June 5, 2023

Inked & Tiled

Today I have used the Inked & Tiled stamp set along with the coordinating designer series paper, Inked Botanicals to make this card to share with you.

This 6" X 6" designer series paper is so easy to mix and match!!  You could pick two coordinating patterns, change up the base color, embellishments, and sentiment, and each and every card would look different!!

Stamps: Inked & Tiled

Cardstock: Lost Lagoon, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Inked Botanicals

Ink: Lost Lagoon

Accessories:  Radiating Stitches Dies, Stitched Shapes Dies, 

Lost Lagoon 3/8" Bordered Ribbon, Tinsel Gems Three Pack, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Today brings another doctor's appointment for John.  At least this one is in the morning and we should be able to get in and out in a timely fashion.  I am hoping to get some stamping done and start to arrange my garage sale stuff this afternoon.

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

Happy Stamping!!

June 3, 2023

Cheerful Daisies

Today I have used the Fresh as a Daisy Designer Series Paper and the Cheerful Daisies stamp set to make this card to share with you.

When I initially made this card, I utilized three small strips of the blue designer series paper. However, while cutting for the Cards in the Mail packets, I realized that it's more efficient to cut a single piece of paper that's slightly larger and layer the ribbon on it. Although this approach requires a bit more paper, it's not significant. Additionally, the Adhesive-Backed Solid Gems appear even more prominent in person than in the photo.

Stamps: Cheerful Daisies

Cardstock: Copper Clay, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Fresh as a Daisy

Ink: Copper Clay

Accessories:  Stylish Shapes Dies, 3/8" Copper Clay Textured Ribbon, 

Adhesive-Backed Solid Gems, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Yesterday's road trip to check out a new stitching store was fun, but we still like the one in Osage much better.  We had lunch at a great BBQ place and then headed home.  I did get a good start on the new 4th of July stitching piece that I picked up yesterday.  Today will bring crafting (stamping and stitching), a graduation party, and some reading.  I should go pick some prescriptions, but we shall see.

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

Happy Stamping!!

June 2, 2023

Layering Leaves

I have again used the Layering Leaves stamp set to make this card to share with you today.

Here's a card idea that can help you utilize any leftover strips of designer series paper you may have. While I've kept the strips uniform in width, you can mix it up if you prefer. Add a sentiment and embellishment, and your card is good to go!

Stamps: Layering Leaves

Cardstock: Basic White Thick, Balmy Blue, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Countryside Inn

Ink: Night of Navy

Accessories:  Simply Scored, Adhesive-Backed Sparkle Gems, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

As soon as I am done posting this I am out the door for a road trip to a new stitching shop with a friend.  I am sure we will do some other browsing along the way and find a fun place for lunch.  Since the Cubs are on the west coast I am sure I will be home in plenty of time to listen to the ball game tonight!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

June 1, 2022

Lasting Joy

I am excited to share with you a Cards in the Mail birthday card I created using the Lasting Joy stamp set. The possibilities for card designs are endless by simply swapping out the designer series paper.  And since designer paper is on sale this month, it is the perfect time to stock up on it.

Here's a funky fold card that opens from both the top and bottom. It can also double as a gift card holder by securing the sides of the bottom flap to the inside of the card.

Stamps: Lasting Joy

Cardstock: Misty Moonlight, Boho Blue, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Countryside Innnt

Ink: Night of Navy

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

Stampin' Dimensionals

It's appointment day again, this time for John at the eye clinic. Based on their pace in the past, I anticipate that we'll be there for the entire afternoon. However, I plan on doing some crafting in the morning before we have to depart.

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 31, 2023

Layering Leaves

Today I have used one of the awesome sentiments from the stamp set, Layering Leaves, to make this card to share with you.

I've used the All That Dies before, but not this specific one. I'll need to remember it since it's the ideal size for larger font sentiments! Some dry embossing for texture and some embellishments and my card is done!!

Stamps: Layering Leaves

Cardstock: Night of Navy, Balmy Blue, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Countryside Inn

Ink: Night of Navy

Accessories:  All That Dies, Fern 3D Embossing Folder, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Today, John and I both have appointments in Iowa City. His is scheduled for the morning, and mine is in the late afternoon, which means two separate trips. However, I plan on using the time in between to work on some crafting projects.

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 30, 2023

Beautiful Balloons

I created a card using the Beautiful Balloons stamp set and matching dies. I wanted to share it with you.

Designing masculine cards is not as simple for me as creating floral ones, but I believe this card meets the criteria. The deep, rich hues of the Earthen Elegance Designer Series Paper certainly help! And who doesn't love stars?

