April 27, 2019

Bloom By Bloom

Bloom By Bloom is a stamp set that is growing on me, right in time for it to retire at the end of May.  I do love the designer series paper that coordinates with it.  Funny story when I was making this card . . . I saw one on line somewhere and was trying to re-create it and looked and looked in my stamp box for the smaller flower and the stem.  I actually looked for quite a while until I realized that it was the designer series paper!!

This is one of the cards that everyone made at the Sale-a-Bration Celebration at the beginning of the month.  I had just forgotten to post it!!

Stamps: Bloom by Bloom, Strong & Beautiful

Cardstock: Calypso Coral, Call Me Clover, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Happiness Blooms

Ink: Calypso Coral, Call Me Clover

Accessories:  Calypso Coral 3/8" Satin Ribbon, Happiness Blooms Enamel Dots, Mini Glue Dots

All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go...I loved that song by Peter, Paul, & Mary when I was a kid!!  I know I am dating myself!!  But really . . . I am packed and ready to go!!  I am stamping all day today in South English with Susie and looking forward to seeing Christy and other stamping friends.  From there I am going on to Adel where I will spend the night with Jake and Hanna before leaving for the airport at 5:30 in the morning.  I am headed to New York City on a mission trip and will be back late Thursday night.  I will again spend the night with Jake and Hanna and come home on Friday at some time. I will not be posting while I am gone so don't look for anything before next Saturday!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

April 26, 2019

Picture Perfect Birthday

Believe it or not, this was one of the cards that I made with the fourth graders last week.  And what's more . . . no one messed up ink colors and they actually got things lined up almost perfectly.  When I first showed them this card, they were like  "We can't do that!"

But they were pleasantly surprised with their finished products!!

Stamps: Picture Perfect Birthday

Cardstock: Whisper White Thick, Call Me Clover, Lemon Lime Twist, Whisper White

Ink: Memento Black, Lemon Lime Twist, Call Me Clover

Accessories:  Stampin' Dimensionals, Retired Enamel Shapes

Today has been a pretty busy day . . . I started with an early morning hair appointment, then had a nail appointment, and then ran to Iowa City to pick up a prescription for me that I need before I leave and some things John is going to need while I am gone.  I still need to pack and and finish up some other stuff but it will get done tonight.

I am happy to say that Hanna had a follow up appointment for her burn and the doctor thinks it is healing well.  She does have an appointment with a wound center in Des Moines next week just to make sure it is continuing that way.  An answer to prayer indeed!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

April 25, 2019

One Wild Ride

I am not a fan of motorcycles, per se, but I do really like this stamp set and will be sorry to see it retire.  It does make a great guy card for those people who do love and ride motorcycles!!

This was another of the cards everyone made who stamped with me this week and was also a swap I received in Minneapolis.  I am sorry I do not remember who I got it from to know who to give credit to.

Stamps: One Wild Ride

Cardstock: Blueberry Bushel, Basic Black, Gray Granite

Ink:  Memento Black, Blueberry Bushel

Accessories:   Bunch of Banners Framelits, Subtle Embossing Folder, 

Big Shot,  Faceted Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals

Laundry, stamping, and baseball are on the agenda for today.  I am certainly enjoying the sunshine before any showers or thunderstorms later today.  I am kind of taking it easy for a few days, before leaving for my New York trip.  trying to save up energy, I guess!!  LOL

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

Happy Stamping!!

April 24, 2019

 Strong & Beautiful

Today's card which everyone made on Monday night is another one of the swaps I received in Minneapolis.  I love this Petal Promenade Designer Series Paper and it does all of the work for you to have a beautiful card!!

This swap comes from LeeAnn who's blog is Flowerbug's Inkspot.  She also celebrated her million dollars in sales while we were in Minneapolis.

Stamps: Strong & Beautiful

Cardstock: Petal Pink, Mossy Meadow, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Petal Promenade

Ink: Mossy Meadow

Accessories:  3/8" Berry Burst Metallic Edge Ribbon

Yesterday's trip to Adel was uneventful, which is good when it comes to road trips.  We had our final meeting and some prayers before heading out on our mission trip on Sunday morning.  It was also good to check in with and see Hanna as she burned her foot pretty badly Sunday while preparing Easter dinner and had to make yet another Wilson trip to the ER on a holiday.  Our track record for those are not particularly good.    

Today I am going to finish up some things from stamp night Monday night and then meet some friends for supper, and then hopefully manage to stay awake to watch the Cubs tonight!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

April 23, 2019

Bloom By Bloom

Today's card is another one I received at the swap in Minneapolis.  It was made by my friend, Jenni, in West Branch.

