March 31, 2018

Bunch of Blossoms

It is hard to believe that Sale-a-Bration has come to an end.  Such great stamp sets and products this time . . . and you know this is my favorite paper. I can only hope that they have a similar product when the new catalog is released in June.

This is another one of the cards that I took to our shoebox swap on Wednesday night.

Stamps: Bunch of Blossoms

Cardstock: Basic Gray, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Springtime Foils

Ink: Basic Gray

Accessories:  Stitched Shapes Framelits, Big Shot, 

3/8" Shimmer Ribbon Pack, Petal Passion Embellishments, 

Mini Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals

How beautiful the sunshine looks outside . . . although I am sure it is colder than it looks.  I am thinking that today will be spent in my stamping room getting some things done that I need to do and also to start thinking of a swap to take to Milwaukee with me next weekend when we attend On-Stage!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 30, 2018

Lots of Lavender 

There are only two days left of Sale-a-Bration so I decided I had better share this birthday card I received from my stampin' friend, Kimberly.

It uses a lot of Sale-a-Bration products . . . the stamp set, Lots of Lavender, the Basketweave Embossing Folder, and the Bubble and Fizz Designer Series Paper.  

Yesterday's surgery for my great-nephew went even better than anyone could have hoped for.  it was supposed to take six hours and was done in about three, and went off just like clockwork.  

Today I am planning on stopping up at the hospital and then my friend, Judy, and I are going out for lunch.  I may try to do a little stamping when I get home as I have a lot of things to get accomplished in the next few days!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 29, 2018

Butterfly Basics

When I was sick a couple of years ago, I started following a blog of a fellow demonstrator . . . Stamp With Georgia . . . who was going through a similar experience.  I drew a lot of comfort from the things she posted and I also loved her cards.  Now that both of us are healthy I still follow her blog.  This is one of the cards she had posted a while back.

Since you all know how I love this Designer Series Paper, this was a perfect card to take to Paper Pals last night for our shoebox swap.

Stamps: Butterfly Basics

Cardstock: Whisper White Thick, Whisper White, Copper Foil

Designer Series Paper: Springtime Foils

Ink: Versamark

Accessories: Gold Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Starburst Punch, 

2" Circle Punch, Gold 3/8" Metallic Edged Ribbon, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

As soon as I am done posting this I am out the door bright and early to head to the hospital to spend the day with my brother and his wife and some of their kids.  My great-nephew is having brain surgery this morning, and I going to be there to support them.

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 28, 2018

Beautiful Peacock

Sale-a-Bration will be over at the end of this week and this poor peacock stamp had yet to be inked up.  So . . . I decided that I had better use him for a Make-It-Monday card.

He . . . or she . . . is really easier to line up than I was anticipating.  The jewels really set off the plumage on this elegant bird.  I do remember always being fascinated by peacocks when I was a kid and always trying to see their tails fanned out but rarely succeeding.

Stamps:  Beautiful Peacock

Cardstock: Tranquil Tide, Lemon Lime Twist, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Eastern Palace

Ink: Tranquil Tide, Lemon Lime Twist

Accessories: Rhinestone Basic Jewels

Tonight is the monthly get together of my Paper Pals shoebox swap group.  I really do need to decide what I am going to take . . . other than that it is going to be another kind of low key day.  I am waiting for those 50 degree temps . . . spring can't come too soon.

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 27, 2018

Heartfelt Bossoms

Have I told you how much I absolutely love this paper!!!  If not let me tell you again . . . I love this Springtime Foils Designer Series Paper!!  It is gorgeous!!

You really don't even need to have much on the card because the paper does all of the work for you!!!

Stamps: Hearfelt Blossoms

Cardstock: Basic Gray, Smoky Skate, Whisper White, Silver Foil

Designer Series Paper: Springtime Foils

Ink: Basic Gray

Accessories: Layering Ovals Framelits, Stitched Shapes Framelits, 

Bold Butterfly Framelits, Butterflies Thinlits Dies, 

Big Shot, 3/8" Shimmer Ribbon Pack,  Clear Faceeted Gems,

Mini Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals

Today is going to be a VERY low key day!!  After the weekend and then Make-It-Monday yesterday, I am taking it easy today and not doing much at all!!!  I am getting much better at not having to be on the go all the time!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 26, 2018

Amazing You

Two weeks ago for a Make-It-Monday I made a card using this stamp set, but I had used Basic Black and Crushed Curry,  making it look like a Hawkeye card. I had requests to make one with red so it would look like a Cyclone card.  It about killed me . . . but here it is!  LOL

I love the vellum flowers over the embossed images on the card layer.

