My 'Awesomely Artistic' collage card

OH my gosh.......when I saw this stamp set in the catalog I knew right away that I was going to have to have it to make a collage card with!  These dragonflies are so cute!  And this set it just prefect for making a collage with!

Collage cards are fun & easy to make.  Usually when I make a collage card I use various stamps that are masculine.  But this one is definitely not a masculine card.   It sure looks great using 2 of our new In Colors- Mint Macaron & Tip Top Taupe.

This is one of the cards that everyone stamping with me this week for my monthly classes will be making.  How fun it is to stamp! It was a favorite of many gals that made it at my class on Sunday!

Tonight I have a full house coming to stamp with me at our home & this is one of the cards they'll be making.  Guess I'll see how many gals tonight like this card. 

stamp set:  'Awesomely Artistic'
card stock:  Mint Macaron, Tip Top Taupe & Very Vanilla
ink:   Crumb Cake, Tip Top Taupe & Mint Macaron
supplies:  1 1/4" Burlap, Basic Pearls, Large Oval Punch, Washi Label Punch, Paper Snips, Bone Folder, Dimensionals & Glue Dots

Check out the texture I added to the Tip Top Taupe card stock on the bottom front of this card.  
How did I make it?

• I ripped along the top edge, removing about 1/4-1/2" of if.
• I  then just literally crimpled up this piece of card stock into a ball so that it had lots of creases in it.
• I carefully unfolded it & smoothed it out with my fingers.
• Using the Tip Top Taupe ink pad I light touched the ink pad directly to the card stock so that it would touch the crease I had just made- thus accenting them.
• I then took my bone folder & smoothed the piece of card stock completely out.

It just gives the card a different look & was something fun that I learned to do when I first started stamping.  I would call this technique- direct to paper. 

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It was another beautiful day outside yesterday & the boys & I sure enjoyed it!  They played & played.  There was a nice breeze & cooler temps.  It was my kind of a day forsure!

Last night we all went to the races.  It was a beautiful night to be sitting in the stands too!  Gosh- for August you couldn't ask for it to be any nicer outside.  Mother Nature is treating us good right now.  

Nathan didn't have the best of luck racing......as he had problems with his power steering belt coming off in his heat, so he had to pull in, thus missing the invert for the main.  He started the main in the 13th position & moved up to the 5th spot & then had to pull in again as he had problems with his belt.  The guys put his belt back on in the work area under a caution, so he got to go back out.  He had to start at the tail & move forward through the pack again.  He ended up finishing in the 10th or 11th spot I think.  So it was a disappointing night for all of us.  His car was fast & looked good.....he just had bad luck!  The late models were there too, so for that main I went to the pits & stood on the trailer with the guys to watch it.  It was a late night out!

I hope you have very special Thursday!!
Happy Stamping!

Hugs-
SUSIE

A Christmas card with 'Santa's Gifts'!

Here is a Christmas card I created using a set that in the big catalog- pg. 68, called 'Santa's Gifts'.  I thought it was a cute set- as the reindeer is just adorable.  I made an easel card with it.  My idea for the layout sprung from a card that I saw at convention.

stamp set:  'Santa's Gifts'
card stock:  Whisper White, Real Red, Basic Black, Daffodil Delight
designer paper:  Neutrals 12x12 Paper Stack (Basic Black & Real Red (for the package)
ink: Black Stazon On & real REd
markers:  Real Red, Blushing Bride, Basic Black, Chocolate Chip, Daffodil Delight
other: Big Shot, Lucky Stars Embossing Folder, Washi Label Punch, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack (small star), Basic Rhinestones, Dimensionals

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Yesterday I had the day off work, so changed hats & I stamped all day/night.  I worked on left over pieces from recent classes- so that I could get the supplies all put picked up & put away.

This morning Deke is up bright & early to chore & has meetings.  I'm up to get a few things done before the boys get here.  Tonight we're all off to the races to cheer on Nathan.  The weather has been perfect the past couple of days- hope today is another nice day/evening out too.

