Stemmed flowers using 'Touches of Texture'!

Check out this pretty stemmed flower card! I just love this stamp set!

Check out the background image on the middle strip.  I did the direct to paper technique here to give it a suede like look.

stamp sets:  'Touches of Texture' & 'Designer Tin of Cards'
card stock:  Tip Top Taupe, Whisper White, Flirty Flamingo
ink:  Tip Top Taupe, Flirty Flamingo
other:  Glue Dot, Dimensionals, Flirty Flamingo Ribbon, Basic Pearls

+++++

Yesterday was a busy day with the boys!  Brayden had swim team too!  Then last night Deke & I went to Jordan Dietrich's visitation.  There was a HUGE crowd.  We stood in line for 3 1/2 hours- but we're so happy we went to see Denise, Todd & their family.  My heart just breaks for them......and they'll continue to be in my prayers.

Deke is off early this morning to chore & then head to meetings.  He has one this morning & one this afternoon.   I am home all day & have tons of stamping to get done.  I'm praying for good mojo!  I will be burning the midnight oil! 

The Wood Family (Nathan, Sarah, Brayden & Masen) are in northern Iowa racing- last night & tonight.  Nathan got 3rd last night.  Hope he does good tonight.

Have a FABULOUS Friday!!
Happy Stamping!
Hugs-

SUSIE

Celebrate your day!!

This is a clean & simple flower card.  I just love this stamp set & script of the words!!

I just "shadow stamped" the flowers onto the background of this card.  The flower I then stamped stamped onto Whisper White card stock a couple of times & fussy cut it out.  Check out the center of it.  It is from the- 'Flourishing Thinlits'.

stamp sets:  'Flourishing Phrases' & 'Designer Tin of Cards'
card stock:  Thick Whisper White, Whisper White, Watermelon Wonder
ink:  Watermelon Wonder
other: Big Shot, Magnetic Platform, Flourish Thinlits, Layering Squares Frmelits, White Perfect Accents, Paper Snips, Dimensionals, Fine Tip Glue

++++ 

Yesterday was a full & busy day with all 5 boys!  Last night Susie's Hair Hut was open for business & Nathan finally got his hair cut.  I then worked on stamping stuff for awhile too.  

This morning we are off early to chore & load hogs!  Then the 2 Wood boys will be here to spend the day with me.  Tonight when they leave Deke & I will be attending a visitation of a dear friend (& downline's) son.....I just can't imagine & my heart breaks for Denise & her family!  When we get home I'll be burning the midnight oil stamping!

 

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

BONUS DAY COUPONS!!

 Stampin' Up! has been preparing a special deal so we all have own reason to party!!!  

It is  Bonus Days COUPONS! 
 

For every $50 you spend* between July 7 and July 31, 2016-
you’ll get a $5 Bonus Days coupon that you can use between August 2–31, 2016.  
 

This is a great opportunity for you to get items from your wish list,
whether you buy them now or with your coupons in August!

This is the first time they have ever offered this type of promotion,
and it’s a deal everyone will want in on!
 

Note: Bonus Days coupon codes will be delivered via email, so an email address is required to participate in this promotion. We cannot resend emails with coupon codes, so make sure you save the email and write down the codes in a safe place so you don't miss out on the coupons you earn.

*Participants will receive a Bonus Days coupon code via email for 
every $50 spent in a single order (catalog price before shipping and tax).

Some 'Swirly Bird' flower!

Wow- check out these flowers!  I used the new set called- 'Swirly Bird'.  

Noticed the new Rich Razzleberry Ombre ink pad that I used here too!  Cool huh!

