January 31, 2017

High Tide

Back in August the seas certainly looked stormy and I was not sure how the next several months would go.  The one thing I never lost sight of, though, was hope that I could beat this ugly thing called cancer and resume my normal life.  This card, which every one made at a stamp night and which I cased off of a blog called Stampin' By The Sea fits perfectly with my life.  

It was doubly meaningful since touring lighthouses was a highlight of our two vacations in Maine. 

Stamps: High Tide

Cardstock: Whisper White Thick, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Tasty Treats

Ink: Watermelon Wonder, Calypso Coral, 

Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, 

Soft Suede, Daffodil Delight

Accessories: Stitched Shapes Framelits, Big Shot, 

Delicate White Doilies, Stampin' Dimensionals

I am happy to say that as soon as I am done posting this we are out the door to get my port removed and then everything about the last few months will be in my rearview mirror, except the gratefulness and thankfulness of good health, good family, and awesome friends. 

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 30, 2017

Sealed With Love

I love the coordinating suites that Stampin' Up! has started offering.  Almost everything for this card is included in the Sending Love Suite.

This is one of the Valentine cards that everybody will be making tonight at Make-It-Monday.

Stamps: Sealed With Love

Cardstock: Real Red, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Sending Love Paper Stack

Ink: Real Red

Accessories: Stitched Shapes Framelits Dies, 

Layering Circles Framelits, Big Shot, 

Delicate Doilies, Sendling Love Ribbon Combo Pack, 

Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Mini Glue Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterday I worked in my stamping room all day till John came in and said "Aren't you tired yet?"  And I could honestly say "No!"  That is an awesome feeling.  

Today I have already baked a batch of cookies for John to take to his coffee group and then plan to finish up a few things for tonight and will rest before heading to stamp night.  I am anxious to share all of the awesome cards we will be making!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 29, 2017

Dragonfly Dreams

Joseph's Coat is probably my favorite technique.  When I first saw this stamp set I knew it would be perfect for this technique.

This was one of the swaps I took to my stamping day yesterday.  A great time was had by all and I came home with so many cool new ideas, many of which we will be doing tomorrow night at Make-It-Monday.

Stamps: Dragonfly Dreams

Cardstock: Basic Black, Flirty Flamingo, Shimmery White, Whisper White

Ink: Basic Black, Crushed Curry, Flirty Flamingo, 

Bermuda Bay, Versamark

Accessories:  Detailed Dragonfly Thinlit Dies, Layering Circles Framelits, 

Big Shot, Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Tool,

Sponge Daubers, Glue Dots, Stampin Dimensionals

Yesterday was a fun day, but I was tired when I got home.  After a good night's sleep thoough, I am ready to spend the day today in my stamping room again, finishing getting everything ready for tomorrow night.  It is kind of funny, but after spending so much time at home the past few months, I don't feel the need to be constantly on the go.  Kind of weird how things work out!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 28, 2017

Rose Garden

It was great to spend yet another day in my stamping room getting ready for another Make-It-Monday.  Here is one of the cards everybody will be making.

With a quick change sentiment the card would work for about any occasion!!

Stamps: Rose Garden

Cardstock: Sweet Sugarplum, Crumb Cake, 

Very Vanilla (inside), Watercolor Paper, Cardstock Vellum 

Ink: Sweet Sugarplum, Crumb Cake

Accessories: Detailed Dragonfly Thinlits Dies, 

Layering Circles Framelits, Big Shot, 

Aquapainter,  Basic Pearl Jewels, Glue Dots

As soon as I am done posting this I am out the door to spend the day stamping with my demonstrator friends in Sigourney.  I am looking forward to seeing everyone and spending the day doing what I love!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 27, 2017

Cool Treats

Here is another card that I found on stampercamper's website.  This is the second of the shoebox swap cards that I took last Wednesday night to my monthly swap group.

