You're In My Thoughts!

This is another card that everyone joining me at my All Occasions card classes last month got to make.

Personally I've had a ton of sympathy cards to send lately.  This is one that I've used.  It would also make a great guy card too! 

I just really like this card & these colors together. 

stamp sets:  'Wetlands' & 'Best Thoughts' (hostess set)
card stock:  Sahara Sand, Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip
ink:  Chocolate Chip
other:  Very Vanilla Thick Twine, Dimensionals

++++

We had a busy day yesterday on the farm.  Here is a couple of pictures of the boys with Papa.  

 Brody, Drake & Papa Deke

Trey & Papa Deke

Last night we worked on the farm & sold hogs after the boys left.  I then burnt the midnight oil working on getting things ready for my upcoming classes here. 

This morning I'm off to go pickup the boys for the day.  Deke is home today to work on the farm all day.  

Then tonight I have a house full joining me for my monthly Stampin' class here at our home!!  Woo Hoo!!  We're gonna have a fun!!  I can't wait!

I hope you have a FABULOUS Friday!!

Happy Stamping!
Hugs-
SUSIE

Here is some happy mail!

Here are some cool cards that I made to send to a few members of my Iowa Inkers team to celebrate some things- new team members, promotions, sales, birthdays, anniversaries, etc!

This card is CASED (copy and share everything) from a card/layout that was shared in our demonstrator bi-monthly magazine called Stampin' Success!

Check out the banner!!  Isn't it cool!  I made it using the Triple Banner Punch!  I'll be sharing how to make this banner at some of my upcoming classes. 

We have a super busy week & going 100 mph.  I will update this post with the supplies I used later this week.  

Last night we went to Sam's visitation.  Then Brayden's soccer game.  The races were rained out- so all of our family came to our house for supper.  Sarah made a casserole & we had garlic bread & salad to go along with it.  Deke's sister Darci stopped by a few minutes to visit a few minutes, as she was down for Sam's visitation too.  When everyone was all gone I worked on getting toys picked up, dishes done, etc.  

This morning Deke is off to chore early & I'm off early to go pick up the boys.  We have baby piggies coming again this morning.  The boys are excited to get to help Papa on the farm today!  Tonight when the boys go home I'm a farmer & helping Deke on the farm & selling hogs.  

Gotta run.....
I hope you have a very special Thursday!!
Happy Stamping!
Hugs!
SUSIE

'In the Meadow'

Check out these cute deer from the set- 'In The Meadow'.  This is another one of my cards that I created for my monthly April classes that are this week.  It is a great guy card!!!  I thought it turned out just perfect!  I used our Watercolor Paper & Aqua Painters to color with.  And look closely at the deer, as I used my White Gel Pen & colored it onto their ears, tails & spots on the baby deer. 

Look at the fold!  Neat huh!  I used my Diagonal Scoring Plate & score it so that I could fold the top corner down.  

My Mossy Meadow Designer paper is from the Going Places Paper Stack in the Occasions Catalog!  Wow- how perfect for a guy card!  Do you like the little banners that I layered behind the Extra-Large Oval Punch?

This would make a great card for any guy & it could be personalized for any occasion you need- Father's Day, birthday, etc.

stamp set:  'In the Meadow' & 'Suite Sayings'
card stock:  Crumb Cake, Mossy Meadow, Basic Black, Watercolor Paper
designer paper: Going Places Paper Stack
ink:  Archival Basic Black, Mossy Meadow, Soft Sky, Crumb Cake
other:  Simply Scored Scoring Tool, Diagonal Scoring Plate, Dimensionals, Extra-Large Oval Punch, Banner Punch, Aqua Painters, White Gel Pen

+++++

Wow- what a busy day we had yesterday & we're gearing up for another one today.

We got baby piggies delivered yesterday.  The boys have been sick, so Steve stayed home with them & they didn't come out until about 11, when I got in from the hog house.  Poor little guys don't feel good yet......coughs, sore throats, ear infections.  Drake got meds now too- so hoping they are all feeling better soon.  And I hope that Masen doesn't end up getting sick/ 

When the boys left last night I burnt the midnight oil cutting card stock.  And Deke worked in the field again all night until it started raining.

