July 30, 2021

Forever Blossoms

Easy wedding cards are not in my vocabulary so when I received this one as a swap, I was very pleased.

 

I had kind of forgotten about the Ornate Dies.  I used them a lot when they first came out but they have sat untouched on my shelves for a while now.  This shows me I need to bring them out again!!  The Hand-Penned Designer Series Paper which is on sale for a few more days yet is just perfect for a wedding card . . . soft and weddingly.  Yes . . . that is a made-up word . . . a Lynda word.

Stamps: Forever Blossoms

Cardstock: Pale Papaya, Evening Evergreen, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Hand Penned

Ink: Memento Black

Accessories:  Ornate Layers Dies, Stitched So Sweetly Dies, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Today I am going to spend the day stamping with some friends.  I am sure I will come home with all kinds of ideas and new card samples to share!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

July 30, 2021

Daisy Garden

Today is Simple Friday . . . somehow that doesn't have the same ring as Simple Saturday, but anyway you look at it this is a simple card.

I love using my Stamparatus, especially with these bigger background stamps.  It is just so much easier to handle than the super large blocks.  I was actually thinking of making up a lot of these in various colors with some of my retired cardstock colors.  Great way to make multiple cards in a short amount of time.

 

Stamps: Daisy Garden, Biggest Wish

Cardstock: Polished Pink, Basic White

Ink: Polished Pink

Accessories:  Stamparatus, Versamark, Basic Embossing Powder, 

Heat Tool, 2021-2023 In Color Jewels, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

As soon as I am done posting this I am out the door for an appointment in Kalona and then am home for the rest of the day.  I need to get my shoebox swaps cut for our get-together tomorrow, but there is not much on my agenda other than that.

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

Happy Stamping!!

July 29, 2021

Art in Bloom

Today's card is one that comes directly from my friend, Susie!  About the only thing I changed was the designer series paper and the ribbon.

The Bloom Dies are SO SO SO easy to use.  I was a little hesitant at first, but I love the way that the die fits inside the embossing folder so that they cut and emboss at the same time.  It is awesome!!

Stamps: Art in Bloom, Art Gallery

Cardstock: Old Olive, Basic White, Gold Foil

Designer Series Paper: Beauty of the Earth, Pattern Party

Ink: Old Olive

Accessories:  Bloom Dies & Embossing Folder, Scalloped Contour Dies, 

Metallic Pearls, Gold Fine Art 3/8" Ribbon, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Today is another eye appointment for John and since they aren't really speed merchants up there, I am not planning on doing anything else.  My trick is that if I take something with me to do, they get us in pretty quickly, and if I don't take anything we are there forever.  So guess I need to find something to take with me!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

July 28, 2021

Artistically Inked

One of the sites I look at regularly is a stamper from Australia, Kylie Bertucci.  She had this gorgeous card, using my new favorite designer series paper, Expressions In Ink!  I don't think I will ever get tired of it!!

This die is definitely a messy one so you will want to have your trash right beside you as you use it.  We did find Monday night that it works better if you use a layer of wax paper between the die and the cardstock.  The pieces just fall out easily then and there is very little need for poking them out.  Some of the ladies embossed the sentiment with gold embossing powder and I think I actually liked that better!!

Stamps: Artistically Inked

Cardstock: Soft Succulent, Evening Evergreen, Basic White (Inside)

Designer Series Paper: Expressions In Ink

Accessories:  Artistic Dies, Tasteful Label Dies, Versamark, 

Basic Embossing Powders, Heat Tool, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

A mid-day appointment and stamping are on the agenda for today.  With this heat, I am not sure what else I would want to be doing!!  Certainly not anything outside!!  

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

Happy Stamping!!

July 27, 2021

Artistically Inked

Finally . . . .I have used some of the image stamps in the Artistically Inked stamp set!!  

I can't seem to get past using this leafy branch in many of my cards.  It makes a mess when you die cut it but it is worth it.  It hasn't seemed to make any difference what I cut it out of, I love it!! 

Bev (a Monday night stamper) does not like tone on tone cards so this time I remembered to take some extra cardstock so she could add an additional layer.  Instead of using what I had taken she used the piece that she cut the leaf branch from, to add a gold foil layer.  She had to trim down the white embossed layer a tad, but as you can see, it really adds to the original card.

