May 9, 2019

Floral Essence

Are you ready for some sneak peeks into the new Idea Book and Catalog??  I know tonight is not the first Thursday of the month, but since I was winging my way home from New York last Thursday, we are going to have Technique/Stamp Club tonight.  Have you ever thought about using your reinkers with your Wink of Stella pens?  That is exactly what I did here.  I saw a presentation when I was at On Stage about this very thing and thought it would make a great technique for Stamp Club.

The photo does not do it justice at all!!  It is just beautiful in person!!  And of course I needed to add a little extra bling to it . . . the Clear Faceted Gems were just the thing!!

Stamps: Floral Essence (New)

Cardstock: Highland Heather, Basic Black, Whisper White

Ink: Gorgeous Grape, Stazon Black

Accessories:  Gorgeous Grape Re-Inker, Clear Wink of Stella, Clear Faceted Gems

Wow . . . where did the sun and warmer temperatures go?  I definitely would like to have them back.  I am sure this summer I will be wishing for cooler temps!  Today's agenda consists of finishing getting things ready for stamp club tonight and then watching the Cubs this afternoon.  Two very exciting games the last two nights . . . .winning by hitting walk off home runs in the bottom of the last inning!  You could probably here me from where ever you may be!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 8, 2019

Dear Doily

Floral Romance Specialty Designer Series Paper is one of the most beautiful designer series papers that Stampin' Up! has designed in a long time, in my opinion.  This card, which I made at one of Susie's stamp events, showcases it perfectly!!

I think everyone else felt the same way, judging by the comments that were made by people stamping with me this week!!

Stamps: Dear Doily

Cardstock: Mossy Meadow, Fresh Fig, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Floral Romance

Ink: Fresh Fig 

Accessories: Lace Dynamic Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, 

Big Shot, 2" Circle Punch, 2 1/4" Circle Punch, 

Paper Snips, Metallic Pearls, Fresh Fig 3/8" Mini Ruffled Ribbon, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Other than the appointment for my shoulder and meeting some friends for supper, yesterday was a pretty low key day.  I did manage to get my bookwork caught up, though.  That is always a good thing to do when I am thinking I need to rest!!  Today I want to play with some of the new goodies that came while I was in New York.  I hope to have some fun samples to show you soon!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 7, 2019

Needle & Thread

This card, which everyone stamping with me this week is making, comes from a site I belong to called Creative Corner.  I figured I really should use this stamp set at least once before it retires at the end of the month.

The Needlepoint Nook Designer Series Paper is really very cool . . . you can actually see the individual stitches on the paper.

Stamps: Needle & Thread

Cardstock: Poppy Parade, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Needlepoint Nook

Ink: Old Olive, Poppy Parade

Accessories:  2 1/4" Circle Punch, Story Label Punch, 

Needlepoint Nook Mini Buttons, Poppy Paade 1/4 Mini Striped Ribbons, 

Old Olive Linen Thread, Mini Glue Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

As soon as I am done posting this I am out the door for an appointment for my shoulder.  I think when I get home from that the rest of the day will be one of rest and relaxation.  I am still trying to catch up from last week and really have not taken the opportunity to rest up much.  I am meeting some friends for supper, and then want to watch the Cubs, but other than that my recliner sounds good.

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 6, 2019

All That You Are

I know that all stamp sets can't carry over to the new Idea Book and Catalog but I so so wish this were one of them that was carrying over.  I love love love this flower!!

I think that coloring on the back side of vellum is my favorite way of using this stamp set.  It gives it such a soft look.

Stamps: All That You Are

Cardstock: Highland Heather, Vellum, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Gingham Gala

Ink: Highland Heather

Stampin' Blends:  Versamark, White Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, 

Highland Heather Combo Pack, Old Olive Dark

Accessories:  Pretty Label Punch, Gingham Gala Adhesive Backed Sequins, 

3/8" Silver Metallic-Edge Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals, 

Mini Glue Dots

Although I am by no means caught up on my rest, I do think that everything is cut and ready to go for tonight.  I am headed to Iowa City early this afternoon as I have a dental appointment before stamp night tonight.  I may have a numb mouth tonight, but maybe that is just a reason to eat ice cream!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 5, 2019

En Route

There has been no stamping here for over a week so I am going back to some of the cards I made with the fourth graders to share with you!!  I might have mentioned that they wanted to make encouraging cards for their peers so I think this one fits the bill!!

