February 6, 2015

Last night was Technique Thursday and stamp club and one of the techniques we worked on was the bokeh effect.  According to the dictionary here is the definition of bokeh.

1. In photography, bokeh (Originally /ˈboʊkɛ/, /ˈboʊkeɪ/ BOH-kay — also sometimes pronounced as /ˈboʊkə/ BOH-kə, Japanese: [boke]) is the aesthetic quality of the blur produced in the out-of-focus parts of an image produced by a lens. Bokeh has been defined as "the way the lens renders out-of-focus points of light".

It has become quite popular in the stamping world and here is the card they made last night.  

Stamps:  Best Day Ever

Card stock:  Perfect Plum, Basic Black, Watercolor Paper

Ink:  Memento Black Ink, Perfect Plum, Crisp Cantaloupe, Whisper White Craft Ink

Accessories:  Aquapainter, Sponge Daubers, Vellum for template for white circles, 1" Circle Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, 2013-2015 In Color Sequin Assortment, Glue Dots

There are many other color combinations that I want to try so I know what I will be spending my day doing today!!!

I also hope to get started cutting for Monday night's class which will now be called Make It Monday!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

February 5, 2015

My January Paper Pumpkin arrived in the mail just as I was getting ready to leave for Leadership, so I didn't even bother to open it. Today was the day!! This kit had all of the supplies (minus the candy) to make all 24 of these treat bags.  I think they turned out super cute!!  They are all a little different and you could mix and match them any way you wanted.

If you would like to give Paper Pumpkin a try now is a great time to do so. Stampin' Up! has lowered the price of a three month subscription to $54.85 which also qualifies you for a Sale-a-Bration item.  I saw a sneak peek at the next two months of projects and they really are pretty cool!!  You won't want to miss out on them.

Today I need to finish getting ready for Technique Thursday tonight.  Check back tomorrow to see one of the techniques from tonight.

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

Happy Stamping!!

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

February 4, 2015

Check out another one of the cards that was on the display boards. Unfortunately when you take the photos there are not names attached to the cards so you don't know who to give credit to.  

Stamps:  One Tag Fits All

Cardstock:  Baked Brown Sugar, Coastal Cabana, Crisp Cantaloupe, Whisper White, Lullaby DSP

Ink:  Memento Black Ink, Daffodil Delight Blendabilities

Accessories:  Labels Collection Framelits, Large Polka Dot Embossing Folder, 

Big Shot, Basic Rhinestone Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterday I spent running errands, buying groceries, and picking up my new sunglasses (not that I need them with the snow that is now falling again).  I also got in a fair amount of rest and sleep.  Hopefully today I have my feet underneath me again and I can spend some time in my stamp room!! Technique Thursday class is tomorrow night so I know that I need to at least get that planned for.  I do have so many ideas floating around in my head after Leadership, and I want to get started on some of them.  Since it is snowing again I think it will be a good day to stay at home and do just that!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

February 3, 2015

There were so many great samples on the display boards this week and here is another one of them!!  Like I have said numerous times before . . . I think this is my favorite Sale-a-Bration set ever!!!

Stamps:  Big Day

Cardstock:  Bermuda Bay, Basic Black, Whisper White

Ink:  Memento Black Ink, Bermuda Bay,

 Bermuda Bay Blendabilities, Skin Tone Blendabilities, Daffodil Delight Blendabilities

Accessories:  1 3/4" Circle Punch, 2 3/8" Scallop Circle Punch, Banner Punch, Paper Piercing Tool, Stampin' Pierce Mat, Stampin' Dimensionals

There are some awesome weekly deals this week as well!!  

This was the sight that greeted us yesterday when we went to get the car out of the airport parking lot.  It only took us about 45 minutes to get it warmed up and dug out.  I really thought it would take us much longer.  The roads were great once we got out of the parking lot and on our way home.  My own chair and bed felt great yesterday.  I even took a nap in the afternoon which I never do!!!

