March 18, 2020

So Sentimental

I think I mentioned the other day that I was part of a 65 card swap when we went to the stamping retreat a couple of weeks ago.  This is one of the cards that I got back in return.

I have a set of the Peaceful Poppy Elements, but to be honest I have not even looked at them.  I guess that is going to have to change.

Stamps: So Sentimental

Cardstock: Poppy Parade, Basic Black, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Peaceful Poppies

Ink: Memento Black

Accessories: Stitched So Sweetly Dies, Peaceful Poppies Elements, 

Whisper White 1/4" Crinkles Seam Ribbon, Mini Glue Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Well . . . while I did not make it into my stamp room yesterday to stamp I did get lots of "happy mail" ready to go. One of the things I decided to do during this time of "social distancing" or as I saw the other day "compassionate spacing" is to be deliberate about sending out more cards . . . especially to people that I know in care facilities that have even more less contact with the outside world than they normally do.

My goal today is to get all of my bookwork caught up that I have let go since the middle of February, because I was so busy.  (Be carefuel what you wish for!!)  Once I get all of that done I am going to start to work on an order of 40 cards that I need to get done.  I was wishing for time to work on them and now I have that!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 17, 2020

Easter Promise

Today was suppose to be easter card stamping day with one of my friends. This is the card she was going to make.

 

We decided with everything going on that instead of Make and Takes, today would be a Take and Make.  That way she still gets to make her Easter cards to send to her friends.

Stamps: Easter Promise

Cardstock: : So Saffron, Soft Sea Foam, Whisper White

Ink: Memento Black

Stampin' Blends:  So Saffron Combo Pack,

 Mango Melody Light, Soft Sea Foam Dark

Accessories:  Stitched Rectangle Dies, Eyelet Lace Embossing Folder, 

Whisper White 5/8" Polka Dot Tulle Ribbon, 

Basic Jewel Rhinestones, Mini Glue Dots

You know how you wish for things sometimes . . . like unlimited, uninterrupted time in your craft room . . . and then when you get it, you don't want to do that??  Yup . . . that is me right now . . . no desire to go play with the new things I have waiting for me.  Hopefully this will pass soon. I know once I get there I will keep on working but right now my recliner and a book sound mighty inviting.

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 16, 2020

Seriously The Best

Seriously  . . . this Seriously The Best stamp set is seriously awesome!!!  

This is the swap I took to the stamping retreat a couple of weeks ago.  Good thing I like the set as I made 70 of these cards!!

Stamps: Seriously The Best

Cardstock: Grapefruit Grove, Pretty Peacock, Old Olive, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Tropical Oasis

Ink: Pretty Peacock

Stampin' Blends:  Pretty Peacock Dark

Accessories:Stitched Shapes Dies, Layering Circles Dies, 

Coastal Weave 3D Embossing Folder, Pearl Basic Jewels, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Well, we made it to Hanna and Jake's yesterday but it may be our last outing for a while.  I am going to the grocery store as soon as I am done posting this and stocking up on essentials . . . but not toilet paper!!  

I made the decision this morning to cancel all in person stamping events until at least March 30.  We will see what happens after that.  In the meantime . . . Happy Crafting!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 15, 2020

A Big Thank You

I love when Hanna asks me if I can make her some cards.  This was yesterday's project . . . 30 of these with red, yellow and blue card bases.

Now . . . where did you get that flowering stamp you might ask.  It is actually something she has watercolored that has the motif they are using on all of their adoption things.  I just printed it off on my computer and stamped directly on that.  It actually matched our real Red, Pacific Point, and Crushed Curry cardstock perfectly.

Stamps: A Big Thank You

Cardstock:  Pacific Point, Whisper White: 

Ink: Memento Black

Accessories:  Follow Your Art Washi Tape

I wanted to get them all done yesterday because John and I are going to visit Jake and Hanna today and take them several things, these cards included. The weather is good and their schedules are so crazy and today worked for both of us so away we go!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 14, 2020

Painted Poppies

Triple Time stamping is another one of the techniques that we did at Technique/Stamp Club a while back.  It looks much more complicated than it really is!!!

