Here is another beautiful butterfly!!

Here is another beautiful butterfly card!  It is just a totally different layout than I have posted in the past 2 days. This is pretty, yet clean & simple.  It is quite an elegant card.  I just couldn't get enough of using this awesome new butterfly thinlit.  And really- I'm not a huge butterfly lover.....but I do love this one. 

stamp sets:  'Butterfly Basics' & 'Something Lacy'
card stock:  Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla & Elegant Eggplant
ink:  Elegant Eggplant, Crumb Cake
supplies:  Basic Pearls, Dimensionals, Big Shot, Magnetic Platform, Butterflies Thinlits Dies, Circle Framelits, 2 1/2" Circle Punch
other:  unsented new dryer sheet & waxed paper

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

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Yesterday I enjoyed my day with Brayden here.  We had a fun time sorting though his clothes & toys.  He is quite the little man.

It was nice getting to meet Darci & Tom yesterday afternoon.  I'm glad that they could join Betty & me in creating their wedding invites!! 

Last night Deke & I went to the hospital to see my step-dad Dick.  He has a long ways yet to go....but his color was good & he was chatty.  We enjoyed our time with him.  We also got to see some other family too- Brenda & Jeff; Barbie, Scott & Emilee; Jake, Jamie & Ella.  

Today I'm home alone.  I have a huge list to accomplish- hope I get it all done.  Ha!Ha!

Wishing you a SUPER Sunday!!
Happy Stamping!
Hugs!
SUSIE

'Happy Birthday' to my dear friend Judy!

Here is a butterfly birthday card that I made & sent to my dear friend Judy!  Today is her birthday!!  I hope she has a very special day!!  She is a very special lady & I treasure her friendship.   Purple is her favorite color- so I hope she likes this card. 

I sure had fun playing with some of these new products from the Occasions Catalog when making this card.  I LOVE this Butterflies Thinlit dies.  They are very elegant. 

stamp sets:  'Butterfly Basics' & 'Something Lacy'
card stock:  Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla & Elegant Eggplant
ink:  Elegant Eggplant, Crumb Cake, Garden Green
supplies:  Basic Pearls, Dimensionals, Big Shot, Magnetic Platform, Butterflies Thinlits Dies
other:  unsented new dryer sheet & waxed paper

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Oh wow- I am home today!  I have tons to catch up on though.  I have stamps all over.....need to sort orders, put away stamps, design & get swaps done for Leadership, think about packing, etc, etc, etc....

The guys are all working in the shop- so need to get something figured out for lunch for them.  AND Brayden is here too- so looking forward to getting to see him & spending some time together too. 

Betty, Tom & Darci are coming this afternoon & we're gonna try to figure out a wedding invitation for them!  How exciting- I can't wait!

I hope you have a SENSATIONAL Saturday!!
Happy Stamping!
Hugs!
SUSIE

It is a beautiful butterfly!

WOW!!  Check out this new Butterfly Thinlit!!  It is beautiful!  I absolutely LOVE IT!  I finally got it out to make a quick card last night & I just couldn't stop playing with it.  I think I ended up making about 5 or 6 different cards with this color combination & stamp sets.  They all look so different.  The butterfly thinlit is very delicate & has lots of little pieces.  With the right 'sandwich' in cutting this Butterfly Thinlit- it comes out easily! Here is the 'sandwich' that I used. 

• Magnetic Platform
• clear plate
• fragrance free new dryer sheet (fold one sheet in half & in half again- so it is 4 layers thick)
• card stock
• BUTTERFLY THINLIT
• waxed paper
• clear plate

NOTE:  All Big Shots are not the same- so try this &  you might have to change it some for your Big Shot.  

**Run the framelit back & forth in the Big Shot 3 times before removing it.  This assures that it will be cut out good.  You have to carefully pull the outside edge of the butterfly off of the dryer sheet.  All of those little pieces stay stuck to the dryer sheet!  It is totally amazing! 

If I get time sometime soon I'll try to take a few pictures to show you these steps.  If you have any questions- don't hesitate to contact me.

