November 30, 2018

Lovely as A Tree

Lovely as a Tree has been in the catalog as long as I have been a demonstrator . . . almost 15 years!! And I know it was in the catalog for a while before that . . . so I think it is safe to say that it is a well loved stamp set.  This fallish looking card came from the Creative Corner.  I thought the sentiment was quite appropriate as we end November . . . with gratitude!!

This is another one of the cards that everyone made this week.  I can say after a week of snow I would like to see the trees like this again.

Stamps: Lovely as a Tree, Itty Bitty Greetings

Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: Wood Textures

Ink: Early Espresso

Accessories:  Layering Ovals Framelits, Big Shot, 

]5/8" Burlap Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

Today will be a repeat of the last few days . . . name banners, name banners, name banners!!  I am actually hoping to finish them up today so I can move on to something else!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 29, 2018

Happiness Surrounds

This is the last card I will be sharing that use the limited time product . . . Happiness Surrounds.  It does coordinate nicely with the Snowflake Thinlits that are also in this suite.

If you want this stamp set or any of the items in the Snowflake Showcase Suite- you need to buy them now!  They are only available until November 30th, 2018 or while supplies last.   The white velveteen paper is already gone!!

This is another one of the cards that everyone got to make on Monday night.

Stamps: Happiness Surrounds

Cardstock: Fresh Fig, Basic Black, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Tranquil Textures

Ink: Fresh Fig, Tranquil Tide

Accessories: Layering Circle Framelits, Big Shot, 

Tranquil Tide 1/4" Velvet Ribbon, 

Clear Rhinestone Jewels, Stampin' Sponges, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Wow . . . yesterday I crafted all day . . . I didn't even leave the house except to take the trash down to the curb last night.  I had a crock pot full of turkey vegetable soup going, Netflix Christmas movies playing, and my little fingers working away at name banners.  I still have a lot to do but I think I may make it in time to take them to Hanna next Thursday when I go tot Adel.

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 28, 2018

Blizzard Thinlits Dies

Okay . . . one more snow card and then I am done with snow for the season!!!  I know we have only had one storm but it was enough snow for the year!!!

This is a card I got as a swap at On Stage in Orlando and I loved the white on white.  If you are not a fan of tone on tone you could always add a couple more layers to make the snowflakes stand out some.  I am not sure what set this word comes from either, but you could use almost any Christmas word you might have in your stash!!

Yesterday turned out to be a very productive day.  I made a LOT of progress on Hanna's name banners that she wants and I was also able to make my delivery to the SICU with veggies, cookies, and a poinsettia.  I had a nice visit with some of the staff that was actually there when John was there so that was kind of cool.  I stopped and had my shoulder worked on which kind of took a hit when I was shoveling snow and finished the evening watching the Hawkeye basketball game and working on name banners again.

Today promises to be more of the same . . . I hope to at least get all of the letters cut out for the banners so that I can start assembling them tomorrow!!!  

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 27, 2018

Snow is Glistening

You have only 4 more days to get this fabulous stamp set . . .  Snow is Glistening!!  It is certainly one I think I will keep in my personal stash of stamps for a long time to come.  I just love it.  I wish it were staying around for a long time!!

This card which everyone made last night at Make-It Monday is one that comes from a group I belong to called the Creative Corner.  I love the designer series paper that is from the Frosted Florals pack of paper.  It is the perfect compliment to the snowflakes!

Stamps: Snow is Glistening

Cardstock: Mint Macaron, Basic Gray, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Frosted Floral

Ink: Mint Macaron

Accessories: Versamark, Silver Embossing Powder, 

Heat Tool, 1 1/2" Circle Punch, 

Banner Triple Punch, 3/8" Silver Metallic Ribbon, 

Clear Rhinestones, Stampin' Dimensionals

Today is turning out a little different than I had planned.  I was supposed to meet my brother who had a doctor's appointment in Iowa City but his roads were not good so he postponed to next week . . . so I will work on a project for Hanna until mid afternoon when I will take off for Iowa City.  My plans to deliver some food to the SICU staff got delayed yesterday because it took a while to get my driveway plowed out and there was not enough time before stamp night.  With winter weather . . . flexibility is the name of the game!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 26, 2018

Snow is Glistening

Snow is definitely glistening . . . all 7 or 8 inches of it that fell yesterday!!!  It is pretty, but I much prefer it on cards!!!