I normally like to use the technique with a more solid image, but wanted to try it with an outline image.  I think I much prefer the solid image as it shows up better.

Stamps: Painted Poppies, Peaceful Moments

Cardstock: Poppy Parade, Whisper White

Ink: Memento Black, Poppy Parade, Pear Pizzazz

Accessories:  Poppy Parade 1/2" Textured Weave Ribbon, Mini Glue Dots 

John's appointment yesterday was as positive as mine had been in the days before.  It took a while, but again the outcome was worth it!!  We got a bite to eat before heading home.  I worked a little bit on making some cards for Hanna and finishing my book.  Today looks to be more of the same, although I don't like the white stuff I see falling from the sky.  I am also hoping to get my closet sorted and some bags of stuff taken to Hanna tomorrow for a garage sale they are having.  I think I have plenty to keep me inside and busy today, even though there is no basketball watch on TV.

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 13, 2020

Tags in Bloom

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this new Sale-a-Bration stamp set, Tags in Bloom.  I particularly love this stamp in the set!!  It is so easy to line up if you want flowers at the top and bottom or it looks great with just the top flowers.

This is ons of the cards I took as a shoe box swap when I went to my monthly swap group on Tuesday.  With a change out of sentiment it would work for about any occasion!!

Stamps: Tags in Bloom

Cardstock: Whisper White Thick, Lovely Lipstick, Whisper White

Ink: Memento Black

Stampin' Blends:  Lovely Lipstick Combo Back, Old Olive Light, Daffodil Delight Dark

Accessories:Brick & Mortar 3D Embossing Folder, 

Lovely Lipstick 1/8" Gros Grain Ribbon, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Blood work totally normal and your immune system is healthy . . . those words were music to my ears yesterday!!  Even though it ended up by being a long day, it was totally worth it!!!  Now let's hope John's appointment today goes as well as mine have Wednesday and yesterday.  I am hoping to get home in time to do a little stamping, but we shall see!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 12, 2020

Music From the Heart

Wednesday night was Paper Pals night which is my monthly shoebox swap group.  We are all relatively close in age, with one younger member.  I knew all of us would and could appreciate records!! 

As we were making this card we were reminiscing about going to the store with our allowance to buy 45's and playing them over and over and over!!

Stamps: Music from the Heart

Cardstock: Whisper White Thick, Highland Heather, 

Pumpkin Pie, Real red, Pear Pizzazz, Pool Party, Whisper White

Ink: Memento Black

Accessories: 1 1/2" Circle Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch 

2020 is the year of perfect vision and my eye appointment yesterday did not disappoint . . . believe it or not my eyes are getting better as I get older . . . weird, I know, but then I usually do not follow a typical pattern.

As soon as I am done posting this I am out the door for another day of appointments . . . hopefully I will be home by early afternoon and can do some stamping, but realistically I will probably watch basketball tournaments!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 11, 2020

Rise & Shine

If you like coffee, then this is the set for you!!!  If you are like me then a cup of coffee is the way you start every morning!!!  Then I feel like I could conquer the world.  And with several products on this card being FREE Sale-a-Bration products it makes it even better!!

The Pleased as Punch Designer Series paper adds just a pop of color to makes this such an energizing card!!  I will need that the rest of the week.

Stamps: Rise & Shine

Cardstock: Terra Cotta Tile, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Pleased As Punch

Ink: Crushed Curry, Granny Apple Green, Smoky Slate, Terra Cotta Tile

Accessories:  Stitched So Sweetly Dies, Cup Of Cheer Dies, 

Small Bloom Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

Today starts our three days filled with doctor's appointments.  I am not sure how they got so bunched up but at least they will all be out of the way.  I am leaving as soon as I get this posted for an eye appointment.  I have an appointment for my should later on this afternoon.  In between I am going to go get the gold star on my license because I know I am for sure going to want to fly somewhere after October 20th!!  I have been putting it off but decided today was the day!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 10, 2020

Tags In Bloom

The second release of the Sale-a-Bration catalog has some pretty neat items in it.  The Tags in Bloom set is one of those items.

Since the flowers are only at the top of this stamp I though perhaps lining them up and stamping at the bottom would be rather difficult, but it was really quite simple.  The middle shape makes it very easy to line up!!