Cool Treats is one of the stamp sets that we received when we went to the On Stage Local in Madison last November.  That is one of the perks of being a demonstrator . . . receiving some free stamp sets before they are released in the catalog and also getting tons of cool ideas to make with those stamp sets.

Stamps: Cool Treats

Cardstock: Flirty Flamingo, Dapper Denim Whisper White

Ink: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, 

Flirty Flamingo, Watermelon Wonder, Dapper Denim

Accessories: 2016-2018 In Color Enamel Shapes

Man . . . did it ever feel good to spend most of the day in my stamp room yesterday.  I am intending on doing the same thing again today!!

I even decided today to clean off the pharmacy that has been residing on my washer and dryer since August.  That definitely means I am back to my usual self because it was driving me crazy there now!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 26, 2017

Happy Celebrations

One of the blogs that I look at regularly is by a stamper called stampercamper.  This is one of the cards that she had posted a while back and I loved the color combination.

This is also one of the cards everybody got to make last Monday night.

Stamps: Happy Celebrations

Cardstock: Whisper White Thick, Watermelon Wonder, Basic Black, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper:  2015-2017 In Color Envelope Paper

Ink: Peekaboo Peach, Watermelon Wonder, Basic Black

Accessories:  Confetti Embossing Folder, Big Shot, 

Balloon Bouquet Punch, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

I started mid-morning in my stamping room working on swaps for this weekend and before I knew it is was late afternoon and I realized I had forgotten to do my post for today.  I must say that it did feel good to be back in my stamp room.

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 25, 2017

January Paper Pumpkin

After a bit of a mix up at the post office, I finally received my January Paper Pumpkin.  They had delivered it to the golf course mailbox, instead of mine.

I am really glad we got it figured out because I love this month's kit.  There are enough supplies in the kit to make 24 of these treat holders.  Here are some examples with the five sentiments that are included in the stamp set.

I am not really sure which of the sentiments I like the best.  I just know I LOVE the whole kit.

Quantities of this month's kit were limited, so there will be no refills (insert sad face).  But . . . I just so happen to have an extra kit that I will part with . . . stamp set and all the supplies!!  I will give it to the first person that books a home workshop and has at least six buying guests at their party.  Not only will you get the hostess benefits from your workshop, and some awesome Sale-a-Bration items with a qualifying order, you will also receive this Paper Pumpkin kit!!  Text or email me today so we can get your workshop on the calendar!!!   

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 24, 2017

 Avant Garden

I always say . . . "One can never have too many flower sets"  Especially when you can get one for free.  Avant Garden is one of the Sale-a-Bration sets that you can get for free with a $50 purchase.

This is one of the cards I took to a monthly shoebox stamping gathering last week.  I really like the combination of Pool Party and real red together.

Stamps: Avant Garden

Cardstock: Pool Party, Real Red, Whisper White

Ink: Real Red, Basic Black

Accessories: 3/8" Real Red Stitched Satin Ribbon, Tear and Tape

Last night's Make-It-Monday was a success.  I am so thankful for everyone that helped me set up and load my stuff in and out of the car.  I wasn't even all that tired when I got home . . . I stayed up way late reading a mystery book . . . so I consider that a good thing.  Today I have a late morning appointment and then I am going to come home and work on some swaps for an upcoming Saturday stamp day.  It feels so good to be semi back to normal . . . although I know I have a ways to go!!!  

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 23, 2017

Beautiful You

This stamp set is one of my two favorite sets in the whole Occasions catalog. I think it is because of the sentiments that are included with the set.  I knew the moment I saw it when we were in Madison last November that it would get a lot of use.  It totally fits my philosophy of life.

It works perfectly with the blender pens and watercolor pencils that are also new in the Occasions catalog.

