January 31, 2018

Sure Do Love You

Late start yesterday . . . even later start today!!!  Rest yesterday . . . even more rest today!!!  I am definitely taking to heart the advice I got on Monday . . . rest rest rest!

Today's card is one I got in a swap last month at our demonstrator meeting. Rory, who lives in New York, made this card as her swap.  

I love the descending heart sizes on this card.  I also like the designer series paper she chose to use on this card.  I have always used the other side of this particular pattern.

Stamps: Sure Do Love You

Cardstock: Blushing Bride, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Petal Passion

Ink: Basic Blushing Bride

Accessories: Lots to Love Box Framelits, Big Shot, Versamark, 

White Embossing Powder, Heat Tool,  

Whisper White 1/4" Organza Ribbon, 

Basic Rhinestone Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals

I am hoping that tomorrow I am ready to be on the go again.  I have several things I would like to do before heading to Des Moines on Friday morning for the shopping weekend!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 30, 2018

Colorful Seasons

I was looking through the swap cards I got when we were in Utah in November and came across this one . . . . and thought it was a good reminder!!  I sure do wish the weather was this warm . . . but  even so, a good reminder for me to just take time to enjoy the things around you!!

I love the color combination that was used on this card . . . it seems to peaceful and calm!!

I am getting a rather late start to the day today, because I seem to have slept in some.  My visit to the doctor yesterday revealed that I have a sinus infection and a good old fashioned cold, but with a compromised immune system, it has really knocked me for a loop.  I was glad to hear it was only that . . . I was afraid I might have been starting with the flu.  So my plan is to not do much the rest of the week, let the antibiotic do its magic, and hopefully be good to go this weekend for wedding dress shopping.  

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 29, 2018

Petal Palette

Petal Palette was perfect for several of the generic sympathy cards someone had ordered.  The black and white was also perfect for the non-gender specific cards.

Flowerbug's Inkspot, a blog I follow, had a card with this basic design on the front, although hers was a funky fold card.

Stamps: Petal Palette, Rose Wonder

Cardstock: Whisper White Thick, Basic Black,  

Designer Series Paper: Petal Passion

Ink: Basic Black

Accessories: Petals & More Thinlit Dies, Big Shot, Pretty Label Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

Today looks to be a pretty busy day . . . it starts with a doctor's appointment in the morning to see if I can shake this sinus crap that has been bothering me.  Since I have to be in Iowa City tonight for the Perennial Birthday Class I am just going to spend the afternoon there.  I will probably try to go to the nail salon, but I will have my book with me if I have any other time to kill.

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 28, 2018

Save the Dates

I believe I may have mentioned that I was working on some Save the Date cards for one of Hanna's good friends.  Well, I received mine in the mail yesterday so now I can share them with you.

They use a combination of retired stamps.  To be honest I am not even sure what stamp sets they are from because when Hanna and Lauren were designing these this summer I told them to just keep out the ones that made the final cut and put them in a tub so I would know for sure which ones to use. The colors I remember . . . luckily . . . Powder Pink, Blushing Bride, Soft Suede, and Fresh Fig.  We originally had some green leaves in there as well, but took them out at the last minute and I like the result much better.

I think I have said before you can never have too many flower sets and this is a prime example of how you can mix and match them all together.

Today is gong to be another low key day.  I think we are going out to eat with Julie and Jason this evening for John's birthday, but other than that there is not much on the agenda.

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 27, 2018

Petal Palette

Yesterday was another day at home working on some sympathy cards.  The Petal Palette Suite in the Occasions catalog was perfect for this.

I thought about adding some color to the card, but decided to leave it just black and white.  I am really happy with the way it turned out.

