December 31, 2022

Framed Florets

Today I have again used the stamp set, Framed Florets, along with the coordinating designer series paper, Fitting Florets, to make this Cards in the Mail card to share with you.

I usually center everything when making cards, but I love the off-center look of this card.  I knew when I saw it on Pinterest that it was a card I wanted to use for the mail cards. The combination of Balmy Blue and Evening Evergreen is not common for me, but it sure does work with this designer series paper.  I had an Opal Round by the sentiment on this card but it must have fallen off before I took the picture and I didn't realize it till writing this.

Stamps: Framed Florets

Cardstock: Balmy Blue, Evening Evergreen, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Fitting Florets

Ink: Night of Navy

Accessories:  Stylish Shapes, Evening Evergreen 3/8" Open Weave Ribbon, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

We spent the day yesterday looking around Nashville.  You can hardly go two steps without seeing other Hawk fans!!  We went to my first Hawkeye Huddle and as you can see it was packed.  The second floor where we were was just as packed as the ground floor!!

We also found the place owned by a former Hawkeye that was sort of a gathering spot for Hawk fans.

The weather looks like it is going to cooperate for the game . . . I think they have taken the rain out of the forecast so let's hope for a Hawkeye win!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 30, 2022

Framed Florets

Today I have used a different pattern of the Celebrate Everything Designer Series Paper and the Framed Florets stamp set to make this card to share with you.

This sentiment in Framed Florets will see a lot of love in the next few months.  It is a perfect size and I love the font!!

Stamps: Framed Florets

Cardstock: Pacific Point, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Celebrate Everything

Ink: Pacific Point

Accessories:  Layering Circles Dies, Stylish Shapes Dies, Basic Rhinestone Jewels, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

We made it to Nashville with very few problems.  We only had two delays . . . one right after I picked my brother up as there was a loose lamb on the road and then when we were right outside of Nashville in the rush hour traffic.  We are off this morning to do a little sightseeing.

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 29, 2022

Go To Greetings

Today I have used more of the beautiful Fitting Florets Designer Series Paper with the Go To Greetings stamp set.

What awesome pattern-mixing opportunities there are with this paper pack!!  I'm not very good at mixing patterns but this pack makes it pretty foolproof!!  The Glittered Organdy Ribbon adds just the right amount of sparkle for a note card!!

Stamps: Go To Greetings

Cardstock: Night of Navy, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Fitting Florets

Ink: Night of Navy, 

Accessories:  Tailor Made Tag Dies, White 3/8"  Glittered OrgandyRibbon, Opal Rounds, 

Stampin; Dimensionals

As soon as I am done posting this I am out the door and heading to Illinois to pick up my brother and then we are off to Nashville!!  It would be great if the Hawks win . . . or at least play well . . . but it will be a good time either way!  I may or may not post depending on time and connectivity!  Go Hawks!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 28, 2022

Go-To Greetings

Today I have used the Go-To Greetings set to make this birthday card to share with you.  It truly is a Go-To stamp set as it has five different sentiments in three different fonts and sizes . . . you are sure to find one that will work for your card.

With some strategic cutting, you can get eight cards from one sheet of this designer series paper.  The flowered pattern is super pretty and the Pretty Flowers Embossing Folder coordinates nicely!    Any small gem would work for embellishment on this card . . . I just happened to have the Metallic Adhesive Backed Dots sitting in front of me so used them.

Stamps: Go To Greetings

Cardstock: Merry Merlot, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Rustic Harvest

Ink: Merry Merlot

Accessories:  Stylish Shapes Dies, Pretty Flowers Embossing Folder, 

Metallic Adhesive Backed Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

I spent a fun day yesterday shopping with a friend, while she found some dresses for special occasions she has coming up.  It was good to be out and about since I had actually not left the house in a week!!  That is quite unusual for me unless I am sick, but with the weather and Christmas, that is just the way it worked out.  Today I have big plans to go to Washington to get some new windshield wiper blades in anticipation of my rainy trip to Nashville tomorrow!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 27, 2022

Charming Sentiments

Today I have used my favorite pattern in the Celebrate Everything Designer Series Paper pack and the stamp set, Charming Sentiments, to make this card to share with you.