This is one of the cards everyone will be making tonight at Make-It-Monday.  It comes from a blog I follow . . . The Cow Whisperer.

Stamps: Snow is Glistening

Cardstock: Balmy Blue, Whisper White 

Ink: Balmy Blue

Accessories: Versamark, White Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Snowfall Trinkets

Everything is ready for tonight if I can get out of my driveway.  Someone is supposed to come and clean it off sometime today.  I sure hope they do because today is the day that I deliver an appreciation gift to the staff in the SICU area of the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.  I have been doing this every year since John had his accident 13 years ago.  I know the staff is not the same, but I still like to remember the people that help other people during a very traumatic time in their lives.

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 25, 2018

Spirited Snowmen

I have a feeling we will be able to make many of these spirited snowmen by the time the snow is done falling today!!  It is very pretty outside right now as long as you do not have to go anywhere!!

This is one of the cards everyone will be making tomorrow night at Make-It-Monday.

Stamps: Spirited Snowmen, Buffalo Check

Cardstock: Night of Navy, Balmy Blue, Whisper White

Ink: Memento Black, Balmy Blue, Night of Navy

Stampin' Blends:  Dark Pumpkin Pie, Dark Crumb Cake, 

Dark Smoky Slate, Light Night of Navy,

Accessories:  Layering Ovasls Framelits, 

Swirls and Curls Embossing Folder, Big Shot, 

Whisper White Classic Edge Ribbon, Silver Mini Sequin Trim, 

Clear Rhinestone Jewels, Wink of Stella

Wow . . . when it decides to snow it really decides to snow . . . I certainly hope we do not gt as much snow as they have predicted . .. but if we do, there is not much we can do about it!!  Looks like a good day to turn the heater on in the craft room, watch some Netflix Christmas movies, and hunker down with ink and stamps!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 24, 2018

Country Roads

I can definitely say that the last few days have definitely been filled with fond memories!!

I ordered this stamp set on a whim, wasn't really sure I would use it . . . and then I had someone ask me if I could make them some cards and this was the perfect set!!

 Stamps: Country Road

Cardstock: Very vanilla Thick, Early Espresso

Designer Series Paper: Wood Textures

Ink: Early Espresso

Accessories: Metallic Pearls

This was my view for most of Thursday . . . after I got the turkey and dressing ready to go (easiest part of the whole dinner) I was banished to the living room while Hanna, Jake, and Julie did everything else!!

If you went away hungry on Thursday it was your own fault . . . I think we had plenty of food.

And then we were off for our first of a couple of trips to Iowa City.  We are kind of surprising ourselves with our organization!!

Hanna and I then made another trip to Iowa City on Friday morning which was super productive.  I finished up a lot of the things that were on my list!!  After a short nap we decorated the house and then Julie and Jason came for supper again.

And now . . . the house is quiet and this is my view as I recover from the last couple of days!!  LOL

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 22, 2018

Many Blessings

I know I have posted this card before, but it is oh so appropriate for today so I decided to share it again.  Hanna and Jake arrived last night and Hanna and I were talking this morning about how many blessings we have in out life!!

You all are truly blessings in my life as well!!  I can't believe all of the great friends I have made through stamping!!

Stamps: Many Blessings

Cardstock: Very Vanilla Thick, Early Espresso, Crushed Curry, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: Wo Textures

Ink: Black Memento, Early Espresso

Stampin' Blends:  Pumpkin Pie Combo Pack, Old Olive Dark, 

Real Red Dark, Crumb Cake Light

Accessories: 1 3/4" Circle Punch, 2" Circle Punch, 

Clear Rhinestone Jewels, Linen Thread, Mini Glue Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

The turkey is in the oven and the side dishes are prepared. We are ready!!