Stamps: Amazing You, Petal Passion

Cardstock: Whisper White Thick, Crushed Curry, Whisper White, Vellum

Ink: Cherry Cobbler

Accessories: Versamark, Silver Embossing Powder, Heat Tool

Even though the Arts and Crafts show was not as successful as some others I have done there, it still turned out to be a great weekend.  I made some good contacts, read a good book, and enjoyed visiting with all of the people that stopped by.

Today I need to finish up getting things ready for tonight and make sure I have everything!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 25, 2018

Southern Serenade

This was one of the cards I considered for the Southern Serenade class in February but decided not to use.  But . . . I thought it was so pretty that it would work for a Make-It-Monday, so this is one of the cards everyone will be making on Monday night.

The flowers are colored with the Stampin' Blends which are currently unorderable from Stampin' Up!.  This is both good news and bad news . . . the good news is that they are so popular and work amazingly well . . . the bad news is that they are unorderable.  

Stamps: Southern Serenade

Cardstock: Fresh Fig, Crushed Curry, Very Vanilla

Ink: Memento Black Ink, Crushed Curry, Fresh Fig

Accessories:  Old Olive Stampin' Blends Combo Pack, 

Daffodil Delight Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

Yesterday was an intersesting day to say the least!!!  I was awakened by the alarm on the TV battery backup pack at 5:30 AM that the power had gone off. Now that did not surprise me as there was heavy freezing rain and the wind was blowing like crazy.  I was supposed to do a craft show in Riverside and when it came time to leave we still had no power, but the roads looked okay to drive on so I figured that at least I would be warm and have coffee if I went ahead and went to Riverside.  John was still sleeping and I figured by the time he was ready to get up the power would be back on and everything would be okay.  WRONG!!  I called him around 10:30 and we still had no power.  So he went to our daughter's house in Kalona to hang out where it was warm.  When the craft show was over at 4:00 we still had no power and no estimate as to when it would be back on.  We were suppose to go to Grinnell to meet Hanna and Jake for supper, so we decided to go ahead and go.  Just as we got ready to leave we got word that power had been restored so we stopped by out house to check on things.  It was a chilly 59 degrees in the house so I turned the heat up, hoping it would be warm when we got home from Grinnell.  That plan worked and we had a warm and comfortable house to come back to after supper.  Long story short . . . or not so short . . . that is why there was no blog post yesterday.

Today is the second day of the craft show . . . I am hoping for a great day today as yesterday was a little slow as you might imagine!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 23, 2018

Waterfront

I am thinking the beach like this sounds pretty good about now compared to the forecast for this weekend.  I for one am sick of snow and winter!!  So I will content myself with looking at a beach card!!!

This is one of the cards that everyone made at the Waterfront Stamp night last Monday night.

Cardstock: marina Mist, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla, So Saffron

Ink: Old Olive, Marina Mist, Early Espresso, So Saffron

Accessories: Linen Thread, Stampin' Dimensionals

Today is going to be a busy day . . . I need to finish organizing my card racks and other things for this weekend's show, load the car, and then hopefully get all of the cardstock cut for Monday night.  We will see how far my energy and mojo can take me today!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 22, 2018

Sweet Little Something

This little bunny is SO cute!!  He would be great for an Easter card, baby card, or young child's birthday card.  And he is so easy to stamp and almost always comes out looking awesome!!

Everybody stamping with me last week and this week got to make this cute bunny card.

Stamps: Sweet Little Something

Cardstock: Very Vanilla Thick, Crumb Cake, Basic Black, Very Vanilla

Ink: Memento Black Ink, Sahara Sand, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede

Accessories: Mini Glue Dots, Fresh Fig 1/8" Sheer Ribbon

Yesterday was so much fun being at my old school.  I actually got to use one of the rooms that I taught in while I was there . . . but that would not have been hard because I was in 5 out of the 8 classrooms there in my 35 years.  I think the ladies that stamped had a great time.