Stamps: Petal Palette

Cardstock: Whisper White Thick, Basic Black, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Petal passion

Ink: Basic Black

Accessories: Flourish Tig Shot, 2 " Circle Punch, 

Starburst Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

Other than going to the grocery store this morning, I am planning on staying home and working on cards again.  I can hardly believe that I kept to my word to rest this week and not be on the go all of the time, but I do think it has been a great decision.  Books, cards, and rest have been the words of the week!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 26, 2018

Lovely As A Tree

Lovely As A Tree has been in the catalog as long as I have been a demonstrator . . . a little over 13 years.  I still use this set a lot . . . especially when I am making sympathy cards.  I pulled it out this week and used it several times for my order of sympathy cards.

The picture does not do this card justice at all.  I tried photographing it several different ways and it always looked the same.  The tree and sentiment are embossed with gold embossing powder and it really looks elegant.

Stamps: Lovely As A Tree, Rose Wonder

Cardstock: Very Vanilla Thick, Very Vanilla 

Accessories: Versamark, Gold Embossing Powder, Heat Tool

So my goal of resting this week has gone quite well so far!!  I worked on some cards yesterday until last night when John and I and another couple went out for supper.  I am planning on working on cards again today until taking John to a doctor's appointment late this afternoon. 

Tomorrow and Sunday look to be more of the same!!  I should be good and rested up!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 25, 2018

Heartfelt Blooms

The one thing about sitting and resting is that it gives me a ton of time to browse Pinterest for card ideas.  That is a good thing and a bad thing!!  This card which everyone made last Monday night is one of those cards.  The one thing I don't like about Pinterest is that it is sometimes hard to trace the card back to it's original creator.

 

This new type of stamp "DistINKtive", which Stampin' Up! is getting a patent for, lays down the ink at different opacities, which gives the finished image more depth.  I can't wait to see what other stamps they come up with in the coming months.

  

Stamps: Heartfelt Blooms

Cardstock: Sweet Sugarplum, Basic Gray, Whisper White

Ink: Sweet Sugarplum, Basic Gray

Accessories: Tailored Tag Punch, Shimmer Ribbon Pack, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Well . . . my car is out of the shop . . . and I am trying to decide if it will be a stay at home day or a go somewhere day.  It is John's birthday today, so I would like to take him somewhere for supper tonight.  I guess we will see what the rest of the day brings before deciding on that!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 24, 2018

Amazing You

Today's card is another one of the we made at a demonstrator meeting a couple of weeks ago, and again I am not sure who brought it!!  But I sure do like it!!!  I have seen other ones with the same layout on Pinterest, but not with the twist of the embossing folder.  I think it gives it just that extra pop!!

This was another one of the cards everyone made on Monday night at stamp night.  I am thinking this would be a great non traditional graduation card if made in school colors!!!

  

Cardstock: Smoky Slate, So Saffron, Basic Black, Basic Gray, Pool Party

Designer Series Paper: Myths and Magic Glimmer 

Accessories: CelebrateYou Thinlits, Sparkle Embossing Folder, Big Shot, 

Tailored Tag Punch, Tutti Frutti Adhesive Backed Sequins, 

Fine Tip Glue Pen

Other than my appointments yesterday I pretty much took it easy the whole day.  Today my car goes in to the shop so I know that I will be staying home today.  I am thinking that I may work some on an order of sympathy cards that I have to get done.  Other than that it is going to be another low key day!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 23, 2018

Heart Happiness

One of the blogs I look at . . . Stamp With Amy . . . had this card on it a couple of days ago.  I thought it would be perfect for a friend valentine card with out being too mushy.

It is one of the cards everyone got to make last night at Make-It-Monday. Other than a lot of coloring, it is really easy to do!!

