December 22, 2024

Notes From the Heart Paper Pumpkin Kit

This month’s Paper Pumpkin kit is Notes From The Heart. The kit includes scalloped edge card bases and makes nine elegant cards for all occasions.

Every box includes your projects, a photopolymer stamp set, and an ink spot (different color each month).   This month's kit includes card bases with scalloped edges, beautiful hand drawn designs, precut vellum, and sparkle gems. Send love to a family member or wish a friend “Happy Birthday” with elegant cards made from this kit. 

Create cards with hand sketched botanical designs !!

• Makes 9 projects:  3 each of 3 designs
• Precut vellum pieces and sparkling gems
• Scalloped card bases and coordinating envelopes
• Coordinating colors:  Blackberry Bliss (Stampin' Spot), Flirty Flamingo, Old Olive, Pecan Pie, Pretty in Pink and Very Vanilla

You will make three of each of the following cards.

Which one os your favorite?  I think I would have to choose the purple and white card since my favorite color combination is purple and green.

 

It has been a whirlwind of a morning and early afternoon at the Wilson household.  This is the weekend we are celebrating Christmas with the kids.  Here is a view of my living room earlier this morning.

We had kids, adults, presents, and wrapping paper everywhere.  It has been mostly contained by now thanks to the efforts of Hanna and Jake and they are now cooking a turkey dinner.  I, on the other hand, am sitting in my recliner, watching football and letting them do all of the work.  LOL 

 

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 20, 2024

Reindeer Fun Dies

 

I have tried to be more selective in the stamps and dies that I purchase and this is one set of dies that I did not get.  I did, however, receive a card made by my friend, Kristee, using the dies.  

I think it turned out super cute!!  I am not sure I would have had the patience for all of the small pieces to put the reindeer together, but she did an excellent job!!  

I am done . . . all of the gifts arrived . . . the last one this morning at the post office.  I have everything wrapped and the cookies are baked so the kids can decorate them tomorrow.  I think I will rest the rest of the afternoon . . . in fact I might even take a nap!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 19, 2024

So Sincere

This card has been on my radar since the 2024-2026 In Colors were introduced and I just never made time to try and make it.  I decided it would be a perfect card for Make-It-Monday this week.

I started by cutting strips of each of the five In-Colors and layering them on a apiece of Basic White cardstock.  I trimmed any excess, either colored or white, off of that piece and ran it throught the Stampin' Cut & Emboss machine using the Dotted Circles 3D Embossing Folder.  I love the way it turned out.  If I still needed Christmas cards I would try it with red, white, and green, but I think I am done with my Christmas cards for the year.  The best thing about this card is that it would work for either male or female and for about any occasion.  It is such a bright and cheery card . . . anyone would love to receive it!!

I spent most of the evening yesterday wrapping Christmas presents . . . or rather bagging Christmas presents.  I have Johan's and five other presents left to go this morning.  Hopefully the last three presents will arrive today in the mail and I can get those done as well.  It seemed like a dauting task when I first started but little by little with rest breaks in between I got it done.  You wouldn't think wrapping presents would be tiring but the bending over and the up and down to put one under the tree and get another one was exhausting.  I bet the kids don't get as tired unwrapping them as I got wrapping them!!

Today is grocery shopping day to make sure I have everything we need for the weekend.  I have made my list and checked it twice and maybe three times, but we shall see.  The good thing about not doing Christmas on Christmas is that if you forget something you can run to the grocery store and get it!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 18, 2024

Enjoying Little Things

Enjoying Little Things is a stamp set I thought I would use a lot when I saw it in the catalog.  Such was not the case.  This is the only card I have made with the stamp set that is now on the "last chance" list.  It is one of the cards that everyone who wasn't sick made on Monday night.

I don't particularly care for the duck motifs in the Lily Pond Designer Series Paper but I sure do like the designs on the other side.  Between the flowers and the patterns I have used almost the whole package of paper and have yet to use a duck!!  These two patterns complement each other wonderfully and make a cool birthday card.  Actually you could use about any sentiment and it would work.

As soon as I am done posting this John and I are out the door for a doctor's appointment for him.  Hopefully we will be home shortly after lunch so I can get my Christmas present wrapped this afternoon and this evening!!  Slowly but surely I am working my way down my list of things that need to get done before this weekend.  Present wrapping is the last big thing on the list!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 17, 2024

Wanted to Say Dies

Today's card has absolutely no stamping on it.  It uses just strips of designer series paper adhered to another piece of cardstock. 