Happy Thanksgiving!! 

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 21, 2018

Foxy Friends

I love when people bring the cards they have made to stamp night to show me.  This is a card that Kippen brought that she had designed for a baby shower.

I don't have the Foxy Friends stamp set so I love having a sample of it to show.

Stamps: Foxy Friends (greeting computer generated)

Cardstock: Pool Party, Tranquil Tide, Calypso Coral, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Twinkle Twinkle

Ink: Caypso Coral, Basic Black

Accessories: Layering Oval Framelits, Big Shot, 

Fox Builder Punch, Pool Party Ribbon (retired), 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Wow . . . I made great headway on some of the projects I am working on . . . but realized today that I need to switch gears and get some things done that Hanna needs to take back to Adel with her when they go home on Saturday.  So that is what I shall do . . . Hanna and Jake will be getting here early evening so that gives me all day to try and get the projects done.  Even though they are not all Stampin' Up! product I will try to share them in the coming days!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 20, 2018

Dashing Deer

Kind of like snow . . . . deer are all right on cards . . . just not on the road or by my car!!!  I have been very lucky since I got my red car that deer seem to stay away from it.  My old car . . . it seemed like a deer magnet!!

This is yet another swap I received in Orlando.  Some great Christmas card ideas!!!

Stamps: Dashing Deer

Cardstock: Whisper White Thick, Tranquil Tide, 

Merry Merlot, Gold Foil

Designer Series Paper: Joyous Noel (Sold Out)

Ink: Merry Merlot

Accessories:Layering Circles Framelits, 

Detailed Deer Thinlits Dies, 

Tufted Embossing Folder, Big Shot, 

Triple Banner Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

Busy . . . busy . . . busy . . . that is what I am going to be for the next few weeks with orders that have come in for Christmas cards and other things!!  But I thrive on being busy and seem to work better under pressure so it is all good!!!  I'll crank up the music and be a happy camper!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 19, 2018

Peaceful Poinsettia

I love poinsettias at Christmas time . . . I just wish I could keep them alive.  I guess I will have to settle for poinsettias on cards!!

This is another one of the cards that I got when I swapped in Orlando.  Very simple but very easy to mass produce if you send a lot of Christmas cards!!

Stamps: Peaceful Poinsettia

Cardstock: Old Olive, Real Red, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Under the Mistletoe

Ink: Real Red

Accessories: Layering Ovals Framelits, 

Stitched Shapes Framelits, Big Shot, 

Real Red Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals

The texts are going fast and furiously between Hanna and I as we finish making our shopping lists for Thanksgiving dinner.  Jake and Hanna are doing the actual cooking this year . . . all I am doing is supplying the kitchen and the turkey!!  I can't wait for everyone to arrive!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 18, 2018

So Santa

This is so totally how I felt yesterday morning when I was trying to get to Willimasburg to meet my friends so we could go on to Des Moines shopping and to a baby shower.  What normally takes me 25 minutes took almost an hour!!!  Who needs snow???

This is one of the cards I swapped for last week in Orlando.  I do not have this stamp set so wanted some examples for it.  I will say . . . I can't imagine Christmas with warm temperatures and no snow!!

Stamps:  So Santa

Cardstock: Lemon Line Twist, Berry Burst, Petal Pink, 

Whisper White, Silver Foil

Ink: Memento Black Ink and Various Markers

Accessories: Layering Circles Framelits,  Gently Falling Embossing Folder, 

Big Shot,

 Stampin' Dimensionals

We had a great day shopping yesterday at the Winter Christmas Farmer's Market and at Valley Junction in Des Moines.  We squeezed in a great lunch at Spaghetti Works as well.  I will say I was pooped when I got home!!  I didn't buy much, but I did have fun!!!