Stamps: Heart Happiness, Waterfront

Cardstock: Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Sweet Soiree

Ink: Memento Black, Rich Razzleberry

Accessories: Sweet & Sassy Framelit Dies, Big Shot, 

Old Olive, Daffodil Delight, Rich Razleberry Blends Combo Pack, 

Faceted Gems, Stampin' Dimensionals

I decided last night that this week was going to be a pretty much do nothing week other than the couple of appointments that John and I have.  We will see how long that lasts!!  I was talking with Hanna on the way home last night and we decided that it was just in our nature to be busy and on the go!!  But I do know that I need to be smart in how much on the go I am!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 22, 2018

Happy Wishes

Need a lot of birthday cards, but don't have a lot of time??  Then I have the card for you!!  And the best part is that this stamp set is a FREE Sale-a-Bration set with a qualifying purchase!!

A Memento Black ink pad, some Stampin' Blends, the stamp set . . . and you are in business.  This set has many other words so you could make cards for a variety of occasions.  This is one of the cards we will be making tonight at Make-It-Monday.

lanterns Stamps: Happy Wishes

Cardstock: Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Petal Passion

Ink: Memento Black Ink

Accessories: Various Stampin' Blends, 

Pearl Basic Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals

I am loving the warmer temperatures, but the gray days . . . not so much!! Today looks to be another one of those . . . but at least we are not getting 4-8 inches of snow.  Every thing is mostly ready for tonight, so I will finish that up and head to Iowa City a little early and scout out another couple of places for lanterns for the wedding.  The corner of my kitchen is getting quite full so it is a good thing I am making a trip to Adel in the next couple of weeks to deliver these things and start to gather more!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 21, 2018

Petal Palette

Petal Passion Designer Series paper is so awesome and you can do so much with it.  Here is another example of it colored in . . . but not nearly as much coloring for those that aren't like me and love to color!!

This is one of the cards that someone brought as a shoebox swap a couple of weeks ago.  I am sorry I forgot to sticky note who brought what this time.  It is one of the cards that everyone will be making tomorrow night at Make-It-Monday.

Stamps: Petal Palette

Cardstock: Calypso Coral, Basic Black, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Petal Passion

Ink: Basic Black, Various Stampin Blends

Accessories: 1 3/4" Circle Punch, 2" Circle Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterday was a very successful shopping outing.  I found five lanterns for Hanna and only spent a minimal amount of money.  A win win for everyone. After a great lunch, Luetta and I made our way home, and I spent the rest of the afternoon with a good book.  Today I need to get busy and get everything cut for tomorrow night!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 20, 2018

Bubble Over

The minute I saw this stamp set in the Occasions Catalog I knew I had to have it, if only to make cards for my family.   I had an opportunity to use it this week as one of my brothers and one of my nephews have birthdays in January.

I hope they have already received them . . . if not they will see them here first!!  And I hope they like them as much as I liked making them!!  I love the Glitter and Clear Epoxy Shapes . . . can't believe how much it really looks like water droplets on the bottles!!

Stamps: Bubble Over

Cardstock: Basic Gray, Whisper White, Silver Foil

Designer Series Paper: Bubble & Fizz

Ink: Lemon line Twist, Early Espresso, Real Red, Bermuda Bay

Accessories: Bottles and Bubbles Framelits Dies, Big Shot, 

Glitter and Clear Epoxy Shapes, Stampin' Dimensionals

Today I am on the great lantern hunt . . . Hanna wants to have lanterns lining the aisles of the church for her wedding so Luetta and I are headed to Cedar Rapids to check out the thrift stores so see what we can find!!  I am sure there will be some other stops along the way . . . and of course lunch out somewhere!!  Nice that the weather is cooperating and being a little bit warmer for our outing!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 19, 2018

Heartfelt Blooms

The Heartfelt Blooms stamp set is SO SO SO easy to work with and you get a beautiful stamped image every time!!  I finally branched out and decided to try it with another color other than gray!!!  

When I was looking for ideas to take to Paper Pals on Wednesday this one popped right out at me.  Island Indigo is not a color I usually use, but it was perfect for this card!!