Stamps: Artistically Inked

Cardstock: Basic White Thick, Basic White, Gold Foil

Ink: So Saffron, Granny Apple Green

Accessories:  Artistic Dies, Tasteful Textile 3D Embossing Folder, 

Versamark, Metallics Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Metallic Pearls, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Nothing on the agenda today . . . but it is too hot to do too much!!  I may work on some swaps for this weekend, or I may just sit and read!!  It is great to have choices!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

July 26, 2021

Forever Grapevine

How can you go wrong with a color combination of purple and green?  This Forever Grapevine stamp set certainly lends itself to that color combination quite well.  Purple seems to be a favorite color of many of my family members . . . my grandma, my mom, my daughter, and now my granddaughter!!

There is quite a bit of coloring on this card . . . but as you all know I love to color!!  I did use my Stampartus for the grapevine.  It certainly does help when the stamps are on large blocks.

Stamps: Forever Grapevine

Cardstock: Basic White Thick, Basic Black, 

Gorgeous Grape, Basic White

Ink: Memento Black, Gorgeous Grape

Stampin' Blends:  Highland Heather Dark, Granny Apple Green Dark, 

Crumb Cake Light

Accessories:  Grapevine Dies, Stamparatus, Gorgeous Grape 3/8" Sheer Ribbon, 

Pastel Pearls, Mini Glue Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Today is getting a very late start . . . but that is what happens when you stay up half the night reading!!  Good thing I have everything ready for Make-It-Monday tonight!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

July 25, 2021

Artistically Inked

Another card from the display board in Hawaii that I thought was pretty cool!  I am really loving the leaves die and can think of so many ways to use it!!

The Gold Metallic Specialty Paper is really awesome as well.  It is soft and very different from anything we have had before, making it even more special.

 

Stamps: Artistically Inked

Cardstock: Soft Succulent, Evening Evergreen, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Gold and Rose Gold 6" X 6" Metallic Specialty Paper

Ink: Evening Evergreen

Accessories:  Tailor-Made Tags Dies, Artistic Dies, T

hanks & Hello Embossing Folders, 

Evening Evergreen 3/8" Open Weave Ribbon, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

My trip to Minneapolis to the dinner theater was awesome.  Since I did not have to drive I took along my big card project I am making to take to Adel and finished it up.  It seemed to me to be a great use of car time.

Today I need to finish getting things cut and ready for Make-It-Monday.  Hopefully, I will have things ready to go so I can stuff envelopes this afternoon while watching baseball.

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

Happy Stamping!!

July 24, 2021

Artistically Inked

I just can't get enough of the Expressions in Ink Designer Series Paper.  This is one of the cards that was on the display board when I was in Hawaii!!

It is hard to tell in the photo but this card is a bookbinding card.  The left hand side of the card where the ribbon is does not open.  The square on the right-hand side of the card is the opening.

Stamps: Artistically Inked

Cardstock: Basic White Thick, Polished Pink

Designer Series Paper: Expressions in Ink

Ink: Memento Black

Accessories:  Polished Pink 3/8" Open Weave Ribbon, Tear & Tape

We made it to Minnesota with no difficulty and had a great time at the dinner theater.  I am not really sure what we are doing today before heading home, but I am sure it will be fun.

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

Happy Stamping!!

June 23, 2021

Art Gallery

One of the sites that I look at regularly, CreativeLee Yours, had this card posted the other day.  I thought it was absolutely gorgeous so decided I had to give it a try.  It is even more beautiful in person than it is in the photo.

One of the things I have been trying to do with both In-Person classes and Cards in the Mail is to use different folds.  This one fits the bill perfectly.  There are a lot of layers and little pieces, but it is oh so worth it!!

Stamps: Art Gallery

Cardstock: Soft Succulent, Basic White, 2021-2023 In Color Shimmer Vellum

Ink: Evening Evergreen

Accessories:  Potted Succulents Dies, Artistic Dies, 

Tasteful Textile 3D Embossing Folder, Pearl Basic Jewels, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

As soon as I am done posting this I am off to join some friends for a girls' road trip.  We are headed to the Minneapolis/St. Paul area to go to a dinner theater.  I have never been to a dinner theater so I am very excited to attend this one.  I really didn't care what show we saw, but am very excited that it is one of my favorite musicals . . . The Music Man. 

Hopefully, I will have an internet connection so can post tomorrow morning, but if not I will be back on Sunday morning.

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

Happy Stamping!!

July 22, 2021

Sweet as Peach

If you are like me you can't wait for Missouri peaches to hit the grocery store every summer.  This You're a Peach Designer Series Paper doesn't make the best peach cobbler or pie, but it certainly does make the best cards.

