July 16, 2021

In Symmetry

I have always loved the Night of Navy and Calypso Coral color combination and the Sweet Symmetry Designer Series Paper pulls it together with a touch of Bumblebee.  Perfect color combination, I think!!

This is one of the cards everyone stamping with me this week got to make.  I should have taken pictures and did not but I love how people took these supplies and laid them out differently.  Some people put the designer series paper down the side and some put it across the bottom.  They were all equally as cool.

Stamps: In Symmetry

Cardstock: Night of Navy, Calypso Coral, Bumblebee, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Sweet Symmetry (On Sale this MOnth)

Ink: Night of Navy, Calypso Coral, Just Jade

Accessories:  Layering Circles Dies, Opal Rounds, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

I am not sure how I actually manage it, but I think I have more stuff than ever at my garage sale this year.  I took a gamble on the weather and laid out all of the stamp sets and dies yesterday.  I have FIVE tables chuck full of stamp sets and dies.  I haven't even begun to take out the accessories, Paper Pumpkin kits, scrapbooking accessories, packs of paper, and single sheets of paper.  I only have two more tables in my house, so my friend, Luetta who is helping me as always, is bringing an extra one.  You will for sure want to get some great bargains . . . everything is priced to go!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

July 15, 2021

Sunny Sentiments

Please send all sunny thoughts this way as I really want to have my garage sale outside tomorrow and Saturday, but this rain is making me rethink my plans.

This is similar to one of the cards that Frenchie Stamps had on her site the other day.  This set is her Million Dollar Achiever stamp set so she had several cards featuring it.  I love the rays of sunshine and how they are variegated, but only use one color of ink.

Stamps: Sunny Sentiments, After the Storm

Cardstock: Basic White Thick, Basic White

Ink: Memento Black, Daffodil Delight, Mango Melody

Accessories:  Blending Brushes

This is the last stack of stuff from my stamping room for the garage sale.  The bottom tub was so heavy I could not even carry it . . . I had to drag it out of my stamping room, which was all the further I was going to go.  Now to decide . . . do I set up inside or outside today??  Decisions, decisions!! 

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

Happy Stamping!!

July 14, 2021

Celebrate With Flowers

A few years ago Stampin' Up had a stamp set that had vertical greetings.  I always loved that set and used it a lot.  So it stands to reason that I would like this set, Celebrate With Flowers, because it too has a vertical greeting.

The Stitched Greenery Die really does more embossing than actual die-cutting.  You are left with this awesome stitched look of the greenery and stems.  It makes a great background for those flower or leafy cards.

Stamps: Celebrate With Flowers

Cardstock: Just Jade, Basic White

Ink: Misty Moonlight, Bumblebee

Stampin' Blends".Just Jade Combo Pack

Accessories:  Stitched Greenery Die, Rhinestone basic Jewels, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

As you can see my garage sale pile is growing.  Yesterday I purged my dies and embossing folders, sorted through all of the designer series paper, and went through retired embellishments.  This was not what I had intended to do yesterday, but it was the first thing in sight.  Today I need to pull out all of the garage sale stuff I have already boxed up and stored underneath my stampin' table.  My pile will hopefully be much bigger tomorrow!!  Help me out by coming to this massive garage sale so I don't have to find a place to store all of this stuff again.

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

Happy Stamping!!

July 13, 2021

Sweet Strawberry

There is something about a black silhouette card that really catches my eye.  The Meadow Dies make it very easy to make a card like that.  Here are just two of the dies in the set and there are four others.  And I think if I remember correctly there is another set of dies similar to this that is in the Mini Catalog that starts August 1st.

I have paired it here with a small sentiment and used a smaller die from the Tasteful Labels Dies, but I think this would make a perfect sympathy card with a die that fits whatever size your sympathy stamp happens to be.  I know sympathy cards are one type of card that I always have to have on hand because I can never make one when I need it.

