showed it!!

All in all, even though it was a long day and a bit of a drive it was quite a success.  And the good thing is that my sales were wide and varied so I do not have to make any thing else before my next show.

After getting home and resting for an hour or so we were on the go again to meet Julie and Jason at Amana for dinner for our birthdays and anniversary dinners.  Luckily I got home in time to see the Cubs clinch the World Series bid . . . . what a day!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

October 22, 2016

Best Bird

I finally got around to ordering the Best Bird set the other day.  My stamping friend, Susie, had brought this card as a shoe box swap when we went to Illinois this summer and I had always planned to do it at a Make-It-Monday but realized I didn't have the stamp set.  It came earlier this week.

I love the way she can take punches and use them in unusual ways like she did here with the bow builder punch.

Stamps: Best Bird

Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: 

Ink: Black Memento

Markers:  Pear Pizzazz, Soft Suede

Accessories: Bow Builder Punch, Blender Pens, 

Gold Wink Of Stella, Metallic Enamel Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

By the time you are reading this I should be well on my way to my craft show this morning.  This weekend is going to be jam packed . . . Hanna is on her way home as well, so that we can celebrate all of the birthdays and anniversary that have happened in the last six days this evening.

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

  

Happy Stamping!!

October 21, 2016

Merry Medley

I just had to try one of these luminaries after I saw it on one of my Facebook groups.  They are so super simple to make and I think it turned out awesome!!

Silly me . . . . now I just have to try and make a few to take with me to my craft show tomorrow morning!!  

Stamps: Merry medley

Cardstock: Vellum, Copper Foil

Ink: Versamark, 

Accessories: Copper Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Tear and Tape

Sorry for no post yesterday.  I started a new preventative chemo and while I have had no side effects it sort of wiped out my day yesterday.  After coming home from the spinal injection  I kind of slept the day away!!  At least I was able to stay awake for the Cubs game last night!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

October 19, 2016

October Paper Pumpkin

I love my monthly subscription to Paper Pumpkin.  It is so nice to pick up my mail and have a project all there planned out and ready to go.

I picked this kit up late this morning after taking John to the eye doctor. About 45 minutes later I had these awesome fall shaker cards done and ready to send.

Everything I needed was in the little orange box Paper Pumpkin box!!  Here is a close up of one of the cards.  I chose two sentiments to use . . . "Thanks to You" and "With Gratitude" but there were a couple of other sentiments included with the kit.  

If you think you would like to receive an awesome monthly kit like this, let me know and I can get you all set up!!

After finishing this kit, I spent the rest of the afternoon finishing up craft show items and pricing them.  I hope I am ready to go!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

October 18, 2016

Vintage Leaves

One of the great things about Door County besides the scenery and the company is the stamping we do while we are there.  We each take two ready made swaps and also two shoebox swaps, so we come home with a lot of great ideas.  Here is one of the swaps that Annie took.  I love the way the copper embossing looks on the Early Espresso cardstock.

This is one of the cards every one will be making next Monday night at Make It Monday.

Stamps: Vintage Leaves, One Big Meaning

Cardstock: Early Espresso, Whisper White, Copper Foil

Ink: Versamark

Accessories: Copper Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, 5/8" Burlap Ribbon  Basic Pearl Jewels

Today started bright and early . . . . okay early but not so bright as it was still dark out . . . . as my son-in-law picked me up to bring me for my next chemo treatment.  I am actually posting this as I am sitting waiting to be called back for labs.  I brought a bag full of crafting stuff to do while I am getting my infusion.  I couldn't resist adding a couple more craft show items and they involve coloring and fussy cutting so what a better way to spend my time while I am hooked up!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

October 17, 2016

Jolly Friends

Here is my last craft show project.  When the September Paper Pumpkin Kit arrived I knew right away that I wanted to save some of my test tubes to make some Christmas ones.

These are directly from the Pinterest page for alternative projects.  I think they turned out really cute.   I did use a retired set for the greetings because I couldn't find a current one that I liked and that was small enough.

Stamps: Jolly Friends

Cardstock: Whisper White, Crumb Cake, Real Red

Designer Series Paper: Candy Cane Lane

Ink: Basic Black, Early Espresso, Real Red, Blushing Bride

Accessories: Jolly Hat Builder Punch, Mini Jingle Bells, 

Aqua painter, Blender Pens, Banner Triple Punch

Today has been a busy day already.  Our furnace has been checked and is ready to go for the winter.  I have finished up a couple of projects and even have the laundry done already.  As soon as I am done posting this I am off to deliver an order of cards and then head to Iowa City to take advantage of one of the programs the hospital offers to people under going chemotherapy treatment.  I hope to fit in a visit to the nail salon and some shopping as well.  

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

Happy Stamping!!

October 16, 2016

Merriest Wishes

Here is my latest craft show item.  I got the idea for the tag directly from the Holiday Catalog.

I made some of these last year and they sold quite well, but they weren't as neat as these, I don't think.  Although the deer and trees were a pain to die cut I really like the way they turned out.