This one was particularly easy to cut for since the two patterns were on the same strip of paper.  Balmy Blue isn't a color I reach for often unless I am making baby cards, but it has certainly gotten a workout with this designer series paper pack.

Stamps: Sweet As a Peach 

Cardstock: Balmy Blue, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: You're a Peach

Ink: Calypso Coral

Accessories:  Petal Pink 5/8" Organdy Striped Ribbon, 

Champagne Rhinestones Basic Jewels, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

The big project that I am taking to Adel is almost complete.  All I have to do is add the embellishments and the cards are complete . . . all 180 of them.  They would have been done last night but I seem to have misplaced my stash of Matte Black Dots.  My one main job today is to see if I can locate them so I can finish these up tonight while watching the Cubs game.

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

Happy Stamping!!

July 21, 2021

Simply Succulents

Have I used the image stamps in the Simply Succulents stamp set yet?  No of course not, but the sentiment stamps in the set are getting a workout!!

Paired again with the beautiful Expressions in Ink Designer Series Paper this was the perfect card for a Cards in the Mail card.  I surely do hope that people like this paper as much as I do, because I am sure I will be using it a lot!!

Stamps: Simply Succulents

Cardstock: Basic White Thick, Polished Pink, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Expressions in Ink

Ink: Polished Pink

Accessories:  Tasteful Textile Dies, Double Oval Punch, Metallic Pearls, 

Polished Pink 3/8 Open Weave Ribbon, Mini Glue Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Another day without anything scheduled on my agenda!!  I can only hope I have found the balance between staying busy and overbooking myself!!  But who am I kidding . . . this just happens to be a less busy time for me, but I will take it!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

July 20, 2021

Artistically Inked

You can never have too many thank you cards  . . . I think that is something that has gone out of style and really needs to come back into style.  With this card, it would be so easy to make up multiples and they could all look different depending on what designer series paper you would use.  And now would be a great time to stock up on designer series paper since it happens to be on sale this month.

This is one of the cards that is in this week's cards in the Mail.  Super simple, but yet is really striking.  I am thinking that this would be a great use of a lot of the designer series paper that I have left over from my garage sale!!

Stamps: Artistically Inked

Cardstock: Basic White Thick, Basic White, Vellum

Designer Series Paper: Beauty of the Earth (On Sale This Month)

Ink: Garden Green

Stampin' Blends:  Calypso Coral Dark

Accessories:  Scalloped Contour Dies, Pearl Basic Jewels, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Success . . . I can now see all of my stamping room floor and my stamping table!!  I got all of my old card swaps sorted and several bags are ready to give to my friend, Linda, who redoes some of them and then sends them to a lady who in turn sends them to the troops overseas so that they have cards that they can mail home.  A win-win for everyone!

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

Happy Stamping!!

July 19, 2021

Shaded Summer

I usually buy stamp sets for the sentiments and Shaded Summer was no exception.  I love the sentiments with the assorted fonts that come along with the flower images.

Although it is again on backorder, I was happy to at least get to order some of the awesome Impressions in Ink Designer Series Paper.  With paper this pretty you really don't need much else on your card.  I hope everybody else that gets this week's Cards in the Mail thinks so as well.

Stamps: Shaded Summer

Cardstock: Basic White Thick, Shaded Spruce, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Expressions in Ink

Ink: Shaded Spruce

Accessories:  Potted Succulents Dies, Holiday Rhinestone Basic Jewels, S

tampin' Dimensionals

I am still trying to get stuff picked up and cleaned up after the garage sale this weekend.  My plan is to finish that today so that I can actually stamp some cards the rest of the week since it is relatively appointment-free.

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

Happy Stamping!!

July 18, 2021

In The Meadow

What a great card to showcase all of the 2021-2023 In Colors!!  I made this card with Susie back in April and just again unearthed it from my stamping room.  It is amazing what you will find when you clean!!

The flowers in the In The Meadow stamp set are becoming one of my go-to flower sets.  I love how you can color them to whatever color scheme your card may have.  Pretty spring colors like in this card, but you could color them with gorgeous fall colors come fall.

Stamps: In the Meadow

Cardstock: Basic White Thick, Fresh Freesia, Polished Pink, 

Evening Evergreen, Soft Succulent, 

Pale Papaya, Basic White

Ink: Memento Black

Stampin' Blends: Polished Pink Combo Pack, Evening Evergreen Combo Pack, 

Soft Succulent Combo Pack, Pale Papaya Combo Pack, 

Fresh Freesia Combo Pack

Accessories:  Scalloped Contour Dies, Pale Payaya Open Weave Ribbon, Mini Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals

The garage sale was a huge success, but I am one pooped puppy!!  Today is going to be a day of resting and relaxing and watching baseball on TV and not much else.  

