September 30, 2017

Special Project

I finished the  special project for my niece.   She is the driving force behind the Festival of L.I.F.E (Live It Fully Everyday) in her county in Illinois.  Last year I made her survivor cards for this festival and did the same thing this year.

Although I will admit the cards had a little different meaning this year!!

Today is going to be a busy day.  Hanna is bringing a friend home so he can meet the rest of the family.  We are planning on spending some time at the Fall Festival and then going out for supper in Iowa City.  It looks to be a beautiful day for the festival.

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

Happy Stamping!!

SaveSave

September 29, 2017

Painted Harvest

This is the last of the cards that everyone made on Monday night.  It is probably my favorite one of the six cards we made.

All of the other times I have used this stamp I have used the traditional sunflower colors . . . but this time I decided to try something not quite typical.  I really like the way it turned out.

Stamps: Painted Harvest

Cardstock: Perfect Plum, Old Olive, So Saffron, Very Vanilla 

Ink: Perfect Plum, Old Olive, Daffodil delight

Accessories: Layering Squares Framelits, Big Shot, 

Old Olive Mini Chevron Ribbon, Subtles Enamel Shapes, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Today I am working on a very special project for my niece that lives in Illinois. I will share it with you tomorrow.  The rest of the day will be spent picking up the house, if not actually cleaning.  Hanna is bringing a friend home with her tomorrow so he can meet the rest of the family and I decided the house should at least look picked up!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 28, 2017

Count My Blessings

Back again with another Count My Blessings card.  There are so many possibilities with this stamp set.  I am sure there will be some more samples before I am through with it!!

This is another one of the cards everyone made on Monday night at Make-It-Monday.

Stamps: Count My Blessings, Birthday Blooms

Cardstock: Very Vanilla Thick, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: Painted Autumn

Ink: Early Espresso, Sahara Sand, Crushed Curry, Peekaboo Peach, Garden Green

Accessories: Stitched Shapes Framelits, Big Shot, 

Blender Pens, Gold Faceted Gems, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

My organizing continued yesterday as I got my stamp room tamed back into somewhat of an organized fashion.  I had stuff everywhere after my flurry of creating for craft shows.  At least now you can see the floor again and all of my craft show things are back in their place ready to be hauled out again at the end of October.  And my table is cleaned off enough so that if I wanted to stamp today I certainly could!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 27, 2017

Spooky Cat

I think I have said before that I don't know who I am going to send Halloween cards to, but I sure do love making them!!

The Spooky Night Designer Series Paper has made this card particularly easy!! You can get 16 cards from just one sheet of the paper.  I love the tree with the moon behind it.  This is one of the cards that everyone got to make on Monday night.

Stamps: Spooky Cat

Cardstock: Basic Gray, Basic Black, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: Spooky Night

Ink: Basic Gray, Basic Black Marker

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

Vintage Crochet Trim, Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterday was what I call an organizational day.  I got all of my cards sorted and arranged on my craft show racks, got all of my Stampin' Up! and craft show bookwork done, planned several blog posts, got several cards written in and sent, and got some cards ready for a shop in Kalona that looked me up at The Barn this weekend and asked if I would bring them some cards to sell. And I got laundry done . . . pretty good for what I was planning as a day of rest!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 26, 2017

Merry Patterns

Although this stamp set, Merry Patterns, is a Christmas set, I think it works great for birthdays as well!!  I saw a card similar to this on Pinterest, and knew it would be perfect for a Make-It-Monday card.

The more you work with this set, the easier it gets to lone up the candles. And the best part of this set . . . it is FREE with a qualifying party.  If you host a party with $300 in sales by October 31st, you can earn this set for free.

Stamps: Merry Patterns, Birthday Banners

Cardstock: Whisper White Thick, Dapper Denim, Lemon Line Twist, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Eastern Palace

Ink: Basic Black, Lemon Lime Twist, Dapper Denim

Accessories: Stitched Shape Framelit Dies, 

Layering Squares Framelits, Polka Dot Bascs Embossing Folder, 

Big Shot, Banner Triple Punch, Dapper Denim 3/8" Striped Ribbon, 

Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals

If you could see my kitchen right now, you would think . . . what in the world!!!!  I have my craft show stuff in one area and my supplies from last night in another area.  My job today will be to try and get my stamp room cleaned up and everything put back in its place.  One thing I want to do is take an inventory of the cards I have for sale and try to get them somewhat more organized.  they always start out that way,  but by the end of the show they are a complete mess!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 25, 2017

Count My Blessings

Still counting my blessings and making cards with this set.  I love the fall colors and the way this turned out!!

