October 9, 2018

Buffalo Check

I think I may have mentioned that I did not purchase any of the Halloween stamps in the Holiday catalog, but I did want to make some Halloween cards. Between my Paper Pumpkin subscriptions and some of the stamps I already have I think I have managed to do that.

This is another one of the cards that everyone made last night at Make-It-Monday.

Stamps: Buffalo Check, Itty Bitty Greetings

Cardstock: Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, Crushed Curry, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla

Ink: Black Memento Ink

Accessories: Layering Circle Framelits, Big Shot, Cat Punch, 

Faceted Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals

Wow . . . I can actually see a few little glimpses of the sun this morning . . . I am hoping that means it will keep the rain away.  I am ready for some nice fall weather!!  Today will bring some more craft show stamping.  Stay tuned for some new 3D projects!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

October 8, 2018

Many Blessings

Many Blessings is a stamp set that I didn't even see in the catalog until I went to a couple of events that Susie had and she used this set.  Not sure how I missed it . . . but that convinced me that I needed it!!

 

This layout is also 100% a Susie layout.  I really like the way it turned out!!

Stamps: Many Blessings, Perennial Birthday

Cardstock: Soft Suede, Crushed Curry, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: Country Lane

Ink: Black Memento Ink, Various Blends

Accessories: Layering Circle Framelits, Big Shot, 

1 3/4 Circle Punch, Starburst Punch, Wink of Stella, 

5/8" Burlap Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

Other than gathering up a few last things everything is packed and ready to go for Make-It-Monday.  When Julie and I were shopping on Saturday I picked up a few items at Dollar Tree that I want to package for an upcoming craft show.  I may work on that until it is time to leave!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

October 7, 2018

Pleasant Pheasant

Today's card comes from a blog I happened to glance at because the name intrigued me . . . The Cow Whisperer. I originally looked at her blog because I thought she might be from Iowa . . . but she is not.  I saw this card and fell in love with it!!

It is one everyone will be making this week that stamps with me.  I hope they like it asm much as I do!!

Stamps:  Pleasant Pheasant, Country Home

Cardstock: Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Pumpkin Pie, 

Very Vanilla, Watercolor Paper  

Ink:  Early Espresso, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie

Accessories: Pinewood Planks Embossing Folder, 

Big Shot, AquaPainter, Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterday's shopping trip was a big success.  My major find of the day was a couple of Hawkeye shirts . . . one long sleeve and one short sleeve.  Believe it or not . . . as many black and gold things as I have I did not have a single shirt that actually said Iowa or Hawkeyes.  It was fun spending time with Julie shopping.  We have not done that for quite a while.

This morning I am planning on cutting up a storm trying to get as much cardstock cut for tomorrow evening as I can.  Luetta and I are going out for lunch and then spend our afternoon stamping with Susie.  A great way to spend a rainy Sunday!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

October 6, 2018

Wishing You Well

I finally decided to use some of the other stamps in this set.  I think I can safely say that all of the stamps will now be seeing a lot of use.

This is one of the cards that everyone stamping with me this week will be making.  I know it is kind of early for Christmas cards, but it will be here before you know it!! 

Stamps: Wishing You Well

Cardstock: Real Red, Whisper White 

Ink: Mossy Meadow, Real Red

Accessories:  Seasonal Wreath Dynamic Textured 

Impressions Embossing Folder, Big Shot, 

Frost White Shimmer Paint, Sponge Daubers, 

Red Rhinestone Basic Jewels, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Wow . . . I can safely say I am tired of rain!!!  It can quit any time!!  I don't think it will hinder my plans for today . . . just make it not as easy.  Julie and I are going shopping at the outlet mall this morning.  I guess instead of walking from store to store we may end up driving around!!  I hope to be home in time to watch the Hawkeyes this afternoon!! 

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

Happy Stamping!!

October 5, 2018

Beautiful You

Another one of the techniques that came from my trip to Illinois was using the Stamparatus to do mirror image stamping.  I have never been very successful with mirror image stamping, but this was a game changer.  I looked through Pinterest to see what stamps would lend itself to this technique and a card similar to this one was there.  Since I love this stamp set anyway, it was perfect.

I think the ladies at Technique Club agreed that this was very easy to do using the Stamparatus.  If I were making more of these cards I would leave the sentiment off of the front and just put my message on the inside.

Stamps: Beautiful You

Cardstock: Tranquil Tide, Basic Black, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper:  Share What You Love 

Accessories:  Variety of Stampin' Blends

Today is another one of those days with nothing on the schedule . . . and John has been wanting pizza for supper . . . so I don't even need to think about that.  I would like to get everything cut and ready for Monday night as I have several other things I am doing this weekend.  I guess we shall see!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

October 4, 2018

Pleasant Pheasants

It is the first Thursday of the month so that means it is Technique/Stamp Club night.  One of the techniques we are  going to work with tonight is Alcohol Marker Marbling.  This is a technique that I learned when I went to stamping school back in August and that I shared when we were at our stamping retreat last month.

