December 30, 2017

Sweet Soiree Memories and More Card Pack

Yesterday was definitely a day to remember!!!!  Jake proposed to Hanna after they landed at the Des Moines Airport and we were all there to witness it!!

I wanted a special card for them but have had no time to stamp anything . . . so I turned to a Sale-a-Bration card pack to help me out.  I was really pleased with the way it turned out!!

 Cardstock: Always Artichoke, Whisper White 

Accessories: Sweet Soiree Memories and More Card Pack, 

Clear Faceted Gems

Someone not with our group but a friend of Jake's happened to be in the airport and caught this moment!!!! 

We went to Smokey Row for coffee and bagels after the proposal and took more pictures and had a great time visiting. 

The only down side to the day was the trip home.  We came the southern route and made it as far as Sigourney before running into snow.  As bad as that last half hour was, we were incredibly fortunate that is was not that way the whole trip!!

Let the planning and fun begin!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 29, 2017

Smitten Mittens

This card that comes from my friend, Rory, is very appropriate for today!!  

I am sure we will have many merry moments this weekend as we celebrate our Christmas.

Hanna and Jake will be here this afternoon and then Julie and Jason will be coming over this evening as we start our holiday celebration.  I hope I have enough food . . . we are doing hors d'oeuvres for supper . . . wings, little smokies, spinach artichoke dip, pickle wrap dip,  and cheese dip and crackers, corn chips, and crab puffs.  It should be a great weekend!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 28, 2017

More Christmas Cards

I love when I get Christmas cards in the mail that I have helped people make. Such is the case with these two cards.  The first card is from my friend Judy, and is one we made during technique club.

The second card is from my friend, Jan, and is one that we made at an all day Christmas card class.

Yesterday I went to Iowa City in the morning to get all of the groceries I think I might need for the weekend.  I came home and made and froze crab puffs and also made a couple of loaves of gluten free nut bread.  I also finished up all of the tags I was making for Hanna's friend and finished wrapping Christmas presents.  And all before the Hawkeye game yesterday afternoon!! What a game . . . I am sure Hanna could probably hear me shouting all the way in California. 

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 27, 2017

Snowflake Sentiments

There are still a couple more days of Christmas cards left . . . which is good because I have had no time to stamp at all and I don't see that happening until at least next Monday!!

This card is from my stamping friend, Christy.

Stamps: Snowflake Sentiments

Cardstock: Always Artichoke, Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla 

Ink: Always Artichoke, Cherry Cobbler

Accessories: Swirly Snowflakes Thinlits Dies,
Layering Circles Framelits Dies,
Holly Embossing Folder, Big Shot,
Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterday I braved the cold and Luetta and I went after Christmas shopping and out to lunch.  Not many bargains, but we had a great time.  Today I have to go back to Iowa City to the grocery store to get everything I need for this weekend and then bake some more gluten free nutbread.  I intend to have everything done so that I can sit and watch the Hawkeyes this afternoon in their bowl game.  Good thing they are not playing at home . . . it would be a COLD game!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 26, 2017

Flurry Of Wishes

I still have several Christmas cards to show you that I received in the mail. This one comes from one of my stamping friends, Linda.  I love snowflakes (on cards, not roads) and have used this set several times myself to make holiday cards.

The middle strip of this card is a widow sheet so that the greeting from inside shows through.

Stamps: Flurry of Wishes

Cardstock: Night of Navy, Whisper White, Silver Glimmer, Window Sheets

Ink: Night of Navy

Accessories: Snow Flurry Punch (Retired) Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterday was a wonderful day.  It was very low key as we are celebrating Christmas this weekend with the kids.  We went to Julie and Jason's for lunch yesterday and Facetimed with Hanna and Jake later on in the afternoon. Once again Jason and I are the normal ones in the family!!

I must admit, as cold as it was yesterday I was envious of Hanna spending part of Christmas Day at the beach!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 25, 2017

Merry Christmas!!!!

Snowflake Sentiments

It is no secret in my family that I love Christmas  . . . to take a line from Dr. Suess . . . 

"It came without ribbons! It came without tags!"
"It came without packages, boxes or bags!"
And he puzzled three hours, till his puzzler was sore.
Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before!
"Maybe Christmas," he thought, "doesn't come from a store."
"Maybe Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!"

Christmas to me is family . . . to give up yourself . . . to think of others . . . how to bring happiness to others . . . that is the meaning of Christmas to me!!!!

May you all be wrapped in the warmth of Christmas today and everyday!!!

