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Saturday, October 31, 2015

'Peaceful Pines'

Check out this cute gift card holder!  Isn't it cute!
Your gift card just sides down inside here!
And here is the front of it!  I love this new stamp set- 'Peaceful Pines' & the coordinating framelits called Perfect Pines.  This was also one of my Holiday Extravaganza projects. 

I will update this post with more information on the supplies I used someday soon.
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Happy Halloween everyone!!!  I will share my Halloween Treat I made for the boys in the next day or 2.  I haven't had time to download it yet- sorry!

I have a full weekend of stamping!!  I have LOTS to do!  Gotta run......
I hope you have a SENSATIONAL SATURDAY!!
Happy Stamping!
Hugs!
SUSIE

Friday, October 30, 2015

A 'Festive Fireplace' Easel card

Check out this pretty holiday scene.  This card was another one of my Holiday Extravaganza cards. 
I love the look of the fire/logs stamped on the vellum.  It makes them really pop out!

And it is an easel card....look at it when it open & standing up!  

stamp set:  'Festive Fireplace' & 'Oh What Fun' 
card stock:  Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake, Cajun Crazy, Whisper White, Garden Green, Vellum
ink:  Basic Black Archival 
markers:  Garden Green, Chocolate Chip, Crushed Curry, Cajun Craze, Cherry Cobbler
other:  Big Shot, Festive Fireside Framelit Dies, Paper Snips, 1" circle Punch, Dimensionals, Glue Dots

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Yesterday morning Susie's Hair Hut was open for business & I got Brody, Drake & Trey's hair all cut.  When the boys left I headed out to help Deke & we worked on the farm all night.
This morning I'm off to pick up the boys.  We'll run Brayden to school & then head back out to our farm.  Deke has a meeting this morning.  And then he is hoping it will be dry enough he can work in the field this afternoon/evening.  When the boys head home I'll be burning the midnight oil stamping!  I have class on Sunday to get ready for!

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

Thursday, October 29, 2015

'Dove of Peace'

Check out this pretty dove card!  I love the gold embossing on the Blackberry Bliss card stock!
This was one of my Holiday Extravaganza cards.  When I first saw this stamp set it was low on my list of have to haves.  But this card is beautiful & it sure would make a pretty Christmas card.  Or it would work great for a baptism, first communion or confirmation card too!

stamp set:  'Dove Of Peace' & 'Your Presents (Joy word from)
card stock:  Blackberry Bliss, Whisper White
designer paper: Gold Fancy Foil Vellum
ink:  Versamark & Blackberry Bliss
other:  Heat Tool, Embossing Buddy, Gold Embossing Powder, Extra Large Oval Punch, Gold Glitter Ribbon, Dimensionals, Glue Dots

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Last night Deke worked late on the farm & I did bookwork all night long.  

This morning Deke is off early to chore & head to a meeting.  And I'm off to pick up the boys.  Tonight I'm a farmer.....and will be outside helping Deke mark, sort & load hogs. 

I hope you have a great day!
Happy Stamping!
hugs!
SUSIE

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

A pretty cardinal!

This is another card I created for my Holiday Extravaganza class.  It is clean & simple too!  This is such an easy & neat 2 step stamping set to use!  And I think the card turned out really pretty. 
stamp set: 'Joyful Season'
card stock:  Old Olive, Mossy Meadow, Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler
designer paper:  Season of Cheer
ink:  Cherry Cobbler, Archival Basic Black
markers:  Chocolate Chip, Cherry Cobbler, Pumpkin Pie
other:  Big Shot, Circle Thinlits, Cerry Cobbler Thick Bakers Twine, Triple Banner Punch 
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Last night the girls & I went to try on dresses for the wedding.  I made supper when I got home & then Susie's Hair Hut was open for business & I got Deke's hair cut.  I did some bookwork & tried to catch up on my piles of things. 

I'm off to pick up the boys this morning.  Deke is choring & then he is headed to the office.  We both have appointments this morning to get our flu shots too.  

Since we got quite a bit of rain Deke should be in by 8 or so tonight- so that will be nice.   I need to figure out cards for my November classes & get some more bookwork done.  

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

A clean & simple Poinsettia!