AND- What do you think of this new floral background stamp?  It is pretty too isn't it!

Layers:
Elegant Eggplant- 5 1/2 x 8 1/2; Very Vanilla- 5 x 3 3/4 ; Elegant Eggplant- 4 1/4 x 3; Very Vanilla- 4 x 2 3/4- cut Butterfly Thinlit from the center of this; 2" strip for center butterfly- stamp & then cut out with the thinlit.

stamp sets:  'Butterfly Basics' & 'Something Lacy'
card stock:  Very Vanilla & Elegant Eggplant
ink:  Elegant Eggplant
supplies:  Basic Pearls, Dimensionals, Big Shot, Magnetic Platform, Butterflies Thinlits Dies
other:  unsented new dryer sheet & waxed paper

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

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

A clean & simple card-"You're a GEM"!

Here is a clean & simple card that was one of my swaps for my Iowa Inkers team meeting last Saturday.  I added glimmer to it with the Brushed Silver paper & the Rhinestones on the diamond.  
I think it turned out pretty darn cute!

I struggled with not using an embossing folder on this card- but I just didn't like it as well with everything I tried, so decided to just leave it plain.  I love how the Note Tag Punch works so well with this stamp set!

stamp set:  'One Tag Fits All'
card stock:  Basic Gray, Whisper White, Brushed Sliver
ink:  Black Memento Pad
supplies:  Ornate Tag Punch, Note Tag Punch, Silver Satin Ribbon, Basic Rhinestone, Dimensionals

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

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I'm off to pick up the boys.  Deke is headed too, as he has 2 meetings today.  When the boys leave today I'm off to deliver stamps that I didn't get delivered on our attempt to do so on Monday night. 

I hope you have a very special Thursday!!

Happy Stamping!
Hugs!
SUSIE

I'd love to have you join my Iowa Inkers Team!

Sale-a-bration is a great time to join my Iowa Inkers team & become a Stampin' Up! (R) demonstrator!  You can join for $99 but choose $125 worth of ANY products from the large catalog OR Occasions Catalog! Not only that, you will also get FREE products from the Sale-a-Bration Catalog! Check out the charts below to see your options you get to choose for FREE!  This amazing opportunity during Sale-a-bration only lasts until March 31, 2015.

When you join Stampin’ Up! during this limited-time offer, you’ll receive:

• Order $125 US worth of products for only $99, plus tax & get free shipping!
• Get a 30 percent discount on your first order*
• Get a 20 percent discount on all your orders 
• Choose a FREE KIT or 2 FREE Sale-a-bration items
• PLUS there are ALOT more perks!  

CONTACT ME  to find out more information on this amazing opportunity!

You will create friendships that will last forever and enjoy the benefits of fun, friends, and creativity—BECOME A STAMPIN' UP! DEMONSTRATOR & then click on JOIN THE FUN in the top right hand corner!

The timing couldn't be better to take advantage of the fantastic products in new Occasions & Sale-a-bration Catalogs!

 

Here is another square sampler!

Here is the other sampler I made with the squares that my team made for our swap we had last Saturday!  I love the different styles we each have & think they look amazing when all put together.

 I know my group had a fun time creating these.  I love them!  I hope you have enjoyed looking at them too!

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We had a LATE night on the farm moving pigs last night.  It was a little after midnight when we walked in the door.  I jumped in the shower & then made supper while Deke took his shower.  Nothing like eating supper in the early hours of the morning.  We are both sore & tired.  Our feet are killing us.  I'd hate to guess how many miles we walked.  BUT we did get the pigs all moved from the nurseries to the finishers.  So they are all snug & warm in their new homes.  

Deke has a meeting this morning & then another one tomorrow.  He'll power wash the nurseries on Friday, Saturday & Sunday getting everything ready for our new baby piggies that will  get weaned & come here next week.  I know we have 3 very excited little boys!!  They love our baby piggies & can't wait to get to go out with Papa & G'ma & help on the farm.