 

When I saw this technique in Illinois they used just random colors of the Stampin' Blends.  I wanted my card to have more of a fall feel to it, so I chose fall colors for my background.  

Stamps: Pleasant Pheasant 

Cardstock: Pumpkin Pie, Early Espresso, Glossy White

Ink: Stazon Black, Various Stampin' Blends

Accessories: Stamparatus, Spritzer, Linen Thread

If you would like to learn new stamping techniques we would love to have you join us at stamp club.  We meet the first Thursday off every month.  If you are interested, shoot me an email and we can visit more about it.

Today has already been a busy morning.  I had an early morning hair appointment and I ran a few errands.  This afternoon, I want to go to Iowa City early after my walk, to run a few errands up there before stamp club tonight.

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

Happy Stamping!!

October 3, 2018

Artisan Textures

When Stampin' Up! retired Gorgeous Grunge, I was not a happy camper.  I used it all of the time.  I am beginning to realize that this set . . . Artisan Textures . . . can give me some of the same effects that Gorgeous Grunge did.

This is a Pinterest inspired card . . . I love the color combination though would never have thought to put these colors together!!

Stamps: Artisan Textures Flourishing Phrases

Cardstock: Fresh Fig, Mint Macaron, Whisper White
Ink:  Fresh Fig, Mint Macaron, Grapefruit Grove 

Accessories:  Triple Banner Punch, Colored Doilies,
Metallic Gold Thread, Artisan Pearls, Stampin' Dimensionals

Well. . . . I am still going to watch baseball through the end of the World Series . . . but not with as much enthusiasm!!  It was a great game last night, just not the outcome I was hoping for!!  It was an extra inning game that went way past my bedtime, so I am sure I will be taking a nap at some point today!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

October 2, 2018

Amazing Congratulations 

Eventually I will get the hang of lining this stamp set up perfectly, but in the meantime I am pretty pleased with the way this card turned out.

I have had the Marbled background stamp forever, but have never used it.  I really like the look of it and need to pull it off of my stamp shelf more often.

Stamps: Amazing Congratulations, Marbled

Cardstock: Bermuda Bay, Basic Black, Whisper White

Ink: Memento Black, Bermuda Bay, Pool Party

Accessories: Stamparatus, Basic Rhinestone Jewels

As soon as I am done posting this I am off to Iowa City to get groceries and some other things we need.  Walking, stamping, and what I hope will not be the last Cubs game are on the agenda for the rest of the day!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

October 1, 2018

Rooted In Nature

I found a few more pictures on my camera of cards I made in August for the huge order of sympathy and congratulations cards.  I will be sharing them over the next few days.

Every time I see this tree image I am reminded of a trip I took with my parents the summer before John and I got married . . . we were visiting my aunt in California and we took a road trip up and down the coast and there was this lone cypress tree by Pebble Beach that absolutely fascinated me. That was over 29 years ago . . . but the memories are awesome.

Stamps: Rooted In Nature, Flourishing Phrases

Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Very vanilla 

Ink: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, early espresso and Mossy Meadow Markers

Accessories: Stitched Shapes Framelits, Big Shot, Stampin' Dimensionals

I took last week off from my walking routine because my knees had decided they did not like the hiking and stairs from the weekend stamping retreat. They are ready to go again today so walking is on the agenda this morning before noon so that I can watch the Cubs National League Central Championship Game.  Soup is leftover from Saturday for supper, so after the game my stamping room is calling my name!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 30, 2018

Wishing You Well

I do believe this MIGHT be my favorite set in the Holiday Catalog.  There is just so much you can do with it.  And I haven't really even explored the wreath stamp that is in the set as well!!!

I don't even mind fussy cutting the ribbon, because it is so cool once you get it cut.  I love the new distINKtive stamp technology!!

Stamps: Wishing You Well

Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper:Tranquil Textures

Ink: Crumb Cake, Mint Macaron, Memento Black

Accessories: Layering Ovals, Big Shot, Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterday was a day of a whole lot of doing nothing!!  And it was such a gloomy day!!  I hope I can be a little more productive today and at least get a little something done before the baseball game this afternoon.  I better enjoy my baseball while I can because those days will soon be at an end!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 29, 2018

Dandelion Wishes

Today's card is a super simple, easy to duplicate card.  You could use whatever designer series paper you have left over, as well as just about any sentiment!!  We made a card like this with another designer series paper at the stamping retreat last weekend.  

I wanted to make that card at Make-It-Monday this week but when I got home I realized I didn't have any of that designer series paper so I just switched it out for this one that I have a lot of.  It appears to work equally as well.

