July 6, 2018

Loyal and True

Last night was the first Thursday night of the month so that meant it was Technique/Stamp club.  One of the techniques one of the members picked out was faux metal, so we cased the sample in the catalog.  This was the perfect month to do it as it is in keeping with the patriotic cards of the last couple of days.

I had done this technique before but it had been many many years ago!  It is a little time consuming and messy, but it really cool!!

Stamps: Loyal and True, Love What You Do

Cardstock: Real red, Blueberry Bushel, Whisper White, Silver Foil

Ink: Real Red, Blueberry Bushel 

Accessories: Wood Crate Framelits, Big Shot, 

Versamark, Silver Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, 

Aquapainters, Stampin' Dimensionals

There is absolutely nothing on the agenda for today . . . probably one of the last few calm days before the storm.  I do need to get the stamping done on Lauren's programs for her wedding, but I think that will wait until tomorrow!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

July 5, 2018

Happy 4th of July - - - Take Two

I made a couple of 4th of July cards for my blog yesterday and decided I liked them both so am sharing this one today.  

I think I actually like the color combination of Blueberry Bushel, Real Red, and Whisper White better for patriotic cards than when I use Night of Navy for the blue.

Stamps: Swirly Frames

Cardstock: Blueberry Bushel, Real Red, Whisper White

Ink: Blueberry Bushel, real red

Accessories: Wood Crate Framelits, Tufted Embossing Folder,
Big Shot, Blueberry Bushel 1/8" Gos Grain Ribbon,
Pearl Basic Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterday was a HOT HOT HOT day of flea marketing!!  Hanna found a few fleas that she wants to use for wedding decorations but other than that nobody really bought anything . . . not sure if it was the heat or just nothing very interesting but we were done looking at both the Johnson County Fairgrounds and Mount Vernon by noon.  We stopped at Applebees for lunch and Hanna and Jake headed for Adel and the rest of us came home to out air conditioned houses and rested all afternoon.  I even managed to see the last of the Cubs game.

Today is going to be a very busy day.  I start out with an early morning hair appointment and then an appointment to get my dress altered for the wedding.  I am have appointment for my shoulder in the afternoon and then Technique/Stamp Club in the evening.  Sometime in there I do need to get things ready for stamp club tonight!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

July 4, 2018

Happy 4th Of July

What do you do when you want to make a 4th of July card and you have no 4th of July stamps . . . you improvise of course!!  I saw  that someone had posted a card where they used the dandelions from Dandelion Wishes to make fireworks and decided that was perfect!!!

My first version of this card just had a red "celebrate" but I felt like it got lost on the red side of the card.  I like this version much better!!

 

Stamps: Dandelion Wishes

Cardstock: Whisper White Thick, Blueberry Bushel, Real Red, Whisper White

Ink: Blueberry Bushel, Real Red

Accessories: Celebrate You Thinlits, Big Shot, Versamark,
White Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Fine Tip Glue Pen

By the time most of you are reading this we will be off and running for a day of flea marketing, which has become our new 4th of July tradition.  We are starting out in Iowa City and will end up who knows where.  Hanna and Jake are coming over from Adel to join us.  I really don't need any new fleas . . . but you never know what you will find.

Have a safe and Happy 4th of July!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

July 3, 2018

Healing Hugs

Purple and green . . .  the favorite color combination of many people . . . my grandma, my mom, my friend, Judy who passed away a couple of years ago, and many other people.  Once again I will say I was sorry to see them retire the purples that they did a couple of months ago, but the new purples are just awesome!! 

Yes, unfortunately you have to fussy cut the rose and the leaves, but I managed to do about 35 roses and 70 sets of leaves in a little under an hour. I didn't think that was too bad and it is something you can do while watching TV.

Stamps: Healing Hugs, Abstract Impressions

Cardstock: Gorgeous Grape, Whisper White

Ink: Gorgeous Grape, Pear Pizzazz

Accessories: Climbing Vine Embossing Folder, Big Shot,
Paper Snips, Stampin' Dimensionals

Today I am off to Iowa City when I am done with this to run some errands and visit the nail salon.  When I get home I want to get some stamping done before the Cubs game this afternoon.  I like to get any stamping done before the game so I can assemble things during the game.  It sure looks to be a beautiful day outside!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

July 2, 2018

Accented Blooms

After cleaning out all of my designer series paper for my sale I am on a mission to stop hoarding my paper and actually use it.  This card, while it doesn't  show up very well in the photo, actually uses a lot of designer series paper!!

