We are off to Fiji on our Stampin' Up! trip!

 

  Bula!

This is a Fijian word meaning “health or hello".

It is a greeting we will hear everywhere we go on this exotic island of paradise.

Oh my gosh.....Fiji is not a place that was ever on my bucket list.....

but I am excited about going!

I am so looking forward to spending the week with Deke 

& enjoying a slower pace of life for a change!

WOW!!

I owe this trip to all of YOU- my loyal customers for letting me share my love of stamping with you!

I earned this trip based upon my sales from all of you placing orders with me.

I know.....I've had LOTS & LOTS of workshops & stamp classes this past year,

creating new stamping projects to share with all of you!

Fiji is a land of extraordinary natural beauty.

And only in my dreams can I imagine all of this.

It seems so unreal......like you need to pinch me or something.

I will be sure to take lots of pictures & post them when we return, so that I can share it all with you!

The internet access if very limited there & so is cell phones reception.

So as of now I'm not planning to be able to post anything or have you hear from me until our return on happenings about the trip.

BUT-

I have gotten pictures taken of cards & posts are ready for Manda to publish each day for me.

Heck- since I started my blog almost 1 1/2 years ago I have 

NEVER MISSED A DAY OF POSTING YET!!  

And I don't want to ruin my running streak now.

So be sure to continue to stop by each day see a stamped creation!

I can't wait to return home & share all kinds of new things with each of you!

You won't want to miss coming to stamp with me in May!!

I promise to have a treat for you!

I'll be in touch when we return.

THANKS AGAIN to all of YOU!

Now.....to finish my swap & then sleep a couple of hours.
We haven't started packing yet & need to have chores done, packed & ready to walk out the door to head to the airport by 9:00 a.m today!
 

Sending you all a big HUG!

Take care.
Happy Stamping!
SUSIE

Here is another 'Summer Silhouettes' card.....

Hi!
Here is another pretty card created with the 'Summer Silhouettes' stamp set.

We did this at my STYC last Saturday!

'Summer Silhouettes' & 'Sweet Essentials' 
cs:  Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake, Lucky Limeade, Perfect Plum
First Edition Designer Paper
2011-2013 In Color Designer Series Paper Stack
ink:  Lucky Limeade, Perfect Plum
supplies:  Big Shot, Fancy Fan embossing folder, Perfect Plum 3/8" Taffeta ribbon, glue dots, dimensionals, basic pearls

WOW- what a crazy week!!!

Our poor little guy Drake has been sick all with with a fever since Monday.

When I took him to the dr on Wednesday- they said that if he is not better by Friday they'd call in meds.

He had pressure behind both ear drums, but they were hoping it was just viral.

BUT- if they would have given him the meds on Wednesday he wouldn't be so sick now.

High temp, shakes, not eating, not sleeping, etc....hope he feels better today!

We've done alot of cuddle time this week.
I am hoping the meds kick in & he is better soon.

I'm finally home today- all day & night!

YIPEE!

I haven't been home one night this week.

I have LOTS to do today before we leave tomorrow morning on our Stampin' Up! trip.

First off is to make my swaps & then get my packing done.

After that I'll work on the rest of everything on my list of things to do.

Guess I need to find our suitcases thought before I can do any packing!

Happy Saturday to you all!!

Hugs!
SUSIE

Any Hour spent with you is a Happy Hour!

Here is another card that we did at STYC. 

'Happy Hour' & 'Dapper Dad'
 cs:  Night of Navy, Whisper White, Basic Gray, Riding Hood Red
Regals Designer Series Paper Stack
ink: Basic Gray & Night of Navy
supplies:  Big Shot, Honey Comb embossing folder, Soda Pop Top (flattened), 1" circle punch, Decorative Label punch, dimensionals, paper snips

(NOTE:  The hexagons here were cut out with my paper snips!  BUT I've been told there will be a punch in the new catalog beginning on June 1st that will do this for you!!)
 

It's this a great guy card though.
I love these Soda Pop Tops!

And what do you think about the Silver Foil Tape from a hardware store? 
It is sticky on the back side.  
You just just cut it to your desired length, put it in the embossing folder & run it through the Big Shot!  
Pretty cool huh!