Today I will be going to Iowa City to run some errands and pick up my new sunglasses.  Too bad they weren't done in time for Florida!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

February 2, 2015

Greetings from Des Moines (finally)!!!   Yesterday was a LONG day of travel!! We got up at 3:30 (2:30 our time) and and made it to the Orlando airport in time to catch our flight to Atlanta.  We figured we would be spending the day and night in the Atlanta airport but our plane did take off to Des Moines.  We were almost there when the captain came over the intercom and said because of the snow and the wind we were not going to be able to land in Des Moines and we were going on to Minneapolis.  Now we could have told him that when we were in Atlanta but of course he didn't ask us!!  So when we landed in Minneapolis there were about 300 people all trying to rebook planes to get back to Des Moines.  They were telling us that the soonest they could get us on a plane was Tuesday afternoon.  For some reason as Susie and I were standing in line waiting to see what are options we a Delta employee came and took us to another computer and worked and worked to see if she could come up with a better option.  So we made arrangements to travel to Detroit on Monday afternoon and then on to Des Moines late Monday night.  Just as she was finalizing all of the low and behold two seats opened up on a flight to Des Moines late Sunday night.  Now it was kind of iffy if that flight was even going to happen so she double booked us on both options.  We spent the rest of the day in the Minneapolis airport in anticipation of getting to Des Moines last night. Believe it or not as the time for the flight got closer it seemed like it was going to be a go and then they came on the intercom in the boarding area saying there had been a delay because the flight crew had been delayed.  So we waited some, but lo and behold we did take off and we were able to land last night about 10:00 PM.  We called the hotel where Hanna and I usually stay before flying out and they came and picked us up so that was awesome.  Now we just need to get the car cleaned off and drive home!!

Anyway . . . I thought this card that was on the display board was quite appropriate after having spent the day in Minnesota!!!  I will post the supplies when I get home sometime today!!

Stamps:  Moon Lake
Cardstock:  Early Espresso, Very Vanilla, Soft Sky
Ink:  Black Stazon, Soft Sky, Various Markers
Accessories:  Arrows Embossing Folder, Decorative Dots Embossing Folder, Big Shot, 2" Circle Punch, 2 1/2" Circle Punch, Stampin' Sponges, Stampin' Dimensionals 

Everyday is a gift . . . make the most of the gift you have been give today!!

Happy Stamping!!

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

February 1, 2015

Here is another one of the cards that was on the display boards this week. I really hope this is the Best Day Ever!!   By the time you read this we will be on an airplane on our way to Atlanta.  Getting to Atlanta won't be a problem, but getting from Atlanta to Des Moines might be a HUGE problem with the snowy forecast!!  Wish us luck!!

Stamps:  Best Day Ever

Cardstock:  Real Red, Whisper White, Stacked With Love DSP Stack

Ink:  Real Red, Pink Pirouette

Accessories:  Sweetheart Punch, Black Baker's Twine

Stay tuned to see if my next post is from home or Atlanta!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

January 31, 2015

Check out one of the cards that was on the display board at Leadership.  There are so many cool samples this year.

Stamps:  Best Day Ever
Cardstock:  Calypso Coral, Sahara Sand, Crushed Curry, Coastal Cabana, Whisper White
Ink:  Calypso Coral
Accessories:  Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Big Shot,
1 3/4" Circle Punch,  3/4" Circle Punch,  Best Year Ever Accessory Pack, Stampin' Dimensionals

I was lucky enough to win a prize that has everything in it to make that card.

I really am more excited than I look.

I found out yesterday that the card I posted was actually one of the swaps brought my one of my Leadership mates….Sally Davis from Ohio.

As soon as I am done posting this we are out the door for our last day.  I wonder what they will have in store for us today.

We will be leaving for the airport bright and early  (dark) for our trip home.  I hope we make it.  The forecast doesn't look all that good back home.  

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

Happy Stamping!!

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

January 30, 2015

Here is another one of the cards that was swapped a couple of weeks ago and that everyone made earlier this week.  I can't remember who brought this card and I don't have it in front of me to check.  If it is yours please let me know so I can give you credit.

Leadership yesterday was filled with information and announcements about various things.  Last evening while most of my group went to a Manager's Reception, Cindy and I took off to go to Downtown Disney to do a little shopping and exploring.  It was quite entertaining and we had a great time.  I had to take some pictures even though it was quite dark.

I had never seen a live mannequin before and was quite impressed with how you could not even see her breathing.  Every once in a while she would change positions or move to be in a better pose for pictures if someone wanted to take one with her.

I have always been impressed by the things you can make with Legos and these were no exception.  You have to get up pretty close before you even realize they are made out of Legos.

