February, 15, 2021

Heal Your Heart

Sending thank you notes is sort of a lost art, but I still think it is very important.  I love the font of this thank you in the Sale-a-Bration stamp set, Heal Your Heart.

I know not everybody likes monochromatic cards, but with all of the coordinating products that Stampin' Up has they are certainly easy to make.  Even the Opal Rounds pick up a hint of the Rococo Rose.

Stamps:   Heal Your Heart (SAB)

Cardstock: Rococo Rose, White

Designer Series Paper:  Paper Blooms (SAB), Love You Always Foil Sheets

Ink: Rococo Rose

Accessories:  Stitched Shapes Dies, Stitched So Sweetly Dies, 

Painted Texture 3D Embossing Folder, Blending Brushes, 

Opal Rounds, Rococo Rose 1/2" Scalloped Linen Ribbon, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Today's agenda is going to consist of reading, reading, reading!!  I need to finish my book before this evening when we have our virtual book club meeting.  Of course, it won't be hard to curl up with my blanket and coffee and read the day away!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

February 14, 2021

Handsomely Suited

I KNEW when I saw this suite in the January-June 2021 Mini Catalog that I had to get it.  I have many tie wearers in my family and knew it would be perfect for birthday cards and such.  After seeing other examples using this set, it will work for SO much more than tie wearers!!

It is really hard to see in the photo but once I got the ties die cut I then ran them though the Rosie using the Tasteful Texture 3D Embossing Folder.  It just gave them a little more texture and added to the dimension of the card.

Stamps: Handsomely Suited

Cardstock: Smoky Slate, Night of Navy, White

Designer Series Paper: Well Suited

Ink: Night of Navy

Accessories: Suit & Tie Dies, Stitched Rectangle Dies, 

Tasteful Texture 3D Embossing Folder, Well Suited Twine Combo Pack, 

Mini Glue Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Now of course, since I also come from a family of Hawkeye fans I just so happened to have a stash of non-Stampin' Up! black and gold designer series paper.  And you guessed it . . . I had to try this same card using Hawkeye colors!!

I think it turned out pretty cool.  What Hawkeye fan wouldn't want a birthday card like this!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

February 13, 2021

Pretty Perennials

While this is not necessarily a technique, but still something the club members wanted, we worked with a funky fold on Thursday night. . .  the M fold.

This card starts with an 11" X 4.25"  piece of cardstock and the size of the finished card is 4" X 4".  The sentiment piece adds the last leg of the "M".

As you can see the insides of the card are also stamped and decorated  so that when the card is closed all areas have some type of motif.  There is a white space on the backside of the of the folds for writing your message.

Stamps: Pretty Perennials

Cardstock: Night of Navy, Seaside Spray, Soft Sea Foam, White

Designer Series Paper: Paper Blooms (SAB)

Ink: Night of Navy, Seaside Spray, Soft Sea Foam, Old Olive

Accessories:  Small Bloom Punch, Basic Rhinestone Jewels, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Crafting, basketball, heaters, and blankets are the name of the game today.  It sure is a lot easier for me to stay home and socially distance when the weather is this cold and snowy.  I guess maybe I am used to staying home in this kind of weather . . . in fact I sort of enjoy watching it snow and knowing I don't have to go anywhere!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

February 12, 2021

Dragonfly Garden

Last night was Technique/Stamp Club and while this is not necessarily a technique, I did want to show them how to use the Gilded Foil.  It is WAY too messy to use at a regular class so I decided it would be great for club.

You might ask . . . isn't this about the same as gold embossing powder and the simple answer is "no."  The Gilded Foil is much brighter and more vibrant than gold embossing.  It is definitely worth the mess and trouble.

This particular card that we made last night is also kind of a funky fold.  It is called a Book Binding Fun Fold card.  Same basic size as a regular card, but just a little different opening.  Something to change it up from a regular card.