Check out this pretty poinsettia card.  It is a clean & simple one that I created for my Holiday Extravaganza class.  This poinsettia is made with a punch!!  Isn't that cool!
stamp set: 'Reason for the Season'
card stock:  Cherry Cobbler, Mossy Meadow, very Vanilla, Gold Glimmer Papaer
designer paper:  Home for Christmas
ink:  Cherry Cobbler
other:  Festive Flowers Builder Punch, Dimensionals, Glue Dots, 1 3/4" Circle Punch (to build your poinsettia petals on)

I love the sparkle in the middle of this poinsettia.  I used our Gold Glimmer 12x2 Paper & the Festive Flowers Builder Punch.


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Susie's Hair Hut was open for business last night & I got Nathan's hair cut.  Now I need to find time this week to get everyone else's hair cut too.  I then worked on getting caught up on some of the piles that had accumulated the past 2 weeks or so because I had been getting ready for my Holiday Extravaganza class every spare minute I had available.  I also rode in the tractor with Deke for an hour or so from about 11 p.m. to 12 a.m. too.  Our schedules have both been so busy I feel like we haven't hardly had a chance to talk & see each other.  He worked in the field most of the night & came in early this morning.  We are suppose to get quite a bit of rain starting around noon today & he is wanting to get as much done as he can.  Gosh if it rains- maybe both of us will get to go to bed early tonight for a change!

Deke is out to chore & will be headed back out to the field until it rains.  I'm off this morning to pick up 4 of my boys for the day.  Then tonight I am going with Sarah, Manda & Jenn for their wedding dress alterations at my friend Sharlene's home.  I'll come home & I hope to get caught up on my piles of bookwork tonight.

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

Monday, October 26, 2015

My Holiday Extravaganza projects

Here is a photo of everything everyone created this weekend with me at my Holiday Extravaganza Event!  There are 30 projects total here!  They got to do a 12x12 Holiday Sampler, 2 card holds, 5 gift cards & 22 cards!  
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I pretty much spent my entire day in South English yesterday cleaning up & packing up from Saturdays class.  I left home at 9:00 a.m & I got home 9:45 p.m. last night.  And then I had to unload the car & put things away.  It was a very long day!  I had a long weekend full of lots of stamping!

I appreciate the help from my Aunt Kathy in scoring, folding & doing some Big Shot things for the class.  And I appreciate Cindy & Lorraine helping yesterday to pick up & stamp left overs with me.  All 3 of these ladies are in my downline.  

I also was very touched that my friend Karen's husband (Eugene) came over on Saturday at noon & grilled Pork Producers Patties for us to have for lunch.  There were several others that helped out over the weekend too- Patty, Jeannie, Rita & DaraLeah.  I am soooo thankful to all of them for helping me out.

It was another short night at the Wood home.  Deke was in the field until the wee hours again this morning.  He is trying to get as much done as he can before it rains again.  And worked on unpacking boxes & putting away boxes stamp sets, ink pads, punches & supplies from my weekends class.

This morning Deke is up early to chore & then he is off to the office for his weekly board meeting.  And I'm up bright & early to go pick up my boys & spend my day with them.  

Tonight Deke will be working late in the field again & I have piles of paper work & things to catch up from the past week that I'll be doing.

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

Sunday, October 25, 2015

'All Ye Faithful'!

Check out this simple card.  I stamped Mary, Joseph & baby Jesus image & then used the ornament framelit to cut them out.  It is really pretty......and this snowflake designer paper is really cool too.  It has an ombre look with shades of blues throughout the whole 12x12 sheet of it.  It is just gorgeous. 
stamp set:  'All Ye Faithful'
card stock:  Thick Whisper White, Whispser White, Night of Navy, Silver Foil
designer paper:  Season of Cheer 
ink:  Night of Nanvy
other:  Big Shot, Magnetic Platform, Delicate Ornament Thinlit, Night of Navy 1/2" Seam Binding ribbon


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We had a room full of stampers & all had a good time yesterday stamping together at my Holiday Extravaganza Class!  I'm so glad everyone joined me.  They all went home with a bag full of LOTS & LOTS of cards & projects all created with products from the Holiday Catalog.

This morning I'm off to stamp with some more friends again!  I'll then clean up/pack up from yesterdays class.  Deke will come over late this afternoon to help me put away tables/chairs & bring a truck load of things home from me, as I can't get everything in my car.  I'll put away & do what I have to do tonight.  I'm just beat!  I need to get some sleep & get caught up on things.  I need to get ready for my house full of boys in the morning too though.