I hope you have a WONDERFUL Wednesday!!

Happy Stamping!
Hugs-
SUSIE

This weeks "WEEKLY DEALS"= August 4- 10, 2015!! Remember- these are while supplies last only!

Another New Holiday Catalog Sneak Peek!

This Santa reminds me of Christmas at my grandmas when I was growing up.  He is the good 'old fashioned' jolly Santa that brings back fond memories of my childhood.  I remember Christmas wrapping paper looking like Santa & Christmas gift boxes too. 

Here is another make & take that I made at convention.  It showcases LOTS of New Holiday Catalog products!  This holiday suite is called- Home for the Holidays!  Isn't that just perfectly fitting words for it!

This make & take is just a tag.  But look closely at it.  Notice that there are alot of new products & details in it......

•  I fussy cut out the Santa from the Home for Christmas Designer Series Paper.  
• The words are from a new set called- 'Cozy Christmas'.
• The Poinsettia Button is one of 3 different buttons in the Home for Christmas Buttons set.
• The ribbon is new Very Vanilla 1 1/4" Subtle Stripes Satin Ribbon (it is yummy)!
• The Pool Party Designer Paper with little snowflake (dots) on it is also in the Home for Christmas Designer Series Paper.
• And the Red & Vanilla stripped Designer Paper is also another print that is included in the Home for Christmas Designer Series Paper.  

Ok......so those of you that know me know.....I was thinking that this tag is just way too cute to be a tag!  So I attached it to a 4 1/4 x 11 folded piece of Real Red card stock when I got home, thus making it a full card.  

 There are some other things that I want you to be sure to notice in my photo of this card right here-

• Check out the Santa Designer Series Paper that I cut the Santa on my tag/card out of laying here.
• And look real close to the Very Vanilla card stock layer I added to my card front.  Here is used a NEW embossing folder called- Softly Falling Snow.  And believe me- it is on page 24 of the New Holiday Catalog in the upper left corner.....you will not think you have to have this embossing folder when you see it in the catalog.  But just wait until you see it in person!  It is beautiful!  It is gradually progressing dots falling.

So here it is......if you look closely do you see these dotted snowflakes?  It is just soooooo cool!!  I have it in my basket of convention swaps, so if you are stamping with me this week be sure to look for it so that you can see it in person!

A beautiful flower using 'Garden In Bloom'!

I LOVE this card.....as these are totally my colors!  It also reminds me of fall- which is my favorite season too! 

I have so missed our old More Mustard color that retired a few years back & I am really diggin' our new Delightful Dijon In Color.   Isn't it pretty!

I am gearing up for my monthly classes that I'm having this week.  Here is a sneak peek of one of the 6 cards I've created.

Yes- this is one of the cards that everyone joining me to stamp for my August classes this week will be making!  Many that made this card at my class yesterday liked it.  I'll be posting the rest of the cards over the next week or so here too, so be sure you stop back by to check them out. 

This stamp set- 'Garden In Bloom' is just an awesome 2 step stamp set.  AND it is so easy to use!  It is photopolymer, so it lines up perfectly, plus Stampin' Up! has put tabs on the stamp images so you can tell exactly where they line up to go together.  

Notice the lighter & darker shades in the flower image.  This is the watercolor look of this stamp set.  

Oh....and check out the bumble bee- he has an oval stamp that fits perfectly in his body, so you have a stamp for that too & don't have to color it in with a marker.  There is absolutely no coloring done on this card, except for using ink pads, along with the different stamps.....it is all done with 2 step stamping of different stamp images. 

I ended up making this a fun fold card too!  Check it out here.   It is another Z fold card.  Gosh....I know- I've used this fold alot lately, but I really like it & the layouts I've been using work just perfectly for doing this fold. 

stamp set:  'Garden In Bloom' & 'Wetlands' (words)
card stock:  Chocolate Chip, Delightful Dijon, Very Vanilla
ink:  Chocolate Chip, Mossy Meadow, Delightful Dijon
other:  Big Shot, Elegant Dots Embossing Folder, Extra-Large Oval Punch, Dimensionals

Did you notice the lighter shade of green inside the leaves.  How did I do it?  

