September 30, 2021

Nature's Harvest

I love the fall colors . . . whether they are in nature or on cards!!  And this card is no exception.

Over the weekend, I had someone ask me if I remembered how to make a card like this.  They still had the supply sheet that went with that card so it was easy to look up and remember how to do it.  I decided that it was a cool technique and I should make a Make-It-Monday card with a current stamp set and this is what followed.  You might notice the small square in the upper left-hand corner with the sentiment . . . that is to cover the exceptionally crooked sentiment that was my original stamping.  Not sure what I was doing but it was so crooked you almost needed to hold the card sideways!!  LOL

Stamps: Nature's Harvest, Delicate Dahlias

Cardstock: Cajun Craze, Old Olive, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: Harvest Meadow

Ink: Memento Black, Early Espresso

Stampin' Blends:  Cajun Craze Combo Back, Daffodil Delight Combo Pack, 

Old Olive Combo Pack

Accessories: Layering Circles Dies, Early Espresso 1/4" Suede Trim, 

Pearl Basic Jewels, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Today is going to be Tired Thursday!!  When I was doing chemo I scheduled a Tired Tuesday after every treatment so that I would allow myself to rest.  I scheduled Tired Thursday today after the COVID booster shot yesterday in case I was tired today . . . and I am . . . and I am planning on resting all day today!!  Still way better than COVID!!

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

 

Happy Stamping!!

September 29, 2021

Peaceful Moments

Two days left in Sale-a-Bration to get this black and white designer series paper, Beautifully Penned.  For you black and white lovers, this is a must!!

This is another fun fold card that everyone got to make at Make-It-Monday this week.  A little departure from the traditional white or vanilla inside, this one has a Blushing Bride inside for the writing of your message.

Stamps: Peaceful Moments

Cardstock: Basic Gray, Blushing Bride, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Beautifully Penned (Sale-a-Bration)

Ink: Basic Gray

Stampin' Blends:  Smoky Slate Combo Pack, Flirty Flamingo Combo Pack

Accessories:   Stitched So Sweetly Dies, 

Elegant Facetted Gems, Tear & Tape, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterday ended up being a long day of appointments, but with the news that I can now go to just yearly checkups with the oncology clinic and I don't even need to see the doctor anymore. . . just the PA whose title is actually a lymphoma survival specialist.  I love the sound of those words.  

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 28, 2021

Delicate Dahlias

I know I always say this when stamps are about to retire . . . "I am sure going to miss this one."  That is definitely true about both of these Sale-a-Bration stamp sets . . . Delicate Dahlias and In Your Words.  If you don't have them yet, you have until Thursday to get them.

This card does use a lot of different ink colors.  I stamped the outlines of each of the flowers and the leaves full strength and then stamped off when stamping the insides of the big flowers and the leaves.  The inside of the little Bumblebee and Cajun Craze flowers was stamped full strength again.  I ran it through the Stamp' & Emboss machine with the Tasteful Textile 3D Embossing Folder after I had all of my stamping done.

Stamps: Delicate Dahlias (Sale-a-Bration), 

In Your Words (Sale-a-Bration)

Cardstock: Cajun Craze, Very Vanilla

Ink: Bumblebee, Cajun Craze, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive

Accessories: Scalloped Contour Dies, 

Tasteful Textile 3D Embossing Folder, 

Versamark, Metallics Embossing Powder,

 Heat Tool, Gold 3/8" Fine Art Ribbon, 

Brushed Metallic Adhesive-Backed Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Today is appointment day.  I have a couple of fun appointments this morning and then this afternoon I have my five-year oncology checkup.  In between things I  hope to do a little birthday shopping for the kids and hopefully have time for a stop at a local craft store.

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 27, 2021

Jar Ring Pumpkins

One of the things I have always wanted to try was making a jar ring pumpkin. The ones I had always seen were where you painted the jar rings with orange paint.  When I saw one online a while ago made with the Harvest Meadow designer series paper I knew this was the year to do it.

It took me a while to find the jar rings because most places were out of them for quite some time.  I also did not want to take them for a craft project when I knew people needed them for the actual canning of their produce.

When I finally found them at an Amish store around me I could not remember if I needed the regular rings or the wide mouth rings so of course I bought both and had to try both.  This is the wide-mouth ring pumpkin.  I used eighteen rings on this one.