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

Saturday, October 24, 2015

A stunning card using 'Wonderland'!

This stamp set has to be one of my favorites in the Holiday Catalog!  It just has soooo many possibilities for uses of it.  It is definitely a stamp set I know I've used a ton & have gotten the goodies out of.
Woo Hoo!!!!  Today is my Holiday Extravaganza class!  I can't wait to spend my day stamping with everyone that is joining me.  This is one of the many cards that everyone will get to make today!  I can't wait for them to see all of the projects that I've created for them to be making today!

The inspiration from this beautiful card came from my demonstrator friend BJ Peters.  I just think that it is just stunning!  It almost looks like a picture or a scene out a window.


stamp set:  'Wonderland'
card stock:  Marina Mist, Always Artichoke, Whisper White
ink:  Marina Mist, Always Artichoke
other:  Big Shot, Softly Falling Embossing Folder, Banner Triple Punch, Dimensionals, Sponge Daubers
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I am headed out the door soon to haul everything over to the building I'm renting today for my event.  Deke & I went over last night & set up tables & chairs.  Deke is going with me this morning too to help me get everything over there (it takes more than one vehicle) & he'll help me carry everything in too.  He also helped me with the food preparation last night too.  Guess I'm lucky that it rained yesterday & it was too wet for him to be in the field.  It was nice to have him home with me- even though our visiting consisted of my standing up cutting card stock & him watching the baseball game just a few feet away.  How lucky I am that he helps me & he is lucky that I can help him on the farm too! 

Ok....gotta run....
I hope you have a SENSATIONAL Saturday!!
Happy Stamping!
Hugs-

SUSIE

Friday, October 23, 2015

My scarecrow!

Here is my scarecrow card.  This is one of the projects everyone will be making at my Holiday Extravaganza class tomorrow!


stamp set:  'Hardwood' Background stamp
card stock:  Early Espresso, Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Hello Honey, Pumpkin Pie
ink:  Early Espresso
marker:  Basic Black
other:  Pumpkin Pie Ribbon, Neutrals Candy Dots, Tree Builder Punch (triangle for the nose), Owl Builder Punch (circles for the eyes), dimensionals, glue dots
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Still lots to do to finish getting ready for tomorrow's big class.

Brayden & I are off to pick up Masen & then the 3 Seeley boys!  We'll take Brayden to school & head out to our home for the day.

After work Deke & I will head over to set up tables & chairs in SE.  I'll finish getting the groceries I need for tomorrow, cook & finish cutting card stock....

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

SUSIE

Thursday, October 22, 2015

Check these out- I painted them!!

Check out these adorable wooden guys that I painted!!  Sarah & her mom asked Manda & myself to join them for a craft class last Sunday afternoon in Agency, that one of their friends was having.  We all painted the faces on the snowman shown here & also the scarecrow shown below.  They already had the wood cut & bases for them were painted ahead of time.  We also got to choose our own ribbons & add our bows to them when we were finished.
And here is the scarecrow!!

So if you notice.....the hat is going one direction on one of these guys & the other direction on the other one.  They are the exact same pieces of wood.  One side is the snowman & the other side is the scarecrow.  So cute & so cool!!  

Aren't both of them (the snowman & the scarecrow) just totally adorable!  We had a fun time together.  We had lots to visit about finalizing plans for Nathan & Sarah's upcoming wedding (now 30 days away) on November 21st- so this was a good opportunity for us to sit & chat & craft all at the same time together.

Seeing the projects for this crafting class inspired me to create 2 cards for my Holiday Extravaganza Class that is this coming Saturday.  So be sure to check back tomorrow to see one of my cute cards!!  Yep- I created a snowman & a scarecrow that are similar to this, but are cards!
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Pigs, boys, stamping, working in the fields, meetings.....yep- the same craziness is going on at our house again this week.  I'm off to pick up Masen first this morning & then I'll go get the 3 Seeley boys.  Brayden will be here tonight.....and I have lots of card stock yet to cut that I'll be working on.

Gotta run....

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

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Fall leaves!