 

Stamps: Tags in Bloom

Cardstock: Basic Black, Daffodil Delight, 

Granny Apple Green, Whisper bWhite 

Ink: Memento Black, Granny Apple Green, Daffodil Delight

Stampin' Blends:  Granny Apple Green Dark, Daffodil Delight Dark

Accessories:  Stitched So Sweetly Dies, Brick & Mortar 3D Embossing Folder, 

Label Me Lovely Punch, Granny Apple Green 1/2" Textured Ribbon, 

Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Stampin' Dimensinals

Man, is it good to see the sunshine after all of the rain yesterday!!    I am very grateful that at least it was not snow!!  Today brings the last day full of stamping this week.  I need to get my things ready to take to Paper Pals tonight, which is our monthly shoebox swap  get together night.  I know what I want to do . . . Just need to get it ready!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 9, 2020

Seriously The Best Project Kit

Stampin' Up! has this great kit in the January-June 2020 Mini Catalog called Seriously the best Project Kit.  It coordinates with the Seriously the Best stamp set that is sold separately.  Next Monday I am offering a class with this kit and stamp set.

The kit has almost all of the products needed to make this set of 16 cards.  Just add the Seriously The Best stamp set, Terracotta Tile and Pretty Peacock ink pads and the adhesives and you’re ready to go.  The cards are full-size A2 cards with coordinating preprinted envelopes!

The kit also includes this pretty storage/gifting box that all 16 cards and envelopes fit perfectly inside!

Here are close ups of the cards contained in the kit.

I made the cards exactly as they are in the kit.  But you could totally add other sentiments to make the cards more applicable to you.

Here are the details of the class I will be offering on Monday March 16th.  Let me know if you would like to particiapte.

March 16-Seriously The Best -Culver’s Iowa City 5:00

This product class has three options.

Option 1  Good $35

Seriously The Best Project Kit

This option includes the project kit.   This kit contains supplies to make 16 cards.  Use my inks and other supplies

Option 2 Better  $57

Seriously The Best Project Kit

Seriously The Best Stamp set

This option includes the project kit and stamp set Seriously the Best.   This kit contains supplies to make 16 cards.  This option earns you a Sale-a-Bration set, a square on the 50/50 board, and a pair of rose colored glasses.  

Option 3. Best  $118

Seriously The Best Project Kit

Seriously The Best Stamp set

2 Ink Pads

2 packs cardstock

Take Your Pick Tool

MiniGlue Dots

Dimensionals

This option includes the project kit and stamp set Seriously the Best, two packs of cardstock of your choice, two ink ads of your choice, a Take Your Pick Tool, Mini Glue Dots, and Stampin’ Dimensionals.   This kit contains supplies to make 16 cards.  This option earns you two $50 Sale-a-Bration items or a $100 Sale-a-Bration item, two squares on the 50/50 board, and two pairs of rose colored glasses.

RSVP by March 9th

We had a great time at the stampin' retreat this weekend and got home in good time yesterday.  After an awesome night's sleep, I am ready to start planning some more special classes based on what I saw and learned this weekend.  Stay tuned!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 8, 2020

Three Cheers For You Kit

There are some times when Stampin' Up! will have an a kit for sale that I don't really care for the finished product but I really love the stamp set that is included in the kit.  Such is the case for the Three Cheers For You kit.

This is another one of the pattens in the Flowering Foil designer Series paper pack and also another one of the cards everyone will be making Monday night.

Stamps: Three Cheers For You Kit

Cardstock: Rococo Rose, Basic Black, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Flowering Foils

Stampin' Blends:  Basic Black Dark, Rococo Rose Dark, Bermuda Bay Dark

Accessories:  Versamark, White Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, 

Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals

Eleven hours of stamping yesterday equals fourteen cards with varying techniques, one squash book scrapbook, a three box gift set, swapping of 65 cards, and two very tired stampers!!  We had a great time and made some cool things but we both slept very good last night.  We have one more session this morning before heading home.  We will be working with the Bonanza Buddies suite so I am anxious to see what all we will be making.

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 7, 2020

Tags In Bloom

This Flowering Foils Designer Series Paper is absolutely gorgeous!!  You will definitely want some of your very own!!!

