More sympathy!

Good Friday Morning!

Well, I seem to be getting to that point in life where friends and family are either losing loved ones or being lost more often. :( So these types of cards are more necessary for my personal use than ever.

I really, REALLY like this one. It's the woodgrain on a scallop circle diecut card, with the ridges hit with Crumb Cake ink. The tree from LOVELY AS A TREE is embossed with Chocolate Chip craft ink and clear embossing powder, as is the "With Sympathy" from TEENY TINY WISHES. The banner is made with More Mustard; I used my Aqua Painters and Garden Green, Bashful Blue, More Mustard, and Crumb Cake inks to color in the medallion. I think this card is serene without being gloomy.

OK, I'm outta here. Rough week. Thank you for continuing to come to my blog! :) Doing things to share with you helps me stay connected.

So, now YOU take the time to STAMP SOMETHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Scraps!

Good morning! I hope you're having a great week.

It's definitely been an interesting, exhausting, emotional one here. I'd like you to meet our family's newest addition, my niece, Naomi. :) Isn't she beautiful?!?!

OK, now back to work. :D

I made this card with things I'd already punched or cut; the only thing that wasn't done was the "Merry Christmas" modern label. But that was simple enough to put together! :D


The gingerbread are stamped and embossed, and cut with the Big Shot! (Hey, I haven't done this one in a LONG time! Ready?!? :D I ♥ My Big Shot! SOMEONE, make me a bumper sticker! :D)

Colors are Early Espresso, Winter White, Cherry Cobbler, and Gumball Green. :D

If you have any specific questions, LMK. :D

I'm outta here. Have a WONDERFUL day, and be SURE to take the time to STAMP something!

Monday with Woodgrain

Good Monday Morning! How are you today? Did you get a chance to stamp anything this weekend? I didn't.

We didn't have a very good weekend. Please pray for my family as we walk through a devastating loss together. Thank you!

This is a card I put together in about five minutes this morning. I can't decide if it's going to be a sympathy card, or just a "Thinking of You" card. I've got SO many cards! If you want to purchase any, just let me know!!! :)

So, this one uses the woodgrain embossing folder in a quite different way than I showed you last week; I thought it complimented the tree quite well. :D I colored the stamp with Stampin' Write markers - those colors are Island Indigo, Pool Party, Wild Wasabi, Real Red, Crumb Cake, and Whisper White. The stamp set is EASY EVENTS. It's the same fold as the sympathy card I showed you - I think Monday last week? Maybe the week before. :)

ANYWAY. I'm outta here. I hope you have a WONDERFUL day, and be SURE to take the time to STAMP something!!!!

Fun with embossing folders, Day 2!

HAPPY FRIDAY!

Have you had a good week? Big plans for the weekend? Gonna STAMP something? :D

This is the second new embossing folder to finish out the week, Holiday Frame. It's Night of Navy again, but I inked the top of the embossing with Whisper White ink, and then embossed it with the Iridescent Ice EP. The star inside, as well as the saying on the modern label punch, are from COME TO BETHLEHEM; they're both embossed with Silver EP.

I really like this card and its simplicity. What do you think? I wish we still sold the silver cording; that would add a nice touch. And it's much more sparkly IRL. :D

OK, I'm outta here. Busy weekend; I'm performing some historical monologs at the Wilson County Fair on Friday and Saturday! Come see me! :)

Enjoy your weekend. Be sure and take the time to stamp something!

Fun with embossing folders, day 1!

Good Wednesday morning! How is your week going? Are you having a good one? Done any STAMPING this week?? :D

So, I spent Tuesday afternoon designing *just* for you, my dear blog readers. I'm still recuperating from being gone last week, so it was a little touch-and-go when I started. But I came up with two cute little projects for you, one today and one Friday. I hope you'll let me know what you think! :)

Today's does use a non-Stampin' Up! die, the bare tree. I received it from a dear friend several years ago (Thanks, Becky!), and don't get a chance to use it too often. Since it's for my personal gallery, you get to see it! :D

The tree is embossed with the new Woodgrain embossing folder; it's Soft Suede card stock, and I inked the embossed ridges with Soft Suede ink. The swirls on the Night of Navy are from SCENTSATIONAL SEASON; they're stamped with Whisper White ink and embossed with Iridescent Ice EP. The owl is punched with Very Vanilla, and sponged just a bit around the edges with Soft Suede. The heart/beak is punched from Pumpkin Pie. The Googlie Eyes are so fun; I love to just shake the whole package and watch them dance! :D The moon is a 1-1/4" circle punched from Very Vanilla; I pushed it into Very Vanilla ink, and then embossed it with clear; it looks pretty realistic IRL! :D

So, what do you think? :D

I'm outta here! Lots to do today! :) Have a wonderful day, and be SURE to make time to STAMP something! :)

It must be genetic... :D

Today I want to share with you my treasures from the past week. Yes, my two youngest nieces love to PAPERCRAFT. Actually, all the kids do - but these treasures are from them. :D

 

The trove of treasures!

