September 10, 2017

Spooky Cat

I don't usually send Halloween cards but I do love making them!!!  This is one of the cards everyone will be making tomorrow night!!

I love the cat that is actually just punched out of the designer series paper. This is a super simple card to make!!

Stamps: Spooky Cat

Cardstock: Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Spooky Night

Ink: Basic Black

Accessories: Stitched Shapes Framelits, Polka Dot Basics Embossing Folder, 

Big Shot, Banner Triple Punch, Black Rhinestone Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals

Wow . . . what a game by the Hawkeyes yesterday!!  I could hardly believe that they came back and won that one!  Believe me there was not much crafting going on during the fourth quarter and the overtime!!!

Today I will be finishing cutting cardstock and getting everything ready for tomorrow night.  If I get that all done I have some thank you cards and some birthday cards that I need to get done for Hanna before I see her this weekend!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 9, 2017

Half Full

Next Saturday is the Apple Festival at the Penoach Winery in Adel.  The first thing I did when I knew I was going to do this show is scour Pinterest for ideas for the Half Full stamp set in the Holiday catalog. 

This was one of the more common ones that popped up and I thought it was perfect!!

Stamps: Half Full

Cardstock: Very Vanilla Thick, Old Olive, Crumb Cake, 

Fresh Fig, Lemon Lime Twist, Vellum

Designer Series Paper: Painted Harvest

Ink: Early Espresso, Fresh Fig, Old Olive

Accessories: Banner Triple Punch, Leaf Punch, Linen Thread, 

Paper Snips, Mini Stampin' Dimensionals, Stampin' Dimensionals

Today is going to be filled with three of my favorite things again . . . crafting, sports, and friends.  I have my projects lined up to do while the Hawks and the Cubs play today and then this evening John and I are invited to a fish fry some friends of ours are having.  The weather should be awesome, so it will be a perfect day!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 8, 2017

Coffee Cafe

As per usual, my day yesterday did not go as planned . . . more on that below. So I thought these were perfect for today.  This is another set of the little K-cup holders I have made in the last couple of weeks.

I think by now I could probably make them in my sleep as I have made well over 150 of them.  There is a framelit that will cut out the paper cups with the wrappers on them, but it was just as easy for me to fussy cut them as long as I was fussy cutting the other cups.

Stamps: Coffee Cafe

Cardstock: Soft Sky, Pear Pizzazz, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: Coffee Break

Ink: Early Espresso

Accessories: Layering Circles Framelits, Stitched Shaped Framelits, 

Big Shot, Paper Snips, 

Stampin Dimensionals, 

(retired ribbon that happened to match)

What started out as a couple of routine questions to my oncology nurse in preparation for my appointment on the 18th, ended up being a day spent at the hospital yesterday.  My leg has been extremely painful lately and keeping me up at night so I asked what I could do to help alleviate the pain.  Because of the previous three blood clots, they wanted to evaluate it right away. When I mentioned that my shoulder was still giving me fits they thought it needed to be evaluated for a blood clot as well.  My appointment with the doctor was at 8:30, but unfortunately they could not get me in to ultrasound until 2:00 in the afternoon and then I had to go back to see the doctor after that.  So I did what every good crafter would do . . . I went and shopped for supplies and then decided to get my nails done.  The good news is that there are no new clots, just the chronic obstructions from the others, and I need to continue to let them know whenever it feels different or is more painful, because it always needs to be evaluated.  In the best news though . . . my labs look better than they have since this whole thing started and there is still no signs of the lymphoma returning.  So John and I decided to celebrate so we went to Red Lobster for supper with another couple we have been going out with lately.  Not what I planned for yesterday,  but a good day all in all!! 

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 7, 2017

Half Full

One of the shows I am doing this month is taking place at a winery so of course I just had to get the Half Full stamp set that is in the Holiday Catalog.

I love this saying whether it be about wine or life . . . always look at the cup or the glass as half full instead of half empty!!  I did fussy cut the wine bottle and glass but it was super simple to do.  I probably made a dozen of these in about 30 minutes.