• I stamped both the stem & outline images of the leaves using the Mossy Meadow ink.  
• I then inked the solid image of the leaves into the Mossy Meadow ink & "stamped it off" once, onto scratch paper & then stamped it the 2nd time inside the outlined leaf image.  Since I stamped it off first it became just a little lighter shade of the same green & it matched perfectly then. 

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Dena had a fun party yesterday!!  I enjoyed my afternoon stamping with everyone that joined us.  I was happy that I got to stop to visit my friend Judy on my way home from my class.  It was great to see her & visit a few minutes.
 

Wow- we had a storm last night just as I was getting home.  The hail was HUGE!  I'm thankful that there wasn't any damage that we've found as of yet anyways.  And I'm happy that I had just gotten home & wasn't out on the road when this storm hit.  

This morning Deke was up early to chore & he is headed to the office.  Manda & the boys are coming out to our home & we are going to stamp.  We are going to make the twins 4 year birthday invites.  They want Minions.......and since we don't have a Minion stamp, I guess we'll be making them using many of our great punches & doing punch art!   I will post their invite on my blog sometime later this month- so be watching for it.

I hope you have a MARVELOUS Monday!!

Happy Stamping!
Hugs-

SUSIE

A "Thank you" card!!

Here is a quick & simple thank you card I made!  I really like the font on this 'Watercolor Thank You' stamp.  This card is similar to the ones I made for Masen's baby shower thank you's- except I used our new THICK Whisper White card stock for the card base & the awesome new Neutrals Designer Series Paper Stack for my diagonal stripes. 

stamp set:
card stock:
designer paper:
ink:
other:

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I will update this post tonight when I get home from my stamp class with the supplies.  I'm finishing up cutting card stock & packing up- getting ready to head out the door here soon.  I had fun creating yesterday.  I have some super cute cards to share at this months classes.  I can't wait for everyone to come stamp with me & make them this month.  I will be posting them over the next couple of weeks here on my blog for you to see.

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

SUSIE

Your'e so SWEET!

Wow- Here is another card that everyone made at my July classes.  It is a fun fold.  And it is so cute too!  

I just loved these little donuts the very first time I saw them in the new catalog last month.  It is just a neat stamp set.  

stamp set:  'Sprinkles on Top', 'You're Sweet' & 'Me=Grateful'
card stock:  Tip Top Taupe, Delightful Dijon, Watermelon Wonder, Whisper White
designer paper:   2015-2017 In Color 12x12 Stack -Tip Top Taupe
markers:  Tip Top Taupe, Delightful Dijon, Watermelon wonder, Early Espresso
ink:  Tip Top Taupeother:  Whisper White Baker's Twine, 2" Circle Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch, Tea Lace Paper Doilies, Dimensionals, Glue Dots

Check out how this flips open.  I just love to make fun fold cards. 

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Yesterday I was home alone & spent my day catching up on lots that piled up while I was gone.  I got alot checked off my list, but I sure didn't accomplish it all.  I'll have to work on the rest of it next week. 

As today I'm a stampin' fool!  I pray that I have good mojo.  I'll be creating & cutting cards for my class I have tomorrow.  Dena is our hostess this month & I can't wait to see everyone & share.  

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

A beautiful 'Watercolor Wing's butterfly!!

