May 31, 2020

This Little Piggy

I have one last card to show you with retiring stamps sets.  This one came from my stampin' friend, Linda.  I just love the little piggy set and will be sorry to see it go!!

This card opens up from both sides.  The scallop circle opens to the right and then the plaid piece opens to the left.  We have made a couple of similar cards at our Make-It-Monday classes.

Yesterday I got all go the weeds pulled from my flowers beds and today I am hoping to go to the local greenhouse and see what I can find to put in them.  I want something that comes up every year and is little to no maintenance on my part!!  We shall see what I can find!!

I am hoping to then spend some time in my stamp room this afternoon using all new catalog materials!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 30, 2020

Abstract Impressions

I think I have said before that I have loved Abstract Impressions since it first hit the catalog.  Partly for the images, but more so for the sentiments.  That is so true for a lot of stamp sets!!

I had a lot of Best Dressed Designer Series Paper that I wanted to use and this card sure helped me out!!  It is one that was mailed out this week in the Cards in the Mail packets.

Stamps: Abstract Impressions (Retiring), (SOLD OUT)

Cardstock: Lovely Lipstick (Retiring), Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Best Dressed (Retiring)

Ink: Lovely Lipstick (Retiring)

Accessories:  Stitched Labels Dies (Retiring) (PRICE DISCOUNTED), 

Stampin' Dimensionals

So . . . I got my weeds sprayed yesterday and it really worked.  I am hoping to go out today and get them pulled up so that I can plant some new flowers and plants in the coming days.  

I am also hoping to get a some samples made for the New Catalog Trunk Show on Monday night.  It looks like the weather is going to cooperate with my for which I am very thankful!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 29, 2020

Magnolia Blooms

When I first saw this Mosaic Mood paper I was not at all taken with it!!  But as I have used it over this past year it has certainly grown on me.  And the good news for you is that it is still available for a few days and the even better news is that it is on sale at a reduced price!!

This is another one of the cards that is in the Class By Mail this week!!  it could actually be used for anything since you stamp your own sentiment on the tag.

Stamps: Magnolia Blooms

Cardstock: Mint Macaron, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: Mosaic Moods

Ink: Early Espresso

Accessories: Timeless Label Punch, Gold 3/8" Metallic Edge Ribbon, 

Bronze Stampin' Blend, Stampin' Dimenionals

I have been waiting for the circumstances to be right so that I could spray the weeds on my patio and in the new flower bed in the front of the house.  The sun had to be out, the weather had to be relatively warm, I had to have no other plans, and I had to have the motivation to do it.  Today is the day!!!  We will see if my homemade mixture of vinegar, Dawn dish soap, and Epsom salts work.  I surely do hope so!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 28, 2020

Generic Birthday Card

Once again this birthday card is one that I made at a stamping retreat in February and it uses a Sale-a-Bration stamp set . . . but you could use any greeting and it would work perfectly.  I really wanted to share the layout with you.

I love the Country Club paper . . . especially the plaid sides and will be sorry to see it leave!!

Cardstock: Night of Navy, Garden Green, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Country Club

Ink: Night of Navy

Accessories: Stitched Nested Labels Dies,
Country Club Twine Combo Pack,
Stampin' Dimensionals

What to do, what to do, what to do???  Other than picking up my Aisles on Line order from Hy-Vee this afternoon, my day is completely free.  The kids decided as long as I have my mask and have minimal contact with people in stores, I could pick up buy own groceries!!!  LOL

I worked yesterday on getting some grab bag goodies ready for the catalog trunk show and just need to get a couple of cards ready for that as well and I am good to go!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 27, 2020

Positive Thoughts

I am all for positive thoughts and you will see why at the end of my post.  I am so glad that this stamp set and dies are carrying over to the new catalog.

This card comes from Flowerbug's Inkspot.  She had a card posted like this that used Purple Posy and Blackberry Bliss and a different designer series paper.  I had used up that pattern and decided to try it with pinks and am pretty pleased with the result.

Stamps: Positive Thoughts

Cardstock: Blushing Bride, Lovely Lipstick (Retiring), Whisper White (Inside)

Designer Series Paper: Best Dressed

Ink: Lovely Lipstick (Retiring)

Accessories: Nature's Thoughts Dies, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Mini Glue Dots

If you stamped with me this winter before COVID-19 you know I was doomed by a raccoon in the attic.  We caught that raccoon on Groundhog's Day. Believe it or not when I was sitting in my chair this morning I heard the same noises in the attic again.  This time I called the Critter People right away and they came over and found the spot that this one got in.  They are very wily creatures and even the critter guy was surprised that it got in there!!  I texted Hanna about it and she sent me back these and said this is how she imagines the raccoons playing with her toys up there!!