Stamps: Snowflake Sentiments

Cardstock: Very Vanilla Thick, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla

Ink: Early Espresso, Crumb Cake

Accessories: Stitched Shapes Framelits, Layering Ovals Framelits,
Big Shot, Foil Snowflakes, Gold 3/8" Metallic Edged Ribbon,
Stampin' Dimensionals

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 24, 2017

Christmas Eve

As I sit here on Christmas Eve morning, looking out at the snow falling, I am hoping we do not get enough to build on of these guys!!!  I'm pretty sure I have said it before and I will say it again . . . I love snow on cards . . . not so much on roads.  This Christmas card came to me from my stamping friend . . . Linda.

I also received this card from my stamping friend, Sandi.

Opening up again to lovely snow on a card!!

My shopping trip with Julie was very successful and I finished up all of the things I need to buy.  I am totally ready for Christmas, although we are not celebrating until next weekend as Hanna is in California, with her boyfriend, meeting all of his family.

Today I have a very important thing to do and I sure hope the snow and roads do not keep me from doing it.  Every year since 2005, Hanna and I have taken food up to the Surgical Intensive Care Patients Waiting Room and to the staff (doctors, nurses, clerical, and support staff) in the Surgical Intensive Care unit.  I will go by myself today because I know what it is like to have a loved one in this unit on Christmas and the special things the staff do and the time they spend away from their families on Christmas to care for the loved ones in this unit.  I want the patients' families to know someone is thinking about them and praying for them during this difficult time and for the staff to know just how much their efforts are appreciated!!

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

Happy Stamping!!, 

December 23, 2017

Lovely As A Tree

Lovely As A Tree . . . take two!!!  Here is another awesosme Christmas card made with this stamp set.

This one comes from my friend, Lorna, who also happens to be Luetta's mom. I think she used the dryer sheet technique over the trees.

As soon as I am done posting this, I am off again, to go shopping with my daughter, Julie, this time.  I am not sure what else I could possibly need, but I am sure I will find something!!  More importantly, just spending time together is the best!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 22, 2017

Lovely As A Tree

Lovely As A Tree was one of the very first stamp sets I bought and I still use it a lot almost 15 years later!!  This card, which I received from my friend, Jeanie, showcases one of the single trees in the set.

The Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer Paper makes for the perfect snowdrift!!

I spent the majority of the day in Iowa City finishing up some shopping before meeting friends for supper.  It was a great day!!  The gal that cleans my house came this morning so I think this afternoon I am just going to sit enjoying my clean house, Christmas Tree, Christmas music and a good book!!  Sometimes it is good to just sit, relax, and soak in all the goodness that is in my life right now!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 21, 2017

Mr. Snowman

Today's card is one I received in the mail from my friend, Luetta.  Wowsa . . . there is a lot of die cutting on this card!!!

But he turned out so cute!!!!  I am sure hoping that all of the snow needed for Mr. Snowman stays on cards instead of the roads.  I have a lot of places I need to be and things I want to do between now and the first weekend in January and I don't want snowy roads to get in my way!!

I am off and running again today. I am hoping to leave for Iow City around noon and run some errands, get the rest of my shopping done, and then go to the nail salon.  This evening I am meeting my Paper Pals stamp group for supper at Olive Garden.  I was too sick to go last year so am really looking forward to it this year!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 20, 2017

 Season Like Christmas

This was another one of the Christmas cards that was in my mailbox yesterday.  This one is from my friend, Dawn, who is a traveling nurse and is currently in Connecticut.

This is another one of the sets I did not get this year so I was glad to see something made with it!!

Santa was very busy at our house yesterday afternoon. All of the presents that we have bought so far are wrapped and under the tree.  I still have several more to buy and am planning on doing that tomorrow afternoon.

I am grounded for the rest of the day today.  John and I left home at 6:00 this morning so I could have a routine procedure done.  I am happy to report another clean bill of health, but they did have to sedate me so I am to take it easy today.  I think my recliner, heating pad, blanket, and Christmas music on the TV may be as ambitious as it gets!!!  But at least I have a lovely tree full of presents for my wonderful family to look at!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 19, 2017

Christmas Sweaters

As my kids will tell you, I have a passion for Christmas sweaters.  In my book there is no such thing as an ugly Christmas sweater.  So it was surprising that I did not order this stamp set!!  I may have to break down and order it yet!!! Just because!!

So I was delighted when I picked up my mail yesterday and there was a card using this set from my friend, Sally, who lives in Ohio!! It was perfect!!