I have seen several cards made using this technique and always shied away from them thinking they would be difficult.  Actually, that is as far from the truth as it gets.  I started by cutting several 5" X 1" strips of the Oxidized Designer Series Paper and layered on of them at an angle in the middle of my piece of cardstock.  From there it was just a matter of layering other strips of designer series paper in alternating strips and at a different angle.  Very easy, once you try it.  It is a good use of the strips of designer paper you might have laying around.  I did use the adhesive sheets behind the Happy Birthday which is die-cut from Pretty Peacock cardstock.  I thought about adding an embellishment but decided that the designer series paper added enough interest.

My day started early this morning.  I had a salon appointment at 9:30 so left home about 7:15 so that I could get my errands done before the appointment rather than afterwards.  I did all of my on-line pickups before 8:30.  Let me tell you that is the time to do it.  No waiting and I was done in enough time to go to the pet store to get Juli's Christmas gift and still ahd enough time to get a cup of coffee.  I am feeling very accomplished this morning.  Now if I can get as much done after my PT appointment this afternoon I will be even happier!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 16, 2024

Hearts of Elegance

I am still thinking about Christmas, however this paper is too pretty not to be using.  This is one of the cards that everyone will be making today at Make-It-Monday.

I love the dies that go with this stamp set.  There are various sizes of hearts and this die that both die-cuts and embosses at the same time.  If you are looking for an easy card for your Valentines this year, this card is it.  Other than the die cutting, the rst of this card is just paper layering with the gorgeous paper being on the top.

Today, I need to finish getting stuff ready for Make-It-Monday.  I was planning on doing it over the weekend, but no heat and no power all day Saturday and until about noon yesterday changed my plans.  I spent the afternoon trying to get warmed up!!  It is nice and toasty in our house today though!  Never take the little things for granted!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 14, 2024

Hearts of Elegance

I know Christmas isn't even here yet, but I wanted to be sure and share the Marbled Elegance Specialty Designer Paper before it goes on backorder.

This is just one of the beautiful patterns of gold-speckled paper in the package.  I chose the Real Red version for my Valentine's Day card, but there is also a Flirty Flamingo and a Melon Mambo version as well.  The front of the card is pretty plain in my version, but if you wanted to step it up a bit, you could add another layer of red that had been embossed with your favorite embossing folder.  You could also add some of the Adhesive-Backed Heart Sequins.  I may have to try those two things with another of the colors of paper.

It is certainly a mess out there if you had anywhere you needed to be today but the trees are beautiful with the ice sticking to and hanging from the branches of the trees.

I tried to take a photo, but it doesn't show up as well as I would like.  If I were more adventurous, I would venture out to my driveway and try again, but since I don't want to risk falling, I will be happy with this one.  I was supposed to go to Susie's today to stamp but I think we are going to postpone that until the weather is better!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 13, 2024

Labeled With Love

Today's card uses some gorgeous designer series paper from the Regal Winter Paper Pack.

I am sure I have used this layout many times, but it never seems to grow old when you change up the color of the cardstock, the designer series paper, the dies, and the embossing folder.  I wasn't sure I really liked this pattern and colors with the Blackberry Bliss cardstock, but once I got a layer of white on my card, I loved it!!

Sitting here watching the sun shine into my living room windows, I am trying not to think about what tonight and tomorrow will bring in the form of weather.  I do have plans to go to Susie's tomorrow to stamp with some friends so hope the weather doesn't spoil it.  But if it does, it does . . . I have plenty I can do around here!! 

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 12, 2024

One of a Kind

Today's card is very wintry without being Christmasy!!  A perfect friendship card if you don't send out Christmas cards. 

As is usual with Cards in the Mail, the designer series paper does almost all of the work.  Even though it doesn't show up well in the photo, embossing the layer of Basic White cardstock with the Snowflake Sky 3D Embossing Folder really made a big difference and added an extra dimension to the card.  Otherwise, I layered cardstock until I was happy with the finished look.  

Even though it is going to be cold out today, I think I am venturing out to pick up a prescription and a few groceries.  I think I am finally at the point where I can cook a meal and still feel like eating it when I am done.  When they said it would take time, I didn't realize it would take 10 months to be able to do such a simple thing!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 11, 2024

Artful Amaryllis

Today's card from this week's Cards in the Mail uses the "thanks" from Artful Amaryllis and pairs it with some of the designer paper from Nests of Winter. 