The bright colors just seem to scream Happy Birthday to me!!  Add a birthday sentiment and some embellishments and you have a quick and easy birthday card!!

Stamps: Charming Sentiments

Cardstock: Pacific Point, Basic Black, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Celebrate Everything

Ink: Pacific Point

Accessories:  Celebration Tag Dies (SOLD OUT), Matte Black Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Phew . . . the last two days have been a whirlwind of activity.  We have decorated cookies, made pickle wraps, ate way too much food, laughed a lot, and enjoyed being together.  Everyone was sprawled out on the floor for a good nights' sleep!!

So yesterday morning, this Gigi waited patiently in bed, okay maybe not so patiently, for everyone to wake up.  I finally went ahead and got up and the boys popped right up off the floor, telling me that they saw Santa Claus peeking in the window the night before and then played quietly until everyone else was awake.

We opened gifts, ate more food, and had more laughs before taking a photo and everyone leaving for home.

As you can see, Jason and I are the only reasonable ones in the bunch!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 25, 2022

Brightest Glow

Merry Christmas!!  I cannot think of a better word to describe today than one filled with JOY!!

Nothing says Christmas joy better than gold sparkle and a little bling!!  The Lights Aglow Designer Series Paper was perfect for my Christmas cards this year!!

Stamps: Brightest Glow

 Cardstock: Merry Merlot, Very Vanilla, Gold Foil

Designer Series Paper: Lights Aglow (SOLD OUT)

Accessories:  Labels Aglow Dies, Versamark, 

Metallics Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Festive Pearls, Simply Elegant Trim,  

Stampin' Dimensionals

The food is cooked, the presents are wrapped, and the house is ready for four little niños, their Mama and Papa, and their Tio and Tia!!  What joy will fill the house tonight and tomorrow!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 24, 2022

Merriest Moments

Today I have used the stamp set, Merriest Moments, and the now sold-out Designer Series Paper, Lights Aglow, to make this card to share with you.

I had several strips of designer series paper left laying on my stamping table and decided they should not go to waste!!  A little ribbon and a little bling, and the rest is history!!

Stamps: Merriest Moments

Cardstock:  Evening Evergreen, Soft Succulent, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Lights Aglow (Sold Out)

Ink: Evening Evergreen

Accessories:  Stylish Shapes, Gold Adhesive Baked Swirls (Sold Out), 

Gold 3/8" Shimmer Ribbon, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Four presents left to wrap, crab puffs, and pickle wraps are all that is left on my to-do list!!  It is amazing what all you can get done when you stay home!  I will admit though, I am ready for the wind to stop blowing!!!!  I do need to venture out to my car to get the shrimp trays so they can start to thaw!!  As cold as it has been they may thaw out by next Christmas!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 23, 2022

Limited Edition

Today I have again used the Limited Edition Annual Idea Book and Catalog stamp set to make this card to share with you.  This is another one of this week's Cards in the Mail.

If you have not seen this Brushstroke Specialty Paper, you really need to take a look!!  It has a very subtle pattern in it and is much prettier in person than any photo can show!!  It is actually embellishment enough but I couldn't help but add some Opal Rounds!!

Stamps: Limited Edition

Cardstock: Night of Navy, Blushing Bride, Soft Succulent, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Brushstroke

Ink: Night of Navy

Accessories:  Painted Texture 3D Embossing Folder, 

Rectangular Postage Stamp Punch,  

Opal Rounds

Two batches of cookies, eight loaves of nut bread, some cross-stitching, and some reading were all accomplished yesterday as the snow fell and the wind blew!!  Perfect winter storm activities!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 22, 2022

Let's Celebrate

Today I have used one of the embossing folders in the Let's Celebrate package along with the designer series paper, Celebrate Everything, to make this card to share with you.

