November 14, 2018

Stylish Christmas

Stylish Christmas is one of those sets that I kind of forgot about in the main catalog.  At least, that is, until the stamping retreat in September.  Someone brought this card as one of our shoebox swaps so I decided to use it for my Christmas card class.

I had forgotten all about it till I went to finish putting stuff away today from that class and realized I had not shared it yet.

Stamps: Stylish Christmas

Cardstock: Real red, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Any Christmas designer series paper that had Real Red in it

Ink: Real Red, Tranquil Tide

Accessories: Tin Tile Dynamic Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, 

Big Shot, Red Rhinestone Jewels, 

Metallic Pearls, Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterday's doctor's appointment went quite well.  John got released from the kidney stone doctor unless he has a problem and I just had a research lab appointment, where they gather info about how to better fight lymphoma.  It took much longer than either one of us thought it would and we were both tired when we got home.  I napped almost all afternoon and then actually slept all night again last night.  I must still be catching up from the lack of sleep last week.  Today I hope to finish cleaning up from my Christmas card class and Monday night's Make-It-Monday.

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 13, 2018

Sunshine Sayings

Thanks, Luetta, for this awesome swap card from whatever swap you brought this to!!  I love the color combination . . . I am starting to believe that Mango Melody could go with anything!!

Sometimes I think I get so focused on the stamps that are in the special catalogs, like the Holiday and the Occasions catalogs, that I forget all about some of the ones in the main catalog!!

Stamps: Sunshine Sayings, Daisy Delight

Cardstock: Mango Melody, Gorgeous Grape, Whisper White

Ink: Mango Melody, Granny Apple Green, Gorgeous Grape, 

Highland Heather, Smoky Slate

Accessories:  Clear Rhinestone Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals

When I got off of the plane Sunday morning I thought my week was going to be jam packed full every day.  Since that time several of my things have gotten cancelled or rescheduled, which is actually okay with me.  The only thing on the agenda today is doctor's appointment for both John and I.  We should be home shortly after noon so I am planning on resting and reading a good book this afternoon!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 12, 2018

Snow Is Glistening

Well . . . now that it is November I guess it is time for a little snow . . . but just like one or two flakes!!  A little snow does bring me joy . . . . especially a light dusting when I am trying to do my Christmas shopping!!

This is one of the cards everyone will be making tonight at Make-It-Monday!!

Stamps: Snow Is Glistening

Cardstock: Balmy Blue, Whisper White

Accessories: Snowfall Thinlits, Big Shot, Versamark, 

Silver Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, 

Balmy Blue Re-Inker, Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint, 

Stampin' Spritzer, Snowflake Trinkets, 

Mini Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals

There are tones and tons of benefits of being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator and being  able to attend live events such as the one I just got home from.  These are just a few of the items I received free with my convention registration.

But one of the best thing about attending events is the people you meet and the friendships you make!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 11, 2018

Beautiful Promenade

Beautiful Promenade was one of those stamp sets I was on the fence about but since it was on sale a while back, I decided to go ahead and get it.  And I am sure glad that I did!!!

I am not sure I would have put these colors together but it was a color challenge I found on Pinterest with this sample.  This is one of the cards that everyone will be making at Make-It-Monday.

Stamps: Beautiful Promenade, Happiness Surrounds

Cardstock: Whisper White Thick, Soft Sea Foam, Whisper White

Ink: Mossy Meadow, Soft Sea Foam, Blackberry Bliss

Accessories: Basic Pearl Jewels

I had a great time at convention but I am glad to be home.  We left our hotel at 4:15 this morning and I just walked in the door at home at about noon.  I am going to finish up a few things for tomorrow night and then call it a day.  Anything else that needs to be done for Make-It-Monday can be done tomorrow!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 10, 2018

Snow Is Glistening

Although I am in sunny Florida, with no snow on the ground, I just have to share this snowy card!!  I love the silver glimmer paper in the snowflakes.  

This is one of the cards everyone will be making on Monday night.

Stamps: Snow Is Glistening

Cardstock: Mint Macaron, Whisper White, Silver Glimmer Paper

Ink: Mint Macaron

Accessories:  Snowflake Thinlits, Big Shot, Snowflake Trinkets

We have had a great second day of convention.  This is their thirtieth anniversary so they have a time line of what was happening in their stamping world every year.  I joined Stampin' Up! in 2004, so just had to get picture taken by that year.

