January 31, 2019

Hello Cupcake

I don't think I am ever going to get enough of this cupcake set!!  I just love it. This is one of the cards I made a while back when I was working with one set a day.

I typically make feminine cards so thought I would use a color scheme that would work for anyone.  At first glance these look like flowers hut if you look again they could be little sprockets or wheels, thus making it suitable for a guy.

Stamps: Hello Cupcake, Itty Bitty Greetings

Cardstock: Whisper White Thick,  call me Clover, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Happiness Blooms

Ink: Call Me Clover, Night of Navy

Accessories: Stitched Shapes Framelits, Layering Circles Framelits, 

Big Shot, Stampin' Dimenionals

Holy buckets . . . was it cold yesterday.  I managed to work in my stamp room long enough to get two kids stamp classes ready but that was it!!  The space heater just was not keeping up!!  So I gave up and came out into the living room.  I decided to start my car just so it would start when I needed it and guess what . . . it would not start.  I was thinking that it was just too cold so was going to wait until it got warmer and then it would be fine.  I was talking with my son-in-law and he thought from what I was telling him that it probably needed a new battery so I called the young kid that does our mechanic work and he came right up and got it started and took it to his shop to see what was going on.  Sure enough it was the battery . . . but told me it was the original battery in the car so since it was six years old it had done pretty well for itself.  The good news . . . it is fixed . . . the even better news . . . it did not leave me stranded somewhere and everybody is safe and sound!!  

Today I am going to attempt the stamp room again as well as having an appointment for my shoulder and meeting some friends for supper . . . all because I have a brand new battery!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 30, 2019

First Steps

My nephew and his wife had a baby a couple of weeks ago and this is the card that I sent to them.  The sentiment on this card is oh so true . . . little ones do leave a huge imprint on our hearts!!

I know I found this card on Pinterest but could not trace it back to the original poster.  

Stamps: First Steps

Cardstock: Petal Pink, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Tinkle Twinkle

Ink: Versamark

Accessories: Stitched Labels Framelits Dies, Big Shot, 

White Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, 

Share What You Love Artisan Pearls, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Wow . . . I am not sure there is anything open in the state of Iowa today!!  Cold, Cold, Cold are the words of the day!!  I don't know if I am going to craft today or stay in my recliner with my blanket!!  What are you doing on this super cold day?

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 29, 2019

Incredible Like You

Think Spring . . . think spring . . . think spring!!!  Maybe if I stamp enough cards I will look out the window and feel warmer!!!  LOL

Purple was my grandma's favorite color so when every I see or make a purple card, it reminds me of her.

Stamps: Incredible Like you

Cardstock: Highland Heather, Gorgeous Grape, Call Me Clover

Ink: Highland Heather, Gorgeous Grape, Call Me Clover

Accessories:  Happiness Blooms Enamel Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals

So yesterday I did something I don't normally do . . . I rescheduled Make-It-Monday because of the bitterly cold temperatures and wind chill.  It is a good thing I don’t live in Alaska.  I think I would sleep all the time.  I took a two hour nap yesterday afternoon and then slept for another ten last night.  I guess the weekend tired me out more than I thought.  I was so glad not to go anywhere after I made the decision to cancel stamp night.  

One of John's friends came all the way from Maine for his birthday party and then because of the roads they could not get from Iowa City to Kalona on Saturday so he is coming down for a visit today and we may go to the Mexican restaurant in Kalona for lunch . . . if the car starts!!  Other than that I am staying under my blanket today and becoming a hermit!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 28, 2019

Beauty Abounds

The Floral Romance Specialty Designer Series Paper is to die for!!  It is absolutely beautiful!  This card, which came from Tina's Crafty Ink Spot, shows off the vellum so very well!!

The butterflies, which are just punched out of the Botanical Butterflies Designer Series paper are the perfect compliment to the vellum.  Super simple . . . but oh so beautiful!!  The photos do not do it justice!!

Stamps: Beauty Abounds

Cardstock: Whisper White Thick, Basic Black, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Floral Romance, Botanical Butterfly Specialty

Ink: Memento Black, Rich Razzleberry

Accessories:  Butterfly Duet Punch, Sponge Daubers, 

Wink of Stella, Mini Glue Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterday's stamping day in South English was a great success.  Fun stamping, great friends, and most of all celebrating Susie's  huge accomplishment!  