Stamps: Christmas Sweaters

Cardstock: Old Olive, Basic Black, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Merry Little Christmas

Ink: Basic Black, Old Olive and Crushed Curry Markers

Accessories: Layering Squares Framelits, Big Shot, 

Old Olive 1/4" Stitched-Edge Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

It is amazing what all you can get accomplished when you stay home for a day!!!  One of the thing I got done yesterday was wrapping of some gifts.

Our local Casey's partners with the care facility in town to have an Angel Tree to ensure that all of the residents have some Christmas gifts.  Usually the tags are gone before you know it, but that is not the case for some reason this year.  So before I went to spend the day shopping with Hanna on Saturday I picked up several more tags!!  We had a great time picking out gifts!!  And I got them all sorted and wrapped (or bagged) up and delivered yesterday. There are still several tags left on the tree so before I go to town later this week I will stop and see how many are left and maybe pick up some more!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 18, 2017

Half Full

While I am not a wine drinker, per se, I really like this set . . . Half Full.  This is another one of the swaps I received in Utah.

There is actually a lot of fussy cutting on this card as the two wine bottles and the wine glass have been cut out, but they look pretty easy to do!!

My Christmas cards are ready to go in the mail today!!!  John looked at the stack of them as I was putting stamps on and said "That is quite a stack of cards".  I told him . . . "105 to be exact!!  Shouldn't a card maker send cards?" Are your Christmas cards ready to go yet??

Today I am starting another project that needs to be done soon as I am helping a friend of Hanna's who was crowned Miss Rodeo Iowa.  Her coronation and fund raiser as she competes for Miss Rodeo USA are right after the first of the year.  I am making the tags that will go on all of the raffle baskets.  I love being able to do things like this!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 17, 2017

Coffee Cafe

I have been out and about too much lately enjoying the hustle and bustle of the season to have time to stamp much so I will be sharing swaps I received at convention last month.

I do love this coffee set . . . almost as much as I love coffee!!!

Hanna and I had a great time shopping yesterday!!  We got a lot of things checked off of my list.  I did not realize how much I bought though until I started carrying it all into the house!!  Now if the wrapping fairy would come I would be an even happier camper.

Of course shopping yesterday was not enough so I headed back to Iowa City this morning just to be out and about!!  I actually finished up shopping for Hanna today so there was a purpose for my trip!!  

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 16, 2017

Petal Pallette

This was another one of the techniques we did a while back at Technique/Stamp Club . . . Create A Wash.  

This was another one of the techniques and samples that was on display at convention.

Stamps: Petal Palette

Cardstock: Whisper White Thick, Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie

Designer Series Paper: Petal Passion

Ink: Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black

Accessories: Petals & More Thinlit Dies, Big Shot,
Watercolor Pencils, Aquapainter, Basic Rhinestone Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals

As soon as I am done posting this I am off to Des Moines to meet Hanna and hopefully finish up the majority of my/our Christmas shopping.  It looks like the weather is going to be great to be out and about!!!  When I get home I hope to finish up the Christmas cards I started yesterday and finish addressing the other ones I have ready to go!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

SaveSave

December 15, 2017

Birthday Blossoms

My friend, Luetta, brought this card as a swap when we had a get-together some time ago. Since I had decided to use all Annual Idea Book and Catalog stamp sets at the last stamp night, I decided this card would be perfect.

I think everyone agreed with me, judging by the comments I heard when people were stamping this card.  There is something about the color combination that is striking!!

Stamps: Birthday Blossoms, Rose Wonder

Cardstock: Basic Black, Lemon Lime Twist, Whisper White

Ink: Memento Black, Lemon Lime

Accessories: Stitched Shapes Framelits, Big Shot, 

Versamark, White Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, 

Sponge Daubers, Pansy Punch, Clear Faceted Gems, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterday I stamped for most of the day trying to get back card packets stamped up and put together.  I had gotten a little behind in that with all of the other stamping I had been doing.  I want to get the rest of them done today and then maybe I can dive into my box of goodies of new Occasions catalog product that came a while back!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 14, 2017

Daisy Delight

Daisy Delight has been one of my favorite sets in the Annual Idea Book and Catalog since the first day.  

This is another one of the swaps I brought back from Utah and that people picked out to make at a stamp night.  I just love the yellows and navy together!!