Stamps: Sweet Strawberry

Cardstock: Basic White Thick, Basic Black, Basic White

Designer Series Paper:  Subtle 6" X 6"

Ink: Memento Black, Bumblebee

Accessories:  Tasteful Labels Dies, Meadow Dies, 

Tasteful Textile 3D Embossing Folder, Blending Brushes, 

Elegant Faceted Gems, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

As soon as I am done posting this I am off to an early morning hair appointment and then to run a few errands.  This afternoon is the day I am going to unearth most of my garage sale stuff from underneath my stamping table.  I made the decision last night to go through my stock of retired dies and purge them a little further.  I always think I am going to use them on something but rarely do, so decided to make some more room for other stuff!!  Stay tuned tomorrow for another picture of the growing pile of sale items.

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

Happy Stamping!!

July 12, 2021

Biggest Wishes

Do you have a Stamaparatus?  Do you use it often?  I used mine a LOT when they first came out, but it has been a forgotten friend sitting on my shelf in recent months.  I decided that I am going to try to use it at least once for every Make-It-Monday because it is such a handy tool!!

This card, which everyone gets to make that is stamping with me this week, is the perfect card to use a Stamparatus.  The Hinge Step technique gives you the perfectly spaced, lined up words Happy down the left-hand side of the card.  

 

Stamps: Biggest Wishes, Flowers of Friendship

Cardstock: Whisper White Thick, Evening Evergreen, 

Pale Papaya, Basic White

Ink: Pale Papaya, Evening Evergreen

Stampin' Blends:  Soft Succulent Combo Pack

Accessories:  Pale Papaya 3/8" Open Weave Ribbon, Mini Glue Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

I for one have had enough rain, but I know it is in the forecast for most of this week.  I am just hoping and praying that it does not rain Friday and Saturday for my garage sale, but if it does, we will just move it indoors.

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

Happy Stamping!!

July 10, 2021

Biggest Wishes

I happened upon this card on a page I look at occasionally, Julie's Stamping Spot.  I loved the use of three different patterns of the designer series paper.

And you know I am of fan of the Biggest Wishes stamps, which made this a perfect card for a Cards in the Mail card. I think this would also be great with some children's designer series paper if you don't have kids' stamps.

Stamps: Biggest Wishes

Cardstock:  Calypso Coral, Night of Navy, Basic White

Designer Series Paper:  Sweet Symmetry

Ink: Night of Navy, Bumblebee

Accessories:  Banner's Pick a Punch, Bumblebee 1/4" Ribbon, 

Mini Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals

Since today looks to be such a rainy day I think that means it is time to clean off my kitchen table from all of my stamping projects and then work on the big batch of cards I am making to take to Adel at the end of the month.  I do believe we have had enough rain for a while!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

July 9, 2021

Blossoms In Bloom

Designer Series Paper . . . my new best friend!  Well not really new . . . but certainly a friend when it makes card making SO SO SO easy!!

Mossy Meadow is not usually a color I reach for very often . . . but it is certainly perfect for this card paired with the Beauty of the Earth Designer Series Paper.  A couple of punched or die-cut layers and you have a super simple card!!

s 

Stamps: Blossoms in Bloom

Cardstock: Mossy Meadow, Bumblebee, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Beauty of the Earth

Ink: Early Espresso

Accessories:  Everyday Label Punch, Double Oval Punch, 

Early Espresso 1/4" Faux Suede Ribbon, Pearl Basic Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals

I can hardly believe I am saying this, but as I sit on my patio writing this post, I am actually chilly.  Like chilly enough, I am ready to go inside and warm up!!  And it is the middle of July!!  I will need to remember this when I am complaining about the heat in a couple of weeks.

Today I am taking a friend for a medical test so have my stamping bag packed with something to work on while I am there.  I love having things ready to go like that so I can grab it whenever the situation calls for it!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

July 8, 2021

Sweet As a Peach

Do you know someone that is always "peachy"?  If so, then this is the card for you!!  Don't these peaches look good enough to eat??

I am totally loving making the Cards in the Mail with just designer series paper and a sentiment.  It is even better when the designer series paper is on sale!!  This paper is one of those that is on sale this month and this card is one of this week's Cards in the Mail cards.   Instead of wrapping the Baker's Twine around the cardstock several times and then tying a double bow, I chose to use five smaller pieces of Baker's Twine.  It was much easier for me to manage.

