February 28, 2021

Sneak Peek

Are you ready for a sneak peek of a new product suite that will be available March 2nd??  The Butterfly Brilliance Collection is an early release from the 2021-2022 Annual Idea Book and Catalog!!

There is no actual stamping on this card.  The beautiful butterfly is cut out of the designer series paper that accompanies this product collection.  Isn't that cool!!!!

You can see that this is another fun fold card.  Just changing things up a bit by trying to incorporate different folds into my cards.

Cardstock: Just jade, Basic Black, White

Designer Series Paper:  Butterfly Bijou (Sneak Peek)

Accessories:  Brilliant Wings Dies (SneakPeek), Stitched Shapes Dies, 

Layering Circles Dies, Tranquil Texture 3D Embossing Folder, 

Matte Black Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterday was a perfect day . . . the weather was great, the shopping was great, and the company even better.  It almost felt like a pre-COVID-19 excursion.  Hopefully that is a sign of things to come.

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

Happy Stamping!!

February 27, 2021

Celebrate Sunflowers

You have only two days left to get your hands on some of this awesome Flower & Field Designer Series Paper.  When Sale-a-Bration is over tomorrow night, it will be gone forever!!

I had a lot of little pieces of this paper laying on my stamp table left over from other projects so decided to put them to good use.  You can get a ton of pieces this size out of a piece of DSP so this would be a great card to mass produce if you needed a lot of thank you cards.

Stamps: Celebrate Sunflowers

Cardstock: White Thick, Poppy Parade, White

Designer Series Paper: Flower & Field

Ink: Memento Black

Accessories: Matte Black Dots

As soon as I am done posting this I am out the door for a day of adventures with my friend, Luetta.  Our birthdays are in the same week so we usually try to do something fun.   Last year it we did something right before the world sort of stopped for a very long time.  Hopefully when we go this year it will be the start of a whole year of being able to go places and do things.

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

Happy Stamping!!

February 26, 2021

Art Gallery

If there is one suite in the mini catalog that carries over to the new main catalog, I surely hope it is this Art Gallery Suite.  I absolutely love all of the products in this suite!!

I must have been in a monochromatic frame of mind when I chose cards for Make-It-Monday as there are a couple like that.  They sure are easy and do not use too many supples.  As you can see, the designer series paper does a lot of the work giving this card its dimension!!

Stamps: Art Gallery

Cardstock: Pretty Peacock, White

Designer Series Paper: Fine Art Floral

Ink: Pretty Peacock

Accessories:  Basic Rhinestone Jewels, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

I have been on a roll cleaning and purging my stamp room the last couple of days.  I took another big bag of ribbon to my preschool teacher friend, Joan, and have another bag ready for Goodwill.  I have put a couple of things into my garage sale tubs, but not many.  I guess that means that it was tine to get rid of some of that stuff.  My goal this morning is to find the top of my stamp table again, so I can make some cards this afternoon!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

February 25, 2021

Approaching Perfection

I love this sentiment in this stamp set . . . People that have more birthdays do tend to live longer!!  

I have a LOT of this designer series paper left so decided to use a lot of it on this card.  I really like the way it turned out!!  It is also a funky fold so the top half opens up to another piece of Bermuda Bay designer paper, with a white piece to write your message.

Stamps: Approaching Perfection (SAB)

Cardstock: Basic Black, White

Designer Series Paper: Oh So Ombre (SAB)

Ink: Memento Black, Bermuda Bay, Granny Apple Green

Accessories: Basic Rhinestone Jewels, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterday on the way home from getting John his COVID vaccine, I got this wild hair to clean out underneath my drafting table in my stamping room.  I use this space for storage since my table is permanently placed there.  I knew there was a lot of stuff under there, but I had no idea just how much.  So I drug everything out and sorted through it.  Some of the stuff Hanna and I had put in tubs over 10 years ago and it was still there.  Scrips and scraps of stuff I always thought I would scrapbook and never got around to it, spools of half used ribbon, table coverings, and so on and so forth.  I decided if I hadn't used it in ten years I probably would never use it, so some is going to Goodwill, the ribbon went to my friend, Joan, who is a preschool teacher, and a lot of it went to the curb in trash bags last night.  Now I actually have space to store my finished craft show things, and my boxes of garage sale things without having to trip over them all the time.  Today I am planning on going through the stuff on another set of shelves and purging it as well.  Spring cleaning is underway!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

February 24, 2021

Touch of Ink

When my friend, Susie, posted this card on her site sometime last week, I absolutely fell in love with it!!!  Not only is is black and yellow, I love the layout as well!!