We are going to hope this one's easier to catch than the first one!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 26, 2020

Abstract Impressions

Abstract Impressions has always been one of my favorite stamp sets . . . maybe because that is what we used to make Hanna and Jake's wedding invitations.   This is one set where I was more drawn to the images as opposed to the sentiments.  However, this sentiment is perfect for any card with flowers.

Once again the paper is doing all of the work for us.  This is another one of the cards you will receive if you choose to do cards in the mail this week.

Stamps: Abstract Impressions

Cardstock: Whisper White Thick, Poppy Parade

Designer Series Paper: See a Silhouette

Ink: Poppy Parade

Accessories:  Triple Banner Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

We had an absolutely awesome time at our socially distant picnic with the kids yesterday.  The weather was great and it was more than great to be all together again!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 25, 2020

Tasteful Textures

Tasteful Textures is one of those stamp sets that I can't decide if I want to add to my personal stash or give up for the garage sale.  I definitely love the sentiments in the set, but I know that there will be many more sentiments that I will come to love in the new catalog.

I found this card on Pinterest and it is one of the cards you will receive if you order the Cards in the Mail this week.

Stamps: Tasteful Textures (Retiring) SOLD OUT

Cardstock: Terracotta Tile, Basic Black, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Mosaic Mood (Retiring)

Ink: Terracotta Tile

Accessories: Butterfly Beauty Dies, 2" Circle Punch, 

Starburst Punch (Retiring), Rhinestone Basic Jewels, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Hanna and Jake are on their way to Kalona to deliver some kittens to a friend of hers, so we decided to take advantage of their time here and have a socially distant picnic in Julie and Jason's backyard.  Luckily it looks like the weather has decided to cooperate with us!!!  

I am hoping to spend a little time in my stamp room later this afternoon or evening!

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 24, 2020

May Paper Pumpkin

There are some Paper Pumpkin kits that I receive and they sit on the shelf for a while.  And then there are some that I get and can't wait to make.  Such was the case with this month's Paper Pumpkin.

Everything was included in the kit so that I could make these twelve cards.

The kit also gave me the opportunity to work with four of the fabulous new In Colors . . . Bumble Bee, Magenta Madness, Misty Moonlight, and Just Jade.  I do believe I am going to love these colors for the next two years!!

I have been giving my Paper Pumpkin boxes to John because they are just the right size for him to store stuff in, but not this month.  I really love bright cheery colors on this month's box.  It will be the new home of the many cards I have in my stash that I want to send out.

Cardstock cutting and and stamping are on my agenda for today.  I am slowly getting all of the cards made up that were buried on my stamp table.  I am hoping that by the end of the day tomorrow and I can say they are done!!  We shall see.

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 23, 2020

Bonanza Buddies

Back again with the last of the Bonanza Buddies and the last of the Fancy Fold cards!!  These were so fun to make and I am sure will delight anyone who receives one of them.  Just like the rest of them, this is a card I made at the Stampin' Sisters retreat back in March. 

This time we are using the lion.  He is probably my least favorite of the characters in the set, but he still makes a cute card.

This card is an open panel card as shown below.  Sometimes I use a window sheet when making a card like this but did not on this one.

Stamps: Bonanza Buddies (Retiring)

Cardstock: Mango melody, Basic Black, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Birthday Bonanza (Retiring)

Ink: Cajun Craze, Mango Melody, Bermuda Bay, Memento Black

Accessories:  Bonanza Dies (Retiring), Stitched Shapes Framelits, 

Layering Ovals Framelits, Daffodil delight 1/4" Ruched Ribbon, 

Mini Glue Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterday's mission to take some flowers to my parents was successful. Freeman's Grocery, our local grocery store had a beautiful bouquet of flowers. After visiting the cemetery, we dropped off some things at Goodwill, got the car washed because of the nasty bird droppings and stopped at Dane's Dairy for ice cream. All safely . . . not coming into close contact with anyone.  

We took the long way home through the country and had an added bonus.  We went by the Little Welsh church cemetery I glanced over and saw my parents' best friends' daughter there with her husband.  Of course I had to stop and say hello.  Although we communicate on Facebook, I had not seen Renee in years, so that was a great surprise. 

Another things we did on the way  home was my favorite thing to do on Memorial Day weekend . . . go to see all of the flags flying high.  I decided yesterday was the best opportunity after looking at the forecast for the rest of the weekend!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 22, 2020

Beautiful Day

While I was cleaning and purging in my stamping room I came across several card parts that I have used and thought I should save just because. Another blog I follow calls theses things card salad.  I thought that was pretty appropriate.  