Stamps: Sweet As a Peach

Cardstock: Balmy Blue, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: You're a Peach (On sale this month)

Ink: Balmy Blue

Accessories:  All Dressed Up Dies, Mini Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals

After the heat of the last few days the cooler temperatures today will be very welcome.  I am sure we probably need the rain but I was not as pleased to see that there is a chance of rain every day for the next week.  Guess that just means I need to stay inside and get more things ready for my garage sale next week.

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

Happy Stamping!!

July 7, 2021

Biggest Wishes Cards in the 

I think Biggest Wishes might be one of my new favorite stamp sets in the Annual Catalog.  Between the size and the fonts used it is perfect.

As you can see in this Cards in the Mail card, the sentiments are big enough on their own that you don't need much else on the card.  A few little sequins or gems and you are good to go!!

Stamps: Biggest Wishes

Cardstock: Calypso Coral, Basic White, Vellum

Designer Series Paper: You're a Peach

Ink: Calypso Coral

Accessories:  Tasteful Label Dies, Scalloped Contour Dies, 

Artistry In Bloom Adhesive-Backed Sequins, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Hanna and Jake made it to Colombia last night with no travel difficulties whatsoever.  They texted last night to say they had arrived safely and Hanna texted this morning to tell me that the breakfast area of the hotel smells just like the kitchen at my parents' house.   I thought that was hilarious!!

My search for Spanish sentiment stamps did not go as well as I had planned.  There were none to be had anywhere.  So I came home and started looking on-line and still did not find some I was happy with.  I guess I will have to put my computer skills to work to make the sentiments for their cards!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

July 6, 2021

Flowers of Friendship

 

I finally have everything ready for this week's Cards in the Mail.  I have been a bit distracted and had trouble concentrating this weekend on getting it done.  More on that at the end of the post!!

There are so many things you can do with just designer series paper and a sentiment stamp.  That is a great thing especially since DSP is on sale this month.  This is a great layout for those small pieces of paper that you might have leftover.  Make them all the same or find color-coordinated ones and you are set to go.  Since we no longer have the Triple Banner Punch, I used the Tailored Tag Punch to flag the end of my banner.

Stamps: Flowers of Friendship

Cardstock: Pale Papaya, Cinnamon Cider, Garden Green, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Hand Penned

Ink: Garden Green

Accessories:  Pale Papaya & White 1/2" Woven Ribbon, 

2021-2023 In Color Jewels, Tailored Tag Punch, Mini Glue Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Today is going to be a busy on-the-go kind of day.  I have an appointment this morning and then I am meeting my friend, Luetta, and we are headed to Cedar Rapids to see if I can find some very special stamps.  Why do I need special stamps?  Well, today is a more than special day for our family and I do have a request of you.  

Would you join me in saying prayers for my daughter, Hanna, and her husband, Jake, as they begin their journey to Colombia to meet their family of children and bring them home to Adel.

So you see . . . I need some stamps with some Spanish sentiments for my new grandchildren.  Never knowing I would need any . . . I no longer have the ones Stampin' Up! had a few years ago.  Wish me luck, but more importantly, pray for safe travels and smooth transitions for Hanna and Jake and their growing family.

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

Happy Stamping!!

July 5, 2021

Beauty of the Earth

It is so fun to go back and try techniques that I used a long time ago when I first started stamping.  The other technique we worked with at Technique/Stamp Club is one of those . . .  Poppin' Pastels.

  

This is another pretty messy technique and you will end up with chalk dust all over . . . but the results are worth it.  I added gold embossed specks on the trees to add a little interest and to bring out the gold in the Fine Art ribbon.

Stamps: Beauty of the Earth

Cardstock: Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: In Good Taste (On sale this month)

Ink: Early Espresso

Accessories:  Versamark, Gold Embossing Powder, 

Heat Tool, Stampin' Pastels, Sponge Daubers, 3/8" Fine Art Ribbon, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

 I think summer is officially here and it is HOT!!  I need to finish pulling my weeds on my patio, but that may wait for the sun to go down this evening.  It just might be a good job for tonight while listening to the Cubs on the radio!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

July 4, 2021

Celebrate Sunflowers

Happy 4th of July!!  It looks to be a beautiful day for any festivities you may be attending.  Red, white, and blue are some of my favorite colors.