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

Happy Stamping!!

July 17, 2021

Inspired Thoughts

Today's card is one I picked up somewhere along the way in a swap.  There was no name on it so I am not sure if I got it in Hawaii or from our local swap at the beginning of May.

The layered look of the tree and leaves is really cool.  I am imagining this card with a sponged piece of cardstock in fall colors for both layers of the trees.  I'll have to get busy and try that!!  

Stamps: Inspired Thoughts

Cardstock: Evening Evergreen, Cinnamon Cider, 

So Saffron, Very Vanilla, Soft Succulent 

Ink: Cinnamon Cider

Accessories:  Inspiring Canopy Dies, Linen Thread, Glue Dots,

Stampin' Dimensionals

The garage sale was a success yesterday and is still going on again today.  I sold a lot of stuff but if you look at my tables this morning you would be hard-pressed to see that I had sold anything.  As you can see I have plenty of stamp sets left!!

My designer series paper tables probably had three times as much paper yesterday but again there is still plenty left for anyone who wants to stop by!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

July 16, 2021

In Symmetry

I have always loved the Night of Navy and Calypso Coral color combination and the Sweet Symmetry Designer Series Paper pulls it together with a touch of Bumblebee.  Perfect color combination, I think!!

This is one of the cards everyone stamping with me this week got to make.  I should have taken pictures and did not but I love how people took these supplies and laid them out differently.  Some people put the designer series paper down the side and some put it across the bottom.  They were all equally as cool.

Stamps: In Symmetry

Cardstock: Night of Navy, Calypso Coral, Bumblebee, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Sweet Symmetry (On Sale this MOnth)

Ink: Night of Navy, Calypso Coral, Just Jade

Accessories:  Layering Circles Dies, Opal Rounds, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

I am not sure how I actually manage it, but I think I have more stuff than ever at my garage sale this year.  I took a gamble on the weather and laid out all of the stamp sets and dies yesterday.  I have FIVE tables chuck full of stamp sets and dies.  I haven't even begun to take out the accessories, Paper Pumpkin kits, scrapbooking accessories, packs of paper, and single sheets of paper.  I only have two more tables in my house, so my friend, Luetta who is helping me as always, is bringing an extra one.  You will for sure want to get some great bargains . . . everything is priced to go!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

July 15, 2021

Sunny Sentiments

Please send all sunny thoughts this way as I really want to have my garage sale outside tomorrow and Saturday, but this rain is making me rethink my plans.

This is similar to one of the cards that Frenchie Stamps had on her site the other day.  This set is her Million Dollar Achiever stamp set so she had several cards featuring it.  I love the rays of sunshine and how they are variegated, but only use one color of ink.

Stamps: Sunny Sentiments, After the Storm

Cardstock: Basic White Thick, Basic White

Ink: Memento Black, Daffodil Delight, Mango Melody

Accessories:  Blending Brushes

This is the last stack of stuff from my stamping room for the garage sale.  The bottom tub was so heavy I could not even carry it . . . I had to drag it out of my stamping room, which was all the further I was going to go.  Now to decide . . . do I set up inside or outside today??  Decisions, decisions!! 

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

Happy Stamping!!

July 14, 2021

Celebrate With Flowers

A few years ago Stampin' Up had a stamp set that had vertical greetings.  I always loved that set and used it a lot.  So it stands to reason that I would like this set, Celebrate With Flowers, because it too has a vertical greeting.

The Stitched Greenery Die really does more embossing than actual die-cutting.  You are left with this awesome stitched look of the greenery and stems.  It makes a great background for those flower or leafy cards.

Stamps: Celebrate With Flowers

Cardstock: Just Jade, Basic White

Ink: Misty Moonlight, Bumblebee

Stampin' Blends".Just Jade Combo Pack

Accessories:  Stitched Greenery Die, Rhinestone basic Jewels, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

As you can see my garage sale pile is growing.  Yesterday I purged my dies and embossing folders, sorted through all of the designer series paper, and went through retired embellishments.  This was not what I had intended to do yesterday, but it was the first thing in sight.  Today I need to pull out all of the garage sale stuff I have already boxed up and stored underneath my stampin' table.  My pile will hopefully be much bigger tomorrow!!  Help me out by coming to this massive garage sale so I don't have to find a place to store all of this stuff again.