I am hoping the weather hold out so we can have Make-It-Monday tonight, but I guess we shall see.  Old Man Winter can go home any time!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 27, 2019

Lasting Lily

Lasting Lily is the one Sale-a-Bration set that practically jumped off the page at me when I first glanced at the catalog.  I love the images, but even more than that I love the sentiments that are in the set.

This card which was on a blog I follow, Stamp With Amy, is another one of the cards that everyone will be making Monday night at Make-It-Monday.

Stamps: Lasting Lily

Cardstock: Soft Sea Foam, Petal Pink, Whisper White

Ink: Petal Pink, Soft Seafoam

Accessories: Stitched Shapes Framelits,  Big Shot, Stamparatus, 

3/16" Braided Linen Trim, Basic Rhinestone Jewels, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Our surprise birthday party for John yesterday was a success, despite the weather.  Hanna even talked him into taking a selfie with her.

This is actually one of the better photos we took yesterday.  You would think we were a bunch of kids when getting our picture taken.

Today I am out the door as soon as I am done posting this to spend the day stamping with friends and celebrating my friend, Susie's, Million Dollar Sales accomplishment with Stampin' Up!  I am looking forward to stamping and seeing everyone today and catching up on everything.

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 26, 2019

Home To Roost

This Home To Roost set is probably not my favorite Sale-a-Bration set, but I have seen some cool cards made with it, including this one.  Actually when I Googled it to find some inspiration, there were more ideas for this set than some of the sets I really do like!!

This is one of the cards everyone will be making Monday night at Make-It-Monday.  I just hope the weather starts to behave itself so we can actually have Make-It-Monday.

Stamps: Home to Roost (Sale-a-Bration)

Cardstock: Basic Black, Real Red, Whisper White, Crumb Cake

Ink: Memento Black

Stampin' Blends: Real Red Dark

Accessories:  Stitched Shapes Framelits, Layering Circles Framelits, 

Pinewood Planks Embossing Folder, Big Shot, 

Classic Label Punch, Linen Thread, Mini Glue Dots,  

Stampin' Dimensionals

Hanna and Jake are on their way home as I am writing this so we can celebrate John's birthday!!  He turned 70 yesterday so we thought we would do something special for his birthday.  Hopefully the little bit of snow they are getting in the Des Moines area doesn't cause a lot of trouble for them.  I am planning on finishing up getting things ready for Monday night as tomorrow is another big day!!  Details to follow on both days.

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 25, 2019

Forever Lovely

One of the blogs that I look at of an Australian demonstrator, Kylie, had a ton of Valentine's cards using a variety of the designer series paper in the All My Love package and ribbon in the All My Love Ribbon Combo Pack.  

They are all equally cool.  I will be sharing some more of them in the next few days.  Just think of all the different cards you could make with one stamp set and one package of designer series paper!!

Stamps:  Forever Lovely

Cardstock: Lovely Lipstick, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper:  All My Love

Ink: Memento Black, Lovely Lipstick

Accessories:All My Love Ribbon Combo Pack, Mini Glue Dots

Holy Moly . . . are you keeping warm???  I am certainly glad that I don't have to go anywhere today!!  I was also glad that my doctor's appointment yesterday was earlier in the day because by the time I was on my way home the snow was starting to drift across the highway form all of the wind.  I am ready to hunker down for the day and stay warm!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 24, 2019

January Paper Pumpkin

The January Paper Pumpkin kit was another of those awesome kits that I could not wait to put together.   

It made 24 pillow box treat holders.  It only took me about 45 minutes to stamp and assemble all of these.  Everything I needed was included in the kit.

Not only did I make all 24 of the treat holders, I have all of these parts and pieces left over to make some more Valentine cards!!

The stamp set that comes with it is really cute and coordinates with the Hey, Love valentine set in the Occasions catalog.  The sentiments are kind of hard to read but they say . . . . For You, my Friend . . . .You're One in a Chameleon . . . .  Be My Valentine . . . . Happy Valentin's Day  . . . . You're So Fly . . . . Be Mine

If you would like to start receiving monthly kits in the mail similar to this one, let me know and we can get you hooked up!!