I made this card more than a year ago but thought it was perfectly appropriate for today!!  It does have some retired red and blue ribbon on it, by any red and blue ribbon would work, or for that matter strips of cardstock would work as well.

Stamps: Celebrate Sunflowers

Cardstock: Real Red, Night of Navy, Whisper White

Ink: Real Red Stamp n' Write Marker

Accessories: Stitched Star Dies, Bark 3D Embossing Folder, 

Label Me Fancy Punch,  Opal Rounds, Red Ribbon, Blue Ribbon

Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterday was a great day!!  Wellman had their 4th of July celebration a day early since the 4th falls on a Sunday.  The weather was perfect for the parade.  It has been a long time since I have been home for a parade and an even longer time since you could sit without roasting while watching the parade.  I spent the afternoon napping and the evening reading on the patio.  The day was rounded out by watching the fireworks from my own backyard.

Today as soon as I am done posting this John and I are headed out to go to Iowa City to meet Julie and Jason and go to the annual flea market that is held on the county fairgrounds.  I certainly don't need any fleas but it is always a good time!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

July 3, 2021

Biggest Wish

Thursday was Technique/Stamp Club and we continued our work with the new Stampin' Pastels.  One of the techniques we worked with was the Magic Revel technique.

Anytime you are working with the Stampin' Pastels it can get kind of messy and this technique is no exception.  You will have chalk dust everywhere!!  After I got this card all done and put together I decided that I might have liked the "hello" better if it were chalked in a yellowish color.  I am going to try that for the next technique group.

 

Stamps: Biggest Wish

Cardstock: Pacific Point, Real Red, Basic White

Ink: Pacific Point, Real Red, Crumb Cake, Granny Apple Green, 

Night of Navy, So Saffron, 

Accessories:  Stitched So Sweetly Dies, Versamark, 

Stampin' Pastels, Sponge Daubers, Basic Rhinestone Jewels,

Stampin' Dimensionals

It has been a long time since I have been home for a Wellman 4th of July Parade.  It goes right by our house.  For years we would have a lunch Open House after the parade for anyone that was in the yard that wanted to eat.  While I am not doing the lunch Open House, I am excited for the parade again this year!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

July 2, 2021

Daisy Garden

If you do not like to color then this is probably not the card for you!  I on the other hand love to color and find it quite relaxing so it was right up my alley!!

It was a time-consuming card at Make-It-Monday to be sure!!  But turned out oh so pretty . . . more so than is shown in the photo.  And it is a great time to use your Stamparatus since the Daisy Garden stamp is actually a background stamp.

Stamps: Daisy Garden, Art Gallery

Cardstock: Basic White Thick, Balmy Blue, Night of Navy, Basic White

Ink: Memento Black, Night of Navy

Stampin' Blends:  So Saffron Combo Pack, Granny Apple Green Combo Pack,

 Old Olive Combo Pack, Balmy Blue Combo Pack, 

Night of Navy Combo Pack

Accessories:  Pearl Basic Jewels. Stampin' Dimensionals

I am hoping today will be a little cooler than the last couple so that I can work in my flower bed a little bit.  There are a few more weeds (little tree sprouts) that I need to get removed before I can do much else. I also need to get some mulch so I have that ready to go when I need it.

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

Happy Stamping!!

July 1, 2021

Artistically Inked

How can it be July 1st already?  I am not sure where in the world the time is going!!  I am just now getting my flowers planted.  They surely are not as pretty as these flowers, however!!

I have used the dies with this suite quite a bit but this was my first attempt at using the flower stamps.  I wasn't sure that I really like them, but they came out okay.  This is one of the cards that everyone made at Make-It-Monday.  I think they liked it as well.

 

Stamps: Artistically Inked

Cardstock: Basic White Thick, Magenta Madness, Basic White

Ink: Magenta Madness, Pear Pizzazz

Accessories:  Artistic Dies, Tasteful Label Dies, 

Pretty Flowers Embossing Folder, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Today is eye clinic day for John.  I am hoping and praying that they continue to see improvement in his left eye.  The shots are not pleasant but if they work it is oh so worth it!!   I am also hoping that they get us in and out in a timely fashion.  I have stamp club this evening here at the house and need to finish getting ready for that!!

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

Happy Stamping!!