January 9, 2021

Sweet Strawberry

I love shaker cards, but never made a lot of them because I didn't like the process of making them.  At OnStage OnLine back in November they showed us a super simple way of making them using Stampin' Up!'s clear envelopes.

We made these Thursday at Technique/Stamp Club and the ladies agreed that they are super simple using this technique.  I can see a lot more shaker cards in my future.  Especially for kids cards . . . all you would need is some cute kid's designer series paper, some ribbon, and a happy birthday stamp and you are good to go!!

Stamps: Sweet Strawberry

Cardstock: Blackberry Bliss, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Ice Cream Corner

Ink: Blackberry Bliss

Accessories:   Label Me Fancy, Blackberry Bliss Striped Ribbon, 

Ice Cream Corner Sprinkles, Clear Envelopes, Tear and Tape, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterday I made a little headway in getting past packets stamped up and products put away.  And by little, I mean VERY little . . . but it is a start.  I hope to start today getting everything ready for IN PERSON stamping on Monday night.

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 8, 2021

Dragonfly Garden

Last night's Technique/Stamp Club went very well.  It was a lot of fun to see people again and to catch up and visit.  One of the techniques we worked with was the Layering Circles Technique or another name for it would be the Split Circle Technique.

I must admit, I was not so taken with this stamp set when it was the one featured at OnStage OnLIne in November, but since then it has grown on me. The ladies that made this card last night were all talking about how they really like the dragonfly set, so that was a good thing.

Stamps: Dragonfly Garden

Cardstock: Whisper White Thick, Bumblebee, Mossy Meadow,  Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Dandy Garden

Ink: Bumblebee, Early Espresso

Accessories:  Versamark, White Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, 

Dragonflies Punch, Mossy Meadow 3/16" Braided Linen Trim, 

Mini Glue Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Today is the day I am going to start to divvy up the product shares.  I am still waiting for some of the product to get here, but I can certainly work on what I have here.  If you would like ore information on the shares, just let me know.

 

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 7, 2021

Simply Succulents

Each time I see a new package of Designer Series Paper I think . . . "Holy Cow . . .this is the best one yet."  And I definitely said it with the Fine Art Floral paper.  It is so realistic . . . even to the illusion of the ridges in the layers of paint.  And believe me, I have seen my fair share of paint ridges on paintings.

This is a pretty simple card with a basic layout but I think it is pretty cool.  I tried to add some bling to it somewhere and it just did not look right to me so decided to leave it off.  I hope people like this card that is in this week's Cards in the Mail.

Stamps: Simply Succulents

Cardstock: Smoky Slate, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Fine Art Floral

Ink: Pretty Peacock

Accessories: 1/4" Daffodil Delight Ruched Ribbon, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Today is the first Thursday of the month so that must mean that is is Technique/Stamp club night.  I do know what techniques we are working with, I just need to get everything cut and ready.  Check back tomorrow to see what technique was shared.

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 6, 2021

Happy Thoughts

Do you like FREE Designer Series Paper?  If so, then I have the card for you.  Today's card showcases two of the patterns in the Sale-a-Bration Designer Series Paper pack, Flower & Field.

Paired here with Bumblebee cardstock and the Bumblebee Gingham ribbon, it is one of the cards in this week's Cards in the Mail packet.  I think it is such a bright and cheery birthday card.  What do you think?

Stamps: Happy Thoughts

Cardstock: Bumblebee, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Flower & Field

Ink: Memento Black

Accessories:  Stitched So Sweetly Dies, Subtle 3D Embossing Folder, 

1/4" Bumblebee Gingham Ribbon, Mini Glue Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

This morning started bright (well maybe not so bright) and early this morning as I had a 7:45 doctor's appointment.  Based on that appointment, I had three others, which I was lucky enough to get scheduled back to back yet this morning.  I am now finally back home and am planning on relaxing the rest of the afternoon!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 5, 2021

Heal Your Heart

Can you say "In Love With This Font!"  It is so elegant . . . and the sentiments in the set are pretty cool as well.  But what makes it even better is that it is a FREE Sale-a-Bration stamp set!!  You can get it FREE with a $50 order before tax and shipping!!

I love to color so this paper is right up my alley.  It is the True Love Designer Series paper . . . and is all black and white.  One side has just patterns and the other side is flower designs that you can either color in or just leave black and white.  This is another one of the cards in this week's Cards in the Mail!!

Stamps: Heal Your Heart (SAB)

Cardstock: Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: True Love

Ink: Memento Black

Stampin' Blends:  Cherry Cobbler Combo Pack, Old Olive Combo Pack:

Accessories:  Stitched Rectangle Dies, Stitched So Sweetly Dies, Holiday Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Ornate Garden Ribbon Combo Pack, Stampin' Dimensionals

Cutting, sorting, and purging are still on the agenda for today!! I was talking with a friend this morning and I will be glad when things are arranged and I can actually sit at my stamp table and stamp!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 4, 2021

Sweet Strawberry

The 2021 January-June Mini Catalog is jam packed with awesome products, many of which coordinate with products in the Sale-a-Bration Brochure.  This strawberry set is one of those products!!  I knew I just had to use it for one of the first Cards In The Mail packet with new products.