They really loved the bright colors of the designer series paper!!

Stamps:  En route

Cardstock:  Pineapple Punch, Calypso Coral, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper:  Happiness Blooms

Ink: Lovely Lipstick

Accessories:  Layering Ovals Thinlits, Big Shot, 

Lovely Lipstick 1/8" Gros Grain Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

I have returned from a week long life changing experience . . . served many people, changed my way of thinking, worked for a couple hours in my happy place (a school) and did things I never thought I could do . . . namely walk 36 miles in 4 days and go up and down 100 flights of stairs . . . some of them long and steep!!  But I did it and I am stronger for it . . . spiritually, mentally and physically.  

Then . . . . as if I did not get enough walking in New York, we left bright and early yesterday morning to go to the What Cheer Flea Market.  I did not find any fleas, but I did walk another six miles around the grounds.  

Today I have to get things ready for Make-It-Monday before the evening so I can stuff envelopes during the Cubs game this evening.

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

Happy Stamping!!

April 27, 2019

Bloom By Bloom

Bloom By Bloom is a stamp set that is growing on me, right in time for it to retire at the end of May.  I do love the designer series paper that coordinates with it.  Funny story when I was making this card . . . I saw one on line somewhere and was trying to re-create it and looked and looked in my stamp box for the smaller flower and the stem.  I actually looked for quite a while until I realized that it was the designer series paper!!

This is one of the cards that everyone made at the Sale-a-Bration Celebration at the beginning of the month.  I had just forgotten to post it!!

Stamps: Bloom by Bloom, Strong & Beautiful

Cardstock: Calypso Coral, Call Me Clover, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Happiness Blooms

Ink: Calypso Coral, Call Me Clover

Accessories:  Calypso Coral 3/8" Satin Ribbon, Happiness Blooms Enamel Dots, Mini Glue Dots

All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go...I loved that song by Peter, Paul, & Mary when I was a kid!!  I know I am dating myself!!  But really . . . I am packed and ready to go!!  I am stamping all day today in South English with Susie and looking forward to seeing Christy and other stamping friends.  From there I am going on to Adel where I will spend the night with Jake and Hanna before leaving for the airport at 5:30 in the morning.  I am headed to New York City on a mission trip and will be back late Thursday night.  I will again spend the night with Jake and Hanna and come home on Friday at some time. I will not be posting while I am gone so don't look for anything before next Saturday!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

April 26, 2019

Picture Perfect Birthday

Believe it or not, this was one of the cards that I made with the fourth graders last week.  And what's more . . . no one messed up ink colors and they actually got things lined up almost perfectly.  When I first showed them this card, they were like  "We can't do that!"

But they were pleasantly surprised with their finished products!!

Stamps: Picture Perfect Birthday

Cardstock: Whisper White Thick, Call Me Clover, Lemon Lime Twist, Whisper White

Ink: Memento Black, Lemon Lime Twist, Call Me Clover

Accessories:  Stampin' Dimensionals, Retired Enamel Shapes

Today has been a pretty busy day . . . I started with an early morning hair appointment, then had a nail appointment, and then ran to Iowa City to pick up a prescription for me that I need before I leave and some things John is going to need while I am gone.  I still need to pack and and finish up some other stuff but it will get done tonight.

I am happy to say that Hanna had a follow up appointment for her burn and the doctor thinks it is healing well.  She does have an appointment with a wound center in Des Moines next week just to make sure it is continuing that way.  An answer to prayer indeed!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

April 25, 2019

One Wild Ride

I am not a fan of motorcycles, per se, but I do really like this stamp set and will be sorry to see it retire.  It does make a great guy card for those people who do love and ride motorcycles!!

