The Year in Review

I thought I would try something that I've not done before . . . share a favorite card from each month!!  As I was looking back through the months I realized just how much I have stamped and how much I do love stamping!!

January

There are several family members that have January birthdays and this was their birthday card.  You can read about it here.

February

There were some pretty awesome new sets in the Occasions catalog this last year,.  Southern Serenade was one of them . . . you can read about it here.

March

I love my technique club because it pushes me to try new things.  That was the case with this technique and one that I used with a similar Christmas set in December.  You can check out that technique here.

April

April brought some sad news for our family as a niece lost her battle with cancer.  She grew up on a daffodil farm and this card reminded me so much of her.  You can read about it here.

May

May brought a sneak peek into the new catalog with a sample of new designer series paper and a matching stamp set . . . Love What You Do.  You can read about it here.

June

June brought my turbo wedding invitation making  . . . 600+ invitaions for two girls.  You can read about it here.

July

July was wedding month and I couldn't choose just one card so I chose two.  You can read about them here and here.

August

One of my favorite cards I made it August was this baby card.  You can read about it here.

September 

September brought Holiday catalog and one of my favorite sets that I am very glad is carrying over for a while.  You can read about this card here.

October

October brought the start of my Christmas card making and a cute snowman stamp set.  You can read about it here.

November

November  brought a trip to Orlando to the Stampin' Up On Stage and of course swaps.  you can read about this card here.

December

December brought many more Christmas cards but i think I can safely say this is one of my favorites.  You can read about it here.

I hope you enjoyed this year in review!!  I JUST know there are many more happy stamping days coming up in 2019 and I can't wait for you to join me!!

December 31, 2018

Making Christmas Bright

Friends make all seasons shine . . . not just the Christmas season.  I am lucky to count among my friends, Sally, who lives in Ohio, and sent me this card.

I am glad that a couple of the products she used on this card are carrying over . . . the stamp set and the Corrugated Embossing folder.

Stamps: Making Christmas Bright

Cardstock: Garden Green, Real Red, Whisper White, Gold Foil

Ink: Real Red, Garden Green

Accessories:  Stitched Shapes Framelits, 

Corrugated Embossing Folder, Big Shot, 

Suite Season Washi Tape, 

Garden Green and White Baker's Twine, 

Red Rhinestone Basic Jewels

A rainy day is better than a snowy day anytime . . . especially this time of year!!  Imagine how much snow we would have if this rain were snow!!  But it is a good day to stay inside and spend the morning in my craft room and my afternoon watching the college bowl games!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 30, 2018

Bloom by Bloom

Wow . . . it is hard to believe that this is my next to last post for 2018!!  What a year it has been!!!  After weddings, of course, my favorite thing has been the Stampin' Up! events that I have attended . . . and there have been many!!

This is one of the cards that we made at On Stage in November.  Made with Happiness Blooms Memories and More Cards & Envelopes it was easy peasy to make.  It is a little different size than a regular card but since envelopes come in the pack . . . no problem!!

Stamps: Bloom by Bloom

Cardstock: Whisper White 

Ink: Lovely Lipstick, Night of Navy, Call Me Clover

Accessories: Happiness Blooms Memories & More Card Pack, 

Happiness Blooms Memories & More Cards & Envelopes, 

Happiness Blooms Enamel Dots, 

Calypso Coral 3/8" Satin Ribbon, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Wow . . . yesterday I watched the college football bowl games and finished up all of my Stampin' Up! book work for the year.  I try to do it month by month, but this year I had not done any of it after September 1st, so there was a lot to catch up on!!  But it is done.  Today I want to try and get all of the extra packets from 2018 stamped up and the supplies put away so I can start 2019 with a clean stamp room!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 29, 2018

Needle and Thread

Check out another sneak peek form the 2019 Occasions catalog!!  There are so many awesome goodies in this catalog!!  I can hardly believe it!!

This is one of the Make and Takes we made at On Stage in November.   Since I used to do a LOT of needlepoint and cross stitch this suite caught my eye right away.

Stamps: Needed and Thread

Cardstock: Whisper White Thick, Blushing Bride

Designer Series Paper: Needlepoint Nook

Ink: Poppy Parade

Accessories: Needle Point Elements Framelits Dies, Big Shot, 

Old Olive Linen Thread, Share What You Love Artisan Pearls, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Holy cow . . . I can't believe what a difference in my shoulder after my appointment for a cortisone shot!  I actually slept all night and feel like cleaning in my stamping room.  I might have just a little bit of time to get started before college football bowl games start . . . they take precedence over any stamping!!!  LOL

And what a difference a year makes . . . this is what I was doing this time last year . . . waiting at the airport for the big moment  . . . 