This was the picture I took out my back door yesterday morning after some of the snow had already started to melt.  We probably had another six inches of snow . . . makes for good crafting . . . but I am getting kind of tired of it!!

As soon as I am done posting this I am out the door to a doctor's appointment.  I may do a little errand running once I am in Iowa City, depending on how cold I am when I am done!!

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

 Happy Stamping!!

January 23, 2019

Made to Bloom All Inclusive Card Kit

With the Made to Bloom Card Kit, you can make beautiful cards in minutes!!  

I made all 12 of these cards in about 30-45 minutes yesterday afternoon while I was watching it snow!!

You get to make 4 of each of these three designs using the stamps and ink spot that come in the kit.  There is even a clear block in the kit!!

These would be perfect for a gift or just for yourself.  Once you have your cards complete you can store them or give them away in the acetate box that comes with the kit.  The belly band around the box makes a nice finishing touch and is also included.  The only extra thing you need to complete this project is some adhesive.  Everything else is included . . . even dimensionals!!

Once again it looks like a winter wonderland outside my window.  I am not sure I remember a year when we have had this much snow in a short space of time . . . I know it hasn't happened since I have retired and that has been six years ago!!

But no worries . . . I have plenty of stamping projects to keep me busy for a long time!!! 

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 22, 2019

Bubble Over

Back again with another Bubble Over card, this time for my nephew's birthday.  This is really a pretty cool set . . . I don't know why I don't use it more than I do!!

I love the Hardwood background stamp . . . again a stamp I don't use very often . . . and needs to be used more!!!

Stamps: Bubble Over, Hardwood

Cardstock: Very Vanilla Thick, Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, Champagne Foil

Ink: Early Espresso

Accessories: Bottles and Bubbles Framelits Dies,  

Celebrate You Thinlits Dies, Big Shot, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Grounded . . . I think that is what is happening today . . . with the ice!!  Good thing I stretched my eyeballs yesterday and got some groceries!!  I am good to be grounded all week, if necessary!!  Look out craft room!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 21, 2019

Forever Lovely

Pinterest was a huge source of inspiration, when it came to deciding which cards we would make tonight at the Meant To Be Make-It-Monday.  All of the Valentine sets in the Occasions catalog are pretty cool!!!

The All My Love Designer Series Paper is pretty cool as well.  Much prettier than in the photo!!

Stamps: Forever Lovely

Cardstock: Whisper White Thick, Lovely L, Powder Pink, Whisper White (inside)

Designer Series Paper: All My Love

Ink: Memento Black, Lovely Lipstick

Accessories:  Be Mine Stitched Framelits, 

Lace Dynamic Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Big Shot, 

Whisper White 5/8" Polka Dot Tulle Ribbon, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Everything is packed and ready to go for tonight.  After being in the house all weekend I am ready to get out and about so am going to Iowa City early just to get some fresh air and stretch my eyeballs before the next batch of bad weather on Tuesday.

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 20, 2019

Meant To Be

Valentine's Day is second only to Christmas in card sending!!  Who wouldn't want to receive this cute Valentine's card!!!  Easy peasy to make, you could whip up many of these in very little time!!

This is one of the cards that everyone will be making tomorrow night at the special Meant To Be Make-It-Monday.

Stamps: Meant To Be, Forever Lovely

Cardstock: Lovely Lipstick, Crumb Cake, Whisper White (inside)

Designer Series Paper: All My Love

Ink: Lovely Lipstick

Accessories:  Be Mine Stitched Framelits, Big Shot, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterday was the perfect day to stay home and craft and today won't be much different!!  I am hoping to get cardstock all cut so I can stuff envelopes while watching either the Hawkeye basketball game or the football playoffs.  Sounds like a broken record . . . doesn't it???  Guess that dates me some . . . 

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 19, 2019

Bubble Over

I can hardly believe it but my "little" brother is turning 55 today!!  Where has the time gone!!  I still remember telling him when he first came home from the hospital that he was okay, but he would have been better if he was a little girl!!  What was I thinking!!!  I wouldn't trade for anything now!!  I actually wouldn't trade either of my brothers . . . even though they only claim me as their father's daughter.  This is the card I made him for his birthday.  I don't use this set very often . . . it seems like only for family birthdays.  Not sure what that says!!!