This morning Deke is off early to chore & he'll be headed to a meeting & then to the office at the courthouse for awhile.  I'm off to go pick up all of my boys & spend my day with them.  

This evening we'll go to What Cheer to Sam's visitation.  Then were headed to all 3 boys soccer games & then off to the races to cheer on Nathan!  Hoping the weather is nice & we don't end up freezing or getting wet. 

Woo Hoo!!

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

SUSIE

WOW- This weeks "WEEKLY DEALS"- April 5-11, 2-16!

It's a beautiful purple flower!

Check out the beautiful purple card!  Don't you like it?  This is one of the cards I created for my upcoming April classes that I'm having this week.   You can't tell by looking at the photo here, but the big flower is cut out & popped up!  I cut it out using my Paper Snips.

I played with the different colors of purple when coloring these flowers.  Look how different they look.  Notice that I stamped the whole flower image in the black around the outside edges of the card to help give it dimension.  I colored the flowers using squished ink pad lids & aqua painters. 

stamp set: 'Birthday Blooms'
card stock:  

• Elegant Eggplant- 5 1/2 x 8 1/2
• Basic Black- 2" strip (circle to layer the words); 3 1/2 x 4 1/4 
• Pear Pizzazz- 3 1/4 x 4 
• Shimmery White- 3 3/4 x 3; 2 3/4" strip (for the big flower you cut out), 2" strip (for the words)

ink:  Archival Basic Black, Perfect Plum, Elegant Eggplant, Pear Pizzazz
other:  Aqua Painters, Dimensionals, Paper Snips, 1 1/2" Circle Punch, 1 3/4" Circle Punch

This stamp set is in the Occasions Catalog.  I got this set as one of my Pillow Gifts when I was at Founders in Utah, last September.  This set is probably one of my favorite sets I've ever gotten.  I just really like the font of the words & the different flowers in this set.  I have used this stamp set for a ton of different cards that I've posted on my blog over the past 3 1/2 months. 

Be sure you check out this stamp on on pg. 9 in the Occasions Catalog!  
#140655 (wood)= $27.00 or #140658 (clear)= $19.00

+++++

Manda & Steve ended up taking the 3 boys to the dr yesterday.  Brody was up early yesterday morning & running a high temp.  Brody & Trey had coughs, red throats & ear infection- so they got meds.  Drake had a cough too- but she thought it was allergy related, so he will be going to see our Allergy Dr next month.

I spent my day trying to catch up on farm things & stamping things!!  Brayden & Masen were both here after school for awhile. We then went to Brayden's soccer game.  It was a really good game!!  Brayden's team lost in over time, but they all did great.  I came home and burnt the midnight oil cutting card stock.

Deke had lots of meetings yesterday.  He went right out to the field when he got home last night about 9:30 pm. & worked until the wee hours this morning.  I went out about midnight, took him some tea & snacks & rode with him for awhile. 

We get baby piggies delivered this morning, so we are all up early & getting ready for them.  It was a short night.  

We had a change of plans this morning....the 3 boys are still sick with temps & they were up most of the night- so Steve is staying with them this morning & I'll go get them when we are done unloading  & settling in our baby piggies.  Such a bummer!  Poor little guys!  Masen might just be the only one here today again- guess we'll see what happens & how they feel in a few hours. 

Tonight when the boys go home I'll be burning the midnight oil cutting card stock again, getting ready for all of my April monthly classes that I have this week.  And Deke is hoping to burn the midnight oil working in the field again if it doesn't rain today.

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

You're a Star!!

This is another card from my All Occasions Card Class.  I used the silver foil paper to punch out the little stars on it.  It is really cute in person!

My All Occasions Card Class is suppose to be a clean & simply card style class.  That style is hard for me to do- as I like layers & dimensionals.  And so what the heck was I thinking when I created this card??  It is super cute!  But it took awhile to cut 5 of the Smoky Slate strips for each card! 

stamp set: 'Pictogram Punches'
card stock: Basic Gray, Smoky Slate, Whisper White, 12x12 Silver Foil
ink:  Archival Basic Gray
other:  Banner Punch, Triple Banner Punch, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack (small star), Dimensionals, Glue Dots

+++++

We all had a great day stamping yesterday!!  I so enjoyed it!!  I stopped to see my dear friend Judy on my home too- so that was special!  She loved all of the cards I took to her.