Stamps: Beautiful You

Cardstock: Whisper White Thick, Rose Red, Whisper White

Ink: Basic Black Archival Ink

Accessories: Watercolor Pencils, Blender Pens, 

Basic Rhinestone Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals

As soon as I am done posting this I am out the door for a doctor's appointment to get the official results of my PET scan from last Thursday and to find out what the plan is from here on out.  I do know one thing . . . I am definitely feeling better and more like my old self every day.  

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 22, 2017

Sealed With Love

Between car accidents, trying to buy a new car, PET scans, doctor's appointments, and just trying to regain some strength and stamina, time in my stamping room and getting posts ready have been few and far between. I did have some time to finally get some cards made for Make-It-Monday and am finally getting round to getting some blog posts done.   This is one of the cards that everyone will be making tomorrow night at Make-It-Monday.

I love how easy this card is to make if you need a lot of Valentine's cards this year.  And now that the Stitched Shapes Framelits are back in stock, I think they add the perfect touch to the small white circle.

Stamps: Sealed With Love

all gameCardstock: Real Red, Whisper White

Ink: Real Red

Accessories: Stitched Shapes Framelits, 

Layering Circles Framelits, 

Happy Heart Embossing Folder, 

Big Shot, Stampin' Dimensionals

Although the days have been cloudy and kind of gloomy I will take these warm temperatures in January over the deep bone chilling cold that we have had some years.  I am also liking the no snow!!  Today will be the perfect day to finish getting things ready for tomorrow night and to watch a couple of football games.  I really don't care who wins as long as they are good games!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 11, 2017

Double Take

Check out this really cute stamp set . . . . Double Take!!  Oh the possibilities!!!!   I was glad to see this stamp set in action, since I am a visual learner.  

Yesterday was a long morning at the doctor's office, but oh so worth it.  He says I can resume all of my normal activities and live my life the way I did before last August.  I know it will be a while before I have my normal energy, but I am good to go.  I did have to take a nap when I got home though because after we got done at the doctor we went out for lunch and then made a Target run, before Julie dropped John and I off.  

Today I plan on cleaning in my room a little bit and getting stamps put away from stamp classes I had in October before I lost my get up and go.  They have just been sitting in the tubs since I carried them in the house October 24th.  It will be good to get my table cleaned off and start to work in there again!!

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

 Happy Stamping!!

January 9, 0217

So In Love

Check out today's video for another awesome stamp set and thinlit dies set to match.  These would be perfect for any upcoming weddings, anniversaries, or even Valentine's day.

I love the delicateness of these cards.  The one thing you are going to be sure you have to use these dies is the precision base plate!!

Every day is getting better and better.  I went to coffee this morning with a friend and then stopped and had a massage on my neck and upper back. After all the sitting and laying around I have done, the massage felt wonderful!!  I think each of the short outings is the way to go to build my stamina back up. I even had the energy to figure out how the self cleaning feature on my oven works this morning.  I know I have done it before, but for the life of me, I couldn't remember how I did it.  So, I had to find the instruction book . . . . no small task and read up on all of the safety features before I started out. But it is in the process of being cleaned . . . something it badly needed!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 8, 2017

Up & Away Thinlit Dies

My plan of working 20 minutes and then resting and working again worked great yesterday.  I can now walk all the way through my room and all of my new Occasions and Sale-a-Bration products have a place on my shelves.  The retiring product is put away awaiting another massive garage sale at some point.  Now all that remains is to get my actual stamping table cleaned off and I think I am ready to stamp!!

The video I want to share with you today is the Up & Away Thinlit Dies video. I have not yet purchased this set or the dies because I didn't think I needed them (famous last words), but after looking at all the cute stuff that can be made I may be changing my mind!!