 

Stamps: Beautiful Balloons

Cardstock: Copper Clay, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: Earthen Elegance

Ink: Copper Clay

Accessories:  Beautiful Balloons Dies, Twisted Rope 3D Embossing Folder, 

2023-2025 In Color Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

The last few days have been filled with fun, laughter, little voices, and good times.  Sunday afternoon Hanna, Shayra, and I had a fun salon appointment, ran some errands, and then went back to get Jake and the boys to head off to supper and our evening trip to the zoo.  When we first got there we thought "It's neat but nothing spectacular" but when it got dark with all the twinkling lights it was really cool.  Everyone but Jake and I fell asleep on the way home so it was easy to get the kids to bed and we were not far behind.  Yesterday we did some more shopping and I headed home last afternoon.  Today is a day of REST! 

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 28, 2023

Taco Fiesta

Today I have another one of the cards we made at Technique Night a couple of weeks ago.  This is also one of the cards that I made on the cruise back in February!!

The Taco Fiesta set was not one that I originally thought I need to get, but after seeing the many cute cards made with it, I changed my mind!!  The images do require a fair amount of coloring, however!!

Here's a classic fun fold that opens from both the top and bottom. The unique aspect of this card is that it's slightly trimmed down and attached to a quarter sheet of Daffodil Delight cardstock, making it even more fun.

Stamps: Taco Fiesta

Cardstock: Poppy Parade, Basic Black, Daffodil Delight, Basic White

Ink: Memento Black

Stampin' Blends:  Poppy Parade Combo Pack, Parakeet Party Combo Pack, 

Daffodil Delight Combo Pack

Accessories:  Black & White 1/4" Gingham Ribbon, Mini Glue Dots,

Stampin' Dimensionals

It's been a long wait, but Hanna, Jake, the kids, and I are finally heading to Blank Park Zoo's nighttime lighted display. Scheduling has been a challenge since April, with everyone having prior engagements, and when we did plan, the rain would pour. However, the wait is over, and we're excited to spend the afternoon together, grab dinner, and enjoy the zoo's illuminating display tonight.  Fun times!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 27, 2023

Layering Leaves

Today I have used the Layering Leaves stamp set to make some graduation cards.  It was super easy to change out the colors depending on the school.

I discovered a layout online that I modified to match the colors I required. It's an excellent way to utilize the small strips of paper in my scrap pile! The Crushed Curry and Basic Black strips measure .5", while the white strips measure .25". It required some effort to arrange them properly, but I'm thrilled with the final result!

Stamps: Layering Leaves

Cardstock: Basic Black, Crushed Curry, Basic White

Ink: Memento Black

Accessories:  1 3/4" Circle Punch, 2" Circle Punch, Decorative Circle Punch,

Classic Matte Dots,

Stampin' Dimensionals

As I said, I have a couple of graduation parties to attend today and they both happen to be in the middle of the afternoon.  This is the last graduating class that I will have taught.  It is so hard to believe that I am finishing my tenth year of retirement.  I have no idea where the time has gone!!

I hope to fit in some stamping before and after the parties and I think the Cubs are on TV tonight so of course I would like to be done with everything I hope to get accomplished before that!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 26, 2023

Gone Fishing

Today I am sharing another one of the cards we made at the Demo Day in Wisconsin.  We used the stamp set, Gone Fishing, along with the coordinating Gone Fishing Dies. 

This is a fun fold card with the center flap opening to the right and the flap with the designer series paper opening to the left.  I knew I had to have this set right away when I saw it since John used to spend a lot of time fishing!!

Stamps: Gone Fishing

Cardstock: Wild Wheat, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: Let's Go Fishing

Ink: Pecan Pie, Wild Wheat, Calypso Coral

Accessories:  Gone Fishing Dies, Twisted Rope Embossing Folder, Ombre Matte Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Errand running is on the agenda for today!!  I want to take some flowers to the cemetery for Mom and Dad and pick up some things we need while I am in town.  I may take advantage of the great weather this afternoon and sit outside and read!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 25, 2023

Layering Leaves

Today I am sharing one of the cards I made a couple of weeks ago at the stamping retreat in Wisconsin.  This is also one of the cards everyone made on Monday night at Make-It-Monday.

I'm really impressed with the Neutrals Wavy Trim, especially for layering. However, I'm not entirely sure how well it would work as a bow. The new Neutrals that were released this month are fantastic, and I'm particularly fond of Pecan Pie. It's a great alternative to Soft Suede and I can see myself using it frequently.

Stamps: Layering Leaves

Cardstock: Pecan Pie, Crushed Curry, Very Vanilla

Designer Series Paper: Inked Botanicals

Ink: Memento Black, Pecan Pie, Garden Green

Accessories:  Painted Texture 3D Embossing Folder, Bough Punch, 

Neutrals 1/4" Wavy Trim, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Well . . . there was good news and not-as-good news yesterday at the doctor.  The good news is that the ear infection in both ears is totally gone.  The not-as-good news is that it could take six weeks for the fluid behind my eardrum to completely go away and for me to hear normally again.  I guess I will just get used to muffled sounds and go my merry way!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 24, 2023

Beside Me

I wanted to share a card I made using the Beside Me stamp set. It's the same one that everyone created during Make-It-Monday last night.

This card has a lot of coloring, but I love how it turned out. It's perfect for Father's Day. Additionally, on Monday night, I shared some birthday sentiments that people could use if they wanted to.

