February 25, 2024

Stampin' Up! Birthday Sparkle Kit

I felt well enough and had an opportunity yesterday afternoon to put together another one of the stamping kits I brought with me.

The kit was originally designed to create 6 birthday cards and 6 birthday tags…but I will turn the tags into quick and easy cards, so I’ve got 12 birthday cards!

Everything that you need to complete the kit as the instructions show is included in the kit, including the ink spot, stamp set, stamping block and adhesives!

Love the design on this card!  The striped and preprinted cake on the card base is so cute.  And the precut “center” that I punched out to make the frame will be used on one of my alternative projects too!

The balloons on this card are so sweet, love the polkadot background with the gold touches!

This was originally designed as one of the tags in the kit.  I created the tag just as the instructions showed and then when I get home I will simply adhere it to the front of a Basic White card base with Stampin’ Dimensionals.  I will probably stamp the confetti image from the Birthday Sparkle stamp set (included in the kit) around the tag and my card will be done.

 

I also created this tag just as the instructions in the kit showed. Again when I get home I will adhere the leftover die cut center from the frame card in the kit with Stampin’ Seal to a Basic White card base and then add the tag with Stampin’ Dimensionals to finish this card.

I hope to get those pictures posted when I get the cards done . . . but it sure is an easy way to get a dozen birthday cards pretty easily.

Yesterday started off with a bang!!  We had quite an exciting morning!!  I needed another platelet infusion just like I had the day before.  Only this time about halfway through the infusion, my skin got itchy, red, and blotchy, and my hands started swelling up.  They immediately stopped the infusion, gave me a huge dose of Benedryl and some steroids and we waited it out.  The hardest part was trying to get my rings off as my hands swelled so quickly.  I need another platelet transfusion this morning, so I sure hope it goes off without any problems.  I always like to keep things interesting!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

February 21, 2024

Happy Birthday

Today's card comes from the demo swap back in January.  I am sorry but I can not find the stamp set that the sentiment is in. 

This is the perfect birthday card for your handyman!!!  And it is so easy because you can die cut the tools from the Trusty Toolbox Designer Series Paper that is a Sale-a-Bration item.  Be sure to get yours today!!

Stamps: ????

Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Basic Black

Designer Series Paper: Trusty Toolbox

Ink: Memento Black

Accessories:  Trusty Tools Dies, Adhesive-Backed Cork Rounds, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

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

Happy Stamping!!

February 20, 2024

Heartfelt Hexagon

Today I have another card that was a swap from our January demo meeting.  I am sorry I do not remember whose card this was.

I think this card started with a base of Misty Moonlight with an added layer of Lost Lagoon.  The Basic White layer was embossed with the Painted Texture 3D Embossing Folder.  Several die cuts were made in the Light & Airy Designer Series Paper with the Perennial Postage dies.  Add your sentiment and some linen thread and you are done.

Stamps: Heartfelt Hexagon

Cardstock: Misty Moonlight, Lost Lagoon, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Flight & Airy

Ink: Calypso Coral

Accessories:  Perennial Postage Dies, Painted Texture 3D Embossing Folder, 

Linen Thread,

Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterday went off without any problems . . . today might be another story.  I am pretty nauseous but they are on top of it so that is good.  I have a feeling I will sleep quite a bit today!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

February 19, 2024

Cutest Cows

Today's card comes from my friend, Luetta, who brought it as a shoebox swap to the demo meeting the last of January.

I have not used the decorative masks much at all but really like the look of them on this card.  I guess I will have to get them out and use them when I get home.   There is a fair amount of coloring on this card but I think it is worth it!!

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Stamps: Cutest Cow

Cardstock: Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie, Basic White

Ink: Memento Black, Daffodil Delight, 

Stampin' Blends:  Crumb Cake Combo Pack, Daffodil Delight Combo Pack, 

Pear Pizzaz Combo Pack, Pumpkin Pie Combo Pack

Accessories: Four Square Masks, Blending Brushes, Adhesive-Backed Sparkle Gems, Stampin' Dimensionals

I thought this card was perfect for today since it is transplant day.  Things have been going great other than being tired.  I am hoping that continues!!  Everyone up here is super and have allayed any anxiety I might have had!! 