I'm off to pick up my boys & spend the day with them.  Tonight I plan to be home & I'll be working on my Leadership presentation.  

 

I hope you have WONDERFUL Wednesday!!

Happy Stamping!

Hugs!
SUSIE

This weeks "WEEKLY DEALS"- January 20-16, 2015!!

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Check out this 12x12 sampler!

Hello!
I had an Iowa Inkers Team meeting on Saturday & these are some of the squares that we did as a swap!  The gals on my team each designed one square & then made multiples of that one square.  They brought them to our meeting and we swapped them with each other!!  It is so fun to see what everyone came up with.  Everyone has their own styles & likes and it shows here.  I put them all together in this 12x12 Spring sampler!!  There are lots of fun cute squares here aren't there!  I am just totally in love with these samplers & plan to get one made for each of the occasions throughout the year & change them out.

 

The theme for our 2 1/4" x 2 1/4" square block swap was to use Subltes color & flowers. After everyone left I then mounted the squares onto a 8x 8 " Basic Black card stock, then a 8 1/2 x 8 1/2" Wild Wasbi card stock & then a 12x12 Basic Black card stock and put it into this cool frame.

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Yesterday wasn't a good day..........

Please keep my step-dad, Dick Homan in your prayers.  He fell down their basement steps yeseterday morning & was air lifted to the hospital.  They thought he had a brain bleed- but thankfully it stopped.  He doesn't have any broken bones, just lots of bruises, a big cut on his head & a lots of fluid on his one knee.  He'll be there for awhile again, as he was just in the hospital last month because he suffered a bad stroke.

Last night Deke & I were on my monthly stamp delivery run & then we were going to see Dick at the hospital. But we didn't make it make it all of the way.  Our vehicle broke down at the Oxford Exit. A bearing went out of the alternator.  It was growling & our lights were really dim.....so it is at the repair shop now.  I am just to thankful that I wasn't alone & that Deke was with me. 

I'm off now to pick up the boys.  Then tonight after they leave I'm a farmer.  We sell 2 loads of hogs & then Deke & I have to move about 800 head of 50# piggies.  It will be a late night & alot of walking!  Honestly- I hope we are done & in the house by midnight.....

Wishing you a TERRIFIC Tuesday!!
Happy Stamping!
Hugs!
SUSIE

To a CLASSIC card AND keep reading about a BLOG HOP!

Hello!!
Here is a great guy card that I made.  I designed it for a monthly swap that I'm in with some other demonstrators & I also shared it with my Iowa Inkers downline team as a shoe box swap that they all got to make at my meeting here on Saturday!  

Guy cards aren't always easy to create.  So when I saw this awesome new stamp set- 'Guy Greetings' in the Occasions Catalog I know that I had to have it!!

Isn't it just a cute card!  I love the old car & then the banner flags along the side are just so fitting.

stamp set:  'Guy Greetings'
card stock:  Soft Suede, Baked Brown Sugar, Very Vanilla
designer paper:  Park Lane
ink:  Soft Suede
other:  Big Shot, Stylish Stripes Embossing Folder, Gold Metal Buttons, Burlap Ribbon (shredded it to tie into the center of the button), paper snips, dimensionals & glue dot

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

I was asked to do a Stampin' Up! (R) Blog Hop from a fellow friend- Dena Rekow.
You can check out her blog:  The Creative Cave- http://drekow.typepad.com
I was then asked to answer the following questions-

1. What are you working on?  
I stamp every day- so I'm always working on something!  I started my blog alittle over 3 years ago now & I've never missed a day of posting a new project yet.  We live, eat & breath stamps at our house.  

I am presenting at our Stampin' Up! Leadership Event next week in Orlando, Florida- so have been adding that extra planning to my already crazy schedule.  I'm presenting about KITS- so I've been writing my script, rehearsing & working on projects for my display board.  I am excited about getting to go & I'm looking forward to this Stampin' Up! event.  I will get to see so many of my demonstrator friends from all over the US & Canada!  And I plan to come home with TONS of new ideas to share with my customers at my upcoming events. 