And probably one of the best ice cream sundaes I have ever had at the Ghiradelli Soda Fountain!!

As soon as I am done posting this I need to get myself ready to head back to the convention center for another great day!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 29, 2015

We have arrived in Florida and are ready for our first day of Leadership. Check out the roommate gifts for my condo mates.  I absolutely love these embellishments.

Stamps:  Best Day Ever, Petal Potpourri

Cardstock:  Crisp Cantaloupe, Calypso Coral, Whisper White, Best Year Ever DSP

Ink:  Calypso Coral, Crisp Cantaloupe

Accessories:  Mini Treat Bag Thinlits Dies, Big Shot, Best Year Ever Accessory Pack, Flower Medallion Punch

Yesterday was a long day of travel, but  there were no major glitches  . . . just a 45 minute delay in Atlanta waiting for the catering truck to restock the plane.  Otherwise we were good.  The weather is not as warm as I had expected, but still good.  As soon as I am done with this we will be out the door to start our day.  I am anxious to see what all they have in store for us.  

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

Happy Stamping!!

  

January 28, 2015

As promised here are the masculine versions of the gift card holders.  Once I have started making these all sorts of ideas are running through my head!!  I am sure you will be seeing more of these in the near future!!  

Stamps:  Gorgeous Grunge, A Dozen Thoughts

Cardstock:  Bermuda Bay, Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White

Ink:  Bermuda Bay, Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie

Accessories:  Envelope Punch Board, Black Chevron Ribbon

Stamps:  Gorgeous Grunge, Wetlands

Cardstock:  Early Espresso,  Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, Gold Glimmer Paper, 

Trim the Tree DSP (on Clearance Rack)

Ink:  Early Espresso, Crumb Cake

Accessories:  Star Framelits, Big Shot, Envelope Punch Board, Stampin' Dimensionals

My bags are packed and everything is ready to take off for Leadership.  I will be picking Susie up this morning and heading to Des  Moines to catch our flight to Florida.  Hopefully we will have good travels and not run into any delays or difficulties.  I will try to post from Florida, but am not sure about Internet connections at our condo.

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 27, 2015

You might recognize these gift card holders from a previous post here.  Out of the blue last weekend a lady contacted me who had purchased some of my cards at a craft show.  She wanted to know if I could make her 15 more gift card holders.  She wanted some masculine ones and some feminine ones. Check back tomorrow for the masculine version.

Stamps:  Painted Petals

Cardstock: Blackberry Bliss, Pear Pizzazz, Very Vanilla, Painted Blooms DSP

Accessories:  Envelope Punch Board, Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, 

Blackberry Bliss Stitched Satin Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals 

I think everyone stamping last night had a great time.  We were a much smaller group, but that just gave us more time to visit.

If you are in the market for embossing folders, then this week's Weekly Deals are for you!!

Today, I will be finishing up with all of my packing and other stuff in preparation for leaving tomorrow morning.  I even got a new suitcase for the event.  Since Hanna will not be going a smaller suitcase that I can handle by myself was definitely in order!!  Now I just hope everything fits in it.  LOL

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

January 26, 2015

Today is a very long post as I was asked to participate in a creative blog hop so be sure to read to the very end.

I have two cards to share with you today . . . both of them my Leadership swaps.  They are basically the same card just with different card stock and designer paper.  I didn't have enough of either designer paper to make all of them that I wanted to take.

Stamps:  Painted Petals

Cardstock:  Basic Black, Wild Wasabi, Melon Mambo, Whisper White, 

Irresistibly Yours DSP, Stacked With Love DSP Stack

Ink:  Melon Mambo, Wild Wasabi, Memento Black

Accessories:  Tea Lace Doilies, Basic Rhinestone Jewels, Scallop Oval Punch, 

Stampin' Dimensionals, Stampin' Sponge

I would be hard pressed to say which I like the best.  I have to thank Hanna for her suggestions when I showed her the original card.  Leave me a comment and let me know which one you prefer and I will choose one responder to receive a package of Basic Rhinestone Jewels.


I was asked to do a Stampin' Up! ® Blog Hop from a fellow demonstrator friend. . . Susie Wood.  You can check out her blog:  Stamp With Susie--http://www.stampwithsusie.blogspot.com

I was then asked to answer the following questions--

1.  What are you working on?

I am a retired school teacher so my days are pretty free.  I try to spend some time in my stamp room everyday.  I have two different stamp nights and one technique club every month, so I am always trying to plan ahead and have things ready for those classes.  One thing I would like to try to do is spend more time stamping cards for my own personal use and then of course remember to send them out.