I had not used the Stitched With Whimsy Dies before, but let me tell you they will be a staple as long as they remain current.  They certainly do add to the dimension of the card and they are so easy to use!!

Stamps:  Touch of Ink, Itty Bitty Greetings

Cardstock: Basic Black, Bumblebee, White

Designer Series Paper: True Love

Ink: Memento Black, Bumblebee

Accessories:  Stitched With Whimsy Dies, 

Bumblebee 2020-2022 In Color 1/4" Ribbon, 

Matte Black Dots, Classic Label Punch, 

Mini Stampin' Dimensionals, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

As soon as I am done posting this, John and I are out the door to head to Iowa City so he can get his COVID vaccine.  I got mine yesterday afternoon.  It would have been more convenient if I could have gotten them both scheduled on the same day at Hy-Vee, but I was thrilled to get any appointments at all so an extra trip is well worth it!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

February 23, 2021

Happy Thoughts

If there is one sentiment stamp set that says it all, it is Happy Thoughts.  The sentiments are great and the fonts are even better!!

And when you pair it with the awesome Flower & Field Designer Series Paper that is FREE for a few more days with a qualifying order, you end up with a pretty sweet card to let someone know you are thinking of them.

Stamps: Happy Thoughts, Forever & Always

Cardstock: Just Jade, Basic Black, Flirty Flamingo, White

Designer Series Paper: Flower & Field

Ink: Memento Black

Accessories:  Always Dies, Painted Label Dies,

 Opal Rounds, Stampin' Dimensionals

We had a great time at stamp night last night.  As you can see we have a BIG spacious room with plenty of room to socially distance and still gather to enjoy the camaraderie of stamping together!!  Think about joining us at our next Make-It-Monday, March 8th.

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

Happy Stamping!!

February 22, 2021

Berry Blessings

Yesterday, my friend, Susie, posted a sketch idea and I decided to give it a try.  I love the Berry Blessings stamp set and coordinating paper so wanted to use that.

If you have never tried a a sketch challenge or sketch idea you should give it a try.  They are really kind of fun and a springboard for many card ideas.  Here is the sketch idea she posted.

And here is the card I made from it.  I am sure this layout will be used quite a bit in the future.

Stamps: Berry Blessings

Cardstock: Poppy Parade,  White

Designer Series Paper: Berry Delightful

Ink: Poppy Parade

Accessories: Stitched So Sweetly Dies, Old World Paper 3D Embossing Folder, 

Blending Brushes, Basic Rhinestone Jewels, Snail Mail Twine Combo Pack, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

 

Wow . . . tonight might be the first Make-It-Monday this year where the weather hasn't been cold or snowy!!  Not sure I know how to handle that!!!  I will try to remember to take some pictures tonight so that you can see how big the room is and how easy it is to social distance while we are there.

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

Happy Stamping!!

February 21, 2021

Corner Bouquet

One week left . . . that is all you have to earn FREE stamping products during Sale-a-Bration.  Today's card uses two of those products . . . the Corner Bouquet stamp set and the Oh So Ombre Designer Series Paper.

I rarely stamp directly onto designer series paper, but this ombre pattern of paper in this pack is perfect for it!! This would make a great sympathy or thinking of you card as well with just a changeout of the  sentiment.  I did re-ink my Momento pad right before stamping the images so that I could get very dark images that would really stand out.

Stamps: Corner Bouquet, Oval Occasions

Cardstock: Rococo Rose, basic Black, White

Designer Series Paper: Oh So Ombre

Ink: Memento Black

Accessories:  Double OvalPunch, 1/2" Rococo Rose Scalloped Linen Ribbon, 

Mini Glue Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Cardstock cutting and, of course, basketball will be on the agenda today after a quick trip to the grocery store before the snows starts to fly.  I am hoping to get a little actual stamping done today as well, after getting things ready for tomorrow night's Make-It-Monday.

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

Happy Stamping!!

February 20, 2021

Art Gallery

I was playing around the other day with different techniques for Technique/Stamp Club and found this one where you stamp other ink colors over dried White Craft Ink.

The photos do not really do it justice but the flower bloom is really pretty in person.  It is amazing to me that you can take Flirty Flamingo and Poppy Parade and when used with this technique it comes out looking like Rich Razzleberry and Blackberry Bliss.

Stamps: Art Gallery

Cardstock: Basic Black, White

Designer Series Paper: True Love

Ink: Old Olive, Flirty Flamingo, Poppy Parade

Accessories:  Floral Gallery Dies, Versamark, White Craft Ink, 

White Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Basic Pearl Jewels, 

White 1/4" Crinkled Seam Binding Ribbon, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

You would think as nice as it is going to be today that I would have some plans to go somewhere or do something . . . but no . . . it is going to be another stay at home and craft and watch basketball kind of day!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

February 19, 2021

So Sentimental

Once again today's card features the Flower & Field Designer Series Paper that you can get FREE with a qualifying order during Sale-a-Bration for a few more days.