This was another of the cards everyone made who stamped with me this week and was also a swap I received in Minneapolis.  I am sorry I do not remember who I got it from to know who to give credit to.

Stamps: One Wild Ride

Cardstock: Blueberry Bushel, Basic Black, Gray Granite

Ink:  Memento Black, Blueberry Bushel

Accessories:   Bunch of Banners Framelits, Subtle Embossing Folder, 

Big Shot,  Faceted Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals

Laundry, stamping, and baseball are on the agenda for today.  I am certainly enjoying the sunshine before any showers or thunderstorms later today.  I am kind of taking it easy for a few days, before leaving for my New York trip.  trying to save up energy, I guess!!  LOL

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

Happy Stamping!!

April 24, 2019

 Strong & Beautiful

Today's card which everyone made on Monday night is another one of the swaps I received in Minneapolis.  I love this Petal Promenade Designer Series Paper and it does all of the work for you to have a beautiful card!!

This swap comes from LeeAnn who's blog is Flowerbug's Inkspot.  She also celebrated her million dollars in sales while we were in Minneapolis.

Stamps: Strong & Beautiful

Cardstock: Petal Pink, Mossy Meadow, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Petal Promenade

Ink: Mossy Meadow

Accessories:  3/8" Berry Burst Metallic Edge Ribbon

Yesterday's trip to Adel was uneventful, which is good when it comes to road trips.  We had our final meeting and some prayers before heading out on our mission trip on Sunday morning.  It was also good to check in with and see Hanna as she burned her foot pretty badly Sunday while preparing Easter dinner and had to make yet another Wilson trip to the ER on a holiday.  Our track record for those are not particularly good.    

Today I am going to finish up some things from stamp night Monday night and then meet some friends for supper, and then hopefully manage to stay awake to watch the Cubs tonight!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

April 23, 2019

Bloom By Bloom

Today's card is another one I received at the swap in Minneapolis.  It was made by my friend, Jenni, in West Branch.

This card features a lot of retired product that I will be sad to see go. I have listed it in red in the card recipe.  If you would like any of these products, shoot me an email and I will get them for you.  I did not have the ribbon that she used in her swap so when we made it last night I used the 3/8" Tranquil Tide Ruffled Ribbon. 

Stamps: Bloom By Bloom, Dragonfly Dreams

Cardstock: Whisper White Thick, Calypso Coral, Tranquil Tide, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Happiness Blooms

Ink: Tranquil Tide, Calypso Coral

Accessories: Dot to Dot Textured Embossing Folder, 

Layering Circles Framelits, 

Big Shot, 3/8" Tranquil Tide Mini Ruffles Ribbon, 

Mini Glue, Stampin' Dimensionals

As soon as I am done posting this I am headed out the door to Iowa City to get a cortisone shot in my shoulder and then head to Adel.  We are having our last meeting for our mission trip that starts this Sunday.  The added benefit, of course, is getting to see Hanna and Jake.  I will head home early tomorrow morning so tomorrow's post will be later in the day.

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

Happy Stamping!!

April 22, 2019

Celebrate

This card, which comes from my friend, Cindy, was one of the swaps I received in Minneapolis last weekend.  I am on a mission to use my designer series paper so this was a perfect card for a Make-It-Monday.

Everyone will be making this card tonight with the greeting of their choice as the sentiment.

Cardstock: Blackberry Bliss, Mossy Meadow, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Floral Romance

Ink: Blackberry Bliss

Accessories:  Stitched Shapes Framelits, Layered Leaves Embossing Folder, 

Big Shot, Frosted Flower Embellishments, 

Petal Pink/Whisper White 5/8" Variegated Ribbon, Mini Glue Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Everything is ready to go and sitting by the door waiting to be loaded into the car.  I am planning on going to Iowa City early to run some errands and then maybe just sitting outdoors enjoying this beautiful day!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

April 21, 2019

You're Inspiring

Happy Easter!!