I think one of my favorite things about this stamp set and the one that is in the Sale-a-Bration Brochure is the font used in the sentiments. I love the combination of the two fonts.  And the strawberries remind me that warmer weather is on the way . . . a reminder I need today as I sit and look at the snow and fog.

Stamps: Sweet Strawberry

Cardstock: Poppy Parade, Garden Green, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Berry Delightful (SAB)

Ink: Garden Green

Accessories:  Layering Ovals Dies, Subtle Embossing Folder, 

Triple Banner Punch, Holiday Rhinestone Jewels, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

A huge success yesterday . . . I actually got all of my craft show stuff, both already made stuff and supplies to make new stuff, put away in the cabinet that is designated for it.  I was not sure it would all fit, but with a little rearranging it did.  Today I want to try and get my stamp and die shelves organized, with retiring stuff pulled off and new products put in place.

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 3, 2021

Dragonfly Garden

Are you ready for some sneak peeks of new products that will be available starting on Tuesday, January 5th?  I have some for you!!  The Dandy Garden Suite was one of the suites I was able to purchase early in November.  This is one of the cards we made when Luetta and I met Christy in Muscatine to watch OnStage On Line.

I can't say I was that excited about this suite and this card right after I made it, but when I dug it and the others we made that weekend out of my bag, it has grown on me.  The Ladybug Trinkets are really cute in person.  The Dandy Garden Designer Series Paper has some really bright and bold patterns on one side of the paper and the other side is much more subtle.  I must say I prefer the subtle side to the bolder side.

Stamps: Dragonfly Garden

Cardstock: Mossy Meadow, Bumblebee, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Dandy Garden

Ink: Mossy Meadow, Bumblebee

Accessories: Ladybug Trinkets, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

I made some headway in the ninety minutes I worked on digging out my stamping room yesterday.  I decided to do it in littler increments so it did not seem so overwhelming.  And . . . I had to be done in time to watch Hawkeye Basketball and Cyclone Football.  Yesterday was a good day to be an Iowa sports fan!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 2, 2021

Peaceful Moments

Peaceful Moments is another one of those "must have" stamp sets that has sentiment stamps for many different occasions.  I have definitely used the birthday stamp the most, but I love all of the stamps in this set.  The words, the fonts, everything!!

This is another one of those cards that is super simple when you let the paper do all of the work for you!!  I will certainly be sorry to see the Plaid Tidings collection retire on Monday.  Do you have yours yet?

Stamps: Peaceful Moments

Cardstock: Pretty Peacock, Bumblebee, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Plaid Tidings

Ink: Pretty Peacock

Accessories:  Tailored Tag Punch, Gold Glitter Enamel Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

I have my shovel ready and since I don't have to use it on the snow, today is the day I am digging out my stamp room from the flurry of Christmas crafting.  Hopefully by the end of the weekend my stamp table will be ready for use again and I can craft in my room rather than my recliner!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

January 1, 2021

Happiest of Birthdays

Happy New Year!!!  Not that I wanted 2020 to end because there were lots of good things that did happen, but I am beyond excited for 2021 to see what all is in store!!

If you are in need of guy birthday cards, then I have just the thing for you . . . Guy Cards in the Mail.  This is one of the cards that you will receive.

It looks black in the photo but the base of the card is actually Blackberry Bliss and goes quite well with the Cajun Craze and this particular pattern of the designer series paper.  

This is actually a fun fold card that open from both the right and the left.

Stamps: Happiest of Birthdays

Cardstock: Blackberry Bliss, Cajun Craze, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: Plaid Tidings

Ink: Blackberry Bliss

Accessories:  Braided Linen Trim,  Mini Glue Dots

Today has already been a pretty busy morning . . . I have secured a new location for In Person Stamping that is a little bigger than Riverside and more importantly . . . open!!  I am looking forward to seeing people again and starting back up with classes in addition to Cards in The Mail, just in time for Sale-a-Bration . . . the best time of the year in the stamping world!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 31, 2020

Happiest of Birthdays

Once again Plaid Tidings to the rescue with another pattern for a great guy birthday card!!  And once again, it reminds me of a flannel shirt John used to wear . . .  he had many many of them!!

This is another one of  the Guy Cards in the mail cards.  There is not a lot of embellishment on them because guy cards realistically probably don't need it!!

Stamps: Happiest of Birthdays

Cardstock: Cajun Craze, Mango Melody, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Plaid Tidings

Ink: Cajun Craze

Accessories:  Basic Rhinestone Jewels, Braided Linen Trim, 

Mini Glue Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Wow!!  What a great couple of days celebrating with the kids.  It did include an impromptu overnight stay at the motel in Kalona on Tuesday night.  While John and I might have made it home with the roads I knew there was no way we could make it up our driveway with the amount of snow we received, so we decided to play it safe and just stay in Kalona.  Even at that it was an adventure getting the card dug out after the plows had gone by . . . glad it was Jason and Jake doing it rather than me!!  Great time spent with family, too much food, games and movies, and of course presents pretty much sums up the days.  You would have been hard pressed to know that we were in a community center when the girls got done decorating.

