December 18, 2019

Merry Christmas

I have a love-hate relationship with my scraps . . . card and designer series paper scraps that is!!  I think I have found the perfect solution!!  I save them for my friend, Jeanie, who also happens to be my sister-in-law's mom.

She can take the tiniest scrap and make something out of it.  She used some larger ones in this Christmas card I received the other day.  I am so glad that she uses them . . . it makes both of us happy!!

I did stay home all day yesterday and did not leave the house, but I can't say I rested all day.  I actually got all of the purchased Christmas presents wrapped and put under the tree!!  Now I know what all else I need to buy!!

As soon as I am done posting this I am off to do more Christmas shopping and meeting a friend for lunch. 

I saw this on the Magnolia site yesterday . . . I am not sure I will ever reach this balance!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 17, 2019

Snowman Season

I love this time of year because when I go to my mailbox I have good mail instead of all advertisements and junk mail!!

I picked up this card yesterday from my friend, Lorna, who also happens to be my  friend, Luetta's mom.  I love what she did with the snowman's head!!!

Stamps: Snowman Season

Cardstock: Balmy Blue, Real Red, Whisper White

Ink:  Memento Black, Real Red

Stampin' Blends:  Pumpkin Pie Light, Smoky Slate Light, 

Real Red Light, Old Olive Light, Balmy Blue Light 

Accessories:  Snowman Builder Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

As usual I did not manage to just sit all day!!  I am sure no one is surprised by that!!  I was trying to do some of my Christmas shopping on line, but when you find out a store in Washington has what you are looking for you take off and get it, rather than order on line and hope it gets here by Christmas!!  the upside to that was I just picked up something for supper on the way home so I did not have to cook!  A good trade off in my book!!

I am going to attempt the resting thing again today but I do want to at least make a start on taming my stamping room after my flurry of Christmas stamping!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 16, 2019

A Wish For Everything

When I was in Las Vegas I participated in an organized swap where we were to focus on birthdays, thank yous or Valentine's Day and use Annual Catalog stamp sets.  This is one of the cards I received from a demonstrator named Melissa Davies.

The key on here is actually a bottle opener that she purchased from Amazon. I thought they might be kind of pricey but looked them up and they are less than $.25 apiece!!  I think it makes a great accent on the card!!

Stamps: A Wish For Everything

Cardstock: Very Vanilla Thick, Pretty Peacock, Gold Foil

Designer Series Paper: Brightly Gleaming

Ink: Pretty Peacock

Accessories:  Stitched Be Mine Dies, Pinewood Planks Embossing Folder, 

Scripty Embossing  Folder, Stampin' Dimensionals

Waco was a great decorating inspiration.  I saw this candle in a jar while we were there and decided that I wanted to make something Christmasy that resembled it.

After looking near and far for a jar that would work I found one at Joann's yesterday when we were there getting some supplies for a project John is working on.

I'm pretty pleased with how it turned out.  I think my decorating is now complete!!

I did get another huge job accomplished yesterday . . . I got all of the Christmas cards addressed and ready to mail . . . all 125 of them!!!  So today I'm going to sit and enjoy Christmas music and the lights on the Christmas tree!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 15, 2019

Beautiful Friendship

I have loved this Beautiful Friendship stamp set from the first time I saw it in the Annual Idea Book and Catalog.  I was glad to get several swaps in Las Vegas using this set!!  This is one of them.

This card would be absolutely awesome no matter what color combination you would use.  I love the way they have used the Birch background stamp.  I really need to use this more than at Christmas and in the fall.  

Stamps: Beautiful Friendship, Birch Background 

Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Rococo Rose, Very Vanilla

Ink: Crumb Cake, Rococo Rose, Old Olive

Accessories: Layering Circles Dies, Stitched Shapes Dies, 

Basic Rhinestone Jewels, Rococo Rose 1/2" Scalloped Linen Ribbon, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

So . . . I did a little decorating yesterday in the kitchen.  I knew the minute I saw this coffee mug rack at the Silos that I wanted to do it with mine!!

Last year after Christmas I ordered one and it usually holds all of my Starbucks Collector Coffee Mugs.

It took me a while but I finally got all of the mugs off of it and decorated for Christmas.

I am pretty pleased with the way it turned out especially since the only new thing I had to buy was the evergreen.  Today John and I are going to make a trip to Iowa City to go to Joann's Fabric's so I can complete the other project I have in mind!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 14, 2019

Sip Sip Hooray

This is one stamp set that I did not get out of the Holiday Catalog, but did receive a swap or two when I was in Las Vegas, so had to share them.

