December 31, 2020

Happiest of Birthdays

Once again Plaid Tidings to the rescue with another pattern for a great guy birthday card!!  And once again, it reminds me of a flannel shirt John used to wear . . .  he had many many of them!!

This is another one of  the Guy Cards in the mail cards.  There is not a lot of embellishment on them because guy cards realistically probably don't need it!!

Stamps: Happiest of Birthdays

Cardstock: Cajun Craze, Mango Melody, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Plaid Tidings

Ink: Cajun Craze

Accessories:  Basic Rhinestone Jewels, Braided Linen Trim, 

Mini Glue Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Wow!!  What a great couple of days celebrating with the kids.  It did include an impromptu overnight stay at the motel in Kalona on Tuesday night.  While John and I might have made it home with the roads I knew there was no way we could make it up our driveway with the amount of snow we received, so we decided to play it safe and just stay in Kalona.  Even at that it was an adventure getting the card dug out after the plows had gone by . . . glad it was Jason and Jake doing it rather than me!!  Great time spent with family, too much food, games and movies, and of course presents pretty much sums up the days.  You would have been hard pressed to know that we were in a community center when the girls got done decorating.

We started the morning with a reading of The Night Before Christmas.  They were all taking bets on if I could get through it with out my eyes leaking . . . I just put on my teacher hat and away we went!!  I had read that story so many times I didn't even need the words.

And what family outing would be complete with out our stack picture!!  

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from our house to yours!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 29, 2020

Peaceful Moments

Flannel shirts have always been so comfy and cozy!!  And there are so many patterns in the Plaid Tidings Designer Series Paper pack that really remind me of shirts.

I thought this card, which is one of this week's Guy Cards in the Mail, turned out pretty cool.  Again, it totally reminds me of one of the flannel shirts John used to wear all the time.

Stamps: Peaceful Moments

Cardstock: Whisper White Thick, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Plaid Tidings

Ink: Pretty Peacock

Accessories:  Stitched Nested Labels Dies, Stitched Rectangle Dies,  

1/2" Circle Punch (Retired), 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Today is Christmas . . . at least for us and the weather forecast seems to think it is Christmas as well.  Hanna and Jake arrived last night and we will all meet over in Kalona to spend the day together.  My bread is all baked and dessert is made.  Everything is sitting by the back door just waiting to be loaded into the car early this morning.  Time spent with family is priceless!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 28, 2020

Many Mates

I decided since I had the time and the paper that I would do an extra Cards in the Mail this month.  I have a ton of the Plaid Tidings Designer Series Paper and they make perfect guy cards so we are doing a set of Guy Birthday cards.

This layout would work with any of the papers in the pack just by changing out the colors of cardstock you would use.  This particular pattern reminded me of a flannel shirt John used to wear so decided to go with this one for this card.

Stamps: Many Mates

Cardstock: Pretty Peacock, Real Red, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Plaid Tidings

Ink: Memento Black, Pretty Peacock and Real Red Stampin' Write Markers

Accessories:  Stitched Nested Labels, Metallic Pearls, Stampin' Dimensionals

Today is baking day.  I have a recipe for my Grandma's nut bread and I always make it at Christmas time.  Since we are doing Christmas with the kids tomorrow that means I better get busy today.  I have even perfected a gluten free version so that Hanna can enjoy it as well.  The traditional pudding dessert is also on the agenda . . . also gluten free.  Other than that the kids are taking care of all of the food . . . seems weird not to be doing it all . . . but it's time to let go of thinking that I have to do it all.

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 27, 2020

Here's a Card

If there is one stamp set that you HAVE to have it is the Here's a Card set.  It is chuck full of sentiments for just about any occasion.  Paired with the Evergreen Forest 3D Embossing Folder is makes a simple yet elegant sympathy card.  Use one of the other sentiments in the set and it works for that as well.

I am very glad that the embossing folder is not retiring in a few days.  I can see using it for more Cards in the Mail.  This is one of the cards in this week's packet.