 This is a clean & simple card, but I really like it.

stamp sets:  'Swirly Bird' (flowers & leaves), 'Sunshine Sayings' (words)
card stock:  Rich Razzleberry, Emerald Envy, Whisper White
ink:  Rich Razzleberry Ombre pad, Rich Razzleberry pad, Emerald Envy pad
other:  Emerald Envy ribbon, Triple Banner punch, Dimensionals, Glue Dots

++++

Yesterday was a full day!!  And a late night.  Nathan got 7th & didn't make it into tonights feature, so he'll race again tonight & hopefully make it in.  They only took the top 8 cars last night.

Deke is off early to chore & head to the office at the courthouse for the morning.  The boys will be here to spend the day with me.  And then tonight we'll be off to the races again.  

I hope you have a WONDERFUL Wednesday!!

Happy Stamping!
Hugs-
SUSIE

More 'Flourishing Phrases'!

I have an old co-worker that just retired & this is the card I made to send to her.  It would work for almost any of card you'd need to send- wedding, anniversary, etc. too.

It is very clean & simple, yet elegant!!  I added the silver foil just under the flagged banner.  And wow- that added alot to the card.  I just love this stamp set- the images & all of the words included in it!!  It is great!

stamp set:  'Flourishing Phrases'
card stock:  Smoky Slate, Thick Whisper White, Whisper White, Silver Foil
ink:  Smoky Slate
other:  Triple Banner Punch, Dimensionals, White Accents

+++++++

We enjoyed a busy day with our family yesterday!!  We all did the parade in the morning, greased pig contest in the afternoon, chores, a picnic for supper on the patio at Seeley's & then fireworks at the Sigourney Expo.  We all had a fun day together!!  And we saw some old friends we hadn't seen in years too that were home for the festivities.

This morning Deke is off early to chore & then he'll head to the office for his weekly board meeting.  I'm off early this morning  for dr appointments.  Manda is going to keep Brayden & Masen for me until I get home- hopefully by mid afternoon.  It is a busy day with swim team practice for Brayden,   & then Brody & Drake have swim lessons.  Tonight we're all off to the races in Osky to cheer Nathan on for the Annual Stock Car Shoot Out!

I hope you have a TERRIFIC Tuesday!!

Happy Stamping!
Hugs!
SUSIE

Let's Celebrate- Happy 4th of July!

Here is a fun card I whipped up last night.  Does it look like fireworks?  I thought it turned out cute!!

I used the new Dapper Denim with the Real Red!   I just love the new Dapper Denim!

 

stamp sets:  'Flower Patch' & 'Confetti Celebration'
card stock:  Dapper Denim, Real Red, Whisper White
ink:  Real Red, Dapper Denim, Whisper White Craft pad
other:  Big Shot, Magnetic Platform, Layering Ovals Collection, Dimensionals, Fine Tip Glue Pen, Silver Sequins

+++++

We had a busy day with our White Family Reunion, little kids pedal Tractor pull & the street dance.  It was great to see so many family members!

WOO HOOO!  Nathan got 2nd in his heat last night in Cresco & he WON the feature!!  Yeah!  I so wish we could have been there. 

This morning Deke is off to chore & then we are all headed to town for the parade.  Nathan, Sarah & the boys will be home from their 6 day racing tour.  We'll come home for a quick lunch & then head back to town to watch the boys in the greased pig contest.  I'm not sure what we are doing tonight forsure.  We might go to the Figure 8 Races in What Cheer or the Tractor Pull in Sigourney.  We'll see what they boys decide they want to do. 

I HOPE you have a safe & fun 4th of July today!!

Sending many blessings to each of you!

Happy Stamping!!
Hugs-
SUSIE

Stemmed flowers using -'Touches of Texture'!

WOW- Check out these pretty stemmed flowers!  I really like this card!