This is actually a funky fold card as the polka dot strip is on the inside of the card and the thin flower strip is folded back from the front.  I am getting a little bolder in my pattern mixing . . . trying to decide if I really like it or not.

Stamps: So Sentimental

Cardstock: White Thick, Just Jade, Pool Party

Designer Series Paper:  Flower & Field

Ink: Memento Black

Accessories:  Stitched So Sweetly Dies, Matte Black Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

It was sure nice to be in my stamping room yesterday and not have my space heater right beside me!!  I still had it running but it was on low and several feet away from me.  Today I am thinking about continuing my rearranging of things.  After yesterday I decided that moving the ink pads and blends was an awesome thing . . . so more rearranging is in the future.

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

Happy Stamping!!

February 18, 2021

Happy Thoughts

Today's card is another one that comes from a site I follow . . . Flowerbug's Inkspot.  This is one pattern of this pack of paper that I have not used, but I sure do like it paired with these colors.

There is a lot of die cutting with this card, but it is well worth it.  Change up the sentiment and you could have a thinking of you or a sympathy card as well.

Stamps:   Happy Thoughts

Cardstock: White Thick, Poppy Parade, Basic Black, Bumblebee, White

Designer Series Paper: Flower & Field

Ink: Memento Black

Accessories:  Pierced Blooms Dies, Perennial Petals Dies, 

Playing With Patterns Resin Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

We are having a heat wave!!  It is sure nice to not have the furnace running all the time!!  And the sunshine look awesome!!  Not that I am going to be doing anything different today than any other day, but it is still nice.

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

Happy Stamping!!

February 17, 2021

Punch Party

It is no secret that I love punches and this Punch Party stamp set is pretty awesome . . . especially since it is FREE with a qualifying party!!

It has a sentiment for about any occasion as well as shapes that work with our many punches.  And again I had to use the Paper Blooms Designer Series Paper which is also FREE with a qualifying order.    

Stamps: Punch Party

Cardstock: Rococo Rose, Night of Navy, White

Designer Series Paper: Paper Blooms

Ink: Night of Navy

Accessories:  Scripty 3D Embossing Folder, Double Oval Punch, 

Whisper White 1/4" Crinkled Seam Binding Ribbon, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

I am hoping today is the start of our climb out of the deep freeze.  Not that I am going anywhere today, but it would be nice to not hear the furnace running constantly!!

Yesterday I spent time rearranging in my stamp room.  I moved all of my inks and Stampin' Blends to a shelf that is more easily accessible and moved my punches and dies to wear my inks and Blends had been.  I think I need to live with it for a while to see if it was a good move or not.  My inks have been in the same place for over 15 years so I know it will take a little getting used to!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

February 16, 2021

Heal Your Heart

Paper Blooms is another one of the products you can get for FREE during Sale-a-Bration.  I have not used this paper a whole lot but I better get on it because Sale-a-Bratiton only lasts for another couple of weeks.

This paper is so easy to mix and match because it all coordinates so well together.  I like the collage look of the different pattern on one card.  As you can see, once again the paper seems to be doing all of the work for us.

Stamps: Heal Your Heart

Cardstock: Petal Pink, Night of Navy, White

Designer Series Paper: Paper Blooms

Ink: Night of Navy

Accessories:  Stitched Shapes Dies, Layering Circles Dies, 

5/8" Petal Pink Striped Organdy Ribbon, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

After an early morning appointment and several hours spent fruitlessly trying to get through to schedule a COVID vaccine, I am going to my happy place this afternoon . . . my stamping room.  I may be there a long time!!  Stamping is a great way to relieve frustrations . . . and believe me today I have many!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

February, 15, 2021

Heal Your Heart

Sending thank you notes is sort of a lost art, but I still think it is very important.  I love the font of this thank you in the Sale-a-Bration stamp set, Heal Your Heart.

I know not everybody likes monochromatic cards, but with all of the coordinating products that Stampin' Up has they are certainly easy to make.  Even the Opal Rounds pick up a hint of the Rococo Rose.

