March 15, 2021

Vine Design

It might not look like it today, but spring is just around the corner!!  And soon we will be seeing all types of beautiful flowers in person, not just on cards like this one!!

The Gorgeous Grape Sheer Ribbon is the ribbon that is featured with this designer series paper, but the Seaside Spray ribbon looks great as well, and since I have a ton of it, I decided to go with the softer look for this card.  It surely does bring out the blues in the paper, giving the card a whole different look.

Stamps: Vine Design

Cardstock: Seaside Spray, Misty Moonlight, Basic White (Inside)

Designer Series Paper: Hydrangea Hill

Ink: Misty Moonlight

Accessories: Stitched Nested Labels Dies, 1/4" Seaside Spray Metallic Ribbon, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Is it really the middle of March and we are getting snow again???  The best thing I can say about the weather is that is it really wacky this year . . . but then the last year has been pretty wacky!!  I guess today will be another good day to stay inside and read or stamp!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 14, 2021

Art Gallery

Who wouldn't be thrilled to receive a beautiful bouquet of flowers for their birthday.  I know I was thrilled to open my mail last month and receive this beautiful card from one of my stampin' friends, Dawn.

It would definitely take a lot of cleaning the stamp in between flower colors but the result is oh so worth it!!  Just look at the beautiful color combinations . . . kind of makes you think spring might actually be coming soon.

Stamps:  Art Gallery, Happiest of Birthdays

Cardstock: Smoky Slate, White, Vellum

Ink: Memento Black, Garden Green, Real Red, 

Mango Melody, Flirty Flamingo, Petal Pink, Blushing Bride

Accessories:  Floral Gallery Dies, Painted Texture 3D Embossing Folder, 

Matte Black Dots, Mini Glue Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Rain, rain, rain . . . . I am so glad that it is not snow, snow, snow!!  Rain makes for a great day to stay in my stamp room, although I will not be watching my Hawks play basketball today.  What will you be doing on this rainy day??

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 12, 2021

Well Written Dies

I know I have said it before, but sometimes I get so focused on the Mini Catalogs that I forget about all of the awesome products in the Annual Idea Book and Catalog.

Such is the case with the Well Written Dies.  I really should pull them out more often because they have such great words!!  As you can see there is no stamping whatsoever on this card . . . only die cuts and an embossing folder.  But what more would you really need??

Cardstock: Coastal Cabana, Early Espresso, White

Accessories: Well Written Dies, Sunflowers Dies, 

Scripty 3D Embossing Folder, 

Adhesive sheets

Yesterday was a totally lost day!!  For some reason whenever I get my eyes dilated it wipes me out for the rest of the day.  I came home from my eye appointment and slept all afternoon!!  At least I was awake and able to watch the Hawks in the evening.  I hope they have another win today.  The good news is that the game is on a channel that I get on the TV in my stamping room so I can enjoy both things at the same time.

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 12, 2021

Butterfly Bouquet

Last week was Technique/Stamp Club and I totally forgot about posting the other technique that we worked with . . . I called it Pouncing Using Blender Brushes.

As you can see, it gives a much softer look to the ink than sponges or sponge daubers.  They are my new favorite tool.  You will want to put them on your wish list.  They are so popular that they are sold out right now but will be available on March 29th again.

One of the things I love about stamping is when someone takes the same supplies and makes a totally different-looking card.  Such was the case last Thursday night.  Here is Kippen's card and her pouncing.

And here is the original card some of the others made.  Same supplies . . . totally different look.

Stamps: Butterfly Bouquet, Art Gallery

Cardstock:  Pretty Peacock, Basic Black, White

Ink: Memento Black, Flirty Flamingo, Gorgeous Grape, 

So Saffron, Pumpkin Pie, Pool Party, Pacific Point

Accessories:  Floral Gallery Dies, Stamparatus, Blending Brushes, 

Holiday Rhinestone Jewels, 

Mini Stampin' Dimensionals

As soon as I am done posting this I am out the door to a morning eye appointment.  I am hoping that my eyes get back to normal fairly quickly so that I can spend the afternoon in my stamping room.  If not . . . it will be another basketball afternoon.  It may be that anyway!!  LOL

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 11, 2021

Butterfly Bouquet

If you are a lover of butterflies, then you are definitely going to want to get this sneak peek of a new catalog product . . . the Butterfly Bouquet Collection.