This is the second of the shoebox swaps I took on Saturday to our demonstrator meeting.  

Stamps: Accented Blooms

Cardstock: Tranquil Tide, Mint Macaron, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Tranquil Textures

Ink: Tranquil Tide

Accessories: 1 3/8" Scallop Punch, 1 1/8" Scallop Punch,
Tailored Tag Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

Now . . . if you don't have a stash of paper like me, or you just want to stock up on designer series paper, Stampin' Up! has a great offer this month!!  

Stampin' UP! is offering an awesome special 

from July 1- 31, 2018!

 

When you buy 3 of the designer papers listed here, 

you can choose one of them for FREE!

#146338    -Nature’s Poem Designer Series Paper     189= $11.00  

#146284    -Twinkle Twinkle Designer Series Paper     189= $11.00    

#146921    -Under the Mistletoe Designer Series Paper     189= $11.00     

#146902    -Animal Expedition Designer Series Paper     190= $11.00    

#146897    -Best Route Designer Series Paper     190= $11.00     

#146913    -Petal Promenade Designer Series Paper     190= $11.00   

#146331    -Tranquil Textures Designer Series Paper     190= $11.00     

#146289    -Garden Impressions 6" x 6" Designer Series Paper     191= $11.00    

#146916    -Tropical Escape 6" x 6" Designer Series Paper     191= $11.00  

#144177    -Wood Textures 6" x 6" Designer Series Paper     191= $11.00

But wait . . . there's more!!

Check out this second awesome Stampin' Up! special!!  July is now the perfect month to Stampin' UP! and you can get 10 free Ink Pads with your kit. 


Here are the details:

Promotion Dates: July 1–31, 2018
Details

• Free assortment of Classic Stampin’ Pads available only to new demonstrators who submit applications within promotion dates.
• Each Stampin’ Pad Family is an assortment of 10 coordinating ink pads from one of the following color collections: Brights, Neutrals, Regals, Subtles, and 2017–2020 In Colors.
• The 2017–2020 In Color Classic Stampin’ Pads bundle (item 150289) is exclusive to this promotion and includes all colors in both the 2017–2019 In Colors as well as those in the 2018–2020 In Colors.
• The Neutrals assortment does not include the three Basic colors: Basic Black, Very Vanilla, and Whisper White.
• New demonstrators who submit their IDA before July 1 or after July 31 will not be eligible for this promotion.

Order Deadlines

• Phone: July 31, 2018; 6:50 PM (MT)
• Online: July 31, 2018; 11:59 PM (MT)

This is a great time to join Stampin' Up! with the new catalog and so many awesome new ink pad colors!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

July 1, 2018

Rooted In Nature

This technique . . . Joseph's Coat . . . is probably my all time favorite technique.  It is very messy but I absolutely love it and am always looking for the perfect stamp set to use it with.

I think any time I can use a combination of fall colors, I like it best. This stamp set, Rooted In Nature, is perfect!  This was my pre-made swap that I took to our demonstrator meeting yesterday.

Stamps: Rooted In Nature, A Big Thank You

Cardstock: Early Espresso, Grapefruit Grove, So Saffron, Very Vanilla, 

Ink: Early Espresso, Old Olive, Calypso Coral, Daffodil Delight, 

Accessories:  Stitched Shapes Framelits, Layering Ovals Framelits,
Subtle Embossing Folder, Simple Stripes Embossing Folder,
Big Shot, Versamark, Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Tool,
Sponge Brayer, Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterday was a great day of stamping and I came home with SO many new ideas and fun swaps.  The best part, though, was catching up with all of my stamping friends.  So much so, that I am going to another stamping class today with some of them.  I am sure I will have even more great ideas after today!!  Hmmm . . . stamping or Cubs . . . yesterday and today stamping won!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

June 30, 2018

Healing Hugs

Are you tired of Healing Hugs yet??  I sure hope not because I have several more samples to share with you.  

This is one of the cards I made as a shoebox swap for a demonstrator meeting.

