We spent Monday at Magic Kingdom.....

Our morning started off bright & early with our Stampin' UP! family, having a delicious Continental breakfast.  My friend, Missy Shipman, brought a cute birthday gift for Brayden of Disney stickers.  How sweet..... (Thanks Missy- he loved it!)

Then Stampin' UP! had us all hop on a bus & took us to Magic Kingdom, where we got to enter the Kingdom early & go to see the cute comedian show- 'Monsters, Inc. Laughing Comedy Show'.  We then headed back to main street to watch the opening singing act at the gate.  Along the way we saw a mama mallard duck & her babies.

Then my friend, Becky Roberts, came to find us.  She knew that Brayden had been looking for lizzards and bless her- she saw one & wanted to make sure he saw it.  Of all places it was in Mickey's mouth.   Do you see it?

Kevin & Aunt Barbie gave Brayden $20 to buy a gift for his birthday.....and check it out.  How do you like his new Mickey Mouse hat?  Of course it is red- his favorite color.  Sure looks cute on him.
Here is a picture of Brayden & papa on the 'Tomorrowland People Mover' ride.   We got to ride it around & see all of the highlights in Tomorrowland.

I have bunches more to share....but am tired & off to bed.  We are headed out to Animal Kingdom tomorrow morning after a full breakfast with our Stampin' UP! family.  Our friends, Christy & Keith Kimball are going to spend the day with us at Animal Kingdom, so we are looking forward to that. 

PLUS Bradyen turns 4 years old on May 1st (tomorrow)!!!  Where has the time gone.  We are excited that he gets to spend his special day with us at Disney!

We have a fun day planned for Tuesday & lots more to look forward to!!  So hope to get back to our room tomorrow night to post more. 
Have a great day!
Happy Stamping!
SUSIE

We are here at Disney!!!

We are here!!!

We had a short night on Saturday & a LONG day yesterday.

Delayed flights in Chicago to top it off.....but finally arrived in Orlando about 4:00 p.m. on Sunday afternoon.

From the airport we jumped on a bus & headed for the Boardwalk Hotel.

WOW!!!  What an amazing place.
AND
Much to my surprise when I checked in I learned I earned a concierge room!

It is beautiful & we will get waited on hand & foot the whole week.

There was a cute Mickey Mouse towel figure on our bed & chocolates.

We even have a balcony with a fabulous scenery out our door.

Brayden & Papa checking out our room & balcony.

 During our LONG wait in the Chicago airport we met up with my Canadian demonstrator friend- Heather Summers & her son Nathan. 
They were on the same delayed flight too.
Here is Brayden with his new friend- Nathan Summers (& Heather too)!

 Here is a cute picture of Nathan Summers & Brayden sitting on the huge couch in the main lobby of our hotel.

Here is a picture of some of us hanging out in the Stampin' UP! hospitality lounge.
Great to see some of our dear friends & their spouses again.

Our hotel has a wonderful pool too.
Brayden swam for quiet awhile last night.

Last night Stampin' UP! had a meet & greet along the Broadwalk.

Here is Brayden getting some autographs from some of our friends.

AND

Here is Brayden visiting with Shelli.  

She signed his autograph book & got her picture taken with him.

Not sure she realized that she made a new friend forever!!

He saw her at breakfast this morning & had to go right over to tell her all about Papa sleeping with him last night & Brayden kicking him & about pushing Papa out of bed, etc.  

Too cute! 
Shelli got a kick out of him telling her his story.

I hope to post today's events sometime tomorrow.
ENJOY!
Happy Stamping!
SUSIE

Disney here we come!!

Wanted to show you.....

Here is the autograph book & name badge I just made for Brayden!!

Hope he gets if full of character signatures & pictures.  Excited that he will celebrate his 4th birthday on Tuesday (May 1st) at Disney with us- thanks to Stampin' UP!



AND here is my swap!

'Button Buddies' & 'A Word for You'
cs:  Rich Razzleberry, Early Espresso, Lucky Limeade & Whisper White
Summer Smooches Designer Paper
ink:  Rich Razzleberry & Early Espresso
supplies:  Lucky Limeade ruffled ribbon, 2 1/2 " circle punch, Decorative Label punch, scallop circle punch, mat pack, paper piercing tool, white brad, dimensionals

NOTE:  For those of you in my downline......this will be your swap from me at our meeting on May 12th.

Off to pack & head to Des Moines soon.
Hugs!
SUSIE

Mickey Mouse pancake.....we are getting ready for Disney!

HI!

I had to share this cute picture of Brayden with his Mickey Mouse pancake that I made for his breakfast on Thursday morning.  We are all excited to be going to Disney!!!  Be sure to check my blog each day.  We are suppose to have internet access at our hotel, so hoping we do so that I can keep you all up on our happenings!  I know I won't be posting at any certain time of the day- just whenever. 

You probably won't hear from me on Sunday unless it is "late" that night.  We head out on a "really" early flight & then have a SU! get-to-gather that evening when we get there.  It will depend on what time we get back to our room, if we have internet access & how tired I am if I get anything posted.  

Monday morning "bright & early" we have a continental breakfast & then SU! is taking us to the Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor Comedy show.  We will probably spend the whole day in Magic Kingdom after the show.  Hope to take lots of cool pictures to show you on my blog.

