September 30, 2018

Wishing You Well

I do believe this MIGHT be my favorite set in the Holiday Catalog.  There is just so much you can do with it.  And I haven't really even explored the wreath stamp that is in the set as well!!!

I don't even mind fussy cutting the ribbon, because it is so cool once you get it cut.  I love the new distINKtive stamp technology!!

Stamps: Wishing You Well

Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper:Tranquil Textures

Ink: Crumb Cake, Mint Macaron, Memento Black

Accessories: Layering Ovals, Big Shot, Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterday was a day of a whole lot of doing nothing!!  And it was such a gloomy day!!  I hope I can be a little more productive today and at least get a little something done before the baseball game this afternoon.  I better enjoy my baseball while I can because those days will soon be at an end!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 29, 2018

Dandelion Wishes

Today's card is a super simple, easy to duplicate card.  You could use whatever designer series paper you have left over, as well as just about any sentiment!!  We made a card like this with another designer series paper at the stamping retreat last weekend.  

I wanted to make that card at Make-It-Monday this week but when I got home I realized I didn't have any of that designer series paper so I just switched it out for this one that I have a lot of.  It appears to work equally as well.

Stamps: Dandelion Wishes

Cardstock: Gray Granite, Blackberry Bliss, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Share What You Love

Ink: Blackberry Bliss

Accessories:  Stitched Shapes Framelits, Big Shot, Linen Thread, 

Dimensionals Glue Dots, Stampin

I had a great lunch with my friends yesterday, arriving home at 5:45, just in time to fix John some supper.  I couldn't tell you what all we talked about but we managed to do it for over 5 hours!!!

Today calls for a pot of soup in the crockpot, some stamping in the morning, and a baseball game this afternoon!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 28, 2018

Share What You Love

This time last week I was getting ready to attend a fun fall stamping retreat. This is one of the cards that my friend, Susie, provided for us to make. Simple to make, but oh so very pretty!!!

This is also one of the cards that everyone got to make this week!!  I am so glad that Stampin' Up! brought back the Blackberry Bliss color.

Stamps: Share What You Love

Cardstock: Blackberry Bliss, Sahara Sand, Whisper White, Vellum

Designer Series Paper: Frosted Floral

Ink: Blackberry Bliss

Accessories: Detailed Leaves Thinlits Dies, Big Shot, 

2 1/4" Circle Punch, 3/16" Braided Linen Trim,  

Clear Faceted Gems, Mini Glue Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Wow . . . what a change in the temperature . . . I may have to dig out some warmer clothes to wear today!!!  I am meeting my friends for lunch in Washington . . . these are the two teacher friends that I have lunch with frequently and we are still there visiting when it is time for supper. We haven't gotten together since way before Hanna's wedding . . . so I am sure we will have plenty to talk about!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 27, 2018

Peaceful Poinsettia

I know Christmas is a ways away yet, but it is never too early to start making your Christmas cards.  This is one that I took as a shoe box swap to the stamping retreat I went to last weekend.

It is also one that every one made this week that stamped with me.

Stamps: Peaceful Poinsettia

Cardstock: Shaded Spruce, Real Red, Very Vanilla

Ink: Black Memento Ink, Real Red

Accessories: Quilt Top Embossing Folder, Big Shot, 

Real Red Combo Pack Stampin' Blends, 

Shaded Spruce Combo Pack Stampin' Blends, 

Galvanized Buttons, Festive Farmhouse Cotton Twine,

 Mini Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals

Wow . . . what a beautiful day today!!!  And a clean house . . . my gal came today instead of yesterday and we moved out all of the furniture  rearranged some things.  I think I will sit this afternoon before my appointment and just enjoy it!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 26, 2018

Oh So Eclectic

I think if I had to choose my favorite color palette for stamping it would have to be fall colors.  I am not sure what there is about them but they are so rich looking.

I wanted some general cards to send out so whipped up about 25 of these in very short order.

It is a z fold card so it opens up just a little bit differently!!

Stamps: Oh So Eclectic

Cardstock: Cajun Craze, Mossy Meadow, Mango Melody, Very Vanilla

Ink: Cajun Craze, Mossy Meadow, Mango Melody

Accessories: Darling Label Punch Box, Festive Farmhouse Cotton Twine, 

Basic Rhinestone Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterday was certainly a good day to stay curled up with my book.  I did manage to go walking around noon and got home just as it started to pour down buckets and buckets of rain.  Since my book is now finished I am off and running today.  I want to go to Iowa City and run some errands and see if I can find some good looking athletic type shoes to wear when I go on my trips later this fall.