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

Happy Stamping!!

July 13, 2021

Sweet Strawberry

There is something about a black silhouette card that really catches my eye.  The Meadow Dies make it very easy to make a card like that.  Here are just two of the dies in the set and there are four others.  And I think if I remember correctly there is another set of dies similar to this that is in the Mini Catalog that starts August 1st.

I have paired it here with a small sentiment and used a smaller die from the Tasteful Labels Dies, but I think this would make a perfect sympathy card with a die that fits whatever size your sympathy stamp happens to be.  I know sympathy cards are one type of card that I always have to have on hand because I can never make one when I need it.

Stamps: Sweet Strawberry

Cardstock: Basic White Thick, Basic Black, Basic White

Designer Series Paper:  Subtle 6" X 6"

Ink: Memento Black, Bumblebee

Accessories:  Tasteful Labels Dies, Meadow Dies, 

Tasteful Textile 3D Embossing Folder, Blending Brushes, 

Elegant Faceted Gems, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

As soon as I am done posting this I am off to an early morning hair appointment and then to run a few errands.  This afternoon is the day I am going to unearth most of my garage sale stuff from underneath my stamping table.  I made the decision last night to go through my stock of retired dies and purge them a little further.  I always think I am going to use them on something but rarely do, so decided to make some more room for other stuff!!  Stay tuned tomorrow for another picture of the growing pile of sale items.

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

Happy Stamping!!

July 12, 2021

Biggest Wishes

Do you have a Stamaparatus?  Do you use it often?  I used mine a LOT when they first came out, but it has been a forgotten friend sitting on my shelf in recent months.  I decided that I am going to try to use it at least once for every Make-It-Monday because it is such a handy tool!!

This card, which everyone gets to make that is stamping with me this week, is the perfect card to use a Stamparatus.  The Hinge Step technique gives you the perfectly spaced, lined up words Happy down the left-hand side of the card.  

 

Stamps: Biggest Wishes, Flowers of Friendship

Cardstock: Whisper White Thick, Evening Evergreen, 

Pale Papaya, Basic White

Ink: Pale Papaya, Evening Evergreen

Stampin' Blends:  Soft Succulent Combo Pack

Accessories:  Pale Papaya 3/8" Open Weave Ribbon, Mini Glue Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

I for one have had enough rain, but I know it is in the forecast for most of this week.  I am just hoping and praying that it does not rain Friday and Saturday for my garage sale, but if it does, we will just move it indoors.

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

Happy Stamping!!

July 10, 2021

Biggest Wishes

I happened upon this card on a page I look at occasionally, Julie's Stamping Spot.  I loved the use of three different patterns of the designer series paper.

And you know I am of fan of the Biggest Wishes stamps, which made this a perfect card for a Cards in the Mail card. I think this would also be great with some children's designer series paper if you don't have kids' stamps.

Stamps: Biggest Wishes

Cardstock:  Calypso Coral, Night of Navy, Basic White

Designer Series Paper:  Sweet Symmetry

Ink: Night of Navy, Bumblebee

Accessories:  Banner's Pick a Punch, Bumblebee 1/4" Ribbon, 

Mini Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals

Since today looks to be such a rainy day I think that means it is time to clean off my kitchen table from all of my stamping projects and then work on the big batch of cards I am making to take to Adel at the end of the month.  I do believe we have had enough rain for a while!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

July 9, 2021

Blossoms In Bloom

Designer Series Paper . . . my new best friend!  Well not really new . . . but certainly a friend when it makes card making SO SO SO easy!!

Mossy Meadow is not usually a color I reach for very often . . . but it is certainly perfect for this card paired with the Beauty of the Earth Designer Series Paper.  A couple of punched or die-cut layers and you have a super simple card!!

s 

Stamps: Blossoms in Bloom

Cardstock: Mossy Meadow, Bumblebee, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Beauty of the Earth

Ink: Early Espresso

Accessories:  Everyday Label Punch, Double Oval Punch, 

Early Espresso 1/4" Faux Suede Ribbon, Pearl Basic Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals

I can hardly believe I am saying this, but as I sit on my patio writing this post, I am actually chilly.  Like chilly enough, I am ready to go inside and warm up!!  And it is the middle of July!!  I will need to remember this when I am complaining about the heat in a couple of weeks.

Today I am taking a friend for a medical test so have my stamping bag packed with something to work on while I am there.  I love having things ready to go like that so I can grab it whenever the situation calls for it!!

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

Happy Stamping!!