Thanks again to all of you that made this amazing trip possible.  I can't wait to get there.  I know I'll be excited to be home & raring to go to share all of my new things with each of you!  I am very much a home body & know I'll miss the rest of our family that doesn't get to go with us.  Especially the twins when I'm use to having them at our home all day every day!

We are thankful that David (Deke's Dad) & Darci (Deke's sister) will be here & are taking care of things on our farm for a few days for us!  Bless them!

Have a wonderful day!
SUSIE

Lovin' this pinwheel quilt card!

HI!  Happy Friday!!!

I just really like this card.....
I use to make quilts.  I was blessed a wonderful grandma Cox that showed me how to be crafty!  I just don't have the time any more to do any quilting (someday I will)- so have to do it on my cards!!

This is a card that I did at my STYC.  It is called a pinwheel technique.  It is much easier to do than it looks.

*Cut 2 pieces of card stock 2 5/8" square.
*Lay them on top of each other making the triangle corners.
*With the 1 1/4" square punch out 8 squares.
*Attach them starting at one point & lay on top of each other as you go around the outside triangles, being sure to leave about 1/8" card stock edge. 
*On the last square- slide it in under the first one.
NOTE:  Only put adhesive on the first square on the right side so that you can slide the last square up underneath it.  

'Loving Thoughts'
cs:  Riding Hood Red & Basic Gray
Twitterpated Designer Paper
ink:  Basic Gray
supplies:  Big Shot, Beautiful Wings Embosslits die, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, basic pearls, Riding Hood Red Pleated Satin ribbon, dimensionals, sticky strip

One of my MANY projects to do this summer is that I want to make a barn quilt to hang on our old milk shed.  This is the pattern I want to use.  :)  I just love barn quilts & think it would look really neat on our farm.  If I get it done- I'll be sure to post a picture of it!

It is going to be a busy next 36 hours before we leave for Disney!  Making my swaps are first on my list to do.  Then will start making my list of things to pack, clean & such.  Also have stamp orders to deliver & a few other errands I have to run. 

Hope you have a great day!! 

ENJOY!
Happy Stamping!
SUSIE

Off to the races!!

We were off to the races last night.......I just had to share this cute picture of the twins (Brody & Drake) in their racing outfits.  We took this picture last night right before we walked out the door.  Check out their checkered flag socks & racing parts all over their shirts.  They will be 8 months old on Sunday.  Time sure flies! 

Smooches!

HI!

WOW- I have all 3 grandsons this morning, they all stayed over night after the races last night.  So busy here feeding bottles, making breakfast, etc.  We have a zoo this morning!

But I wanted to do a quick post....... This is a cute card that we did at my STYC.

'Friendly Phrases'
cs:  Lucky Limeade, Island Indigo, Rich Razzleberry, Daffodil Delight & Whisper White
Smooches Designer Paper
ink:  Island Indigo
supplies: 3/4" circle punch, paper piercing tool, mat pack, dimensionals, 1" square punch, postage stamp punch, Smooches fabric brads

We all enjoyed the races last night.  My sister Julie, nieces Jackie & Mattie & nephew Luke came too, to sit with us & watch Nathan.  It was great to see them!!  Nathan did really good!!  Had to start 10th in main due to the inverting since he finished 2nd last week & he finished 2nd again last night.  He had several cars to pass.  Once he got around them the leader was too far out to catch.  But the winner was our friend Zack- which was great too!  Nathan is planning to race tomorrow night in Columbus Junction, but sounds like it is going to rain so we will see if they have them or not.  Tonight the guys will work in the shop & I have to start working on my swaps for our Disney trip!

Have a great day!!
Enjoy!
Happy Stamping!
SUSIE

The RETIRING ACCESSORIES & DECOR ELEMENTS list is out today!

Hi!
WOW- I emailed out the LONG list of retiring ACCESSORIES & DECOR ELEMENTS this morning.  They are LONG!  Lots of things....so if you didn't get it & want me to send it to you- please contact me.  The items on these lists are LIMITED SUPPLY ONLY!!  Get what you want right away before they are gone. 

The RETIRING STAMP LIST will be available until 05/31.  

So you still have time to wait on those. 

Have you noticed the 'Packed for Everything' stamp bundle in the back of the Occasions Mini?

They are really cute!  The set of 4 can be purchased as a set or individually.  The sets are:  'Packed for Birthday', 'Packed for Baby', 'Packed for Dad' & 'Packed for Mom'.

These 4 cards are ones that were my Stamp 'Til You Cramp projects.  The technique on them is called spotlighting.  This is a great way to add color to your card without having to color the entire image.  Plus it highlights something special you like, for example the balloons on the birthday card. 

'Packed for Birthday'

'Packed for Baby'

'Packed for Mom'

'Packed for Dad'

NOTE:
Did you notice the diagonal scoring on each card? 
That was done with the new Diagonal scoring plate. 
COOL huh!
 
We race tonight in Osky.  Should be a nice night- hoping that the rain stays away.
The twins are going to go with us tonight & then spend the night with G'ma & G'pa when we get home.  Brayden is excited that they are going racing with us tonight.
Good luck to Nathan!  Go 52!!

Have a great day!!

ENJOY!