 

 

This one is from my dear, sweet niece, A. She handed it to me the FIRST day I got to visit with them! the front is beautifully decorated, too, but this is the part that's super special. :)

 

This is from niece M. It's a camera! See? She made this for me the last day we spent with them, after I and Uncle Kenn spent time outside taking pictures of them. And I know you can't see from this photo, but it says:

say ch

ee

se

Too adorable for words, right?!?!?!

 

Again, from niece A. The flowers under the birds are their nests. Isn't that CLEVER? Thinking outside of the box!

 

This final one is also from niece A. It's my portrait! Be sure to enlarge the photo to see it. I had to "sit completely still" while she drew it. ;)

The reason I'm showing you more from A. than from M. is that M. tends to draw with pretty light pink crayons, and it just doesn't show up too well. :/ But they both blessed me with lots of artwork. Even my 3-year-old nephew, N., got into the act the last day; if you look at the first photo, there's a dark blue folded piece in the down left corner. He drew on it for me, then folded it up until it was throw-able and came in and hit me in the chest with it, and laughed uproariously. :D

OK, I'm outta here. Have a wonderful day! Be sure and take the time to stamp SOMETHING, will ya?!?! :D

Sad need

 Good Friday morning! I hope you've had a wonderful week!

Today, I'm sharing a sympathy card. One of my best friends from Ohio lost his father last week, much more suddenly than his family thought. We can't go up to pay our respects, so I needed to make a card for him.

I feel like this color combination isn't too somber, but is enough so for the need. It's Whisper White, Gumball Green, and Early Espresso. The stamps are from BLESSINGS FROM HEAVEN. I really like that stamp set; it's very versatile. I embossed the front verse with the new Early Espresso embossing powder from the Holiday Mini.

The designer series paper is from the BE OF GOOD CHEER pack. This side isn't necessarily Christmas, but I like it anyway. :D

There's plenty of room to write on the inside, too, so I will take my white gel pen and try to come up with something to say that doesn't sound like empty words. It's so difficult to know what to say - I'm glad he knows I'm praying for him, and that we love him. There's not much else I can do.

OK, I'm out of here. Enjoy your weekend! Be sure and take the time to STAMP something!!!

Santa Basket!

Happy Wednesday! Have you enjoyed the CHRISTMAS IN JULY shares so far? This is the last one; that's right, there were FIVE projects for the night!

This basket is actually from Lisa Young, a fellow demonstrator. She's got lots of awesome projects! I modified some of the decor, but kept most of it the same. :)

The colors are easy: Real Red, Whisper White, Very Vanilla, Pretty in Pink, and Basic Black card stocks. Super easy!

I used the new Snow Flurry Bigz die; I don't care much for the snowflakes on their own, but they're stunning when you stack them!

We did his eyes the old way; Lisa's used glitter brads for them, too. I love using the red one for his cherry nose, but I like his eyes my way. :) I do have to tell you: I cannot, for the life of me, cut his mustache the way she did. I like hers MUCH better! :)

OK, I'm outta here. :) Have a wonderful day, and be sure to make the time to stamp something!!!!

Holiday Collection Framelits Card

Welcome to another Monday. :D Did you have a good weekend? Did you STAMP anything???

This card is the fourth project from our CHRISTMAS IN JULY stamp camp. It uses SCENTSATIONAL SEASON and CHOCK-FULL-OF-CHEER, vanilla and peppermint scratch-n-sniff powders, and the Holiday Collection Framelits. Don't forget your white gel pen! (Reminds me, I need to get a new one...) :D This is such a fun technique! You can use it with any of our framelits. :)

Are you beginning to wish you'd come??? Yeah, I thought so. :D

OK, I'm outta here. A house full of kids to enjoy today! :D Have a wonderful day, and be SURE to take the time to STAMP something!

Another ornament to share!