Today will be spent stamping up the extra class packets from the last two classes.  I might as well get them done and take them with me this weekend!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 21, 2018

Wine Gift Card Holder 

If  are not a coffee drinker and don't have any birthdays coming up, perhaps a wine gift card holder is for you!!  This is the last of the craft show projects I have to share.

These are the same idea as the coffee and birthday candle gift card holders, just with a glass of wine.

As you might imagine, my Dollar Tree and I have become good friends, as that is where I have found all of the candles.  It doesn't show up in the photo but I have taken the Fine-Tip Glue Pen and put a bubble of glue over the wine in the glasses so that they look more like liquid.

Stamps: Half Full

Cardstock: Rich Razzleberry, Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: Wood Texture

Ink: Memento Black Ink

Accessories:  Old Olive Light Stampin Blend, 

Rich Razzleberry Dark Stampin' Blend, Scalloped Tag Topper Punch, 

Stampin' Dimensionals, Fine Tip Glue Pen

Today is going to be a fun day . . . I was asked to bring a card class to the Home School Assistance Program attendance center to stamp with the moms while their children are there taking some classes.  The fun part is that it is the building where I spent 35 years of my teaching career.  I have not been inside the building since I got sick,  so I am anxious to see what changes there may be.  It will be awesome teaching in my old building again!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 20, 2018

Here Comes Peter Cottontail

Here are the last of the items I wanted to get made for the craft show this weekend.  I know my girls really like the EOS brand of lip balm so I am hoping others do as well.

These were super simple to make . . . the hardest part was finding the lip balm at an affordable price!!

They would make great gifts for Easter baskets!!!

Cardstock:  Pink Pirouette, Pool Party, Soft Suede

Accessories: Layering Circles Framelits, Stitched Shapes Framelits, Big Shot, 

1/2" Circle Punch, Cookie Cutter Builder Punch, Mini Glue Dots

My next project is to work on an order of Easter cards.  I hope to get those done today!!  I should probably make several extra for this weekend as well!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 19, 2018

In Your Easter Bonnet

As a child, a new Easter dress and bonnet were just a given.  Along with little white gloves!!  It was a symbol of hope, spring and all things good!!  So . . . when I saw these on Pinterest (a stamper and mother of the bride's worst nightmare), I just knew I had to make some for this weekend's craft show.

And . . . believe it or not . . . Stampin' Up! just happens to have or had sparkly glimmer paper to match the four colors of Mini Reese's Peanut Cups that are in the Easter candy pack.

I think they turned out super cute!!

Cardstock:  Glimmer Paper

Accessories: 2 3/8" Scallop Circle Punch (retired), Boho Blossom Punch (retired),
Clear Faceted Gems, 1/4" Whisper White Organza Ribbon, Mini Glue Dots

My work continues today as a I have a couple of other craft show items I want to make and I also need to get my cards organized on their racks.  It looks to be another beautiful spring day, so I may even try to go for a small walk!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 18, 2018

Sprinkles of Life

I was able to spend a good portion of the day in my stamping room yesterday working on some projects for an upcoming craft show next weekend.  One of my accomplishments are these birthday candle gift card holders.

I found the birthday candles at my local Dollar Tree over the course of several visits.

The Bubble & Fizz Designer Series Paper which is a Sale-a-Bration item was absolutely perfect to match the design in the candles.

These actually open up to hold a gift card if so desired.  However it is pretty subtle so if you chose not to put a gift card in it, that would be okay as well.

I decided to wrap them in an acetate bag so that they withstand people picking them up and looking at them a little better.  The only thing left to decide is a price!!!  I am pretty pleased with the way they turned out.  I have about a dozen of them so I hope they are a good seller.

   

Stamps: Sprinkles Of Life, Thoughtful Banners, Labels To Love

Cardstock: Lemon Lime Twist, Bermuda Bay, Calypso Coral, 

Daffodil Delight, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Bubbles & Fizz

Ink: Calypso Coral, Basic Gray, Crushed Curry

Accessories: Simply Scored, Calypso Coral, Daffodil Delight, 

and Bermuda Bay Markers, Tree Builder Punch, 

Duet Banner Punch, Everyday Label Punch, 

Tear and Tape, 3/8" Shimmer Ribbon Pack, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

I was actually able to get several other things done yesterday which I will show you in the coming days.  I have a couple of other things that I want to get done today!!  It is amazing what you can get done when you stay home!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 17, 2018

Celebrate You Thinlits

Love, Love, Love the Celebrate You Thinlits.  I am so glad they is being carried over to the 2018-2019 Idea Book and Catalog!!!