I used the Everyday Detail Dies to die-cut both one of the birds and a curle of Garden Green cardstock.  I can get none of this size of bird die-cut from one sheet of paper, and it leaves a lot of other styles and sizes of birds for different cards.  I love that it uses a package of what is supposed to be winter/Christmas paper, but you would bever know it by looking at the card.

Boy, has the weather changed since I got up this morning.  I could barely see the garage roof next door when I first got up, and now the sun is shining brightly.  I have a feeling it is still quite chilly outside so it may be a good day to stay home and craft!!

 

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 10, 2024

Friends for Life

Today I have another card from my friend, Susie, to share with you.  The Nests of Winter Designer Series Paper made this car super easy.

You can actually get eight cards from one sheet of the Designer Series Paper if you make your pieces 3 inches wide.  It certainly makes it cost-efficient to cut it this way.  I love that she used a punch for the sentiment piece instead of a die-cut.  The older I get the less I like to die-cut and that is especially true since I have been sick.  Add some embellishments and your card is done---easy-peasy!

Today is a PT day this morning and then I am taking off for Washington to pick up the things I forgot the last time I was there.  In fact . . . I forgot the very thing I went there to get.  I had a co-worker who used to tell me when I would forget something . . . "Lynda . . . you can use your brains or use your feet!"  I seem to be using my feet a lot these days.  But at least the weather is still decent . . . not as warm as yesterday's, but still no rain or snow!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 9, 2024

Simply Zinnia

Today's card uses one of the products that is on the Last Chance List of the On-Line exclusives.   Even better news is that it is on sale!! My friend Susie made a card like this using a different color and designer series paper.

First, you need to find a piece of designer series paper that has complementary designs on both sides.  Then it is a simple matter of cutting it down the center horizontally and then cutting about 1.75 inches off of one end.  Turn two of the pieces as shown and you have your focal point of the card.  Add a sentiment and an embellishment and you are done.

I guess today is going to be the last warm day for a while so if I am going to get my ribbon tied around the railing of my ramp today is the day.  We shall see tomorrow if I was successful or not!!

 

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 7, 2024

So Sincere

Today's card uses the So Sincere stamp set, an online exclusive item.  This sentiment-only stamp set has a variety of sentiments in many different fonts.  A must-have for any stamper.

The Season of Green and Gold Specialty Designer Series Paper is also an online exclusive Item.  It is meant to be Christmas greenery, but as you can see, it can be used for any type of card.  Because the paper is so striking, you really don't need much for your card other than a sentiment and maybe an embellishment or two.  Very easy if you want to make a lot of cards.  These would be perfect for all of your Christmas thank-you cards.

Today looks to be a great day to be out and about.  I am meeting my firend, Luetta, and we are headed to Iowa City for some shopping.  I am hoping to get most of my Christmas shopping done today!!  Then of course there is always football or basketball to watch tonight.

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 6, 2024

One of a Kind

I know this card gives off a fall vibe but I can't quite let go of fall yet!!  Especially with the fall designer paper in the Splendid Autumn paper package.

If you don't have the Forever Plaid 3D Embossing Folder, you really need to get it.  It adds just the right amount of texture to add to your card but not to overpower it.  The rest of the card is just layers of cardstock and then the designer series paper focal point.  The Linen Thread is a nice fall-ish touch to finish off the card. 

I think the next four days are going to be great to be out and about and to try and finish up some of my Christmas shopping.  I was going to go yesterday but decided to wait until today to run my errands in Washington.  Much nicer day today and not nearly as windy!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 5, 2024

Artful Amarylis

I am not sure I had ever heard of an Amarylis before looking in the Holiday Mini Catalog.  And then even after looking at it I am not sure I would recognize it as a Christmas flower.  So I decided to make it "just" a flower for this Make-It-Monday card.

This is a two-step stamp that is super easy to line up.  I stamped the outline with Smoky Slate because I did not want it to be that dark and then filled in the leaves and blooms with Granny Apple Green and Flirty Flamingo.  The Thoughtful Designs Specialty Designer Series Paper was the perfect complement to the flower.  As cold and windy as it has been the last couple of days I think I will sit and just look at this summery flower and dream of warmer days!!

Much as I don't want to, I am going to have to go out this afternoon and go to Washington to turn in the license plates from John's truck and also make a donation to the pet shelter as part of Jason's Christmas present.  If I thought it would be any warmer tomorrow, I would just wait till then.  I am going to start stamping up the left-over cards from Monday night, so depending on how long that takes me, it might be a good reason to wait till tomorrow as well.  We shall see!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 4, 2024

Friends For Life

Today's card is another one everyone got to make on Monday and also comes from my friend, Susie.  There is virtually no stamping on this card but what a great friendship card.

