February 13, 2024

Country Floral

Look what showed up in my mailbox yesterday!!  A beautiful pastel Valentine's Day card made by my friend, Sandi.

I love the three different styles of hearts that are in this set and the fact that there is a punch for them.  It sure does make card-making a lot easier . . . especially when you are doing it from your recliner.

Stamps: Country Floral

Cardstock: Boho Blue, Highland Heather, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Flight & Airy

Ink: Highland Heather

Accessories:  Stylish Shapes Dies, Country Bouquet Punch, Iridescent Pearls, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

As soon as I am done posting this I am out the door for another lung function test and a COVID test in preparation for my admission tomorrow.  When I am done with the appointments I am going to stop and get a few groceries so John has something to eat while I am gone.  Hopefully I packed everything yesterday afternoon, but I am sure I will go over my list several times today just to make sure I have eveything!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

February 12, 2024

Perennial Postage

Today's card is another one that was made at Demo Days back in January.  The Stampin' Sisters always have such neat cards!!

The pastel colors in the Lighter Than Air Designer Series Paper pack certainly do give that illusion . . . soft and light.  I don't usually use this color family much, but when I get back to actual stamping that may change!!  Although the photo makes this card look rather orange . . . I can assure you it is Flirty Flamingo!!

Stamps: Perennial Postage

Cardstock: Flirty Flamingo, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Lighter Than Air

Ink: Pool Party

Accessories:  Excellent Egg Dies, Scallop Contour Dies, 

Rainbow Adhesive-Backed Dots, Pool Party Crinkle Ribbon (Sale-a-Bration), 

Mini Glue Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Trying to think of everything that needs to be done so I can be in the hospital is exhausting!!  Taxes are done and over to the tax office, mail has been arranged for, and tomorrow brings appointments and grocery shopping for John while I am gone, and that's just the things that come to mind readily.  Today I need to pack . . . anticipating being gone for at least four weeks!!  My goal is to be home sooner . . . but I need to be prepared!!  I am taking my suitcase I bought in Hawaii since it is huge . . . but also as an incentive for all of the trips I will be taking when I am healthy again!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

February 11, 2024

Perennial Postage

Today's card could be a unique Valentine's Day card for your handyman, whoever that might be!!  It is one I received in a card swap from the first part of January.

There is actually no stamping of any of the tools.  They are all cut from the designer series paper, Trusty Toolbox, which is one of the FREE items you can get with a qualifying Sale-a-Bration purchase.  The sentiment is from the Perennial Postage stamp set and has nothing to do with tools, but this sentiment from the set is perfect for the images.

Stamps:  Perennial Postage

Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Basic Black, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Trusty Toolbox

Ink: Memento Black

Accessories: Trusty Tools Dies, Deckled Rectangle Dies, 

Rustic Metallic Adhesive-Backed Dots,

Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterday's stamping activity didn't go as planned. While I was able to complete some of the tasks, Joan was able to get more done. However, due to fatigue and pain, I decided not to push myself and stopped working. After Joan left, I rested in my recliner with a heating pad for a while. But then, I decided to be more productive and managed to get all of my Stampin' Up! bookwork done, which I had been delaying since last summer. Additionally, I prepared everything for our taxes to be taken to the accountant on Monday. As I don't know how long I will be in the hospital or how long it will take for me to feel better, I thought it was a sensible decision to complete these tasks. At least, I can cross one more thing off my list. Today, I plan to watch some basketball and football games.

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

Happy Stamping!!

February 10, 2024

Heartfelt Hexagons

Today I have a card to share with you that was made at Demo Days back in January.  This was at a stamping day sponsored by the Stampin' Sisters.  The weather, not my health made this event impossible to go to!!

All of the designs in the Perennial Lavender Designer Series Paper are awesome and make mixing and matching of papers super easy!!!  Add your embellishments and you have a super easy card!!

Stamps: Heartfelt Hexagon

Cardstock: Gorgeous Grape, Highland Heather, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Perennial Lavender

Ink: Gorgeous Grape

Accessories:  Rainbow Adhesive Backed Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals

Today promises to be a fun day.  My friend, Joan, is coming down to spend the day stamping.  We are going to make up all of the projects that were made on the cruise we should have been on in January and dream about the cruise we are going on the end of September and the first part of October if all goes well.

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

Happy Stamping!!

February 8, 2024

Bee My Valentine

Today's card is another one I received in the card swap last week at the demo meeting.  I believe this card was made by a demo named Diann Droste.  Such a fun Valentine's Day card!!  

This card uses the Give It a Whirl Dies which I have never used so I am not quite sure how they work.   These dies include all the images you need to create the card, rotating wheel, and images to go on the wheel. 