I did use some retired glimmer paper . . . because I thought he would appreciate the sparkle!!!  LOL

Stamps: Bubble Over

Cardstock: Very Vanilla Thick, Early Espresso, Chamagne Foil, 

Joyous Noel Glimmer Paper (retired)

Designer Series Paper: Wood Textures 

Ink: Tranquil Tide

Accessories:  Bottles and Bubbles Framelits Dies, 

Celebrate You Thinlits Dies, Big Shot, 

Share What You Love Artisan, Pearls, Glue Dots 

Well . . . . either we did not get as much snow as they were expecting or I am getting used to it!!!  Either way, I am ready for winter to be over.  The good news is that my driveway is plowed and my sidewalks scooped already so I could go somewhere if I thought I wanted to.  Thank you, Tony, for taking care of it so quickly!!  

I do think a better use of my time today would be to stay in my stamp room and create!!!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 18, 2019

Bloom to Bloom

Are you ready for all of the snow that is coming our way???  I am NOT so am cheering myself up by thinking of spring and spring flowers with this card.

At first I thought that this Designer Series paper was way too bright but the more I work with it the more I like it!!  I know . . . I say that about a lot of things but it is totally true!!  I so love the sentiment on this card as well!!  You can't really tell in the photo but this card also a fun fold card.

This is a Z fold card.

Stamps: Bloom to Bloom

Cardstock: Call Me Clover, Night of Navy, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Happiness Blooms

Ink: Daffodil Delight, Call Me Clover, Night of Navy

Accessories:  Happiness Blooms Enamel Dots

Just got back from an appointment for my should and am ready to hunker down and wait out the snow.  I have projects planned, books to read, and sports games to watch on TV so I am good for the weekend!!!

Let it snow!!  Even though I don't really think we need anymore!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 17, 2019

Meant To Be

There is just something about the Real Red, Basic Black and Whisper White color combination that screams Valentine's Day to me!!!  And this card is no exception!!

This is one of the cards that people will be making Monday night at the special Meant To Be Make It Monday.  I hope they like it as much as I do!!

Stamps: Meant To Be

Cardstock: Real Red, Basic Black, Whisper White

Ink: Real Red 

Accessories:  Be Mine Stitched Framelits,  Big Shot, 

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

Starburst Punch, Mini Glue Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

So . . . yesterday the "where would you go and what would you do" side of my brain won out and the only place I went was to the post office to mail a huge stack of cards!!  I was perfectly content to read the afternoon away and watch the Hawkeyes get a huge win last night in basketball.  The "you need to get out" side of my brain is in play today so I am meeting some friends for supper at the Mexican restaurant in Kalona.  Two humongous orders should be delivered by my friendly UPS man today  . . . I hope early afternoon so I will work on getting those sorted out and bagged up ready for delivery after this next big snowstorm!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 16, 2019

Hello Cupcake

The Frosted Shaving Cream technique jumped into my head the minute I saw this stamp set . . . Hello Cupcake.  I think it really adds to the feeling of frosting!!

I tried it in several different colors but kept coming back to the pink one because there is just something in me that can't eat blue, purple, green, or orange frosting!!!

Stamps: Hello Cupcake, Amazing Life

Cardstock: Early Espresso, Berry Burst, Whisper White

Ink:  Berry Burst, Early Espresso

Accessories:  Glitter Enamel Dots, 

Berry Burst Stampin' Write Marker, Paper Snips,

Stampin' Dimensionals

A blank slate . . . that is what today is!!  My on the go brain tells me I should go do something today since the weather will allow that and it might not later . . . but the rest of my brain says . . . "where would you go and what would you do??"  LOL . . . it will be interesting to see which side wins out!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 15, 2019

Meant To Be

Valentine's day will be here before you know it!!  This is one of the cards we will be making at the Meant To Be Make-It-Monday next Monday.    This is a product based class where you purchase a bundle and then make the four cads for FREE.

I love the hearts framelits at the bottom of this card . . . not only do I like the look of them but then you also get all of the little heart punchouts to use elsewhere on your card or a different card!!!