Happy Stamping!
SUSIE

Check out this cool CROSS card!!

HI!  Wow a great week here to catch up on things.
The Lord knows I need a week like this.
I need to get a lot done.
Hopefully I get over being sick & back to normal soon.
I still am not back to myself yet.
I am not very good at not being able to go 100 mph.
I will enjoy a quiet day home today with the twins.
If it is as nice as it is suppose to be we might be able to go outside. 
I have plenty of weeds to pull, as our yard needs some attention!
And I think the boys would enjoy the fresh air & can play in their walkers on the driveway.
Every Tuesday night I'm a farmer....as we sell hogs, so I'll go out there when the twins leave.
I also helped Deke outside last night for awhile.  We sorted & moved some pigs.
Then I did work in the yard for about 1 hour before coming in to get supper. 
I just love working on our farm with Deke & being outside. 

Here is a really cool card that I did at my STYC on Saturday!

I just think it is so cool!!  

I just couldn't wait to share it with you.

This time of year we are all looking for a neat cross card for Baptisms, Weddings, 1st Communions, Confirmations or even Sympathy cards.

Pretty cool huh!!

'Blessings from Heaven'

cs:  Baja Breeze, Whisper White

other:  Typing paper- as it needs to be thin paper in order to punch through 2 layers to make the cross.

ink:  Baja Breeze

supplies:  Scallop Trim Border punch, Scallop Trim Corner punch, Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, XL Oval punch, Baja Seam Binding ribbon, dimensionals, glue dot.

NOTE:
My piece of paper that I punched the cross from measures 4 1/2" x 2 3/4".
You fold it in half long ways & then fold the top down approx. 1 1/2".
Using the scallop trim corner punch- punch on the folded corner.
Then open it up & punch the bottom of the cross with the straight scallop trim punch.

I did use just plain old white typing paper to do this so that I could punch through 2 layers at a time.
(card stock & designer paper are too think & didn't want to jam or ruin my punch)
And then I ran it through the Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder so that the fold lines wouldn't show.

You will have to give it a try!

Have a great day!

ENJOY!

Happy Stamping!

SUSIE

A new week!!!!!

This is a quiet week for me......even though we have LOTS to do it is much calmer than my normal.

I don't have any more stamping events on my calendar until Sunday, May 5th.  Sue is my hostess that day!!  We'll just have gotten home the day before from our Stampin' UP! Disney trip.......so I'll be excited with new things to share!!!  I'll then be back in the saddle with 3 other stamping workshop that week- one at my home & one with my gals in CR.  PLUS I'll be meeting with my downline group too!!  Lots to look forward to the week we return. :)

Early next Sunday morning, April 29th- Deke, Brayden & I will be heading for our Stampin' UP! Disney trip to Orlando!!  We've never been to Disney before & to make it even more special- G'ma & G'pa are taking Brayden along this year & we will get to celebrate his 4th Birthday on May 1st- while we are there!!  He is excited to get to see Mickey & Minnie.  I honestly don't think he has a clue that there will be so much more there than just Mickey!  We have a chart & are counting down the days!  :)  Someday hopefully we'll get to return to Disney & take Brody & Drake along too!!  G'ma will miss them so much while we are gone.....gosh- I see them daily!!  I'm sure they will have changed tons those few days that we are away.

I want to thank all of my wonderful customer friends for helping me to earn this special trip!  I earned this trip based upon my yearly personal sales.  And I can't say that it was easy!!  I worked hard & held lots & lots of stamping workshops!!  If it weren't for you attending my events & ordering from me- I'd never have earned this special honor.  I treasure you all & thank you from the bottom of my heart!  I love sharing my love of stamping with each of you!!  And I look forward to seeing you at my next event & stamping!!  Stampin' UP! is an amazing company & has brought so much to my life! 

On our Stampin 'UP! trips I so look forward to seeing so many of my demonstrator friends (LeeAnn, Missy, Robin, Di, Kelly, Carol, Jane, Tiffany, Ann, Heather, Mary, Dawn, etc.)!  It will be especially special this year to see many of their families along with them.  I can't wait!!! It will be fun for Brayden to meet new friends too!  We plan to spend some time with my dear demonstrator friend Christy & her husband Keith- as this will be Christy's first SU! incentive trip (WAHOO) & her words on Saturday were that 'it will be fun to see Disney through the eyes of a child', meaning being around Brayden!!  :)  How true!!

I will hopefully be able to have internet connection while we are gone & post daily so you can keep up on us while on our trip!

We are especially grateful that Deke's sister Darci is going to be staying at our home while we are gone so that she can help her dad do our chores with the pigs & take care of my dog & cats.  Nathan usually takes care of things on the farm while we are gone, but with his job change this year at principal at Pekin it was going to be too hard from him to do them.  Thankfully he will still check in with Darci & help after school & make sure the feed is ground & things are going ok.  

Today I want to share a cool card that we did at my Spring STYC last Saturday!  This class was a techniques class.  Everyone made 29 cards!!  (WOW- YES- LOTS!!)  And they all learned something new!!  It was a FUN FILLED DAY OF STAMPING!!!

This beautiful card is the chalk board technique.  It is very striking!  There are different ways to create this look.  I did it by stamping the images with white craft ink onto black card stock, then heat dry the ink (so it doesn't smear) & using sponge daubers I tapped pastel chalks onto the images.  Too cool huh!