Stamps: Cards in the Mail

Cardstock: Mossy Meadow, Pear Pizzazz, Whisper White (Inside)

Ink: Mossy Meadow

Accessories:  Layering Circles Dies, Evergreen Forest 3D Embossing Folder, 

Mossy Meadow 3/8" Diagonal Stripe Ribbon, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterday was another quiet day on the home front.  A little crafting and a lot of sports.  Today I am headed to Iowa City to pick up the last of the Christmas presents I had ordered as well as my photos I had printed so I can add them to my Christmas scrapbook.  I do believe this might be the first Christmas scrapbook I have ever completed!!  The photos are all printed for my November Thankful Journal as well so that is next on the agenda!!  I guess when you stay home more you can get some of those things done!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 26, 2020

Best Year

I think we can all agree that 2020 has been a year for the record books!!  I myself am looking forward to a new year and a fresh start!!  When I saw this card on Pinterest, I thought maybe someone else was looking forward to a new year as well!!

This is one of the cards that is in this week's Cards in the Mail.  It would probably work for a birthday card as well as a New Year's card.

Stamps: Best Year

Cardstock: Blushing Bride, Flirty Flamingo, Basic Black, 

Vellum, Whisper White (Inside)

Accessories:  Detailed Band Dies, Versamark, White Embossing Powder, 

Heat Tool, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

I hope you all had a great, although different kind of day yesterday.  It was a pretty low key quiet day for us as we are celebrating Christmas with the kids on Tuesday.  We Facetimed with Hanna and Jake a little in the afternoon and there were a lot of texts that went back and forth.  I worked on a Christmas scrapbook for a little while and watched some basketball.  Not much different than a normal day.

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 25, 2020

Merry Christmas!!  It's been a strange year but we all have much to be thankful for!!  Enjoy your time spent with friends and family whether it be in-person or virtually!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 24, 2020

Celebrate Sunflowers

Celebrate Sunflowers for a Christmas thank you??  You bet!!  I love the thank you sentiment in this set . . . and it works for so many layouts!!

Today's card is a super simple one that would be easy to make multiples of for your Christmas thank yous.  And it is also one that is in this week's Cards in the Mail.

Stamps: Celebrate Sunflowers

Cardstock: Whisper White Thick, Poppy Parade

Designer Series Paper: Flowers For Every Season

Ink: Poppy Parade

Accessories:  Basic Rhinestone Jewels

Well it took me all day, but my paperwork is all caught up!!  I was doing so well keeping up month by month until September hit and then I just let it go!!  You would think I would learn by now . . . my resolution next year is to keep up with it all year long!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 23, 2020

Borders Abound

Thank you cards never go out of style or season so I like to have several stockpiled so I can just go to my stash when I need one!!  This sparkly thank you card would be easy to make lots of, just to have on hand.

Once again I have let the papers . . . designer and glitter . . .do most of the work for me.  Just think what you could do with this layout and the scraps that you have laying around!!  This is one of the cards that is in this week's Cards in the Mail.

Stamps: Borders Abound

Cardstock: Basic Black, Gray Granite, Black Glitter, Whisper White, 

Designer Series Paper: Peony Garden

Ink: Memento Black

Accessories:  Tasteful Label Dies, Snowflake Splendor 1/4" Ribbon,  

Basic Rhinestone Jewels, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Bookwork and present wrapping are on the agenda for today.  I don't really need to have the presents ready until next Tuesday, but since this is a relatively free day I might as well get it done.  And of course there is always basketball on TV tonight!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 21, 2020

Healing Hugs

If you don't have your Feels Like Frost Designer Series Paper yet, you have a few more days to get some.  As you can see it makes an awesome card and all you need to do is add a sentiment!!

This paper is one that carried over from the holiday catalog last year, and I can tell you that I really got my use out of it!!  It is probably NOT one that you will see at my garage sale this year, just because it is so cool.  This is one of the cards in this week's Cards in the Mail, so you can see for yourself how pretty it is!!

Stamps: Healing Hugs

Cardstock: Purple Posy, Highland Heather, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Feels Like Frost

Ink: Gorgeous Grape

Accessories:  Celebration Dies, 5/8" Polka Dot Tulle Ribbon, 

Basic Rhinestone Jewels, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

I finished my last big job before Christmas yesterday . . . my own Christmas cards.  I finished them up last night while watching "Sound of Music."  The are all waiting patiently for me to take them to the post office later today!!  

Cardstock cutting for this week's Cards in the Mail and gift wrapping are on the agenda today.  Hopefully they both get done!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 19, 2020

Snowflake Wishes

Sometimes non traditional colors make great Christmas cards . . . especially when the theme is snow and snowflakes.

The blues and lavendars in this designer series paper are just beautiful . . . especially when paired with the Balmy Blue Glimmer Paper, both of which are retiring at the end of the month.  Luckily, the blue adhesive gems are not retiring and will be around for at least until the beginning of May.