How did I get my butterflies stamped and colored so perfectly??  Again the answer is . . . I did not!!  I had several of these pink butterflies leftover from other projects where I die-cut the butterflies.

You can see that the die cuts six butterflies perfectly!!  So I decided to use them on this card with the spotlighting technique . . . spotlighting just that one butterfly.

Stamps: Butterfly Bouquet, Happy Thoughts

Cardstock: White Thick, Blushing Bride, Basic Black

Designer Series Paper: Butterfly Bijou

Ink: Memento Black

Accessories:  Brilliant Wings Dies, Stamparatus, 

Versamark, White Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, 

Snail Mail Twine Combo Pack, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

I am off today to have lunch with some of my teacher friends.  We probably won't visit all afternoon like we used to at the Pizza Ranch, but any opportunity to get together is great!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 10, 2021

Vine Design

Vine Design is a stamp set I was on the fence about purchasing, but went ahead and got it since it was one of the sets that we needed for the retreat last weekend.  And I am so glad that I did!!

Although these are fallish colors, this is one of the cards that everyone made Monday night at Make-It-Monday.  I could have chosen to die cut the little flowers but wanted this card to be a little bit simpler.  I think everyone liked it just as it is!!

Stamps: Vine Design

Cardstock: Calypso Coral, So Saffron, White

Ink: Pear Pizzazz, Calypso Coral, So Saffron

Accessories:  Stitched Rectangle Dies, Double Oval Punch, 

Basic Pearl Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals

I took a break from actual stamping yesterday and instead got caught up on all of my bookwork and planned some new classes.  I am thinking today will be a back in the stamp room kind of day.

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 9, 2021

Friends Are Like Seashells

It was like music to my ears last night at Make-It-Monday as people gathered to make their cards.  The chatter as people greeted each other . . . many who have not seen each other for about a year.  The camaraderie that only comes from people with shared interests.  I have so missed that and hope we are on are way to being somewhat back to normal. . . or a new normal at least!!  

This card was perfect for last night.  I have picked up so many stamping friends along the way . . . and again I loved to hear their chatter.  

The designer series paper in this suite is pretty awesome.  One side features some type of a seashell motif and the other side has muted patterns that resemble either sand, water, or air.  The seashells are actually self-adhesive, but I wanted to give them a little dimension, so popped them up with dimensionals.

Stamps: Friends Are Like Seashells

Cardstock: Seaside Spray, Calypso Coral, White

Designer Series Paper: Sand & Sea

Ink: Sahara Sand

Accessories:  Layering Circles Dies, Stitched Shapes Dies, 

Seashells 3D Embossing Folder, Opal Rounds, 

Seaside Shells, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Today is going to be a rather low-key day.  I am planning on doing some bookwork as well as planning some new product-based classes.  If it gets warm enough outside this afternoon, I may actually sit in the sun and read for a while!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 8, 2021

Dragonfly Garden

Again, for a set that did not initially interest me, I sure have used Dragonfly Garden a lot!!  And I can say the same thing about the designer series paper in this suite . . . it is actually pretty awesome!!

You might be wondering how I colored my dragonfly so perfectly.  The simple answer is . . . I didn't!!  I simply punched one of the dragonflies out of the designer series paper.  I have been using this sentiment a lot lately, in hopes that this year is better in many ways than the last year has been!!