Oh my gosh.....this is a card that I created at the beginning of July for my monthly classes.  I just realized that I hadn't shared it yet here on my blog.  I love it!!  It was alot of fun to make!  There are a couple of new techniques I shared here with everyone.  This card was a big hit at most of my classes.  As Cindy said though- it isn't a card that you'd want to make multiples of but it sure would be a wow card to send to someone special in your life. 

stamp set:  'Watercolor Wings' & 'Tin of Cards' 
card stock:  Crushed Curry, Basic Black, Whisper White, Daffodil Delight (inside piece), Window Sheet 
designer paper:  Neutrals Designer Series Paper Stack
ink:  Black Memento, Crushed Curry, Daffodil Delight
marker:  Basic Black (for the little dots on the front left edge)
other:  Big Shot, Bold Butterfly Framelits, Butterflies Framelits, Dimensionals, Glue Dots, Note Tag Punch, Basic Black Satin ribbon, 2 1/2" Circle Punch (for inside)

Check out the floating butterfly in the inside.  My dear demonstrator friend Julie Davison shared this idea & I loved it!  I just knew I had to come up with an idea to be able to share it with my customers too.  I cut out 2 little butterflies & they look like they are floating in air by being glue dotted to a window sheet strip.

Don't you like the cute 'window' cut out in the designer paper on the front of my card? 
 How did I do it?

• Take a piece of 3 1/4 x 3 1/4" designer paper. 
• Slide the Note Tag Punch into the paper as far as you can (leaving approx. a 1/4" edge on both the left & right sides) & punch out.
• Then turn the designer paper over (180*) & again slide the Note Tag Punch in as far as it can go.  
• You'll then line up the punch with what you've already punch out.
• There will only be a little smiley face at the top curve of the punch to remove with this punch- thus creating the image shown.  

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Yesterday was a beautiful day outside & we were out there almost all day.  The boys rode their 4 wheelers, played in the sandbox & on the swing set.  They all should have been tired last night.  As I know G'ma was beat!  

 

Nathan, Sarah, Brayden, Manda, Steve & 3 boys & Trevor(like our other son) were all here to eat supper with us last night.  I grilled brats & pork patties & then we had our first sweet corn of the summer too.  It was sure yummy!

Brody, Brayden, Drake & Trey playing in our BIG sandbox! 

 

Today I think I'm home alone!  I have piles of mail, laundry, bookwork, etc to catch up on from being gone all last week.  I have been on the go since I got home & I haven't even had time to unpacked my suitcases yet.  I also need to go get groceries, go to the bank, etc......so I am praying I get alot checked off of my list of things to do today!!  Tomorrow I'll be a stampin' fool.  WOW- my monthly classes for August start on Sunday!!  Woo Hoo!  I have lots of ideas in my head & I'll be praying that I have good mojo in creating! 

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

Here is another Convention swap!

Here is another swap that I made for Convention!  I posted a card similar to it that I made for my monthly classes later last week.  You can see it HERE!

And I made another convention swap with the same layout too.  You can see it HERE!

This is a fun card that I folded back to make a cute little flap!  I wanted to show off the awesome Brick Wall Embossing Folder layer.  It is one of my favorite new embossing folders!  And I did sponge over the Brick Wall embossing with a sponge & the Crumb Cake ink pad to make it pop out more.  Cool huh!

stamp set:  'Watercolor Words'
card stock:  Crumb Cake, Calypso Coral, Whisper White
ink:  Calypso Coral, Old Olive, Crumb Cake
other:  Big Shot, Brick Wall Embossing Folder, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack (small flower), Pear Pizzazz Ribbon, Banner Triple Punch, 2 1/2" Circle Punch, Dimensionals, Glue Dots, Basic Pearls, Sponge

How did I make the flap?  

• I cut a piece of Whisper White cardstock measuring 3 3/4 x 5".  Along the 5" side I went to the center marking (2 1/2") & made a 1" slit with my paper cutter.  I then just folded the 2 flaps back.
• I will be sharing another card I made with this fold later this week & will try to get a photo taken so that I can show you what this looks like before I folded it back & attached it to the card.

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The races were cancelled last night- so the boys had a fun night playing together on the farm!  They played hard.  There were lots of laughs!  We then had a slumber party at G'ma & Papa's house!  I set up a folding table in the family room,  put a sheet over it, thew in some pillows & blankets under it & the boys crawled in.  We watched a movie & they went to sleep!