My mom called me when I got in the car & was headed home.  She told me that a dear family friend (my dad's best friend- Sam) had just passed away.  What a shock!  So we'll have his visitation & funeral this week sometime too. 

It was late last night when I got home.  I took supper to Deke in the field & rode with him in the tractor for awhile.  I then unloaded the car from my class.  I was just beat & finally called it a night about 12:30.  Deke still wasn't in from the field yet- but I couldn't wait for him any longer. 

This morning we have 3 sick boys that are going to the dr.  Tonight Brayden will be here after school & then we have his soccer game.  When I get home from that I'll burn the midnight oil working on stuff for this weeks upcoming stamp classes.  

Deke headed out early this morning for his weekly board meeting, then home for lunch & off again to an afternoon meeting & a night meeting.  Somehow he'll chore in between or else it will be really late.  

Tomorrow we get baby piggies.....so the boys are excited!  We have a very busy week around here....stay tuned.  

Gotta run.......

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

"Grateful Bunch" Flowers

This is another one of the cards everyone at my All Occasions Card Class made.  I love the bright spring colors!!  This stamp set is pretty cool!  And it is really neat that it has a coordinating Flower Punch to go with it.

stamp set:  'Grateful Bunch'
card stock:  Old Olive, Whisper White, Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie
ink:  Punch Pie, Old Olive
other: Big Shot, Elegant Dots Embossing Folder, Pumpkin Pie Ribbon, Large Oval Punch, Basic Rhinestones, Dimensionals, Glue Dots, Blossom Bunch Punch

+++++

We had a fun & busy day yesterday with boys & stamping!  The weather was terrible here- cold & super windy!  The boys still had their soccer pictures, but their games got cancelled.  So we just hung out watching tv & playing inside.

I was a stamping fool!  I burnt the midnight oil cutting card stock for today's class.  All of my cards turned out super cute though & I can't wait for everyone to see them!!!

I'll head out here soon....I need to get a little more card stock cut, things packed up & everything loaded......gotta run.

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

Just of you!

This is another one of the cards that I created for my All Occasions Card Classes.  It is created with the Sale-a-bration set- 'Botanicals for You'.  I have shared several cards using this set.  This one is just a totally different look.  I think the White Accents add alot to this card. 

The stripped designer paper is from the awesome designer series stack- It's My Party!

stamp set: 'Botanicals For You' (SAB- ended 3/31/16)

card stock: Crushed Curry, Basic Black, Whisper White

designer paper:  Its My Party 12x12 DSP
ink:  Archival Basic Black
other: White Accents, Dimensionals, Mosaic Punch (Clearance Rack)

+++++

I burnt the midnight oil last night working on stamping stuff.  

This morning I'm off early to go pick up the boys.  Deke is off early to chore.  Brayden has a soccer game at 9:30 this morning & the twins have a soccer game at 2:30 this afternoon.  Manda & Steve are taking the photos for all of the soccer teams today- so we'll be helping them by keeping the boys all day.

Tonight I'll be burning the midnight oil stamping again!!  And praying that I have good mojo.  I hope that I can talk my wonderful husband into helping me with some of the Big Shot things too.  Tomorrow I have my monthly class in N. Liberty with Jenny being our hostess this month.  I'm looking forward to seeing everyone then!

Gotta run.......
I hope you have a SENSATIONAL Saturday!!
Happy Stamping!
Hugs-
SUSIE

Lots of stars!!

Here is another one of the cards that everyone joining me for my All Occasions Card Class made.  Wouldn't this make a great graduation card?  Or change the words & it could be for almost any occasion.  This stamp set- 'Tin of Cards' is a GREAT set....with lots of different words to choose from & I think the font is awesome too!

stamp set:  'Tin of Cards'
card stock:  Pacific Point, Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White
ink:  Tempting Turquoise
marker:  Tempting Turquoise
other:  2 1/2" Circle Punch, 2" Circle Punch, Itty Bitty Accents (Small Star Punch), Dimensionals, Glue Dots, Basic Rhinestones

+++++

Last night we worked on the farm until late.  What a way to spend your anniversary!  It must be love huh!

