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Tuesday, May 31, 2016

IT IS THE LAST TODAY (Tuesday, May 31, 2016) TO ORDER FROM THE RETIRING LIST!

Click on this link to see the ITEMS BY PAGE NUMBER!!

HERE is a PDF for you to see all of the retiring items!
CHECK IT OUT HERE!

You can now see the retiring items at my on line store- www.susiewood.stampinup.net
CLICK HERE! 

CONTACT ME if you want to order anything or you can order at my On Line STORE HERE!

THANK YOU!!
Happy Shopping!
Hugs!

Let's 'Party With Cake'!

This is a fun stamp set 'Party With Cake'- in the Occasions Catalog, that is carrying over into the our new 2016-2017 big catalog!  Woo Hoo!

This card is one that everyone joining me at my Spring Fling got to make.
SUPPLIES USED-
stamp set:  'Party With Cake'
card stock:  Sahara Sand, Whisper White, Mint Macron, Basic Black
designer paper:  It's My Party (RETIRING TODAY!)
ink:  Archival Basic Black
marker:  Sahara Sand
other:  It's My Party Enamel Dots (RETIRING TODAY!), Owl Builder Punch (for the black circle under the Enamel Dot), Dimensionals, Glue Dots

for the inside of the card-
Big Shot, Magnetic Platform, Precision Plate, Party Pop-Ups Thinlits Die, It's My Party Designer Paper, Markers- Sahara Sand & Crushed Curry
 Isn't this inside pop-up (Party Pop-Ups Thinlits Die) really cool!! It too is carrying over into the 2016-2017 Big Catalog that begins tomorrow!
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Yesterday was a busy day!  I worked outside helping Deke most of the day- getting ready for new baby piggies that we get next week.  I got our suitcases unpacked & part of our dirty clothes all washed. 

Late in the afternoon I picked up the 3 Seeley boys.  They spent the night with us.  We had supper, went to get ice cream cones at Walkers, played in the yard until dark & came in for baths. 

We are going strong this morning & Masen will be here soon too for the day.  Deke was off early to chore & then he is headed to the courthouse for his weekly board meeting.

Tonight we have Judy's visitation & then we will be going to Brayden's baseball game.

I hope you have a TERRIFIC Tuesday!!
Happy Stamping!
Hugs-
SUSIE

Monday, May 30, 2016

My heart is heavy as I share this with all of you.....my dear friend & stamping sister Judy lost her long battle with colon cancer.  Oh how I'm going to miss her!

Judy Ann Hopping
(January 24, 1952 - May 27, 2016)


Judy Ann Hopping
Judy Hopping, 64 of Iowa City passed away Friday, May 27, 2016. Funeral services will begin at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at the Holland-Coble Funeral Home in What Cheer. Burial will be in the Sixteen Cemetery near What Cheer. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 4:00 to 8:00 pm. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Johnson County Animal Shelter. Friends may sign the online guestbook at hollandcoblefuneralhomes.com.
Judy Ann Hopping was born January 24, 1952 in Oskaloosa, Iowa the daughter of Lowell and Catherine Myerly. Having lost both of her parents at an early age Judy was raised by her aunt and uncle, Dorothy and Lloyd Little. She was a 1970 graduate of Tri-County High School before attending Ottumwa Heights Community College where she received a degree in Business Administration. Judy was united in marriage to Stephen Hopping on May 4, 1984 at the Methodist Church in Thornburg. She worked as the secretary for Urology-Neurology and Nuclear Medicine Technology at the Iowa City Veterans Administration Medical Center. Judy also completed the University of Iowa Nuclear Medicine Technology Program and served on the Board of Directors at the Credit Union. After fifteen years at the VA she assumed the role as Operations Manager of the Federal Employees Credit Union. After twenty years she retired due to health concerns. Judy was not one to set around, even in ill health so she continued working with Two Rivers Bank in Coralville for several years until her health no longer allowed it. She loved her Stamping Up card making and all the friends she made during the classes. Judy would not be complete without her love for her Schnauzer dogs and the love she was given by her family and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Lowell and Catherine Myerly; her aunt and uncle, Dorothy and Lloyd Little; a sister, Lora Helm; her father-in-law, Robert Hopping; and two uncles, Burton “Boo” Karsten and Donald Harper.
Judy is survived by her husband, Stephen Hopping of Iowa City, her mother-in-law, Mary Lou Hopping of Floral AR; a brother-in-law Jeff (Carolyn) Hopping of Batesville, AR; two brothers, Roger Little of Dallas, TX and Ronnie Little of What Cheer; a half brother, Jeff (Kathy) Shepherd of Marengo; two aunts, Betty Karsten of Oskaloosa and Lucille Harper of Keswick; her very close cousin, Brenda (Paul) Callahan of Oskaloosa as well many other cousins; nieces and nephews, and great friends.