It is very rare that I have a card with no actual stamping on it, but I saw this card on Pinterest and thought it was unique and worthy of a Cards in the Mail card.  The embossed Happy Birthday shows up quite well so no other sentiment is needed.

Cardstock: Basic White Thick, Granny Apple Green, Pacific Point, Polished Pink

Designer Series Paper: Celebrate Everything

Accessories: Let's Celebrate Embossing Folders, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Baking, listening to Christmas music, laundry, and relaxing are on the agenda for today.  I am ready to stay home and watch it snow outside!!  Snug under my warm blanket!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 21, 2022

Limited Edition

Today I have used the Annual Idea Book and Catalog stamp set, Limted Edition, to make this card to share with you.

The Rectangular Postage Stamp Punch is an overlooked tool in the catalog.  It is the perfect size for many of our sentiments and much easier to use than than dies.  I thought that the punched piece looked a little stark by itself so decided to sponge around the edges and liked it much better.

Stamps: Limited Edition

Cardstock: Basic White Thick, Polished Pink, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Fitting Florets

Ink: Night of Navy

Accessories:  Rectangular Postage Stamp Punch, 

Polished Pink 3/8" Open Weave Ribbon, Iridescent Rhinestone Basic Jewels, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Late post today . . . .I made one last run to Iowa City to get everything I need for when the kids come this weekend.  The main thing I needed was the shrimp platters . . . .I decided to take advantage of the natural freezer that will be outside for the next few days!!   I am home now and ready to hunker down and bake and relax for a few days!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 20, 2022

Charming Sentiments

Today I have used the stamp set from the annual catalog, Charming Sentiments, to make this thank you card to share with you.

The layered scalloped circles are the perfect place for your sentiment and this card could be used for just about anything with a change out of the sentiment.

This is a fun fold card that opens from both the top and the bottom revealing the space for your message.

Stamps: Charming Sentiments

Cardstock: Melon Mambo, Night of Navy, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Hues of Happiness

Ink: Night of Navy

Accessories:  Layering Circles Dies, Polished Pink 3/8" Open Weave Ribbon, 

Mini Glue Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

The majority of yesterday morning was spent in the dentist's chair getting a tooth prepped for an eventual crown.  The only good thing about it was that it allowed me access to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.  This meant that I could take my annual thank-you gift to the staff in SICU.  I have done this every year since John spent so much time there seventeen years ago.  I used to take it up on Christmas Eve day, but since COVID, I take it whenever I have access to the hospital.  I know the staff is not at all the same . . . or at least most of it . . . but they provided such excellent care not only for John but the rest of the family, taking time away from their own families during the holiday season, and I like to acknowledge and thank them for that.  The present staff does the same!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 18, 2022

Framed Florets

Today I have used the stamp set, Framed Florets, and the sold-out designer series paper, Lights Aglow, to make this card to share with you.

This is a super simple Cards in the Mail Card with a lot of pop.   The gold foil and the gold embossing really make the card shine.  Add a little more gold bling and you are good to go!!

Stamps: Framed Florets

Cardstock: Soft Succulent, Very Vanilla, Gold Foil

Designer Series Paper:  Lights Aglow (Sold Out)

Accessories: Timeworn Type 3D Embossing Folder, Versamark, 

Metallics Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, 

Brushed Metallic Adhesive Backed Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Today is the day . . . I am going to try and get my own Christmas cards done and addressed so that they can go out in the mail tomorrow morning.  Wish me luck!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 17, 2022

Peace to You

Today is Simple Saturday and I have a simple Christmas card made with the Peace to You stamp set to share with you.  Unfortunately, the stamp set is now sold out!!

The Stamparatus is a must when using this stamp set . . . you can stamp over and over until you get the intensity you want in the image.  I think I stamped this three times and didn't have to worry about it not lining up.