This is one of the cards everyone stamping tonight will be making. I really need to use my aqua painter more than I do.  I think it was just the right touch for the leaves and acorns on this stamp.

Stamps: Count My Blessings

Cardstock: Early Espresso, Cajun Craze, Very Vanilla

Ink:Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Daffodil Delight, Cajun Craze 

Accessories: Layering Ovals Framelits, Big Shot, 

Aquapainter, Burlap Ribbon, Paper Snips, 

Tear and Tape, Stampin' Dimensionals

Everything is cut, ready, and assembled for Make-It-Monday tonight.  I just need to unload my car from the craft show, so that I can load it with tonight's supplies.  I probably should do that before it gets too much hotter today!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 24, 2017

Painted Harvest

I am in love with the sentiments in the fall offerings of stamps in the Holiday catalog.  Sometimes all you need is the sentiment and a little designer series paper and you have a pretty awesome card.

This is a card that I saw on Pinterest (my latest obsession) and one that everybody will be making tomorrow night at Make-It-Monday.

Stamps: Painted Harvest

Cardstock: So Saffron, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla, Vellum

Designer Series Paper: Painted Autumn

Ink: Early Espresso

Accessories: Triple Banner Punch, Leaf Punch, 

Jute Twine, Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals

I am getting a late start this morning.  I was beat by the time I got everything loaded in the car yesterday.  The show was great!!  One of the best I have ever done there . . . if you take out the heat.

I think Carderella and her little sister, Crafty will be going to other fall shows with me!!

Today I will be cutting cardstock for tomorrow night and then Julie, Jason, John, and I will be going out for supper to celebrate my clean bill of health. We celebrate every time, because we never ever take our good health for granted!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 23, 2017

Warm Wishes


Warm Wishes is what I had for everybody yesterday coming to the Flea and Fair at The Barn and I think today is going to be more of the same!!

As hot as it was, hot chocolate and Christmas was just about the last thing on anybody's mind.

This is the latest in the little boxes holding a K-cup.  These have hot chocolate for those non-coffee drinkers.

All joking aside, yesterday was a great day at The Barn.  I have my booth set up so that I am sitting a little outside of the big tent in the shade and catch the breeze that blows through the pine trees.  It was very hot at times, but also very pleasant a lot of the time as well.  The hard part today will be tearing down in the heat of the afternoon!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 22, 2017

Count My Blessings

This is the last card that we made at Make-It-Monday last week.  It is one that my friend, Susie, provided as a swap when we went to her house a while back.

When the watercolor pencils first came out I used them all of the time. but I haven't used them for quite a while.  I need to get back to using them more because I really like the look they give.

Stamps:  Count My Blessings, Labels to Love

Cardstock:  Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: Painted Autumn

Ink:  Early Espresso, Soft Suede

Accessories:  Watercolor Pencils, Blender Pens, 2 1/4" Circle Punch, 

Linen Thread, Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals

HOT HOT HOT HOT HOT . . . those are the only words I can think of to describe the weather when I went out yesterday to set up my booth for The Barn.  I got my car unloaded, my tables set up and covered, and I decided I had had enough.  I am planning on going out this morning and finishing setting things up when hopefully it is a little cooler.  If you are in the area, stop out and see me!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 21, 2017

Sidetracked!!!!

My intentions were good yesterday . . . I was planning on making some Christmas boxes similar to the Halloween boxes of yesterday.  I got sidetracked, however when I was looking at my designer series paper!!

The paper I was looking at just kept screaming Hawkeyes at me . . . and then to be an equal opportunity crafter, I had to make an ISU one.

Once again I used up some of my retired product that was in my stash . . . as Summer Sun from many years ago is a great Hawkeye color.  

 And yes . . . I just about burnt my fingers making something ISU . . . but here it is!!

John had a former student stop and visit yesterday afternoon.  We had a great 3 hour visit, so today I am going to finish up making a couple more sets of these boxes and finish packing up stuff here at home.  In the late afternoon, I am heading over to The Barn, to set up my booth for this weekend.  I have found if the opportunity presents itself to set up a day early, I usually do that, as it helps me to still conserve my energy and not have so much to do on one day.  

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 20, 2017

Spooky Treats

I could not resist whipping up a couple more craft show items yesterday.  I saw this on the net somewhere in my searches and took a picture of it.  When I tried to go back and find it again to give credit, I could not for the life of me find it again!!!  But I think it is super adorable

The hardest part for me was to figure out how to make the paper cubes.  I am not very spatially oriented and was having a hard time figuring out how to do it with a 12 X 12 sheet of paper.  I was in my kitchen fixing dinner and happened to see the box of stuff I brought home from Hanna's to sell at my garage sale.  Lo and behold, one of the things that did not sell was the retired box maker punch board that we had gotten for Hanna.  Problem solved!!