HOME SWEET HOME!!

We are HOME!!
After 24 hours of traveling home yesterday we walked in the door about 12:30 a.m. this morning!  We were exhausted & happy to sleep in our own beds last night.

We were up early this morning & on the run!  We both have a very busy week!  Since today is a holiday I don't have any boys, so I spent my day working on the farm, helping Deke powerwash the grower, as were getting things ready for new baby piggies to arrive next week.

Hopefully I can get our suitcases unpacked & laundry all done yet tonight too, before I go to bed.  I also need to find time to go through a huge pile of mail & emails that came during the time we were gone too.  

Tonight I'll run in & pick up the 3 Seeley boys from their other grandparents.  They'll be having a slumber party with G'ma & Papa tonight, as their mom & dad are headed to Chicago for a Cubs baseball game!

Oh my......we had an amazing trip!  It was definitely a trip of a life time & one that we've been saving up for- for a long time.  We started our trip by- 
  • Flying to Barcelona, Spain & getting on a Norwegian Ship & we cruised the Mediterranean Sea.
  • Monday we sailed all day & attended a Stampin' Up! General Session with all demonstrators & our guests, where we got to see demonstrations using new catalog products!
  • Tuesday we were in Naples, Italy where we toured all day.
  • Wednesday we were in Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy where we toured all day.
  • Thursday we were in Pisa (Livorno), Italy where we toured all day.
  • Friday we were in Cannes, France where we toured all day.
  • Saturday we were in Marscilles, France where we toured all day.
  • Sunday we arrived back in Barcelona, Spain & spent 24 hours flying back home.
I will try to get photos downloaded & post a few in the coming days of each of stops each day, so that I can share this amazing trip with you!

Deke & I so enjoyed our week spent with each other!  And we also had fun spending time with many of our Stampin' Up! friends from all over the world!  

The photo above of Deke & I was taken in Cannes, France.  We were walking through a beautiful open market of flowers!!  

Oh how blessed I am in soooo many ways!!  Thank you for letting me share my love of stamping with each of you!!  

Sending many blessings out on the Memorial Day holiday, as we remember those that have passed that we love.
Happy Stamping-
Hugs!
SUSIE

Friday, May 20, 2016

A lovely vase of flowers!

Check out this vase of flowers!  They are just lovely!  This stamp set- 'Pictogram Punches' is RETIRING!  This was one of the cards I created for my May monthly classes & everyone joining me at them got to make it.
What is the background on the strip down the middle of the card?  That is a 5 1/2 x 2" piece of Tip Top Taupe card stock that I did the direct to paper technique on.  I laid the card stock onto my grid paper & lightly touched the ink pad directly to the paper.  It makes a neat suede look doesn't it.

stamp set:  'Pictogram Punches' (RETIRING) & 'And Many More' (RETIRING)
card stock:  Mint Macaron, Whisper White, Tip Top Taupe
designer paper:  It's My Party 12x12 DSP (RETIRING)
ink:  Tip Top Taupe
markers:  Tip Top Taupe & Mint Macron
other:  2015-2017 In Color Blossom Accents (RETIRING), Ornate Tag Topper Punch (RETIRING), Word Window Punch (RETIRING), Extra Large Oval Punch (RETIRING), Basic Pearls, 1/2" Seam Binding Whisper White ribbon (RETIRING), Glue Dots, Dimensionals

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What a busy day yesterday was!  I enjoyed my boys & got to see them all!  G'ma is gonna sure miss them.  Gosh- I hardly go 2 days without seeing them & it is going to be alot longer this time.  I'm sure we'll all be very homesick. 

Deke & I are headed off to the airport this morning!  We are going on my Stampin' Up! trip.  This year it is a Mediterranean Cruise.  We are very excited!  We love cruises (they are our favorite trips); we get to see many of our demonstrator friends & their spouses; & we get to spend time together- away from our jobs & crazy life.  This is going to be the longest we have ever been gone before.  We will be returning early on 5/30- if our planes are on time & not cancelled.  