Stamps: Heartfelt Blooms

Cardstock: Whisper White Thick, Whisper White, Island Indigo 

Ink: Island Indigo

Accessories: Basic Pearl Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals

Wow . . . what a difference a week makes in the weather!!!  Last Friday morning was so bitterly cold and today it is going to reach 40 . . . makes me want to get out my spring clothes!!!  However, now that it is not so cold I am hoping to work on cleaning up my stamp room so I can stamp in there again rather than the kitchen table!!! 

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 18, 2018

Happy Birthday Thinlits

When I first saw this paper at the convention in November I fell in live with it. Once I ordered some and started working with it . . . not so much!!   So . . . when I saw this card on Pinterest, I decided to give it a try.  It is super simple and I really like the result!!

I took this as a swap to my monthly Paper Pals swap group and I think they all liked it as well!!

Cardstock: Powder Pink, Basic Black

Designer Series Paper: Painted With Love

Accessories: Happy Birthday Thinlits, Big Shot, 

Fine-Tip Glue Pen, Metallic Enamel Shapes

Today has ended up being my eat out day.  I am meeting some friends for lunch . . . the lunch that usually lasts till close to supper time.  If it lasts that long I will just go from the lunch restaurant to the restaurant where I am meeting some friends for supper.  Good thing John is not a picky eater and like take-out!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 17, 2018

Waterfront

As a child I used to love to color.  One of my favorite Christmas presents every year would be the brand new box of 72 Crayolas that my grandparents would get for me.  The colors were endless . . . or so I thought.  So I was in seventh heaven last night as I sat and colored these blocks of the new Petal Passion Designer Series Paper with my Stampin' Blends!!

The photos do not really do justice to just how rich and vibrant these flowers are in real life.  The Pool Party background just really makes them pop!!!

Stamps: Waterfront

Cardstock: Calypso Coral, Basic Black, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Petal Passion, Bubbles & Fizz (FREE--Sale-a-Bration item) 

Ink: Basic Black

Accessories: Stampin' Blends, Starburst Punch, 

2" Circle Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

My goodness . . . I think we will be having a heat wave today!!!  It is a good thing because I have some stamp orders to deliver today and then tonight is my monthly shoebox swap group.  I guess I had better figure out what I want to take!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 16, 2018

Perennial Birthday 

I had a little time to stamp yesterday, so I decided to put together my Perennial Birthday Kit.  I was amazed at how little time it actually took to complete this kit and have 16 amazing birthday cards!!  I started by checking the supplies out and organizing them.

Next I put the months across the top of the twelve dividers.

I decided it would be easiest to do all of the stamping before punching out all of the pieces.  (This was a hint given in the video Stampin' Up! provided.)

I gathered all of the supplies for the first set of cards I was going to make.

A few minutes later . . . four awesome birthday cards.

On to the second set . . . 

And the four completed cards.

 

The third set . . . 

This set took a little longer because I did not read the directions carefully enough and I had to take a couple of them apart and start over . . . but still was done in less than fifteen minutes.

The fourth set took the longest.

Adhering the Baker's Twine to each balloon and then to tie a bow around the strings was the most time consuming part of all sixteen cards.

About an hour after I started I had the sixteen cards and twelve dividers all done.

If you are on the fence about this kit . . . don't hesitate anymore.  It is really awesome!!!  There are two options for this class on the 29th.  

Option 1

Purchase just the Perennial Birthday kit supplies and use my stamps and ink . . . COST—$33.00

Option 2

Purchase the Perennial Birthday kit supplies and the Perennial Birthday Kit clear mount stamp set and use my ink . . . COST—$59.00  This would earn you a Level 1 Sale-a-Bration stamp set and a square on the 50/50 Sale-a-Bration board.

RSVP with firm commitment by January 18th so I have enough time to order the supplies!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 15, 2018

Amazing You

The Sale-a-Bration products this year are simply amazing!!!!  This card uses the coordinating stamp set . . . Amazing You with the Celebrate You Thinlints. It is a pretty amazing card . . . are you catching the theme amazing???