Stamps: Peace to You (Sold Out)

Cardstock: Starry Sky, Silver Foil, Basic White

Ink: Starry Sky

Accessories:  Stamparatus, Basic Rhinestone Jewels,

Stampin' Dimensionals

Resting and basketball is the name of the game today!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 15, 2022

Framed Florets

Today I have again used the Framed  Florets stamp set to make this card to share with you. This time I have paired it with some of the blue tone papers in the Fitting Florets Designer Series Paper package.

This week in the Cards in the Mail packets I was featuring three products . . . two of which I used on this card . . . the Layering Circles Dies and the Stylish Shapes Dies.  They are perfect for the largest birthday sentiment in the Framed Florets stamp set.   

Stamps: Framed Florets

Cardstock: Balmy Blue, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Fitting Florets

Ink: Starry Sky

Accessories:  Layering Circles Shapes, Stylish Shapes Dies, 

Balmy Blue & White 3/8" Double Stitched Ribbon, Iridescent Rhinestones, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Today is going to be a total day of rest . . . some bug decided to bother me so I am taking the day to do nothing but rest.

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 14, 2022

Cup Of Tea

Today I have used a sentiment from the Cup Of Tea stamp set and the beautiful designer series paper, Fitting Florets to make this Cards in the Mail fun fold card to share with you.

I think if I had to choose one of the patterns in this package of paper this would be my favorite!!  I have never really paired two dark colors like Night of Navy and Evening Evergreen but this combination really works!!!  This looks like Basic Black in the photo but believe me it is Night of Navy!!

This is a fun fold card with a small space for your message.  Sometimes that is okay . . . especially if you want to just let someone know you are thinking of them.

Stamps: Cup of Tea

Cardstock: Night of Navy, Balmy Blue, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Fitting Florets

Ink:  Night of Navy

Accessories:  Layering Circles Dies, Stylish Shapes Dies, 

Pretty Flowers Embossing Folder, Festive Pearls, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Today will bring stamping and then a fun dinner out with friends tonight.  I am hoping to get a good start or maybe even finish my own Christmas cards today!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 13, 2022

Biggest Wish

Today I have used the Biggest Wish stamp set along with the gorgeous designer series paper, Texture Chic, to make this card to share with you.

This is actually a fun fold card.  The opening front of the card is only partial and open where the scalloped circle is.  The inside of the card has another strip of designer series paper on the right-hand side.  The Elegant Faceted Gems were perfect to coordinate with the flowers on the paper.  They are there but very subtle as they blend in with the paper so well.

Stamps: Biggest Wish

Cardstock: Basic White Thick, Blushing Bride, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Texture Chic

Ink: Early Espresso

Accessories:  Stylish Shapes Dies, Layering Circles Dies, 

Elegant Faceted Gems, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Today is going to be a good day to stay inside and craft and read!!  it might not be but it sure looks cold outside with the wind.  I am hoping to get everything done for Cards in the Mail this week and get started on my own Christmas cards today before a couple of people come over tonight to stamp their Nativity frames.

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 12, 2022

Framed Florets

Today I have used the Framed Florets stamp set again along with the coordinating Fitting Florets Designer Series Paper to make this card to share with you.

The Fitting Florets Designer Series Paper is absolutely gorgeous and available only while supplies last so if you don't have yours you should get some right away!!  For this card, I just picked two that I thought went together to mix and match the patterns.  This sentiment from the stamp set is really going to get a workout because I love what is says and also the size and the font.  I know I have used it a lot already and anticipate using it even more this spring.

Stamps: Framed Florets

Cardstock: Blushing Bride, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Fitting Florets

Ink: Memento Black

Accessories:  Layering Circles Dies, Stylish Shapes Dies, 

2021-2023 In Color Opal Rounds, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterday was a full day filled with stamping and getting together with friends.  Today brings an eye appointment for me so I know there will be no stamping going on today.  Chances are when I get home I will close my eyes and nap until the dilation wears off!!  I would hate to see how I stamped with my eyes dilated!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 11, 2022

Hope & Peace

Today's card uses a sentiment from the Hope & Peace Stamp.  This is a card I got as a swap when I went to Indianapolis last month.  It was a perfect choice for a Christmas Cards in the Mail card.