This card is full of products that are retiring!!!!  I think when I used these flowers before I had to fussy cut them.  I just know I have a whole stack of them on my table.

Stamps: Beautiful Day (Retiring), Kindness & Compassion (Retiring)

Cardstock: Basic Black, Old Olive, Real Red, Whisper White

Ink: Memento Black, Real Red and Old Olive Refill Ink

Accessories: Layered Leaves Embossing Folder (Retiring),

Versamark, Black Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, 

Aquapainters (Retiring), Clear Faceted Gems (Retiring), 

Stampin' Dimensionals

I think today even in this time of social distancing I am going to take some flowers to the cemetery in Iowa City for Mom and Dad for Memorial Day.  This was always something that was very important to my mom for her and dad's parents and my brother and sister-in-law have comtinued the tradition in the Des Moines area.   Even though I have been staying close to home I am thinking I should be pretty safe being able to do this.

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 21, 2020

Bonanza Buddies

It took me a while to warm up to Bonanza Buddies, but once I did I really liked it.  It is great for kids' birthday cards and I don't have a lot of stamps for that.  This is a stamp set with coordinating dies that will probably go into my personal stash of stamps once it retires

This little guy is so cute and much easier for me to stamp that the lion.  I was afraid I wouldn't be able to get his face centered very well, but it is surprisingly easy.

Once again we have a fancy fold and once again this is one of the cards that I made when we went to the Stampin' Sisters' Retreat back in March.

Stamps: Bonanza Buddies

Cardstock: Bermuda Bay, Basic Black, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Birthday Bonanza

Ink: Bermuda Bay, Smoky Slate, memento Black

Accessories: Stitched Shapes Dies, Layering Circles Dies, Bonanza Dies, 

Daffodil Delight 1/4" Ruched Ribbon, 

Mini Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals

The purging continues and I am starting to see a difference.  A lot of projects and kits that I kept thinking I would complete are going into the garage sale, because let's face it . . . after a couple of year the likely hood of me making them are slim and none so they might as well go to o a good home!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 20, 2020

Happy Birthday

Again . . . still trying to use up that designer series paper!!!  This was another card that we made at one of the stamping retreats I went to a couple of months ago.

I have used more Poppy Parade cardstock in the last four months that I think I have used in my entire stamping life.  Several of the designer series papers in the January-June 2020 Mini catalog have that as one of the colors.

Stamps: Any Sentiment Stamp

Cardstock: Poppy Parade, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Country Club

Ink: Memento Black

Accessories: Stitched So Sweetly Dies, Country Club Twine Combo Pack, 

Mini Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterday I went through my stamps sets and pulled all of the retiring stamps. I have QUITE a pile.  I sure do hope I am able to have a garage sale here at the house because there is so much stuff I would hate to have to transport it somewhere!!!  Maybe by July things will have settled down enough for that to happen!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 19, 2020

Painted Poppies

I loved this card I received in the mail from one of my stampin' friends, Lorna!!!  I am so glad that the Painted Poppies whole suite is carrying over to the new catalog!!

Once again you could use this card for just about anything!!!  Super simple to duplicate!!

Stamps: Painted Poppies

Cardstock: Whisper White Thick, Poppy Parade, Sahara Sand, Basic Black

Ink: Memento Black

Stampin' Blends:  Poppy Parade Dark

Accessories:  Stitched Shapes Dies, Painted Labels Dies, 

Versamark, Black Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

At the end of the day today I am going to feel like a new woman!!  As soon as I am done posting this I am off to get my hair cut and then this afternoon I have an appointment for my shoulder!!!  Between that and the nails yesterday, I feel back to normal . . . whatever that is.

This evening I am going to Zoom stamp with a couple of friends again!!  I am definitely glad to be seeing people while still compassionately spacing!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 18, 2020

Bonanza Buddies,

Oh, Bonanza Buddies, how I am going to miss you!!!  You are just perfect for all those littles that are having birthdays!!!!

This is another one of the cards that I made at the Stampin' Sisters retreat back in March.  I have several great nieces and nephews that these will be perfect for!!!

This class was full of fun folds and this card is no exception!!  I love how it opens up to show even more fun images!!