I also love, love, love the Springtime Foils Designer Series Paper.  I  placed a fairly large order yesterday for supplies for wedding invitations, programs, and thank yous and I stocked up on this paper.   It will make for great anniversary cards and wedding cards for upcoming craft shows!!

Cardstock: Whisper White Thick, Powder Pink, Whisper White,

Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer, Copper Foil

Designer Series Paper: Springtime Foils

Accessories: Celebrate You Thinlits, Softly Falling Embossing Folder, 

Big Shot, Balloon Bouquet Punch, Whisper White Baker's Twine

Mini Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals

YIKES . . . those are some big snowflakes falling from the sky right about now!!!  I was hoping we were done with the snow for the year but I guess Mother Nature has other ideas.  So . . . it is off to my craft room I go to work some more of those craft show items!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 16, 2018

Waterfront

I am always in search of stamp sets that will work for guy cards and the Waterfront stamp set is one such set.  It absolutely is perfect for guy cards, but also would work well for sympathy or thinking of you cards.

This is one of the cards that stampers will be making Monday night if they attend the Waterfront stamp night.

 

Stamps: Waterfront, Guy Greetings

Cardstock: Always Artichoke, Island Indigo, 

Whisper White

Ink: Pool Party, Island Indigo, So Saffron, Always Artichoke, 

Crumb Cake, Pear Pizzazz

Ink: Accessories: Sponge Daubers

After watching basketball all day yesterday I really need to get busy in my stamping room today.  I need to make up samples of Hanna and Laurens's wedding invites and Hanna's thank you cards. I then need to get busy on some craft show items I want to make for a craft show in a couple of weeks!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 15, 2018

Birthday Wishes For You

Fast, simple, cute . . . those three words describe this birthday card to a T!! Change out the cardstock layer with another color and a whole new look!!!

This is another one of the cards everyone made on Monday night.  It was interesting to see all of the different ways people colored in the word Birthday to get the ombre effect!!

Stamps: Birthday Wishes For You 

Cardstock: Calypso Coral, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Bubble & Fizz

Ink: Memento Black Ink

Accessories: Calypso Coral Stampin' Blend Combo Pack, 

Tutti Frutti Adhesive Backed Sequins 

Shopping trip a success!!!!  And on the way home from Kansas City we even got Hanna's wedding invitations, programs, and thank you cards all designed and supplies figured out!!!  And I was still home before it got dark!!  I do love the fact that it is staying light later!!

Today I am making up samples for both Hanna and Lauren's (Hanna's friend) invites so they can give the final approval and I can get supplies ordered!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 14, 2018

Lots of Lavender

I love the set . . . Lots of Lavender!!  Are you sensing a theme here???  I love a lot of the Sale-a-Bration sets!!!  I also love the Wisteria Wonder cardstock and since using it on Hanna's Save the Dates back in February I love it even more!!

This is another one of the cards that everyone got to make on Monday evening!!  Simple . . . but oh so cute!!!  I saw a package of these on the Internet somewhere made in a variety of colors!!!

 

Stamps: Lots of Lavender

Cardstock: Wisteria Wonder, Smoky Slate, Whisper White

Ink: Wisteria Wonder, Basic Black

Accessories: Basic Pearl Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals

Our shopping trip in Kansas City has been more successful than I was imagining.  My laptop has been giving troubles for a while and I was becoming increasing more frustrated with it.  Considering that it was over 9 years old and I use it everyday . . . A LOT . . . I had been considering getting a new one.  We passed by an Apple Store in Kansas City and I told Hanna we should go in and just look.  Her words to me were . . . "Mom . . . when have you ever gone into an Apple Store and just looked???"   She was absolutely right . . . I walked out with a new laptop!!!  Now to get the important stuff transferred from one to the other when I get home!! After that we ate supper and headed to IKEA where we found everything we were looking for and then some.  It is a good thing I cleaned out the trunk mom the car!!