Stamps: Dragonfly Garden

Cardstock: Basic Black, Mossy Meadow, Gold Foil, White (Inside)

Designer Series Paper:   Dandy Garden

Accessories:  Versamark, heat and Stick Powder, Heat Tool, 

Gilded Foil, Dragonflies Punch, Mini Stampin' Dimensionals, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

I have my projects all laid out for a weekend of crafting since it is going to be too cold to do much else.  I think I am going to be perfectly content to stay inside and craft and read for the next few days.  What are you going to be doing during this cold snap?

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

Happy Stamping!!

February 11, 2021

Hey Birthday Chick

If you remember a couple of years ago, one of the Sale-a-Bration stamp sets was Hey Chick.  This year we have an addition to the chicks . . . Hey Birthday Chick.  

When I saw this card on one of my surfing expeditions, I knew it was one that I wanted to make for a Make-It-Monday.  It was a lot of die cutting and coloring but I do think it was worth it!!

Stamps: Hey Birthday Chick

Cardstock: Basic Black, Granny Apple Green, Crumb Cake,  White

Designer Series Paper:  Flower & Field

Ink: Memento Black

Stampin' Blends:  Daffodil Delight Combo Pack, So Saffron Combo Pack, 

Real Red Combo Pack

Accessories:  Birthday Chick Dies, Mini Glue Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

We are off early this morning for a doctor's appointment for John.  Hopefully we can get there and back before any snow flies, even if it will be exceptionally cold.  

Once we get home I need to finish getting things ready for Technique/Stamp Club tonight.  Stay tuned tomorrow and see what techniques we worked with.

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

Happy Stamping!!

February 10, 2021

Sweet Ice Cream

I love when you can use stamping products in a different way than they were designed.  When my friend, Susie, posted a bear happy birthday card, I was like . . . ."I didn't know we had a bear punch!"  Well, we don't!!  It is the ice cream dip part of the Ice Cream Cone Builder Punch.  Cool, huh??  This particular card idea came from another demonstrator's site . .  .Flowerbug's Inkspot.

I got a lot of the same reaction at Make-It-Monday.  Since many of the ladies had already purchased this bundle or it was at least on their wish list, I think they were glad to have another way to use it!!

Stamps:  Sweet Ice Cream

Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Bermuda Bay, Early Espresso, White

Designer Series Paper: Oh So Ombre (SAB)

Ink: Early Espresso, Bermuda Bay, Blushing Bride

Accessories:  Little Details Embossing Folder, Ice Cream Cone Builder Punch, 

Snail Mail Combo Pack, Mini Glue Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Today is definitely going to be a stay at home kind of day!!  These old bones are not liking this cold weather at all!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

February 9, 2021

Treasures of Life

The Treasures of Life stamp set, at first glance, looks like it is geared toward grandparents and grandchildren.  But it also makes the perfect baby card!!!

As you can see, depending on the hair color this could be a mother holding her newborn.  Many people I know are either expecting children, or grandchildren so I just had to make a card like this for Make-It-Monday.

If you turn this particular design of the Oh So Ombre Designer Series Paper Pack over, you can make a boy baby card as well.  The biggest decision of the night was whether to make a boy or girl card!!

Stamps: Treasures of Life

Cardstock: White Thick, White

Designer Series Paper: Oh So Ombre (SAB)

Ink: Memento Ink

Stampin' Blends:  Rococo Rose Combo Pack, Bermuda Bay Combo Pack, 

Bronze & Ivory Combo Pack, Soft Suede Combo Pack

Accessories: Stitched Rectangle Dies, Dainty Diamonds 3D Embossing Folder, 

Opal Rounds, Blushing Bride 3/8" Metallic Ribbon, 

Stampin' Dimrnsinals

After an early morning appointment, I am content to stay home and hibernate in my craft room.  The sunshine looks amazing, but it is oh so cold out there!!!  Stay warm!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

February 8, 2021

Lots of Heart

Can you believe Valentine's Day is less that a week away??  Where oh where is the time going??  I decided if I was going to use this set for Valentine's Day I better get going!!