Manda will bring Trey out here soon this morning & all 4 boys will be here again today.  Tonight all of the kids will be here for supper.  Brayden leaves in the morning for a vacation with his mom for 10 days- so we're sure gonna miss him.

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

Another NEW Holiday Catalog Sneak Peek!

WOW!  Yesterday I shared a card with a Christmas present on it.........

Well- check out this card that I'm posting today!!  This is another one of the Make & Take projects we made at Convention last week using a NEW Holiday Catalog stamp set called- 'Your Presents'!  Just look how versatile it is!  This is a birthday card instead of a Christmas card.  Isn't it super cute!

AND check out the cute envelope I made using the Envelope Punch Board on page 150 & Watermelon Wonder (2015-2017 In Color) Envelope Paper on page 149 on the big catalog.  

Just wait until September 1st & you can start ordering from this New Holiday Catalog!!  Oh my gosh....my wish list is so long.....it is full of lots of amazing new products!  AND if you'd like to sign up to be a demonstrator & join my Iowa Inkers Team- demonstrators can start ordering products from this New Holiday Catalog beginning August 4th!  Please contact me if you'd like more information about joining my team.

stamp sets:  NEW 'Your Presents' & 'Crazy About You'
card stock:  Whisper White Thick card stock & a strip of Watermelon Wonder
ink:  Crushed Curry, Watermelon Wonder, Mint Macaron & NEW Archival Basic Black pad
other:  Paper Snips, Gold Sequins, NEW Silver Cording Trim, NEW Fine-Tip Glue Pen, Dimensionals, Glue Dot

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Oh what a day yesterday was!!  We are ready for cooler temps- that is forsure.  This heat is too hard on people & animals.  

We had a jammed packed day yesterday!  Selling hogs, keeping boys, dr appt, back out to sell more hogs & wash out a building.....I was soaked from head to toe when we got in late last night.  And I was beat!  I still have a ton of things to get caught up on inside from being gone all last week....that probably isn't gonna happen until Friday or Saturday.  We are also swamped outside now too trying to get things all washed & ready for new baby piggies that we will be getting the week of the 10th.  That will be here before we know it. 

This morning Deke is up early to chore & off to the office.  I'm gonna be busy with my boys for the day.  Brayden will be here early, as Nathan is in Des Monies for the next 2 days for meetings.  And the 3 Seeley boys will be here about 8, as Manda has a class too.  

Tonight we're all going to the races (if they don't get rained out).  Then the 4 boys will all come back home with us afterwards & we are having a slumber party on our family room floor.  Drake has been wanting to have a slumber party for several weeks now & I promised him after I got home from Convention that we'd have one.  None of the 3 older boys forgot that I said that- so I'm following through with my promise.  Then they'll all 4 be here again tomorrow too!  

Ughh.....we had storms roll through last night & the electricity was on & off several times.  Our generator was hit by lightening.....so we are praying that 3E can come down today & fix it.  We can't risk not having it work.....and we're assuming that the control panel is what got hit again.  This is not something we needed to happen.  

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

This weeks "WEEKLY DEALS"

Here are some NEW "HOLIDAY Catalog" Sneak Peeks!

Woo Hoo!!  There are some NEW "HOLIDAY Catalog" Sneak Peeks on this Christmas card that I made as one of my Make & Takes at Stampin' Up! Convention last week!

Isn't this a cool new set?  It is called- 'Your Presents'.  