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 25, 2018

Winter Woods

Today's card, which everyone got to make this week comes from a demonstrator group I belong to . . .  Creative Corner.  I love these trees and there is so much you can do with them . . . add a little color and you would have awesome fall trees.

I would not have thought to use Soft Sea Foam in the background, but I really like it!!

Stamps: Winter Woods, Kindness and Compassion

Cardstock: Soft Sea Foam, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla

Ink: Soft Sea Foam, Early Espresso, Crumb cake

Accessories:  5/8" burlap Ribbon, True Gentleman Buttons, 

2 1/4" Circle Punch (for mask), Stampin' Sponges, Mini Glue Dots

It is only 10:30 but already the day has been busy putting out small fires!!   Last night on the way home from Make-It-Monday I got a phone call that my debit card had been compromised and was being used all over Illinois.  They shut it down right away but I spent about 45 minutes this morning at the bank getting everything straightened out and a new card ordered.  When I got home from the bank the Internet was not working so a call to the phone company was in order.  Luckily it was their problem and originated in Des Moines, so I just had to be patient while they got things fixed.  I think everything is now in working order!!

I am thinking a day of rest might be a good thing today after the busy weekend and stamp night last night.  A good book, a cup of coffee, my heating pad, and a blanket are calling my name!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 24, 2018

Wishing You Well

I believe I have said before Pinterest is a wonder!!!  This card and color combination comes directly from there!!

This is another one of the cards that everyone is making tonight.  I absolutely love the bow that comes with this stamp set.

Stamps: Wishing You Well

Cardstock: Granny Apple Green, Tranquil Tide, Whisper White

Ink: Granny Apple Green, Tranquil Tide

Accessories:  Tin Tile Dynamic Textured Embossing Folder, 

Detailed Leaves Thinlits Dies, Big Shot, 

3/8" Tranquil Tide Mini Ruffled Ribbon, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Wow . . . wasn't the weather gorgeous over the weekend!!  I am definitely loving the cooler temperatures!!!  

Everything is ready and just waiting to be loaded into the car for tonight's Make-It-Monday.  Now . . . to get my stamp room picked up again after getting ready for last weekend and tonight . . . it seems like it is a never ending job!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 23, 2018

September Paper Pumpkin

Here is another card made using the September Paper Pumpkin Kit.  I love the stamps that came in this month's kit.  This is another one of the cards everyone will be making tomorrow night.

I am sure neither of my daughters will appreciate this card, as they have a huge aversion to spiders!!

Stamps: September Paper Pumpkin Kit

Cardstock: Mango Melody, Basic Black, Lemon Lime Twist, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Animal Expedition

Ink: Black Memento Ink, Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker

Accessories:  Stitched Shapes Framelits,

 Corrugated Dynamic Textured Embossing Folder, 

Big Shot, Basic Black Solid Baker's Twine, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

I had a great time at the stamping retreat.  We made some awesome projects and had fun visiting, eating, stamping, and even going for early morning walks.  This afternoon I want to finish up getting things ready for tomorrow night, and then I am going to rest!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 21, 2018

Friendly Expressions

Check out another congratulations card that I found on Pinterest. It was amazing to me the number of cards I found when I was looking for ideas.  I could not trace this idea back to the original card maker, but I sure do like it.

This one was so easy and again would make an awesome graduation card in school colors.

Stamps: Friendly Expressions

Cardstock: Basic Gray, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Best Route

Ink: Basic Gray

Accessories: Stained Glass Thinlits, Big Shot,
Best Route Enamel Shapes, Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterday was a busy stamping day.  I got everything ready for my two shoebox swaps I am taking to a stamping retreat this weekend and I also made some headway on getting things ready for Monday night. 

Today I need to make my soup I am taking to the retreat and also some snack bars like my sister-in-law made for tailgating last weekend.  I am also hoping to get some more cardstock cut for Monday night.  I am going on a weekend stamp retreat so will not be posting again until Sunday afternoon.  A weekend of  good company, stamping, fun outdoors, and cool fall weather . . . a perfect weekend!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 20, 2018

September Paper Pumpkin

I decided that I wanted to take a Halloween card to my Paper Pals get together last night.  I did not order any of the Halloween stamps in the Holiday catalog so decided to use the stamps and some of the accessories that came in my September Paper Pumpkin.

I'm pretty pleased with the way it turned out.  I think the other Paper Pal gals liked it as well.