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

Happy Stamping!!

February 18, 2024

Softly Sophisticated

Today I am sharing a card I got at the demo meeting the last part of January.  I know this was a Susie card, but not sure if it was a regular swap or a shoebox swap.

Since I don't have the card in front of me, I have guessed at the papers that are used in this card.  I love the layout of the card . . . probably my favorite layout of all time.  The color pallette in this card is perfect as well.

Stamps: Softly Sophisticated (Sale-a-Bration)

Cardstock: Shaded Spruce, Pool Party, Soft Sea Foam, Basic White

Ink: Shaded Spruce, Pool Party, Soft Sea Foam

Accessories: Deckled Circles Dies, Softly Sophisticated Embossing Folder (Sale-a-Bration), 

Pool Party 5/8" Crinkle Ribbon, Mini Glue Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals 

Yesterday was supposed to be the first of the experiences we gave Hanna and Jake's kids for Christmas.  There was a Lego Brickfest in Des Moines and since all of the kids like Legos, this seemed like the perfect experience.  Unfortunately, I was not able to go in person but I was there in spirit.  Hanna made flat Gigi's for the kids to carry around.

I think everyone had a good time at the Lego Brickfest and I know I enjoyed all of the Facetime calls while they were there.

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

Happy Stamping!!

February 17, 2024

Paper Pumpkin

I did a little crafting in my room yesterday.  I have stockpiled my Paper Pumpkin boxes for quite a while and decided they would be the perfect craft to bring to the hospital.  I thought this would be a good day to give you a little look-see at the January Lovely Lavender Paper Pumpkin.  It actually coordinates with the Perennial Lavender Suite in the January-April 2024 Mini catalog and it is stunning. 

This kit makes eight gorgeous cards---and four pretty bookmarks which I also made into cards.

It is also a really quick-to-make kit - - - I think I got two kits worth done in about an hour.  Here is the card I made from the bookmark.  It is just waiting for some bling to go on it to be complete . . . but that will have to wait till I get home because I forgot to bring it along.

This kit included an exclusive stamp set and a Gorgeous Grape ink spot.

I did not need any Valentine's cards right now so I used a sentiment from the Perennial Postage stamp set.  I am always in need of thank you cards and that is one of the great things about stamping . . . you can customize your cards to your needs.

Here are the 24 cards I made yesterday.  I absolutely love them!!  If you love this kit as much as I did . . . be sure and pick up a refill or two.  You DO need to be a current/active Paper Pumpkin Subscriber to buy them . . . but that's easy!!

Woohoo!!!  I finished my last bag of chemo last night and so far I have still had no side effects other than being a little tired.  A good twelve hours of sleep last night worked wonders.    Let's hope the no side effects continue for a while!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

February 16, 2024

Softly Sophisticated

Today I have another swap card I received from the January Demo Day in Wisconsin.  I love this color combination!!

I believe she started this card by stamping the leaves in Shaded Spruce and adding some Highland Heather blossoms on a piece of Basic White cardstock measuring 3.5" X 3.5".  The sentiment was stamped in Gorgeous Grape.  The card base measured 4.25" by 8.25 and scored at 5.5".   The Softly Sophisticated Embossing Folder was used to emboss a 4" X 2.5" piece of Highland Heather cardstock.

As you can see this is a fun fold card opening from both the right and the left.  The Highland Heather layer measures 5.25" X 4".The Gorgeous Grape cardstock for the inside measures  3.5" X 9.5" and is scored at 4.75".  The flowers you stamped are attached to the front of the folded piece of Gorgeous Grape cardstock.  She then stamped the leaves and blossoms again using Shaded Spruce and Highland Heather ink on another piece of Basic White cardstock measuring 3.25" X 4.5".