I would have to say that I think the regular jar ring pumpkin is my favorite.  It uses fifteen of the rings.  I do like the touch of blue in the larger one, but I have enough rings left that I could certainly make a smaller one with some blue in it.  And as my daughters are fond of telling me, you need things grouped in odd numbers, so three pumpkins would be perfect.

Cardstock: Mint Macaron, Soft Suede

Designer Series Paper: Harvest Meadow

Accessories: Intricate Leaves Dies, Shimmery Crustal Effects, Multipurpose Glue

Tear & Tape, Simply Elegant Trim

Today I need to finish getting stuff ready for Make-It-Monday tonight.  I slacked off yesterday and did not get it all done, so today is the day!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 26, 2021

Pampered Pets

What do you do when you have a granddaughter that likes dogs and her favorite color is purple?  You make a card with those elements, of course!!

I finally found some more Spanish sentiment stamps and this one was perfect for the banner on the card.  The Penguin Playmates Designer Series Paper that is a Sale-a-Bration item was also the perfect colors for a bright and cheery card.  It is a pretty straightforward layout and one of my go-to layouts when I need one. Hopefully, this card arrives in time for her birthday, but we shall see!

 

Stamps: Pampered Pets

Cardstock: Gorgeous Grape, Fresh Freesia, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Penguin Playmates

Ink: Memento Black

Stampin' Blends:  Smoky Slate Combo Pack, Basic Black Combo ckPa

Accessories:  Pets Dies, Layering Circles Dies, 

Fresh Freesia 3/8" Open Weave Ribbon, Banners Pick a Punch, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Today is going to be a cardstock cutting kind of day as I try to get everything ready for tomorrow night's Make It Monday and also try to finish up a couple of craft show projects that are all but done.  I will try to share them in the next few days.

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 25, 2021

Christmas to Remember

If you are looking for one stamp set that has a lot of awesome Christmas sentiments, then Christmas to Remember is the set for you.

Once again, the designer series paper does most of the work on this card.  These two patterns are on one sheet of paper so you just need to cut it diagonally twice so that you can get this effect.  This is the last of this week's Cards in the Mail.

Stamps: Christmas to Remember

Cardstock: Basic Black, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Peaceful Prints

Ink: Memento Black

Accessories:  Simple Elegant Trim, Stampin' Dimensionals

As soon as I am done posting this I am out the door to meet a friend for a road trip to a stitching store a couple of hours away.  By leaving this early we should be home in time to watch most of the Hawkeye football game.  I surely hope the weather is as good today as it was yesterday!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 24, 2021

Christmas Whimsy

One of the things I worked on in our downtime last weekend was this adorable Christmas card kit . . . Christmas Whimsy.

Christmas Whimsy is an adorably fun Christmas card kit with a modern design! Santa’s elves might be hard at work at the North Pole, but with this all-inclusive kit, the hard work is done for you! All pieces are printed, die cut, and ready for you to craft. The simplicity of this card kit makes it perfect for beginner crafters and kids, too! Grab a kit or two and gather around for a simple holiday season activity that everyone will enjoy.

Everything you need is in the kit, including an acrylic block and ink.  When you are done you will have these eight adorable cards.

Another beautiful day!  I really need to be taking advantage of these gorgeous days, because they will soon be gone.  I also have a little crafting to do and of course, the Cubs are on TV this afternoon.  

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 23, 2021

Pretty Pumpkins

One of the best parts of attending an In-Person stamping event is the swapping.  This is a card I received this weekend when I was in Illinois.

The mixed foil paper is much more stunning in person than it is in the photo.  And of course, the Brushed Metallic Adhesive-Backed Dots just add to the overall card.

Stamps:  Pretty Pumpkins

Cardstock: Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, Gold Foil, Copper Foil

Ink: Soft Suede

Accessories:  Detailed Pumpkins Dies, Brushed Metallic Adhesive-Backed Dots, 

Linen Thread, 

Mini Dimensionals

My stamping table is found and I am now working from my stamping room again.  It is probably a good thing since baseball season is close to being done.  Today I am going to tackle some more craft show projects, as well as finish up some other things I unearthed when I cleaned off the table.

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 22, 2021

Heartfelt Wishes

For me, fall is synonymous with thankfulness.  There is ALWAYS much to be thankful for, but I seem to be especially grateful for fall.  And since this is the first day of fall, thus card seems pretty appropriate.