It's FRIDAY! Do you have big plans for the weekend? Are your kids back in school? Most of the kids around here headed back this week; a few go back next week. So I'm sure families all around me are trying to get back into their routines.

Me? I'm going to be finalizing cleaning and packing, waiting for my sister and my eight nieces and nephews to arrive Sunday. :)

Today's share is an ornament we did at the CHRISTMAS IN JULY stamp camp. That's the new cotton ribbon in the Holiday Mini; you can easily stamp on it, so we did. :D The inside is a piece of Crumb Cake card stock, rolled with Music Notes and cut into strips - which are then curled and inserted inside. There's a little champagne glass glitter in there, too.

Super easy, and you could brighten it up if you wanted with different colors. I kind of like this muted ornament; it would look classy on a tree with white lights! :)

OK, I'm outta here! Enjoy your weekend, and be SURE to take the time to STAMP something!

Don't you have to smile back?

Welcome to Wednesday! :D And AUGUST! Happy Retirement to my dear friend, Mary, who has been my faithful stamping companion for the last three? four? years. She is going to be moving away from me soon, and I will miss her enormously - but I'm grateful for her friendship, and that she has a wonderful family to enjoy now. God bless you, Mary and Ev, as you start a NEW chapter in your lives. I love you!

Now, then, before I start bawling :D, meet today's project. He's a snowman made from Crystal Effects. Isn't he beautiful?! Doesn't he just make you smile? So super easy! You could make a BUNCH of these; they're even kid-friendly projects! If you make them, be sure to store them between layers of waxed paper so they don't stick to each other. :) And keep them as dry as possible while storing.

OK, I'm outta here! Enjoy your day - and be SURE to make the time to STAMP something!

It was Christmas in July!

Good Monday Morning!

Can you BELIEVE how fast this year is going? This is my last post for July! We're on the downhill side of the year; before you know it, it will be time for our open house! (It's December 2 this year. Put it on your calendar and plan to come!)

Anyway. :D Last week was our CHRISTMAS IN JULY stamp camp. As you know, I'm backing way off of doing classes - but this was one that I simply had to do. :) And it was awesome; one of my dear friends from East Tennessee (Hi, Allison!) was in town for a work conference, and got to come. It was so fun to stamp with her again.

Today's share is one of my favorite projects from the class. I simply love it; I like banners. And this one is thin enough to be able to hang just about anywhere. Don't forget that the Holiday Mini goes live on Wednesday - if you want to order from it, you can do so either at my business site or by emailing me. :)

Those gingerbread are stamped with SCENTSATIONAL SEASON, and die cut with the Holiday Collection Framelits - which you can purchase as a bundle, and save 15%! They're then embossed with the new Early Espresso embossing powder. The spacers are paper beads; the letters are die cut with my birthday present to myself, the new Typeset Alpha. They're mounted onto Whisper White scallops - punched with the regular scallop circle punch from the large IB&C. Everything's strung on the Cherry Cobbler baker's twine. Fun to make, to look at, and to use! It would fit into a card envelope, if you wanted to give it to someone far away, too.... :)

OK, I'm outta here. More family coming in next week, so lots to procrastinate doing. :D Have a WONDERFUL day, and be SURE to take the time to STAMP something!

Third Hostess Club Project

 Good Friday Morning! Do you have big plans for the weekend??? Going to stamp something? ;D

This is the last project I have to show you from the Hostess Club get-together; we made envelopes from designer series paper using the new diagonal score plate for the Simply Scored Scoring tool.

I absolutely love this plate! It made this project so simple! Four score lines, and a little adhesive, and voila! an envelope. :D

The diagonal plate comes with instructions on making envelopes; it tells you what size to cut your paper for several sizes of envelopes, and what score measurements are for each.

Now, for those of you who are also left-handed: When I first unpacked the score plate and put it on my Simply Scored Scoring tool, I was not happy with the way it MOVED; I don't score with my right hand, and when I did it with my left, it had to move from left to right - and the plate and DSP slipped. So I turned to my fellow demonstrators for help. Another leftie came to my aid; she told me to put the plate on the way it said, then turn it so the top was on the RIGHT, and the scoring would be more-or-less straight down. Worked like a charm; none of the three of us had a problem with it moving! :)

OK, I'm outta here. Going to friends' for dinner! Gotta make a dessert. :D Have a WONDERFUL weekend! Be sure and take the time to stamp SOMEthing!!!!

Reson to Smile!

It's WEDNESDAY! Are you having a great week???