'Flower Fest' (retiring) &'Three Little Words' (retiring)

cs:  Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry, Basic Black

ink:  White CRAFT ink, Basic Black

supplies:  Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, Clear Circle Bigz die, Large Scallop Circle Bigz die, Large Oval punch, Fancy Flower punch, Blossom Petals Builder punch, Basic Pearls, dimensionals

Have a great week!!!

ENJOY!

Happy Stamping!

SUSIE

Here is a sweet card!!

HI!
Here is a sweet card.  We did this one at my 40 card class last month.  This card is to bright & cheery! Such a cute stamp set.

'Sweets for the Sweet'
cs:  Tempting Turquoise, Real Red, Old Olive, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White
Big Top designer paper
ink:  Real Red
supplies:  Big Shot, 2 Tags die, Daffodil Delight 1/4" grosgrain ribbon, 2 3/" scallop circle punch, 1 3/4" circle punch, 1" circle punch, 2 way glue pen, dazzling diamonds glitter, dimensionals, glue dots

Wow- I am exhausted today!!  I slept like a rock last night.  I haven't been to bed the night before since I was cutting & getting ready for my class.    Yesterday was my big STYC & it turned out really good.  Everyone made tons of cards!  I wanted them to get their moneys worth!!!  I think everyone had a good time.  I thought the projects were all wonderful & by the sounds of it- they did too!!  It really should have been a 2 day event with all we had to do. 

I am off now to work on picking up & cleaning up, as I had to get out of there last night to make it back to Sigourney for a family supper.  My nephew (Ben), his wife (Jenna) & their new baby son (Lawson) were home & it was our first time ever getting to meet precious baby Lawson.

Have a fabulous day!
ENJOY!
Happy Stamping!
SUSIE

Today is my annual Spring 'Stamp 'Til You Cramp' all day stamp camp!!

HI!
Just a real quick post....

BUSY DAY TODAY!!!
I'm still cutting card stock.....
and getting everything finished & loaded & ready to walk out the door.  

Today is my Spring Stamp 'Til You Cramp!

It will be lots of fun!!
I have a big group coming!

My class this time is mostly all cards & we will be doing LOTS of different techniques!!

Here is another sneak peek of some of the cool cards that everyone attending today will be creating!!!

These are all made with the EVERYTHING BUNDLE & the diagonal scoring tool.
Each card is the same layout, just different colors & a different stamp set.
This is the spotlighting technique. 

Have a great day!

Enjoy!
Happy Stamping!

SUSIE

Here is a sneak peek of SOME of my 'Stamp 'Til You Cramp' cards! AND here are a couple cute pictures of the twins too!

Julie- if you want to be surprised tomorrow- don't read today's post!!!

HI!

Just wanted to give you a sneak peek of some of my 'Stamp 'Til You Cramp' cards!

I had a few requests to do more cards at this annual event- so this time I did LOTS!

This class should have been called CARDS GALORE & MORE!!  

AND
 here are a couple of new pictures of the twins!

They are growing like weeds!

They will be 8 months old next week.

Where does time go?

They are such a joy & blessing.  

Aren't the adorable!
Next week when Brayden is here I'll get a picture of the 3 of them to post.  :)

Brody & Drake just got done eating their carrots for lunch.
NOTE:  Both of their bibs say- "GRANDMA'S FAVORITE"!
Of course all 3 grandsons are grandma's favorite!

Brody & Drake are riding their new Little Tikes bike with moms helps!
Uncle Nathan put this one together for us- now we need him to come put the other one together so that they both have their own. 

The twins are such smart little guys.

So happy!

So precious!
Double the blessings!

I took the day off work today so I could cut card stock & get ready for my big day tomorrow of stamping!  So- off to my stamp studio I go!! 
Wish me luck!  I have TONS TO DO!!

Have a great day!

Happy Stamping!
SUSIE

An Elegant wedding card with the Doily Sizzlit!

HI!
Gosh I'm finally starting to feel a "little" better.  Been a long past 2 weeks.  I went to the dr on Monday & I have bronchitis.  This is just my norm for spring to go along with my allergies.  Thankfully it hadn't turned into walking pneumonia yet & I finally got meds on Tuesday afternoon.  (The pharmacy didn't have my prescription- so the dr had to write something different.)  Being sick is not what I needed this week when I have so much to do to get ready for my upcoming Stamp 'Til You Cramp.

I have been a stamping fool this week!  Oh my gosh....I have so many cute things I've been creating this week.  I can't wait for everyone attending my Stamp 'Til You Cramp to see the projects.  I'm looking forward to seeing everyone & spending a fun day of stamping together!!

Here is a card that I did at my April workshops that I wanted to share with you today.  It is an elegant wedding card with the traditional black, white & gray.  This is actually a different fold as the gray piece flips open.

'Love & Laughter'
cs:  Basic Black, Basic Gray, Whisper White, Real Red
ink:  Black Stazon
supplies:  Big Shot, Paper Doily Sizzlit, Finial Press embossing folder, small heart punch, basic pearls, 3 1/2" circle die, 3" circle die, dimensionals


NOTE:  The Occasions Mini ends next week on 04/30/12- so be sure to order anything out of it that you want before it is done!