I hope you have a FABULOUS FRIDAY!
Happy Stamping!
HUGS!
SUSIE

'By The Tide'

Hello!

Here is another card that we did at my STYC.

We did the embossed resist technique on it.

 'By The Tide' & 'Sweet Essentials'

cs:  Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Calypso Coral

Pool Party Core'dination CS

ink:  Pool Party, Crumb Cake, Calypso Coral, Versamark

supplies:  White Embossing Powder, Embossing Buddy, Heat Tool, Big Shot, Vine Street SAB embossing folder (not available now), Scallop Trim Border punch, 3 1/2" Circle punch, Paper Snips, sanding block

Enjoyed my day yesterday with my boys.  We went to see a dr.  Their dr is still sick so we saw another one.  Brody's ear recheck was good.  Drake has pressure behind his, but they won't put him on meds yet unless he still has fever & is not eating by Friday!!  :(  
Then we went out for lunch with mom & Aunt Virginia!
Then to the races last night to cheer on Nathan.  He won his heat & got 2nd in the main.  He looked really good!  It was chilly, but not bad in the stands.  All 3 boys sure were good!

Deke is chairman of a 6 county organization called Pathfinders.  Tonight is their monthly meeting.  He is host & it will be held at the Belva Deer Hotel in Sigourney.  So I will be making/taking the food for the 30 members.  I am going to do BBQ pork sandwiches, cheesy potatoes, 7 layer lettuce salad, watermelon & chocolate chip cookie bars.  I'll be busy this morning getting it all put in crock pots & baked.  Deke has 2 other meetings today too- one this morning & one this afternoon, so he won't be home all day.

Have a great day!

Happy Stamping!
Hugs!
SUSIE

The Stampin' Up! Retired List are HERE!  

Be sure to get your favorites before they are GONE! 

Today is a really big day for Stampin' Up! customers, who will get their first chance to see the Retiring Product and Accessories Lists. In addition, Stampin' Up! Demonstrators will have a chance to pre-order new products from the 2013-2014 Annual Catalog.  WooHoo!

Dates:  until June 3, 2013
Details: If you're familiar with Stampin' Up!, you know it's that time of the year.  But if you're new to Stampin' Up!, you're probably asking yourself..."what's a retired list?"  Good question!
To make room for all the fresh and fun new products in the NEW 2013/2014 Stampin' Up! Annual Catalog coming May 31st, we have to say goodbye to some of our old favorites. Now is your chance to get them before they're gone!

STAMPIN' UP! RETIRING PRODUCTS LISTS

Retiring Stamps will be available through June 3.  Stampin' Up! will continue to produce the stamps to meet the demand through that time. 
Click to View Stampin' Up! Retiring Stamps.

Retiring Accessories are ONLY available while supplies last.  SAVE UP TO 60% on select items!  Be sure to order your favorites promptly.   
Click to View Stampin' Up! Retiring Accessories.
Make your list for your favorites and get them before they are gone, gone, gone!

You can also add on Clearance Rack items- check them out at www.susiewood.stampinup.net 

'Bloomin' With Kindness'

Good morning!
Here is another card that I did at my STYC.  When I first saw this flower I can honestly say that I wasn't that in love with it, but I did really liked all of the words & fonts in the set.  The more I use this set the more I like it.  It really has alot of possibilities!

Check out the lattice fold along the edge of this card.

Isn't it so cool!

Lattice Edge directions:
1.  Place Simply Scored Markers at 1/8”, 1/2”, 7/8”,11/4”, 15/8”, 2”, 23/8”, 26/8”, 31/8”, 31/2”,37/8”, 41/4”, 45/8”, 5”
2.  Start with card base being- 5 ½” x 8 ½” & folded in half.
3.  Place the card on the Simply Scored Tool (with the diagonal plate) in the upper left hand corner putting the folded side to the top.
4.  Place a ruler/straight edge on top of the card to use as a guide horizontally at the 3/4” mark on the left hand side of the simply scored.  OR else you can do a 3/4" score mark direction along the folded edge of your card too.
5.  Start at the first marker and score down to the ruler/line marking and continue with every measurement I have listed above.

