May 31, 2023

Layering Leaves

Today I have used one of the awesome sentiments from the stamp set, Layering Leaves, to make this card to share with you.

I've used the All That Dies before, but not this specific one. I'll need to remember it since it's the ideal size for larger font sentiments! Some dry embossing for texture and some embellishments and my card is done!!

Stamps: Layering Leaves

Cardstock: Night of Navy, Balmy Blue, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Countryside Inn

Ink: Night of Navy

Accessories:  All That Dies, Fern 3D Embossing Folder, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Today, John and I both have appointments in Iowa City. His is scheduled for the morning, and mine is in the late afternoon, which means two separate trips. However, I plan on using the time in between to work on some crafting projects.

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 30, 2023

Beautiful Balloons

I created a card using the Beautiful Balloons stamp set and matching dies. I wanted to share it with you.

Designing masculine cards is not as simple for me as creating floral ones, but I believe this card meets the criteria. The deep, rich hues of the Earthen Elegance Designer Series Paper certainly help! And who doesn't love stars?

 

Stamps: Beautiful Balloons

Cardstock: Copper Clay, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: Earthen Elegance

Ink: Copper Clay

Accessories:  Beautiful Balloons Dies, Twisted Rope 3D Embossing Folder, 

2023-2025 In Color Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

The last few days have been filled with fun, laughter, little voices, and good times.  Sunday afternoon Hanna, Shayra, and I had a fun salon appointment, ran some errands, and then went back to get Jake and the boys to head off to supper and our evening trip to the zoo.  When we first got there we thought "It's neat but nothing spectacular" but when it got dark with all the twinkling lights it was really cool.  Everyone but Jake and I fell asleep on the way home so it was easy to get the kids to bed and we were not far behind.  Yesterday we did some more shopping and I headed home last afternoon.  Today is a day of REST! 

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 28, 2023

Taco Fiesta

Today I have another one of the cards we made at Technique Night a couple of weeks ago.  This is also one of the cards that I made on the cruise back in February!!

The Taco Fiesta set was not one that I originally thought I need to get, but after seeing the many cute cards made with it, I changed my mind!!  The images do require a fair amount of coloring, however!!

Here's a classic fun fold that opens from both the top and bottom. The unique aspect of this card is that it's slightly trimmed down and attached to a quarter sheet of Daffodil Delight cardstock, making it even more fun.

Stamps: Taco Fiesta

Cardstock: Poppy Parade, Basic Black, Daffodil Delight, Basic White

Ink: Memento Black

Stampin' Blends:  Poppy Parade Combo Pack, Parakeet Party Combo Pack, 

Daffodil Delight Combo Pack

Accessories:  Black & White 1/4" Gingham Ribbon, Mini Glue Dots,

Stampin' Dimensionals

It's been a long wait, but Hanna, Jake, the kids, and I are finally heading to Blank Park Zoo's nighttime lighted display. Scheduling has been a challenge since April, with everyone having prior engagements, and when we did plan, the rain would pour. However, the wait is over, and we're excited to spend the afternoon together, grab dinner, and enjoy the zoo's illuminating display tonight.  Fun times!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 27, 2023

Layering Leaves

Today I have used the Layering Leaves stamp set to make some graduation cards.  It was super easy to change out the colors depending on the school.

I discovered a layout online that I modified to match the colors I required. It's an excellent way to utilize the small strips of paper in my scrap pile! The Crushed Curry and Basic Black strips measure .5", while the white strips measure .25". It required some effort to arrange them properly, but I'm thrilled with the final result!

Stamps: Layering Leaves

Cardstock: Basic Black, Crushed Curry, Basic White

Ink: Memento Black

Accessories:  1 3/4" Circle Punch, 2" Circle Punch, Decorative Circle Punch,

Classic Matte Dots,

Stampin' Dimensionals

As I said, I have a couple of graduation parties to attend today and they both happen to be in the middle of the afternoon.  This is the last graduating class that I will have taught.  It is so hard to believe that I am finishing my tenth year of retirement.  I have no idea where the time has gone!!

I hope to fit in some stamping before and after the parties and I think the Cubs are on TV tonight so of course I would like to be done with everything I hope to get accomplished before that!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 26, 2023

Gone Fishing

Today I am sharing another one of the cards we made at the Demo Day in Wisconsin.  We used the stamp set, Gone Fishing, along with the coordinating Gone Fishing Dies. 

