January 18, 2024

Painted Wishes Card Kit

I ordered the Painted Wishes Card Kit from Stampin' Up!'s Kits Collection before Christmas and had a few minutes last night to put it together. . .  and I LOVE it!!

The Painted Wishes Card Kit creates 9 cards with no stamping involved!  The sentiments and card bases are all pre-printed (with foil touches!!) and they’re so pretty!

Love that I’ve got 9 pretty cards ready to go in the mail in a matter of minutes AND with the price point of $14, it’s a great value too!

The kit also includes beautiful preprinted envelopes that coordinate with the card designs!  

And I love the little sequins and gold trim too!

Which of the cards is your favorite??

I am surely glad that it is a little warmer and that the roads are good today.  I had to be at the hospital at 8:30 this morning for labs and also for an education day about my transplant and to sign consent forms.  I think I have read the three-ring binder pretty carefully and this is just another hoop I have to jump through.

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 17, 2024

Heartfelt Hexagons

It is Luetta to the rescue again with this birthday card made with the Heartfelt Hexagons stamp set and punch.

It took me a couple of minutes to figure out how she made the sentiment piece, but she stamped one of the outlines in Azure Afternoon and then cut the dotted section off and adhered it to a hexagon punched from Lemon Lime Twist.

I think I am going to venture out this afternoon.  I have a prescription I need to pick up in Washington and I also want to get a few groceries.  A trip to the post office is also in order to mail out several packets of Cards in the mail that should have been mailed last week!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 16, 2024

Heartfelt Hexagon

Today's card is another one that my friend, Luetta, made and sent the picture to me.  It is another sympathy card made with the Heartfelt Hexagon stamp set.

She started with a card base, this time Night of Navy, and then added a Basic White layer that had been stamped with Night of Navy Ink and then embossed with the Distressed Tile 3D Embossing Folder.  The sentiment piece was stamped with Night of Navy and Crumb Cake Ink and then punched out with the Heartfelt Hexagon Punch.  She took a dark Night of Navy Stampin' Blend and colored both the top and bottom of the Silver & White ribbon.  Layer it and some Linen Thread under the sentiment piece and you are done.

Stamps: Heartfelt Hexagon

Cardstock: Night of Navy, Basic White

Ink: Night of Navy, Crumb Cake

Stampin' Blends:  Night of Navy Dark

Accessories:  Distressed Tile 3D Embossing Folder, Heartfelt Hexagon Punch, Linen Thread, 

Silver & White 1/2" Ribbon, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

I have decided that being homebound because of the weather is just good practice for being homebound after my stem cell transplant.  Considering this has only been four days, going on the fifth day, I am not sure how I will make it to one hundred days.  But just like everything else. . . one step at a time, one day at a time.    As Hanna's husband, Jake, continued to remind her when this all started back in September, we’re taking it all one step at a time, worrying about the thing right in front of us and not ahead of us.

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 15, 2024

Heartfelt Hexagon

My friend Luetta sent me a picture of a card she made with a designer series paper. Unfortunately, this paper was released just before I got sick, so I haven't had the chance to use it yet. Fortunately, it is still available as an online exclusive product.

It seems like she started with a Berry Burst card base and then added a Basic White layer that had been embossed with the Distressed Tile 3D Embossing Folder. The sentiment piece was stamped with Pretty Peacock ink and then punched out with the Heartfelt Hexagon Punch. She punched a second Heartfelt Hexagon from Pretty Peacock cardstock and cut it in half. Then, she layered the two halves on the top and bottom of the sentiment piece. Finally, she added some Linen Thread and Tinsel Gems Four Pack to complete the card.

Stamps: Heartfelt Hexagon

Cardstock: Berry Burst, Pretty Peacock, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Delightful Floral

Ink: Pretty Peacock

Accessories:  Distressed Tile 3D Embossing Folder, Heartfelt Hexagon Punch,  

Linen Thread, Tinsel Gems Four Pack, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

I had an eventful morning at my home. I woke up at around 3:00 am and realized that the furnace wasn't working, making it quite chilly inside with the temperature at 57 degrees. After listening for a while, I discovered that the exhaust pipe had snow blocking it. It is situated right outside our bedroom window. I put on warm clothes, grabbed my flashlight, and went outside at 3:30 am to try and clear the snow from the exhaust pipe. However, I fell partway up the front yard due to the deep snow. I managed to get up after a while and thought of trying again, but that seemed like a bad idea. So, I went back inside and waited until 6:30 am to call our furnace people. They arrived at 7:00 am and helped to clean out the exhaust pipe and got the furnace running again. It has been running ever since as it tries to catch up. I'm grateful for having dependable service people, and I want to give a huge shout-out to Kuenster Heating & Air LLC.