I am hoping today to get a head start on cards for next week's Make-It-Monday since this will be a very busy week!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 17, 2018

Merry Christmas to All

One of the fun parts of going to convention is swapping.  Since I had recently used the shaving cream technique with stamp club this card caught my attention.  It is from a demonstrator named Lisa Horton.

I just love the different looks you can get with this technique and how no two of the backgrounds come out the same.

Stamps: Merry Christmas to All

Cardstock: Garden Green, Real Red, Whisper White

Ink: Real Red

Accessories:  Real Red and Garden Green Re-inkers, 

Real Red 1/8" Solid Ribbon, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

I am off to Des Moines this morning with a couple of friends to do some Christmas shopping and also to attend a baby shower for my niece.  My friends are going to drop me off so I can spend a little time at the shower, and then they will pick me up and we will continue with our shopping day!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 16, 2018

Spirited Snowmen

Wow . . . I am getting a lazy start to the day!!  I love all things snowmen . . . I used to have a snowman collection that I would put out at Christmas time . . . until my house was overrun with them!!!  So it would stand to reason that I would love this stamp set!!

All three of the images in this set are so cute . . . and I just love all of the sentiments as well.  Other than having to color this card, I think all of the stampers that made it this week liked it as well!!

Stamps: Spirited Snowmen

Cardstock: Coastal Cabana, Whisper White

Ink: Coastal Cabana, Memento Black

Stampin' Blends:  Granny Apple Green Combo Pack, 

Poppy Parade Combo Pack, Pumpkin Pie Light, 

Pool Party Light, Bronze

Accessories: Clear Rhinestone Jewels

So . . . knowing how busy the last couple of weeks were and knowing how busy it will be between now and Christmas, I have been taking advantage of the rest time when it presents itself . . . hence the late blog post today!!  There is not much on the agenda for the rest of the day either . . . I may try to start a project or two that need to be done by the first of December . . . or I may just decide to veg out with a good book!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 15, 2018

Peaceful Place

November is the month we seem to focus on gratitude . . . although I think we should focus on it every single day of the year!!  This card is perfect to send to someone who has been a part of your life . . . for whatever part they may have played.

This is also one of the cards that everyone stamping with me this week has made.

Stamps:  Peaceful Place

Cardstock:  Basic Black, Very Vanilla, Cardstock Vellum, Gold Foil

Ink:  Black Stazon

Accessories:  Stamparatus, Banner Triple Punch, Mini Glue Dots

Guess what came in the mail while we were at the doctor's office the other day . . . you guessed it . . . my pre-pre-order from the Occasions and Sale-a-Bration catalogs.  A box of delicious goodness!!

I was still a little on the tired side yesterday and had a couple of other things to get done so all I managed to do with it was to get the products out of the box and assemble the stamps!!  Hopefully after I get home from the grocery store I will have time to play, play, play!!

Being able to see and play with new products is one of the benefits of being a demonstrator . . . if you would like to be able to do this shoot me an email and we will talk!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 14, 2018

Stylish Christmas

Stylish Christmas is one of those sets that I kind of forgot about in the main catalog.  At least, that is, until the stamping retreat in September.  Someone brought this card as one of our shoebox swaps so I decided to use it for my Christmas card class.

I had forgotten all about it till I went to finish putting stuff away today from that class and realized I had not shared it yet.

Stamps: Stylish Christmas

Cardstock: Real red, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Any Christmas designer series paper that had Real Red in it

Ink: Real Red, Tranquil Tide

Accessories: Tin Tile Dynamic Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, 

Big Shot, Red Rhinestone Jewels, 

Metallic Pearls, Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterday's doctor's appointment went quite well.  John got released from the kidney stone doctor unless he has a problem and I just had a research lab appointment, where they gather info about how to better fight lymphoma.  It took much longer than either one of us thought it would and we were both tired when we got home.  I napped almost all afternoon and then actually slept all night again last night.  I must still be catching up from the lack of sleep last week.  Today I hope to finish cleaning up from my Christmas card class and Monday night's Make-It-Monday.