This is the second project from our Hostess Club, using the REASON TO SMILE stamp set. It's not too late - just go to my business site, order any $50 in products, and add in this stamp set for only $5 - wood or clear mount!

Anyway. :) Colors are Whisper White, Daffodil Delight, and Tangerine Tango - with a little Early Espresso stitched ribbon. :)

I just love that tulip frame embossing folder. I think it adds a lot of class - and texture! :D - to the card.

OK, I'm outta here. Have a wonderful day - and don't forget to make the time to STAMP something!

Easy Events

Good Monday Morning! Did you have a good weekend? Did you stamp anything? :D

I got all ready on Friday for Tuesday's CHRISTMAS IN JULY class - I can't wait to show them what we're doing! :)

Last week was our Hostess Club get-together. (If you're interested in joining us, please let me know!) This is one of the projects we made; this week will be the three that we did. :)

Don't forget that you can click on any picture to see it larger. :)

I know the ribbon is a bit crooked across the front. :D The stamp is from EASY EVENTS; it's punched out with the large oval punch, and then simply adhered inside the Designer Frame. The bottom - that looks like wainscoting? - is the Stripes folder.

Super easy, super cute. :)

OK, I'm outta here! Have a wonderful day! Be sure and take the time to STAMP something!

I ♥ Pinterest!

OK, so I love Pinterest - and, if you've been over to my new blog, you know it! :D I find such great ideas and inspiration; I'm trying to make sure I don't just Pin things, however - I want to make sure I actually DO something!

So here's another Pinned card. I absolutely love this; it's SO simple - but how elegant is it!?!?!?!

I found this in a demonstrators-only gallery, stamped by Kristine Chubb. (I don't find a website for her. Sorry!) I changed it a bit, but is it beautiful or what?!?!

OK, I'm gone. It's Friday, my aunt arrives to spend a week, and we have dinner with friends - a busy day. :D I hope you'll let me know what you think of my card, my blog, my style, SOMETHING. :D And have a wonderful weekend. Stamp something, will ya?!?!?! :)

Pinned Card!

Here we are at Wednesday! Are you having a good week? Can you BELIEVE how far gone July is already??? We had our hostess club get-together last night; I can't wait to start showing you some of the projects from that. :)

For today, here's a card that I Pinned, and loved so much I had to do it almost right away. :D I found it here: My Chic.n Scratch. I did tweak it a little bit; I didn't have any Crumb Cake ribbon, so I used Whisper White.I sponged a little here and there, and made it a thank-you card. :)

I just like its simplicity. I think it's still elegant; do you like my new embossing folder?

OK, I'm outta here. Things are going to be busy with family for the next few weeks, so posts might be shorter - but I will continue to try to get you three times a week! :)

Be sure and get your REASON TO SMILE special; I really, really like the set, and it's pretty versatile! And you can use it to STAMP SOMETHING!!! :D

Reason to Smile!

Good Monday Morning! :D

Did you have a good weekend? We got SO much rain this weekend, I wondered for a moment if we were going to see another huge flood! Our back yard had MORE water than that disastrous weekend. But everything seems to be good! :)

SO! This month, besides the hostess special, there's this special going on: spend $50, and get this stamp set for only $50! You can get more information if you click on the widget in the sidebar!

As soon as I got my pre-order for this, I had to make this card. I love sunflowers. and this card cried out to be made. :D The colors are Daffodil Delight, Early Espresso, and Whisper White. I love the new stitched ribbon, too; it's a little quirky without being too cutesy. :D

If you have any questions, let me know! Have a WONDERFUL day, and make sure you make the time to stamp something! :) Remember, you can go to my business site and order at any time - or book a party for the end of this month, and try to earn the great hostess specials, too! :D

Textures!

It's FRIDAY! Have you had a good week?

I got this idea from Sage's blog. She's got a lot of great ideas! :) I needed to simplify, just a bit, to do in a class. So here's what I came up with!

I really like the simplicity of this card; although the stamp is retired now, the colors are fun, and I love lots of textures - they add depth to any project!

OK, I'm outta here! Enjoy your weekend, and be sure to take the time to STAMP something!

Scrapbook Challenge

Good morning! Have you have good week so far?

This was a sketch challenge from a Stampin' Up! demonstrators' list I'm on; I like challenges. They get me to use my supplies in ways I might not ordinarily.