This card used a piece of paper from the Celebrate Everything Designer Series Paper package, but with this layout, you could use just about any designer series paper you want.  Again this is an excellent layout for using up those small pieces of paper you might have left over.

Stamps: Hope & Peace

Cardstock: Basic White Thick, Shaded Spruce, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Celebrate Everything

Ink: Shaded Spruce

Accessories:  Red Rhinestone Basic Jewels

Stamping this morning and a Christmas Get-Together this afternoon is on the agenda for today.  Doesn't get much better than that!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 10, 2022

Inspired Thoughts

Today I have used the stamp set from the Annual Idea Book and catalog, Inspired Thoughts, to make this card to share with you.  It seems like I am needing more and more get well and thinking of you cards these days!!

This layout is a great way to use up a lot of your smaller designer series paper scraps.  here I have used the same pattern, but you could also mix and match them.  A little texture, some embellishment, and a sentiment, and you are ready to go.  With different colors and papers, you would never know it is the same layout!!

Stamps: Inspired Thoughts

Cardstock: Early Espresso, Crumb cake, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper:  Abigail Rose

Ink: Early Espresso

Accessories:  Stylish Shapes Dies, Painted Texture 3D Embossing Folder, 

Opal Rounds, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

As soon as I am done posting this I am off to meet my Friend, Luetta, for a morning of errand running, and lunch out somewhere.  it is back to stamping this afternoon.  Yesterday, I spent the entire day doing bookworm . . . but the good news is that it is done!!  I am ready to do something more fun in the stamping world!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 9, 2022

Hope & Peace

Today I have used the Hope & Peace stamp set to make this card to share with you.  If you haven't seen this stamp set it sure does have some awesome Christmas greetings in it.

Embossing was the name of the game with this card.  They don't show up very well in the photo but each of the three white strips has been embossed with a different embossing folder.    I chose a music one and two wintry ones for this card but any folders would work.

Stamps: Hope & Peace

Cardstock: Basic White Thick, Basic White

Ink: Garden Green

Accessories:  Stylish Shapes Dies, Wintry 3D Embossing Folder, 

Merry Melody Embossing Folder, 

Real Red & Garden Green 3/8" Ribbon Combo Pack, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Today is bookwork day!  It looks like a rainy cold day and a good one to stay home!!  The end of the year is fast approaching and getting my bookwork done or at least up to date seems like a good thing to do.  This evening a couple of people are coming over to make their Nativity frames, so there will be a little stamping done today.

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 8, 2022

Joyful Flurry

Today I have used the stamp set, Joyful Flurry, to make this card to share with you.  It is one of the cards in the Christmas Cards in the Mail packet and one I found on Pinterest.  

The hardest part of making this card was trying to decide which of the beautiful designer series papers to use for the ornament.  I finally decided on this one because I loved the gold tones in the paper and I had a lot of the gold cording from the Simply Elegant Trim package.

Stamps: Joyful Flurry

Cardstock: Basic White Thick, Cherry Cobbler, Basic White, Gold Foil

Designer Series Paper: Lights Aglow (Sold Out)

Ink: Cherry Cobbler

Accessories:  Stylish Shapes Dies, Layering Circles Dies, 

Wonderful Snowflakes (Sold Out),

Whimsical Woodland 3D Embossing Folder, Simply Elegant Trim, 

Mini Glue Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Busy, Busy, Busy is what today is going to be.  This morning I am delivering some card orders, heading to Washington to run some errands, meeting some friends for lunch, and then coming home to get ready for someone to come and stamp their Nativity frame.  I am hoping to watch the Hawks play basketball this evening if I can keep my eyes open!!

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

Happy Stamping!!