Stamps:  Snowflake Wishes

Cardstock: Balmy Blue, Highland Heather, 

Whisper White (Inside), Balmy Blue Glimmer

Designer Series Paper: Snowflake Spendor

Ink: balmy Blue, Highland Heather

Accessories:  So Many Snowflake Dies, Winter Snow Embossing Folder, 

Blue Adhesive Backed Gems, Snowflake Adhesive Backed Embellishments, 

Mini Glue Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Last night was a fun evening of looking at the Holiday Lights on the Old Threshers Grounds in Mount Pleasant.  I would be hard pressed to tell you which display was my favorite.  I will say that this was about the best socially distant Christmas activity going!!

I think I could drive through this display over and over again . . . over a mile of lighted displays, all while listening to Christmas music!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 18, 2020

Coming Home

Can you believe Christmas is one week from today?  Do you have your cards done??  I can tell you, I don't!!  I need to work on that today!!

The Coming Home stamp set makes awesome Christmas cards, but it would also make some other great types of cards . . . change of address, moving, welcome to the neighborhood . . . and the list can go on and on!!

Stamps: Coming Home, Tree Angle

Cardstock: Misty Moonlight, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Trimming the Town

Ink: Memento Black, Misty Moonlight

Stampin Blends:  Old Olive Combo Pack, real Red Combo Pack,

 Misty Moonlight Combo Pack, Pool Party Combo Pack

Accessories: Home Together Dies, All the Trimmings Embellishments, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

As soon as I am done posting this I am out the door for an appointment and then I need to work on Christmas cards.  This evening, My friend, Luetta and her mom and I are going to see the light display in Mount Pleasant.  John and I went last week as it was awesome.  I could go see it again and again!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 17, 2020

Snow Wonder

I love this snowman guy and am so glad he is not retiring at the end of December.  There is just something about him that is so appealing . . .the fact that he has dies to cut him out makes him even better!!

The snowy paper from Snowflake Splendor Designer Series Paper is the perfect background for him.  I sure do miss seeing first graders build snowmen out at recess.  That was truly one of the joys of winter recess duty!!

Stamps: Snow Wonder, Celebration Tidings

Cardstock: Whisper White Thick, Mist Moonlight, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Trimming the Town

Ink: Memento Black, Real Red, Old Olive

Stampin' Blends:  Soft Suede Combo Pack, Old Olive Comb Combo Pack, 

Real Red Combo Pack

Accessories:  Home Together Dies, Wink Of Stella, Stampin' Dimensionals

I am hoping to squeeze a little stamping in today between a hair appointment, errand running, and supper with friends.  I think most of the afternoon is free and clear so I hope to make great headway on my own Christmas cards!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 16, 2020

Snowflake Wishes

Yesterday I shared the first card with the Block Stamping and Kissing Technique.  That card just used the Block Stamping.  Today I am sharing the kissing part of the technique.

After you have block stamped your water color paper and spritzed it with water, take another piece of watercolor paper and lay it down directly on top of the first piece of paper.  Press the two together . . . the kissing part of the technique.  When you pull the two apart your second piece of paper should have a more subtle look to it.  Once it is dry you can then emboss the white snowflakes just like you did with the first card.  Two cards. . . one technique . . . two different looks!!

Stamps: Snowflake Wishes

Cardstock: Balmy Blue, Whisper White, Watercolor Paper

Re-Inker:  Melon Mambo, Night of Navy, Balmy Blue

Clear Blocks:  A, C, D, and H

Accessories:  Stamparatus, Versamark, White Embossing Powder, 

Heat Tool, Basic Rhinestone Jewels, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

There was not much crafting going on yesterday as my errand running and lunch took up a large chunk of the day.  So today is going to be a craft, craft, craft kind of day!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 15, 2020

Snowflake Wishes

Back in September when we started Technique/Stamp Club back up again, there was a very messy technique that I wanted to share.  And believe you me . . . when I say messy, I mean MESSY!!  You will have ink everywhere!!  It was on a site I follow . . . Melissa's Crafting Treehouse.  

I called this technique Block Stamping and Kissing.  Check back tomorrow for the kissing part of this technique.  For today we will focus on the block stamping part.  I chose four sizes of blocks and three colors of re-inker and went to town stamping on a piece of water color paper.  The messy part comes in when you spritz the whole water color piece of paper with water to make the ink spread and bleed.  After that dried I used my Stamparatus to stamp snowflakes with Versamark so that I could emboss them with white embossing powder.