Stamps: Spooky Treats

Cardstock: Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie

Designer Series Paper: Spooky Nights

Ink: Basic Gray

Accessories: Large Letter Alphabet Dies, Layering Circle Framelits, 

Big Shot, Black Crochet Trim, Tear and Tape

Today I am planning on making a Christmas version of these boxes, so check back tomorrow!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 19, 2017

Merry Cafe

Here is another craft show project made with the Merry Cafe stamp set.  I think I might have mentioned that I love Pumpkin Spice lattes, so I was thrilled with this particular stamp.  

Wrapping these little cups is so easy and yet another project I can do while watching baseball on TV.  It sure is a good thing baseball and craft shows happen at the same time.

I was even more thrilled when I found some Pumpkin Spice latte K-cups and then the little Reese's Peanut Butter cup shaped pumpkin candy bars!!

Stamps: Merry Cafe

Cardstock: Cajun Craze Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: Retired from my huge stash

Ink: Always Artichoke, Cajun Craze Marker

Accessories: Everyday Label Punch, Blender Pens, Tear and Tape, Copper Ribbon

My appointment with my oncologist went very well yesterday, although it took up all afternoon.  I am continuing to do well, in complete remission, and blood counts all back to normal!!  I even got sprung until after the holidays!! I am continuing to feel very blessed.  I was still very tired though after the weekend so went to bed QUITE early last night and slept for 13 hours straight!!  I should be good to go to go today for more of whatever I decide to do!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 18, 2017

Cookie Cutter Christmas

Even as tired as I was yesterday, I could not just sit in my chair and watch the Cubs on TV.  My hands had to be busy doing something so of course I turned to more paper folding and items for The Barn Flea and Fair this weekend!!

I had made these Santa-tizers for craft shows a couple of years back and they were very popular.  I ran into a deal on Bath and Body Works hand sanitizers so decided to give it a try again.

I whipped up fifty of these guys very quickly during the three hour Cub game yesterday afternoon.  It is a good thing I like to color . . . but I must say I would much rather be coloring them at home in front of the TV.  Last year I would take any coloring like this to the hospital and do it while I was getting chemo.

And of course I LOVE the name of the sanitizer . . . Dazzling Diamonds . . . what could be more perfect for a Stampin' Up! crafter!!

Stamps:  Cookie Cutter Christmas

Cardstock: Real Red, Whisper White

Ink: Basic Black

Accessories: Simply Scored, Cookie Cutter Builder Punch, 

Classic Label Punch, Real Red, Basic Black, Blush Blossom, 

and Crushed Curry Markers, Tear and Tape, 

1/8" Handheld Circle Punch, Silver 1/8" Ribbon 

I would like to say that today will be a rest day again, but that is not the case.  I have my actual three month appointment with my oncologist this afternoon so I know that will take up the bulk of the afternoon.  I may go to Iowa City earlier and run some errands.  Crafting may happen this evening . . . we shall just have to wait and see.

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 17, 2017

Merry Patterns

Merry Patterns looks like it would be a very difficult stamp set to use, but it is actually VERY easy . . . and the best news is that you can get for FREE with a qualifying party!!

This is one of the cards that everyone made last Monday night and one that I found on a blog that I look at . . . Stamp With Amy.  I love the black, white, and red, even though they are not traditional Christmas colors!!

Stamps: Merry Patterns

Cardstock: Basic Black, Real Red, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Merry Little Christmas

Ink: Basic Black, Real Red, Daffodil Delight

Accessories:Black 3/8" Shimmer Ribbon, Black Rhinestone Jewels, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterdays event was absolutely fantastic.  The Penoach Winery is such a fantastic place.  The setting was so cool, the atmosphere wonderful, the live music great, and the weather while rainy off and on did not damper anyones spirits.  

The sales were great, but the best part was getting to spend time with Hanna and meeting her new friend!!  Life is good!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 16, 2017

Merry Cafe

What is there not to like about this stamp set  . . . it matches two of my favorite things . . . coffee and stamping!!  Once of Hanna's friends saw an ad somewhere for pumpkin spice flavored butter . . . I am thinking that it would be delicious and perfect on a roll with a  pumpkin spice latte!!  Are you getting the idea I like pumpkin spice??

This is one of the cards that everyone stamping this week got to make.  It is way easier to make than what it looks!!

Stamps: Merry Cafe

Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Pumpkin Pie, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: Spooky Night

Ink: Early Espresso, Pumpkin Pie

Accessories: Coffee Cup Framelits, 

Woodland Textured Embossing Folder, 

Big Shot, Banner Triple Punch, 5/8" Burlap Ribbon, 

Linen Thread, Glue Dots

I made it to Des Moines and everything fit in the car . . . barely!! 