Today Deke is home to work on the farm all day & play catch up.  I'll enjoy my boys!  Tonight when they leave I'll be a stamping fool!!  I have lots of creating & cutting to do for all of my upcoming April classes.  

Gotta run.....

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

Sale-a-bration ENDS TODAY- 3/31/16!

This is it!
After three months, Sale-a-bration is over TODAY- March 31st!
Make sure you have gotten all of the Sale-a-bration FREE items you really want before they are gone forever!! 

Click HERE OR contact ME if you want more information about Sale-a-bration!

Happy Anniverary!

This is one of the cards I created for my All Occasions Card Class.  I really like this stamp set!!  And think the card turned out cute!

I'm sharing this card today, as Deke & I are celebrating our 32nd Anniversary today!!  How lucky we are!  He is my rock & I love him to the moon & back!  I pray that we can enjoy many more years together. 

stamp sets:  'First Sight' & 'Timeless Love'
card stock:  Basic Gray, Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler
ink:  Archival Basic Gray
other:  Hearts Border Punch, Dimensionals, Fine Tip Glue Pen, Full Heart Punch, Triple Banner Punch

Last night Nathan didn't have very good luck racing.  The motor was missing so he pulled in during the feature.  It was probably a blessing, as that way he didn't get anything torn up.  The track was rough & there were alot of wrecked cars by the end of the night.  Thankfully no one was injured.

This morning Deke is off early to chore & then has 2 meetings in Ottumwa.  I'm off early to pick up all of our boys for the day.  Tonight when they all go home I'll be headed out to be a farmer all night helping Deke.  We sell 2 loads of hogs....so hoping the weather is good & we don't get rained on.  Nothing like celebrating your anniversary working......but guess we'll be together.  We do make a good team!

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

Check out the March Paper Pumpkin kit!

Here is this months Paper Pumpkin Kit.  It is super cool!!  I love it!   Look at all of the supplies you get in it- not to mention the stampin' spot ink & Photopolymer stamp set too!

Right now there is a Paper Pumpkin SPECIAL that ends- 3/31/16!  It is the perfect time to buy a pre-paid subscription.  If you buy a 3 month, 6 month or 1 year subscription,  you will also earn Sale-a-bration products too, PLUS you get a discount too!

If you join before April 8th- your will be a BONUS too, as the April kit is going to have an extra stamp set in it!  YES 2 of them!  As Stampin' Up is celebrating their 3 year Paper Pumpkin Anniversary, plus their 1 million kit that they have shipped!

3-Month Prepaid Paper Pumpkin Subscription - 137859

Price: $59.85

1-Month Prepaid Paper Pumpkin Subscription - 137858

Price: $19.95

6-Month Prepaid Paper Pumpkin Subscription - 137860

Price: $113.70

One Year Prepaid Paper Pumpkin Subscription - 137861

Price: $215.40

A cute little lamb!

This card was one of my monthly March class cards.  Check out this cute little lamb!  It is actually from the 'Easter Lamb' stamp- but it would make an adorable baby card or juvenile card too!  

Don't you like the green grass I made with the Fringe Scissors?  And check out the clouds in the background too!  How did I make the clouds?  I used a 2 3/8" Scalloped Circle Punch & sponged around it using Pool Party ink & a sponge dauber. 

Look closely at the lamb!  I stamped her in Archival Basic Gray ink & then I used the Clear Wink of Stella Pen all over the top of her fuzzy fur.  It is really pretty & sparkles in person. 

This is a fun fold card that a dear demonstrator friend- Linda Bauwin shared.  