Stamps: Snowflake Wishes

Cardstock: Night of Navy, Balmy Blue, Whisper White, 

Watercolor Paper, Vellum

Re-Inker:  Melon Mambo, Night of Navy, Balmy Blue

Clear Blocks:  A, C, D, and H

Accessories:  Stamparatus, Versamark, White Embossing Powder, 

Heat Tool, Basic Rhinestone Jewels, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

As soon as I am done posting this I am out the door to run some errands and hopefully finish up the little bit of Christmas shipping I have to do before meeting some friends for lunch.  I am definitely picking and choosing where I go so I can enjoy the hustle and bustle in a safe fashion!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 14, 2020

Perfectly Plaid

Today's card, which comes compliments of my friend, Susie, is one of the last cards in the Christmas Cards in the mail packet.  It uses the Toile Tidings Designer Series Paper which was in last year's holiday catalog as well as in this years!!

I love the old fashioned look of the paper.  I guess it sort of reminds me of packages from long ago and the song "Over the River".  We would always sing that song in the car as we were on the way to my grandma's house for holidays. 

 

Stamps: Perfectly Plaid

Cardstock: Real Red, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: Toile Tidings, Tis the Season

Ink: Real Red

Accessories:  2" Circle Punch, Label Me Lovely Punch, 

Forever Greenery Trim Combo Pack, Red Rhinestone Basic Jewels, 

Mini Glue Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Today is going to be another stay at home crafting kind of day.  I am still working on my own Christmas cards and hope to get my stamping table cleaned off enough that I can get to my printer to print the insides!!  We shall see if that actually happens today or not!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 13, 2020

Happiest Of Birthdays

This stamp set and this particular stamp is one I will be using a lot in the next week.  I am so so far behind in sending birthday cards!!  Not quite sure why that is . . . I have plenty of time, but it always seems to get filled with something else!!

This was a card from several weeks ago that was in a Cards in the Mail card.  As you can see, I am even behind in posting cards the same week that they go out to you!!

Stamps: Happiest of Birthdays

Cardstock: Whisper White Thick, Pacific Point, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Brights 6" X6"

Ink: Pacific Point

Accessories: Stitched So Sweetly Dies, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

What a beautiful sight I am seeing out my bay window this morning.  The sun shining on the snow covered branches is almost magical.  I may look at it all day today!!  The good thing about that is that I can also be crafting my own Christmas cards while watching basketball or football on TV and also glance at the beautiful sight every so often.

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 12, 2020

Celebration Tidings

Today's card also comes from Flowerbug's Inkspot and is the same layout as a card I posted a couple of days ago.  You can see it here.   This one is just oriented a horizontally rather than vertically.  As you can see it has a whole different look.

I do believe that red, white, and black is probably one of my favorite color combinations when it comes to making cards.  It is just so classic!!  This is another one of the cards that everyone will be making that gets this week's cards in the Mail.

Stamps: Celebration Tidings

Cardstock: Whisper White Thick, Basic Black, Real Red, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Plaid Tidings

Ink: Memento Black, Real Red

Accessories:  Layering Circles Dies, Tailored Tag Punch, 

Red Rhinestone Basic Jewels, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Wow!!  A Winter Wonderland today!!  There is chili in the crock pot, football on TV and crafting to be done.  A pretty perfect day to stay home!  

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 11, 2020

Itty Bitty Birthdays

Flowerbug's Inkspot is a site that I visit frequently.  She had this awesome masculine card on there a while ago.  Since I absolutely love the Plaid Tidings Paper and sometimes have trouble with masculine cards, I knew this was one I wanted to make.

This is one of this week's Cards in the Mail.  This week, I tried to use a lot of the same punches and designer series paper so that the versatility of those products was showcased!!

Stamps: Itty Bitty Birthdays

Cardstock: Pretty Peacock, Cinnamon Cider, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Plaid Tidings

Ink: Cinnamon Cider

Accessories:  Layering Circles Dies, Label Me Lovely Punch, 

Banner Triple Punch, Tailored Tag Punch, Braided Linen Trim, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

As soon as I am done posting this I am out the door to do some 2020 Christmas shopping!!  

It looks a little different . . . but at least I am getting it done!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 10, 2020

Detailed Dove Dies

I love when you can use Stampin' Up! products in more than there intended way!!  This dove makes the perfect sympathy card.