Every time I look at this stamp set and see these daffodils, I am reminded of my niece, Sarah, who passed away on Easter morning last year . . .  not only because of the daffodils, but also the name of the set . . . she inspired so many people!!

When it came to making an Easter card for my blog today I could not think of a better set to use!!  I also helped a friend make several of these cards to send to people who don't regularly get out.   This set is one that is retiring at the end of May, but I am sure it is one set I will keep forever!!

Stamps: You're Inspiring

Cardstock: Mossy Meadow, Old Olive, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White

Ink: Memento Black

Stampin' Blends:  Daffodil Delight Combo Pack, Old Olive Combo Pack

Accessories:  Layering Ovals Framelits, Layered Leaves Framelits, 

Big Shot, Everyday Label Punch, Organdy Ribbon Combo Pack (Retired),  

Stampin' Dimensionals

My morning got off to a great start by attending church with Jake and Hanna through Facebook Live.  I love that they live stream all of their Sunday Services at their church.

I hope to get all of my cardstock cut and embossed so that I can stuff envelopes during the Cubs game this afternoon.  If not, I can always finish tonight!!

It is such a beautiful day I should be outside enjoying it so reading a book on my patio may come before finishing up stuff for tomorrow night!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

April 20, 2019

Happy Birthday

One of the things we did when we were in Minneapolis last weekend was a lot of swapping.  I don't remember if I got this card as a general swap or part of the organized swap we did Saturday night.  There was no name on the back so I don't know who to give credit to.

It is one of the cards everyone is going to make next week when they stamp with me.  I love this Happy Birthday thinlit and am sorry to see it retiring!!

Cardstock:  Granny Apple Green, Lemon Line Twist, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Gingham gala

Accessories:  Happy Birthday Thinlits, Big Shot, Window Sheets

Hmmm . . . what to do, what to do, what to do????  Other than watching the Cubs this afternoon, I have nothing that I think has to be done.  My cards are planned for Monday night, I have plenty of time to get cardstock cut, and I have most of the leftovers from the last two weeks stamped up and put in clear envelopes for craft shows!!  Maybe I will take advantage of nothing to do and stockpile my rest for the upcoming two weeks.  I know they will be pretty busy!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

April 19, 2019

Geared Up Garage

Do you have your Stamparatus yet?  You really do need one!!!  It was essential in making this Geared Up Garage card.

This is one of the cards everyone made at the last Make-It-Monday!  Birthday, Father's Day, thank you . . . this card has it covered.  It could be for any of those occasions depending on your message inside.  I absolutely love the little keys that are one of the embellishments in this suite and am very glad that they, too, are carrying over to the new catalog!!  You might want to stock up on the designer series paper, though, because it is not carrying over!!

Stamps: Geared Up Garage

Cardstock: Pumpkin Pie, Tranquil Tide, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Classic Garage 6" X 6"

Ink: Basic Gray

Accessories:  Stamparatus, Classic Garage Metal Elements, Mini Glue Dots

By the time I stamped with the fourth graders yesterday and had an appointment for my shoulder, I was ready to call it a day!  I spent the balance of the day in my recliner with my book.  So . . . my boxes of goodies still await me!!!  Kind of like Christmas . . . where you look at the packages but you don't open them yet!  Anticipation is half the fun!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

April 18, 2019

En Route

Today is my stamping day with the fourth graders.  They moved it up a day because of an early out tomorrow for Easter.  The last time I was with them they ask if they could make some encouraging cards for the people.  I thought that was pretty cool for 10 and 11 year olds!!

This designer series paper was a huge favorite with them last time so I decided to go with it again!!

Stamps: En Route

Cardstock: Gray Granite, Mango Melody, Pineapple Punch, Whisper White

Designer Series  Paper: Best Route

Ink: Blueberry Bushel

Accessories:  Stitched Shapes Framelits, Big Shot, 

Best Route Enamel Shapes, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Will power!!!  

It is taking great will power for me to not dive in to these boxes of new stampin' goodies from my pre-pre-order!!  I have several things I need to do today before I am going to let myself even open these boxes because I know once I open them I would not get anything else done!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!