So- I just wanted you to know that I am not planning to do any blog posting here until I return.  If we end up having wifi on the ship I might post a few things here & there.  If I do post something it will not be at a set time or on a regular basis.  I started my blog 4 1/2 years ago & I have not missed one day ever since then of posting.  I am not going to break my good track record & I apologize for not being able to do it.  This year it was just going to be too hard for me to try to get posts done ahead of time for Manda to do them for me & I'm not sure how our internet service & things will be while we are away.  There will be about a 7 hour time change too.  So all in all I am not planning to post until we get home & then I'll catch everyone up on things.  So be sure you check back on 5/31 forsure to check out my post!

I am so blessed to be able to share my love of stamping with each of you!  I treasure the many friends I've met just because of stamping.  I am thankful that you allow me to be your demonstrator & stamp with you!!  Thank you sooo very much!!  And I look forward to sharing new things from the new catalog with you when I get home.  I'll be hitting the ground running- as we get baby piggies in & I have 5 New Catalog Stampin' Parties within a few days of our return home. 

I just finished my swaps!  I haven't even started packing yet.....so I'm off to get that done.  Deke will be headed out soon to chore & then we'll be on our way!  I guess I will just get to sleep on the plane!!  It won't be the first time I've done that on my way to a Stampin' Up! event. 

NOTE:  We will not have email, texting or cell phones either while we are gone.  I guess we are truly going to be on vacation.  Our cell phone carrier doesn't work well with international places & it is going to cost us too much to use them while we are gone.  

I hope you have a FABULOUS FRIDAY & wonderful upcoming weekend/week!

Happy Stamping!!
Take care.....until I can post again. 
Hugs!
SUSIE

Thursday, May 19, 2016

Here is Brayden's Birthday card!

Earlier this month, on May 1st our little man- Brayden, turned 8 years old!!  WOW- where does the time go?  I can't believe that he is growing up so fast.  He is such an amazing little man & he just melts our hearts!  He loves being here with us on the farm & we love having him around as much as he can be here!

This is the card that I made for him for his birthday.  I thought it turned out cute!  And he liked it too.  I am always thrilled when my boys are excited to get a hand made card from Grandma!
stamp set:  'Number of Year's & 'Balloon Celebration'
I used the 'Remembering Your Birthday' (RETIRING) for the inside of the card.

card stock:  Basic Black, Mint Macaron, Crushed Curry & Whisper White, Sahara Sand

designer paper:  It's My Party Paper Stack (12x12)

ink: Archival Basic Black

other:  Big Shot, Circle Large Number Thinlits, Thinlits (RETIRING), 2 1/2" Circle Punch (RETIRING), Balloon Bouquet Punch, Baker's Twine Combo Pack (Mint Macron- RETIRING), dimensionals, Glue Dots, Tear & Tape
 And of course I had to add balloons to the inside of it too!  And I tucked his gift money in behind them. 
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Oh my......I've been going 100 mph & I am so far behind.  My plate is definitely full!!  I think I need a vacation!!  But there is definitely more work to try to get ready for a vacation too! 
Yesterday was a busy day with the boys.  We played outside in the morning & enjoyed the beautiful day!  When they left last night I got a few things done & then headed to the races late.  I got there just in time to watch Nathan's heat race.  And then as soon as Nathan was done with his main I headed back home to burn the midnight oil working on stamping stuff.  Nathan won his heat again, but ended up pulling in during the main because of motor problems- so that was a bummer, as he was running in 2nd place.

This morning I'm off to pick up the boys for the day.  Deke is home to catch up on the farm too today.  Tonight when the boys head home I'll be burning the midnight oil making swaps & packing.  We head out tomorrow morning for the airport for our annual Stampin' Up! trip.  I have a ton of emails, cards, swaps, etc. to do yet.....& somehow have to get it all done between now & then.

Gotta run.....
I hope you have a wonderful Thursday!!
(And I hope I have a wonderful Thursday too!)
Happy Stamping!
Hugs!
SUSIE

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Saying Good-bye to the Hexagon Hive Thinlit!

Check out the cute thank you cards that I made for the boys to give their soccer coaches!
The twins team was blue & Brayden's team was a almost a florescent yellow/greenish.  So these are the colors I ended up using. 