Isn't it just a neat card!!  I thought it turned out super cute!

stamp sets:  'Easter Lamb' & 'Blessed by God'
card stock:  Wild Wasabi, Pool Party, Whisper White
ink:  Archival Basic Gray, Pool Party, Wild Wasbi
markers:  Basic Gray, Blushing Bride
other:  Big Shot, Decorative Dots Embossing Folder, Fringe Scissors, Paper Snips, White Baker's Twine, Tree Builder Punch (small flower), Sponge Daubers, Wink of Stella Pen, 2 3/8" Scalloped Circle Punch, Basic Pearls, Glue Dots, Dimensionals

Measurements:

• Wild Wasaib- 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 (card layer piece), 2 3/4 x 2 3/4 (layer piece for Lamb); 5 1/4 x 1 (for grass)
• Pool Party- 4 x 9 3/4-  on the short side- cut from 3" down to 7 1/2"; turn & score at 3" -from top down to slit, 5 1/4"- all the way down the center of the card & 7 1/2"-from the bottom upward 1"
• Whisper White- 2 1/2 x 2 1/2 (stamp lamb on); 4 1/4 x 2 3/4 (inside piece for words)

++++

Last night I worked on sorting orders & stamping things, burning the midnight oil.  And Deke worked in the field until early this morning.  I took supper out to him about 8:00 p.m. & rode in the tractor for a few rounds with him, so that we could catch up on things about our day.  Here is a photo of us out in the field.  

 

This morning Masen is here bright & early- as Nathan has an appointment in Iowa City for his wrist. (I am praying that all goes well.)  We'll head out & go pick up the other 3 boys & I'll spend my day with them all.  Deke is off early this morning to chore & he is then headed to the courthouse for the morning.  He'll be home to work on the farm all afternoon.  If it doesn't rain he'll be in the field. 

 

Then tonight it will be our opening race at the Southern Iowa Speedway in Osky.  (Praying we don't get rained out.)  The twins have soccer practice tonight & we'll then all head over to cheer on Nathan & the #52 Racing Team.  I hope he has good luck!!!!

 

Last night Nathan went to practice with his red car at the track.  Here are a few photos to share with you....

• The red car is his old one from last year that they repainted & lettered.  It is his IMCA car.
• The purple one is a car the guys put together this winter & it is his USRA car.
• He will be running 2 different stock car sanctions this year. 

 

Here is a picture of Masen at practice sitting in his racin' chair in the back of the trailer.  He loved all of the cars!

I hope yo have a WONDERFUL Wednesday!!

Happy Stamping!
HUGS!
SUSIE

This weeks "WEEKLY DEALS"- March 29-April 4, 2016!

A little bunny!

Here is the Easter card that I made the our 5 boys.  They are clean & simple.....yep- that is all I had time to whip up on Sunday morning. 

It is a tall skinny one & fit in a large mailing envelope.  They all liked the cottonball tail & the tall grass he was in.  

stamp sets:  'Friends & Flowers' & 'Easter Lamb' (for words)
card stock:  Pool Party, Old Olive, Whisper White
ink:  Archival Basic Gray & Blushing Bride
marker:  Basic Gray
other:  Fringe Scissors, 2" Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, Festive Flower Builder Punch, Dimensionals, Glue dots, Pencil eraser (to make the little circles on his cheeks)

 ++++

The boys had fun coloring Easter Eggs last week too!

Brody, Drake & Trey

I made them take off their shirts so that we didn't get any coloring on them.

Yesterday I had to run to town to get some allergy meds, so ended up meeting Deke, Manda, Steve & the boys for pizza at Georges.  I then ran to the recycle center & bank too.  Then home to try to catch up on things.  Last night Deke & I made a quick trip over to Osky to a family friends visitation (Joan Hughes).  I did bookwork all night- trying to catch up on farm books.

This morning I'm off to pick up all of my boys for the day!!  Tonight when they leave I'll be burning the midnight oil working on stamping stuff.

Deke is home to work on the farm today.  He has piggies to take to the locker, feed to grind & outside lots to get cleaned off. 

If the weather is decent & guys get the cars all ready- they plan to do a few practice laps at the track tonight.  As tomorrow night is the 1st official racing night in Osky at the Southern Iowa Speedway.  

I hope you have a TERRIFIC Tuesday!!

Happy Stamping!
Hugs!
SUSIE