There was no name on the swap . . . in fact it wasn't even a full card swap, but I did like the design on the front so layered it on a piece of Flirty Flamingo cardstock!!

Stamps: Sip Sip Hooray

Cardstock: Flirty Flamingo, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: 

Ink: Memento Black, Flirty Flamingo, Old Olive Dark Stampin' Blend

Accessories: Sip and Celebrate Dies

Sitting here looking at my Christmas tree, which has been up for some time and reminiscing about being a kid and not being able to put the tree up until after my brother's birthday.  His birthday was on the 12th, so this would have been the weekend that we could actually decorate the house for Christmas!!! I think I will continue that tradition and finish putting some of the new things I got in Waco and also some of the coordinating pieces I got yesterday when I was out and about.

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 13, 2019

Rustic Retreat

Like I said yesterday I must have been in a snowy mood as the second technique we worked with at Technique/Stamp Club was the Magic Snowflake.

I love this technique with the blues of winter and snowflakes, but the ladies last night thought it would be great with fall colors and leaves.  I think it would be pretty no matter what color combination you use!!  This technique does use glossy paper which we no longer sell but you can use glossy photo paper and it works just great!!

Stamps: Rustic Retreat

Cardstock: Night of Navy, Balmy Blue, Whisper White

Ink: Night of Navy

Accessories:  Frosted Frames Dies, Night of Navy Re-Inker, 

Balmy Blue Re-Inker, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

I made a little dent in my remaining Christmas shopping yesterday, but I still have some to do.  That may wait till next week when I can go on a weekday when it is not quite so busy . . . I do love being out in the hustle and bustle, but it does take longer to get places and do things.  I made it home from Technique Club in time to see an awesome Hawkeye basketball game.  

John just asked me what all I had to get done today and I told him nothing at all.  He looked at me kind of surprised because that is not usually my answer!!  But it feels good to know there is nothing that has to be done!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 12, 2019

Light & Peace

Since I was out of town on the first Thursday of the month, we are having Technique/Stamp Club tonight.  I must have been in a snowy mood when deciding the cards for tonight because they both have snow in them.  I believe I have said . . . I like snow on cards but not on roads.

I know this card uses a lot of glimmer paper but it is oh so very pretty in real life. The picture does not do it justice!!

Stamps: Light & Peace, Christmas Countdown

Cardstock: Night of Navy, Whisper White (Inside), Sparkle Glimmer

Ink: White Craft

Accessories: Layering Circles Dies, Snow Globe Scenes Dies, 

Versamark, White Embossing Powder, 

Heat Tool, Tear & Tape, Stampin' Dimensionals

I am on the go again today!!  They called from the city offices yesterday that they need to change out the water meter in the basement.  As soon as they get here to do that I am headed to Iowa City to run some errands and do some Christmas shopping before Technique/Stamp club tonight.  I do love being out and about at this time of year!!  The hustle and bustle is like music to me ears!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 11, 2019

Elfie

Today's card comes compliments of Susie again.  This is one of the cards that we made at her Christmas Extravaganza. This elf is so cute . . . and just perfect for a whimsical Christmas card!!

I love the coloring on this card . . . but then I love to color!!

Stamps: Elfie

Cardstock: Real Red, Call Me Clover, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Let It Snow

Ink: Memento Black, Call Me Clover

Stampin' Blends:  Call Me Clover Dark, Real Red Dark, 

Daffodil Delight Dark, Smoky Slate Light,

 Ivory

Accessories:  Winter Knit Embossing Folder, Classic Label Punch, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

There is nothing on my agenda today other than rest!!!  A couple of good nights of sleep have been great since there is nothing I have to do, I am planning on sitting and just reading the day away!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 10, 2019

Everything Amazing

Today's card comes from a demonstrator in Australia . . . Kylie.  She has some great posts on using your designer series paper and this card certainly does that!!!

I was talking with someone last night as they were making this card and we were thinking what a great graduation card this would make if done in school colors!!  An idea to keep in mind for spring!!

Stamps:Everything Amazing

Cardstock: Night of Navy, Whisper White, Copper Foil

Designer Series Paper: Brightly Gleaming (SOLD OUT but available next Holiday catalog in September)

Accessories: Versamark, White Embossing Powder, Heat Tool

It certainly is nice to see the sunshine today.  I do not think there is much on my agenda for today other than an appointment for my shoulder and meeting some friends for supper tonight.  Other than that my view might be exactly what I am seeing now . . . the bright sunshine coming in my bay window!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 9, 2019

Santa Gift Card

Sometimes there is no need for sentiments . . . a picture is worth a thousand words!!  Such is the case with this Santa gift card holder!!