Stamps: Healing Hugs

Cardstock: Blackberry Bliss, Pear Pizzazz, Whisper White

Ink: Blackberry Bliss, Pear Pizzazz

Accessories: Versamark, White Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, 

Banner Triple Punch, Basic Rhinestone Jewels, 

Whisper White Baker's Twine

As I mentioned above, today I am going to a demonstrator meeting at my friend, Susie's house.  Luetta is picking me up and we are off for a fun day of stamping.  It will be great to see everyone and come home with tons of new ideas.

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

Happy Stamping!!

June 29, 2018

Pop Of Petals

This is the last of the cards that everyone made this week at Make-It-Monday.  It was fun to watch as people decided which side of the designer series paper to use.

This Garden Impressions paper is so cool as one side has a flower pattern on it and the backside has just muted color designs.  I have a feeling I will end up using more of the muted designs than the actual flower images.

Stamps: Pop of Petals, Itty Bitty Greetings

Cardstock: Calypso Coral, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Garden Impressions

Ink: Mango Melody, Shaded Spruce

Accessories: Four Petal Flower Punch, Classic Label Punch, Gold Faceted Gems, Stampin' Dimensionals

HOT HOT HOT . . . I think those three words describe the temperatures today. My plan is to go to Iowa City early and go grocery shopping and then to drop some stuff off at the recycling center.  After that I am going to finish up my swaps for a demo meeting I am going to tomorrow and finally finish up watching the Cubs game.  Yesterday's game was sure more fun to watch than the last several.  Today I will keep busy looking for my brother's and sister-in-law that are attending the game.

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

Happy Stamping!!

June 28, 2018

Dandelion Wishes

One of the blogs I look at  occasionally is Stampin' Pretty.  She had a card like this with slightly different designer series paper and colors.  Of course being a black and gold lover I had to make it.

This is another one of the cards everyone made last Monday night.  Even if I weren't a Hawkeye fan there is just something about this color combination that I love.

Stamps: Dandelion Wishes

Cardstock: Whisper White Thick, Basic Black, Pineapple Punch, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper:  2018-2020 In Color

Ink: Memento Black

Accessories:  Layering Squares Framelits, Layering Circles Framelits, 

Big Shot, 2 " Circle Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterday's lunch only lasted until mid-afternoon so I was home in time to take a little nap so I could once again stay up to watch the Cubs.  Since they are playing on the west coast the games have been exceptionally late.  I am not sure they have been worth the lack of sleep lately, but I seem to stay up anyway.  It is a good thing the game today is an afternoon game!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

June 27, 2018

Animal Outing

Once again Pinterest was a source of inspiration when I was looking for layouts for this set.  This was another one of the cards everyone made on Monday night.  I love the way this card turned out although it did take three different stamp sets.

Some stampers used some of the other sentiments in the set to make a baby card by saying "Welcome, Little One"

Stamps: Animal Outing, Swirly Frames, Playful Backgrounds

Cardstock: Crushed Curry, Basic Black, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Garden Impressions

Ink: Black Stazon, Smoky Slate, Crushed Curry, 

Old Olive, Crumb Cake, Calypso Coral

Accessories:  Scattered Sequins Embossing Folder, Big Shot, 

AquaPainters, Stampin' Dimensionals

Luetta and I had a great time on our shopping trip to the Des Moines area.  I was true to my word and did not buy any stamps at the stamp store.  In fact, neither one of us bought much of anything there.  We did make the rounds of the thrift stores in the area and I was able to pick up fourteen more lanterns for wedding decorations.  At a minimum now I think we have enough!! It amazed both of us that although it rained off and on wherever we were, we managed to avoid the raindrops.  I thought it was quite nice of it to only rain when we were in a store and not when we were trying to get back and forth to the car.

Today I am meeting some friends for our lunch that starts at lunchtime and often goes until supper time!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

June 26, 2018

Accented Blooms

I was extremely disappointed when Stampin' Up! retired two of my favorite purple colors . . . Elegant Eggplant and Perfect Plum.  I was disappointed until I started using Highland Heather and Gorgeous Grape.  These colors are awesome, so there is no more disappoint here!!

This is another one of the cards everyone stamping last night got to make.  I think everyone agreed that the new purples are awesome!!