2. How does your work differ from others in your genre?
I would say that I do have a certain style- although I'm not sure what style you'd call it.  I love to layer & love dimensionals!  Often people can pick out one of my cards from a pile of cards, just by looking at it & know that it is a "Susie" card.  I don't copy other projects too often.  I usually try to do original designs.   I love stamping, creating & sharing!!

3. Why do you create what you do?
I create a project depending on what is on my calendar of upcoming events.  Mostly I design cards. But I do some scrapbooking & 3D items too though.

I am getting ready to host my big Annual All Occasions Card Class in March- so have been planning that event.  And then each April I do an annual Stamp Camp too.  This year I'm changing up that event & it will be called- "Susie's Spring Fling"!  Everyone attending will be making a few 12x12 square samplers & a couple of other projects too.  I've been making the square samplers & I've had alot of customers tell me that they'd love to make them!  So I am excited about adding this FUN NEW EVENT to my calendar & hope I that have a good turn out for it.  Do you want to see what I'm talking about when I talk about my square samplers?  Check out my winter sampler HERE!! 
Be sure to check back tomorrow as I'll be posting a spring square 12x12 sampler that my Iowa Inkers team did as a swap for our meeting we had this past weekend!! 
 
4. How does your creativity process work?

• I choose what event or what I need a project for
• I choose my stamp set
• I then choose the colors I want to use
• I then just start playing(I mean creating & stamping!)

I am lucky I guess, as creating comes easy to me.  I am definitely perfectionist though- so often the card that my customers see at one of my events isn't my first & only attempt at what they get to make.  I often make a card & then end up deciding "if I would change this little thing" that I'd like it better.  

Next Monday- January 26th, 2015-  I've asked my demonstrator friends- Brenda & Lynda to join this blog hop- so be sure to check out their blogs then!! NOTE:  I will also link these 2 blogs again next Monday on my blog- so that you don't forget to check them out!

• Brenda Keenan:  Keenan Kreations- http://www.keenankreations.com/blog 
• Lynda Wilson:  Lynda Sue Stamps 4 U- http://lyndasuestamps4u.blogspot.com 

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I'm off to pick up the boys.  Deke has a meeting today.  Tonight I have my monthly delivery stamp run- so I will be seeing many along the way to deliver their orders to them!

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

'Big On You'

Here is a new stamp set in the Occasions Catalog.  Love the big bold script words here.

I made this card too with the Sale-a-bration This Day Project Life Mini Card Collection.  The printed card stock- Coastal Cabana dots & the White lined with multi-colored dots on the top, are both cards out of this kit.  I just had to add the Coastal Cabana & Black Card stock to it for the card base & layering pieces.  What a cute & simple card this is!

stamp set:  'Big On You'
card stock:  Coastal Cabana, Basic Black
ink:  Black Stazon
supplies:  This Day Project Life Mini Card Collection, Best Year Ever Accessory Pack (ribbon & buttons), dimensionals, glue dot

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

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Yesterday we had a great time at my Iowa Inkers team meeting.  I'm so glad that many of my gals could attend.  I'm also sad that everyone doesn't live close by & we missed those of you that couldn't be here.

Deke & I enjoyed our night with the Seeley boys staying with us.  They'll head home this morning & I'm going to spend my day working on stamping stuff.

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

A clean & simple card!

Here it is- check out this card!  Woo hoo!  There is alot of Sale-a-bration items used here.  It is clean & simple, but I really like it.

This card is also one that I made with the This Day Project Life Mini Card Collection from the Sale-a-bration catalog.  I also added the Best Day Ever Buttons & the stamped image is from the 'Simply Wonderful' stamp set. 

 Don't you love this simple Crushed Curry & Whisper White card?

I will update this post with the supplies used sometime soon.

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I still have LOTS to do yet.....as I'm having my Iowa Inkers team meeting at our home today!  I'm looking forward to seeing everyone.  I've been a stamping the evening/night/morning away creating swaps & shoe box swaps!  We will have a fun filled day with great company, awesome projects & yummy food.  I know everyone will be going home with around 50 new projects- using new products from the Sale-a-bration & Occasions Catalogs.  There definitely will be lots & lots of stamping going on here today!