Check out these 3 beautiful fall leaf cards!  They are ones I created for my upcoming Holiday Extravaganza class this weekend!   These cards include 2 of my favorite stamp sets- 'Vintage Leaves' & Gorgeous Grunge'! (And these cards have a card keeper too that everyone will be making to keep them & the envelopes in too.....I'll share more about that sometime soon!)

I'll hopefully get caught up the first part of next week & I'll update this post with the supplies I used here for making these cards.
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I've been a super busy bee working on my upcoming event this weekend!  I've spent alot of time creating & getting ready for this big event!  Woo Hoo!  Be sure you check back again soon as I'll be sharing projects from this class here for the next few weeks. 

This morning I'm off to pick up all of the boys.  When they leave tonight I'll be headed out to help Deke on the farm sorting hogs to sell & then I'll be a stamping away, burning the midnight oil again, when I get in.

Deke is gone this morning to a meeting.  This afternoon he is hoping that the ground will be dry enough tomorrow afternoon for him to return to the field.  As we had a storm roll through here late yesterday afternoon & we were without power for a couple of hours.  Thankfully there was no damage to anything.  We did have some small hail too.  It was nice he was in for supper (by 9:00) last night.  And he even cooked so that I could keep on stamping!

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

SUSIE

Check out my holiday sampler!

Here is a quick post.......

This is the holiday sampler that I created for my upcoming Holiday Extravaganza event that I'm having this coming Saturday!  I have LOTS of projects for everyone to come make with me.  I am excited about this big event & I hope everyone joining me is too!

So what do you think of my sampler?  I was trying to make it cute, yet simple enough for many stampers to be able to make it & all of the other projects- all in one day.  My goal was to design a sampler that would showcase the holiday season for both December & January!  I am not sure which block is my favorite.  I love the words in the center; the cottage & trees with the glitter snow is very pretty in person; the snowflake is very pretty (as I am a snowflake lover) & the little snowman is soooo cute with his scarf & snow.

Oh wow- I've been a stamping fool!!  This is going to be a long week with lots to get done. 

I'm off to pick up the boys for the day!  And tonight I'll be a stampin' again!

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

Monday, October 19, 2015

STAMP SALE!!!!!! Limited time only!

 15 percent off stamps
Stamp sales are the best sales, and this one is no exception! Save 15% off retail on Stampin’ Up! stamp purchases October 19-23.
Details:

  • Dates: October 19-23, 2015
  • Host stamp sets and rotary stamps are not eligible for the 15% promotional discount on stamps.
  • Bundles are not eligible for this promotional discount, but they will retain their current 15% Bundle & Save discount. The stamp set from the bundle may still be purchased ala carte with the 15% promotional discount.
  • Stamps purchased using a 50% Stampin’ Rewards discount will not be available for this 15% promotional discount. Stamps purchased using Stampin’ Rewards discounts will still be 50% off retail value of the stamp set.
  • All order types qualify for this promotion.
  • There is no limit to how many discounted stamp sets can be placed on an order.
  • There is no minimum purchase required for this promotion.
  • Order Deadline:  October 23, 2015 by 11:55 PM (MT).
NOTE:  If you attend my monthly classes- please email me & I'll use a hostess code & order your stamp set(s) for you!  This way the hostess will get credit for it & it will count towards your November class minimum purchase amount.  Contact me HERE to do this!
 

Don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about this awesome sale!

If you want to order on line yourself & not have it count towards any class minimums you can Click here to head right over and start shopping from my demonstrator website!!

 It’s the perfect time to fill your wish list!! 
OR even try the $99 Starter Kit for maximum savings! Discounted stamps may be added to the $99 Starter Kit, helping you get even more Stampin’ Up! product for the money!  You get to choose $125 worth of product & only pay $99 plus tax on it (shipping is free)!  I'd love to have you join my Iowa Inkers Team!   Hobby stampers are always welcome!  CLICK HERE TO find out more about joining my Iowa Inkers Team!

'All Ye Faithful'

I love this card!  This was another card that I created for my October classes.  A couple of year ago I did a nativity scene layout & adapted it for this new set 'All Ye Faithful' that is currently in the Holiday Catalog.  I thought it turned out really cute!  This is also one of the cards that is for my upcoming Christmas Card Stamp-a-Stack too.  And it was also one of the cards that I did at Julie's Christmas card class earlier this month. 
stamp sets:  'All Ye Faithful' & 'Hardwood' background stamp
card stock:  Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, Gold Glimmer Paper
ink:  Early Espresso
other:  Neutrals Candy Dots, Medium Star Punch, Dimensionals

I will get caught up on supplies that I used once I get through this week.  I have my upcoming Holiday Extravaganza class this coming weekend.  When I get off work I'll be burning the midnight oil each night & working on things for this class every spare minute this week.