This is a fun fold card with the center flap opening to the right and the flap with the designer series paper opening to the left.  I knew I had to have this set right away when I saw it since John used to spend a lot of time fishing!!

Stamps: Gone Fishing

Cardstock: Wild Wheat, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: Let's Go Fishing

Ink: Pecan Pie, Wild Wheat, Calypso Coral

Accessories:  Gone Fishing Dies, Twisted Rope Embossing Folder, Ombre Matte Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Errand running is on the agenda for today!!  I want to take some flowers to the cemetery for Mom and Dad and pick up some things we need while I am in town.  I may take advantage of the great weather this afternoon and sit outside and read!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 25, 2023

Layering Leaves

Today I am sharing one of the cards I made a couple of weeks ago at the stamping retreat in Wisconsin.  This is also one of the cards everyone made on Monday night at Make-It-Monday.

I'm really impressed with the Neutrals Wavy Trim, especially for layering. However, I'm not entirely sure how well it would work as a bow. The new Neutrals that were released this month are fantastic, and I'm particularly fond of Pecan Pie. It's a great alternative to Soft Suede and I can see myself using it frequently.

Stamps: Layering Leaves

Cardstock: Pecan Pie, Crushed Curry, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: Inked Botanicals

Ink: Memento Black, Pecan Pie, Garden Green

Accessories:  Painted Texture 3D Embossing Folder, Bough Punch, 

Neutrals 1/4" Wavy Trim, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Well . . . there was good news and not-as-good news yesterday at the doctor.  The good news is that the ear infection in both ears is totally gone.  The not-as-good news is that it could take six weeks for the fluid behind my eardrum to completely go away and for me to hear normally again.  I guess I will just get used to muffled sounds and go my merry way!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 24, 2023

Beside Me

I wanted to share a card I made using the Beside Me stamp set. It's the same one that everyone created during Make-It-Monday last night.

This card has a lot of coloring, but I love how it turned out. It's perfect for Father's Day. Additionally, on Monday night, I shared some birthday sentiments that people could use if they wanted to.

 

Stamps: Beside Me

Cardstock: Basic Black, Basic Gray, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Zoo Crew

Ink: Memento Black

Stampin' Blends:  Balmy Blue Combo Pack, Lost Lagoon Combo Pack, 

Real Red Combo Pack, Night of Navy Combo Pack, Gray Granite Combo Pack, 

Crumb Cake Combo Pack, Basic Black Combo Pack, Light Natural Combo Pack,

Accessories:  Deckled Rectangles Dies, Metal 3D Embossing Folder,

Neutrals Adhesive Backed gems,

Stampin' Dimensionals

As soon as I am done posting this I am for a doctor's appointment to see if they can figure out why I haven't been able to hear out of my right ear for the last two weeks.  I am sure they will tell me it is a virus and there is nothing they can do, but it sure is annoying.

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 23, 2023

Sweetest Cherries

Today I have used the stamp set, Sweetest Cherries, and the coordinating punch, Cherry Builder Punch, to make this card to share with you.  This is one of the cards everyone got to make that stamped last night.

Like I always tell my stampers . . . there are no mistakes in stamping, only chances for embellishment . . . notice the leaf at the bottom of the card rather than on the cherry . . . that is because when I was adhering the card together I got a smudge of red ink right there, so I decided to cover it with a leaf.  Perfect solution . . . and I didn't have to start all over!!

Stamps: Sweetest Cherries

Cardstock: Basic White Thick, Granny Apple Green, Real Red, 

Early Espresso, Basic White

Ink: Memento Black, Real Red

Accessories:  Cherry Builder Punch, Rhinestone Basic Jewels

Another day with little on the agenda!!  Some stamping, some reading, some baseball, and some relaxing!!  Days don't get much better than this!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 22, 2023

Circle Sayings

Today I have used the stamp set, Circle Sayings, to make this card to share with you.  This is the card I took as a swap card to the demo event in Wisconsin a couple of weeks ago.

I think this has become my go-to layout . . . varied of course, but go to, none-the-less.  The Wink of Stella on the frosting of the cupcake definitely adds to the card.  I love having the large circle punch for an easy layering piece.