Later this afternoon the 3 Seeley boys will come to crash the end of our downline meeting- so all of the gals will get to see them!  They are spending the night with G'ma & Papa tonight.  I have a day off tomorrow.  (Or should I say that I'll be home to work.)  So when the boys go home in the morning I'll be a stamping fool ALL DAY/NIGHT LONG- with a swap to finish & then I have lots of kits I want to get done for my display boards for Leadership!  And I need to get all of my photos for my power point done too.

Ok- I've gotta run!!
I hope you have a SENSATIONAL Saturday!!
I hope you get to spend some time stamping this weekend too. 
Happy Stamping!
Hugs!
SUSIE

Check out these cards!

WOW!!  I am presenting at our Stampin' Up! (R) Leadership Conference in a couple of weeks......so I've been working on my script, rehearsing & making projects out of kits to put on my display boards every spare minute I have had lately.

Last night I had another phone rehearsal with Andrea & then I spent the rest of the night whipping up cards.  And can you guess what kit all of these pieces laying on the table are from?  All of these pieces are from the Project Life Kit in the Sale-a-bration Catalog called 'This Day Mini Card Collection'.  The kit containes 30 cards total (10- 4x6 & 20- 3x4 pieces).   I wanted you to see that they are super cute inserts to help you preserve your memory keeping, making it simple to do.  They are so fast & easy!  BUT those of you that know me, know that I think outside of the box & I like to be different.  So last night I created 24 regular sized full cards.  I cut 24 card bases out of card stock measuring 5 1/2 x 8 1/2".  I then got out my box of cardstock scraps, some punches, a few ink pads & a few different stamp sets.  AND I added a few dimensionals & the Best Year Ever Sale-a-bration Accessory Pack of ribbons & buttons.

So here is my stack of finished cards!  Aren't they amazing!!  Yes- most of them are clean & simple- but I think that they are very nice & super cute cards for several different occasions.  I'm sure the person receiving them will love them!

Here is one of the cards!  These flower images were on one of the 4x6 cards & I just cut it in half, added a layer, stuck it onto my card base, stamped some words, added my button & it is done!!  

card stock:  Coastal Cabana- 5 1/2 x 8 1/2";  Crushed Curry- 5 1/4 x 2 1/4;  The flowered card stock measured 5 x 2".
ink:  Coastal Cabana
stamp set:  'Best Day Ever'- Sale-a-bration Mini Catalog
kit:  This Day Project Life Mini Card Collection- Sale-a-bration Mini Catalog
button:  Best Day Ever Accessory Pack- Sale-a-bration
other:  Dimensionals & Glue Dot

How can you get Sale-a-bration products?  You get to choose one Sale-a-bration product for free with every $50 that you spend (before shipping & tax) now through 3/31/15!  You can click HERE to see the Sale-a-bration Catalog!

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

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So what do you think of this kit?  Would you ever have thought of making cards with it?  Isn't it super cool! 
 

Yesterday the boys had their ear re-checks with Dr. Sam & they looked good.  Trey got his 2nd flu shot.  He was back to his happy self too, since that darn tooth finally broke all of the way through.  Brayden was here for awhile after school & for supper, as Nathan referred a ballgame.  And then I stamped the night away!

I'm off to pick up the boys.  Deke is headed out for another meeting today.  Tonight I'll be burning the midnight oil again stamping.  I have my Iowa Inkers Team meeting here at our home tomorrow.  So I have swaps to make & LOTS of things to do to get ready for that.

I have gotta run.......

I hope you have a FABULOUS Friday!!

Happy Stamping!
Hugs!
SUSIE

A 'Be Mine' Valentine!