2.  How does your work differ from others in your genre?

I am not sure my work really does differ from others.  I like lots of layers and embellishments on my cards, so if I see a layout or a card I like when I am browsing on line I usually add another layer or embellishments to it.

3.  Why do you create what you do?

My creating is usually dependent on what classes I have coming up and also what time of the year it is.  I do have two different stamp nights each month where we make 6 different cards each time as well as a technique club.  In my technique club we learn two different techniques each month.  We are making a technique book using the project life album pages and then we make two cards using the techniques we have learned.

4.  How does your creativity process work?

I decide what I need cards for, what stamp sets and supplies I have and the needs of my stampers.  Then I just start stamping.  I am lucky in that I have a daughter that loves the creative process and a husband who is an artist and retired art teacher.  I show them my cards and either make changes or not.  Like my daughter says . . . when we create together you would never know we like each other, but we do like the finished projects.

The next part of the blog hop was for me to give you links to two other Stampin' Up! ® demonstrators that have blogs, however other than Susie I really don't know any others with blogs.  So, you can go to her blog and work backwards to see some awesome stampers.

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

Happy Stamping!!

  

 

January 25, 2015

We are have a birthday in our house today . . . John!  This card that we made last weekend and designed by demonstrator friend Christy Kimball is perfect for him.  It is also one that everyone stamping tomorrow night will be making.

Stamps:  Big Day

Cardstock:  Rich Razzleberry, Smoky Slate, Old Olive, Whisper White

Ink:  Black Stazon, Ruch Razzleberry, Smoky Slate, and Old Olive Markers

Accessories:  Finishing Touches Edgelits, Zig Zag Embossing Folder, Big Shot, 

1/4" Rich Razzleberry Cotton Ribbon

We will be going out to supper with our daughter and son-in-law tonight to celebrate.  Hanna was not able to come home this weekend so we will be going to Adel in a couple of weeks to celebrate with her.  It is very unusual that we actually get to celebrate John's birthday close to his actual birthday. In recent years it seems like every time we had something planned the weather had something else planned.  I think we should be okay today.

My Leadership swaps and gifts are done and packed already!!  I am very pleased with how they both turned out.  I will be posting pictures of both of them later this week.

The rest of today will be spent cutting card stock and getting ready for tomorrow night's stamp night.

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 24, 2015

When I left home my mom painted my old bedroom a lavender shade and had a bedspread that matched.  The Painted Petals stamp set and coordinating Designer Series Paper remind me so much of that bedroom and bedspread!! Everybody stamping Monday night will be taking home a little piece me as we all make this card.

Stamps:  Painted Petals

Cardstock:  Blackberry Bliss, Whisper White, Painted Blooms DSP

Ink:  Blackberry Bliss, Wild Wasabi

Accessories:  Spring Flowers Embossing Folder, Big Shot, 3/8" 

Blackberry Bliss Stitched Satin Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterday was a super productive day as I got a bunch of cards made up from packets from the last two stamp nights and I also got all of my swaps cut and the bases put together.  All that remains is to stamp the main piece and the sentiment and then adhere them to the card.  My plan is to get everything stamped this morning and then finish assembling them while I watch the Hawkeye basketball game late morning. That will still leave me all afternoon to finish up some other things I want to take to Leadership with me!!

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

Happy Stamping!! 

January 23, 2015

Today's card is another one we stamped last weekend at our get together and also designed by demonstrator friend Nicole.  It is also one everyone stamping with me next week will be making.

Stamps:  You Plus Me

Cardstock:  Real Red, Whisper White, Basic Black, 

Red Glimmer Paper, Stacked With Love DSP 

Ink:  Real Red

Accessories:  Happy Heart Embossing Folder, Big Shot, 

1 3/4" Circle Punch, 2" Circle Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterday was the day . . . I finally got all of my Christmas stuff put away.  I just love looking at the tree and hate putting it away but I decided it was finally time!!  So needless to say there was not much stamping going on yesterday.  I am going to try and work on my Leadership swaps today!! Wish me luck!!

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

Happy Stamping!!