This morning I'm off to pick up the boys.  And Deke is off to chore & head to the courthouse for his weekly meeting.

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

Sunday, October 18, 2015

It is a cool gold deer!

Here is a pretty gold embossed deer.  This card was one of the cards that everyone joining me at my October classes got to make.  It is also one of my Christmas Card Stamp-a-Stack cards too!
Embossing always is gives me warm fuzzies.  The very first time I saw something embossed I thought it was just the coolest thing I had ever seen.  I just love hearing the ooohhhsss and awwwhhhss as those at a class see something being embossed.

stamp set:  'Jolly Christmas'
card stock:  Early Espresso, Very Vanilla, Sarhara Sand, Gold Foil
ink:  Versamark
other:  Big Shot, Softly Falling Embossing Folder, Banner Triple Punch, Circle Framelits, 2 1/2" Circle Punch, Gold Sequins, Fine Tip Glue Pen, Gold Metallic Foil Doilies, Gold Cording, Glue Dots, Dimensionals, Heat Tool, Embossing Buddy, Gold Embossing Powder
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I spent my whole day/night stamping- creating projects for my upcoming Holiday Extravaganza class that I am hosting next Saturday!  I have lots of cool projects to share this day & can't wait!

I'll be spending every spare minute I have stamping today too.  Manda & I are going to be gone for a couple of hours this afternoon with Sarah & her mom.  They invited us to a class to paint a wooden snowman!  I'm sure it will be alot of fun!  

Ok.....gotta get back to stamping!!
I hope you have a SENSATIONAL Sunday!
Happy Stamping!
Hugs-
SUSIE

Saturday, October 17, 2015

A beautiful fall card!

This was a card that everyone who joined me for one of my October classes made this month.
I LOVE IT!  Yep.....I'm in a vellum moode.  This time I used the embossing folder & embossed it.  Isn't it beautiful!
stamp set:  'Thankful Forest Friends' & 'Acorny Thank You'
card stock:  Crumb Cake, Cajun Craze, Whisper White, Vellum
ink:  Cajun Craze, Cherry Cobbler, Cajun Crazy & Crushed Curry, Chocolate Chip
other:  Big Shot, Woodland Embossing Folder, 2 1/2" Circle Punch, Linen Thread, Banner Triple Punch, Paper Piercing Mat, Paper Piercing Tool, Mini Silver Brads, Acorn Builder Punch, Sponges

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I will update this post sometime soon.....honestly I've had an awful busy & sad week & I am beat & off to bed.  I burnt the midnight oil again stamping & trying to get caught up on bookwork too.

This morning I'll be up bright & early & I'll spend every spare minute I have for the next week creating & cutting card stock!!  I pray that I have good mojo this weekend in creating!  My plan for the day today is to not leave the house & be home alone!  So we'll see how that goes.   Deke will be choring & spending his day/night in the fields again.  

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

Friday, October 16, 2015

Woo Hoo! This was just announced by Stampin' Up!! Check back on Monday for more details!!


15% Off Stamps

October 16, 2015 
 

Starting October 19, stamps will be discounted 15 percent off retail. This sale will only be around for a few days before it ends on October 23, so don't miss out! It's a great time to help your customers purchase stamp sets on their wish list, or to order anything you've been keeping your eye on too. Check back for more details and resources on October 19. 

'Jingle All the Way'

Here is a pretty Christmas card that everyone joining me for my October monthly classes got to make.  I always love black & white cards.....and this designer paper is beautiful!!

AND this card is also one that you can choose for my Annual Christmas Card Class too!  
stamp set: 'Jingle All The Way'
card stock:  Basic Black, Whisper White
designer paper:  Winter Wonderland Specialty Designer Paper
ink: Basic Black Archival
other:  Big Shot, Sleigh Ride Edgelits Dits, Iced Rhinestone Embellishments, Whisper White 1/4" Cotton Ribbon, dimensionals, glue dots

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Oh my gosh....we were all exhausted last night.  We were on the go the whole day yesterday!  Baby piggies, a new dog- Cocoa & everything else.  We were on the go 100 mph all day long. 