Have a great day!!!
ENJOY!!!
Happy Stamping!
SUSIE

Here is a yummy "cupcake" birthday card!

HI!  Happy Hump day!

Today I want to share a cute cupcake birthday card.   This was one of the cards we did at my 'All Occasions' card classes last month.

'Easy Events'
cs:  Poppy Parade, Early Espresso & Whisper White
Pocketful of Posies designer paper
ink:  Early Espresso
markers:  Baja Breeze, Poppy Parade, Peach Parfait
supplies:  Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, 2 3/8" scallop circle punch, 1 3/4" circle punch, 2 1/2" circle punch, Poppy Parade 1/2" stitched Poly ribbon, dimensionals, glue dots, 2 way glue pen & dazzling diamonds glitter

NOTE:  Poppy Parade is a 2010-2012 In Color & will be leaving us soon!!!  Be sure to stock up on it & the other 4 colors in that group- Peach Parfait, Pear Pizzazz, Concord Crush & Blushing Bride.  Get them now, before they are gone forever!  They will be on the retiring accessories list that comes out next Wednesday.....and when they are gone- they are gone!!  Check your card stock supply & be sure to have a ink refill for every color too.

ENJOY!!
Happy Stamping!
SUSIE

CLOUDS made with shaving cream technique!!

HI!
Here is another card that we made at my workshops this month.  When I first saw this stamp set it screamed at me to do the shaving cream technique.  Again......an old technique that I learned years ago & hadn't done for a long time.  It was fun!  Most of the gals enjoyed doing it.

'Send me Soaring'
cs: Marina Mist, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White
ink:  Pumpkin Pie, Real Read, Old Olive, Marina Mist, Daffodil Delight
ink refill:  Marina Mist
supplies: Brights brads, paper piercing tool, mat pack, 1 3/8" circle punch, 1 1/4" circle punch, Big Shot, Designer Rosette Bigz Die (for the fence), paper snips, dimensionals

To do the shaving cream technique I squirted shaving cream into a foil pan, put in 2-3 ink refill drops & stirred with a spoon (I used a wood dowel), press whisper white card stock down into pan of swirled shaving cream, pick up, remove shaving cream with spatula, wipe off excess shaving cream with a paper towel, let dry a few minute & it is ready to be stamped on & then attached to your card.  Hope you find the time to try this fun technique.  Kids love doing it!!  It is messy, but so fun!!  Each piece of card stock comes out differently!!  

ENJOY!!!
Happy Stamping!
SUSIE

It's a Girl or It's a Boy!!!

HI!
Here are 2 more baby cards that I did at my 'All Occasions' card classes.
Everyone got to make one of each!!  Simple & CUTE!

Girl card:  'Baby Prints'
cs:  Regal Rose, Blushing Bride, Whisper White
Just Add Cake designer paper
ink:  Regal Rose & Blushing Bride

Boy card:  'Baby Prints'
cs:  Baja Breeze, Island Indigo, Whisper White
Just Add Cake designer paper
ink:  Baja Breeze & Island Indigo

supplies:  Big Shot, 3" circle die, Scallop Circle #2 die, sponge, Scallop Edge Border punch, dimensionals, glue dot, 5/8" White Organza ribbon

Have a great day!

ENJOY!!

Happy Stamping!

SUSIE

"Oh BABY" card!!! AND the retiring stamp sets list released today!

HI!

First off.....the retiring stamp set list is released today!  Be sure to check it out.  You have until May 31st to purchase any of the sets on this list.  Be sure to get the ones you want before they are gone forever!!!  If you are a customer of mine- check your email.....I send you the retiring list.  The list is LONG!!!

You click on the link here to see the list.
http://204.228.150.61/docs/lastchance/en-US/RetiredStamps_0412_en-US.pdf
NOTE:  IF you can't click on it & get it to open then paste & cut it.   

I'm off to my Hiawatha workshop soon.....have a big group coming & a couple new gals too!  I'm looking forward to sharing.   We are going to have a FUN DAY!!!  Here is one of the cards they will be making today!!  Oh BABY- Isn't it neat!  Everyone will be able to choose whether they want their card to be pink or blue.  OR they can stamp one side of the circle pink & one side of the circle blue & then attach it when need to send out the card!!  Good idea huh!

Over 11 years ago when I started stamping I had only been in a stamp store a couple of times & wasn't impressed as I couldn't find any reds to match (card stock, ink pad, marker) to make my kids Valentines cards.  So one of my friends that I was doing daycare for at the time (Ann) had a workshop.  I went & was so excited to see that everything matched!  From then all you can say it is history with my love of Stampin' UP! & their products.....

So to go on with my story......back then there wasn't the designer papers that we have now.  So often we created our own backgrounds.  Well- that is what I did on this baby card.  I made the dots shown on this card with finger daubers & ink pads!!  WOW- something old I learned- but something fun I hadn't shared with customers for a long time.  Everyone loved it at my workshops last week- assume the gals today will too!