This is one of the cards that was a shoebox swap a couple of weeks ago and was brought by my friend, Janeen.  There were a lot of little steps and pieces, but it was so totally worth it!!!

Stamps: Amazing You

Cardstock: Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White, Gold Foil

Ink: Versamark

Accessories: Celebrate You Thinlits, Big Shot, Gold Embossing Powder, 

Heat Tool, Basic Pear Jewels, Gold Mini Sequin Trim, 

Fine Tip Glue Pen, Mini Dimensionals

Man . . . I am getting tired of this cold weather!!  Today I tried to sleep it away as I slept way longer than usual . . . I think I was warm and comfy and just did not want to leave my cocoon.  I know what a butterfly feels like!!!

Today is old guy coffee so John will be venturing out with a plate of freshly baked brownies that I did manage to get made.  I do plan to do a little stamping today, but also want to read some more in my new mystery book.

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 14, 2018

Petal Palette

Technique Club worked with adding color to designer series paper this month. This is the second of the two cards we made.

The black and white paper in the Petal Passion Designer Series paper pack is just perfect for this technique!!

Stamps: Petal Palette

Cardstock: Berry Burst, Basic Black

Designer Series Paper: Petal Passion

Ink: Old Olive, Berry Burst, Basic Black

Accessories: Petals and More Thinlits Dies, Big Shot, 

Everyday Label Punch, Metallic Enamel Shapes, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

As soon as I am done posting this I am out the door to head to Iowa City to buy a new printer.  We have been struggling with this one for quite a while and I just decided that was silly and it was time for a new one.  It will probably take me all afternoon to get it set up, but at least it will print clearly!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 13, 2018

Celebrate You Thinlits

There is absolutely no stamping on this card, but it certainly gets it's message across.  When I first saw these thinlits I was wondering how easily they would cut out, but I am here to tell you they pop out of the die super simply.  Since this was a swap I took to our demo meeting last Saturday and we also used this "celebrate" at stamp night last Monday I cut out over 50 of these in a snap. 

I used the Picture Perfect Party Designer Series paper here, but this would be a great way to use up all of the scraps of the DSP you have laying around.

Cardstock: Whisper White Thick, Basic Black, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Picture Perfect Party

Accessories: Sparkle Embossing Folder, Big Shot, 

Banner Triple Punch, Tutti Frutti Adhesive Backed Sequins, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Today looks to be another cold, cold day so staying inside and doing not much of anything sounds like an awesome idea.  I do need to get to my stamp room at some point, but think I have mentioned that when it is this cold it is just too cold to be in there for any length of time, even with a space heater!! Warmer days have to be ahead . . . hopefully without snow!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 12, 2018

Amazing You

Once again the weather payed havoc with our plans but more on that later!! This is another one of the cards everyone made Monday night made with the Sale-a-Bration set . . . Amazing You!!  This set is amazing and it is FREE with a qualifying order!!

I found this card on Pinterest and traced it back to the blog of Brian King.

Stamps: Amazing You 

Cardstock: Basic Black, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Birthday Memories 

Ink: Memento Black, Crushed Curry

Accessories: Basic Rhinestone Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals

So, yesterday Hanna had a doctor's appointment in Iowa City at 8:00 and I followed her up there soon after.  When we both left home it was a balmy 47 degrees.  By the time she was done with her appointment and we were sitting eating some breakfast at 10:00 the temperature had dropped about 25 degrees and there was freezing rain and sleet coming down like crazy in Iowa City.  She very quickly decided not to try to get back to Des Moines yesterday because the weather and road conditions were even worse over there. We actually ended up getting a hotel room right by the mall where we were and then just spending the day at the mall.  We did get a lot of wedding things done or at least talked about and got her guest list finalized last night. I got home about 10:00 this morning with the only casualties being my fresh produce that I had gotten before meeting Hanna yesterday!!  A blanket, a good book, and a nap are in the future for this afternoon!!

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

Happy Stamping!!