Stamps: Softly Sophisticated

Cardstock: Gorgeous Grape, Highland Heather, Basic White

Ink: Gorgeous Grape, Highland Heather, Shaded Spruce

Accessories:  Softly Sophisticated Embossing Folder, Brushed Brass Butterflies,

Stampin' Dimensionals

Chemo has continued to go well.  Believe me, I realize how blessed and fortunate I am to have no side effects yet.  I spent the day yesterday cross-stitching and am planning on card-making today . . . switching it up a little so as not to get too bored.  I will be glad to be able to leave my room tomorrow and walk around the unit!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

February 15, 2024

Jungle Pals

 

Today's card is one I received from a card swap in the first part of January.  It totally reminds me of my youngest grandson, Juli.  He heard the sayings "See you later, Alligator" and "In a while, Crocodile" and thought they were hilarious.  He has since made up his own . . . "See you later, Goldfish", and I always reply with "Give me a hug, Julibug!"  I can hear him giggling now!!

Like I said I received this card in a swap and I am sure I never would have made it on my own because it looks pretty labor-intensive.  The Patchwork Pieces for the background could be cut two pieces at a time of designer series paper and then just placed how they fit together.  Each card would be a little different.  The "love you" would be brayered and cut out with the Thoughtful Moments Hybrid Embossing Folder, and the alligator or crocodile, I am not sure which, would be die-cut with the Jungle Pals Dies.  A lot of die cutting at any time but really a lot of die cutting for me right now so I am glad to have a swap to share with you.

Stamps: Jungle Pals (Sale-a-Bration)

Cardstock: Real Red, Mossy Meadow, Gold Foil, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Most Adored (Sale-a-Bration)

Ink: Memento Black, Real Red

Accessories:  Jungle Pals Dies (Sale-a-Bration), Patchwork Pieces Dies, 

Thoughtful Moments Hybrid Embossing Folder, 

Stampin' Brayer, Iridescent Foil Gems,

Stampin' Dimensionals

Day 1 went very well . . . one chemo down and 4 more to go over two days.  The chemo for today is starting as we speak!!

But this . . . 

was the way I started my morning . . . my own coffee, coffee creamer, favorite mug, and favorite pastry!! 

Reading, stitching, and card-making are all on the agenda for today since I am really confined to my room during this phase of chemo.  Hoping to get a lot done!! 

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

Happy Stamping!!

February 14, 2024

Heartfelt Hellos

Check out the Valentine's Treat Wrappers I made last week.  I’ve had so much fun making these in preparation for my hospital stay.  I figured since I was being admitted on Valentine's Day I would take some treats.   

When I started making them I was only going to make eighteen, but couldn't seem to stop myself so I have thirty in all.

The color scheme of the first three versions of the Valentine Treat Wrappers are Sweet Sorbet and Flirty Flamingo. I’ve used the Most Adored Designer Paper which is available for FREE with a $50 order during Sale-A-Bration. It’s the perfect paper for Valentine’s Day. This paper pack also includes some patterns that could be used for other occasions too!

I stamped the sentiment in Real Red and layered it onto another Real Red hexagon.

The ribbon pull is the Sweet Sorbet Ribbon that is in the January-April 2024 Mini Catalog.  I know it is a lot of shades of red and pink but they seem to work together.

The focal piece on the next few was colored using Blending Brushes on some of the other patterns in the Most Adored designer paper pack.

Check out the gorgeous gold embossed images on this paper. The background was white to start. I just love how this paper looks with color added!

I started by brushing Real Red over the flowers and then filled in the rest of the space with Flirty Flamingo.  I love the way they turned out.

The last design was a more traditional red and white heart design.  Which wrapper is your favorite?  I would be hard pressed to pick a favorite . . . although I do like those that have the gold foil designs.

My favorite thing about these treat wrappers is the “magic” of how the candy bar comes out!

To get the chocolate bar out all you have to do is pull up on the ribbon and the candy bar comes up with the ribbon. It’s a fun little surprise that usually gets a few curious looks as people try to figure out how it works. It’s actually quite simple!

Both the stamp set and the designer series paper are FREE Sale-a-Bration items with a qualifying $50 purchase before tax and shipping.

Of course, since these are going to be sitting on  the counter in my hospital room I had to get a fun heart-shaped container to hold them.  I hope people enjoy them as much as I enjoyed making them.

