A clean & simple card.....

Here is another card that I made using the This Day Project Life Mini Card Kit & the 'Best Day Ever' stamp set- both from the Sale-a-bration Mini Catalog!  It is clean & simple!  It is so bright & cheery!

stamp set:  'Best Day Ever' (SAB)
card stock:  Crushed Curry, Whisper White
ink:  Crushed Curry
other supplies: This Day Project Life Mini Card Collection (SAB), Ornate Tag Topper Punch, Best Year Ever Accessories Kit (Crushed Curry ribbon- SAB), dimensionals, glue dot

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

We had a full day yesterday at Leadership.  I so ENJOYED getting to see so many of my friends that I haven't seen for months (or years).  Last night Dawn, Christy, Sally, Sara & I went to Disney to attend our Managers Reception for a couple of hours.  We saw a great water show.  Then rode the roller coaster 2 times!  By the time we road the bus back & got to our condo, it was late.  I was beat & went right to bed.

 Christy, Sara, Sally, Dawn & me

I'm up bright & early this morning getting ready to head back over to the convention center for another full day of events.  I have my presentation this afternoon.......so I am little nervous about that.  Please say a prayer that it goes well.  I just hope everyone leaves the class with learning at least one new thing about our awesome Stampin' Up! kits.

I hope you have a FABULOUS Friday!!

Happy Stamping!
Hugs!
SUSIE

Sally's Birthday card!

Here is another butterfly card.  I made this to give to Sally for her birthday.  We surprised her here in Orlando last night with cupcakes & cards.  It was so fun!!

stamp set:  'Butterfly Basics' & 'Something Lacy'
card stock:  Tangerine Tango, Whisper White
ink:  Tangerine Tango
other supplies:  Big Shot, Magnetic Platform, Butteflies Thinlit Die, Paper Snips, Basic Pearls, Dimensionals

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

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We arrived in Orlando last night for our Stampin' Up! Leadership event.  We are off this morning for general session & a full day of events.  I hope to have time tomorrow to fill you in on our day!!

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

Happy New Baby!!

Here is a card that I made for my Iowa Inkers team meeting swap.  I colored it with the awesome Blendablities Markers.   I love it when I can punch out a stamped image & layer it.  Punches help make for a quicker card & cool layering.

I sent this card to some dear friends of ours- Briana & Ryan that just had another baby boy a couple of weeks ago.  I hope she likes it!

stamp set: 'Ont Tag Fits All'

card stock:  Marina Mist, Whisper White, Crushed Curry

designer series paper:  Flower Pot

ink:  Black Memento

other supplies:  Daffodil Delight Assortment Blendabilites (SAB choice too), Pumpkin Pie Assortment Blendabilites (SAB choice too), 2 1/2" Circle Punch, 2 3/8" Scallop Circle Punch, 2" Circle Punch, dimensionals, Soft Subles Candy Dots, Big Shot, Large Polka Dot Embossing Folder, Dimensionals

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

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We had a super busy day yesterday!  The boys had fun helping on the farm.  Trey did great!  He loved the baby piggies.  Here is a cute photo of him that Sarah took.  It just warms my heart!  Isn't it just precious!

 

Here is a photo of the twins.  Don't they look like farmers!  Check out those smiles!

 

 It was a short night.  I pray that I got everything done I needed to & that I didn't forget to pack anything.  Lynda is picking me up & we are headed to the airport here soon.  We'll be meeting Cindy, Dawn, Christy, Sally & Donna there.  I'm so looking forward to seeing so many of my demonstrator friends from all over the US & Canada for the next few days!

Deke is headed out bright & early this morning for a meeting too!

I hope that we have internet in our hotel & I can post to my blog.  If I can't- you'll know why. 

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

This weeks "WEEKLY DEALS"- January 27- February 2, 2015

WOW- what awesome deals this week!!  It is all about EMBOSSING!!! 

Check it out!

Here is another card that I made using the This Day Project Life Mini Card Collection Kit.  It is such a bright & cheery thank you card to send out isn't it.  I know I'd be thrilled to receive this from someone.

 I just love how this kit is so versatile!  I just added some crushed Curry Card stock for the base of the card, some Tangerine Tango for to layer the Project Life Card with & a couple of punches & an ink pad!!  It is so easy!

stamp set:  'Best Day Ever' (SAB)
card stock:  Crushed Curry, Tangerine Tango, Whisper White
other:  This Day Project Life Mini Card Collection (SAB)
ink:  Tangerine Tango
supplies:  dimensionals, Extra- Large Oval Punch, Decorative Label Punch
 

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

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I'm burning the midnight oil at both ends trying to get everything done so I can head out to Stampin' Up! Leadership.  I still have lots to do before I walk out the door tomorrow morning.

Last night I did get Nathan, Brayden & Deke's hair all cut.  I got caught up on my farm bookwork & a little Stampin' Up! business.  I got some laundry done.  And I started a pile of things on the dining room table that I want to pack.  I worked on my swaps a little, but I was exhausted so I finally called it quits & went to bed.  So I did get a few hours of sleep- but now my swaps aren't done yet & I haven't started packing any of my clothes (I have no clue what I'm wearing).... so I guess I just won't go to bed tonight so I can get it all done.

This morning I'm headed out to get the boys & then coming right back to our home.  We'll quickly eat breakfast & head out the door again.  We are getting baby piggies delivered to our farm this morning- so all 3 boys- Brody, Drake & Trey get to be little farmers today.  This will be Trey's first time out on the farm with us.  Sarah is going to be coming too today....so we'll get both she & Trey initiated on things with the piggies.  

Tonight I have tons to do- so I am praying I get it all done.  Wish me luck!

I've gotta run.....

I hope you have a TERRIFIC Tuesday!!

Happy Stamping!
Hugs!
SUSIE

You made my day (with using a kit)!

Here is another card I made using the Sale-a-bration Project Life Mini Card Collection kit called- This Day!  I just added the words from the Sale-a-bration stamp set- 'Best Day Ever', a couple of punches & some scrap paper.  The dots are also included in the 'Best Day Ever' stamp set!  I think this is a super cute card.

stamp set:  'Best Day Ever' (SAB)

card stock:  Whisper White, Island Indigo, Crushed Curry 

ink:  Crushed Curry

other:  Project Life Kit- This Day (SAB); Extra-Large Oval Punch, Decorative Label Punch, dimensionals, Paper Snips

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

TODAY- January 26th, 2015-  I've asked my demonstrator friends- Brenda & Lynda to join the blog hop I was asked to do last week- so be sure to check out their blogs then!!

• 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 literally spent the whole day stamping yesterday from 7 am until after midnight.  I was working on projects for Leadership.  I got alot accomplished, although I am not done yet.

This morning I'm headed in to pick up the boys.  Deke was up early to chore & then he is off to the office.  Tonight Susie's Hair Hut will be open for business.  Deke, Nathan & Brayden all need hair cuts.  I got Brody & Drake's cut last week.  So we'll see who's all I get done tonight.  After that I'll be working on more stuff for Leadership.  I leave on Wednesday morning.

My step-dad Dick is still in the hospital....and having a tough time.  Please keep him in your prayers.  I know that mom was staying with him last night- so hoping they had an ok night.  

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

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!!

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

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