Stamps: Half Full, Tuscan Vineyard

Cardstock: Old Olive, Very Vanilla

Ink: Old Olive, Crushed Curry, Cajun Craze, Cherry Cobbler, Sahara Sand, Basic Black

Accessories: Layering Ovals Framelits, Big Shot (to make the mask for sponging), 

Aqua Painters, Stampin' Sponges, Paper Snips, Stampin' Dimensionals

I was cold all day yesterday so chose to stay in my stamping room where it was warmer rather than going outside to read. I did get tons done so that was a great thing.  I am hoping to do more of the same today . . . as John says . . . you have a ton of stuff made!!  My intent is to have enough made to last me through all of my shows without having to make stuff in between.  We shall see!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 6, 2017

Merry Cafe

THIS . . . this is the project that has kept me busy for the last several days as I have watched sports games on TV.

I found a pattern on a blog called Chic'n Scratch for these cute little boxes that hold a Keurig K-Cup.

This stamp was perfect for the Pumpkin Spice latte season.  Each of these little boxes holds either a Pumpkin Spice Cappuccino or a Pumpkin Spice Flavored Coffee K-Cup.

Stamps: Merry Cafe

Cardstock: Cajun Craze, Early Espresso, Crushed Curry, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: Painted Autumn

Ink: Cajun Craze

Accessories: Seasonal Layers Thinlits, Big Shot, 

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

and whatever color retired dots I happened to have laying around

I hope the people coming to craft shows like these little guys as well as I do because I have made MANY!!!!  I will post some of the other variations in the coming days.

I did take part of yesterday off from crafting to sit outside and enjoy the beautiful day.  My iced tea and book kept my patio company until I got too cold to sit there any more. Even in long sleeves, a sweater, and jeans I got cold when the breeze was blowing.  I am hoping to do the same thing again today . . . craft in the morning, read in the sun in the afternoon, and watch the Cubs and craft in the evening.  Boring I know . . . but much better than what I was doing this time last year which was receiving my first of six chemo treatments!!  What a difference a year makes!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 5, 2017

Post-It-Note Holders 

If there is one thing I have become an expert at the last few days it is scoring, burnishing, and folding cardstock as you will see when I post my projects I have been making for craft shows.  The good thing about it, is that it is easy to do in front of the TV watching whatever ball game happens to be on!!

This particular project is a Post-It-Note holder.  I have several of these made, some Halloween, some fall, and some that are just general purpose.

They are super simple to make and as you can see are free standing once they are done. The only drawback is that they require 12 X 12 cardstock, so I am a little limited as to what colors I have on hand. I do think they turned out pretty cool. 

Stamps: Paper Pumpkin Halloween Sweet

Cardstock: Basic Black

Designer Series Paper: Spooky Night

Ink: Basic Black

Accessories: Stitched Shapes framelits, 2" Circle Punch, 1 1/2" Circle Punch, 

1 1/4" Circle Punch, Simply Scored, Tear and Tape, Black Rhinestone Jewels

As soon as I am done posting this I am out the door for a hair appointment and then go to the city to run some errands and get some for supplies to finish up some of my other crafting projects.  I am hoping my afternoon is spent in my crafting room getting other things ready to score and fold before the Cubs game tonight!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 4, 2017

Painted Harvest

I had some extra squares left over from my little note card project that I made last week.  I decided they would be perfect for some Post-It-Note holders for upcoming craft shows.

These are so easy to make and are very popular.  They make a great gift or stocking stuffer!!

Stamps: Painted Harvest

Cardstock: Pumpkin Pie, Crushed Curry, Cajun Craze, 

Cherry Cobbler, Berry Burst, Early Espresso, Soft Suede, Very Vanilla 

Ink: Crushed Curry, Pumpkin Pie, So Saffron, 

Cherry Cobbler, Cajun Craze, Berry Burst, 

Pink Pirouette, Per Pizzazz, Wild Wasabi

Accessories: Simply Scored Scoring Tool, Linen Thread,

Crafting and Cubs was definitely on the agenda yesterday as well as some rest.  I was getting ready to go outside and read for a while and ended up with such a headache, I decided rest was in order.