Stamps:   Heal Your Heart (SAB)

Cardstock: Rococo Rose, White

Designer Series Paper:  Paper Blooms (SAB), Love You Always Foil Sheets

Ink: Rococo Rose

Accessories:  Stitched Shapes Dies, Stitched So Sweetly Dies, 

Painted Texture 3D Embossing Folder, Blending Brushes, 

Opal Rounds, Rococo Rose 1/2" Scalloped Linen Ribbon, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Today's agenda is going to consist of reading, reading, reading!!  I need to finish my book before this evening when we have our virtual book club meeting.  Of course, it won't be hard to curl up with my blanket and coffee and read the day away!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

February 14, 2021

Handsomely Suited

I KNEW when I saw this suite in the January-June 2021 Mini Catalog that I had to get it.  I have many tie wearers in my family and knew it would be perfect for birthday cards and such.  After seeing other examples using this set, it will work for SO much more than tie wearers!!

It is really hard to see in the photo but once I got the ties die cut I then ran them though the Rosie using the Tasteful Texture 3D Embossing Folder.  It just gave them a little more texture and added to the dimension of the card.

Stamps: Handsomely Suited

Cardstock: Smoky Slate, Night of Navy, White

Designer Series Paper: Well Suited

Ink: Night of Navy

Accessories: Suit & Tie Dies, Stitched Rectangle Dies, 

Tasteful Texture 3D Embossing Folder, Well Suited Twine Combo Pack, 

Mini Glue Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Now of course, since I also come from a family of Hawkeye fans I just so happened to have a stash of non-Stampin' Up! black and gold designer series paper.  And you guessed it . . . I had to try this same card using Hawkeye colors!!

I think it turned out pretty cool.  What Hawkeye fan wouldn't want a birthday card like this!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

February 13, 2021

Pretty Perennials

While this is not necessarily a technique, but still something the club members wanted, we worked with a funky fold on Thursday night. . .  the M fold.

This card starts with an 11" X 4.25"  piece of cardstock and the size of the finished card is 4" X 4".  The sentiment piece adds the last leg of the "M".

As you can see the insides of the card are also stamped and decorated  so that when the card is closed all areas have some type of motif.  There is a white space on the backside of the of the folds for writing your message.

Stamps: Pretty Perennials

Cardstock: Night of Navy, Seaside Spray, Soft Sea Foam, White

Designer Series Paper: Paper Blooms (SAB)

Ink: Night of Navy, Seaside Spray, Soft Sea Foam, Old Olive

Accessories:  Small Bloom Punch, Basic Rhinestone Jewels, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Crafting, basketball, heaters, and blankets are the name of the game today.  It sure is a lot easier for me to stay home and socially distance when the weather is this cold and snowy.  I guess maybe I am used to staying home in this kind of weather . . . in fact I sort of enjoy watching it snow and knowing I don't have to go anywhere!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

February 12, 2021

Dragonfly Garden

Last night was Technique/Stamp Club and while this is not necessarily a technique, I did want to show them how to use the Gilded Foil.  It is WAY too messy to use at a regular class so I decided it would be great for club.

You might ask . . . isn't this about the same as gold embossing powder and the simple answer is "no."  The Gilded Foil is much brighter and more vibrant than gold embossing.  It is definitely worth the mess and trouble.

This particular card that we made last night is also kind of a funky fold.  It is called a Book Binding Fun Fold card.  Same basic size as a regular card, but just a little different opening.  Something to change it up from a regular card.

Stamps: Dragonfly Garden

Cardstock: Basic Black, Mossy Meadow, Gold Foil, White (Inside)

Designer Series Paper:   Dandy Garden

Accessories:  Versamark, heat and Stick Powder, Heat Tool, 

Gilded Foil, Dragonflies Punch, Mini Stampin' Dimensionals, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

I have my projects all laid out for a weekend of crafting since it is going to be too cold to do much else.  I think I am going to be perfectly content to stay inside and craft and read for the next few days.  What are you going to be doing during this cold snap?

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

Happy Stamping!!

February 11, 2021

Hey Birthday Chick

If you remember a couple of years ago, one of the Sale-a-Bration stamp sets was Hey Chick.  This year we have an addition to the chicks . . . Hey Birthday Chick.  

When I saw this card on one of my surfing expeditions, I knew it was one that I wanted to make for a Make-It-Monday.  It was a lot of die cutting and coloring but I do think it was worth it!!

Stamps: Hey Birthday Chick

Cardstock: Basic Black, Granny Apple Green, Crumb Cake,  White

Designer Series Paper:  Flower & Field

Ink: Memento Black

Stampin' Blends:  Daffodil Delight Combo Pack, So Saffron Combo Pack, 

Real Red Combo Pack

Accessories:  Birthday Chick Dies, Mini Glue Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

We are off early this morning for a doctor's appointment for John.  Hopefully we can get there and back before any snow flies, even if it will be exceptionally cold.  