Stamps: Dragonfly Garden

Cardstock: Misty Moonlight, Bumblebee, White

Designer Series Paper: Dandy Garden

Ink: Misty Moonlight

Accessories:  Dragonflies Punch, Rhinestone Basic Jewels

I got home from my stamping weekend about noon yesterday, watched the Hawkeyes play basketball, and promptly went to my stamp room to finish getting things ready for Make-It-Monday tonight.  Everything is now sitting by the back door waiting to be loaded into the car.  I think this might be one of the nicest Make-It-Mondays we have had since I started doing classes in Kalona!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 7, 2021

Art Gallery

A couple of weeks ago I received this birthday card from my friend, Luetta.  I loved everything about it so decided that I wanted it to be a Make-It-Monday card.

I will say that the adhesive sheets are well worth the money as they make adhering the words a piece of cake!!  When I cut the DSP for this project every card will turn out looking a little different because the design on the paper is so varied!!

Stamps: Art Gallery

Cardstock: White Thick, Night of Navy

Designer Series Paper: Fine Art Floral

Accessories: Floral Gallery Dies, Stitched Shapes Dies, Versamark, 

White Embossing  Powder, 

Heat Tool, Adhesive Sheets, 

Mini Stampin' Dimensionals

Retreat weekend is coming to a close with eight projects completed.  Now mind you that some of those projects have multiple cards in them.  I think I have made two cute boxes, a piece of framed art, and 37 cards.  That is not counting the stuff I brought to stamp in the down time which was 56 more cards.  I think it was a pretty productive weekend.

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 6, 2021

Sweet Ice Cream

Everybody needs birthday cards and who doesn't love ice cream!!!  Such a super simple card to make for just about anybody!!

 

This is the last of the Cards in the Mail for this week.  But the good news is that there is still time to get a packet for yourself if you would like them.  Designer series paper, a sentiment, and a little bling and you have the perfect card!! 

Stamps:  Sweet Ice Cream

Cardstock:  Bermuda Bay, Cinnamon Cider, White

Designer Series Paper:  Ice Cream Corner

Ink: Bermuda Bay

Accessories:  Stitched Rectangle DieHoliday Rhinestone Jewels, 

Stampin' Dimensionals, 

Two projects, which consisted of 18 cards, done and with a good night's sleep, I am ready for another day at the stampin' retreat!!  I can't wait to share these projects with all of you!!  

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 5, 2021

Butterfly Brilliance

Last night was the first Thursday of the month so that means it was Technique/Stamp Club night.  Lately I have been trying to do one fun fold and a technique.  Yesterday my friend, Susie, posted a card that used a Diagonal Gate Fold, so I decided to give that one a try.

I knew I wanted to use the Hydrangea Hill Designer Series Paper, however if I were to do it again I would choose a paper that does not have a definite top and bottom.  The folding and cutting was not hard at all, but since I am somewhat spatially challenged, it took me a while to figure out how to always have my flowers growing upwards.  Now that I have done it several times it should come easier.

This is such a cool opening to a card and as the ladies said last night . . . "I'm saving this card for someone special!"

Stamps: Butterfly Brilliance, Art Gallery

Cardstock: Night of Navy, White

Designer Series Paper: Hydrangea Hill

Ink: Memento Black, Pool Party, Night of Navy

Accessories:  Brilliant Wings Dies, Layering Circles Dies,  Stitched Shapes Dies, 

Blending Brushes,Holiday Rhinestone Jewels, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

As soon as I am done posting this I am going to gather up a ton of supplies and head to Iowa City to spend the weekend stamping.  My friend, Christy, and I were supposed to be heading to Illinois this weekend to a Sister's Stamping Retreat, but it ended up being a virtual retreat.  We decided to get together and watch the Zoom gatherings and stamp our projects.  Not as fun as being there in person . . . but who knows . . . we may decide we like this better.

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 4, 2021

Butterfly Gala

Another simple Cards in the Mail card for today!!  An embossing folder and some designer series paper and you are ready to go!!  How simple can that be!!