Stamps: Dandelion Wishes

Cardstock: Gray Granite, Blackberry Bliss, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Share What You Love

Ink: Blackberry Bliss

Accessories:  Stitched Shapes Framelits, Big Shot, Linen Thread, 

Dimensionals Glue Dots, Stampin

I had a great lunch with my friends yesterday, arriving home at 5:45, just in time to fix John some supper.  I couldn't tell you what all we talked about but we managed to do it for over 5 hours!!!

Today calls for a pot of soup in the crockpot, some stamping in the morning, and a baseball game this afternoon!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 28, 2018

Share What You Love

This time last week I was getting ready to attend a fun fall stamping retreat. This is one of the cards that my friend, Susie, provided for us to make. Simple to make, but oh so very pretty!!!

This is also one of the cards that everyone got to make this week!!  I am so glad that Stampin' Up! brought back the Blackberry Bliss color.

Stamps: Share What You Love

Cardstock: Blackberry Bliss, Sahara Sand, Whisper White, Vellum

Designer Series Paper: Frosted Floral

Ink: Blackberry Bliss

Accessories: Detailed Leaves Thinlits Dies, Big Shot, 

2 1/4" Circle Punch, 3/16" Braided Linen Trim,  

Clear Faceted Gems, Mini Glue Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Wow . . . what a change in the temperature . . . I may have to dig out some warmer clothes to wear today!!!  I am meeting my friends for lunch in Washington . . . these are the two teacher friends that I have lunch with frequently and we are still there visiting when it is time for supper. We haven't gotten together since way before Hanna's wedding . . . so I am sure we will have plenty to talk about!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 27, 2018

Peaceful Poinsettia

I know Christmas is a ways away yet, but it is never too early to start making your Christmas cards.  This is one that I took as a shoe box swap to the stamping retreat I went to last weekend.

It is also one that every one made this week that stamped with me.

Stamps: Peaceful Poinsettia

Cardstock: Shaded Spruce, Real Red, Very Vanilla

Ink: Black Memento Ink, Real Red

Accessories: Quilt Top Embossing Folder, Big Shot, 

Real Red Combo Pack Stampin' Blends, 

Shaded Spruce Combo Pack Stampin' Blends, 

Galvanized Buttons, Festive Farmhouse Cotton Twine,

 Mini Glue Dots, Stampin' Dimensionals

Wow . . . what a beautiful day today!!!  And a clean house . . . my gal came today instead of yesterday and we moved out all of the furniture  rearranged some things.  I think I will sit this afternoon before my appointment and just enjoy it!!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 26, 2018

Oh So Eclectic

I think if I had to choose my favorite color palette for stamping it would have to be fall colors.  I am not sure what there is about them but they are so rich looking.

I wanted some general cards to send out so whipped up about 25 of these in very short order.

It is a z fold card so it opens up just a little bit differently!!

Stamps: Oh So Eclectic

Cardstock: Cajun Craze, Mossy Meadow, Mango Melody, Very Vanilla

Ink: Cajun Craze, Mossy Meadow, Mango Melody

Accessories: Darling Label Punch Box, Festive Farmhouse Cotton Twine, 

Basic Rhinestone Jewels, Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterday was certainly a good day to stay curled up with my book.  I did manage to go walking around noon and got home just as it started to pour down buckets and buckets of rain.  Since my book is now finished I am off and running today.  I want to go to Iowa City and run some errands and see if I can find some good looking athletic type shoes to wear when I go on my trips later this fall.

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

Happy Stamping!!

September 25, 2018

Winter Woods

Today's card, which everyone got to make this week comes from a demonstrator group I belong to . . .  Creative Corner.  I love these trees and there is so much you can do with them . . . add a little color and you would have awesome fall trees.

I would not have thought to use Soft Sea Foam in the background, but I really like it!!

Stamps: Winter Woods, Kindness and Compassion

Cardstock: Soft Sea Foam, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla

Ink: Soft Sea Foam, Early Espresso, Crumb cake

Accessories:  5/8" burlap Ribbon, True Gentleman Buttons, 

2 1/4" Circle Punch (for mask), Stampin' Sponges, Mini Glue Dots

It is only 10:30 but already the day has been busy putting out small fires!!   Last night on the way home from Make-It-Monday I got a phone call that my debit card had been compromised and was being used all over Illinois.  They shut it down right away but I spent about 45 minutes this morning at the bank getting everything straightened out and a new card ordered.  When I got home from the bank the Internet was not working so a call to the phone company was in order.  Luckily it was their problem and originated in Des Moines, so I just had to be patient while they got things fixed.  I think everything is now in working order!!

I am thinking a day of rest might be a good thing today after the busy weekend and stamp night last night.  A good book, a cup of coffee, my heating pad, and a blanket are calling my name!!

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

Happy Stamping!!