Stamps: Buffalo Check, September Paper Pumpkin Stamps

Cardstock: Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White

Ink: Memento Black

Accessories:  September Paper Pumpkin,
Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker, Stampin'
Dimensionals

Even though I got a late start yesterday morning, it turned out to be a pretty productive day.  I was able to come up with a couple of swap ideas to take to a stamping retreat this weekend, as well as going to Iowa City early to get some groceries so I don't have to make another trip there today.  Today I hope to get everything cut to take with me this weekend as well as get a head start on cutting cardstock for Monday night.

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 19, 2018

Amazing Congratulations


The Stamparatus is a must if you are going to use the Amazing Congratulations set.  I love how it looks when done, but it is kind of hard to get lined up . . .  I can't imagine trying to do it without it!!

This would make a really awesome graduation card, using school colors.

Since I liked the first one so well, I decided I needed to try it in another color!!

Stamps: Amazing Congratulations

Cardstock: Lemon Lime Twist and Shaded Spruce or Calypso Coral and Berry Burst, Whisper White

Ink: Lemon Lime Twist and Shaded Spruce or Calypso Coral and Berry Burs

Accessories:  Stamparatus, Metallic Shapes (Retired)

I sure am glad this is the Cubs last road trip to another time zone.  They are playing in Arizona this week and the games have been on late!!!  So I have been up late!!!!  And have been sleeping later!!!  I feel like half my morning has been gone these last two mornings.  Today I need to get my shoebox swaps ready for my Paper Pals group tonight.  I know what I want to do . . . I just have to get it all organized!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 18, 2018

Rooted In Nature

Back again with another sympathy card . . . this Rooted In Nature set is perfect for them.  This is one stamp set that I really didn't think I would use much and it is now one I doubt I will ever get rid of!!

It works just perfectly for sympathy and masculine cards.

Stamps: Rooted In Nature, Flourishing Phrases

Cardstock:Early Espresso, Very Vanilla

Ink: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso

Accessories:  Stitched Shapes Framelits, Big Shot, Size D Block,
Stampin' Sponges, 5/8" Burlap Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

Today looks to be a repeat of yesterday . . . nothing on the agenda . . . so walking, stamping, reading, baseball!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 17, 2018

Timeless Tiding Project Kit

There are some kits that Stampin' Up! offers that just really reach out and grab me.  This Timeless Tidings Project Kit is one of those.

The kit comes with everything you need, including some cool envelopes, to make these four cards.

In fact . . . you get everything you need to make five of each card for a total of 20 cards and envelopes.  What a deal!!!

I will be offering this as a special class in October so stay tuned for the details once I get them all worked out!!

I must have been tireder than I thought after tailgating on Saturday. I actually slept till 8:30 today which is LATE for me.  Good thing I have nothing on the agenda most days this week.  I hope to get some special Christmas classes figured out and just do a little general stamping!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 16, 2018

Country Home

Here is the last of the cards everyone stamping this week got to make and also one that I took as a shoebox swap when I went to Illinois last month.  The Stamparatus is a must if you are going to use this stamp set with ease!!

Coloring these images in is a snap when using the Stampin' Blends!!  The fall look of this bouquet is a favorite of mine.

Stamps: Country Home

Cardstock: Mossy M,eadow, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: Wood Textures

Ink: Memento Black, Early Espresso

Accessories:  Stamparatus, Old Olive Combo Stampin' Blends, 

Night of Navy Combo Stampin' Blends, 

Calypso Coral Stampin' Blends Combo, 

Crumb Cake Combo Stampin' Blends, 

Rich Razzleberry Light Stampin' Blend, 

Braided Linen Trim, Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterday's tailgating was a ton of fun . . . but let me tell you the word of the day was HOT, HOT, HOT!!!  No matter where you were there was not much breeze blowing and it was HOT.  I even tried my hand yesterday at playing Bags and I am sure I provided comic relief for the many people around.  The only time I hit what I was aiming for is when I was practicing and hit the bottle my brother was holding and knocked it right out of his hand!!  I was home in enough time to take a quick shower and get in a little nap before watching the Hawkeyes last night.  Today is going to be a low key day with a lot of rest!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 15, 2018

Falling For Leaves

This is another one of those cards where I love the sentiments and the thinlits from the coordinating stamp set and dies.  This card comes from a demonstrator's website . . . Stamp With Brian.

 It is also one of the cards that everyone made this week.