This is one of the cards everyone will be making on Monday night. I hope everybody likes it as well as I do!!

Stamps:  Tags In Bloom

Cardstock: Flirty Flamingo, Granny Apple Green, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Flowering Foils

Ink: Flirty Flamingo

Stampin' Blends:  Flirty Flamingo Dark, Granny Apple Green Dark

Accessories:  Timeless Label Punch, Polka Dot Tulle Ribbon, 

Mini Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals

We made it to Rockford and our stamping retreat without any trouble at all. The weather is certainly better than the last time we headed this way.  We completed 2 of the 8 project envelopes tonight and if they are any indication of the rest of the weekend it is going to be awesome!!!  I can't wait to see what else is in store for us!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 6, 2020

Power of Hope

Yesterday was the first Thursday of the month so that meant it was Technique/Stamp Club night.  One of the techniques that we worked with was the Flagstone Background technique.

This technique is really easier than it looks and it gives you an absolutely awesome background for your focal piece.

Stamps: Power of Hope

Cardstock: Early Espresso, So Saffron, Smoky Slate, Very Vanilla (Inside)

Ink: Early Espresso, Pineapple Pineapple Punch, Grapefruit Grove,
 Rich Razzleberry, Cajun Craze, Blackberry Bliss, Soft Suede

Accessories:  Stone 3D Embossing Folder,
Stitched Nested Labels Dies, Gold 3/8" Metallic-Edge Ribbon,
Stampin' Dimensionals

My bags are packed, my supplies are gathered, and my swaps are done.  I just need to load everything in the car and I will be ready to take off for the weekend stamping retreat.  I am anxious to see what all we will be making and see the 65 swaps I will get in return for the ones I made.

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 5, 2020

Seriously The Best

I love the large font sentiments in this stamp set . . . Seriously The Best.  It comes as a stand alone stamp set, but coordinates with the Seriously The Best Project Kit.

I have paired it here with the Flowering Foils Designer Series Paper which is seriously awesome foil paper.  This is one of the cards that everyone will be making next Monday night.

Stamps: Seriously The Best

Cardstock: Bermuda Bay, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Flowering Foils

Ink: Bermuda Bay, Soft Sea Foam, Coastal Cabana, Memento Black

Accessories: Stampin' Sponges, Designer Elements

The Chieftans concert last night was absolutely awesome.   It is the 58th year concert tour and the lead player is 81 years old.  I can only hope I have his energy and stamina when I am that old.   We all love Irish folk music and dancing and we were not disappointed.

Today brings a day of getting ready for Technique/Stamp Club tonight and finishing up gathering supplies and things for the retreat this weekend.  

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 4, 2020

Tags in Bloom

Yesterday marked the day that the second release of Sale-a-Bration items was available.  This birthday card which I received from Susie uses two of those products . . . the Tags in Bloom stamp set and the Flowering Foils Designer Series Paper.

The picture does not do justice to the Flower Foils Designer Series Paper at all . . . it is just absolutely gorgeous in person!!

Stamps: Tags in Bloom

Cardstock:   Smoky Slate, Whisper White, Silver Foil

Designer Series Paper: Flowering Foils

Ink: Smoky Slate

Accessories:  Silver Metallic Edge Ribbon, 

Mini Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals, 

There was no blog post yesterday because I did not have access to my computer.  The battery had been saying it needed to be serviced so I took it to an authorized Apple Service Repair shop early yesterday morning . . . and like most things when I got it there all of the diagnostic tests showed that the battery was fine.  In passing I mentioned that the shift key on the left side worked inconsistently and immediately the guy said "Oh . . . now it all makes sense!"  Evidently there was a connection between the shift key and the battery and it was a defective part so I got both things replaced or fixed for free.  I was able to pick it up last night after they had told me that it would be a couple of days.  It doesn't get better than that . . . free and quick!!

I hope to get a little stamping done today and finish getting my things ready for the retreat I am going to this weekend.  Julie and Jason are picking us up late afternoon for supper and a concert.  John really likes the Irish folk group, The Chieftans, so Julie got tickets for his birthday.  

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

Happy Stamping!!