Once again, the Blackberry Beauty Designer Series Paper does most of the work for us.  The rich golds in the paper just do not show up in a photo.

Stamps: Heartfelt Wishes

Cardstock: Blackberry Bliss, Gold Shimmer Vellum, Very Vanilla (Inside)

Designer Series Paper: Blackberry Beauty

Accessories:  Versamark, Gold Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, 

Brushed Metallic Adhesive-Backed Dots

This morning is going to be an errand-running morning and then I need to come home and get busy stamping up some birthday cards!!  I might even try to find the bottom of my stamping table as well.

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 21,2021

Biggest Wish

It is no secret that I love black and white cards, so it would stand to reason that the Beautifully Penned Designer Series Paper that is one of the Sale-a-Bration offerings would be among my favorites as well.

This is one of the cards that is in this week's Cards in the Mail.  It would lend itself to just about any occasion, depending on what stamps you might have at home.

Stamps: Biggest Wish

Cardstock: Basic Black, Basic White, Vellum

Designer Series Paper: Beautifully Penned

Ink: Memento Black

Accessories:  Forever Flourishing Dies, Tasteful Label Dies, 

Matte Black Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Another beautiful fall day . . . and not nearly as warm as the last few have been.  A great day for a ride through the countryside as I am searching out where I can buy canning jar rings for a craft project.

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 20, 2021

Art Gallery

The Be Dazzling Sale-a-Bration paper is pretty awesome!!  It really sparkles and shines.  Unfortunately, it is sold out.  Fortunately, I have plenty in my stash!!

I have paired it with the Gold Shimmer Paper which is equally as awesome.  I had not used it before making this card.  I can assure you I will be using it again and again.

Stamps: Art Gallery

Cardstock: Very Vanilla Thick, Early Espresso, Gold Shimmer Vellum, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: Be Dazzling (Sale-a-Bration)

Ink: Early Espresso

Accessories:  Harvest Dies, Timeworn 3D Embossing Folder, 

Double Oval Punch, 3/8" Diamond Weave Ribbon, 

Mini Glue Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

My weekend stamping retreat was absolutely awesome.  It was fun to attend an event in person and to stamp things that other people had planned.  I have many many things to share in the coming days so be sure to stay tuned.  Today is eye doctor day for John so I doubt much else gets done today.

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 17, 2021

Counting Sheep

Oh my lanta . . . .I fail at being a grandma!!  Big time!!  Here is the card I sent Julian, only with a Spanish version of Happy Birthday . . . Feliz Cumpleanos . . . .thinking it would get to Adel in time for his birthday on Sunday.  The only problem with that is that his birthday was yesterday instead of Sunday!!  Hopefully, his card will arrive today!!

The Penguin Playmates Designer Series Paper, which is a Sale-a-Bration item, has some awesome patterns on the backside of the penguin images side.  They are actually pretty cool when you mix and match them.  

Stamps: Counting Sheep (Sale-a-Bration)

Cardstock: Fresh Freesia, Misty Moonlight, Basic White

Designer Series Paper:  Penguin Playmates  (Sale-a-Bration)

Ink: Misty moonlight

Stampin' BlIntrnends:  Fresh Freesia Dark

Accessories:  Sheep Dies,  (Sale-a-Bration), 

Layering Circle Dies,  Pearl Basic Jewels, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

As soon as I am done posting this I am ready to load up the car and head east to meet a friend and we are headed to Illinois to a weekend stamping retreat.  Since I had to give up my Hawkeye football ticket because of my knee I arranged some stamping weekends.  Not as good as a football game, but a pretty close second!!  I am not sure of what the Internet connection will be like so I will not be posting tomorrow or Sunday.  Stay tuned on Monday to see some of the cool things we get to make.

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 16, 2021

Pretty Pumpkins

As usual, I am a day late and a dollar short . . . I just opened my package of this Sale-a-Bration Dazzling 6" X 6" Specialty Designer Paper this weekend and now it is sold out.

If you were lucky enough to get some of this paper, it is so awesome.  You can use it as it comes in the package or you can use your Stampin' Blends as I have done here to color it.  It is way more dazzling than is shown here in the photo!!