This card features a lot of retired product that I will be sad to see go. I have listed it in red in the card recipe.  If you would like any of these products, shoot me an email and I will get them for you.  I did not have the ribbon that she used in her swap so when we made it last night I used the 3/8" Tranquil Tide Ruffled Ribbon. 

Stamps: Bloom By Bloom, Dragonfly Dreams

Cardstock: Whisper White Thick, Calypso Coral, Tranquil Tide, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Happiness Blooms

Ink: Tranquil Tide, Calypso Coral

Accessories: Dot to Dot Textured Embossing Folder, 

Layering Circles Framelits, 

Big Shot, 3/8" Tranquil Tide Mini Ruffles Ribbon, 

Mini Glue, Stampin' Dimensionals

As soon as I am done posting this I am headed out the door to Iowa City to get a cortisone shot in my shoulder and then head to Adel.  We are having our last meeting for our mission trip that starts this Sunday.  The added benefit, of course, is getting to see Hanna and Jake.  I will head home early tomorrow morning so tomorrow's post will be later in the day.

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

Happy Stamping!!

April 22, 2019

Celebrate

This card, which comes from my friend, Cindy, was one of the swaps I received in Minneapolis last weekend.  I am on a mission to use my designer series paper so this was a perfect card for a Make-It-Monday.

Everyone will be making this card tonight with the greeting of their choice as the sentiment.

Cardstock: Blackberry Bliss, Mossy Meadow, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Floral Romance

Ink: Blackberry Bliss

Accessories:  Stitched Shapes Framelits, Layered Leaves Embossing Folder, 

Big Shot, Frosted Flower Embellishments, 

Petal Pink/Whisper White 5/8" Variegated Ribbon, Mini Glue Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Everything is ready to go and sitting by the door waiting to be loaded into the car.  I am planning on going to Iowa City early to run some errands and then maybe just sitting outdoors enjoying this beautiful day!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

April 21, 2019

You're Inspiring

Happy Easter!!

Every time I look at this stamp set and see these daffodils, I am reminded of my niece, Sarah, who passed away on Easter morning last year . . .  not only because of the daffodils, but also the name of the set . . . she inspired so many people!!

When it came to making an Easter card for my blog today I could not think of a better set to use!!  I also helped a friend make several of these cards to send to people who don't regularly get out.   This set is one that is retiring at the end of May, but I am sure it is one set I will keep forever!!

Stamps: You're Inspiring

Cardstock: Mossy Meadow, Old Olive, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White

Ink: Memento Black

Stampin' Blends:  Daffodil Delight Combo Pack, Old Olive Combo Pack

Accessories:  Layering Ovals Framelits, Layered Leaves Framelits, 

Big Shot, Everyday Label Punch, Organdy Ribbon Combo Pack (Retired),  

Stampin' Dimensionals

My morning got off to a great start by attending church with Jake and Hanna through Facebook Live.  I love that they live stream all of their Sunday Services at their church.

I hope to get all of my cardstock cut and embossed so that I can stuff envelopes during the Cubs game this afternoon.  If not, I can always finish tonight!!

It is such a beautiful day I should be outside enjoying it so reading a book on my patio may come before finishing up stuff for tomorrow night!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

April 20, 2019

Happy Birthday

One of the things we did when we were in Minneapolis last weekend was a lot of swapping.  I don't remember if I got this card as a general swap or part of the organized swap we did Saturday night.  There was no name on the back so I don't know who to give credit to.

It is one of the cards everyone is going to make next week when they stamp with me.  I love this Happy Birthday thinlit and am sorry to see it retiring!!

Cardstock:  Granny Apple Green, Lemon Line Twist, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Gingham gala

Accessories:  Happy Birthday Thinlits, Big Shot, Window Sheets

Hmmm . . . what to do, what to do, what to do????  Other than watching the Cubs this afternoon, I have nothing that I think has to be done.  My cards are planned for Monday night, I have plenty of time to get cardstock cut, and I have most of the leftovers from the last two weeks stamped up and put in clear envelopes for craft shows!!  Maybe I will take advantage of nothing to do and stockpile my rest for the upcoming two weeks.  I know they will be pretty busy!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

April 19, 2019

Geared Up Garage

Do you have your Stamparatus yet?  You really do need one!!!  It was essential in making this Geared Up Garage card.

This is one of the cards everyone made at the last Make-It-Monday!  Birthday, Father's Day, thank you . . . this card has it covered.  It could be for any of those occasions depending on your message inside.  I absolutely love the little keys that are one of the embellishments in this suite and am very glad that they, too, are carrying over to the new catalog!!  You might want to stock up on the designer series paper, though, because it is not carrying over!!