Stamps: Circle Sayings

Cardstock: Lemon Lime Twist, Azure Afternoon, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Bright & Beautiful

Ink: Memento Black, Azure Afternoon

Stampin' Blends:  Azure Afternoon Combo Pack

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

2 3/8" Circle Punch, Tinsel Gems Four-Pack, Wink of Stella, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Everything is ready and sitting by the back door waiting to be loaded into the vehicle for tonight's Make-it-Monday.  Yesterday was a very productive day and I hope today will be the same.  I have some new product that still needs to be organized and put away so hope to get that done before Stamp Night tonight.

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 21, 2023

Layering Leaves

Today I have used one of the awesome sentiments from the Layering Leaves stamp set.  I love the font that is used in this stamp set.  This is one of the cards that we made last weekend at the stamping retreat in Wisconsin.

The Inked & Tiled Punch Pack pieces were adhered and then the whole piece was embossed with one of the folders in the 3D Embossing Folders package.  I think this is my most used embossing folder lately!!!  I thought this was a great use of some of the darker patterns of paper in the Countryside Inn Designer Series Paper Package.

Stamps: Layering Leaves

Cardstock: Misty Moonlight, Boho Blue, Night of Navy, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Countryside Inn

Ink: Misty Moonlight

Accessories:  Basics 3D Embossing Folder, Inked & Tiles Punch Pack, 

Misty Moonlight 3D Inner Braid Ribbon, Ombre Matte Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Today is a cardstock-cutting, baseball-watching kind of day.  Supplies are gathered for tomorrow night's Make-It-Monday, but cardstock remains to be cut.  I am hoping to get it cut this morning so that I can stuff envelopes this afternoon during the ball game.

 

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 20, 2023

Beautiful Balloons

Today I have used the stamp set and coordinating dies, Beautiful Balloons to make this card to share with you.  This is a card I received as a swap last weekend in Wisconsin.

The Bright & Beautiful Designer Series Paper is just that . . . bright and colorful, so it makes for the perfect birthday card.  You could have substituted any of the patterns for the strip down the middle and it would have been perfect.  A little embellishment and you are good to go!!

Stamps: Beautiful Balloons

Cardstock: Lemon Lime Twist, Tahitian Tide, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Bright & Beautiful

Ink: Tahitian Tide

Accessories:  Beautiful Balloons Dies, Basics 3D Embossing Folders, 

Iridescent Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Baker's Twine Essential Pack, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Another beautiful day in the neighborhood!!  I should run some errands and pick up a few things in Iowa City, but I may just be lazy and do nothing!!  Sometimes that is good!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 19, 2023

Charming Sentiments

Today I have used one of the new designer series papers, Delightfully Eclectic, to share this card with you.

This is one of the bolder flowered patterns in this paper pack.  The other flower patterns are a little more subtle and the geometric patterns are very easy to use.  The Organdy Ribbon is one of the On-Line Exclusive products that is not listed in any catalog.

Stamps: Charming Sentiments

Cardstock: Basic Black, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Delightfully Eclectic

Ink: Memento Black

Accessories:  Double Oval Punch, White 3/8" Glittered Organdy Ribbon,

Stampin' Dimensionals

Beautiful day and beautiful weekend coming up with nothing on the agenda!!  I may just soak up the sunshine and relax!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 18, 2023

Taco Fiesta

With the new Annual Idea Book and Catalog I have decided to start back up with Technique Night again . . . only this time instead of a buying Technique Club it is just going to be a 5 card class focusing on making several cards with the same technique.  This month we are working on fun folds.

These fun taco guys have been stamped and colored onto Basic White cardstock and then fussy cut and added to the card front with dimensionals.

The two side flaps with the Daffodil Delight Designer Series Paper have been adhered to the card leaving only the center flap to open.

Stamps: Taco Fiesta

Cardstock: Poppy Parade, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Brights 6" X 6"

Ink: Memento Black

Stampin' Blends:  Poppy Parade Combo Pack, Parakeet Party Combo Pack,  

Daffodil Delight Combo Pack, 

Accessories:  Black & White 1/4" Gingham Ribbon, Mini Glue Dots,

Stampin' Dimensionals

Almost everything is ready for Technique Night tonight.  I still have a little more cardstock to cut and then just need to gather up all of the inks and coloring tools.  I hope everyone likes these fun folds as much as I do!

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 17, 2023

Lasting Joy

Today I have used the stamp set, Lasting Joy, again to make this card to share with you.  This is one of the cards that we made this weekend at the stamping retreat in Wisconsin.