Not sure what today will bring . . . I guess time will tell.  I do have some errands I should do, but that may wait until tomorrow.

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 3, 2017

Gourd Goodness

Using a sketch layout or a card you have sitting in front of you when looking for a layout is a great way to start a new card.  This card uses basically the same layout as the Christmas card from yesterday.

I was looking for a thank you card that was easily duplicatable since I was going to be making 30 of them.  This one certainly fit the bill very easily!!  I think I had all 30 of them done in about an hour.

Stamps: Gourd Goodness

Cardstock: Pumpkin Pie, Garden Green, Early Espresso, Whisper White

Ink: Pumpkin Pie, Garden Green, Early Espresso

Accessories: Layering Ovals Framelits Dies, 

Layered Leaves Embossing Folder, Garden Trellis Embossing Folder, 

Big Shot, Triple Banner Pinch, Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterday was a great day of crafts and sports!!  Both my teams won . . . the Hawkeyes and the Cubs . . . and I got twice as much done as I thought I would.  Today is going to be more of the same as the Cubs play again this afternoon!!!  I should get out and enjoy the weather but I do love my sports on TV!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 2, 2017

Carols of Christmas

This is a card that my friend, Susie, had in her basket of samples that she had either made or received as swaps.  I took pictures of a couple of them and believe it or not they were all cards she had made.  Not that it really surprises me, because I really like just about anything she makes.

This was also a card that everyone made last week.

Stamps: Carols Of Christmas

Cardstock:Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla 

Ink: Soft Duede, Cherry Cobbler, Garden Green

Accessories: Lots of Labels Framelits, Cable Knit Embossing Folder, 

Holly Embossing Folder, Big Shot, 

Sponge Daubers, Stampin' Dimensionals

Today is going to be a sports junkie day.  I can't wait to watch the Hawkeyes football game.  Sure do hope they have a great season.     If the weather has anything to say about it, it should be great, as today is the perfect day for a football game!!  As soon as the football game is over, I will be turning to the Cubs baseball game.  I have my crafting projects picked out that I can do in front of the TV today.  It should be a pretty productive day!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 1, 2017

Painted Harvest

Have I tempted you enough with the Painted Harvest stamp set?  If so, then you are in luck because it is available starting today!!!  Anything in the Holiday Catalog is now available until January 2, 2018!!

This is the card that I took as a swap last Saturday when I got together with some other demonstrators.  I just love the fall colors in it!!

Stamps: Painted Harvest

Cardstock: Crushed Curry, Early Espresso, Whisper White

Ink: Crushed Curry, Pumpkin Pie, Early Espresso

Accessories: Tea lace Doilies, Triple Banner Punch, Sponge Daubers, 

5/8" Burlap Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

Today looks to be another day filled with stamping and Cubs baseball.  This evening I am meeting my brothers and sister-in-law in Iowa City to give them some things I have for them.  They are here for the football game tomorrow and will camp overnight before tailgating and attending the Hawkeye game tomorrow.

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

Happy Stamping!!

August 31, 2017

Label Me Pretty

Label Me Pretty is another one of those sets that I did not think I needed, until someone talked me into it.  (See . . . I am not that much different than you all!!).  I am certainly glad I purchased it as I have used it quite a bit and everybody seems to like it on Make-It-Mondays.

This is one of those cards that everyone made last Monday night.

Stamps: Label Me Pretty

Cardstock: Smoky Slate, Crushed Curry, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Color Theory

Ink: Smoky Slate, Basic Gray

Accessories: Pretty Label Punch, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, 

3/8" Crushed Curry Ribbon, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

I hardly knew what to do with myself yesterday . . . a friend called John and asked him to go fishing, so I was at home by myself.  That very rarely, if ever happens!!!  Not that I did anything different than I normally do . . . I spent the time in my stamp room working on different kinds of treat holders.  I finished them up watching the Cubs game as I have been doing the last several nights.