What a year it has been!!!  

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 28, 2018

In The Woods Framelits

Lo and behold . . . when I picked up my mail yesterday there were more Christmas cards there.  This one came from my friend, Linda.

I forget about this layout, but I should use it more often.  It totally shows off out awesome designer series paper.

Cardstock: Garden Green Cherry Cobbler

Designer Series Paper: Dashing Along

Accessories:  In the Woods Framelit Dies, 

Softly Falling Embossing Folder, Big Shot, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

As soon as I am done posting this I am headed off to Iowa City to get a shot in my shoulder.  Hopefully then it will feel well enough so that I can sleep and then be able to get some stuff done in my stamping room.  I have to pick up the Christmas disaster that is still in there before I can even begin to stamp with anything new!!  Wish me luck!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 27, 2018

Hello Cupcake

Are you ready for some more sneak peeks at some of the new Sale-a-Bration and Occasions Catalog sets?  They are a sight to behold . . . let me tell you.  I know I am in trouble with all of the cool new stamp sets in the Occasions catalog!!

Hello Cupcake is one of the Sale-a-Bration sets you can get for free when you have a $50 qualifying order.  It is pretty neat!!

Stamps: Hello Cupcake

Cardstock: Berry Burst, Flirty Flamingo, Whisper White, Vellum

Ink: Berry Burst, Flirty Flamingo, Pineapple Punch

Accessories:  Share What You Love Artisan Pearls

Wow . . . when you go from six humans and two dogs in a house back to just two humans . . . it is quiet!!!  Hanna and Jake left early this morning so Hanna could go wedding dress shopping with one of her friends today.  

Today's plans include resting and doing a little shopping and going out for lunch with Luetta.

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 26, 2018

Lovely as a Tree

Lovely as a Tree has always been and will always be one of my favorite stamp sets.  There have been others that I really like but this set has stood the test of time.  It was in the catalog when I became a demonstrator 15 years ago.

My friend, Jeannie, sent this card to us.  So pretty in real life!!

Stamps: Lovely as a Tree

Cardstock: Basic Black, Whisper White

Ink: Basic Black

Yesterday was a full day of family, conversations, good food, laughs, and just enjoying being together.  

Today Hanna and I are going to make a couple more name banners for people she forgot and make a few signs for her to take Thursday when she goes wedding dress shopping with a friend.

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 25, 2018

Dashing Deer

Merry Merry Christmas!!!   I hope all of you are having a very Merry Christmas.  

When I went to pick up my mail again yesterday my mailbox was full of Christmas cards again.  I received this one from my friend, Christy.

I love these deer stamps and thinlits and am so glad that they are carrying over for a while!!

I love the way this card opens with the message on one of the three panels.

Stamps:  Dashing Deer

Cardstock: Merry Merlot, Shaded Spruce, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Joyous Noel

Ink: Merry Merlot, Soft Suede

Accessories:  Detailed deer Thinlits, Softly Falling Embossing Folder, 

Big Shot, Everyday Label Punch, Mini Stampin' Dimensionals

Merry Christmas!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 24, 2018

Dashing Deer

Wow . . . stunning is all I have to say about this card.  It is much more stunning in person than the photo shows.

This card comes from my friend, Rory, who lives in upstate New York.  I was lucky enough to spend time with her when we were at On Stage in Orlando and will get to spend some more time with her  when some of us go to visit her this summer.

Stamps: Dashing Deer

Cardstock: Basic Black, Whisper White, Silver Foil

Ink: Basic Black

Accessories:  Detailed Deer Thinlits Dies, Tin Type Embossing Folder, 

Big Shot, Black 3/8" Glittered Organdy Ribbon, 

Tag Topper Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

Missions accomplished yesterday . . . . the nut bread is made, the crab puffs are ready for baking and the Chex mix is done.  The rest of the day I relaxed by reading a good book by the lights of my Christmas tree and listened to Christmas music.