Once we get home I need to finish getting things ready for Technique/Stamp Club tonight.  Stay tuned tomorrow and see what techniques we worked with.

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

Happy Stamping!!

February 10, 2021

Sweet Ice Cream

I love when you can use stamping products in a different way than they were designed.  When my friend, Susie, posted a bear happy birthday card, I was like . . . ."I didn't know we had a bear punch!"  Well, we don't!!  It is the ice cream dip part of the Ice Cream Cone Builder Punch.  Cool, huh??  This particular card idea came from another demonstrator's site . .  .Flowerbug's Inkspot.

I got a lot of the same reaction at Make-It-Monday.  Since many of the ladies had already purchased this bundle or it was at least on their wish list, I think they were glad to have another way to use it!!

Stamps:  Sweet Ice Cream

Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Bermuda Bay, Early Espresso, White

Designer Series Paper: Oh So Ombre (SAB)

Ink: Early Espresso, Bermuda Bay, Blushing Bride

Accessories:  Little Details Embossing Folder, Ice Cream Cone Builder Punch, 

Snail Mail Combo Pack, Mini Glue Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Today is definitely going to be a stay at home kind of day!!  These old bones are not liking this cold weather at all!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

February 9, 2021

Treasures of Life

The Treasures of Life stamp set, at first glance, looks like it is geared toward grandparents and grandchildren.  But it also makes the perfect baby card!!!

As you can see, depending on the hair color this could be a mother holding her newborn.  Many people I know are either expecting children, or grandchildren so I just had to make a card like this for Make-It-Monday.

If you turn this particular design of the Oh So Ombre Designer Series Paper Pack over, you can make a boy baby card as well.  The biggest decision of the night was whether to make a boy or girl card!!

Stamps: Treasures of Life

Cardstock: White Thick, White

Designer Series Paper: Oh So Ombre (SAB)

Ink: Memento Ink

Stampin' Blends:  Rococo Rose Combo Pack, Bermuda Bay Combo Pack, 

Bronze & Ivory Combo Pack, Soft Suede Combo Pack

Accessories: Stitched Rectangle Dies, Dainty Diamonds 3D Embossing Folder, 

Opal Rounds, Blushing Bride 3/8" Metallic Ribbon, 

Stampin' Dimrnsinals

After an early morning appointment, I am content to stay home and hibernate in my craft room.  The sunshine looks amazing, but it is oh so cold out there!!!  Stay warm!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

February 8, 2021

Lots of Heart

Can you believe Valentine's Day is less that a week away??  Where oh where is the time going??  I decided if I was going to use this set for Valentine's Day I better get going!!

There is nothing better than a red, white, and black Valentine's Day card.  I sure hope the ladies at Make-It-Monday think so too, because this is one of the cards they will be making.  I will say that the scalloped heart is WAY bigger than I had imagines when I saw it in the catalog.  It does cut out very nicely though and is a great layering piece.

Stamps: Lots of Heart

Cardstock: Real Red, Basic Black, White

Ink: Real Red

Accessories:  Many Hearts Dies, Classic Label Punch, 

Matte Black Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Everything is ready once again to load into the car and take to Kalona for Make-It-Monday.  I think although we are getting light snow it still should be okay for travel by evening.  

The heater in my stamping room is sure getting a workout and today will be no exception.  My pile of unfinished projects is getting smaller and smaller!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

February 7, 2021

Dragonfly Garden

It is hard to think about spring flowers as COLD as it is today, but they will come eventually.  Or . . . you could keep yourself warm by making cards with spring flowers!!

Once again the FREE SAB item . . . Flowers & Fields Designer Series Paper does all the heavy work in this card.  At first glance I did not think much of this paper, but the more and more I work with it the better I like it!!  If you don't like the flower pattern on one side the other is sure to have a random pattern that makes an excellent background for the card.  AND . . .  the Double Oval Punch that is in the spring mini catalog is great!!  I have always loved the look of an oval layered on a scalloped oval.

 

Stamps: Dragonfly Garden

Cardstock: Basic Black, Granny Apple Green, White

Designer Series Paper: Flower & Field

Ink: Granny Apple Green

Accessories:   Double Oval Punch, Any Black Ribbon, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Last night we were very privileged to be part of something special for Jake and Hanna.  They were gifted a grant to help out with their adoption and we were able to attend the surprise announcement via Zoom.  I rarely see Hanna speechless, but she certainly was last night . . . and for quite a while!!

This was such a huge blessing to them . . . all of their adoption fees have now been covered!!  Their only expenses left to cover are those related to travel to bring their kiddos home!!

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

Happy Stamping!!