Stamps: Falling For Leaves

Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Basic Black, Old Olive, Grapefruit Grove, Very Vanilla 

Ink: Early Espresso 

Accessories:  Detailed Leaves Thinlits, Subtle Embossing Folder, 

Big Shot, Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals

By the time most of you read this I will have been tailgating for quite a while. Today will be a LONG day of tailgating as it is a night game for the Hawks.  It's a good thing I rested yesterday and have nothing on my schedule for tomorrow either!!  GO HAWKS!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 14, 2018

Rooted In Nature

Rooted In Nature has been just perfect for the order of sympathy cards I filled last month.  Because they do not know who they are going to send them to, they want them to be somewhat gender neutral, instead of a lot of flowers. This set really fits the bill.

I had received a card when I went to Illinois that had the copper foil imposed with the Basketweave Embossing Folder.  I decided to try it on this card and am pretty pleased with the way it turned out.

Stamps: Rooted In NaturePainted Glass

Cardstock: Mossy Meadow, Night of Navy, Very Vanilla Copper Foil

Ink: Night of Navy

Accessories: Nature's Roots Framelits,
Layering Ovals Framelits, Stitched Shapes Framelits,
Basketweave Embossing Folder,
Mossy Meadow and Early Espresso Markers,
Stampin' Dimensionals

There is certainly not much new around here . . . today is going to be a repeat of many of the days this week . . . errands, stamping, and baseball!! I will actually take all of the dull days I can get . . . it means everyone is healthy and there are no problems!!!  Blessed indeed!! 

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 13, 2018

Wishing You Well

Wishing You Well is another one of the DistINKtive stamp sets that is on the holiday catalog.  I love the look of this type of stamp.   I know that this stamp set was in with the Christmas sets, but it is awesome for just about any occasion. This is a card I found on a website I follow . . . Stamp With Amy.

It is also another of the cards everyone stamping this week got to make.

Stamps: Wishing You Well

Cardstock: Balmy Blue, Whisper White

Ink: Soft Sea Foam, Balmy Blue, So Saffron

Accessories:  Versamark, White Embossing Powder, Heat Tool,
Basic Rhinestone Jewels

Today is another one of the totally unscheduled days, except for meeting some friends for supper tonight.  Probably more of the same . . . stamping, walking, reading, and baseball!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 12, 2018

Friendly Expressions

I will say it is certainly easier to make a lot of congratulations cards than it is to make a lot of sympathy cards.  This is one that was part of a large order from last month. 

I did find this card on Pinterest which is a great source of inspiration!!

Stamps: Friendly Expressions, Itty Bitty Greetings

Cardstock: Whisper White Thick, Calypso Coral, Silver Glimmer

Designer Series Paper: Animal Expedition

Ink: Basic Gray

Accessories:  1 1/4" Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Scallop Circled Punch,
Stampin' Dimensionals

I was a total slug yesterday!!!  I read all morning, went to my two appointments in the afternoon, and watched the Cubs in the evening.  I did walk right before my appointments so at least I got that done!!

I do hope to do a little stamping today as well as get my walk in.  I kind of like these days when there is nothing I really have to do!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 11, 2018

Falling For Leaves

I am not totally sold on the leaf stamps in this set, Falling For Leaves, but I definitely like the sentiments that are in it and the thinlits that coordinate with the stamp set.

This is one of the cards that everyone stamping with me this week will be making.

Stamps: Falling For Leaves

Cardstock: Crushed Curry, Blackberry Bliss, Whisper White, Vellum Cardstock

Designer Series Paper: Country Lane

Ink: Crushed Curry, Blackberry Bliss

Accessories:  Detailed Leaves Thinlits, Big Shot, 

Pearlized Doilies, Nature's Twine, Stampin' Dimensionals

There is not much on the agenda for today other than a couple of fun appointments this afternoon.  I have a book that is due at the library in a couple of days so I think I may read the day away today.  I may even read the day away outside, depending on the bugs!  They have sure put a damper on my outside reading this spring and summer!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 10, 2018

Pleasant Pheasant

Sometimes I forget all about casing the cards that are already in the catalogs. That is what I did with this one.  It is a card that everyone will be making tonight at Make-It-Monday.

I need to remember to use my watercolor pencils more often.  I really like the look of them and they are so easy to use this way!!

Stamps: Pleasant Pheasant

Cardstock:  Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla (Inside), Watercolor Paper

Ink: Black Stazon

Accessories:  Watercolor Pencils, Aquapainter, Linen Thread

Yesterday was a great lunch and a great afternoon of stamping.  The weather was perfect and the company even better!!  