Today I am on the go again . . . I am headed to Iowa City to buy the last minute grocery items that I wanted to be fresh, pick up a couple of last minute Christmas presents and make my annual delivery of food to the SICU family waiting room and to the staff in the SICU. This has become an annual tradition on Christmas Eve afternoon . . . regardless of what else is going on and one I will continue till the day I can't!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 22, 2018

Christmas Pines

Today's card is one I received from my friend, Kimberly.  I love the non-traditional colors and the jar of Love stamp on the card.

The snow and ice in the jar are a nice touch.  BUT . . . they can just stay in this jar!!

Stamps: Christmas Pines, Jar of Love

Cardstock: Soft Sea Foam,  Old Olive, Crumb Cake Whisper White

Ink: Old Olive,  Soft Sea Foam

Accessories: Everyday Jars Framelits Dies, Pretty Pines Thinlits Dies, 

Big Shot, Linen Thread Foam Adhesive Strips, 

Glue Dots,  Stampin' Dimensionals

Our road trip yesterday's a huge success.  We started out in LeClaire at a favorite shop there where we each managed to find some awesome new Christmas decorations.  From there we made our way up the Mississippi River, stopping in Clinton at a couple of antique stores, and made it to Galena in time for lunch at our favorite restaurant, Vinny Vanuccchi's.  We spent the afternoon wandering around the shops there and headed home about the time it got dark.  We stopped for supper along the way and got home just about bedtime.

Today is going to be a baking day as I was to make several loaves of nut bread and also come crab puffs.  Other than that nothing else is on the agenda!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 22, 2018

Merry Christmas Thinlits

Here is another card I received the other day from my friend, Sandi.   The Joyous Noel Designer Series Paper makes any card special!!

I am certainly glad that these thinlits will be carrying over for at least another six months.  I love the font that is used in them.

Cardstock: Tranquil Tide

Designer Series Paper: Joyous Noel

Accessories: Merry Christmas Thinlits, Big Shot, Retired Embellishments

Wow . . . yesterday was a BUSY day.  I got all of the groceries that I think we are going to need.  When I got home and got all of them put away I promptly started wrapping Christmas presents.  That did take a while but with Christmas music playing it didn't seem as long.  I also got Jake's name embroidered on his Christmas sock that my sister-in-law crocheted for us.  A pretty successful day!!

Today John and I are taking off with Julie and Jason on a road trip to . . . I don't know where.  When Julie asked if we wanted to go on a road trip I said sure . . . and didn't bother asking where we were going.  I am sure we will have a great time no matter where we end up!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 21, 2018

Wishing You Well

I am SO SO happy that this stamp set . . . Wishing You Well is carrying over for at least another six months.  It makes the perfect Christmas card like this one I received from my friend, Luetta, but it will also be great for spring cards with spring flowers on the wreath. 

This card actually opens up like a gatefold card in the middle with the wreath piece holding it closed.

Stamps: Wishing You Well, Buffalo Check

Cardstock: Mossy Meadow, Merry Merlot, Whisper white

Designer Series Paper: 

Ink: Mossy Meadow, Merry Merlot

Today was going to be my day to stay home and get my presents wrapped and things like that but as so often happens my weekend plans have changed so today I am headed to Iowa City to get groceries and any last minute items I may see that I think I have to have.  I'll stop at our local Casey's and deliver the gifts from the angel tree tags for the local care facility residents and deliver a stamping order as well.  I am hoping to be home by noon so I can also get my gift wrapping done today as well.

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 20, 2018

Winter Woods

I have been so busy lately that I haven't even had time to go to the post office and pick up my mail.  That changed yesterday when I went and picked up two sacks full of mail!!!  Inside those sacks were all kinds of Christmas cards.   The first one I'm sharing sharing came from my friend, Lorna!!

I love the color combination she used.  

Stamps: Winter Woods, Buffalo Check

Cardstock: Whisper White, Merry Merlot

Ink: Garden Green, Merry Merlot

Accessories:  Layering Ovals Framelits, In the Woods Framelit Dies, 

Big Shot, Red Rhinestone Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterday was pretty much a day of total rest . . . and today is going to be full again!!  I started the day with an early morning hair appointment and am meeting some friends for lunch.  When we get together we tend to visit quite a while so I am sure there will be no stamping today!!  

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 19, 2018

Lasting Lily

How about another sneak peek . . . this time of a Sale-a-Bration set . . . Lasting Lily.  This photopolymer stamp set has some awesome images and sentiments in it . . . a must have for any stamper.