As soon as I am done posting this I think I may be headed to Iowa City just to get some fresh air and a little exercise.  You can only walk so much in a small house and as I am feeling better I am getting a little claustrophobic so that seemed like the thing to do!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 7, 2017

Independence

Independence is a wonderful thing.  I actually drove myself to my doctor's appointment yesterday.  That turned out to be a good thing and an okay thing.  My platelet count had been extremely low this time last week and now it is sky high.  Rather than just sending me home and assuming things would be okay they ran several other tests and scans to make sure I didn't have any other blood clots anywhere or anything goofy going on, since I don't seem to be following their usual pattern.  The downside to me being there by myself is that they would not let me walk anywhere so I had to graciously (okay . . . maybe not so graciously) accept a wheelchair ride to wherever that particular test was.  The University is very good about having patient escorts to wheel people places.  I met several of the nicest young people yesterday.  The good news is that everything checked out okay and I just have to go back next week again for labs and to talk things over with my doctor again.  

But enough about health . . . 

Here is another of the videos I want to share with you.  I love these Balloon Pop-Up Thinlits Dies and the coordinating stamp set.  We used these back in November when I went to Madison and I think they are much easier to use than some of the dies we have had in the past.

I did ask my physician's assistant (who is a stamper herself) if she thought it would be okay to go ahead and start my stamp classes back up and she said she thought it would be great as long as I didn't go one hundred miles an hour . . . . I needed to remember what all I have been through the last six months and particularly the last two.  So today I plan to start digging out my stamp room so I can do that.  We have just been setting stuff in there for two months and I have no idea where anything is.  So today I am going to work for 20 minutes, rest for 90, work for 20 and so on.  I might be surprised how much I actually get done!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 5, 2017

Pretty Pocket Card Kit

Wouldn't you know it, just when I figure out how I can keep my blog going without having energy to make any cards, even that has its problems. Yesterday morning I was getting ready to do my blog post when all of a sudden Stampin' Up! lost all of its contact with the outside world . . . their website, their phone lines, their ordering system, their email!!  By the time it was all fixed and back on line I was snoozing away again!  So we will start again today.

Today I want to share with you another card kit but this one you can get for free with a $50 purchase . . . the Pretty Pocket Card Kit.  This kit makes 8 cards.

Each day is getting better so maybe I am just the impatient sort . . . I know who knew.  I do have another doctor appointment early tomorrow morning so I may do my blog post before I leave or I may wait till I get home . . .  just depends on how the morning goes!! 

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 3, 2017

Blood Clots, Low Counts, and Transfusions, Oh My!!!

It has been an interesting couple of weeks.  Since December 10th I have had three emergency room visits, six other doctor visits, and numerous phone calls with the ER staff and On Call Oncology doctors.  Why is it that problems never happen during regular business hours???  First off I want to say that I have been extremely blessed during the course of my treatment, because I know the whole five months could have been like this and I have only had to deal with this for about a month!!  Definitely answered prayers!!!  

My reactions to my last two chemos have dropped my counts dangerously low each time.  This last time was the worst . . . . where I had practically no immunity for anything.  I ended up needing a blood transfusion and also they stopped the treatment for the blood clot in my leg which was diagnosed in November.  This ended up being a mistake because I developed another and even bigger clot this time.  After an ER visit they decided to start me back on a half dose of the blood thinning medicine but this clot is so painful that I can hardly walk.  I am hoping that changes SOON!!  While I was at the ER for that visit they told me I had a fever, which I did not realize and has persisted off and on for  three or four days.  There are no infections so the best they can guess it is caused by the blood clot, or maybe a reaction to the transfusion I had.  Meanwhile my counts are climbing slowly, but I am not at all sure when I will feel like going into my stamping room and I really want to share all of the exciting new products that will be available starting tomorrow in the Occasions and Sale-a-Bration catalogs.  So I decided to use the resources that Stampin' Up! provides for us and will be sharing some videos of the new products until I can get my feet back under me (literally and figuretively) and get back to my stamp room.

We are going to start with the Birthday Bright Project Kit.

My goal is to share a video everyday until I regain enough strength to make some of my own projects again.  At least starting today the will is there just not the way!!  Hopefully that will come soon!!

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

Happy Stamping!!