Didn't they turn out neat?  I know the boys were thrilled with them!  I hope that they coaches liked them.  
I used the RETIRING Hexagon Hive Thinlits & the RETIRING Circles Collection Framelits to make the soccer ball.  

stamp set:  'One Big Meaning'
card stock:  Cucumber Crush, Pacific Point, Whisper White, Basic Black, Daffodil Delight
ink:  Basic Black Archival
other:  Big Shot, Hexagon Hive Thinlit (RETIRING), Circles Collection Framelits (RETIRING),  Magnetic Platform, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack (RETIRING), Dimensionals, Glue Dots, Lucky Stars Embossing Folder

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I had hoped to get to stamp last night when the boys all went home, but that didn't happen!  I burnt the night oil finalizing orders & doing paperwork.  And Deke burnt the midnight oil powerwashing in the hog house.

Nathan, Sarah, Masen, Mark & Trevor all went to Webster City racing last night.  Nathan won his heat!!  There were 42 stock cars there.   WOW!

Deke is off to chore & then head to the office for a little while this morning.  He'll then come home & work on powerwashing.  I'm off to go pick up all of my boys for the day.  Tonight Nathan races in Osky, so we'll be going to cheer him on.  

Gotta run....
I hope you have a WONDERFUL Wednesday!
Happy Stamping!
Hugs-
SUSIE

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Beautiful stemmed flowers!

Here is a beautiful stemmed flower set that is retiring.  It is called 'Serene Silhouettes'.  This was another one of the cards that everyone at my monthly May classes made with me this past week/weekend. 
stamp set:  'Serene Silhouettes' (RETIRING)
card stock:  Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Hello Honey (RETIRING)
designer paper:  2014-2016 IN Color (RETIRING) & Corrugated paper (12x12 kraft- RETIRING)
ink:  Crumb Cake (for inside words)
markers:   Mossy Meadow & Hello Honey (RETIRING)
other:  dimensionals, Glue Dots, Tea Lace Doilies (RETIRING), White Perfect Accents, Expressions Natural Wood Elements (RETIRING), Wink of Stella Pen
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Yesterday was a busy day!!!
 Today will be another one......
I hope you have a TERRIFIC Tuesday!!
Happy Stamping!
Hugs!
SUSIE



Monday, May 16, 2016

A sweet card!

Here is a sweet card that was for my May monthly classes.  Almost everything I used here is on the retiring list.  Isn't it cute though!!
stamp set:  ''Six-Sided Sampler'  (RETIRING) & 'Something to Say' (RETIRING)
card stock:  Watermelon Wonder, Whisper White, Basic Gray
designer paper:  2015-2017 In Color Envelope Paper (RETIRING)
ink:  Archival Basic Gray
other:  Watermelon Wonder 1" Ribbon (RETIRING), dimensionals, Glue Dots, Hexagon punch (RETIRING), Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack (small flower- RETIRING), Large Oval Punch (RETIRING), Basic Rhinestones
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We had a great day stamping yesterday!!  I enjoyed it & think everyone else did too! 

WOW- what a busy weekend I had, of literally pretty much nothing but lots of stamp classes!!!

This morning Deke is off early to chore & head to his weekly board meeting.  He then has a meeting this afternoon.  I'm off to pick up my boys for the day.  I think Susie's Hair Hut will be open for business tonight.  I know all in the Seeley family needs their hair cut! After they all go home I'll be entering orders & work on stampin' stuff all night. 

Gotta run......I hope you have a MARVELOUS Monday!!
Happy Stamping!!
Hugs-
SUSIE

Sunday, May 15, 2016

A cute flower!

Here is another cute flower card that everyone at my May classes is making with me this week!  It is a simple, yet elegant card.  I just love it!  The black, red & white are just stunning together here!  This card has been a favorite of many that have already got to make it. 
stamp sets: 'Beautiful Bunches' (RETIRING), 'A Dozen Thoughts' (RETIRING
card stock:  Real Red, Basic Black, Whisper White, Old Olive
ink:  Archival Basic Black
other:  dimensionals, Glue Dots, 3/8" Stitched Black Satin Ribbon (RETIRING- SOLD OUT), Fun Flower Punch (RETIRING), 7/8" Scalloped Circle Punch (RETIRING), 2 1/2" Circle Punch (RETIRING)
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I started my day out yesterday getting to stamp with several that joined me for the morning!!!  We then went to Josie's graduation lunch/party & back home again.  I spent my afternoon packing up & picking up from classes here at our home the past 2 days.  I made a quick run into Manda's last night for 1 hour & helped her plant some flowers outside in her pots & new window boxes that Steve just made for her.  

When I got home I quickly make one card using NEW In Colors, a NEW stamp set & NEW designer paper.  I've been dying to play with some of my new pre-order things, but just haven't had the time to do it.  I then burnt the midnight oil getting things ready for today's 2 stamp classes, before calling it quits for the day.