Tonight I am meeting some friends for supper, so probably won't watch the Cubs, but the afternoon will be spent stamping again!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

August 30, 2017

Colorful Seasons

I knew right away when I saw this stamp and die set that I would love it and use it a lot!!  It is absolutely perfect for any time of the year.  This is one of the cards that my friend, Sally from Ohio, sent for our swap last Saturday.  I absolutely love it!!!

I think everybody stamping this week did too, if their comments and reactions when they saw it are anything to go by!!

Stamps: Colorful Seasons

Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Old Olive, 

Crushed Curry, Tangerine Tango, Very Vanilla

Ink: Early Espresso, Crumb Cake

Accessories: Seasonal Layers Thinlits, Big Shot, 

Glitter Enamel Dots, Stampin Dimensionals

Yesterday was a full day of stamping, although some of it was done from the comfort of my recliner while watching the Cubs!!  After running a few errands this morning, I think I will probably be doing exactly the same thing again today.  It's nice to get the stamping all done and then I can assemble in front of the TV!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

August 29, 2017

Lemon Zest

I wasn't too sure that I really needed this stamp set, even though I loved the sentiments in it.  However, I finally broke down and purchased it and I am certainly glad I did.

This is one of the cards that everyone made last night.  I am sure you will see a lot more of it in the coming months.

 It is an accordion fold card with the sentiment stamped on the middle panel!!  Life should indeed be lived with zest!!!

Stamps: Lemon Zest

Cardstock: Whisper White Thick, Garden Green, 

Pear Pizzazz, Whisper White

Ink: Garden Green, Par Pizzazz

Accessories: Lots of Labels Framelits, 

Layered Leaves Embossing Folder, Big Shot, 

Lemon Builder Punch, White Perfect Accents, 

3/8" Old Olive Mini Chevron Ribbon, 

Stampin' Dimensionals, Glue Dots

We had such a big group last night that I have no leftover packets to stamp up today, so my day can be totally devoted to craft show items. I really want to get my 2018 calendars and my wine tags done, but I keep finding so many other cute treat orders, that those keep getting put on the back burner. However this is the week!! Believe it or not this is a totally free week with nothing else scheduled during the days.  I can hardly believe it!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

August 28, 2017

Remarkable You

Someone asked me the other day what was my favorite thing about fall.  I had to answer it was the colors . . . browns, rusts, oranges, dark greens . . . whether in my clothes or my cards, it makes no difference . . . I just like these colors together!!

This is the perfect fall card to showcase these colors.  It is also one that everyone gets to make tonight at Make-It-Monday.

Stamps: Remarkable Butterfly Basics

Cardstock: Cajun Craze, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: Wood Textures

Ink: Early Espresso, Cajun Craze

Accessories: Aquapainter, Linen Thread, Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals

Not exactly sure how I managed it . . . but I had everything done and ready to go for tonight before the Cubs game came on yesterday.  Although with the way it turned out, I might as well have been stamping!!  With a relatively free day today until I leave for stamp night, I am going to continue working on craft show projects.  The only problem is, when I have more free time, I just come up with more ideas and things I want to make!!  Here's hoping to a good craft show season!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

August 27, 2017

Sorry For Everything


Today's card is one of the shoebox swaps brought by Luetta, that we made yesterday at a demonstrator get together.  With a quick change of sentiment this card could be for just about any fall occasions you might need a card for.  

It is also one that everybody will be making Monday night at Make-It-Monday.

 

Stamps: Sorry For Everything, Daisy Delight

Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Tangerine Tango, Crushed Curry, Whisper White

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Tangerine Tango, Crushed Curry

Accessories: Daisy Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch

Yesterday was a great time stamping and visiting with friends.  I have a ton of ideas using sets from the Holiday Catalog that will be available September 1st.  

Today I need to get in gear and get everything cut and ready for Make-It-Monday tomorrow night.  I have a feeling my living room will become my cutting place this afternoon as I want to watch the Cubs as well!!

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

Happy Stamping!!