'Baby Prints'
cs:  Certainly Celery, Whisper White
ink:  Certainly Celery, Bashful Blue, Pretty in Pink
supplies:  Sponges daubers, Certainly Celery 3/8" taffeta ribbon, dimensionals, Big Shot, 3" circle die, Scallops #2 die

Gonna be a crazy/busy week for me!  I have my big Stamp 'Til You Cramp this Saturday!!!  Last week I was busy AND sick & didn't get anything done for this class....so tonight when I get home I'll start creating & cutting!  Pray that I have my mojo!!  I have tons to do this week!!

ENJOY!!!
Happy Stamping!
SUSIE

A cute birthday card!!!

HI!

Just a quick post today......LOTS & LOTS OF STAMPING TO DO!

Have my workshop in Hiawatha tomorrow to finish getting ready for & need to get projects ready for my upcoming Stamp 'Til You Cramp that is next Saturday!
But I wanted to share....so here is a cute birthday card!  

So bright & cheery.....just love this Big Top Birthday designer paper.

''Patterned Party  & 'Perfectly Penned'
cs:  Tempting Turquoise, Real Red, Whisper White
Big Top Birthday Designer Paper
in:  Real Red
markers:  Real Red & Tempting Turquoise
supplies:  2 3/8" Scallop Circle punch, 2 1/2" circle punch, Brights Assorted brads, Paper Piercing Tool, Mat  Pat, dimensionals 

Have a wonderful weekend!!
ENJOY!!!

Happy Stamping!
SUSIE

Happy Friday the 13th! I'm so LOVIN' the new SMOOCHES products this month!!!

HI!  Happy Friday the 13th! 
I'm sure today will be a lucky day for us all!

I had Stampin' Night at my house last night & had a fun time with everyone here.
Glad that they could all make it.
Some of them are coming to my upcoming Stamp Til You Cramp next weekend- so I'll get to see them again soon!  YIPEE!
I will be staring to work on projects for this big event starting tonight after work.

Check this out.....
Here are the cards I made the other night that I was telling you about earlier this week for (belated) March & April Birthday cards- plus for my downline!

I'm so LOVIN' this new stamp set & SMOOCHES products!!!
Isn't this a cute card!!
So bright, cheery & spring like!

'Bright Blossoms' & 'A Word for You'

cs:  Tangerine Tango, Daffodil Delight & Whisper White

Summer Smooches Designer Paper

ink:  Tangerine Tango & Old Olive

supplies:  Daffodil seam binding ribbon, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack (flower),

white gel pen, glue dot, dimensionals, paper snips

NOTE:  The Smooches products are available this month only (IN APRIL) as a sneak peek & will then be available in the NEW Idea Book & Catalog that comes out on June 1st.  

Wouldn't you love to buy them this month & get your hands on them sooner than later?
Remember- the fabric brads & the Smooch Stencil are specials for April only & won't be in the new catalog in June.

Have a wonderful day!!

ENJOY!

Happy Stamping!
SUSIE

Tonight is Stampin' Night at my house! Here is a sneak peek of one of the cards that everyone will be stamping!

HI!  Wanted to share this with you today..... this is a sweet card that everyone will be stamping at my Stampin' Night tonight at my home & at my Hiawatha workshop on Sunday too!!
They can choose if they want to do a popcicle, ice cream cone or cherries if they don't want to do the watermelon.

Don't you just love the plaid designs in the black card stock?  

I created them using my new Diagonal Scoring Plate.
These diagonals are made at 1" apart- but you can make them closer if you want & they look neat that way too!
COOL background HUH!!!

I added a little dot in the corners of each of the triangles with my white gel pen to add dimension & make them pop out at you.  

'Mouth Watering' & 'Sweet Cake'

cs:  Old Olive, Melon Mambo, Basic Black & Whisper White

ink:  Black Stazon

markers:  Old Olive, Melon Mambo & Basic Black

supplies:  Simply Scored Scoring Tool & the Diagonal Scoring Plate

Old Olive polka dot ribbon, dimensionals, glue dot, oval punch, scallop oval punch, white gel pen

OK- lots to do today.  Better get in gear!

Have a great day!!

ENJOY!

Happy Stamping!
SUSIE

What a cool 'CROSS' card! It has LOTS of possibilities for different occasions.....

HI!  Today I'm sharing with you a cool 'CROSS' card that I got from my downline & dear friend Dawn Klein.  She made my day when I got my mail on Monday night! 
THANK YOU Dawn!

She sent this to me as an Easter card, but think of all of it's possibilities!!  

You could use it for a Baptism, a First Communion or a Confirmation card too!!

'Crosses of Hope'

cs:  Baja Breeze, Blushing Bride, Pear Pizzaz & Whisper White

ink:  Black Stazon

markers:  Baja Breeze, Regal Rose, Pearl Pizzaz

supplies:  Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, Lattice die, Little Leaves Sizzlits die, Basic Pearls, Itty Bitty Shapes Punches (flower), dimensionals, glue dots
NOTE:  There are 3 different crosses in this stamp set.  Shown above is only one of them.

 

Kind of another crazy week here....I need to be stamping for my big Stamp 'Til You Cramp that I have coming up on the 21st.  Last night we sold hogs & tonight we race.  Tomorrow night is Stampin' Night here.  I have all 3 boys today as Brayden doesn't have pre-school due to a teachers in-service day.  I have tons to do......hope the boys are good so grandma can get alot done.  I've been fighting springtime allergies.  Many times in the spring I end up with walking pnenmonia.  Hope not this time...... I've been trying to doctor myself.  Lord knows I don't have time to be sick.  