• We did the kissing technique when we made it- so awesome!!
• And we also decorated our envelope to match it too!
• Plus check out the NEW Striped 1/8" Garden Green Ribbon.  This striped ribbon also comes in NEW Real Red too!

stamp set:  NEW 'Your Presents'
card stock:  Mint Macaron, Whisper White, Vellum, Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer 12x12 Paper
ink:  NEW Basic Black Archival, Mint Macaron & Garden Green
other:  2 1/2" Circle Punch, White Baker's Twine, Stapler, Dimensionals, NEW Garden Green 1/8" Striped Ribbon, Glue Dot, NEW Fine-Tip Glue Pen

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Home Sweet Home!  I finally got home late afternoon yesterday from convention!  We had a nice time.....but it was a long week.  I'm happy to be home to my family!  I missed them terribly!  Now I have to somehow find time to get caught up on everything that piled up while I was gone.  Nathan & Brayden stopped by last night- so I was thrilled to see them!  Manda & the 3 Seeley boys will be here pretty soon- so I'm anxious to see them.

Early this morning I'm off bright & early to be a farmer & help Deke.  It is going to be a hot day- so our semi will be here to load by 7:00 a.m.  I'll them come in, shower & have the boys.  Manda has stuff for her masters class to do, so the boys will spend most of the day with me.  Then late this afternoon I have a doctors appointment for my allergies.  

Tonight when I get home from my doctors appointment, I'm a farmer again.  We have another load of hogs to mark, sort & sell.  We'll them move pigs & get that building ready to start washing it out.  So it is going to be a super late night on the farm.  I pray that it isn't too terribly hot.  

I've gotta run.....

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

SUSIE

A Wheel Barrel of flowers!

For my monthly class I made a frog card with this same layout, using the stamp set- 'You're Sublime'.
You can see that card  HERE! 

So I changed it by using the wheel barrel stamp image for this card & coloring it with various colors of markers.  I thought it turned out cute.  It is another fun easel card.  

stamp set:  'You're Sublime'
card stock: Cucumber Crush, Basic Black, Whisper White, Shimmery White, Real Red
dp:  Cherry on Top Paper Stack
ink:  Black Memento
markers:  Cucumber Crush
supplies: Big Shot, Large Polka Dot Embossing Folder, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack (small heart), Washi Label, 2 1/2" Circle Punch, 2 3/8" Scalloped Circle Punch, 2" Circle Punch, Dimensinals, Glue Dots, Cucumber Crush Lace Ribbon

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Lynda & I will be heading to the airport bright & early this morning to catch our flight.  We've had a fun time in Utah- but we're both ready to be home to our families & get back to our jobs.  

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

Another Convention Swap!

Here is another convention swap that I made.  Isn't it pretty!  I am in love with this fold & know I've share a couple of other cards here on my blog using it the past week or so. 

The clusters of flowers in this set are cool.  I really like their watercolor look image.  And I love that this flower stamp coordinated with the Pansy punch!!  

Did you notice how I sponged the Brick Wall- so that is popped out more?

And do you see the big clear dot in the middle of the flower?  That is one of the Itty Bitty Accents Epoxy Stickers.  Neat huh! 

There is no punch nor framelit for the leaves- so I had to fussy cut them with my Paper Snips.

stamp set:  'Birthday Blossoms'
card stock:  Delightful Dijon, Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Old Olive
ink: Crumb Cake, Delightful Dijon & Old Olive
other:  Big Shot, Brick Wall Embossing Folder, Delightful Dijon Lace Ribbon, Paper Snips, Pansy Punch, Banner Triple Punch, Basic Pearls, Itty Bitty Accents Epoxy Stickers, Sponge, Dimensionals, Glue Dots

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Wow- we've had a super busy week!  My head is a spinning with all kinds of the new things I've seen & learned at this years Stampin' Up! Convention!  I have lots to share with everyone in my upcoming classes & I can't wait!

Lynda & I are headed to the Temple this morning to listen to the choir sing.  We'll do a little more site seeing & enjoy our last day in Salt Lake City, Utah.  We fly out early tomorrow (Monday) morning to head home.  I sure am missing my family & I look forward to seeing them all tomorrow night. 

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

This year Founders Group at Convention 2015!

Wow- I am honored to have earned Founders again this year.  I'll be traveling to Utah again in September & I look forward to spending time with these other demonstrators.  

Do you see me in the photo?  If you look from the left side- I'm about 2/3 the way in.  I have a black dress on.