Stamps: Geared Up Garage

Cardstock: Pumpkin Pie, Tranquil Tide, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Classic Garage 6" X 6"

Ink: Basic Gray

Accessories:  Stamparatus, Classic Garage Metal Elements, Mini Glue Dots

By the time I stamped with the fourth graders yesterday and had an appointment for my shoulder, I was ready to call it a day!  I spent the balance of the day in my recliner with my book.  So . . . my boxes of goodies still await me!!!  Kind of like Christmas . . . where you look at the packages but you don't open them yet!  Anticipation is half the fun!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

April 18, 2019

En Route

Today is my stamping day with the fourth graders.  They moved it up a day because of an early out tomorrow for Easter.  The last time I was with them they ask if they could make some encouraging cards for the people.  I thought that was pretty cool for 10 and 11 year olds!!

This designer series paper was a huge favorite with them last time so I decided to go with it again!!

Stamps: En Route

Cardstock: Gray Granite, Mango Melody, Pineapple Punch, Whisper White

Designer Series  Paper: Best Route

Ink: Blueberry Bushel

Accessories:  Stitched Shapes Framelits, Big Shot, 

Best Route Enamel Shapes, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Will power!!!  

It is taking great will power for me to not dive in to these boxes of new stampin' goodies from my pre-pre-order!!  I have several things I need to do today before I am going to let myself even open these boxes because I know once I open them I would not get anything else done!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

April 17, 2019

Abstract Impressions

Part of the fun of attending Stampin' Up! events is swapping.  This is the card that I took for an organized swap we did Saturday night.

I made thirty five of these cards and got back thirty five new ideas!!  Like I said before I was on a purple kick!!

Stamps:  Abstract Impressions

Cardstock:  Gorgeous Grape, Whisper White

Ink:  Gorgeous Grape, Highland Heather

Accessories:  Stitched Shapes Framelits, Layering Ovals Framelits, 

Country Floral Embossing Folder, Big Shot, 

Whisper White 5/8" Polka Dot Tulle Ribbon, Basic Rhinestone Jewels, 

Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals

Here we all are lined up waiting to swap!  It may look chaotic but it really works quite smoothly.  The first person in line starts exchanging cards down the line and by the end . . . voila  . . .your bag is filled with thirty five new cards!!!

Today will be filled with stamping and getting ready for events that are coming up!  Tonight is a Paper Pal night, were we each bring two shoe box swaps and spend the evening making cards.  It has been a while since we have gotten together so am looking forward to the evening!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

April 16, 2019

Geared Up Garage 

A few weeks ago we all met Hanna and Jake in Grinnell to celebrate winter birthdays.  This was the card we gave Jake for his birthday.  It was one my friend, Janeen, brought for a swap at one of our demonstrator meetings.

This was one set that I knew I had to have as soon as I saw it in the Occasions catalog!!  Both of my son-in-laws are into cars so I think I will be keeping this set around for a very long time.  I was happy to see that it will be in the new Annual Idea Book and Catalog!!

Stamps: Geared mUp Garage

Cardstock: Basic Black, Tranquil Tide, Basic Gray, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Classic Gray

Ink: Memento Black

Accessories:  Garage Gears Thinlits Dies, Big Shot, 

Versamark, Black Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, 

Tranquil Tide Stampin' Write Marker, 

Classic Garage Metal Elements, 

Black and Silver 1/4" Striped Metallic Ribbon, 

White Baker's Twine

As soon as I am done posting this I am out the door for an appointment in Iowa City.  When I get home I hope to spend some time in my stamp room getting ready for my big pre-pre-order that is arriving tomorrow.  I am also hoping to get some stamping done!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

April 15, 2019

Abstract Impressions

One of the stamp sets that I knew would be carrying over to the next catalog is Abstract Impressions.   And since purple is my color of choice these days this was a match made in heaven. 

I had everything all stamped up and so instead of staying up late Thursday night and putting them together, I just went to bed and took advantage of the car ride to finish them up.

Stamps: Abstract Impressions

Cardstock: Highland Heather, Gorgeous Grape, Whisper White 

Ink:  Highland Heather, Gorgeous Grap

Accessories:  Stitched Shapes Framelits, Layering Circles Framelits, 

Country Floral Embossing Folder, Big Shot, 

Basic Rhinestone Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals

What an absolutely wonderful weekend. We had no travel problem what so ever and arrived in Minneapolis mid afternoon on Friday.  Susie and her daughter, Amanda, had an event to attend Friday evening so her Aunt Kathy and I decided to have supper at the hotel Friday evening rather than walk out in the cold.  We were up and going early Saturday morning to attend On Stage and see all the wonderfulness of the new catalog!!