Take this layout, for instance. I rarely layer this much, or angle both the photo and the journaling. It's a fun layout, and a way of emphasizing a photo for a story. :)

MY DIGITAL STUDIO is getting a huge upgrade this fall. I cannot wait! AND Stampin' Up! will allow you to try the software for 30 days for FREE. I love this software - and I wish I could show you all my book. It's gotten lots of OOOHs and AAAAHs this weekend! :) If I were thinking about getting MDS, I think I'd wait at this point until the upgrade comes out, and use it for the 30 days. I really think you'll love it!

OK, I'm outta here! Have a WONDERFUL day! Be sure and take the time to stamp something!

Emboss Resist

Good Monday Morning! WOW, what a weekend I've had. :) I need a vacation from my weekend. LOL

This is a challenge card, although I don't remember what challenge it was for. :D It's an emboss resist on glossy white card stock. I used the flower from FABULOUS FLORETS and clear embossing powder, then took a sponge and sponged randomly with Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie, and Melon Mambo. The verse is from TRUST GOD - I really like that stamp set!

I am now at the point where I need to come up with new stuff to show you, until the classes this month are done. :) I think it's time for more challenge blogs! :)

Have a wonderful day! Be sure and take the time to stamp something!

Party Favors Share #4

I'm gonna be up-front with you: I found this idea from Elisa Breckenridge, and knew I had to do it. :) I did change up some of the punches to be able to say I didn't *just* copy it, but it's pretty close. :D

It's Sahara Sand, Whisper White, and Rose Romance, all card stock. There are two Hershey's Nuggets in the bottom of the inside of this two-tag sheep.

I just LOVE this. She's so sweet, and I think any person would LOVE to see their name on this sweet little lamb. :) Can you imagine arriving at an Easter party where these little sweeties decorated the tables?!?! :)

OK, y'all. I'm off - today is going to be a BUSY day for me. We're having Kenn's discipleship group and their families over for dinner, and I'm doing all the sides. What was I thinking?!?!? :D

Have a WONDERFUL weekend! Be sure and MAKE the time to stamp something!!!

My New Creation!

Happy Fourth of July! :)

Today, I'm posting something that's only connected with Stampin' Up! in that I used Basic Black card stock in the project - but I absolutely LOVE this, and have to share it with you! :D

I saw a project on Pinterest that I really would love to do for a birthday party some day, but it will cost me a little bit for frames.

However, it really sparked me. :D

The base on this is one of those Febreeze bases with a flickering light in it; you put the scented shade around it, and it looks like a decorative votive candle thing.

Well, the sleeves are a little strong for my family, so I had this base lying around. Since I've cleaned out my studio, things don't lie around as much as they have in the past, and I told myself to either find a use or get rid of it.

Get rid of it?!?! That goes against every packrat instinct I have! :D Repurpose it is!

So, I printed out four of my vertical beach pictures from February's trip onto vellum card stock. I cut the Basic Black card stock to the correct length and width, then cut windows into it. I attached the vellum inside the windows with glue dots; I should have left a little more vellum around the edges for easier adhering, but that's a lesson learned for next time. :)

I love this. It's a quiet reminder of a wonderful trip, and my favorite place on Earth. Oh, and I got Volume 1 of my scrap book from the trip. You really need to stop by and see them both. :D

Have a WONDERFUL day, and be sure to make the time to stamp SOMEthing! :D

Party Favors Share #3

Good morning! Did you have a good weekend? Were you able to keep cool?? My GOODNESS, it's been HOT - and it's 91 degrees at 10:30 today. PHEW. Duck and cover - keep cool, y'all.

This is the third share from last month's class; it holds four Hershey's Nuggets side-by-side. It wasn't difficult at all, and we had a good time with it. :) Super easy, and would be quite the little discussion piece at a table. Also, you could easily put something besides chocolate in this little box. (Why you'd WANT to, I'm not sure, but you COULD.... :D )

Have you been crafting at ALL?? What are you making??? Want to come to a class? CHRISTMAS IN JULY is going to be on TUESDAY, JULY 24, at 6:30 here at the studio!!!! RSVP as soon as you know that you can come - the cost will be $25, and we'll be doing at least four projects, possibly five. :) I'm having a great time planning it! I hope you'll come!

Now, I'm off - we're canning pickles today, and it's time to put them in the jars. :D Have a wonderful day, and be sure to make the time to STAMP something!