There is nothing better than a red, white, and black Valentine's Day card.  I sure hope the ladies at Make-It-Monday think so too, because this is one of the cards they will be making.  I will say that the scalloped heart is WAY bigger than I had imagines when I saw it in the catalog.  It does cut out very nicely though and is a great layering piece.

Stamps: Lots of Heart

Cardstock: Real Red, Basic Black, White

Ink: Real Red

Accessories:  Many Hearts Dies, Classic Label Punch, 

Matte Black Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Everything is ready once again to load into the car and take to Kalona for Make-It-Monday.  I think although we are getting light snow it still should be okay for travel by evening.  

The heater in my stamping room is sure getting a workout and today will be no exception.  My pile of unfinished projects is getting smaller and smaller!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

February 7, 2021

Dragonfly Garden

It is hard to think about spring flowers as COLD as it is today, but they will come eventually.  Or . . . you could keep yourself warm by making cards with spring flowers!!

Once again the FREE SAB item . . . Flowers & Fields Designer Series Paper does all the heavy work in this card.  At first glance I did not think much of this paper, but the more and more I work with it the better I like it!!  If you don't like the flower pattern on one side the other is sure to have a random pattern that makes an excellent background for the card.  AND . . .  the Double Oval Punch that is in the spring mini catalog is great!!  I have always loved the look of an oval layered on a scalloped oval.

 

Stamps: Dragonfly Garden

Cardstock: Basic Black, Granny Apple Green, White

Designer Series Paper: Flower & Field

Ink: Granny Apple Green

Accessories:   Double Oval Punch, Any Black Ribbon, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Last night we were very privileged to be part of something special for Jake and Hanna.  They were gifted a grant to help out with their adoption and we were able to attend the surprise announcement via Zoom.  I rarely see Hanna speechless, but she certainly was last night . . . and for quite a while!!

This was such a huge blessing to them . . . all of their adoption fees have now been covered!!  Their only expenses left to cover are those related to travel to bring their kiddos home!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

February 6, 2021

Lots of Heart

A few days ago I posted a card with this layout.  You can see that card here.  I wanted to try it in more traditional Valentine's Day colors.  I don't think you can go wrong with a red, white, and black Valentine's Day card.

I used the blending brushes once again to give my background a little hint of color.  Like I said before . . . if you don't have these, you NEED them!!  I also used the Heart Punch Pack punches to punch out the hearts, because I wanted them a little smaller than what the coordinating dies would cut.  The plain heart punch did not fit perfectly, but well enough that it worked for me, especially since you cover up the bottom of the red heart.

Stamps:  Lots Of Heart, Meant To Be

Cardstock: Real Red, Basic Black, White 

Ink: Real Red

Accessories:  Painted Texture 3D Embossing Folder, Heart Punch Pack, 

Blending Brushes, Matte Black Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Another day . . . more snow and cold temperatures . . . equals another day spent by my heater in my stamping room.  I do need to get ready for Make-It-Monday.  I am hoping the weather does not cause me to postpone another stamp night but we shall see.

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

Happy Stamping!!

February 5, 2021

Circle Celebration

A few years back Stampin' Up! had a stamp set called Circle Circus.  I loved that stamp set and was sorry to see it retire.  Circle Celebration reminds me a lot of that stamp set!!

The Oh So Ombre Designer Series Paper pairs so well with this set, coordinating with all of the circles!!  If you happen to have any retired circle punches, you might want to dig them out as they work well with this set too.

Stamps: Circle Celebration

Cardstock: Night of Navy, Rococo Rose, White

Designer Series Paper: Oh So Ombre

Ink: Night of Navy

Accessories: Layering Circles Dies, 2" Circle Punch, 

Rhinestone Basic Jewels, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Holy Moly . . . not sure where we will go with more snow.  Our piles from having our driveway bladed our getting bigger and bigger.  I guess he will find a place to put it if need be.  

Today will be another stay at home and sit by the heater kind of day.  Not sure what I will work on as there are no shortage of projects that need to be completed.

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

Happy Stamping!!

February 4, 2021

Today's Tiles

Blueberries always remind me of Maine.  When we visited there several years ago, I was amazed at all of the blueberry fields and the wonderful smell.  When I see this paper from the Berry Delightful Designer Series Paper package I can almost smell those blueberries.