As you can see my wish list is LONG and I am not even all the way through the catalog the first time!!!  I can't wait to share with all of you!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

April 12, 2019

Healing Hugs

A couple of week ago a friend contacted me and wanted to know if I could help her make some Easter cards.  She has a group of people that have a hard time getting out and about that she routinely send cards to.  This is one of the cards that she made.

Notice all of the detail in the bloom.  That is because it is a DistINKtive stamp, where it does all of the work for you.  It is gorgeous in person.

Stamps: Healing Hugs

Cardstock: Whisper White Thick, Whisper White

Ink: Gorgeous Grape, Old Olive

Accessories:  Tufted Embossing Folder, Big Shot,  

Pearl Basic Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals

As soon as I am done posting this I am out the door to head to Minneapolis for the unveiling of the new catalog.  I am excited to see it and visit with all of the people that I haven't seen for a while!!  I know that part of the country was hit with a lot of snow over the last couple of days so I hope we don't encounter any trouble getting there!!   I am not sure if our hotel has good internet access . . . if they do I will try to post over the weekend.  If not . . . look for me Monday morning!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

April 11, 2019

Amazing Life

The Stamparatus is a must for many types of cards, especially one like this that uses hinge stamping.

I think even those people who do not like to color would agree anyone would like to receive this colorful birthday card.

Stamps: Amazing Life, Piece of Cake

Cardstock: Mango melody, Bermuda Bay, Whisper White

Ink: Black Memento
Stampin' Blends:  Daffodil Delight Combo Pack, Real Red Combo Pack, Granny Apple Green Combo Pack, Highland Heather Combo Pack, Smoky Slate Combo Pack

Accessories: Stitched Shapes Framelits, Big Shot, Stamparatus,
Cake Builder Punch, Whisper White 5/8" Polka Dot Tulle Ribbon,
Gingham Gala Adhesive Backed Sequins,
Stampin' Dimensionals

I have been busy in my stamping room since early this morning trying to get everything ready to leave in the morning for Minneapolis.  I am getting there but there is still a lot to be done!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

April 10, 2019

Playful Backgrounds

Who knew Playful Backgrounds could be so fun??  I have used this stamp set before but not with quite so many colors!!

This particular card was inspired by this piece of art that hangs over the trash bins at Culver's.

And here is the completed card that everyone made on Monday at Make-It-Monday.

Stamps: Playful Backgrounds, Gallery Grunge, Picture Perfect Birthday

Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Lemon Lime Twist, Bermuda Bay, Whisper White: 

Ink: Crumb Cake, Lemon Lime Twist, Bermuda Bay

Accessories: Versamark, White Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, 

Embossing Buddy, Story Label Punch, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

I had some errands to run and orders to deliver early this morning and then came home and started working on my swaps for this weekend and forgot all about a blog post!!  The good news is my swaps are all stamped and just need to be put together and I still have a day left.  Worse case scenario . . . I can assemble them on the car ride up there!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

April 9, 2019

Floral Statements

I am on a mission to use the designer series paper I have amassed before it is retired at the end of May!  This card, which everyone made at the Sale-a-Bration Celebration definitely uses some of the DSP.

At first I just tried coloring with my markers and black Stazon ink but I didn't feel like the black was dark enough so redid it and used Versamark and black embossing powder.   I was much happier with the results!!

Stamps: Floral Statements

Cardstock: Whisper White Thick, Basic Black, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Share What You Love

Accessories:  Versamark, Black Embossing Powder, Heat Too, 

Embossing Buddy, 2017-2019 In Color Stampin' Write Markers, 

Regals Stampin' Write Markers, Berry Burst 3/8" Metallic Edge Ribbon, 

Mini Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals

Today's agenda includes working on my swaps for this weekend and finishing arranging my stamp shelves once my order arrives this afternoon with the ink refill toppers.  I can't wait to finish the arranging process.

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

Happy Stamping!!

April 8, 2019

Butterfly Gala

I am SO SO SO happy that the Butterfly Duet punch is back in stock.  There are just so many things that you can do with it.  And you can make butterflies in whatever color want since the stamps are just the outlines of the butterflies.

This is one of the cards that everyone will be making tonight at Make-It-Monday.   I hope they like it as much as I do!!