Birthday Thank-You Cards

I only made two unique cards for people for my birthday thank-yous; you've seen one, and maybe you'll see the other next week. :D Today, I want to show you the card everyone else received! :D

Inside, it says "grateful". Because I am. I am SO loved and blessed by my friends and family! :)

The colors are Cherry Cobbler and Daffodil Delight. (I love having new stampers in my groups; someone *always* comments on the cute names we have for our colors! :D) Oh, and Whisper White and Midnight Muse. I really like the Midnight Muse; it coordinates with a lot of different colors! The designer series paper is from SUMMER SMOOCHES. :D The quote, from Dr. Billy Graham, is from my new set, TRUST GOD.

This is actually a re-make of one of my favorite cards from last year; the stamp set and DSP went away, so I wanted to bring it up-to-date. :D And guess which of the two card colors is my favorite? :D

OK, I'm outta here! Kenn and I are HOPEFULLY going to do something together today; he's had a busy week this week, and I was working all last. And tomorrow is my sister's birthday! Will you help me sing to her??? :D

♫Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday, dear Kelli!
Happy Birthday to you! ♫

:D Thanks! :D

Party Favors Share #2

Hi, everyone! I hope you've had a chance to look at your new Idea Books; there are so many great things in it! :)

Today, I'm sharing a project we did for the above class - and it's SO easy! It uses the Big Shot purse die, which only needs 1/2 piece of card stock. We used ribbon for the handle, but it actually cuts a handle, too!

There are SO many ways to use this die! I just love how girlie this one is, though; I love Melon Mambo. :D And that polka-dotted ribbon? Yum! :D

It's pretty self-explanatory, I think. If you have any questions, pipe right up! :D

Have a WONDERFUL day, and be SURE to take the time to STAMP something!

SUDSOL Challenge Card

Good Monday morning! How was your weekend? I'm on my way to a doctor's appointment; UGH. I hope you enjoy today's post - someone ought to enjoy SOMEthing. :D

 The challenge was a layout; the pieces that are curved were, in the sketch, straight rectangles. You know me; I can't make anything without tweaking it a *little* bit. :D

The stamp set is a new one for me, EASY EVENTS. I like this stamp, and it wasn't the original one I was going to use, but when I got out my DSP, it just had to be the Christmas card. :D

So, here we go with the ingredients! :)

Card stock: Very Vanilla, Gumball Green, Cherry Cobbler

Ink: Early Espresso

Stamp sets: Easy Events, Sounding Joy (retired)

Accessories: Gumball Green Stampin' Write Marker, White Gel Pen, Labels Collection Framelits, Be of Good Cheer DSP, Big Shot, Dimensionals, Snail


Isn't it simple and pretty? When I get the More Merry Messages set, I can use one of those inside. I'm afraid the retirement of last year's sets wiped me out! :D

OK, I'm outta here! Have a WONDERFUL day, let me know what you think - and Mary, THANK YOU for being SO encouraging! It's so nice to know you're out there! :) Be sure and make the time to STAMP something!!!

Thankful Friday! :D

Good afternoon! You made it to Friday! So did I! :D I'm grateful for that, but also that I am done with all my thank-you cards. :D Today, I want to show you the special one I did for Kathy - since she picked it up yesterday, and since I showed you her gift set Wednesday, it seems only fitting to wrap it all up. :D

 Kathy LOVES Melon Mambo. So do I! It's such a great color pink! So, I made a monochromatic card - except for the cherry on top of the cupcake, which is red glitter paper. :D

I used the cupcake punch and Whisper White for the cupcake, and ran the frosting piece through the Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder; ran the bottom piece and the Melon Mambo card front through the Stripes embossing folder. (I♥MyBigShot - I SOOOOOOOOOOO need a bumper sticker!!!!) :D

The saying on the front and the top one inside are from BLESSINGS FROM HEAVEN; the other is from TRUST GOD. They're all embossed with Whisper White craft ink and white embossing powder. The front are on two of the labels collection framelits. It's a simple card, but I think it's quite elegant. :)

Tell me what you think of it! (I didn't write in it, either, just put a piece of paper inside so I could let her use it if she wishes. She could also cut the front and back apart, and use them both for card fronts. I would, of course, doll up the inside a bit if it was going to be a front! :D )

OK, I'm outta here. Have a WONDERFUL weekend, and be SURE to take the time to STAMP something!

Happy Birthday, Kathy!