The guys went to West Liberty racing & Nathan got 4th- so it was late when they got home too.

This morning I'm off early for Hiawatha for my 2 monthly classes there.  I can't wait to see everyone & spend my day stamping with them all.

Tonight I'm hoping to make a quick stop at my friend Judy's on my way home.

Gotta run......
I hope you have a SUPER Sunday!!
Happy Stamping!
Hugs-
SUSIE

Saturday, May 14, 2016

Bravo!!

This awesome stamp is retiring!!  It is in the stamp set 'Bravo' & is full of many different & great words that can be use for many different things that we celebrate!
This is my bonus cad for my May monthly stamp classes.  Everyone joining me this weekend to stamp gets to make it.

This is the graduation card that I made for my niece Ginny & I gave it to her last Saturday at her graduation party. 

stamp set:   'Bravo'  (RETIRING)
card stock:  Basic Black, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White
ink:  Archival Basic Black
other:  Big Shot, Circle Thinlits (RETIRING), 2 1/2" Circle Punch (RETIRING), Lucky Stars Embossing Folder, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack (RETIRING), Note Tag Punch (RETIRING)
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Yesterday I enjoyed my day with the boys & then had a fun evening stamping with everyone that joined me!  I'm gearing up now for those coming to stamp with me this morning too & looking forward to sharing & seeing everyone!!

We have Jose's graduation party at noon today......so as soon as everyone leaves from my stamp class we'll be headed out the door & going to her party.  When we get home from her party I'll be cleaning & packing up things & getting ready to head out early for my 2 monthly classes in Hiawatha.  

Tonight Nathan is suppose to be racing in Bloomfield.  If it doesn't get rained out we'll all be headed there.  Hope he has good luck!

Have a SENSATIONAL Saturday!!
Happy Stamping!
Hugs!
SUSIE

Friday, May 13, 2016

Another wedding card!

Here is another pretty wedding card.  This is one is very simple  yet elegant one.  This is one of the cards that everyone joining me to stamp this week for my May monthly classes will be making.  

I've used alot of retiring products on this card.  I'm sad to see see of them go!
I will update this post in the next few days with the supplies that I used.  My week has been crazy & I'm gearing up for 4 stamp classes in the next 3 days, plus the boys all day today too.
 
stamp set:
card stock:
designer paper:
ink:
other:


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Yesterday was a full day!  We started out before it was light out with pigs, then with the boys, then with pigs again & then cutting card stock until the wee hours!!  

Brayden was here after school yesterday too.  And so Susie's Hair Hut was open for business & I finally got his hair cut.  Gosh- it looks so much better!!!  I really didn't have time to do it, but I wasn't sure next week was going to be any better of a time.....so we squeezed it in. 

Then when the boys were all gone I headed out to help Deke for awhile with the piggies & came back in to burn the midnight oil cutting card stock.

Tonight is Stampin' Night here at our home.  I'm looking forward to seeing everyone that is joining me.  Yep- they all get to make this wedding card.  Woo Hoo!

Tonight is also the burial & supper for Deke's Aunt Pat Baylor.....so he'll be going to this & I'll have to miss it.  (Aunt Pat passed a little over 2 years ago & they cremated her.  Deke's cousin (Mark) is home from Arizona for his nieces graduation party, so the family decided to bury her remains with her stone, at their family cemetery plot & I guess tonight worked the best for the majority of everyone.)

Ok- I'm off to pick up the boys for the day!  I'm gonna need some coffee to keep me going today.  And I still have lots to do yet before my stamp class too to get squeezed in my day.

I hope you have a FABULOUS Friday!!
Happy Stamping!
Hugs!
SUSIE

Thursday, May 12, 2016

A lace card!

I love this lace looking thinlit!  I thought this could be a pretty wedding card.  What do you think?
stamp set:  'Petite Pairs'  (RETIRING)
card stock:  Whisper White, Blackberry Bliss (RETIRING)
ink:  Blackberry Bliss (RETIRING)
other:  Big Shot, Magnetic Platform, Precision Plate, Bloomin' Hearts Thinlits Die, Basic Pearls, Large Oval Punch (RETIRING), Scalloped Oval Punch (RETIRING), Dimensionals, Glue Dots, Stampin' Paper Trimmer
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Yesterday was a busy day!!  The boys were all going strong & it wasn't nice enough to go outside.  We finger painted, cut out shapes, colored, mixed colors to get new colors & did drawings on our windows in the family room!  