Stamps: Pretty Pumpkins

Cardstock: Very Vanilla Thick, Cajun Craze, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: In Good Taste, Dazzling 6" X 6" Specialty Paper (Sale-a-Bration)

Ink: Cajun Craze

Stampin' Blends:  Cajun Craze Combo Pack

Accessories:  Detailed Pumpkin Dies, Timeworn 3D Embossing Folder, 

Label Me Fancy Punch, 3/8" Diamond Weave Ribbon, 

Baker's Twine Essentials Pack, Brushed Metallic Adhesive-Backed Dots, 

Mini Glue Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Today is go out to lunch and stay and visit all afternoon day.  I have some errands to run before meeting my friends for lunch, and tonight is an early baseball game, so I doubt there will be much stamping going on today!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 15, 2021

Delicate Dahlias

The "distinktive" stamp technology that Stampin' Up! uses with some of their stamps is pretty cool.   These stamps start with a photograph, which the amazing  Stampin' Up! manufacturing team in Kanab, Utah then turns into a photorealistic red rubber stamp!  This innovative stamp style allows you to create images with depth simply by inking and stamping once.

And there is nothing that says "fall" to me more than a mustardy (actually Bumblebee ink) flower of any type.  By simple masking of the dahlia, you can get the leaves to look like they are behind the flower.

Stamps: Delicate Dahlias (Sale-a-Bration)

Cardstock: Bumblebee, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper:  Beauty of the Earth 

Ink: Soft Suede, Bumblebee, Just Jade

Accessories:  Stamparatus, Bumblebee 1/4" Gingham Ribbon

I have several fun appointments in Kalona today and then hope to come home and get some stamping done.  I did get my swaps all done for this weekend, except for putting them in clear envelopes.  That can always be done while riding in the car if I don't get them done before I leave.

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 14, 2021

Texture & Frames

I am not sure why, but there is something about these "grungy" collage cards that really appeals to me.  So, of course, the Texture & Frames Sale-a-Bration stamp set is a favorite.

One of the things I like about this card is its versatility.  It would work for just about any occasion with a change out of sentiment.  Various shades of blue would also be a good color combination for this.

Stamps:  Textures & Frames, Sparkle of the Season, Peaceful Moments

Cardstock: Evening Evergreen, Very Vanilla

Ink: Evening Evergreen, Soft Succulent, Crumb Cake

Accessories:  2021-2023 In-Color Jewels,  

Stampin' Dimensionals

Today is going to be a totally unplanned kind of day.  I am going to run some errands this morning and then just see where the day takes me.  I would like to get a little stamping done and some reading as well.  I do have to finish up my swaps for this weekend, so that will probably be the first thing I do when I get home. 

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 13, 2021

Nature's Harvest

There are so many cool patterns in this Nature's Harvest Designer Series Paper.  This was one I had overlooked until I saw this card on Pinterest.

The original card that I saw had no embellishments on it and for some reason, I think cards always need an embellishment, so I colored some Pearl Basic Jewels with a dark Soft Succulent Stampin' blends and popped them on my card.

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Stamps: Nature's Harvest

Cardstock: Soft Succulent, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Harvest Meadow

Ink: Memento Black

Stampin' Blends:  Soft Succulent Combo Pack, Daffodil Delight Combo Pack

Accessories: Harvest Does, Pearl Basic Jewels, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Everything is cut, stuffed into envelopes, supplies gathered, and sitting by the back door waiting to be loaded into the car for Make-It-Monday tonight.  I have a couple of swaps that I need to work on tonight for a weekend stamping event that I am going to this weekend.  And if there is time, I hope to start another craft show project.

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 12, 2021

Sweet Ice Cream

 

The FREE designer series paper, Penguin Playmates, has many fun patterns and designs.  I would be hard-pressed to tell you which I like the best.  

Once again, the paper does most of the work for us!!  A couple of embellishments and a sentiment and you have a great card.  This would also make a wonderful birthday card for a "little" that has a winter birthday.

Stamps: Sweet Ice Cream

Cardstock: Basic Black, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Penguin Playmates

Ink: Memenevunch, Matte Black Dots, 

White 3/8" Glittered Organdy Ribbon, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

What a Hawkeye game yesterday!!  Did you hear me cheering?  If not, I am truly surprised!!  I received these pictures at the start of the game.  How could the Hawks not win with such great fans!!  So glad Hanna is starting them out right!!

Today is cardstock cutting day.  I do need to get ready for Make-It-Monday tomorrow night.  I know what we are doing, I just need to get it ready.