Have a great day!!

ENJOY!!

Happy Stamping!
SUSIE

I stamped lots & lots of cards yesterday!!!

Oh my gosh......I stamped LOTS & LOTS of cards yesterday!!  (67 of them to be exact!)
I was way behind on March & April birthday cards for my customers- so got them all done!!  They will be mailed out today. 

AND I wanted to get everyone in my growing downline a card made & sent out too, so they know that I'm thinking of them. 

My life has been so crazy that I'm so behind on everything......someday I'll get caught up!!  LOL!!!

Later this week I will post a picture of the card that I made yesterday using the 'Bright Blossoms' new stamp set & the awesome Smooch designer paper & pretty Daffodil ribbon.  I don't want to post it yet & spoil everyone's surprise before they get theirs in the mail. 

Look at all of these envelopes.....they are just for my downline group- the "IOWA INKERS"!!!
WOW......we sure are growing!!!
I'm so proud of everyone on my team & all of their accomplishments!!  We have an "IOWA INKERS" team meeting next month & I can't wait to see everyone.  Hopefully many of them can make it.

I know that several of my team are coming to my upcoming STYC though too- so excited about that & seeing them then too.


Today I wanted to share this beautiful card that my downline & dear friend Judy Hopping made for Deke & I for our anniversary!!  Judy combined two cards that I've previously posted into one beauty.  She tweaked my ideas some & this is what she came up with.  THANKS MUCH Judy!!!  WE love it!

Have a fabulous day!!
Enjoy!
Happy Stamping!
SUSIE

Happy Monday!!

HI!
It is the beginning of another week.  Hope you all have a good one!!
To start our week off- here is a basic card that I created.  It is a great one to show you all of the different sizes that the Labels Collection Framelits are.  Don't they layer great & look amazing together!

'Word Play'
cs:  Very Vanilla, Basic Black, Soft Suede,
Mocha Morning Specialty Designer paper
ink:  Basic Black
supplies:  Big Shot, Label Collection Framelits,
dimensionals

I have the day off today & have lots & lots of stamping I need to get done.   Wish me luck!  Hopefully I have my mojo!

Check back again soon........I try to post daily.
I will be working on my upcoming Stamp 'Til You Cramp projects & will be giving you sneak peeks of them, plus showing some of my 'All Occasions' cards from my class last month in my upcoming posts.  

ENJOY!
Happy Stamping!
SUSIE

Wishing you EASTER blessings!!!

HI!
WOW.....busy weekend here.  I'm sure yours was busy too.  I hope everyone enjoyed spending time with family & friends & reflecting upon the celebrations of your faith.

I wanted to quickly post the cute Easter card that I made for our 4 grandsons (Jackson, Brayden, Brody & Drake) & my god son (Solon) & his sisters (Addison & Ellie).  Of course.....the blue card is for the boys & the pink card is for the girls.  I got this cute layout from a card that my dear demonstrator friend- Mary Fish posted.  She is such an inspiration!!  So talented!  When I saw her card- I knew that was the card that I was going to make for all of the kids.  

'Delightful Dozen'
cs:  Crumb Cake, Pretty in Pink or Baja Breeze & Whisper White
ink:  Crumb Cake
supplies:  Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dots folder, Crumb Cake seam binding ribbon, basic pearl, Blossoms Petal Builder punch, small Oval punch, 3/4" Circle punch, Itty Bitty Shapes punch pack (flower), glue dot, dimensionals

ENJOY!!!
Happy Stamping!
SUSIE

A neat "Tie" card.....great guy card!!!

HI!  Here is a quick post.....

This is such a neat fold!  And so simple.

This would make a great card for Father's Day or a guys birthday. 

(And Father's Day is just around the corner!)

'Best Dad Ever'

cs:  Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler & Whisper White

ink:  Early Espresso

supplies:  Rhinestone, Early Espresso twin, scissor snips

Have a great day!

More soon.

ENJOY!

Happy Stamping!
SUSIE

More Smooches!!!

Hello!

A know it is a busy weekend for everyone with Easter.
Hope you all have a great weekend!!!

The guys went racing in Des Moines last night & I stayed home & worked on entering Nathan's racing receipts into the computer for his upcoming tax appointment, baked some monster cookies, did laundry, etc.....it was nice to be home.

I actually have today off of work, so am home to stamp & catch up on some much needed things around here.

First of all I have to get everything put away from last weekends "All Occasions" card class & then I have to clean my stamp studio.  It is a disaster!  Right now I can't find anything out there.  

I just had so many workshops & classes during March that I couldn't keep up.

(Which is a good problem- I'm not complaining.)
 I loved seeing everyone & sharing my love of stamping with them.

I have my big 'Stamp 'Til You Cramp' event coming up on the 21st of this month.  

I've been trying to get all of my projects planned for it.

I need to get an order put together & placed so that I can have all of the supplies so I can get them created & cut.

I have some NEAT projects planned for this all day stamp camp.

I can't wait to share with everyone that will joining me for the day.

If you haven't signed up yet- don't miss doing so.  

Be sure to get me emailed so I have you down as attending.