We started the morning with a reading of The Night Before Christmas.  They were all taking bets on if I could get through it with out my eyes leaking . . . I just put on my teacher hat and away we went!!  I had read that story so many times I didn't even need the words.

And what family outing would be complete with out our stack picture!!  

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from our house to yours!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 29, 2020

Peaceful Moments

Flannel shirts have always been so comfy and cozy!!  And there are so many patterns in the Plaid Tidings Designer Series Paper pack that really remind me of shirts.

I thought this card, which is one of this week's Guy Cards in the Mail, turned out pretty cool.  Again, it totally reminds me of one of the flannel shirts John used to wear all the time.

Stamps: Peaceful Moments

Cardstock: Whisper White Thick, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Plaid Tidings

Ink: Pretty Peacock

Accessories:  Stitched Nested Labels Dies, Stitched Rectangle Dies,  

1/2" Circle Punch (Retired), 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Today is Christmas . . . at least for us and the weather forecast seems to think it is Christmas as well.  Hanna and Jake arrived last night and we will all meet over in Kalona to spend the day together.  My bread is all baked and dessert is made.  Everything is sitting by the back door just waiting to be loaded into the car early this morning.  Time spent with family is priceless!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 28, 2020

Many Mates

I decided since I had the time and the paper that I would do an extra Cards in the Mail this month.  I have a ton of the Plaid Tidings Designer Series Paper and they make perfect guy cards so we are doing a set of Guy Birthday cards.

This layout would work with any of the papers in the pack just by changing out the colors of cardstock you would use.  This particular pattern reminded me of a flannel shirt John used to wear so decided to go with this one for this card.

Stamps: Many Mates

Cardstock: Pretty Peacock, Real Red, Whisper White

Designer Series Paper: Plaid Tidings

Ink: Memento Black, Pretty Peacock and Real Red Stampin' Write Markers

Accessories:  Stitched Nested Labels, Metallic Pearls, Stampin' Dimensionals

Today is baking day.  I have a recipe for my Grandma's nut bread and I always make it at Christmas time.  Since we are doing Christmas with the kids tomorrow that means I better get busy today.  I have even perfected a gluten free version so that Hanna can enjoy it as well.  The traditional pudding dessert is also on the agenda . . . also gluten free.  Other than that the kids are taking care of all of the food . . . seems weird not to be doing it all . . . but it's time to let go of thinking that I have to do it all.

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 27, 2020

Here's a Card

If there is one stamp set that you HAVE to have it is the Here's a Card set.  It is chuck full of sentiments for just about any occasion.  Paired with the Evergreen Forest 3D Embossing Folder is makes a simple yet elegant sympathy card.  Use one of the other sentiments in the set and it works for that as well.

I am very glad that the embossing folder is not retiring in a few days.  I can see using it for more Cards in the Mail.  This is one of the cards in this week's packet.

Stamps: Cards in the Mail

Cardstock: Mossy Meadow, Pear Pizzazz, Whisper White (Inside)

Ink: Mossy Meadow

Accessories:  Layering Circles Dies, Evergreen Forest 3D Embossing Folder, 

Mossy Meadow 3/8" Diagonal Stripe Ribbon, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterday was another quiet day on the home front.  A little crafting and a lot of sports.  Today I am headed to Iowa City to pick up the last of the Christmas presents I had ordered as well as my photos I had printed so I can add them to my Christmas scrapbook.  I do believe this might be the first Christmas scrapbook I have ever completed!!  The photos are all printed for my November Thankful Journal as well so that is next on the agenda!!  I guess when you stay home more you can get some of those things done!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 26, 2020

Best Year

I think we can all agree that 2020 has been a year for the record books!!  I myself am looking forward to a new year and a fresh start!!  When I saw this card on Pinterest, I thought maybe someone else was looking forward to a new year as well!!

This is one of the cards that is in this week's Cards in the Mail.  It would probably work for a birthday card as well as a New Year's card.

Stamps: Best Year

Cardstock: Blushing Bride, Flirty Flamingo, Basic Black, 

Vellum, Whisper White (Inside)

Accessories:  Detailed Band Dies, Versamark, White Embossing Powder, 

Heat Tool, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

I hope you all had a great, although different kind of day yesterday.  It was a pretty low key quiet day for us as we are celebrating Christmas with the kids on Tuesday.  We Facetimed with Hanna and Jake a little in the afternoon and there were a lot of texts that went back and forth.  I worked on a Christmas scrapbook for a little while and watched some basketball.  Not much different than a normal day.

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

Happy Stamping!!

December 25, 2020

Merry Christmas!!  It's been a strange year but we all have much to be thankful for!!  Enjoy your time spent with friends and family whether it be in-person or virtually!!

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

Happy Stamping!!