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 11, 2021

Beauty of Tomorrow

I think I mentioned yesterday how beautiful this Blackberry Beauty Designer Series Paper is.  Here is another pattern from the pack.

With some strategic cutting, you can get six cards from one sheet of paper, and then all you have to do is pop it on a card base, add a sentiment, and embellishments and you have a very simple card!!  I did struggle to decide what color card base to put this piece on and decided on Sahara Sand.  I am thinking perhaps Soft Suede might have been the better choice.  What do you think?

Stamps: Beauty of Tomorrow

Cardstock: Sahara Sand, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: Blackberry Beauty

Ink: Early Espresso

Accessories:  Stitched Rectangle Dies, Brushed Metallic Adhesive Backed Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

I spent the day Thursday organizing all of my Stampin' Blends.  I had them all by color families in the Storage By Stampin' Up! but still could not easily grab the colors I wanted.   It took me a while but they now all have the color name on the brush tip end of the blend.   So . . . much . . . handier!!

As soon as I am done posting this, my friend, Luetta, should be here to pick me up so we can go to a craft show and out for breakfast.  It has been years since I have been at a craft show without being a vendor so I am looking forward to wandering around.

And of course, who can forget the big Hawkeye football game this afternoon!!  Hopefully, you will hear me cheering from wherever you are!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 10, 2021

Festive & Bright

I always feel blessed . . . every second of every day . . . but there is something about September that increases that feeling.  Probably because that is when I started my journey with lymphoma in earnest.  My words have always been . . . thankful, grateful, blessed.  So when I saw the work Blessed in this stamp set, I knew right away that I wanted to make a card like this.

I waited patiently (okay maybe not patiently) for the Blackberry Beauty Designer Series Paper to become available so I could make this card.  I definitely feel like it was worth the wait . . . the picture does not do it justice . . . It is just beautiful in person!!

Stamps: Festive & Bright

Cardstock: Blackberry Bliss, Very Vanilla, Gold Foil

Designer Series Paper: Blackberry Beauty

Accessories:  Versamark, Metallics Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Gold 3/8" Shimmer Ribbon, Brushed Metallic Adhesive Backed Dots, Mini Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals

And here are two more of the reasons I am so very blessed!!

This was about the first thing I saw this morning in a text message from Hanna.  It is CyHawk Day at their elementary buildings.  How can you not feel blessed when looking at their sweet faces!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 8, 2021

In Your Words

I love FREE stamp sets and this is another one of them that you can earn FREE during Sale-a-Bration!  It has some awesome sentiments that I know I will use a lot!

I have a lot of this twine from the Flowers For Every Season Combo Pack and it is the perfect accent for this card.  It also serves as the closure for the card.

As you can see, this is a pocket card.  There is plenty of space for your message on the insert and you can use both the front and the back.  Trying once again to incorporate some funky folds into the card packets.

Stamps: In Your Words

Cardstock: Basic White Thick, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Beauty of the Earth

Ink: Misty Moonlight

Accessories:  Stitched So Sweetly Dies, 

Flowers For Every Season Ribbon Combo Pack, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

It certainly looks to be another beautiful day in the neighborhood.  As I was going to bed last night and went to lock the door I realized that I had not even set foot outside yesterday.  There will not be many of these beautiful days left so I should take advantage of them while they are here.

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 7, 2021

Sparkle of the Season

This card which is one of this week's Cards in the Mail comes from a site I belong to . . . Creative Corner.  It truly does sum up my view of life!!

I had not used the Basic Border Dies until last week, but let me tell you they will certainly be in more use.  They add such an interesting layer to the card.  I know there is a lot of coloring on this layer, but it really does go quite fast and adds to the overall look.

Stamps: Sparkle of the Season

Cardstock: Pale Papaya, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Pattern Play

Ink: Early Espresso

Stampin' Blends:  Calypso Coral Combo Pack, Pumpkin Pie Light, Real Red Light

Accessories:  Basic Borders Dies, Macarame 3D Embossing Folder, 

Flirty Flamingo Metallic Ribbon, 

Champagne Rhinestones, 

Today is zucchini bread baking day.  Julie gave me a couple of huge zucchini so of course, I have to make something sweet.  It might be a lot of work now but it sure will taste good this winter.

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

Happy Stamping!!