I love this Artistry Blooms Designer Series Paper that is in the Annual Idea Book and Catalog.  I get so focused sometimes on the Mini catalogs that I forget about all of the awesome products that are in the regular catalog. Take a look and tell me what your favorite item is in the 2020-2021 Idea Book and Catalog.

Stamps: Butterfly Gala

Cardstock: Granny Apple Green, White

Designer Series Paper: Artistry Blooms

Ink: Garden Green

Accessories:  Stitched So Sweetly Dies, 

Dainty Diamonds 3D Embossing Folder, Gilded Gems, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Technique/Stamp Club planning and preparing are on the agenda for today.  I may try to go for a walk outside if the weather warms up to what I think it will.

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 3, 2021

Vine Design

One of the best #Coronaquinces for me has been the Cards in The Mail packets every two weeks.  It pushes me to use the designer series paper that I can have a tendency to hoard!!  I have found that I love coming up with cards that only use a sentiment and paper.

This is another one of the cards that is in this week's packets.  The Seashells 3D Embossing Folder is really cool and gives a lot of dimensions and texture to the card.  This is probably one of the first layouts I ever used when I started stamping almost 20 years ago.  

Stamps:  Vine Design

Cardstock: Blushing Bride, White

Designer Series Paper: Sand & Sea

Ink: Memento Black

Accessories: Tasteful Labels Dies, Seashells 3D Embossing Folder, 

2" Circle Punch, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Another beautiful day in the neighborhood . . . I am loving the sunshine and the melting snow!!  My view out of my stamping room window is much more pleasant without the snow on the ground.  Hopefully I will start to see green grass soon!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 2, 2021

Wildly Happy

Who would have ever thought that an ice cream cone dip could become a bear when looked at upside down??  It certainly does open up possibilities to a whole new range of ideas. 

This "sweet" baby card is one of the cards in this week's Cards in the Mail.  I don't make very many baby cards, but it is always one people ask for when shopping at craft shows, so I will certainly be making up several of these, with not only Soft Sea Foam card bases, but also Balmy Blue, Petal Pink, and Highland Heather.  Choices are always good!!

Stamps: Wildly Happy

Cardstock: Soft Sea Foam, Balmy Blue, Daffodil Delight, 

Petal Pink, Highland Heather, White

Ink: Memento Black

Accessories:  Tasteful Textile 3D Embossing Folder, 

Double Oval Punch, Ice Cream Cone Builder Punch, 

Snail Mail Twine Combo Pack, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

My room is done, except for finishing up sorting paper scraps to put into the right colored envelope.  After a mid-morning appointment, I am hoping to spend the rest of the day in my craft room, working on cutting cardstock for this week's cards in the mail, but also for nect Monday's Make-It-Monday.

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

Happy Stamping!!

March 1, 2021

Lovely You

I can't believe I actually typed March 1.  Not sure where the month of February went.  For a month that typically drags on for me, it sure flew by this year!!

The Butterfly Bouquet Collection is a sneak peek from the 2021-2022 Annual Idea Book and Catalog.  It is absolutely awesome.  You might wonder how I got the butterflies stamped so perfectly on this card.  The answer is . . . I didn't . . . it is designer series paper and a die that cuts out 6 butterflies at once . . . varying sizes and colors.  These are some of the butterflies that were left when I cut out the one that went on the card I posted yesterday!!  It is really pretty slick!!  

This is one of the cards that you will receive if you get this week's Cards in the Mail.

Stamps: Lovely You

Cardstock: Bermuda Bay, Basic Black, White

Designer Series Paper: Butterfly Bijou (New)

Accessories:  Brilliant Wings Dies, Tasteful Labels Dies, 

Tasteful Textile 3D Embossing Folder, 

Versamark, White Embossing Folder, Heat Tool, 

3/8" Pool Party Sheer Ribbon, Basic Rhinestone Jewels, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Cleaning and rearranging is still going on in my stamping room today . . . I am actually hoping I will be done by mid-morning so that I can spend the afternoon actually stamping!!

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

Happy Stamping!!