I am privileged to share a birthday with a dear stamping friend, Kathy. We met together last week to celebrate - and had lunch and wonderful conversation. Kathy is one of the best laughers I know, and she has a beautiful heart. :)

ANYWAY. She isn't so much intrigued by cards, but by 3D projects. So this is a cupcake box (the cupcake I purchased was too big to fit in it!!!). The card is made to match it! Colors are Whisper White, Pool Party, and Island Indigo. Aren't they lovely? :D

OK,, I'm off again! :) Have a WONDERFUL day, and be SURE to take the time to STAMP something!

My Father's Day Card for Dad

Good afternoon! Did you have a good weekend? I'm SO tired - I'm working on the phones for an internet company (which I only do on a relief basis, and the assistant is on vacation this week :D), or I'd be going to take a nap. Celebrating for a week takes its toll! LOL!!!

ANYWAY. I wanted to show you a card I made for a sketch challenge that ended up being my Father's Day card!

Isn't it pretty? :D And so simple! That stamp is from a new set I got for FREE with hostess benefits from the New IB&C Open House, called TRUST GOD. The colors are Whisper White, Early Espresso, and Daffodil Delight. The Early Espresso is embossed with the Simply Polka Dots embossing folder.

Any questions? Comments? Let me know!! :D Talk to me!

Have a wonderful day! Be sure and take the time to STAMP something!

Thought I'd already shared this!

Seriously. I would have SWORN I'd already shown this to you!

It's a super-simple card, which I made as a wedding or anniversary (25th!) card. It uses MAKE A CAKE and ITTY BITTY BANNERS; colors are Shimmery White and Brushed Silver. :) I had a good time with this one - I love monochromatic cards!

Don't forget you can click on the photo to see it in the original size I uploaded it. :)

OK, I'm outta here! If plans hold, today I'm taking care of getting a haircut and other odds and ends. :D Miles to go! Have a WONDERFUL day, and be sure to take the time to stamp something! Enjoy your weekend!

Party Favors Class - share 1

If you didn't make it to stamp with us last Thursday evening, you really missed a fun time. This is one of the four projects we did; it's really a cute little container!I got the idea from this blog; hers is much more colorful, but I didn't have everything to directly copy hers! :D

That's Certainly Celery you see, with Daffodil Delight seam binding ribbon - I really like the pop of color it adds here! The designer series paper is from Summer Smooches again; I think this is really cute. You could put lots of things inside of it, too!

OK, I'm outta here. Still celebrating my birthday. :D

Have a wonderful day! Be sure to take the time to stamp something!

Hi! Welcome to another Monday! :D I hope you had a great weekend, and got to spend a little time with your new Idea Book. :D It's the Monday before my birthday, so I'm scheming and planning on what I want to get.... :D

Today's card is a quick thank-you card I put together, but I really like it! That chevron pattern on the DSP (from SUMMER SMOOCHES) is big this year; there's also an embossing folder!

Each year, I continue to be amazed that LOVELY AS A TREE makes it another year. It's a completely classic set, and I can't imagine what could take its place. I guess SU! can't, either! :D The colors are Very Vanilla, Gumball Green, and Early Espresso. The other stamp set is Itty Bitty Banners, cut out with the framelit that matches. Easy! :)

Have a WONDERFUL week!!! Be sure and take the time to STAMP something!!!!

Look! I'm famous! :D

Go check out my promo on Card Cupids - thanks SO much, Karen! :D

Card Cupids

Good morning! It's FRIDAY! Aren't you GLAD?! :D (Actually, my weekends fly by! So busy! :D)

Today, I would like to tell you about an organization named CARD CUPIDS. (Click on their name to get to their main website.) It's a wonderful organization that provides "happy mail" to kids who really, really need it. (Go ahead. Go read about it. I'll be here....)

Karen Siefert is a local Close to My Heart representative, and a dear friend of mine. She has asked me to guest design this month for her; I needed to do two projects, and will be sending them on to Card Cupids.

Here's what Karen sent me when she asked me to help out this month:

We have adopted a homeless shelter in Virginia that is housing several families, including 39 children. (Ages 1-18)

We were able to give them a great Christmas, Valentines, and now we are working on Birthdays. The shelter says they really enjoy receiving cards from all over the US and Internationally.

We also receive requests for Happy mail for children going thru a medical crisis....

Now, how can you say NO to that???

So, today, I am honored to show you the two cards I've designed for the Card Cupids. I'm hoping that you'll feel that they're pretty gender-neutral, like I do. And they're punch art, which I think always makes something fun!  (And if you're visiting from CARD CUPIDS, thank you for *all* the incredible work you do to bless others!)

Here we go!