I don't very often use the Adhesive Sheets, but I did on this card.  It is surely less messy than trying to glue or adhere the blue friend piece to the white outline.  If you haven't looked at the Full of Life Designer Series Paper you really should.  There are such vibrant colors and patterns and they make card-making easy because the paper does all of the work.

Today is going to be a stampy kind of day . . . I plan on working on some things this morning and then this evening I am meeting what used to be a "Paper Pals" group for our traditional Christmas get together.  There used to be a lot of us, but we are down to just three.  We decided that we still wanted to get together for supper and exchange stamping white elephants.  I need to figure out what I am going to do for that but I am sure I can find something in my room.

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 3, 2024

Otterly Amazing

I certainly enjoyed having Make-It-Monday in person yesterday.  I think everyone agreed that having it at my house in the kitchen is working fine and is spread out over six hours which is good.  That way there is never too many people at one time and I can sit and visit while people make their cards.  This is one of the cards everyone made yesterday.

I knew right away when this suite was released that I had to have it.  My grandson, Juli, was gifted the adoption of an otter from the Omaha Zoo last Christmas.  We got to go see his otter this summer and they send him periodic updates on how his otter is doing.  So you can see why this is the perfect set for me to make cards for him.

The So Swirly Embossing Folder is the perfect complement to the Otter set.  It definitely looks like water swirling around the focal point.  I could have stamped and colored in the otters, but I chose to die-cut one of the images from the designer series paper.  The two images are identical but I took the easy way out for this card.  I got five of this image cut from one piece of the paper and there are at least three or four other images that you can die-cut on this piece of paper. 

Today is another Internet Connection problem day.  A couple of weeks ago our printer decided not to connect to the router and this morning John's desk top computer decided not to connect to the router.  Luckily, the local phone company came and is working on the problem.  At this point it is just John's computer that is not connected.  Let's hope it stays that way!!  

UPDATE:  They have fixed all of the connections and also fixed it so John's computer is not hooked to the new printer!!!  YAY!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 2, 2024

Peaceful Evergreens

I am so excited to have another In-Person Make-It Monday tonight.  This is one of the cards we will be making featuring the technique "Black Ice". Kind of appropriate for today as long as the roads don't have any black ice. 

 

This was a technique that I used a lot a long time ago, so I decided to resurrect it for tonight.  Especially since Stampin' Up! now has brushed foil again in both silver and gold.  You start by rubbing Stazon ink down a piece of Brushed Silver going the same way as the grain of paper.  Then rub it with a paper towel and proceed to stamp your images also with Stazon Black.  It works best if you dry the ink a little with a heat tool before going to the next step.  Once you are sure the black ink is good and dry you cover the whole piece of cardstock with Versamark ink and then with Clear Embossing Powder and het set the powder.  As the powder dries it will begin to look like little ice crystals on the foil.  This does not really show up at all in the photos but trust me it is there.  Finish your card any way you would like with the "Black Ice" piece as your focal point.

Several times this fall, John and I have looked out the window when we got up and thought it had snowed.  We were used to seeing our old gravel driveway and not the smooth, new concrete one.  Well . . . today there was actually some snow on the driveway!!  Not a lot, but just enough to make things pretty.  I went out to see how easy the snow would move on the new composite ramp and it was so easy to weep off. . . not sure if it is because of the snow or the ramp, but either way I will take it.  

I need to finish up a couple of things for Make-It-Monday tonight and then I can sit and watch it snow!!! 

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 1, 2024

Stampin' Up Hello Hollyhocks Kit

I am still on a mission to get all of my past kits and Paper Pumpkin kits finished up.  I had some time yesterday while I was watching college football, so I finished up this Hello Hollyhocks kit.  It came out last spring but is still available.

The Hello Hollyhocks Kit has beautiful floral images and great sentiments!  This is one of the no stamping kits, just adhere the pieces to the card front and the cards are done!

I Iove the colors and layering on this card!

The preprinted hollyhocks on the card base are so pretty!

                   

I love the frame on this card and the pretty little sparkly gems are perfect!

I finished all of these cards in the kit in about half an hour, and that was while I was watching football!!

Today is going to be another resting day at home, watching football and getting ready for tomorrow's Make It Monday.  I am looking forward to getting back to In-Person stamping!!

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

Happy Stamping!!