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 14, 2024

Color & Contour

 I found this card in my photos from a while back. With all the appointments this week, the weather, and resting, I haven't had much time to stamp new products.   

I used a Basic White Thick cardstock as a base and added a layer of Berry Burst. Then, I embossed a smaller layer of Basic White with the Cane Weave 3D Embossing Folder, and layered it on top of the Berry Burst. After that, I die-cut several pieces out of Berry Burst and the Brights 6" X 6" Designer Series paper using the Something Fancy Dies. Finally, I added a few Basic Rhinestone Jewels as embellishments. I believe this card would be perfect for Valentine's Day with a change of sentiment.

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Stamps: Color & Contour

Cardstock: Basic White Thick, Berry Burst, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Brights 6" X 6"

Ink: Berry Burst

Accessories: Something Fancy Dies, Cane Weave 3D Embossing Folder, 

Basic Rhinestone Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals

"It's great to see the sun shining, even though it's super cold outside. It makes it seem a little warmer. Not much has been happening lately, except for me resting in my recliner and watching sports on TV. However, the cold weather has not been kind to my hip, where I had a biopsy done. Therefore, I have been sitting with a heating pad and resting. It's probably a good thing that I was unable to attend my stamping retreat this weekend. The rest has been good for me."

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 13, 2024

Perennial Postage

If you are looking for an awesome sentiment set, then you need to check out the Perennial Postage stamp set.  The sentiments are geat and the fonts are even better.  This is the last of this week's Cards in the Mail.

Today's card is another funky fold card.  I started with a piece of Highland Heather cardstock for the base of my card  I then cut a piece of Perennial Lavender Designer Series Paper and adhered it to the front of the card. This paper is GORGEOUS in person!  I then cut another piece of Perennial Lavender Designer Series Paper and a piece of Basic White cardstock and adhered them to the inside of the card.  I stamped the sentiment in Gorgeous Grape ink onto Basic White cardstock using the stamp set, Perennial Postage. I cut the sentiment out using the Perennial Postage Dies and then cut the same shape but larger out of Highland Heather cardstock.  I adhered the two pieces together and on the back added Stampin’ Dimensionals to just the part that would be on the left-hand side flap and adhered it to the front. To complete my card, I added three Purple Fine Shimmer Gems below the sentiment.

Stamps: Perennial Postage

Cardstock: Highland Heather

Designer Series Paper: Perennial Lavender

Ink: Gorgeous Grape

Accessories:  Perennial Postage Dies, Purple Fine Shimmer Gems, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

My driveway has been plowed and my sidewalks have been shoveled. Right after posting this, I am planning to clean off my car. Even though I don't have any plans to go out, I still want it to be cleaned off just in case of an emergency. I prefer to do it before it gets colder and in the daylight. After that, I am going to relax in my recliner with either a book or stitching and a cozy blanket.

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 12, 2024

Heartfelt Hellos

I have another card from this week's Cards in the Mail collection to share with you today. What's more exciting than a card that's been made using three free products? The Flight & Airy Designer Series Paper, the Heartfelt Hexagon stamp set, and the Softly Sophisticated Embossing Folder are all Sale-a-Bration products.

 

The card depicted in the photo is a Z-fold card, which might not be immediately apparent. This card design is quite easy, and it would be a great option for mass-producing cards that can be customized with different sentiments based on the occasion for which they are needed.

Stamps: Heartfelt Hellos (Sale-a-Bration)

Cardstock: Misty Moonlight, Balmy Blue, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Flight & Airy (Sale-a-Bration)

Ink: Misty Moonlight

Accessories:  Softly Sophisticated Embossing Folder (Sale-a-Bration), 

Heartfelt Hexagon Punch, Rainbow Adhesive-Backed Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Once again the weather has played havoc with my schedule.  I was supposed to be on my way to Wisconsin to a Demo Day, however I have actually spent the day in my recliner.  I even had my swaps done early for a change!!

I got them all stamped up and ready and then put them together in the vehicle on the way to the Citrus Bowl a couple of weeks ago.  It just goes to show that you can craft anywhere!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 11, 2024

Thoughtful Expressions

Today I have another Cards in the Mail card to share with you.  This one uses the Thoughtful Expressions stamp set and the Sale-a-Bration item, Flight & Airy Designer Series Paper.

This paper is so gorgeous that it very definitely does all the work for you.  This would be a great card to mass reproduce and then customize for any occasion as you need them.  I found this card on one of my web browsing excursions.  I debated using the ribbon or some other embellishment and finally settled on the ribbon. 