Stamps: Heartfelt Hellos

Cardstock: Real Red Flirty Flamingo, Basic White Thick, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Most Adored

Ink: Real Red, Flirty Flamingo

Accessories:  Hexagon Punch, Blending Brushes, 

Sweet Sorbet 1/4" Bordered Ribbon, Gold & Silver Trim Combo Pack, 

Tear & Tape, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

As soon as I am done posting this I am going to take one more look around the house to make sure I have everything I need for my hospital stay.  A friend will be here shortly to give me a ride to the hospital.  It is my intention to try and post each day I am there but we will just have to see how it goes and how I feel!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

February 13, 2024

Country Floral

Look what showed up in my mailbox yesterday!!  A beautiful pastel Valentine's Day card made by my friend, Sandi.

I love the three different styles of hearts that are in this set and the fact that there is a punch for them.  It sure does make card-making a lot easier . . . especially when you are doing it from your recliner.

Stamps: Country Floral

Cardstock: Boho Blue, Highland Heather, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Flight & Airy

Ink: Highland Heather

Accessories:  Stylish Shapes Dies, Country Bouquet Punch, Iridescent Pearls, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

As soon as I am done posting this I am out the door for another lung function test and a COVID test in preparation for my admission tomorrow.  When I am done with the appointments I am going to stop and get a few groceries so John has something to eat while I am gone.  Hopefully I packed everything yesterday afternoon, but I am sure I will go over my list several times today just to make sure I have eveything!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

February 12, 2024

Perennial Postage

Today's card is another one that was made at Demo Days back in January.  The Stampin' Sisters always have such neat cards!!

The pastel colors in the Lighter Than Air Designer Series Paper pack certainly do give that illusion . . . soft and light.  I don't usually use this color family much, but when I get back to actual stamping that may change!!  Although the photo makes this card look rather orange . . . I can assure you it is Flirty Flamingo!!

Stamps: Perennial Postage

Cardstock: Flirty Flamingo, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Lighter Than Air

Ink: Pool Party

Accessories:  Excellent Egg Dies, Scallop Contour Dies, 

Rainbow Adhesive-Backed Dots, Pool Party Crinkle Ribbon (Sale-a-Bration), 

Mini Glue Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Trying to think of everything that needs to be done so I can be in the hospital is exhausting!!  Taxes are done and over to the tax office, mail has been arranged for, and tomorrow brings appointments and grocery shopping for John while I am gone, and that's just the things that come to mind readily.  Today I need to pack . . . anticipating being gone for at least four weeks!!  My goal is to be home sooner . . . but I need to be prepared!!  I am taking my suitcase I bought in Hawaii since it is huge . . . but also as an incentive for all of the trips I will be taking when I am healthy again!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

February 11, 2024

Perennial Postage

Today's card could be a unique Valentine's Day card for your handyman, whoever that might be!!  It is one I received in a card swap from the first part of January.

There is actually no stamping of any of the tools.  They are all cut from the designer series paper, Trusty Toolbox, which is one of the FREE items you can get with a qualifying Sale-a-Bration purchase.  The sentiment is from the Perennial Postage stamp set and has nothing to do with tools, but this sentiment from the set is perfect for the images.

Stamps:  Perennial Postage

Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Basic Black, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Trusty Toolbox

Ink: Memento Black

Accessories: Trusty Tools Dies, Deckled Rectangle Dies, 

Rustic Metallic Adhesive-Backed Dots,

Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterday's stamping activity didn't go as planned. While I was able to complete some of the tasks, Joan was able to get more done. However, due to fatigue and pain, I decided not to push myself and stopped working. After Joan left, I rested in my recliner with a heating pad for a while. But then, I decided to be more productive and managed to get all of my Stampin' Up! bookwork done, which I had been delaying since last summer. Additionally, I prepared everything for our taxes to be taken to the accountant on Monday. As I don't know how long I will be in the hospital or how long it will take for me to feel better, I thought it was a sensible decision to complete these tasks. At least, I can cross one more thing off my list. Today, I plan to watch some basketball and football games.

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

Happy Stamping!!