 This is the first one; it features three of the new IN COLORS - from left to right on the candles, it's SUMMER STARFRUIT, RASPBERRY RIPPLE, and MIDNIGHT MUSE. The two "leaning" candles are simply card stock strips, cut 1"x3"; the Raspberry Ripple had to be a bit smaller to fit on the card, so I think it's 1"x2.5". :D

The designer series paper is called PATIO PARTY; the main body of this card is Midnight Muse, but it kind of blends right in with my Basic Black background. :D

 The stamp on the front is from WORD PLAY; the flames on the candles are the ornament punch! :D The saying and the mat it's on, as well as the pieces of card stock on the next card, are all cut using my Big Shot (OK, I haven't said it in a LONG time: I LOVE MY BIG SHOT!!! :D ) and the Labels Collection Framelits. They're so cool! :D

The inside stamps are all from different stamp sets: Got Treats?, Teeny Tiny Wishes, and Blessings from Heaven.

Now, then. :D On to the clear card!

 I just think clear cards are COOL, and I forget about them too easily. (Maybe it's out of sight, out of mind! :D Get it? They're CLEAR... [Oooooh, I crack me UP!])

Anyway. :D The colors on this one are Whisper White, Tempting Turquoise, Daffodil Delight, and Tangerine Tango. That's the cupcake punch on the front, there; I love that it has a candle and flame, as well as a cherry and sprinkles, right in the punch! :D That's the new Daffodil Delight seam binding ribbon. It's light, "soft" as one of my stampers said last night :D, and really easy to work with.

YES, Stampin' Up! does sell transparency! It comes in 12x12 sheets! :)

Oh, yeah. there is "happy birthday" (same stamp as on the inside of the first card!) from TEENY TINY WISHES stamped on the transparency with White Stazon. I couldn't get the card to stand OPEN, to take a photo of the inside. I'm sorry. It's got the Whisper White and Tempting Turquoise label framelit cuts, too, and I used the "wish BIG" stamp from WORD PLAY again - it's the one on the front of the first card. I used our Stampin' Write markers to color it, though; the star above the "wish" is Daffodil Delight; the "wish" is in Tempting Turquoise, and the BIG is in Tangerine Tango. :)

So, do you think it qualifies as "happy mail"? :) I really hope so; I love the color combos, and I think they're just happy cards!

I really hope you'll consider helping CARD CUPIDS out! Thank you, Karen, for the opportunity! Now, y'all, go make the time to STAMP something! Have a great weekend! :)

New products!

Good morning! I hope you've had a chance to look through your new Idea Book & Catalog! There are some really fun new sets, and a whole lot of great new accessories.

The card on the left is one of the two projects we did at the Open House last Friday; the colors are two of the new IN COLORs, Summer Starfruit (the greenish-yellow) and Midnight Muse (the dark blue). I have to say, I really do like this color combination; it seems to me to be an outstanding combination for male cards!

The cake is from MAKE A CAKE; the banner stamp is from ITTY BITTY BANNERS - which coordinates with the new Big Shot BITTY BANNERS FRAMELITS. The designer series paper is called PATIO PARTY; the card on the right is what I got when I reversed the DSP. I obviously had to make it a landscape-oriented card, because of the print, but I think it really works that way, too. I'd probably use it for younger guys, like perhaps a teenager, but it's still got a more masculine feel to it, I think.

Have you tried anything yet? Have you placed your order yet? :) If I can help in any way, please let me know. :) Have a WONDERFUL day, and please be sure to take the time to STAMP something!

Not too exciting....

but it's still a share! :D

I had these watermelon slices done up before I decided what to do with them. They're remakes, so they actually use current colors. :) This is Cherry Cobbler and Gumball Green; this time, though, I also did *just* the Cherry Cobbler with the Melon Embossing Powder, so it's a scratch-n-sniff! It's pretty and glossy, too, and I wanted to make it a star.

The next time, I'll do a little more with the background, but this is a FAST card. I did the lettering with MY DIGITAL STUDIO. And that was IT. Super simple!

I'm still recovering from getting ready for the Open House Friday. :) Wednesday, I'll post the card we made as a sample, done twice - you'll see what I mean. :D

Have a WONDERFUL day! And be SURE to take the time to STAMP something!

It's HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And if you'd be interested in a grab box of crafting stuff, email me how much you'd want - I'll double it, so if you want $5 worth that would be $10 worth, and so forth! :D
ENJOY the new Idea Book & Catalog!