Today is going to be an even busier day.  Everything is ready and waiting to be loaded into the car for tonight.  I need to go walk and then I want to go to Iowa City earlier to run some errand before class tonight.  My goal this week is to walk at least a mile every day.  I made it 3 out of 4 days last week that the YMCA was open so hopefully I can make it all five days this week.

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 9, 2018

Perennial Birthday

At Technique/Stamp Club Thursday night, Joan and I were talking about how we like this designer series paper, but were not that sold on the stamp set, so I decided to come up with a card for Make-It-Monday using just the DSP.

I'm pretty okay with how it turned out.  I had seen one similar to this using the stamp set and decided to just use DSP instead of stamping something for the right side of the card.

Stamps: Perennial Birthday

Cardstock:Whisper nWhite This, Blackberry Bliss, Blushing Bride, 

Designer Series Paper: Frosted Floral Specialty Designer Paper

Ink: Versamark

Accessories:  Petal Burst Embossing Folder, White Embossing Powder, 

Heat Tool, Tailored Tag Punch, 

Stampin' Sponges, Stampin' Dimensionals

Man . . . what a day yesterday!!  My brother texted me at 5:30 in the morning about tailgating and I was not ready to get up yet so I turned the sound down on my phone so I could sleep a little longer. I didn't realize that it would also turn down the sound on my alarm  . . . so I ended up oversleeping. I haven't done that in years.  It was a good thing I wasn't really on any strict time schedule!!  I ended up getting to where I needed to be on time but it meant that I didn't get any of my routine morning things done . . . hence, no blog post yesterday.  The day was great for tailgating and I got home just in time for kickoff.  And it was made even better by a Hawkeye win!!

Today I am off with Luetta to go out for lunch and then spend our afternoon stamping.  This evening I will need to finish up the things for Make-It-Monday tomorrow night, but that shouldn't be too difficult!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 7, 2018

Beautiful Blizzard

The second technique we worked with last night is what I call Frosted Shaving Cream.  I am certainly not ready to change our rain to snow and blizzards, but I do love this stamp set.

I particularly like the sentiments that are in the set!!

Stamps: Beautiful Blizzard

Cardstock: Night of Navy, Whisper White

Ink: Night of Navy

Accessories:  Blizzard Thinlits Die, Big Shot, Versamark,
White Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Triple Banner Punch,
Basic Rhinestone Jewels, Glue Dots,
Stampin' Dimensionals

I have a super busy weekend planned so hope to spend my day today getting everything cut and ready to go for Monday night.  I have couple of errands to run, but since they are in the area, it should leave me plenty of time for stamping!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 6, 2018

Winter Woods

It is the first Thursday of the month so that must mean that it is Technique/Stamp Club night.  We are working with two techniques that I learned at Stamping School last month.  The first is what I call Tone on Tone Embossing Folders.  I am sure it has another name, but that is what I am calling it.

I have seen inked embossing folders before, but never where the negative image is inked.  You have to have just the right folder, but I really kind of like it.

Stamps:  Winter Woods, Wishing You Well

Cardstock: Sahara Sand, Tranquil Tide, Merry Merlot, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Joyous Noel Specialty Paper

Ink: Merry Merlot, Tranquil Tide

Accessories: Seasonal Wreath Embossing Folder, Big Shot, 

Brayer, Everyday Label Punch, Paper Snips, 

Mini Stampin' Dimensionals, Stampin' Dimensionals 

Man . . .  did it rain yesterday or what . . . I think we had over three inches in our rain gage, just from yesterday.  It was a good day to stay in the house.  I worked on getting everything ready for tonight's technique club.  I didn't even leave the house to walk.  Today I hope to walk before taking off for Iowa City and stamp club.

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 5, 2018

Painted Glass

Back again with another easy sympathy card.  When this set was first released in the Idea Book and Catalog I didn't really care for it all that much because I thought the lettering looked a little gothic.

I have since learned to love them and really use the sentiments all of the time.

Stamps: Painted Glass

Cardstock: Basic Black, Basic Gray, Whisper White

Ink: Memento Black

Accessories:  Layered Leaves Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Faceted Dots

Today looks to be a very rainy day . . . a good day to stay home and stamp. I need to figure out what technique projects we are going to be doing tomorrow night at Technique/Stamp Club and also figure out the cards for Monday night's Make-It-Monday.  I also hope to walk this afternoon and of course finish the day watching a baseball game!!

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

Happy Stamping!!