Stamps: Accented Blooms 

Cardstock: Gorgeous Grape

Ink: Gorgeous Grape, Highland Heather

Accessories: Aquapainters, Tailored Tag Punch, 

Whisper White 5/8" Polka Dot Tulle Ribbon, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

As soon as I am done posting this I am out the door to spend the day in the Des Moines area with my friend, Luetta.  We are making what has become an annual trip to the stamp stores in that area.  We are starting at Memory Bound in Ankeny and will see where else we end up.  While I don't buy stamps there, I do love taking pictures of card layouts and then seeing what I can come up with using Stampin' Up! products!  

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

Happy Stamping!!

June 25, 2018

Healing Hugs 

You are going to be seeing a lot of this stamp set as it it absolutely one of my favorites and I have several color combinations that I want to try with it!!

This is one of the cards everyone will be making tonight at Make-It-Monday.  I hope everyone likes it as much as I do!!

Stamps: Healing Hugs, Timeless Textures

Cardstock: Mango Melody, Pear Pizzazz, Whisper White

Ink: Mango Melody, Pear Pizzazz, Pumpkin Pie

Accessories: versamark, White Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, 

Banner Triple Punch, Whisper White Baker's Twine, Glue Dots

Yesterday was another busy busy day.  I got some cardstock cut before the Cubs game and finished it up in the afternoon after the game.  All that remains is to load it into the car.

Today I am going to finish cleaning up after the garage sale and head to Iowa City early afternoon to run some errands.  During stamp night I am meeting up with the district art teacher that took John's place when he could no longer teach.  She is going to look at the leftover paper from the sale and take what she thinks the art program can use.  I am happy to donate back to the school district that provided for us for so many years.

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

Happy Stamping!!

June 24, 2018

Detailed With Love

There are so many cool new products in the Idea Book and Catalog . . . this designer series paper is just one of them.  It makes a very intricate looking card with little to no work on your part.

This card which I made at Susie's event a couple of months ago is also one that everybody stamping tomorrow night at Make-It-Monday will be making.

Stamps: Detailed With Love

Cardstock: Whisper White Thick, Blackberry Bliss, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Delightfully Detailed Laser Cut Specialty

Ink: Blackberry Bliss

Accessories:Whisper White 5/8" Polka Dot Tulle Ribbon, 

Stampin' Dimensionals, Glue Dots

Phew . . . what a busy couple of days!!!  The sale was a huge success and I think everyone went home with some new goodies!!  Now I just need to figure out what to do with the stuff I have left because it is not going back into my craft room!!!

Today I need to get all of the paper cut and supplies gathered for tomorrow night's stamp night.  Hopefully I can get it all cut before the Cubs game at noon so I can stuff envelopes during the game!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

June 23, 2018

Hand Delivered

This hostess stamp set, Hand Delivered, is not one I thought I needed.  In fact, I still don't have it.  I made this card at one of my friend, Susie's events, a while back.

But . . . it is growing on me and I may have to consider purchasing it!!  

Stamps: Hand Delivered

Cardstock: Daffodil Delight, Basic Black, Whisper White

Ink: Memento Black

Accessories: Stamparatus, Various Stampin' Blends of Choice, 

Classic Label Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

Wow . . . it is mid-afternoon and I am just now sitting down to do my blog post.  The Stampin' Garage Sale has been quite busy today as well.  I still have quite a bit of stuff left, but I have sold a ton of stuff as well!!

I think the rest of the day will be spent resting while watching the Cubs game. I do need to figure out what we will be doing on Monday night.  I have a pretty good idea, just need to finalize stuff and get it all cut and organized!! 

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

Happy Stamping!!

June 22, 2018

Perennial Birthday

I love the Stamparatus!!!  This is another one of the cards that I took to my monthly shoebox swap group so they could see how the Stamparatus works.

My friend, Susie, had a card like this on her blog a while back.  I changed up the greeting and the butterfly a little bit to fit the supplies I had.

ri

Stamps: Perennial Birthday

Cardstock: Mango Melody, Calypso Coral, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Garden Impresions

Ink: Mango Melody

Accessories: Springtime Impressions Thinlits, Big Shot, Stamparatus, 

Basic Rhinestone Jewels, Glue Dots

Hanna and I had a successful shopping trip yesterday.  I got home in time to fix supper and watch the Cubs game last night.   I was up bright and early this morning to finish getting stuff set up for my Stampin' Garage Sale.  I think I have some great bargains!!

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

Happy Stamping!!