It was dry enough last night that Masen & I went on a walk, pulled some weeds in the yard & got some flowers planted that I had gotten for Deke's mom, Manda & Sarah (for their Mother's Day gifts).  

After supper I burnt the midnight oil working on stamping stuff!!  

I'm off EARLY this morning to work on the farm & help Deke load piggies.  I'll then go pickup all of the boys at my normal time & spend my day with them.  When they are gone tonight I'll go back out & work on the farm. 

I hope you have a wonderful Thursday!!
Happy Stamping!!
Hugs-
SUSIE

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

It's an adorable Puppy!!!

Isn't he just adorable!  What a cute little puppy he is.  And you all know I'm a huge animal lover. 

This card was another one that everyone at my Spring Fling got to make.

I used the 'Playful Pals' stamp set & coordinating Pyramind Pals Thinlits to make it.   I thought it would work for many different occasions- including a dog sympathy card. 
stamp set:  'Playful Pals' & 'Greatest Greetings' 
card stock:  Chocolate Chip, Sahara Sand, Whisper White
designer paper:  It's My Party 12x12 Paper Stack (RETIRING)
ink:  Chocolate Chip
marker:  Chocolate Chip
other:  Big Shot, Magnetic Platform, Pyramid Pals Thinlit dies, Neutrals Candy Dots (RETIRING), Decorative Label Punch, Glue Dots, Dimensionals, Paper Snips
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It finally dried out enough that we got to play outside for awhile late yesterday afternoon.  When the boys all went home I burnt the midnight getting Trey's birthday invites done.  He is a Super Hero- Baymax fan....so that is what his invites were.  They turned out cute!  

This morning I'm off to go pick up all of my boys!  Deke is off early to chore & head to meetings!  

Tonight we were suppose to race, but due to the rain- they are cancelled.....so I'll be burning the midnight oil cutting card stock!!

I hope you have a WONDERFUL Wednesday!
Happy Stamping!
hugs-
SUSIE

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Another Tea Pot!

Here is another tea pot.  I made a card similar to this & posted it HERE!!!

My mom collects tea pots.  And I remember ones that my Grandma Cox had when I was growing up too.....thus this card makes me think of them.  This designer paper is just perfect for it.
stamp set:   'A Nice Cuppa' (RETIRING)
card stock:  Basic Black, Pear Pizzazz, Whisper White, Calypso Coral
designer paper: Pretty Petals Paper Stack (RETIRING)
ink:  Archival Basic Black
other:  Big Shot, Magnetic Platform, Cups & Kettle Framelits (RETIRING- SOLD OUT), Hearts Border Punch, Tea Lace Doilies (RETIRING), Dimensionals, Pear Pizzazz 1/4" Cotton Ribbon (RETIRING), Basic Rhinestone
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It was a wet & dreary day out yesterday, so the boys didn't get to play outside.  Our family was all here for supper last night for our post Mother' Day celebration.  It was great to get together with everyone.  When they all left I got toys picked up, dishes done, mail gone though, emails, etc.....and went to bed.  I was just beat!

This morning Manda has an early meeting before school, so I'm headed out to pick up the boys & then go get Masen & take Brayden to school.  Tonight when the boys all go home I'll be burning the midnight oil cutting card stock for all of my stamp classes I have this week!!

Deke had a meeting this morning, but it got rescheduled for next week, so I think he is home all day to get to work on the farm & try to catch up here. 

I hope you have a TERRIFIC Tuesday!!
Happy Stamping!
Hugs-
SUSIE

Monday, May 9, 2016

Botanicals

Here is another fun fold using the Botancial Builder Framelit dies & the Botanical Gardens Designer Paper.  This was another one of the cards everyone at my Spring Fling made.   Isn't it pretty!

stamp set:  'And Many More' (RETIRING)
card stock:  Old Olive, Cajun Craze, Whisper White, Hello Honey (RETIRING), Basic Black
designer paper:  Botanical Garden (RETIRING)
ink:  Cajun Craze
other:  Big Shot, Magnetic Platform, Precision Plate, Botanical Guilder Framelits, Word Window Punch (RETIRING), Basic Pearls, Dimensionals, Glue Dots  

I've made & share a few other cards in previous posts using this fold. 
You can see those cards by clicking on the 4 different links below-
CLICK HERE! 
CLICK HERE!
CLICK HERE! 
CLICK HERE!
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Oh my.....yesterday was a great day for working in our yard.  I had told Deke that is all I wanted for Mother's Day- to stay home & get yard work done.  And that is just what we did.  We spent about 9 hours working in it & got alot done.  We aren't all done- but we gained alot.  I used muscles I haven't used for a long time.  Gosh.....I'm gonna be sore today. 