6.  Then take your scissor and cut each score mark.

7.  Open and lay flat with the point of the “V” up.

8.  Starting at the bottom, fold the 2nd point down, and then fold every other one down.

9.  Close Card and Stamp and Embellish as desired

10.  I cut a 1 x 5 1/2" strip to mount along the back inside piece of the card to get a contract of color!

I haven't got my swap done for our Stampin' UP trip to Fiji yet & am thinking that this just might be it!  We'll see how much time I have on Saturday!

'Bloomin' With Kindness'

cs:  Rich Razzleberry, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla

ink:  Rich Razzleberry

supplies:  Simply Score Tool, Crumb Cake Seam Binding ribbon, XL Oval punch, Paper Snips, dimensionals, glue dots

So yesterday the boys Dr was sick, so Brody's appt was rescheduled for today.  And Drake woke up with a temp yesterday, so he'll be seeing Dr. Mary today too.  I am assuming that he has ear infection, but he also has his eye teeth coming in too.  It is just so hard to know when they are little & can't tell you what is exactly wrong.   I don't think it is anything contagious.

Brayden is coming to spend the day with us today too.  I told him last night that he had to be my helper today!  The twins love it when he is here to play with them.   We'll have a fun, yet busy day!

Deke has meetings all day today- morning & afternoon.  We are hoping his one this afternoon doesn't last too long so that he'll be home in time to get the chores done & get to go to the races with the guys.

Tonight is suppose to be our first race of the season at the Southern Iowa Speedway in Osky.

We will be going to cheer on the #52 Wood Racing Team.  They guys got the car all done & loaded last night.  Nathan has his masters class tonight, so he'll come straight from his class to the track.  Josh, Steve, Deke & Mark will take the truck/trailer & race car over.  Brayden & I will be there.  Depending on how cold it is & how the twins are feeling will make the decision if Manda & the twins will get to go or not.

Ok- gotta run....the boys will be here early as Manda has an early meeting.

I hope you have a wonderful Wednesday!

Happy Stamping!
Hugs!
SUSIE

'By the Tide'

Good morning!
Here is another card that we did at STYC.

It is done with the technique called polished stone.

If you look closely you can faintly see that I used Bashful Blue ink on the glossy card stock & did stripes across it for the water.

 'Bye the Tide' & 'Teeny Tiny Wishes'

cs:  Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Glossy White

ink:  Crumb Cake & Early Espresso

ink refill:  Bashful Blue

supplies:  Big Shot, Woodgrain embossing folder, 3 1/2" Circle punch, 2 1/2" Circle punch, Word Window punch, Basic Pearls (used brown permanent marker to color them), 

dimensionals, paper snips 

other:  rubbing alcohol & cotton balls

Brody was suppose to go back this morning for another ear recheck, but his dr is sick,
 so we'll now plan to go tomorrow morning.

I am hoping to get some orders sorted & stuff from STYC put away today while the boys nap.
I have STUFF EVERYWHERE!

 I'm a farmer tonight, as we sell hogs.

I hope you have a terrific Tuesday!

Happy Stamping!
Hugs!
SUSIE

Are you ready to say good-bye to some current items in the Stampin' UP! catalog?

The Retired Lists are coming out this Wednesday!  So be sure to stop back by to check them out. I've heard that there may be steep discounts on many products too.  Remember many of these items will be 'while supplies last' only and product will run out fast!  So don't wait to place your order!

'Best of Flowers' the March 25th Anniversary set

Good morning!

Here is one of the cards we did at my STYC this past weekend.

I LOVE this stamp set, I LOVE these colors, I LOVE this die, I LOVE this card!

I am really going to miss More Mustard.

 Have you noticed the Dress Form Pop 'N Cuts die & Base die in the back of the Spring Catalog?

Check out page 32 to see it.

I used it when creating this card with the flower pot.