I promise you'll love the projects & have a fabulous day!

Nathan races again tonight, so Brayden & I will be going along. 

I'm looking forward to a fun night with my guys in Marshalltown.

I hope that you've got something special planned with your families.

We will have supper with my family for Easter on Saturday night at Beckie (my sister) & Dan's home.  It is always great to get together & see everyone.

I wanted to share today.....
Here is a cute card that my demonstrator friend Ruth Bingle made for a swap that we are both in.  I love it!!  I was so excited when I got it.  

I couldn't wait for you to see it.

'Bright Blossoms' & 'Friendly Phrases'

cs:  Whisper White, Island Indigo, Daffodil Delight

Summer Smooches Designer Paper

ink:  Island Indigo

markers:  Daffodil Delight & Island Indigo

supplies:  Daffodil Delight seam binding ribbon, Scallop Trim Border punch, Basic Rhinestone

Keep on reading......

Here is another cute picture of my 3 boys.....

I just couldn't resist posting this cute picture.....

I took it before we walked out the door on Wednesday night for our first race of the 2012 season.

All 3 boys were SO GOOD ALL NIGHT!!!  Hope they are this good all year long!!!

It was a wonderful night!  Just a little chilly- but we all stayed bundled up & warm.  

Brody, Brayden & Drake

The twins went to their first race last October when they were only 5 weeks old or so, so it was cute to watch them this year since they were a little older & could watch what was going on.  

Brody just kept his eyes on the race cars that were going around the track & Drake seemed more interested in smiling & watching the people in the stands.  

Brayden had his truck, trailer, cars & tractors to play with as he sat & watched all of the cars & especially his dad.  

Brayden said after the first lap of the main- 

"Grandma- dad needs to go faster & get that new car up to the front so he can win.  The boys & I want to get our picture taken with him tonight."  

TOO CUTE!  And I was wishing the same thing....but it will happen sometime- just not that night.

We all enjoyed the races!!  It is a family event that we all do together.

There were lots of cars to watch & familiar friends to visit with. 

Nathan did great in his heat, but put the wrong set up in the car for the main & didn't do so hot.

He has a brand new car & different shocks, etc. this year & it is all new to him in learning how to set things up.  He will figure it all out!!  Just hopefully sooner than later. 

Last night the guys went to Des Moines racing & he did much better!!!  He had to start in the back (16th) during the main because someone in front of him spun out during the heat& he finished 2nd- with it being 3 wide as they went across the line!!  Great job!! 

Maybe tonight will be a lucky night for us!

Have a great day!!!

ENJOY!

Happy Stamping!

SUSIE

'Just Believe' stamp set

HI!  Here is an other flower card for me to share with you today.
This stamp set is great!! 
There is just so much you can do with it!
It is pretty stamped all in one color, or colored with markers & then stamped or how about punching out flowers with one of our punches & putting the flower over the top of the stamped image? 
There are just lots of possibilities with this stamp set.

'Just Believe'

cs:  Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White

ink:  Cherry Cobbler

supplies: Basic Pearls, 5/8" Whisper White satin ribbon, Scallop Trim Border punch, Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, dimensionals, glue dot

ENJOY!
Happy Stamping!
SUSIE

A pretty flower card-

HI!  Happy Hump Day!
Here is a pretty flower card for me to share today.......
(You know me with black & white cards.)
Cute huh!

cs:  Whisper White, Basic Black & Real Red

First Edition Designer Paper

supplies:  Big Shot, Fun Flowers die, Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder, Basic Black Satin ribbon, glue dots, rhinestones, Brights (red) Glimmer Brad

Our son started racing many years ago when he was only 14.
(He is now 27 & a high school principal!)
Our 2012 racing season has officially started!
Practice races were last night.
Then races begin tonight.
We plan to race every night the rest of the week through Sunday.
I pray he has good luck this season.
Nathan has won many races throughout his career- including several track champions & a few national champions too!
We wish him good luck this year!!
I'll have to get a picture of his new car & post it sometime soon.
HOPEFULLY it will be a post with a win!
His car is a deep purple (Concord Crush) with a rainbow of colors on it this year.
It is very sweet!!
We should easily be able to pick him out on the track when we are sitting up in the stands.
Go 52!!

Have a great day!

ENJOY!

Happy Stamping!
SUSIE

Smooches products & my 3 boys!

Hello-

Here is a picture of the new Smooches products that I wanted to show you.

 Aren't they just beautiful!!  

They are such bright & pretty colors.
Great designs for both guys & gals projects.
And for both card making & scrapbooking.  

 

ALSO-

I haven't posted a picture of my 3 boys for awhile.  

Drake, Brody & Brayden

  

They are growing up so fast! 
They are so precious!!

I SO ENJOY being able to keep them!

We are all so happy about that.
And we are so happy that things are going to well with Brody's recovery from his surgery.  

Grandma & Papa both love them to pieces!!

Brody & Drake just turned 7 months & are mobile- so you can't keep them in one spot any more.

They get where they want to go to get what they want.
Brody is crawling.
They both now have teeth.
Brody has 3 & Drake has 1.
They keep me plenty busy!!

SO FUN!!  SO SPECIAL!!

ENJOY!

Happy Stamping!
SUSIE