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 13, 2018

Sunshine Sayings

Thanks, Luetta, for this awesome swap card from whatever swap you brought this to!!  I love the color combination . . . I am starting to believe that Mango Melody could go with anything!!

Sometimes I think I get so focused on the stamps that are in the special catalogs, like the Holiday and the Occasions catalogs, that I forget all about some of the ones in the main catalog!!

Stamps: Sunshine Sayings, Daisy Delight

Cardstock: Mango Melody, Gorgeous Grape, Whisper White

Ink: Mango Melody, Granny Apple Green, Gorgeous Grape, 

Highland Heather, Smoky Slate

Accessories:  Clear Rhinestone Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals

When I got off of the plane Sunday morning I thought my week was going to be jam packed full every day.  Since that time several of my things have gotten cancelled or rescheduled, which is actually okay with me.  The only thing on the agenda today is doctor's appointment for both John and I.  We should be home shortly after noon so I am planning on resting and reading a good book this afternoon!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 12, 2018

Snow Is Glistening

Well . . . now that it is November I guess it is time for a little snow . . . but just like one or two flakes!!  A little snow does bring me joy . . . . especially a light dusting when I am trying to do my Christmas shopping!!

This is one of the cards everyone will be making tonight at Make-It-Monday!!

Stamps: Snow Is Glistening

Cardstock: Balmy Blue, Whisper White

Accessories: Snowfall Thinlits, Big Shot, Versamark, 

Silver Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, 

Balmy Blue Re-Inker, Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint, 

Stampin' Spritzer, Snowflake Trinkets, 

Mini Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals

There are tones and tons of benefits of being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator and being  able to attend live events such as the one I just got home from.  These are just a few of the items I received free with my convention registration.

But one of the best thing about attending events is the people you meet and the friendships you make!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 11, 2018

Beautiful Promenade

Beautiful Promenade was one of those stamp sets I was on the fence about but since it was on sale a while back, I decided to go ahead and get it.  And I am sure glad that I did!!!

I am not sure I would have put these colors together but it was a color challenge I found on Pinterest with this sample.  This is one of the cards that everyone will be making at Make-It-Monday.

Stamps: Beautiful Promenade, Happiness Surrounds

Cardstock: Whisper White Thick, Soft Sea Foam, Whisper White

Ink: Mossy Meadow, Soft Sea Foam, Blackberry Bliss

Accessories: Basic Pearl Jewels

I had a great time at convention but I am glad to be home.  We left our hotel at 4:15 this morning and I just walked in the door at home at about noon.  I am going to finish up a few things for tomorrow night and then call it a day.  Anything else that needs to be done for Make-It-Monday can be done tomorrow!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 10, 2018

Snow Is Glistening

Although I am in sunny Florida, with no snow on the ground, I just have to share this snowy card!!  I love the silver glimmer paper in the snowflakes.  

This is one of the cards everyone will be making on Monday night.

Stamps: Snow Is Glistening

Cardstock: Mint Macaron, Whisper White, Silver Glimmer Paper

Ink: Mint Macaron

Accessories:  Snowflake Thinlits, Big Shot, Snowflake Trinkets

We have had a great second day of convention.  This is their thirtieth anniversary so they have a time line of what was happening in their stamping world every year.  I joined Stampin' Up! in 2004, so just had to get picture taken by that year.

Here are some of my travel buddies.  They are so much fun to travel with!!

t

We had a little break this afternoon so went Universal City Walk.  I managed to do a little surfing while I was there.

We ate at Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville.  Susie and I shared a plate of nachos.  It's a good thing we each didn't get one.  There was enough for us and the other five people in our group as well!!  It was absolutely delicious!!

It made a great break before we went back for our evening session.

Today is the last day of convention.  I can't wait to see what they have in store for us today!!

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

Happy Stamping!!