 

Stamps: Beside Me

Cardstock: Basic Black, Basic Gray, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Zoo Crew

Ink: Memento Black

Stampin' Blends:  Balmy Blue Combo Pack, Lost Lagoon Combo Pack, 

Real Red Combo Pack, Night of Navy Combo Pack, Gray Granite Combo Pack, 

Crumb Cake Combo Pack, Basic Black Combo Pack, Light Natural Combo Pack,

Accessories:  Deckled Rectangles Dies, Metal 3D Embossing Folder,

Neutrals Adhesive Backed gems,

Stampin' Dimensionals

As soon as I am done posting this I am for a doctor's appointment to see if they can figure out why I haven't been able to hear out of my right ear for the last two weeks.  I am sure they will tell me it is a virus and there is nothing they can do, but it sure is annoying.

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 23, 2023

Sweetest Cherries

Today I have used the stamp set, Sweetest Cherries, and the coordinating punch, Cherry Builder Punch, to make this card to share with you.  This is one of the cards everyone got to make that stamped last night.

Like I always tell my stampers . . . there are no mistakes in stamping, only chances for embellishment . . . notice the leaf at the bottom of the card rather than on the cherry . . . that is because when I was adhering the card together I got a smudge of red ink right there, so I decided to cover it with a leaf.  Perfect solution . . . and I didn't have to start all over!!

Stamps: Sweetest Cherries

Cardstock: Basic White Thick, Granny Apple Green, Real Red, 

Early Espresso, Basic White

Ink: Memento Black, Real Red

Accessories:  Cherry Builder Punch, Rhinestone Basic Jewels

Another day with little on the agenda!!  Some stamping, some reading, some baseball, and some relaxing!!  Days don't get much better than this!!

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 22, 2023

Circle Sayings

Today I have used the stamp set, Circle Sayings, to make this card to share with you.  This is the card I took as a swap card to the demo event in Wisconsin a couple of weeks ago.

I think this has become my go-to layout . . . varied of course, but go to, none-the-less.  The Wink of Stella on the frosting of the cupcake definitely adds to the card.  I love having the large circle punch for an easy layering piece.

Stamps: Circle Sayings

Cardstock: Lemon Lime Twist, Azure Afternoon, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Bright & Beautiful

Ink: Memento Black, Azure Afternoon

Stampin' Blends:  Azure Afternoon Combo Pack

Accessories:  Stylish Shapes Dies, Painted Texture 3D Embossing Folder, 

2 3/8" Circle Punch, Tinsel Gems Four-Pack, Wink of Stella, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Everything is ready and sitting by the back door waiting to be loaded into the vehicle for tonight's Make-it-Monday.  Yesterday was a very productive day and I hope today will be the same.  I have some new product that still needs to be organized and put away so hope to get that done before Stamp Night tonight.

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 21, 2023

Layering Leaves

Today I have used one of the awesome sentiments from the Layering Leaves stamp set.  I love the font that is used in this stamp set.  This is one of the cards that we made last weekend at the stamping retreat in Wisconsin.

The Inked & Tiled Punch Pack pieces were adhered and then the whole piece was embossed with one of the folders in the 3D Embossing Folders package.  I think this is my most used embossing folder lately!!!  I thought this was a great use of some of the darker patterns of paper in the Countryside Inn Designer Series Paper Package.

Stamps: Layering Leaves

Cardstock: Misty Moonlight, Boho Blue, Night of Navy, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Countryside Inn

Ink: Misty Moonlight

Accessories:  Basics 3D Embossing Folder, Inked & Tiles Punch Pack, 

Misty Moonlight 3D Inner Braid Ribbon, Ombre Matte Dots, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Today is a cardstock-cutting, baseball-watching kind of day.  Supplies are gathered for tomorrow night's Make-It-Monday, but cardstock remains to be cut.  I am hoping to get it cut this morning so that I can stuff envelopes this afternoon during the ball game.

 

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

Happy Stamping!!

May 20, 2023

Beautiful Balloons

Today I have used the stamp set and coordinating dies, Beautiful Balloons to make this card to share with you.  This is a card I received as a swap last weekend in Wisconsin.

The Bright & Beautiful Designer Series Paper is just that . . . bright and colorful, so it makes for the perfect birthday card.  You could have substituted any of the patterns for the strip down the middle and it would have been perfect.  A little embellishment and you are good to go!!

Stamps: Beautiful Balloons

Cardstock: Lemon Lime Twist, Tahitian Tide, Basic White

Designer Series Paper: Bright & Beautiful

Ink: Tahitian Tide

Accessories:  Beautiful Balloons Dies, Basics 3D Embossing Folders, 

Iridescent Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Baker's Twine Essential Pack, 

Stampin' Dimensionals

Another beautiful day in the neighborhood!!  I should run some errands and pick up a few things in Iowa City, but I may just be lazy and do nothing!!  Sometimes that is good!!

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

Happy Stamping!!