All of our kids stopped by in the afternoon for a few minutes to say "hi & Happy Mother's Day" and brought me flowers. 

When we got in last night Deke made lettuce & dumplings for supper.  He then read information on line about our upcoming trip while sitting at the kitchen counter to visit with me.  And I spent my night cooking.  I'm on our church committee to help with funeral dinners again- so I made chocolate chip bar cookies & a macaroni salad.  I made double of both of them & we'll have them to eat tonight, as our kids are all coming for supper for a post Mother's Day supper.  

Deke is up early this morning to chore & head to the office for his weekly board meeting.  I'm off to pick up all of my boys.  We have some errands to run this morning.  I'm hoping the weather is nice & we can play outside some.

After the kids all go home tonight  (after our supper)- I hope to get to stamp!  I need to help Manda figure out Trey's birthday invites & get them all cut so we can get them made & sent out soon.  He will be 2 years old on June 12th.  WOW- that doesn't seem possible.  He wants to have a Baymax themed party!  So Manda did some searching on line & found a punch art Baymax with Stampin' Up! punches- so we'll see what we come up.  I will share his invite that we end up creating later with you all in a post. 

Gotta run.....
I hope you have a MARVELOUS Monday!!  
Happy Stamping!
Hugs!
SUSIE

Sunday, May 8, 2016

Happy Mother's Day!!

Wishing all Mother's a Happy Mother's Day!!  I hope you enjoy your special day!!

Look at the lace underneath this butterfly.  Yep- I used the Bloomin' Hearts thinlit again.  I cut out the lace heart & then used the Butterflies Thinlits to cut out the little vellum butterfly to go over it.  

I used the Bold Butterfly Thinlit to make the big butterfly that is on the bottom.  Isn't this a pretty card.  It was another one of the cards everyone got to make at my Spring Fling. 
stamp set:  'Butterfly Basics'
card stock:  Blushing Bride, Mint Macaron, Whisper White, Watermelon Wonder, Vellum
designer paper:  Birthday Bouquet
ink:  Watermelon Wonder
other:  Big Shot, Magnetic Platform, Precision Plate, Bloomin' Hearts Thinlit, Bold Butterfly Framelits (Big Butterfly), Butterflies Thinlits (Small Butterfly), Basic Pearls, Dimensionals, Glue Dots
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Yesterday was a busy day!!  I got the hog all cooked for Ginny's party & Deke helped me finish getting it ready to take to her party.  It was yummy!!  Her party was very nice!!  We enjoyed our evening visiting with many family members & friends.

It was late when we got home, as we helped Beckie & Randy clean things up.  We got our roasters  a soaking & then hit the hay!! 

Woo Hoo!  I am home all day today!!  I am hoping the weather is nice, as I've asked Deke to help me work in the yard all day!  I love yard work & our poor yard has been neglected lately since we've both been so busy.  I am hoping we get alot done.

I'm not sure what we'll do tonight.  I'd like to just hang out at home.  We'll see what the day brings. 

I hope you have a SUPER Sunday!!
Happy Stamping!
Hugs-
SUSIE

Saturday, May 7, 2016

There are lots of flowers in the 'Garden Corner' background stamp!

I was playing when I created this card.  I wanted to think of some other ways to use the Bloomin' Hearts thinlits.  Check out the butterfly!

I did use alot of retiring products here on this card!  Read the list of supplies I posted below. 

stamp set:  'Petite Pairs' (RETIRING) & 'Corner Garden' (RETIRING)
cardstock:  Blackberry Bliss (RETIRING), Whisper White, Vellum
ink:  Blackberry Bliss (RETIRING)
other:  Big Shot, Magnetic Platform, Precision Plate, Bloomin' Heart Thinlit, Bold Butterfly Thinlits, Large Oval Punch (RETIRING), Scalloped Oval Punch (RETIRING), Basic Pearls, Glue Dots, Dimensionals

This background stamp is really neat isn't it!  I like this monochromatic card.  But it would also be beautiful if you took the time to color each flower in too with your Aqua Painters, Blender Pens or our Stampin' Write Markers.  