Super simple to make, and it needs few supplies!!

Open it up and there is the perfect place for the gift card and a personal message!!

Cardstock: Real Red, Basic Black, Very Vanilla, Silver Foil

Designer Series Paper:  Toile Tidings

Accessories: Timeless Label Punch

What a great time in Waco . . . we arrived home a little before midnight last night with no travel glitches!!!  I was happy for my own little bed last night and am now ready to tackle the last few weeks before Christmas!!

I am so glad I got everything ready for Make-it-Monday before I left last week . . . all that remains to do is pack it in the car!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 8, 2019

Christmas Countdown

Thank you cards are kind of becoming a thing of the past but I certainly think they need to make a comeback!!  And with this  super simple one you could get your Christmas thank you notes whipped out in no time!!

This is another one of the cards that everyone is going to make on Monday night so you would already have a head start!!

Stamps: Christmas Countdown, A Big Thank You

Cardstock:  Whisper White Thick, Night of Navy, Whisper White

Ink: Mossy Meadow, Night of Navy, Gold Delicate (Sold Out)

Accessories: Noble Peacock Jewels

Our time in Waco is coming to an end today.  We have seen and done some wonderful things while we have been here!!  This is what greets you as you step into the store at Magnolia Market.  Very good advice indeed!!

I got lots of inspiration for Christmas decorating when I get home!!

I have this exact coffee mug rack and several red, green, and white mugs.

All I need is a little greenery and voila!!

I have had my picture taken more times in the last few days than I have had in a year!!  We all got our picture taken with Santa, but he insisted that Mom get a picture alone with him.

This is our traditional pose that we started several years ago on a Black Friday shopping night.  Everybody always offers to take our picture for us but we just politely tell them this is a tradition!!

I have no idea who this guy is, but the girls sure seemed to know.  He makes some kind of metal signs and they were quite thrilled to actually meet him.

There are a lot of photo ops scattered around the market and I think we took advantage of most of them.

Last night we attended a Christmas concert by Shane and Shane and Phil Wickham.  Julie and I had never heard of them but Hanna certainly had.  It was an amazing concert and I certainly enjoyed it.

Our last view of silos as we are leaving last night.

 

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 7, 2019

Beauty & Joy

Again, here is another stamp set the I did not think I needed but have used a LOT!!!  Whether for Christmas or autumn, it is perfect!!

This card uses only cardstock and ink . . . very simple . . . without the need for a lot of embellishment!!  It is also one of the cards everyone will be making Monday night at Make-It-Monday.

Stamps: Beauty & Joy, Very Versailles

Cardstock: Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso, 

Crumb Cake, Whisper White

Ink:  Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso, Old Olive

Julie and I picked Hanna up at the airport yesterday morning and had a great day.  The highlight of their day was getting their picture taken with Joanna's mom outside of the Silo's Bakery.  Big treat for them!!

This is one of my favorite pictures of the day . . . the girls do love Waco!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 6, 2019

Birds of a Feather

Sending love from Waco, Texas, with this Birds of a Feather card!!  Actually, this is one of the cards that everyone will be making Monday night at Make-It-Monday!!

The birds in this set are so stinking' cute . . . I have used this set way more than I thought I would when I bought it!!!  And this chicken pairs great with the All Wired Up background stamp!!!

 

Stamps: Birds of a Feather, All Wired Up!

Cardstock: Real red Basic Black, Whisper White

Ink: Memento Black

Stampin' Blends: Smoky Slate Combo Pack,  

Real Red Dark, Balmy Blue Dark

Accessories:  Stitched Shapes Dies, Stampin' Dimensionals

Julie and I had a great first day in Waco!!  Our AirBnB is really cute and very homey!!  She has it all decorated up for Christmas.

There are three bedrooms so we each have our own space!!  This is mine!!

I started my day with the most delicious cup of Texas Pecan coffee at Magnolia Table.

We spent the day shopping at magnolia Market and Manu other little shops. Let's just say it is a good thing I brought an empty suitcase with me so I can get everything home!!

This was the sight that greeted us as we walked in to our house last night!!

The only wrinkle in the whole day is that Hanna was supposed to get here last night but her flight got canceled.  She did make it as far as Dallas last night and has a flight into Waco that will land at 9:30 this morning.  So other than being a little short on sleep, she really will not miss that much. 

Everyday is a gift!!  Make the most of the gift you are given today!! 

Happy Stamping!!