Here are some of my travel buddies.  They are so much fun to travel with!!

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We had a little break this afternoon so went Universal City Walk.  I managed to do a little surfing while I was there.

We ate at Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville.  Susie and I shared a plate of nachos.  It's a good thing we each didn't get one.  There was enough for us and the other five people in our group as well!!  It was absolutely delicious!!

It made a great break before we went back for our evening session.

Today is the last day of convention.  I can't wait to see what they have in store for us today!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 9, 2018

Half Full

I love when stampers take the materials in their envelopes or the supplies that are on the table and come up with different cards. 

 

Mary came up with this card on Saturday.  You can see the original card here.

Stamps: Half Full

Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Early espresso, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: All Is Bright

Ink: Memento Black, Old Olive Stampin' Blend Light

Accessories: Layering Circles Framelits, Big Shot, 

Red Rhinestone Jewels, 2" Circle Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

The first day of convention was awesome.  They always start each convention with a theme song for the year and I love this year's song.  I'm not sure if you can hear it, but this was the opening of convention.

After the morning session was over we went to lunch and to one of the make and take sessions.  Imagine stamping with 7200 of your closest friends!!

I can't to see what to they have in store for us tomorrow!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 8, 2018

Artisan Textures

Part of the fun of going to convention his swapping with other demonstrators. This is my swap for convention.

Whenever I attend an event in November, I try to make some kind of swap that can be used for Valentine's Day.

Stamps: Artisan Textures, Varied Vases

Cardstock: Real Red, Basic Black,  Whisper White

Ink: Real Red, Smoky Slate, Memento Black

Accessories: Colored Doilies, Sponge Brayer, 

Red Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Faceted Dots, 

Metallic Gold Thread, Mini Stampin' Dimensionals

Boy . . . am I glad that I have been walking!!  I really walked today!!  This is more steps than I have walked in a long time!!

The reason for all the walking . . . we went to Epcot today!!  We had a great time . . . although it was VERY hot!!  One of my favorite Disney movies is Inside Out so I couldn't resist having my picture taken with Joy and Sadness!!

We ended the night watching the fireworks over the park.  

A long day . . . but fun was had by all!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 7, 2018

Half Full

The Stampin retreat that I attended back in September gave me a lot of swap cards that I used for my Christmas card class.  This card, which Kathy White brought, was a favorite of many of the stampers.

I love this designer series paper.  I have used it quite a bit in several of my cards.

Stamps: Half Full

Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: All Is Bright

Ink: Memento Black, Old Olive Light Stampin' Blend

Accessories: Layering Circles Framelits, Big Shot, Red Rhinestone Jewels, 

2" Circle Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

After an hour delay last night, we finally took off from the Des Moines Airport and arrived in Orlando a little after midnight Orlando time.  We are up and ready to check into the convention and then head off to spend the day at Epcot!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 6, 2018

Snow Is Glistening

I love, love, love the limited time stamps and thinlits that are available this month.   If you are interested in these products they are available only while supplies last.

This is another one of the cards that everyone made on Saturday.  Sort of non-traditional colors for a Christmas card . . . but certainly perfect colors for a snowy card!!

Stamps: Beautiful Blizzard, Snow is Glistening

Cardstock: Balmy Blue, Whisper White

Ink: balmy Blue, Basic Gray

Accessories: Snowfall Thinlits, Big Shot, 

Everyday Label Punch, Clear Rhinestone Basic Jewels, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

My bags are packed and I am leaving on a jet plane this afternoon for Orlando, Florida.  I am very excited to be attending On Stage where Stampin' Up! will reveal some new products.  I am not sure what the Internet will be like in our hotel so I will try to post as I can.  

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 5, 2018

Winter Woods

This card, which Luetta brought to our stamping retreat in September, was another one of the cards that we made on Saturday.

After a few Big Shot difficulties, we all managed to complete the five cards like this one.

Stamps: Winter Woods

Cardstock: Whisper White Thick, Smoky Slate, Basic Gray,  Whisper White

Ink: Basic Gray, White Craft Ink

Accessories:  In The Woods Framelits Dies, 

Softly Falling Embossing Folder, Woodland Embossing Folder, 

Big Shot, Clear Rhinestone Basic Jewels, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

This morning brings an impromptu doctor's appointment and some errand running in Iowa City.  This afternoon I hope to finish up my swaps, finish a couple of things for stamp night when I get back, and actually pack.  The schedule I made a while back sure did help me get everything done that needed done in the last couple of weeks. I am actually ahead of where I thought I would be . . . which gives me time to rest a little bit before leaving tomorrow.