Check out the lace on the butterfly!  How did I do it?
  • I used Vellum card stock & cut out the Bloomin' Hearts Thinlit.  
  • I used the big (solid) butterfly from the Bold Butterfly Thinlits & cut it out.  
  • I attached the lace butterfly over the solid Blackberry Bliss butterfly using Glue Dots.
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Yesterday the boys & I ran errands in the morning.  And then we got a few flowers planted & played outside too.  When they were all gone home I burnt the midnight oil working on trying to catch up with my piles of bookwork.
 
The guys went racing......Nathan got 5th in his heat.  In the main he got caught in a wreck & rolled his car.  THANKFULLY he is fine!  (Deke said he is sure that Nathan will be sore today though. )  The guys worked on the car under the caution & he went back out on the track for the main.  He ended up with a flat tired & did not get to finish the race.  Sarah & I got the text that he rolled & we were already in the car & headed to Columbus Junction, but thankfully didn't make it too far before we got the call from Deke that Nathan was fine.  
 
Originally we had planned to go to Memphis & race tonight, but that isn't going to happen now.  The car is tore up pretty bad & the guys are gonna have to spend alot of time in the shop working on it before we can race again.  We'll see how today goes....Vinton races tomorrow night & we had planned to go there too.  That might happen & it might not. 
 
I am up early this morning to cook a hog for my niece Ginny's graduation party that is tonight.  I have 5 big roasters of meat cooking & will make shredded pork sandwiches for everyone.  While the meat is cooking I hope to work on stamp stuff every spare minute I have today.
 
Tonight we'll be going to Ginny's party & we are looking forward to seeing many of our family members & friends there.  
 
I hope you have a SENSATIONAL Saturday!!
Happy Stamping!
Hugs-
SUSIE

Friday, May 6, 2016

'Party with Cake'

Here is a fun pop out card that was one of my Spring Fling cards.  I used the stamp set- 'Party with Cake'.  This stamp set is in the Occasions Catalog & one that will be also in the New 2016 Idea Book & Catalog on June 1st!  Yeah- I'm happy about this, as this is a great birthday stamp set.  It is one that I've used alot already & I look forward to being about to create more with it in the coming year too. 
Some of the accessories I used on this card though are RETIRING-
  • Party Punch Pack (for the small candle)
  • 2 1/2" Circle Punch
  • It's My Party Designer Series Paper
  • It's My Party Enamel Dots
Hey- check out the inside of this card.  It pops out!  It is so cool!!  I used the Party Pop-Up Thinlit die to do this.  This Party Pop-Up Thinlits die coordinates with the 'Party With Cake' stamp set.  They are both in the Occasions Catalog & can be purchased together as a bundle until May 31st!  

Don't you like how I added the strips of the It's My Party Designer Paper along the edges of the inside of the card too!  It sure adds alot to this card!

stamp set:  'Party With Cake'
card stock:  Basic Black, Whisper White, Sahara Sand
designer paper:  It's My Party 12x12 Paper Stack (RETIRING)
ink:  Basic Black Archival, Crushed Curry (for the candle)
other:  2 1/2" Circle Punch (RETIRING), Party Punch Pack (small candle punch- RETIRING), It's My Party Enamel Dots (RETIRING), 1 3/8" Circle Punch, 1 1/2" Circle Punch, Dimensionals, Big Shot, Magnetic Platform, Precision Plate, Party Pop-Up Thinlits Die
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Yesterday morning the boys & I went to visit my mom & aunt Virginia in Keswick for a bit & then we played in the park for awhile.  It was a beautiful day out!  We sure enjoyed it.  

When Manda got home from Drake's dr appointment, she took the boys home for their afternoon naps & I was home alone for a few hours to work on some farm stuff.  I then headed out to help Deke with the pigs for the evening.  It was late when we got in from there & got our supper over with.  I burnt the midnight oil working on bookwork.

This morning I'm off to go pick up the boys & spend my day with them.  We have a few errands to run this morning.  Then I'm hoping the weather is nice again & I bought some flowers the other night to get potted for my mom & Deke's mom for part of their Mother's Day gifts.  I am thinking the boys will love getting to help plant the flowers with me.  

Tonight the guys are off to the races in Columbus Junction!  I am gonna stay home alone & work on getting piles of stamp stuff put away that is all over my dinning room.  I sure hope I get alot done.  I've just gotten buried & behind lately & I sure would like get everything all caught up on. 

I hope you have a FABULOUS Friday!!
Happy Stamping!
Hugs-
SUSIE