Stamps: Merriest Wishes

Cardstock: Garden Green, Whisper White, Copper Foil

Designer Series Paper: Warmth and Cheer

Ink: Accessories: Merry Tags Framelit Dies,  Craft Rope Trim

I was as happy as a clam yesterday sitting in my recliner covering Hershey Nuggest with Designer Series Paper and watching the Hawkeyes and then the Cubs last night.   All was right in my world since both teams won.

I need to come up with something I can do in my recliner again tonight since the Cubs play again.  At least it is earlier in the evening so that I might get to bed at a decent time tonight.

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

Happy Stamping!!

October 15, 2016

Jar of Cheer

Here is another one of the craft show projects I was working on yesterday!!  I think they turned out really cute.

I decided on three different patterns for my jars.  I am not really sure which one of them I like the best.  

Inside these little jars are two Hershey Nuggets wrapped in Designer Series Paper.  Note that this is actually retired paper because I have so much of it!

Stamps:  Jar Of Cheer, Jar of Love

Cardstock: Whisper White, real red

Ink: Basic Black, Real Red

markers:  Real Red, Pumpkin Pie

Accessories: Everyday Jars Framelits, Big Shot, Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine

When we were in Door County, Dawn brought these Halloween Nugget Holders.  We were talking about how we could make these into Christmas ones, I am pretty pleased with the way these came out.

Today after watching the Hawkeye football game I hope to spend more time in my stamping room, getting ready for my craft show next Saturday!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

October 14, 2016

More Craft Show Items

Despite being up for about 3 hours in the middle of the night reading, I was able to spend the day in my craft room working on more items for upcoming shows.

These Post-It Note holders went together quite easily.  This is just one of the things I actually got made today.

Tomorrow I plan on working on some Hershey Nugget treats as well as watching the Hawkeyes play football.  I sure hope it is a good game and they play better than they have been playing!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

October 13, 2016

Suite Seasons

Today's card is one I found while browsing the Internet earlier this month.  It is also one everybody made on Monday night.

If you want an easily reproducible card then this one is it.  I think start to finish, including cutting, took about 15 minutes.

Stamps: Suite Seasons

Cardstock: Cajun Craze, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: Petals & Paisleys

Ink: Early Espresso

Accessories: Leaflets Framelits, Big Shot, 3/8" Ribbon Trio Pack, 

Metallic Enamel Shapes, Stampin' Dimensionals

Today is going to be spent working in my stamping room, until time to go to town later in the day for an appointment.  I sure hope it warms up as there was quite a bit of frost on the neighbor's garage roof this morning.  

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

Happy Stamping!!

October 12, 2016

Floral Phrases

Today has been totally spent in my stamping room working on craft show projects.  I got busy this morning and even forgot about posting today.

This is another one of the cards everyone made on Monday night.  

Stamps: Floral Phrases

Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Cajun Craze, 

Ink: Cajun Craze, Crushed Curry, Cherry Cobbler

Accessories: Paisley Framelit Dies, Bog Shot, 

Stampin' Sponges, Foam Adhesive Strips

Today has totally reminded me that colder weather is on its way.  I am thinking I would like the warmer weather back, but that remains to be seen. I do know that I was much warmer today once I put a hat on.  It is amazing what a difference that made!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

October 11, 2016

Jolly Friends

I love this moose or what ever you want to call him!!  This is another one of the cards everyone made last night.

This is a Z fold card.  One of my goals for stamp nights is to have at least one fancy fold each night.

 

Stamps: Tin of Tags, Jolly Friends

Cardstock: Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Real Red, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper:  Candy Cane Lane

Ink: Early Espresso Real Red, Black Archival

Accessories: Rhinestone Basic Jewels

Today has been kind of a lost day.  I stayed up last night till about 2:00 AM watching the Cubs playoff game so have been kind of tired today.  Hopefully the game does not last as long tonight!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

October 10, 2016

Sunshine Sayings

I have had a lot of time lately to browse the web for all kinds of cool ideas. This card that everyone will be making tonight is one of those ideas. 

I love the fall colors in it!!  I think this is going to be one of the cards that I send my niece after she gets out of surgery and is recovering!!

Stamps: Sunshine Sayings

Cardstock: Delightful Dijon, Early Espresso, Cajun Craze, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: 

Ink: Cajun Craze

Accessories: Sunshine Wishes Thinlits, Seaside Embossing Folder, 

Big Shot, 

Classic Label Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

Believe it or not everything is all ready to go for tonight.   All that remains is to load it into the car.  These days when I am having a good day and have tons of energy I tend to go ahead and just get things done in case I don't feel like it the next day.  So far, that has served me well, because it seems like I am making way better use of my time than I used to.  My plan for the day is to clean a little in my stamping room so that I can continue to work on craft show projects in more than a 10" square of work space.  No matter how big my stamping area starts out as, before too long I am working in a tiny little area!!

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

Happy Stamping!!