Stamps: Thoughtful Expressions

Cardstock: Calypso Coral, Boho Blue, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Flight & Airy

Ink: Calypso Coral

Accessories: Modern Oval Punch, Boho Blue 3/8" Textured Ribbon, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Are you prepared for another snowstorm? At least, I will be staying in the comfort of my own home during this one. Today, my day started early with a 6:45 am shuttle bus ride to the hospital for labs. I met with my oncologist and then directly proceeded to have my bone marrow biopsy. After a three-hour nap, I checked for my results and found out that my bone marrow showed no signs of lymphoma. This was the last test before proceeding with the transplant. Currently, I am sitting in the lobby of the hospital waiting for Julie and Jason to pick me and my vehicle up for a ride back home. I am sure it will be an early night and a relaxing weekend watching the snow from my recliner.

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 10, 2024

Heartfelt Hellos

Today I am using the beautiful Perennial Lavender Designer Series Paper along with the FREE Sale-a-Bration stamp set, Heartfelt Hellos.  It does not get much better than FREE with a qualifying order.

All the designer series papers in this collection complement each other perfectly, so you can easily mix and match different patterns. This particular color combination happens to be one of my favorites, so you can expect to see a lot of it in the upcoming months.

Stamps: Heartfelt Hellos (Sale-a-Bration)

Cardstock: Highland Heather, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Perennial Lavender

Ink: Gorgeous Grape

Accessories:  Exposed Brick 3D Embossing Folder, Heartfelt Hexagon Punch, 

Tinsel Gems Four Pack,

Stampin' Dimensionals

Good afternoon. I'm currently in my hotel room again. Unfortunately, it took me a long time this morning to get my car out of the snow and with the weather forecast, I decided to stay in Iowa City. Tomorrow morning, I have appointments at the hospital at 7:30 am, and the forecast is predicting more snow tonight. While I could have made it home this afternoon, it would be difficult to get back to the hospital in the morning. So, I've been reading and taking it easy. After clearing 12 inches of wet, heavy snow off my vehicle, I don't have much energy left. I'm hoping to go home after my bone marrow biopsy tomorrow.

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 9, 2024

Textured Florals

I'm back and I hope to be able to keep up with things now!!  My main chemotherapy is done and so are the holidays so I shouldn't be as tired.  I am in a waiting period right now before the transplant at the end of January.

How could I not be back when we are starting one of my favorite times of the year in the Stampin' Up! world . . . Sale-a-Bration!!  Today's card uses one of the cool packages of Sale-a-Bration Designer Series Paper . . . Flight & Airy along with an Annual Idea Book and Catalog stamp set, textured Florals.

This card starts with a base of Misty Moonlight and a layer of Flirty Flamingo.  I used the All That Dies to die cut a small circle out of the designer series paper and then cut a second larger circle from a piece of Misty Moonlight cardstock.  I stamped the sentiment using only the top half of the stamp because all I wanted it to say was Happy Birthday.  Here is what the original stamped image looks like.

The Tinsel Gems Four Pack has just the right color for a little embellishment.

Stamps: Textured Floral

Cardstock: Misty Moonlight, Flirty Flamingo, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Flight & Airy (Sale-a-Bration)

Ink: Misty Moonlight

Accessories:  All That Dies, Tinsel Gems Four Pack, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Today would have been an excellent day to stay and home with a blanket, a cup of tea, and a good book!!  Unfortunately, this is my view this morning!!

I am waiting in a hotel in Iowa City for the shuttle bus to take me to UIHC for a PET scan and a brain MRI.  Since my appointments will not be done until after 6:00 this evening I will be staying here until Wednesday morning because I do not want to drive home after dark with the blowing and drifting snow that is predicted.

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 28, 2023

So Sincere

Today I am again using the So Sincere stamp set along with the All About Autumn Designer Series Paper to share this masculine birthday card with you.  This is one that my friend made for me when I could not go and she attended a Sister's retreat back in September.

The woodgrain pattern in this designer series paper is absolutely perfect for guy cards!!  I love the vertical orientation of the sentiment . . . we don't have very many stamps that are oriented that way!!  This particular sentiment stamp is one you will want to add to your stash for sure!!

Stamps: So Sincere

Cardstock: Early Espresso, Copper Clay, Very Vanilla Thick, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: All About Autumn

Ink : Early Espresso

Accessories: Banners Pick a Punch, Copper & Natural Ribbon Combo Packs,

Stampin' Dimensionals

Posting and Cards in the Mail might be a bit sporadic for the next little while.  The cumulative effects of the chemo seem to be creeping up on me and I have been sleeping a lot saving up my energy for the trip to the Big Ten Championship Football Game this weekend.  I actually had a hard time going to sleep last night so I must be getting caught up.  I have to go to Iowa City today to pick up some prescriptions so am hoping I can stay awake all day today, but we shall see.  I guess I need to get sleep when I can get it!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 26, 2023

Autumn Leaves

Today I am sharing another one of the cards that Susie gave me from her Holiday Extravaganza.  I truly do have a grateful heart to be able to celebrate another Thanksgiving!!