When playing with this set I was SO EXCITED to discover that the little images in this set worked as the flowers here.  They don't perfectly line up, they look more like a watercolor.  Isn't this cool though!  I know I'll be using these stemmed flowers in another card design at an upcoming class, for sure!

stamp sets:  'Touches of Texture' & 'Designer Tin of Cards'
card stock:  Thick Whisper White, Mint Macaron, Watermelon Wonder, Whisper White
designer paper: Blooms & Bliss DSP
ink:  Watermelon Wonder, Mint Macaron
other:  Basic Pearls, Dimenaionals, Glue Dot, Mint Macaron 3/8" Sheer ribbon

+++++

We had a fun time in Decorah racing last night.  Nathan did good.  There were alot of stock cars there & several of them didn't even make the main.  Thankfully Nathan made the main feature & started 17th, was up to 5th place & he broke a front tie rod with only about 10 of the 60 laps left to go- so that was a bummer.  It was really good racing, with the cars close together & side by side.  The track was really good- just a little dusty sitting in the stands for the feature.  Masen was happy to see us & the boys!  We all went to the pits- so that was a first, but fun for all.   We walked in the door just a few minutes ago.....it was a long trip!

Here is a picture of the boys in the trailer, as the guys were getting the car ready to go out for the heat race.  They were having a snack- pork sticks, cheese & crackers. 



Today we have a  White Family reunion on my dad's side of the family, at Lake Iowa.  Most of us haven't been together since my dad's funeral.  Most of my cousins & our kids will be there, plus my 2 uncles (their wives) & my aunt (& her husband).  We are all so looking forward to seeing each other & getting together.  The weather is suppose to be nice today- so that is an added bonus too.  Deke & I are going to pick Brayden up from his moms, so that he'll get to be with us for the day too!

After the reunion we'll come home to chore & then head to Sigourney to watch the twins be in the little kids pedal/tractor pull & then go to the street dance for awhile.  Usually several of Deke's classmates are home for the 4th of July holiday, so hopefully we'll get to see several of them. 

I hope you have a SUPER Sunday!

Happy Stamping!
Hugs-
SUSIE

This just stinks- he is so CUTE!

Oh my gosh!!!  This is just adorable!!!  I love this little skunk!  And the words I used here are so perfectly fitting aren't they!

I did a fun fold here, using alot of new SU! products.  You can see another card I made using this fold BY CLICKING HERE!

And yes- you know I like to cut.....so I did some fussy cutting on this card!  I fussy cut the leaves/stem, heart & trunk.  

stamp sets:  'Foxy Friends' & 'Here for You' (words)
card stock:  Basic Black, Whisper White, Real Red
designer paper:  Pop of Pink Specialty DSP
ink:  Black Memento, Real Red, Emerald Envy, Early Espresso
marker:  Emerald Envy
other:  Big Shot, Magnetic Platform, Layering Squares Framelits, Paper Snips, Fox Builder Punch, Simply Scored Tool, Glue Dots, Dimensionals

Here are some photos of tips I'd like to share:

#1- stamp these 2 images no a piece of 1 1/4" strip of Whisper White card stock, like this.

#2- punch out the body from the end, like this.

#3- punch out the head, like this.

#4- punch out the face, tail & little hair piece out of your Whisper White strip, like this.

This is what your tail looks like.

#5- ink up your tail stamp & stamp along one edge of the tail, like this.

#6- ink up your tail stamp again & stamp along the other edge of the tail, like this......giving you a white skunk strip down the middle.
#7- assemble your stunk.
#8- stamp the heart & the leaves onto a little piece of the Whisper White strip (& drawn the stem using your Emerald Envy marker) & fussy cut them out using my paper snips.
#9- stamp the tree stump onto your Whisper White strip & fussy cut it out using your paper snips.

Here are all of my little pieces for my cards!  I made 14 of them!

If you have any questions let me know!

+++++

Yesterday was a fun day with the boys!  Last night when Manda & Steve got here to get them we did hair cuts on the front porch.  Yep- Susie's Hair Hut was open for business.  Steve, Drake & Brody all got their hair cut.

Last night I worked on stamping stuff- sorting orders, wrapping ribbon groups, etc.