Here is another card that everyone made if they joined me for my January monthly classes last week.  Isn't it a cute card!  Did you notice the heart window in it?  And check out the black & white designer paper.  I also used the new Heart Embossing folder too under the ribbon- but it is kinda hard to see in the pictures. 

stamp set:  'Your Plus Me'

card stock:  Basic Black, Real Red, Whisper White

dp:  Stacked with Love Designer Series Paper Stack

ink:  Black Memento

other:  Big Shot, Hearts Collection Framelits, Sweetheart Punch, Black Chevron Ribbon, What's Up Punch, Happy Hearts Embossing Folder, Dimensionals, Glue Dots

 

NOTE:  This stamp set & Designer Paper stack can both be purchased separately BUT they do come together as a BUNDLE & you can save 15% when you purchase them together.

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

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Yesterday was a long day.  Poor little Trey was having a bad day, as he is cutting his other top tooth through.  I felt so bad for him.  So we just spent alot of time rocking & cuddling.  I hope he slept all night.  He is just such a happy little guy and it is hard to see him being so unhappy.  

Deke is gone all day again today for meetings.  I'm headed in to pick up the boys.  This afternoon the twins have dr's appointments for ear re-checks.  And Trey is suppose to get his 2nd flu shot.  So I'll meet Manda & Steve in town with the Seeley boys & pick up Brayden.  

Tonight I have another phone rehearsal with SU! for my Leadership presentation practice.  I spent about 6 hours last night writing & polishing up my script.  I hope that goes well.  WOW- we leave in less than 2 weeks for Leadership.  Oh my gosh.....and I have tons to get done between now & then.

I hope you have very special Thursday!!  

Happy Stamping!
Hugs!
SUSIE

It's 'Better Than E-Mail'- a new Photopolymer stamp set!

Check out this cute new photopolymer stamp set!!!  There are lots of images here to personalize your creations!!  And the Stampin' Up! copywrite is included on these!  Woo Hoo!!














Better Than E-Mail

Item #140463
Price: $15.95

 

 This great new Angel Policy set has many different stamps included in it for many purposes.

'Petal Potpourri' done in Stampin' Up! style!

Good morning!!
Here is a super cute clean and simple card I made.  I need several thank you cards so whipped up this one and will make some more like it sometime soon.  This flower stamp is cute and versatile.  And it even has a coordinating punch that goes with it and can be purchased in a bundle- which saves you 15%.  I love it when a stamp set and punch coordinate!

 Look at this card that I have the black edged oval around right here!!  
Can you believe that it is a boughten thank you card that was sent to us.   

Well- you know me.....I looked at it and thought instantly how I could case (copy and share everything) this card using new Stampin' Up! (R) products from the Occasions Catalog.  Pretty cool huh!!  I was impressed with myself and I think that my card turned out super cute!  Woo hoo!  And of course my stamped card is way cuter than the boughten one isn't it! 

stamp set:  'Petal Potpourri' and 'Simply Wonderful' (SAB)
card stock:  Whisper White and Vellum
ink:  Old Olive, Tangerine Tango, Daffodil Delight and Melon Mambo
supplies:  Bright Candy Dots (Daffodil Delight), Glue Dots, Dimensionals

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Check out this card too.  I used the exact same supplies to make it as I did on the one I posted above, but this card is going horizontal instead of vertical and I used different words on it from the same stamp set.  It is so FUN to change things a bit and get a totally different look!!

**Leave me a comment and let me know which one you like best.  The vertical one or the horizontal one.

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We had a late night on the farm last night.  Thankfully it wasn't too terribly cold out.  We are up bright and early this morning to chore, as Deke has meetings in Mt. Pleasant.  We'll both leave the house about 7 this morning as he heads to his meeting and I go pick up the boys.  Trey has a dr appt today, so we'll go to it and then head out to our home.  

I am finally home tonight......and will be working on fine tuning my Leadership script for my presentation.  I have my rehearsal tomorrow night and I want to make sure I have it all polished up and ready!  I have my fingers crossed that all goes well.  I'm such a worry wart and always want everything to be perfect. 

I've gotta run......I hope you have a WONDERFUL Wednesday!!

Happy Stamping!
Hugs!
SUSIE