This is a super simple card where the paper does all of the work for you once again.  Add a little jute trim for an embellishment and you are done!!

Stamps: Autumn Leaves

Cardstock: Cajun Craze, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: All About Autumn

Ink: Cajun Craze

Accessories: 2023-2025 In-Color Jute Trim, Mini Glue Dots

Stampin' Dimensionals

The last two days have definitely been resting days.  The chemo I got on Friday always zaps me for a couple of days and I have learned just to go with it and if I feel like sleeping then that is what I do.  I did get home from the hospital a day early again this time and slept very well at home.  

Hanna, Jake, and the kids are coming today as well as Julie and Jason and we are going to celebrate Thanksgiving!  I may not move farther than my recliner!!  LOL

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 23, 2023

So Sincere

Today's card still features the So Sincere stamp set and the All About About Autumn Designer Series paper. It is one that was provided by my friend, Susie, that everyone made at her Holiday Extravaganza and that I put together during my last hospital stay.  

There are lots of leaves to die cut and some dry embossing with the Leaf Fall 3D Embossing Folder.  This embossing folder is not one that is an online exclusive and the only place you can see it is online.  It is not in print form anywhere and not in any of the current catalogs.

Stamps: So Sincere

Cardstock: Cos!!pper Clay, Early Espresso, Pumpkin Pie, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: All About Autumn, Oxidized Copper

Ink: Early Espresso

Accessories: Autumn Leaves Dies, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Greetings again from 3344 JCP UIHC.  I have already posted this picture on Facebook but I have to post it again because I just love this shirt and I am so thankful for these four little blessings.  They definitely remind me why I am doing what I am doing.  

I have already been for a walk, am watching the Macy's Day parade, and am looking forward to the traditional Thanksgiving dinner that is on the patient menu for the noon meal.  This afternoon will bring a little reading, another walk, Hawkeye basketball, and finally some stitching.  My methotrexate levels are falling quickly this time so I am anticipating definitely being by Saturday or Sunday . . . which was the original plan but then we got a little later start with chemo so I wasn't sure it would work out.  Sure am glad it is.

Yesterday I took part in the arts and crafts group they are trying to get started on this unit for patients that are here for extended periods of time.  Let's just say it is a good thing I am a card maker and not a painter of ceramics.

I will proudly display my pumpkin in years to come to remind me of my journey to health once again and the part this pumpkin played in that journey.

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 22, 2023

So Sincere

Once again I am sharing one of this week's Cards in the Mail.  This week's cards feature the So Sincere stamp set and the All About Autumn Designer Series Paper.  This is one of the cards that came from a stamping retreat in September that I was not able to attend but a friend stamped up all of my cards for me! 

This is a super simple thinking-of-you card that uses the retired 1 1/2" Circle Punch.  Super simple to mass reproduce to you have a stash at home to use when you need them!!

Stamps: So Sincere

Cardstock: Early Espresso, Copper Clay, Very Vanilla Thick, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: All About Autumn

Ink : Early Espresso

Accessories: 1 1/2" Circle Punch (retired), 1 3/4" Circle Punch, Copper & Natural Ribbon Combo Packs,

Stampin' Dimensionals

It's been a good morning already on 3JCP.  I have already talked to my brothers about the fact that I did get football tickets for the championship game in Indianapolis in two weeks, methotrexate infusion done for this group of infusions, breakfast ordered and a 20-minute walk taken, bed made and reading the newspaper and listening to Christmas music.   Once my post is done I plan to read a little and then move on to stitching!!  All while my Christmas music is playing!!

 

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

Happy Stamping!!

November 21, 2023

So Sincere

Once again I am sharing one of this week's Cards in the Mail.  This week's cards feature the So Sincere stamp set and the All About Autumn Designer Series Paper.  This is one of the cards that came from a stamping retreat in September that I was not able to attend but a friend stamped up all of my cards for me! 

I am surely glad I bought extra of this paper when it was available.  It was actually a fluke that I ended up with as much as I did.  There was one night when I was in the hospital in September that I must not have been able to sleep because I sure did a lot of online shopping . . . some I remember and some I do not.  Ordering numerous packages of this paper is one thing I do not remember. . . but I sure have put it to good use . . . especially since it is now sold out and has been for a while!!

Stamps: So Sincere

Cardstock: Early Espresso, Copper Clay, Very Vanilla Thick, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: All About Autumn

Ink : Early Espresso

Accessories: 2" Circle Punch, 1 3/4" Circle Punch, Copper & Natural Ribbon Combo Packs,

Mini Glue Dots,

Stampin' Dimensionals

Today is a doctor's appointment and admission day.  My bags are packed and I guess I am ready to go.  With all of the football and basketball games that are going to be on TV this time I am not taking much with me to do . . . just my stitching and my Nook.  I am sure I will keep busy though!!

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

Happy Stamping!!