We are planning on doing a little more shopping today and then heading home.

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 13, 2018

You're Inspiring

Somewhere along my Internet surfing I found this beautiful spring card.  I love the daffodils . . . especially now when the American Cancer Society is selling them during their Daffodil Days fundraising event.!!!

 I am also trying to use up the designer series paper that I have from this year's catalog and this card fit the bill there as well.

Stamps: Your Inspiring

Cardstock: Old Olive, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Delightful daisy

Ink: Archival Black Ink

Accessories: Basket Weave Embossing Folder, (Sale-a-Bration), 

Big Shot, Watercolor Pencils, Blender Pens, Daffodil Delight Stitched Ribbon

As soon as I am done posting this I am out the door to head to Hanna's place. We are then headed to Kansas City for a couple of days of shopping.  We want to go to IKEA and get some of the things for wedding decorating that she wants and any other shopping we think we may have to do!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 12, 2018

Amazing You

Last week when I stopped in to see my friend, Susie, at her stamp class, she had a card that used this stamp set and color scheme.  Being the Hawkeye fan that I am, I immediately fell in love with it and knew I wanted to make something using the same idea.

I am pretty pleased with the way it turned out and there is always something to celebrate!!

Stamps: Amazing You

Cardstock: Basic Black, Crushed Curry, Whisper White

Ink: Basic Black, Crushed Curry

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

Sponge Daubers, Basic Black 3/8" Shimmer Ribbon, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Everything is ready to go for tonight, so I think I will spend the morning working on some crafts show items.  I have several errands to run before Make-It-Monday tonight so will be going to Iowa City pretty early this afternoon.  I love seeing the sunshine, even if it is a little chilly out there!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 11, 2018

Waterfront

Monday night, March 19th will be Waterfront Stamp With Me and Get it Free Stamping Night.  On this night we will be using the Waterfront stamp set to create these four cards.

There are two options for this class . . . either way the class is FREE with the purchase of the stamp set.

Option 1

Purchase just the Waterfront stamp set and use my ink and supplies . . . COST $20.00

Option 2

 Purchase the Waterfront stamp set,  Stitched Shapes Framelits, and a pack of dimensionals. . COST—$60.00  This would earn you a Level 1 Sale-a-Bration stamp set and a square on the 50/50 Sale-a-Bration board.  Please be sure to let me know which Sale-a-Bration set you would like as well as your color choice for cardstock.

RSVP by Monday . . . March 12th.

I love this stamp set and am anxious to share it with you!!!

Today I need to get everything cut and ready for regular Make-It-Monday stamp night tomorrow night.  Now that my room is cleaned up and organized, cutting card stock is a breeze!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 10, 2018

Floral Statements

Here is the other technique we worked with on Thursday night . . . Black Magic with Stampin' Blends.  My friend, Susie, has had several cards on her blog using this technique and Technique/Stamp Club members wanted to try it, so we did.

Once again the photos do not to justice to the cards and technique.  It is beautiful in person.

Stamps: Floral Statements

Cardstock: Basic Black, Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry

Ink: Versamark

Accessories: Layered Leaves Embossing Folder, Big Shot, 

White Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, 

Old Olive and Rich Razzleberry Dark Stampin' Blends, 

Old Olive 3/8" Mini Chevron Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensinals

I also made one using the dark Cherry Cobbler Stampin' Blend to show them another color.

I would be hard pressed to say which one I like the best . . . what do you think???

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 9, 2018

Amazing You

Last night was Technique/Stamp club.  We worked with a couple of techniques, the first one being one called Black Ice.  Now . . . I like Black Ice on cards, certainly not on roads . . . but the effect is similar.

This technique was shared by another demonstrator named Melissa Kerwan. The photos do not do it justice . . . it is absolutely beautiful in person!!

Stamps: Amazing You 

Cardstock: Basic Black, Basic Gray, Whisper White, Silver Foil

Ink: Archival Black

Accessories: Versamark, Clear Embossing Powder, 

Heat Tool, Basic Black 3/8" Shimmer Ribbon, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

A whole day . . . yes a whole day with nothing to do and a clean stamp room and energy!!!  I do believe that is where I will be spending my time today!!!  I have a couple of craft shows coming up and hope to get some things made for them!!

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

Happy Stamping!!