For this card the Inked Botanicals Designer Series Paper uses a beautiful combination of Lost Lagoon and Calypso Coral.   It is super easy to mix and match the patterns as you can see here.  This is a layout that I use often, but have never used such thin strips on the left side.  I like it!! 

Stamps: Lasting Joy

Cardstock: Very Vanilla Thick, Lost Lagoon, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: Inked Botanicals

Ink:  Lost Lagoon 

Accessories:  Lost Lagoon 1/4" Bordered Ribbon, Tinsel Gems Three Pack,

Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterday ended up being a rest day so today will be a cardstock-cutting, envelope-stuffing kind of day!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 16, 2023

Circle Sayings

Today I have again used the stamp set, Circle Sayings to make this card to share with you.  Everybody needs a smile . . . today and every day!!

The Delightfully Eclectic Designer Series Paper Pack is a bigger package of paper than the normal DSP but it has such cool patterns in it.  This is just one of the pretty flowered patterns.  There are many more flowered patterns as well as geometric patterns on the other side.  Definitely worth it.  Add some dimension and embellishments and your cards are good to go!!

Stamps: Circle Sayings

Cardstock: Garden Green, Bubble Bath, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Delightfully Eclectic

Ink: Garden Green

Accessories:  Elegant Eucalyptus Embossing Folders, 

Decorative Circle Punch, 2" Circle Punch, Tinsel Gems Four-Pack, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Cardstock cutting will be on the agenda today . . . both for Cards in the Mail and Technique Class on Thursday night.  I hope I have good energy to get it all done!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 13, 2023

Cheerful Daisies

Today I am sharing some more new products with you and a card that I made at Susie's event back in April.  The Cheerful Daisies stamp set and dies and the Fresh as a Daisy Designer Series Paper make an awesome combination.

I wasn't too sure about the Wild Wheat color but here it looks almost gold so I guess it is okay.  I am hoping it will grow on me the more I use it . . . otherwise it may sit on my shelf forever!!

Stamps: Cheerful Daisies

Cardstock: Garden Green, Wild Wheat, Lemon Lolly, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Fresh As a Daisy

Ink: Wild Wheat

Accessories:  Cheerful Daisies Dies, 2023-2035 In Color Dors, 

Wild Wheat 3/8" Textured Ribbon, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

We made it to Fort Atkinson for our weekend stamping adventure, had a great supper, and came back to our Airbnb and crafted for a while.  As usual, I went to bed pretty early and my friend stayed up and stamped the night away.  As soon as I am done posting this we are off to a day of stamping.

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 12, 2023

Circle Sayings

Today I am using the new stamp set, Circle Sayings, and the 2 3/8" Circle Punch to make this card to share with you.  This is another one of the cards that we made at the event Susie hosted back in April.  It is also one of the cards everyone got to make at Make-It-Monday this week.

If you are a blue lover then you are certainly going to want this awesome designer series paper, Countryside Inn.  It has several beautiful patterns using only shades of blue and white.  One side is all flowered designs and the other side is just geometric patterns.  It makes mixing and matching very easy.

Stamps: Circle Sayings

Cardstock: Basic White Thick, Misty Moonlight, Night of Navy, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Countryside Inn

Ink: Misty Moonlight

Accessories: 2 3/8" Circle Punch, Night of Navy 3/8" Bordered Ribbon, 

Iridescent Pearl Jewels, Mini Glue Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Swaps are done, bags are packed, and everything is ready to go for another fun stamping weekend in Wisconsin.  I am hoping to come home with a ton of fun new stamping ideas.

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 11, 2023

Little Monkey

Today I have used the stamp set, Little Monkey, along with the coordinating, Little Monkey Builder Punch, to make this card to share with you.  This is a card I made with Susie a couple of weeks ago . . . I just changed out the designer series paper and the sentiment piece so they were using current products.

This little guy is super cute and very easy to make with the builder punch.  I can see using him a lot to make cards for my "littles".

Stamps: Little Monkey

Cardstock: Old Olive, Pecan Pie, Crumb Cake, Lemon Lolly, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Regals 6" X 6"

Ink: Memento Black

Stampin' Blends:  Old Olive Combo Pack, Pecan Pie Combo Pack

Accessories:  Little Monkey Builder Punch, Double Oval Punch, 

Pecan Pie 1/2"Bordered Ribbon, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Today brings swap making, Rice Krispies bar making, and a trip to the doctor in preparation for a weekend of stamping in Wisconsin.  The doctor's trip is just to be sure I do not have anything contagious that I could spread to my stamping friends . . . although I do not think spring allergies are contagious!!  Better to be safe than sorry!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 10, 2023

Lasting Joy

Today I have used the new stamp set, Lasting Joy to make this card to share with you.  This is one that everyone got to make on Monday night.