Stamps: Butterfly Gala

Cardstock: Whisper White Thick, Basic Black, Calypso Coral, Whisper White

Ink: Stazon Black, Highland Heather, Calypso Coral, Balmy Blue

Accessories: Lace Dynamic Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, 

Big Shot, Blender Pens, Gingham Gala Adhesive Backed Sequins, 

Butterfly Duet Punch,

Mini Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals

Everything is pretty much ready to go for tonight so I can turn my attention to getting some swaps done for this weekend when I travel to On Stage in Minneapolis for the reveal of the new Annual Idea Book and Catalog.  I am anxious to see the catalog, but more anxious to see all of my friends and have a great weekend of  visiting and stamping together.

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

Happy Stamping!!

April 7, 2019

Life Is Grand

I love the sentiment on this card, I love the designer series paper on this card, I love the layout on this card.  I guess I just love this card, which comes from a blog I follow, StamperCamper.

This is one of the cards everyone stamping this week will be making.  I hope they like it as much as I do!!!  You can't see it very well in the picture but I used markers to color the sentiment different colors .  . . Hello in Fresh Fig and Dear Friend in Mossy Meadow.  It look really cool in person.

Stamps: Life Is Grand

Cardstock: PetalPink, Fresh Fig, Mossy Meadow, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Floral Romance

Ink: Fresh Fig and Mossy Meadow Stampin' Write Markers for sentiment, 

Blackberry Bliss Stampin' Blend Light to color pearls

Accessories:  Layering Circles Framelits Dies, Subtle Embossing Folder, Big Shot, 

Pearl Basic Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals

As soon as I am done posting this I am out the door for a vendor event in West Branch. If you are looking for something to do today stop out and see us between 10-2.

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

Happy Stamping!!

April 6, 2019

All That You Are

Many people overlook this stamp set which is on on back of the cover page the Occasions catalog.  I know I did! But you really need to give it a try. It is pretty awesome.

For this card we embossed the image with white embossing powder and then colored it in with blender pens.  I love the results.

Stamps: All That You Are

Cardstock: Sahara Sand, Whisper White

Ink: Lovely Lipstick, Old Olive

Accessories:  Versamark, White Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, 

Embossing Buddy, Blender Pens, Lovely Lipstick 1/8" Gros Grain Ribbon, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Today is going to be another busy one . . . I need to get everything sorted and loaded into the car for a vendor/craft show tomorrow.  I would also like to get more things ready for Monday's stamping night.  And I am going to spend the afternoon stamping with friends in North Liberty.  As the fourth graders ask me yesterday when I was working with them . . . "Do you ever get tired of stamping?" . . . I could honestly answer them . . . not very often!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

April 5, 2019

One Wild Ride

The second technique we worked with last night at Technique club is what I call Image in Motion.  I found a card very similar to this from a stamper called Pink Buckaroo.

The Stamparatus is a MUST for this card because you use it for every single image on the card!!  You can't see it very well in the photo but there are pockets of clear and silver embossing on the marbled background made to look like oil.

Stamps: One Wild Ride, Marbled

Cardstock: Basic Gray, Basic Black, Smoky Slate, PumpkinPie,
Whisper White, Silver Foil

Ink: Memento Black, Pumpkin Pie

Accessories:  Stamparatus, Versamark, Silver Embossing Powder,
Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Classic Label Punch, Basic Rhinestone Jewels,
Mini Stampin' Dimensionals

As soon as I am done posting this I am out the door for a hair appointment and then to come home and finish getting things ready to stamp at the elementary school with the fourth graders.  This afternoon I want to finish getting stuff ready for Make-It-Monday because I have a super busy weekend planned!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

April 4, 2019

Beautiful Day

It's the first day of the month so that means that is is Technique/Stamp Club night. One of the techniques we are working with tonight is stamping on patterned paper.  It is such an easy technique but one we forget about sometimes. 

This is one of the cards I found on Pinterest when I was looking for ideas for this technique.  You need to be sure that the pattern in your paper is small enough for your image and that your image has plenty of open space.

Stamps: Beautiful Day

Cardstock: Lovely Lipstick, Basic Black, Whisper White, Garden Green

Designer Series Paper: All My Love

Ink: Memento Black

Accessories: Versamark, Black Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, 

Detailed Trio Punch, Paper Snips, Stampin' Dimensionals

So .. . yesterday my order of the new Storage by Stampin' Up! arrived.  This is what my inkpads, markers and Stampin' Blends looked like before!

And this is what they look like now!!!  Needless to say . . . I love it!! Now to order some more so I can continue my reorganization!!

As soon as I am done posting this I am out the door for an appointment for my shoulder and then head to Iowa City to spend the afternoon running errands before Technique Club tonight!!

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

Happy Stamping!!