Stamps: Bonanza Budddies

Cardstock: Bermuda Bay, Basic Black, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Birthday Bonanza

Ink: Bermuda Bay, Mango Melody, Smoky Slate,  Memento Black

Stampin' Blends:  Pumpkin Pie Light, Mango Melody Light, Cajun Craze Light

Accessories: Bonanza Dies, Stampin' Dimensionals

Oh my . . . I am so, so excited that today I get to do one of my favorite things . . . get my nails done!!!  I know it is vain, but it is something I have done faithfully since my mom got sick in 2001 . . . first with her, and then with Hanna.  Ever since I was a kid I always wanted long fingernails. I used to go with my Grandma to the beauty shop every Friday when she got her hair done and her nails painted.  As I am typing this I realize it is just more than having my nails done . . . it is the memories that are associated with it that are so special.  

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 17, 2020

Happy Birthday

While this card may use a Sale-a-Bration stamp set, any sentiment would work to make the perfect birthday card for the golfer in your life!!

The patterned paper in the Country Club Designer Series Paper pack is really quite awesome.  One side has a golf design and the other sides are all some type of plaid or argyle type design.  Perfect for that pattern mixing!!

Cardstock: Basic Gray, Crushed Curry, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Country Club

Ink: Basic Gray

Accessories:  Stitched So Sweetly Dies, Country Club Twine Combo Pack,
Mini Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals

My annual purge has made a huge mess in my stamping room, but often times you need to do that to be able to see new possibilities!!  The purging and cleaning will continue today . . . I hope I make great headway.  It will be the perfect day to stay inside anyway since it will be rainy and icky!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 16, 2020

Bonanza Buddies,

I REALLY wish this Bonanza Buddies Suite was carrying over to the new catalog.  It makes such awesome kids' birthday cards!!

This is one of the cards that I made at the Stampin' Sisters retreat I went to at the beginning of March . . . which feels like a year ago!!

When you open it up you can see that it is actually a gift card holder.  Or you could also slip some cash into the little pocket.  I think any kid would be glad to receive this card!!

Stamps: Bonanza Buddies

Cardstock:mango Melody, Basic Black, lisper WhiteWh

Designer Series Paper: Birthday Bonanza

Ink: Mango Melody, Cajun Craze, Bermuda Bay, Memento Black

Accessories:  Bonanza Dies, 1" Circle Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

I have started the annual purge of my stamping room in anticipation of being able to have a garage sale this summer at some point!!  I know I am tired of looking at a lot of the stuff so I am purging a lot!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 15, 2020

Layered Leaves Embossing Folder

I think of all the embossing folders that are retiring to have retired in recent year, I am going to miss the Layered Leaves folder the most.  I used it a LOT!! And I do mean a LOT!!

It is absolutely perfect to add just that little bit of texture to many different types of cards . . . flowers, trees, anything really.  So I had to use it one last time on a Cards in the Mail class.  This is one of the cards that everyone received.

 Stamps: Beautiful Moments

Cardstock:  Daffodil Delight, Blackberry Bliss, Whisper White, Gold Glimmer (Retiring)

Designer Series Paper: Best Dressed (Retiring)

Ink: Blackberry Bliss

Accessories:  Layered Leaves Embossing Folder (Retiring), 

Label Me Lovely Punch, Label Me Fancy Punch,  

Magnolia Lane Ribbon Combo Pack (Retiring), Gilded Gems, 

Mini Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals

And I finished them . . . all 70 of these babies!!  It might not look like there are that many there but believe me there are.  I used this same design to send some cards to Hanna so that she could send them to her students and decided that the design would work perfectly with the COVID-19 Giveback PDF.  These are going out to all of my teacher friends, just to let them know I have been thinking about them during this unprecedented time as they have found new and different ways to still engage with their students and provide learning experiences!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 14, 2020

Forever Blossoms

Today's card comes from a site I belong to called Creative Corner.   Even though weddings may not be traditional this season, they still need to be celebrated, and what better way than with a hand crafted wedding card. 

I am sure I have mentioned a time or two or maybe even three or four how beautiful this Parisian Blossom Specialty Designer Series Paper really is!!

I don't usually stamp sentiments on the inside of my cards, but this one was just too perfect to pass up!!

Stamps: Forever Blossoms

Cardstock: Pool Party, Petal Pink, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Parisian Blossom

Ink: Memento Black

Accessories:  Perennial Flower Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch (Retiring), 

Petal Pink 1/4" Metallic Edged Ribbon (Retiring), 

Gingham Gala Adhesive Backed Sequins (Retiring), 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Life got in the way yesterday of my big stamping project that I wanted to complete.  I made good headway on it, but am hoping that today I can finish it.  Actually I got side tracked by the computer and attending Zoom and Facebook Love sessions of the On Line On Tour from Stampin' Up!.  This is the spring version of the event that usually takes place . . . this year they are doing it all on line and I am trying to watch as much of it as I can.

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

Happy Stamping!!