'Best of Flowers' (March 25th Anniversary set)

'A Word for You' & 'Lacy & Lovely'

cs:  Early Espresso, More Mustard, Old Olive & Very Vanilla

Neutrals Designer Series Paper Stack

ink:  Early Espresso

supplies:  Big Shot, Card Base Pop 'n Cuts, Dress Form Pop 'n Cuts, Bird Builder punch, 1 1/4" Scallop Circle Punch, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, Extra- Large Oval punch, dimensionals, glue dots, 1/2" Scallop Dots Ribbon, Crystal Effects

 This is a full view of the card opened up.

 Here is the front of the card.

Brayden helped Deke & I clean up the building yesterday after STYC.
He is quite a little worker & I am always so amazed at him & so proud!
I am glad that he was so excited to get to help us.
He stacked chairs & put them back, cleaned tables, swept/vaccumed, etc.
It took us 5 hours to get it all done.
Happy everything is home, but now need to find time to get it put away.

Brody has an ear recheck appt this morning.
Then we are home the rest of the day/night.
I haven't seen my little boys since Friday, so I'm anxious to see them any minute.

I hope you have a super Monday!
Happy Stamping!
HUGS!
SUSIE

'the Best things in life aren't things'!

Good morning!
WOW!!!!  What a day yesterday!  I think everyone had a good time!

It was a very busy day, but I think it turned out GREAT!

 I am glad that so many could join me for my annual Spring Stamp 'Til You Cramp event.

Everyone went home with tons of projects.  I think they all learned some new things!

I love getting to share my love of stamping with others!

 Here is a peek at a card that we'll be doing for my May workshops!

I just think that this saying is a perfect saying for so many things.

I went straight from my STYC to Deke's parents for supper & got there about 7:15.  We had a surprise BD party for his sister Darci that turns 40 this week.  We got home & to bed about 11.  It was a short night, but at least I got to bed & got to sleep some.

Brayden stayed with us last night.  He & Papa are still asleep.  We'll eat breakfast soon & then head over to clean everything up from yesterdays stamp camp.  I am not looking forward to that.  I'll be glad when it is all picked up, back to normal & everything is home & put in it's place.

I hope you have a very nice Sunday!

Happy Stamping!
HUGS!
SUSIE

A "faux tearing" beautiful card......

Hello!

Here is another beautiful card that we'll be doing at my Spring STYC today!

I got a card similar to this one at Founders last fall from Linda Guiterrez & knew it was something I wanted to share with my customers at one of my STYC events! 

What a fun technique this is!

And I really like this 'Flowering Flourishes' stamp set too!

'Flowering Flourishes' & ''Curly Cute'
cs:  Rich Razzleberry, Basic Black, Glossy White
ink:  Black Stazon, Pumpkin Pie, Rich Razzleberry, Garden Green
supplies:  Sponge daubers, Sponges, Basic Rhinestones 
 

Deke & I set up tables & chairs last night at the building for today's class.

Then we came home & he helped me do all of the food!

(You've heard me say it before & I'm going to tell you again- I have a wonderful husband & I couldn't do all I do if he didn't help me.  But that is a 2 way street as I help him with the hogs too.  We are blessed to have each other!)

Aunt Kathy, Uncle Jerry & Brayden were here too for awhile.

Aunt Kathy brought back some of the Big Shot things she'd taken home to cut for me & then while she was here she helped fold card stock for the cards that I had cut.

I am very appreciative that she is home from being in Arizona all winter & is so great at helping me.

I've been cutting & cutting & cutting some more!

Everyone joining me today will be going home with tons of cool projects (mostly cards).

My goal is that they all enjoy their day & go home with lots of new ideas too!

I hope everyone there learns at least 2 new things!

I am super excited too that my sister-in-law Sheryl gets to come today to stamp with us!

She lives in Illinois & rarely do we get to stamp together.

Her joining us today will be a treat for both of us!

Ok......I'm back to cutting!

I have lots of packed boxes sitting all over my family room floor that I'll be loading in my car in a couple of hours.

When tonight gets here I'm going to CRASH!

Think I'll take some extra coffee with me today as I'm going to need it to help keep me going.

Wishing you a SWEET SATURDAY for whatever you have planned!