The shelter ladies were in awhh over the boys & their love of animals & warmth towards Cocoa.  They took pictures to publish on their website.  I had tears when Trey was hugging & lovin on Cocoa.  She is so sweet.  And still very much a hyper puppy!  We have some work ahead of us to get her to calm down & mellow out.  I took her on a walk around the farm & she is very curious.  She didn't care for the piggies- she was afraid of them.  She isn't sure about our outdoor cats.....but I bet they end up sleeping together within a few weeks.  I was very impressed with the Noah's Ark Shelter in Fairfield.  Some day the boys & I are going to go down to just visit & see all of the animals.  It was very clean, open & very much live a home.  Not at all what I had pictured in my mind.  They obviously love their pets & it definitely shows.  

Brayden was in heaven last night with a new dog & getting to ride with papa in the tractor last night.  
I burnt the midnight oil working on stamping stuff & Deke burnt it working in the field again. 

This morning I'm off to pick up the boys.  We'll run Brayden to school & then come home to spend the day outside getting to know Cocoa better & getting her use to us & living here.  Right now she is tied up on a long cable so that she can get onto the porch, play in the yard & still sleep in her dog house......but I don't want her tied up for too long.  So now we have to train her to stay here & have me not have to worry about where she is or her getting hurt.  We have an invisible line & shock color in our yard......so will work on training her with it in a week or so. 

Tonight will be the same old broken record around here.....I'll be stamping late & Deke will be working in the field late.

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

Here are the cards for my upcoming Christmas Card Stamp-a-Stack!

Check out all of these cards!  You can come make any of them with me on Saturday, November 14, 2015 at our home!  I have lots of choices for you to choose from this year.  Some of them are cards that we've made at my monthly September & October classes too!  

EMAIL ME  if you'd like more information about this class!

Here are all of the different stamp sets/bundles that I have used to create these cards.  

 *          'Jingle All The Way' BUNDLE- Holiday Catalog- pg. 12

*          'Embellished Ornaments' BUNDLE- Holiday Catalog- pg. 15

*          'All Yea Faithful'- Holiday Catalog- pg. 20

*          'Wonderland'- Holiday Catalog- pg. 23

*          'Flurry of Wishes' BUNDLE- Holiday Catalog- pg. 25

*          'Jolly Christmas'- Holiday Catalog- pg. 27

*          'Reason for the Season'- Holiday Catalog- pg. 31


Chalked leaves.....aren't they stunning!

Here are some beautiful chalked leaves that I did.  This card was one of the 6 cards I created this month for everyone to make that joined me for my October monthly classes.  This was a really fun & easy & card.  It is just stunning in person!
I've made lots of cards using the cool stamp set of various leaves.  And they all are beautiful.....yet different in many ways!  This is a very modern stamp of leaves.  And I do love it!

Did you notice that I didn't chalk the Blackberry Bliss leaf.  I did stamp the leaf image using the Soft Suede ink onto the Blackberry Bliss card stock & cut it out with the framelit.  I should have saved the first one I did where I did use the chalk marker on it.  It just did not look good.....looked it was a mess....thus.....the Blackberry Bliss leaf became a background shadow look instead!

stamp set:  'Lighthearted Leaves'
card stock:  Thick Whisper White, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, Delightful Dijon, Blackberry Bliss, Whisper White
ink:  Soft Suede
other:  Big Shot, Magnetic Platform, Leaflets Framelits, 2" Circle Punch, Woodland Embossing Folder, White Chalk Marker, Gold Cording Trim, Gold Glitter Trim, Dimensionals, Glue Dots

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Yesterday was a pretty much a carbon copy of our past week.....chores, meetings, boys, stamping & working in the field.  Deke & I both burnt the midnight oil working.  Sarah visited for awhile after work when she picked up Masen & then Brayden, Kimi (his mom) & little brother Jacobi stopped by to visit too.  They brought me a beautiful big rock with a dog paw print on it that says- "always in our hearts" in rememberance of Nestle.  Brayden is going to help me find a spot in our yard to keep it.  Nestle is buried behind our house....but I'm sure Deke doesn't want to mow around the stone, so we'll find a nice place in the front of house in our rock landscaping to put the big rock they brought. 