Deke, me, Manda, Steve & all 3 boys are off to the races right after lunch today.  Nathan is racing tonight in Decorah.  They will have a 60 lap stock car main event, with a pit stop on lap 30.  So we are doing a road trip!  It is a little over a 3 hour drive one way.  We'll get home in the wee hours of tomorrow morning I'm sure.  Hopefully Nathan has good luck!  We are all excited to be going.  

I hope you have a SENSATIONAL Saturday!!

Happy Stamping!
Hugs-
SUSIE

LOVE this Detailed Floral Thinlit!

Wow- if you attend my monthly classes you'll probably be seeing a card similar to this one!  I was playing around & came up with this elegant black & white card.  I love it!  It is just stunning in person.  But those of you that know me, know that I'm a black & white card lover!

So what do you think?  

stamp set:  'Floral Phrases' (NEW)
card stock:  Basic Black, Whisper White
ink:  Archival Basic Black
other:  Big Shot, New Platform, Precision Plate, 2" Circle Punch, Scalloped Tag Topper Punch, Paper Piercing Mat, Paper Piercing Tool, Basic Black Solid Baker's Twine, Whisper White Organza Ribbon, Glue Dots

+++++

Yesterday I worked on farm bookwork all morning & ran to the bank.  After lunch I cleared off my stamp shelves & sorted retired sets off.   When Deke got home from his meeting he chored & then we made a quick trip to Osky to meet a guy about brick.  I worked more on stamp stuff when we got home. 

Today the 3 Seeley boys will be here.  It will be a fun day!

I hope you have a FABULOUS Friday!

Happy Stamping!

Hugs-
SUSIE

Flourishing Phrases

Gosh.....I really like this stamp set!!  Check out this pretty sympathy card I made last night.  

Isn't this elegant!! I love the detail in this stamp set.  It is an amazing set with great words & neat images too!

stamp set:  'Flourishing Phrases'
card stock:  Elegant Eggplant, Whisper White
designer paper:  Rich Regals Designer Series Stack (12x12)
ink:  Elegant Eggplant
other:  Big Shot, Magnetic Platform, Layering Ovals Framelits, Dimensionals, Basic Pearls

++++++

We are liking the little cooler temps.  It was nice working on the farm early yesterday morning with the hogs.  I then enjoyed my day with Masen.  He left around 1:30- as Nathan, Sarah & him are headed to Northern Iowa/Southern Minnesota on a 5 day Iron Man Stock Car Chase.  When Masen left I ran errands the rest of the afternoon- locker, recycle center, post office, grocery store, etc.

Last night after supper & dishes I stamped a few cards.  And then worked on taking all of my stamps off of my shelves.  Today I'll work on sorting them & reorganizing them with boxing up retired sets & putting any current/new sets back on the shelves.

I think I'm home alone today!  Deke has a meeting this afternoon, but will be here to work on the farm & eat lunch with me.  I hope to get alot accomplished today!  I'll be burning the midnight oil tonight stamping, as I'll be working on projects for upcoming stamp classes.

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

LOVE using the Sunshine Wishes Thinlits!

Check out this cute card I made for Stacy & Chase's wedding reception.  I used the new Sunshine Wishes Thinlits.  COOL HUH!

stamp set:  'Swirly Bird' (for the little dots)
card stock:  Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler
ink:  Cherry Cobbler
other:  Big Shot, New Platform, Precision Plate, Die Brush, Sunshine Wishes Thinlits, Fine Tip Glue Pen, Basic Rhinestones, Dimensionals

I was amazed at how easy this new thinlit set cut & the pieces came out!  

Hope Stacy & Chase liked their card & gift of money we gave to them.

++++++++

Yesterday was a fun day with only the 2 little guys here.  They are best buds.  Masen is getting bigger now & the 2 of them can play.  

Last night Deke got in late for supper.  By the time I got the dishes done & toys picked up I was done for the day.  

I did get alittle stamping done though when the boys left......so that was good!