I do know that as you turn the dial on the right-hand side of the card a different message pops up in the center!!

People of all ages love interactive cards like the ones you create with the Give It a Whirl Dies.  Such a fun and unique idea!!

Stamps: Bee My Valentine

Cardstock: Real Red, Basic white

Designer Series Paper: Bee Mine

Ink: Memento Black, Daffodil Delight, Real Red

Accessories:  Give It a Whirl Dies, Bee Builder Punch, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

What a gorgeous day!!!  A great day to be out and about!!  I did have to run to Washington to pick up a prescription for John.  I was a good girl though, and only went to one place and wore my mask!!  This afternoon will be spent working on some treats to take to the hospital with me next week!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

February 7, 2024

Hot Air Balloon

Today's card is one that I made at the demo meeting the last Saturday in January as a shoe box swap.  I think it was provided by my friend, Jenni, but I could be wrong.

I originally thought that perhaps the balloon would be a little hard to line up but the photopolymer stamp makes that pretty easy.  This card is actually a funky fold card. . . a z-fold card . . . so the Happy Birthday sticks off of the edge a little bit.

Stamps: Hot Air Balloon

Cardstock: Balmy Blue, Azure Afternoon, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Lighter Than Air

Ink: Balmy Daffodil Delight, Crumb Cake, Azure Afternoon, Pool Party

Accessories:  Hot Air Balloon Dies, Wanted To Say Dies, 

Baker's Twine Three Color Pack, Mini Glue Dots, Mini Stampin' Dimensionals, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Another day . . . more of the same!!  One thing about staying home . . . I am getting a lot done.  I even have the book club book finished and book club isn't until Monday night.  For a variety of reasons it has been since August since I have actually read and finished a book club book so I feel pretty good about that!!  Today will bring more finished projects and hopefully some more reading.

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

Happy Stamping!!

February 6, 2024

Inked & Tiled

Today's Valentine's card is another one I received last week in the swap at the demo meeting.  This card was made by Betty Steifel.

If you haven't already, I highly recommend checking out the Adoring Hearts Hybrid Embossing Folder! It is capable of die-cutting and embossing all sorts of lovely little hearts that would be perfect for Valentine's Day. 

I particularly like how Betty blended around the edges of the white cardstock to create a softer focal piece.

This particular card is a funky fold card and opens like this:

Stamps: Inked & Tiled

Cardstock: Real Red, Basic White, Gold Foil

Designer Series Paper: Most Adored

Ink: Real Red

Accessories: Adoring Hearts Hybrid Embossing Folder, 

Thoughtful Expressions Dies, 2" Circle PunchLarge Blending Brush, 

Iridescent Pearls, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

I received the all-clear from my doctor yesterday to resume my normal activities, which includes driving. However, I'm going to stay at home mostly and avoid going out, so that I don't catch any illness that could cause a further delay in my transplant. The post office might be the farthest place I'll go. On Friday, I have to take John to his appointment, but I plan on waiting in the car while he goes into the clinic.

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

Happy Stamping!!

February 5, 2024

Be Mine Valentine

Today I am sharing a card I received in a swap made by a demonstrator friend, Leslie Crozier.  I love the layout of this card.

The bee has been stamped on Daffodil Delight cardstock and then punched out with the Bee Builder Punch.  The same is true for the wings of the bee, Petal Pink ink on Petal Pink cardstock and then punched out and adhered to the bee.

Stamps: Be Mine Valentine

Cardstock: Real Red, Basic Black, Daffodil Delight, Petal Pink, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Most Adored

Ink: Memento Black, Petal Pink

Accessories:  Bee Builder Punch, Banners Pick a Punch, Decorative Circle Punch, 

Adhesive Backed Hearts & Flowers, 3/8" Red & Green Ribbon Combo Pack, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Another day, another doctor's appointment.  Even though I just got out of the hospital on Friday afternoon, I have an appointment this afternoon to make sure things are still headed in the right direction.  I am hoping that this is the only one this week for me, but certainly will understand if they want to see me later in the week.  

All 44 of my swaps are done . . . all that remains is to put them in cellophane bags and get them off in the mail.  I hope to get that done when I get home.

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

Happy Stamping!!

February 4, 2024

Country Floral

Today's card is a Valentine's Day card that I took as a swap to the demo meeting I was able to attend last Saturday.  It uses the Adoring Hearts Hybrid Embossing Folder.