This morning I'm off to pick up the boys & head back out here to our home.  My Aunt Kathy is coming down shortly to stay at our home with Masen.  As we get more baby piggies today....so the 3 Seeley boys will head outside & be little farmers today with Papa & G'ma.  The boys are excited to get to see Joe (our feed salesman) & Josh (our truck driver- which just happens to be my 2nd cousin too).

This afternoon I'm planning a trip to the animal shelter to pick up our new dog!  And I'll be taking the 4 boys with me to meet her.  I pray that the adoption goes through or we are going to have 4 really disappointed little boys & a sad G'ma & Papa too.  The boys have all seen photos of Cocoa & I have my fingers & toes crossed she comes home with us, is a good dog & fits into our family well (which means she likes our cats & piggies too).  She has big shoes to fill following Nestle.....so we all need to be patient in training her & getting her adjusted to her new home.

Tonight is the same old routine again around here.....although Brayden is staying with us all night too.  He is super excited to get to go to the field & ride in the tractor with Papa for awhile.  As Deke will be working again until after midnight.  And I'll be burning the midnight oil stamping!  Woo hoo!

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

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

A beautiful Poinsettia card!

I wasn't sure that I really liked this poinsettia set when I first saw it in the Holiday Catalog.  But boy.....let me tell you that it is one of my favorite sets now.  I love 2 step stampin' sets & this one is just a perfect fit/layering one.  It is super easy to use & it is just beautiful when you are finished stamping.
This is one of the cards you can make for my upcoming Christmas Card class!!

I created it for Julie's Christmas Card Stack that I did last Saturday.  Check out the shadowed poinsettias stamped in Real Red ink onto the Real Red card stock.
stamp set:  'Reason for the Season'
card stock:  Real Red, Mossy Meadow, Whisper White
ink:  Basic Black Archival, Real Red, Mossy Meadow
other:  Big Shot, Stylish Stripes Embossing Folder, Circle Framelits, 2 1/2" Circle Punch, Fine Tip Glue Pen, Gold Sequins, Dimensionals

This layout is an all time 'old' favorite of mine.  And I haven't done it for quite some time.  I have ideas for another card using this layout- so be on the look out for it.
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Our day yesterday was a full one.  My mom enjoyed spending time snuggling with Masen while the other 3 boys & I helped Deke on the farm enjoying/playing with our new baby piggies.  My mom stayed for awhile when we got back to the house & read books to all of the boys.  I so wish I would have gotten a picture of them all.  While she read to them I made a quick trip to town to the post office & got our wedding invites mailed out.  

After work- Sarah, Manda, Jen & I went to Sharlene's for wedding dress alterations.  We had a nice time.  It was great to see Sharlene & she is so good at what she does.  I'm thankful for her friendship & talent.  Over the years she has altered many wedding/bridesmaid dresses for me.  

When I got home from Sharlene's I spent a few hours working on farm bookwork.  I also made a quick trip to Osky to the night deposit with our hog check & picked up some groceries at Walmart.  One of the benefits of grocery shopping at 11:00 p.m. is that there aren't too many people in the store.  Worst part about it is putting away groceries at 1 in the morning.  And Deke burnt the midnight oil working the field again last night.

This morning Deke is off early to chore, go to the office & then he is headed to Mt. Pleasant for a meeting.  I'm off to pick up the boys & spend my day with them.  Tonight I'll be stamping & Deke will be working in the fields.  Gosh.....kind of a broken record isn't it.  

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

Love this!

Here is a fun photo of my dear friend LeeAnn & I at the Tuscan Theater in St. George, Utah last month!  The camera guy was sitting at the end of our row & hollered at me to look......this is the picture he captured of us.  Oh what fun times & great memories we all had together in Utah. 

Nathan & Sarah's wedding invitation!

What have I been doing every spare minute I've had the past week??  I've been making 200 wedding invitations for Nathan & Sarah's upcoming wedding.  And they are FINALLY DONE!

Steven, Amanda, Sarah & Aunt Kathy have all had a little hand in helping me with them in one way or another last week.  But last night I got the belly bands on all of them, they are in their envelopes, the postage stamps & the address labels are on all of them.  And they will all be going to the post office today & to get mailed out!  Woo Hoo!!  