The White Craft Ink did not show up as well as I might have wanted.  I used a small blending brush and perhaps a sponge dauber would have worked better.  Either way, it is a pretty simple card and very easily duplicatable.

Stamps: Lasting Joy

Cardstock: Night of Navy, Basic White

Ink:  Craft White

Accessories:  Countryside Blossoms Embossing Folder, Versamark, 

Basics Embossing Powder, Heat Tool. Small Blending Brushes, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

After resting yesterday . . . although there was;t much of that . . . I am ready to go again today.  Stamping and running to Iowa City to get new lenses for my glasses are the only things on my agenda.  I do need to get outside and pull a few weeds but that may wait until tomorrow!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 9, 2023

Circle Sayings

Today I have used the new stamp set, Circle Sayings, along with the coordinating 2 3/8" Circle Punch, to make this card to share with you.

This is one of the layouts I go to frequently when making cards.  It is pretty basic and looks very different depending on the colors and the designer series paper.  Many people last night at Make-It-Monday chose to use a birthday greeting on this card which turned out very cute.

Stamps: Circle Sayings

Cardstock: Boho Blue, Basic White

Designer Series Paper:  2023-2025 In Color

Ink: Boho Blue

Accessories:  Basics Embossing Folders, 2 3/8" Circle Punch, 

3/8" Boho Blue Textured Ribbon, Mini Glue Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

After a little bit of errand running this morning, the rest of the day will be spent resting.  After a fun weekend in Pella, getting ready for Make-It-Monday, and then having Make-It-Monday, resting seems like the sensible thing to do!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 8, 2023

Lasting Joy

Today I have used a new stamp set, Lasting Joy, along with new dies, Countryside Corners, and a new designer series paper, Countryside Inn, to make this card to share with you.  This is one of the cards everyone will be making tonight at Make-It-Monday.

I am sure that the Countryside Corners Dies will see a lot of love this year!!  I love the nested layered look that they provide.  I originally had only two Matte Dots on this card . . . on the two flowers, but as often happens when I am stamping . . . I noticed some smudges by the sentiment so used a few more to cover them up.  Like I always say . . . there are no mistakes in stamping. . . only chances for embellishment.

This is a fun fold card, opening as shown .  It does reduce the space you have for writing but sometimes that is just okay!!

Stamps:  Lasting Joy

Cardstock: Boho Blue, Misty Moonlight, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Countryside Inn

Ink: Balmy Blue, Misty Moonlight

Accessories:  Countryside Corners Dies, Classic Matte Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Everything is cut, stuffed, gathered, and sitting by the back door waiting to be loaded into the vehicle for Make-It-Monday tonight.  I think I am going to try and get a few more organizational things done for the new Annual Idea Book and Catalog done before leaving for Kalona!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 7, 2023

Forever Friends Card Kit

Stampin’ Up! released a new card kit last month and it’s called Forever Friends.  I just recently had time to put this kit together.  This kit is so pretty and it was so quick to put together (less than 30 minutes)!  You can find this kit (and lots of other awesome kits too) in the Kits Collection in the online store now!

The Forever Friends Kit comes with the exclusive Forever Friends stamp set, a Night of Navy ink spot, and all of the products that you’ll need to create the kit, including a block to stamp with and adhesives!

The Forever Friends Card Kit creates 8 beautiful cards with foil accents and coordinating envelopes!

I love the fun colors in this kit and the touch of foil is the perfect embellishment!

The preprinted floral panels and ready-to-go coordinating envelopes make this card kit quick and easy to assemble!

Go get yours today!!

Other than the rain spoiling our Friday night plans of watching the Lighted Parade at the Tulip Festival our trip was a huge success.l

The kids actually probably had more fun swimming in the pool at the hotel than they would have at the parade.

Saturday turned out to be a perfect day . . . not too hot and not too chilly.

We walked, ate, played, talked with friends we hadn't seen for a while, watched the street scrubbing and parade, and looked at tons of tulips.  A great day was had by all . . . BUT . . . 7 tired people!!

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

Happy Stamping!!