I started by using a piece of Real Red cardstock as the base of my card. Then, I added a layer of Basic White cardstock that I embossed using the Adoring Hearts Hybrid Embossing Folder. I wrapped and tied a piece of Real Red ribbon around the card base and secured it in place. I colored some of the Iridescent Pearls with a Read Red Dark Stampin' Blend and added them to the front of the card. Finally, I stamped the sentiment on a small strip of Basic White cardstock and adhered it to the front using Stampin' Dimensionals.

Stamps: County Floral

Cardstock: Real Red, Basic White

Ink: Real Red

Stampin' Blends:  Real Red Dark

Accessories:  Adoring Hearts Hybrid Embossing Folder, 

Real Red & Garden Green 3/8" Ribbon, Iridescent Pearls,

Stampin' Dimensionals

I was able to rest and regroup yesterday, which was great. I am feeling well enough to get around without my walker and have been working on some swaps to send out before my readmission. Additionally, I am making some Valentine's Day treats for the staff since my readmission day is on February 14th.

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

Happy Stamping!!

February 3, 2024

Heartfelt Hellos

I thought I could resume posting here on a daily basis, but life had other plans. As I was reminded multiple times this week, dealing with cancer is an ever-changing journey. Unfortunately, my plans took an unexpected turn and I ended up spending a week in the hospital due to blood clots and fevers. I wish my path to recovery was more predictable, but I'm taking it one day at a time.

We'll try again . . . 

Who says Valentine's cards have to be red, pink, and white.  This cool Valentine's Card uses Boho Blue and white and I love it.  This card is one that I was supposed to make in January at a Stampin' Sister's Demo Day.  Because of the weather, my friend and I were unable to attend but we did receive all of the cards that were made and this is one of them.

If you haven't looked at the Poetic Expressions Designer Series paper in the January-April 2024 Mini Catalog, you really should.  It is full of awesome soft subtle patterns like this one that make the perfect layering pieces on your cards.  Go check it out here!!

Stamps: Heartfelt Hellos

Cardstock: Boho Blue, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Poetic Expressions

Ink: Night of Navy

Accessories:  Thoughtful Expressions Dies, Hooray For Surprises Dies, 

Rainbow Adhesive Backed Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

There is nothing quite like sleeping in your own bed after several nights in the hospital.  I know I made numerous trips back and forth to the bathroom whether I needed to or not just because I could do so independently.  Each time I would get up to walk it was less and less painful so I am hoping to soon ditch my walker again.  I was given strict instructions when I left the hospital yesterday to rest, take it easy, and not be out in public unless absolutely necessary so as not to delay my transplant again.  I think I will listen to them.  I do have several stamping projects that I would like to get done before readmission, so maybe I can work on some of those!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 27, 2024

Notes of Nature

Today’s card features Stampin’ Up! Poetic Expressions Designer Series Paper, Notes of Nature stamp set, the Softly Sophisticated Bundle which includes the Softly Sophisticated stamp set and Softly Sophisticated Embossing Folder. The Softly Sophisticated Bundle is a FREE Saleabration gift with a $100 purchase!  I am taking this card for a shoebox swap I am participating in today!!

I started with a piece of Moody Mauve for the base of my card. Then, I added a layer of Bubble Bath cardstock and Moody Mauve cardstock that I embossed using the Softly Sophisticated Embossing Folder.

I layered a piece of Bubble Bath cardstock with a piece of Softly Sophisticated DSP, added Stampin’ Dimensionals to the back and adhered it to the front of the card. I stamped the sentiment onto a piece of Basic White cardstock using Moody Mauve ink and the Notes of Nature stamp set. I then cut it out using the Stylish Shapes Dies, added Stampin’ Dimensionals to the back and adhered it on the DSP. To complete the card, I added two 2023-2025 In Color Dots in Moody Mauve to each end of the sentiment and added a piece of Basic White cardstock to the inside. 

Stamps: Notes of Nature

Cardstock: Moody Mauve, Bubble Bath, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Poetic Expressions

Ink: Moody Mauve

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

2023-2025 In Color Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

After an extremely busy week with a fantastic outcome, I'm excited to spend the day stamping with my friends today. I haven't been able to do this since August, and I won't be able to for quite some time, so you can imagine how thrilled I am. I'm also happy that the weather decided to cooperate this weekend!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 24, 2024

Cheerful Daisies

Today's card, made with the Cheerful Daisies stamp set, is another one of the cards that my friend, Luetta, sent me a picture of.

I am not entirely certain of all the products Luetta used on this card, but I know for sure that she used the Deckled Circles Dies. This is an excellent way to use the largest die in the set, although I am not entirely sure if she used the largest one.