Last night my Paper Pals group had our Christmas get together.  Instead of getting together to do shoebox swaps this month we took two already made card swaps and went out for dinner.  This was one of the cards I took.  A great time was had by all.

Stamps: Lastin g Lily

Cardstock: Grapefruit Grove

Designer Series Paper:  In Color Designer Series Paper

Ink: Grapefruit Grove, Garden Green

Accessories:  Faceted Dots

I can hardly believe I am saying this but I have absolutely nothing I have to do today.  I went to pick up a gift certificate early this morning for my son-in-law for Christmas, but other than that I think I may spend my day relaxing, reading, and listening to Christmas music!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 18, 2018

Paper Pumpkin

Sometimes the monthly Paper Pumpkin kit hits it out of the ball park!!!  The November kit was one of those kits!!

I get two of these kits a month so it is making my Christmas card making a lot easier this year.  I absolutely love the cards that were in it.  I did make them up according to the directions.

There were two options . . . . there were supplies to make five of each of the cards.

I would be hard pressed to tell you which of them I like better.  I like the wreath on this card better . . . but . . . 

I like the designer series paper better on this one!!!  So I guess they were both winners!!

Today is going to be another busy day with an appointment for my shoulder and then a Christmas dinner celebration with the monthly Paper Pals group.  I do need to get my cards done for that and find a white elephant in my stamp room for our gift exchange.  That shouldn't be too hard to do!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 17, 2018

Dear Doily

Don't recognize this stamp set???  Don't worry . . . it is a sneak peek of a set that will be in the Occasions catalog that will be released in January.  This is a card that was demonstrated at On Stage by Shelli Gardner.

For Technique Thursday we went back to a very old technique that we sometimes forget all about . . . coloring directly on your stamp with your Stampin' Write Markers.  Another thing they stressed at On Stage was going back to simple stamping and this card definitely fits the bill.

Stamps: Dear Doily, Strong & Beautiful

Cardstock: Old Olive, Crushed Curry, Whisper White

Ink: Old Olive, Crushed Curry

Accessories: Old Olive and Crushed Curry Markers, Stampin' Dimensionals

And they are DONE!!!  I finished up my big order of cards yesterday morning and promptly started working on my own Christmas cards.  I will be delivering them as soon as I am done posting this and then heading to Iowa City to run a few errands.  This afternoon I hope to get my own cards finished in time to mail  them when I meet some friends for dinner in Kalona.  

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 16, 2018

Snowflake Sentiments

I know I have said before and I will say it again . . . I love snowflakes on cards but I am so through with snowflakes on the ground.  I do not even care if we have a white Christmas!!!

This is a card that came from the blog Stamp With Bonnie and is one that everyone made Tuesday night at the special Christmas card class.

Stamps: Snowflake Sentiments

Cardstock: Blueberry Bushel, Smoky Slate, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: 6" X 6" In Color Designer Series paper

Ink: Blueberry Bushel, Smoky Slate

Accessories:Stitched Shapes Framelits, Layering Ovals Framelits, 

Big Shot, Silver Mini Sequin Trim, 

Whisper White 3/8" Classic Weave Ribbon, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

They are all but done . . . I have a few finishing touches to put on some of the huge order of Christmas cards and then they are DONE!!  

I hope to get started on my own Christmas cards yet this afternoon!!  Once I get them done I am taking a break from stamping for a while!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 15, 2018

Merry Christmas to All 

I am certainly glad that this Merry Christmas to All stamp set is carrying over at least another six months.  I hope it is in the main catalog when it is released in June.  I do love it and know that I did not give it the attention it needed this season.  Hopefully I have one more season that I can use it!!

This is another one of the cards that everyone made at the special Christmas card class on Tuesday.  This designer series paper is awesome!!!

Stamps: Merry Christmas To All

Cardstock: Whisper White Thick, Shaded Spruce, Real Red, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: All Is Bright

Ink: Real Red, Shaded Spruce

Accessories: Metallic Pearls, Stampin' Dimensionals

Today was another one of those sleep in days . . . 9:00 this morning . . . hopefully I am caught up on my sleep now because I feel like half the day is gone when I get up then.  The sunshine looks great outside my window . . . I thought about running some errands today but then decided that I would stay home and finish Christmas cards!!  Hopefully there are some good basketball games on this afternoon I can watch while finishing the assembly process.

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

Happy Stamping!!