My very talented son-in-law Steven, designed the map (inside) & the monogram on the front on the invitation shown here.  He did them in his print shop on the computer.  

Sarah's colors are Blackberry Bliss, Crumb Cake & Very Vanilla.  And the tables at the reception will have burlap on them- so I embossed the belly band to add texture to them to go with that theme.
I used our new Trio Corner Punch on the outside flap & inside of the invitation to help add some dimension.
So what does 200 wedding invites look like?  Well- there are 100 of them shown here in the box- all ready to do.  And there are 100 of them laying on the table that I still had to finish getting finished & in the envelopes.  
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Oh my....we've had a rotten week so far..... as our dear Chocolate Lab Nestle passed away yesterday.  She was between 12-14 years old.  We aren't positive how old she was when we adopted her several years ago.  It was really tough on all of us!  The passed away peacefully in her sleep.  So that is a blessing in itself.  The boys got a quick lesson in death & burying.  The twins weren't really old enough to understand it all.  I'm sure they'll have alot of questions & will still be talking about it today.  Brayden took it really hard.  Nestle was definitely part of our family & she will be greatly missed by all of us.  

Thus....my friend Katy found Nestle for us several years ago......and she's been on a hunt to help us find another family dog.  We have a few dogs we are inquiring about at local animal shelters.  I bet we'll have a new dog before the end of the week.  Nestle can't ever be replaced........but we hope to find a new addition to our family to love & enjoy for the next several years.  So I'll share our venture on dog hunting with you in the coming days.

Deke worked late in the fields.  Nathan, Sarah, Brayden & Masen were here for a bit going over wedding things.  And I then burnt the midnight oil & tried to get caught up on a few things in the house after I get the invites all done.

This morning I'm headed to town to pick up the boys.  Deke will be on the farm all day.  We are all excited that we'll be getting new baby piggies today!  My mom is coming to our home this morning to keep Masen for me & the 3 Seeley boys will be going out to farm with G'ma & Papa today.

Tonight Deke will be working the fields late again.  And Sarah, Jenn, Manda & myself are going to get dresses for the wedding altered by my friend Sharlene.  I'll then be burning the midnight oil when I get home working on stamping stuff.

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

Monday, October 12, 2015

It's another pretty snowflake card

This snowflake card is one of my Christmas Card Class cards.  It is similar to a card I made for a swap last month- but I used a different stamp set.  You can see that card HERE!

This card is a simple, yet elegant one.   It love the sparkle that the silver sequins add to this card.
stamp set:  'Flurry of Wishes'
card stock:  Marina Mist, Whisper White
ink:  Marina Mist
other:  Snow Flurry Punch, Silver Sequins, Dimensionals, Fine Tip Glue Pen, Extra Large Oval Punch
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I had a full weekend of stamping!  It was great to see everyone & share with them!!  And Deke had a full weekend of working in the field.  It is another new week & a busy one here.  We are both off to our other jobs this morning.  He is choring & then headed to the courthouse for a board meeting.  And I'm off to pick up the boys & spend my day with them.  
 
Tonight Deke & I will be burning the midnight oil working with him in the field again & I'll be a stamping!! 
 
I hope you have a MARVELOUS Monday!
Happy Stamping!
Hugs-
SUSIE

Sunday, October 11, 2015

'All Ye Faithful'

Here is another one of my Christmas Card Class cards.  Check out these 3 wisemen...and notice the Boughs & Berries Embossing Folder along the edges here.  This is a simple yet elegant card.  I think that the gold foil strip in the middle just adds so much to this. 
stamp set:  'All Ye Faithful'
card stock:  Early Spresson, Very Vanilla, Gold Foil
ink:  Early Espresso
other:  Big Shot, Boughs & Berries Embossing Folder, Circle Framelits, 2 1/2" Circle Punch, Dimensionals
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We had a fun time at Julie's party yesterday with her & her friends.  She is a dear friend & I enjoyed getting to visit with her & see her family.  I was happy that Taylor was home from college & got to stamp with us too.

Deke worked late in the field last night with the tractor & tank.  I rode one round with him & took out his supper.  Then I burnt the midnight oil cutting cardstock for today's classes.  Lorrie & Chris are my hostesses for my 2 classes I have today.  I am looking forward to seeing everyone & getting to stamp again today!!

I'm headed out bright & early this morning......

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