The white on white on this card makes it so elegant.  A very comforting card.

Stamps: Sympathy Stamp from a Paper Pumpkin Kit

Cardstock: Whisper White Thick, Whisper White 

Accessories:  Detailed Dove Dies, Forever Flourishing Dies, 

Versamark, Silver Embossing Powder, Heat Tool,  Rhinestone Basic Jewels,

Stampin' Dimensionals

Today is going to be a stay at home and rest kind of day!!  Not that most of them aren't any more, but this one might even be a take a nap kind of day!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 9, 2020

Lots to Celebrate

Check out another one of the cards in this week's Cards in the Mail.  I decided that even though poinsettias are usually a Christmas theme, they could also just be a winter flower for a thinking of you card!!

I think this might have been one of the first layouts I ever used a lot when I started stamping.  I do remember that there was no such thing as designer series paper . . . you had to make your own!!  My how times have changed!! I don't know what I would do now with out my designer series papers!!

Stamps: Lots To Celebrate, Poinsettia Place

Cardstock: Whisper White Thick, Real Red

Designer Series Paper: Poinsettia Place

Ink: Real Red

Accessories:  Painted Labels Dies, Real Red Rhinestones, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Today I am actually stamping for myself . . . making my own Christmas cards!!  I hope to get most of the stamping and die cutting done today so that I can sit tonight and color while watching TV.  It does look to be a beautiful day, so I think putting my greenery on my porch will also be on the agenda!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 8, 2020

Life is Beautiful

It certainly seems as if I have been sending a lot of sympathy and thinking of you cards lately.  They are both the type of cards that I have to have on hand . . . I can never make them when I need them.  It is very easily duplicatable and could be changed out depending on which color of designer series paper and ink you might choose to use.

This card is one that everybody getting this week's Cards in the Mail will be making.  I think it would work for just about any occasion depending on what sentiment stamps people have at home.

Stamps: Life is Bedautiful

Cardstock: Smoky Slate, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: Classic Christmas

Ink: Shaded Spruce

Accessories:  Layering Circles Dies, Tailored Tag Punch, 

Forever Greenery Ribbon Combo Pack,  

Iridescent Pearls, Stampin' Dimensionals

Today started out with some early morning appointments followed by some errand running.  I am just now sitting down to do the things I usually do first thing in the morning.  I guess that will make the day seem pretty short!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 7, 2020

Snowflake Wishes

The Snowflake Splendor Designer Series Paper is surely one I am going to miss when it retires at the end of the month.  The blues and purples in this paper are just beautiful!!

Sending thank you cards is kind of a lost art these days. With this card, that is in this week's Cards in the Mail, your recipient would surely know that you appreciate them!!

Stamps: Snowflake Wishes

Cardstock: Misty Moonlight, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Snowflake Splendor

Ink: Misty Moonlight

Accessories: Story Label Punch, Blue Adhesive Backed Gems, 

Snowflake Splendor 1/4" Ribbon, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Today looks to be a rather gloomy day, but that is okay because I have plenty to keep me busy in the house all day long.  I would like to get my big order of Christmas cards done and delivered, but we will see if that happens or not.  I took some time yesterday when I should have been working, to go on a ride with John and to get some greenery for the front of the house.  I need to get that put up today as well.  And I would like to do a little more shopping from the comfort of my recliner!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 6, 2020

Lots To Celebrate

Today's card is another one that I made at a stampin' get-together back in September that my friend, Susie provided for us to make.  I love the evergreen embossing folder and am so glad that it will be carrying over for a little while and will not be retiring at the end of the month.

This is also one of the cards that everyone made at my Peek Into Santa's Workshop back in October.  I had totally forgot to share it back when I was sharing those cards.

Stamps: Lots To Celebrate

Cardstock: Mossy Meadow, Old Olive, Very Vanilla, Gold Foil

Designer Series Paper: Brightly Gleaming

Ink: Old Olive

Accessories:  Hippo and Friends Dies, Evergreen Forest 3D Embossing Folder, 

All the Trimmings Ribbon  Combo, Metallic Pearls, 

Mini Glue Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Day 2 of the Rural Road Trip brought another purchase of some outdoor greenery . . . this time for the front door.  Today I think I am going to make a run to town to take some stuff to Goodwill and pick up some things from the curbside pickup option at Target.  This afternoon will be a regular Sunday afternoon with football and crafting from the recliner!!

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

Happy Stamping!!