I think the scarecrow may have to ride on top!!  Let's hope I have a whole lot more room on the way home!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 15, 2017

Half Full

I think I might have mentioned that I am doing a show tomorrow at a winery and that I just had to get the stamp set, Half Full.  I had so many ideas running around in my head of things I could make with it for the show . . . more ideas than time, however.  I did manage to get some wine tags made that I think turned out pretty cute.

 

I chose Old Olive and Fresh Fig for the colors of the tags because I thought they looked "winey". I was really glad I had when I went to take this photo and realized that they match the Penoach Winery bottles and labels.  I used the fine tip glue pen and went over all of the wine in the glasses to give it a watery look.  Took a while for them to dry completely, but I really like the look it gives the labels.

Stamps: Half Full

Cardstock: Fresh Fig, Old Olive, Whisper White

Ink: Basic Black, Fresh Fig, Old Olive

Accessories: 1/8" Handheld Circle Punch, 1/8" Gold Ribbon, 

1/8" Fresh Fig Sheer Ribbon, 3/8" Old Olive Mini Chevron Ribbon, 

Blender Pens, Aquapainter, Fine Tip Glue Pen

I think I am ready for tomorrow.  Everything Is sitting by the door waiting to be loaded into the car.  I am planning on leaving late morning because I want to make  a few  stops along the way and also do a little shopping once I get to Des Moines before I meet Hanna after school.  The weather looks to be good although pretty hot!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 14, 2017

New Craft Show Item

Yesterday was a very busy day with appointments, errands, and stamping!! Here is my latest craft show item.  

I took the pattern that my friend, Susie, had for us to make a Halloween treat holder a couple of weeks ago and made Iowa and Iowa State treat holders.  It just about killed me to make something Iowa State, but I decided since I would be in ISU territory this weekend, it might be a good idea.

I did use all Stampin' Up! product in these treat holders, but much of it is retired.  It is amazing what all I have in my stamp room that will work for some projects.  I did have to consult with a friend as to what color red cardstock to use . . . because you know I am just not all that up on anything ISU!!

Today will be more of the same . . . getting ready for this weekend and appointments . . . only this time it is a dentist appointment . . . something I do not look forward to!!  But the day will end well as I am having dinner with some friends at my favorite Mexican restaurant!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 13, 2017

Count My Blessings

Count my blessings . . . indeed I do  . . . each and every day!!  So when I saw the name of this stamp set, I knew I was getting it regardless of what it looked like.  Good thing I ended up liking the stamps!!  But I love the sentiments even more!!

This card, which I found on Pinterest, is one that everybody made on Monday night.

Stamps: Count My Blessings

Cardstock: Early Espresso, Garden Green, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: Painted Autumn

Ink: Early Espresso, Crushed Curry, Garden Green 

Accessories: Layering Circles Framelits, Big Shot, 

Blender Pens, Crushed Curry Solid Baker's Twine, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterday was a very busy stamping day!!  I actually got way more done than I had thought I would.  Hanna's fifty thank you and birthday cards are done, the 30 Post-It-Note holders I started last week are now all done, and  I also got about 25 more Halloween treat holders finished.  I also managed to dig out all of the stuff from nooks and crannies in my stamp room for the craft show on Saturday.  And I rested and watched the Cubs game in the evening!! 

I have an appointment in Iowa City this morning and am going to run a few errands while I am there.  I hope to come home and finish up a couple of Halloween decor items, before the Cubs game this evening.  I do love staying busy and having the energy to do so . . . counting my blessings!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 12, 2017

Merry Cafe

I think I may have mentioned before that I could probably fold these little boxes in my sleep.  Here is the Halloween edition.

This was the original box that I made with the directions from the Chic'n Scratch blog.

I just love these little guys and the Witches Brew with Scream and Sugar is the perfect thing for the front!!

o finish up

Stamps: Merry Cafe

Cardstock: Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Spooky Night

Ink: Basic Black

Accessories: Layering Circles Framelits,  

Stitched Shape Framelits, Big Shot, 

Paper Snips, Black Rhinestone Jewels, 

Stampin Dimensionals, Tear and Tape

We had a great time at Make-It-Monday last night.  I think everybody was happy with the cards!!  Today is the last whole day I have to spend in my craft room before this weekend's show . . . which means I am going to be a busy little stamper trying to finish up those projects I already have started and maybe even start a couple more!!  Paper folding will definitely be on the agenda during the Cubs game tonight!!

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

Happy Stamping!!