Stamps: Daisy Delight, Birthday Blooms

Cardstock: Night of Navy, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Delightful Daisy

Ink: Crushed Curry, Night of Navy

Accessories: Stitched Shapes Framelits, Big Shot, 

Daisy Punch, Gold Faceted Gems, Wink of Stella, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterday ended up being another day of rest, other than meeting some friends for supper.  I think my weeks and weeks of being on the go have caught up with me.  However, after 13 hours of sleep last night, I think I may actually get something accomplished today!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 13, 2017

Merry Little Labels

The foil snowflakes are one of my favorite accessories in the Holiday catalog, but sometimes the shiny side just doesn't fit with the card you want to make. Such was the case here . . . so Voila' . . . just turn it over and there is a lovely vanilla on the other side.

That was just perfect for this snowflake card that everyone made on Monday night.

Stamps: Merry Little Labels

Cardstock: Very Vanilla Thick, Basic Black, Very Vanilla

Ink: Memento Black Ink

Accessories: Foil Snowflakes, Very Vanilla 1/2" Lace Trim, 

Everyday Label Punch, Pearl Basic Jewels, Stampin; Dimensionals

I was definitely true to my word yesterday and did not do much at all other than my hair appointment and lunch with friends.

Today I would like to see if I can get my stamping room somewhat organized again after the flurry of activity the last couple of months.  The first thing that needs to be done for that to happen is to get the Christmas presents that are right inside the door wrapped and under the tree.  If I get nothing else done today but that, I will be a happy camper!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 12, 2017

Flourishing Phrases

Have you ever had that forever friend???  Everybody needs one of those and here is the perfect card to send to them.  This card comes from the pictures that I took of the display boards in Utah last month.

Elegant Eggplant and Old Olive have been one of my favorite color combinations since I started stamping over 15 years ago!!  I think everyone liked it last night as well as they were stamping this card that everyone got to make.

Stamps: Flourishing Phrases, Eastern Beauty

Cardstock: Elegant Eggplant, Wisteria Wonder, Whisper White

Ink: Elegant Eggplant, Old Olive

Accessories: Stitched Shapes Framelits, Big Shot, 

Basic Pearl Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals

After the busy weekend and then getting everything ready yesterday and stamping last night, I think rest is on the agenda today . . . that is after I go to my hair appointment and have lunch with some friends.   The rest of the day I plan to rest, rest, rest!!!  I guess you have to have one of those days every now and then!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 11, 2017

All Things Thanks

Thanks you cards are something I think that is becoming a lost art.  But I also think they are oh so very important!!  This is one of the cards that everyone will be making tonight at Make-It-Monday.

I love the way it turned out!!  The silver embossing on the wording just pops!!

Stamps: All Things Thanks

Cardstock: Smoky Slate, Whisper White 

Accessories: Layering Ovals Framelits, Softly Falling Embossing Folder, 

Big Shot, Versamark, Silver Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, 

Foil Snowflakes, Silver 3/8" Metallic Edged Ribbon, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

I am not quite sure how after the weekend, but everything is ready to go for tonight's stamp night.  I just hope I haven't forgotten anything major!! Usually when I prepare some things early, I end up forgetting something!!

I think today I am just going to take it easy and maybe go to Iowa City a little early and try to get some more of my Christmas shopping done!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 10, 2017

Tranquil Tulips

This is one of the swaps I brought back from Utah that people thought they would like to make at a stamp night when they were looking through my samples.  So tomorrow night is the night!!

I love this color combination!!!

Stamps: Tranquil Tulips, Sorry For Everything

Cardstock: Whisper White Thick, Tranquil Tide, Whisper White: 

Ink: Berry Burst, Tranquil Tide, Basic Black

Accessories: Basic Jewel Pearls, Wink of Stella

The family weekend in Des Moines went off without a hitch this year!!!  The Jolly Holiday Lights, which benefits the Make-A-Wish foundation, was absolutely stunning!!  We are already making plans to accidentally all show up at the same time in Des Moines again next December!!

When we got home I finished cutting cardstock for tomorrow night and almost have everything ready to go!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 9, 2017

Gift Packs


I love it when Hanna calls and asks if I have any cards she can use as gifts.  It is a win, win, win situation!!!  I get rid of a lot of extra cards, she saves some money, and her recipients get an awesome gift.

So this week I bagged up 10 sets of 12 all occasion cards and brought them to her when we got together tonight.  My card racks are a little lighter and now there is room for new cards!!

We had a great time visiting last night.  I think there is ore of the same on the agenda for today topped off with a visit to the Jolly Holiday Lights this evening!!

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

Happy Stamping!!