Stamps: Meant To Be

Cardstock: Lovely Lipstick, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: All My Love

Ink: Lovely Lipstick

Accessories:  Be Mine Stitched Framelits, Big Shot, 

All My Love Ribbon Combo Pack, Stampin' Dimensionals

Yikes . . . I got a late start to the day today because I was still up for who knows what reason at 2:30 in the morning!!  Then . . . today is the day to register for On-Stage in Minneapolis in April so I was focused on doing that and forget all about a blog post!!

We still have a weather advisory for freezing rain so I think it will be a good day to sit with my blanket and rest and read!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 14, 2019

Just Because

I don't usually order the hostess sets in the mini catalogs, but there was something about this one that spoke to me.  And then when I saw this card in Susie's basket of swaps I just knew I had to get it.  I am not sure if this is one of her cards or just one someone sent to her.

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

Stamps: Just Because, Buffalo Check

Cardstock: Basic Black, Daffodil delight, Whisper White

Ink:  Memento Black

Stampin' Blends:  Cajun Craze Combo Pack, Old Olive Light

Accessories: Gold Mini Sequin Trim,  Stampin' Dimensionals

Our sidewalks are shoveled and our driveway is plowed so I will be leaving early to go to Make-It-Monday.  I have a ton of errands I have to run and I want to get some extra groceries so I don't have to go out the rest of the week if I don't want to!!  I just need to gather up the last of the supplies and load the car and I am ready to go!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 13, 2019

 Butterfly Gala

After the snow yesterday I, for one, would love to see warmer weather and some of these butterflies!!  If you like butterflies then you are going to love this new Butterfly Gala stamp set and the FREE Sale-a-Bration item . . . Botanical Butterfly Designer Series Paper.  The butterfly side of the sheets is awesome but what makes it even better is the other side of the paper is black and white with butterflies or just designs.  Can you say awesome!!!

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

Stamps: Butterfly Gala

Cardstock: Grape

Designer Series Paper: Botanical Butterfly

Ink: Memento Black, Grapefruit Grove

Accessories:  Butterfly Duet Punch

Wow . . . snow . . . snow . . . snow . . . I think we got another ten inches of snow yesterday!!  We have only had two snowstorms this year so far but a total of about 24 inches of snow.  The good news this time is that our neighbor went up and down our sidewalk with his little tractor blade so there is no snow shoveling for this girl today.  

I meant to get a start on cutting cardstock yesterday for tomorrow night, but I was having so much fun stamping that I didn't get around to cutting.  So  . . . that means that I will be cutting a LOT of cardstock today.  I hope to be done in time to watch the football playoffs but we shall see!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 12, 2019

Bloom by Bloom

How can you not like this card???  It has all of my favorite colors in it!!  My friend, Dawn, posted a card using this color palette and stamp set a while back to I had to case it!! (Sorry to my Cyclone firends!!) But you could totally change the black to red and then you would have a Cyclone appropriate card!!!

This is one of the cards that everyone will be making on Monday night at Make-It-Monday.  Clean, simple, and yet striking!!

Stamps: Bloom By Bloom

Cardstock: Basic Black, Crushed Curry

Ink: Memento Black, Basic Black, Smoky Slate, Crushed Curry

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

Black 1/2" Satin Ribbon, Faceted Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterday I finished up planning a Valentine's Class, made two special birthday cards for my brother and nephew, and a baby card for another nephew and his wife who had an adorable baby girl.  Look for those in the coming days.

This is my view today . . . a great day to stay in and stamp and watch the Hawkeyes play basketball!!  

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 11, 2019

Forever Lovely

Valentine's Day will be here before you know it and this card would be a perfect one to send to anyone!!  Valentine's Day must be pretty popular world round because I found this card on an Australian blog by a stamper named Kylie.

This is one of the cards everyone will be making on Monday night. I figure it could be for Valentine's Day or to just wish someone a good day!!

Stamps: Forever Lovely

Cardstock: LovelyLipstick Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: All My Love

Ink: Lovely Lipstick, Memento Black

Accessories: All My Love Ribbon Combo Pack, Glue Dots

I worked on a lot of Valentine's Day cards yesterday.  I'll showing them to you in the days to come.  Today I have an early morning hair appointment and then I want to stop and get milk and bread just in case we do end up getting a fair amount of snow.  After that I plan to hunker down in my stamping room by the heater and craft the day away!!

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

Happy Stamping!!