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 4, 2018

Winter Woods

This card which everyone made at the Christmas card class came directly from a blog I follow . . . The Stampin' Schach.  I absolutely love this elegance of all the gold on this card.

There were many steps to preparing this card, but I definitely think they were worth it!!!  It is even prettier in person, than in the photo.

 Stamps: Winter Woods, Dashing Deer

Cardstock: Whisper White Thick, Whisper White, Gold Foil

Accessories:  In The Woods Framelits Dies, Layering Ovals Framelits, 

Softly Falling Embossing Powder, Versamark, 

Gold Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Metallic Pearls, 

Classic Label Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

A good time was had by all yesterday at the Christmas card class.  It was a little crowded, but it all worked well.

Everyone went home with 30 beautiful hand made cards

Jake and Hanna made it home in time to have lunch with all of us and meet everyone.  We then went out for a birthday/anniversary celebration for all of our October birthdays and anniversaries.  We tried a new place . . . Stella's.  The food was great, but it was kind of noisy . . . so it was hard for us older folks . . . John and I . . . to have much of a conversation.  When John and I got home . . . I went to bed right away so I can start getting ready for my next adventure. . . Orlando and the Stampin' Up! convention!!   

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

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Happy Stamping!!

November 3, 2018

Merry Christmas to All

It's never too early to start your Christmas card making and this one would be super simple to mass produce!!

It is one of the cards everyone will be making at the Christmas card class today!!

Stamps: Merry Christmas to All

Cardstock: Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: All Is Bright. Joyous Noel Glimmer Paper

Ink: Garden Green, Cherry Cobbler

Accessories: Merry Christmas Thinlits, Big Shot, Stampin' Dimensionals

Everything is all set up and ready to go for the Christmas card class.  It should be a fun day!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 2, 2018

Winter Woods

The second technique we worked with last night came directly from a blog I follow . . . Flowerbug's Inkspot.  It uses the Stamparatus to do shadow stamping and the results are amazing.

As we were making this card last night our minds were swirling with all of the possibilities we could make with this technique.  To say it was a favorite would be an understatement.

Stamps: Winter Woods

Cardstock: Whisper White Thick, Basic Black, Basic Gray, Whisper White

Ink: Memento Black, Craft White Ink, Versamark

Accessories:  Layering Ovals Framelits, Big Shot, 

Stamparatus, White Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, 

Black 1/2" Satin Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

Everything is ready card-wise for tomorrow's all day Christmas card class.  I still need to go to the grocery store and get my food ready . . . but that should be a piece of cake.  If I get everything done today, I plan to finish up my swaps for convention.  They are all but done as well!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 1, 2018

Snow Is Glistening

It is the first Thursday of the month so that means that it is Technique Thursday.  One of the techniques members will be learning tonight is the more traditional shaving cream technique.  We did Frosted Shaving Cream a couple months ago.  You can read about that here.

These snowflakes lend themselves to this technique so well.  No two backgrounds come out the same!!

Stamps: Snow is Glistening (NEW)

Cardstock: Night of Navy, Basic Gray, Whisper White

Ink: Night of Navy and Balmy Blue Reinkers, Versamark

Accessories:  Snowfall Thinlits (NEW), Big Shot, 

Whisper White Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, 

Snowflake Trinkets, (NEW) Glue Dots

If you did not recognize this stamp set there is a good reason for that.  It is a limited time release edition.  There are two stamp sets, a set of thinlits, some fancy paper, and some snowflake trinkets.

#149744- Happiness Surrounds= $17.00 Photopolymer only 

#149742- Snow Is Glistening= $21.00 Photopolymer only

 #149692- Snowfall Thinlits Dies= $39.00

#149620- Snowflake Trinkets (20)= $8.00

 #149619- White Velvet Sheets (12x12)- $5.00

I absolutely love this whole limited time release and have used it a ton already!!  You will want to get yours today!!

Check out a video from Stampin' Up to see a little more about these awesome products!!

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

Happy Stamping!!