Happy Stamping!
HUGS!
SUSIE

To my friend.....

Good morning!

Here is another cute card that we'll be doing at my STYC on Saturday!

I just love playing with the Dressed Up framelits & coordinating Dress Form Pop & Cuts die.

The more I play with them the more my head just spins with ideas.

It is kind of like playing with my paper dolls when I was young.

'Friendly Phrases' & 'Secret Garden'
cs:  Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, Very Vanilla
Natural Composition Specialty Designer Paper
ink:  Soft Suede
supplies:  Big Shot, Dress Up Framelits, Basic Pearls, 5/8" Flower Trim, Large Oval punch, Scallop Oval punch, dimensionals, glue dots

 Yesterday I went to Manda's for the morning, as they had a new couch delivered for their family room.

I also did a quick hair cut for Steve when they picked up the boys.

And then Aunt Kathy came to help me cut some Big Shot things.

I've beem a card stock cutting machine!

I still lots to do today to finish getting everything done & ready for tomorrow's big class.

I can't wait for everyone to see all of the cool projects they'll be creating!

I hope you have a fabulous Friday!!

Happy Stamping!
HUGS!
SUSIE

A COOL guy card!

HELLO!

Here is a cool guy card that a demonstrator friend (Alison from Canada) 

shared as her Founders swap last September.

(I changed the ribbon & added the words/punch.)

The technique is 'faux' paint chip & glossy white card stock is used.

This is going to be one of my STYC projects for this coming Saturday's class.

 Isn't this just a very striking card!

'The Open Sea' & 'A Little Greeting'
cs:  Marina Mist, Basic Black, Glossy White
ink:  Pool Party, Baja Breeze, Marina Mist
supplies:  Jewelry Tag punch, 1/8" Black Taffeta ribbon, dimensionals, glue dots
other:  masking tape
 

What a busy week!
Brayden came to visit for a few hours & play with Drake yesterday since Brody was gone- 
so this was fun for us!

Brody got a great report from Dr. Menezes at his 6 week post-op appointment though!

He was sedated & had a brain MRI done.

At his next appointment in 6 months they will just do an x-ray (no sedation).

All is perfect with is last surgery!!
They are just watching one of the spots that they removed bone from at his 1st surgery in 12/11 (when he was 3 months old). 

That spot is closing & we are praying that it continues to heal, so that another surgery is not necessary down the road.

He will continue to wear his helmet for at least another 6 months & possibly longer.

We'd rather be safe than sorry, so that he doesn't end up getting hurt.

 We feel so blessed that he is doing so awesome!

I'm one tired stamper girl!

I have lots of cutting yet to do.

Deke helped me last night with some Big Shot things.

And Aunt Kathy is coming down today to help do some more of the Big Shot things.

I have some really cool things to share with everyone that is going me at my STYC on Saturday though.

I hope you have an amazing Thursday!

Happy Stamping!
HUGS!
SUSIE

All Dressed UP!

Good morning!
Happy Hump Day!
Here is another card that we'll be doing at my upcoming STYC.

 Cute huh!
I've done the side step card/dresser before, but added the dress/mirror to the side this time.

cs: Crumb Cake, So Saffron, Early Espresso
Tea for Two Designer Paper
ink:  Early Espresso
supplies:  Big Shot, Dress Up Framelits, Square Lattice folder, Oval Framelits, Basic Pearls, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, Curly Label punch, 3/16" Metallic Brads, glue dots, dimensionals
 
Late night on the farm selling hogs last night.
And another busy day here today.
Please say a little prayer for our precious Brody today.
He goes to Iowa City this morning for a 6 weeks check with Dr. Menezes.
They will do a sedated CT scan.
He sure acts perfectly fine & normal, hope it shows that all is great.
So Drake will be home with Grandma alone.
I will go to their house shortly to get him.
We have a couple of errands to run & I then I have LOTS of cutting to do every spare minute I have.

WOW-it sure is lightening & thundering out.
It is pouring!
As my dad would have said- it is raining cats & dogs!
And hopefully filling up our pond with water!

Have a wonderful Wednesday!
Happy Stamping!
Hugs!
SUSIE