I have had the Rectangular Postage Stamp Punch for a while, but had never used it.  This layout was so easy to make with the punch as opposed to die cutting.  I can see more of this in the future.  Even though this reversible ribbon is Pretty Peacock and Old Olive and the blue is Pacific Point, it sure works on this card with the many shades of blue in the paper.

Stamps: Today's Tiles

Cardstock: White Thick, Pacific Point, White

Designer Series Paper: Berry Delightful (SAB)

Ink: Pacific Point

Accessories:  Stitched So Sweetly Dies, Rectangular Postage Stamp Punch, 

3/8" Reversible Ribbon, Mini Glue Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Yuck . . . more winter weather.  I just was chatting with Hanna and commented that at least it is easier for me to socially distance with the winter weather than it is when it is nice outside.  I am perfectly content to stay at home and stamp, read, and watch the Hawks.

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

Happy Stamping!!

February 3, 2021

Pretty Perennials

Do you like sentiments and funky fonts?  I sure do!!  I knew when I first saw this stamp set in the January-June 2021 Mini Catalog, that I would use it a lot!!  I love the font used in the "happy".

Again, this card could be used for so many occasions, just by changing out the word you put with the "happy".  And it is a great use for those strips of designer series paper you might have laying around.  I know I have a ton of them that I just throw in a container and then can pull out when I need them.  It is kind of hard to see in the photo but the vellum die cut leaves add just that extra little touch.

Stamps: Pretty Perennials

Cardstock: Granny Apple Green, White, Vellum

Designer Series Paper: Oh So Ombre

Ink: Memento Black, Granny Apple Green

Accessories:  Stitched So Sweetly Dies, Perennial Petals Dies, 

Gold Glitter Enamel Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Well, the groundhog certainly did not see his shadow in Iowa yesterday, or at least where I live.  I am ready for an early spring, but the forecast certainly doesn't sound like it is coming anytime soon.  Stamping and space heater it will be!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

February 2, 2021

Hydrangea Haven

Flowers, Flowers, Flowers . . . instead of snow, snow, snow.  I will take flowers over snow any day!!  And FREE flower paper with a qualifying order is even better!!  Flowers & Fields is one of those designer series paper packs.

My Stampin' Emboss machine got a workout on this card, but I love the combination.  Think of the possibilities, depending on which designer series paper you use.  My mind is spinning!!

Stamps:  Hydrangea Haven

 Cardstock: Flirty Flamingo, White

Designer Series Paper:  Flower & Field

Ink: Flirty Flamingo

Accessories: Layering Circles Dies, Stitched So Sweetly Dies, 

Tasteful Textile 3D Embossing Folder, Banner Triple Punch, 

Rhinestone Basic Jewels, 

Stampin' Dimensionals, 

My day has been kind of a mixed up kind of day.  I got distracted this morning and forgot to do my post before heading out to a couple of appointments and some errand running.  My errands took way longer than I thought they would so am just now getting around to posting, even though it is late afternoon.  I think I will put my feet up and just and reflect on how blessed I am!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

February 1, 2021

Punch Party

Wow . . . where did January go??  I can't believe how fast it flew by . . . even with the snow and bad weather we have had!!  So what better way to start February than with no snow and a Valentine's card.

I used the Blending Brushes again today on the Painted Texture 3D Embossing Folder to give some color to the background. I love how easy these brushes make this.  This is one of the cards that is in this week's Cards in the Mail.

Stamps: Punch Party (SAB)

Cardstock: Sahara Sand, White

Designer Series Paper: Love You Always Foil, Love You Always Specialty

Ink: Rococo Rose

Accessories:  Painted Texture 3D Embossing Folder, Heart Punch Pack, 

Blending Brushes, Champagne Rhinestones, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Everything is ready and sitting by the door ready to be loaded into the car for the rescheduled IN PERSON stamp night tonight.  Can't wait to see everyone.

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

Happy Stamping!!