Today was another early morning appointment at the hospital for an injection to stimulate my bone marrow.  I had some labs drawn also to see if the medication is doing what it is supposed to.  

I have to be at the hospital before seven for the next two days for cell harvesting so I am not sure I will be posting until the weekend.

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 23, 2024

Panda & Friends Kit

Today I wanted to share the Panda & Friends Kit that I assembled the other day.  Super cute, super simple . . . I think it took me less than 30 minutes to do it!!

 

Send adorable cards filled with love with the Panda Friends Kit! These irresistible pandas are perfect for celebrating love and friendship throughout the year. This kit includes cards in two different sizes to keep your crafting versatile and fresh. 

Use the preprinted sentiments to make quick multiples and send happy hello greetings to those you care about!

Once again I would be hard-pressed to tell you which one is my favorite . . . they are both adorable!!

KIT INCLUDES
*Predesigned projects
*Step-by-step instructions
*Precut pieces (No prep work! Get right to crafting)
*Printed sentiment labels in Dutch, English, French, and German
*Makes 8 cards: 4 each of 2 designs
*Folded card size: 4-1/4″ x 5-1/2″ (10.8 cm x 14 cm), 8-1/2″ x 3-1/2″ (21.6 cm x 8.9 cm)
*8 preprinted envelopes
*Enough adhesive to complete all projects
*Iridescent Sequin Embellishments
*A 9-7/8″ x 6-1/2″ x 1-3/4″ (25.1 x 16.5 x 4.4 cm) printed designer box for storage or crafting on the go.

It looks like I will be staying in Iowa City all week this week.  the weather in the afternoons os good enough to get home but every morning there is a chance for freezing rain or freezing drizzle.  It is so slick in Iowa City this morning that the shuttle bus from the hotel is only running once an hur!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 22, 2024

Perennial Postage

Today's card comes from a demo event I should have attended last weekend but the weather interrupted my plans.  The Stamping Sisters went ahead and sent us all the supplies to make the projects that everyone in attendance made.  I decided this was a perfect card for a Cards in the Mail card.

The new Adoring Hearts Hybrid Embossing Folder embosses and cut the cardstock at the same time, which is pretty cool!!!  The softly Sophisticated Embossing Folder was also used on this project.  It is a Sale-a-Bration item you can get for FREE with a qualifying purhase. 

Stamps: Perennial Postage

Cardstock: Flirty Flamingo, Smoky Slate, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Most Adored (Sale-a-Bration)

Ink: Smoky Slate

Accessories:  Adoring Hearts Hybrid Embossing Folder, 

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

Rainbow Adhesive Backed Dots, Baker's Twine Three Color Pack, 

Mini Glue Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

As soon as I am done posting this I am out the door of my hotel room to catch the shuttle to the hospital to get the second of my four injections to ramp up the production of my bone marrow in preparation for harvesting my cells.  Because of the weather, I came up last night and am staying again tonight.  I have worked this hard to get healthy, I am not taking any chances on slick roads!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 19, 2024

Rock Legend Kit

I was able last night to assemble another one of the new kits Stampin' Up! has offered . . . the Rock Legend Kit.

Stampin’ Up! also has a another new kit in the Kits Collection! It is the Rock Legend Kit in case you have some rockstars in your life! You get paper diecut pieces of electric guitars, lightning bolts, stars and other designs! Sounds so fun! Make 8 cards, four each of two designs with preprinted sentiments!

I really liked the vellum star and guitar pick cut outs.

These cards have no inside sentiment which leaves plenty of room for a note to the recipient. Clearly the Happy Birthday card is birthday specific, but I think the You’re a Legend can be used for a variety of things

This kit contains enough supplies to make these eight cards.

Kit includes:
*Predesigned projects
*Step-by-step instructions
*Precut pieces (No prep work! Get right to crafting)
*Printed sentiment labels in Dutch, English, French, and German
*Makes 8 cards: 4 each of 2 designs
*Folded card size: 5-1/2″ x 4-1/4″ (14 x 10.8 cm)
*8 preprinted envelopes
*Enough adhesive to complete projects
*Adhesive-Backed Star Embellishments
*A 9-7/8″ x 6-1/2″ x 1-3/4″ (25.1 x 16.5 x 4.4 cm) printed designer box for storage or crafting on the go (box that it comes in)

If you would like to purchase one of these for yourself you can do so here.

Another cold and white day!!  Hanna, Julie, and I are supposed to head to Chicago tonight for part of their Christmas present.  We are going to see Downton Abbey:  The Exhibition.  Both girls are huge fans of the show and are looking forward to the exhibit.  I hope the weather cooperates this weekend!!

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

 Happy Stamping!!