Due to the upcoming holiday next week our hog selling day is a day ahead of normal.  So this morning Deke & I are off early to mark, sort & load a semi of hogs.  Deke will then chore & head to his courthouse office for the morning.  Masen will be here again spending the day with me.  When he goes home tonight I hope to get to work on putting more stamp stuff away.  

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

An adorable teddy bear!!

Here is an adorable teddy bear!!  Oh my gosh.....when I first saw this set I knew I would love it!  What a great multi stamp set this is.  It lines up so easy!  

Notice the Tip Top Taupe 2x 4 1/4" layer I have here on the front of the card.  It almost looks like suede.  I did the direct to paper technique on it- by putting my stamp pad directly down (lightly) to my card stock & twisting & turning it to get different directions on it.  

There are actually 3 different layers to this little teddy bear, but I only used 2 of them.  I stamped the more solid image first using Crumb Cake ink.  I then stamped the other stamp using the Tip Top Taupe ink.  This 2nd image is what give you his eyes, nose, ears, feet, etc.  

stamp set:  'Baby Bear' (NEW)
card stock:  Mint Macaron, Tip Top Taupe, Whisper White
ink:  Tip Top Taupe, Mint Macron, Crumb Cake
other:  Paper Snips, Dimensionals, Glue Dot, Classic Label Punch (NEW)

++++++

Yesterday I ended up not having Masen, so I was home alone all day!  I literally spent my whole day stamping!!  I went through boxes of left over class projects, stamping & putting things away.  I created cards using new products, with left over class pieces.  It was a challenge for me- which I loved!

Deke worked late on the farm & then in the shop last night helping Nathan on his race car.  I made him a late supper when he got in & we went to bed.

Today Deke will be home to work on the farm all day.  And Masen will be spending the day with G'ma.  Tonight when he goes home I'll work on emptying more boxes of left over stamp stuff & stamping!

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

SUSIE

What an elegant card using the Detailed Floral Thinlits!

This is another one of the cards everyone made at my team meeting.  Yes- it is clean & simple.  But it is so every elegant!!  This new thinlit is just absolutely beautiful!!!  And with the new platform it cuts out amazing!

You can see all of the fine details here.  Don't you just love it?  I know I sure do!

stamp set:  'Floral Phrases'
card stock:  Whisper White, Dapper Denim
ink:  Dapper Denim
other:  Big Shot, New Platform, Precision Plate, Die Brush, Detailed Floral Thinlit, Dapper Denim Ribbon, Glue Dot, Fine Tip Glue Pen

 +++++

We had a busy day with family yesterday!  It was good to see so many family members that we don't see too often.  

I spent my night burning the midnight oil stamping!

Deke is off early this morning to chore & head to the office for the day.  I'm off to pick up Masen & run errands.  Tonight I'll be burning the midnight oil again stamping.

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

SUSIE

A Little Hello!

Check out this pretty card!  This was another one of  my swaps for my team meeting last weekend.  
I used lots of new products here!

• Swirly Scribbles Thinlits
• Duet Banner Punch
• Blooms & Bliss Designer Paper
• Mint Macaron 3/8" Sheer Linen ribbon

stamp set: 'Badges & Banners'
card stock: Island Indigo, Mint Macron & Whisper White
designer paper:  Blooms & Bliss DSP
ink:  Island Indigo
other:  Big Shot, Swirly Scribbles Thinlits, Duet Banner Punch, Fine Tip Glue Pen, Mint Macron 3/8" Sheer Linen Ribbon, Dimensionals, Glue Dots

++++++

Stacy & Chase's wedding reception was beautiful!  We had a nice time & are happy we got to go.  Phyllis rode with us & it was great to get to visit with her too!

We have my Aunt Virginia's 82nd birthday party today.  And then will be attending my great aunt Nancy's visitation later too.

I hope you have a SUPER Sunday!

Happy Stamping!
Hugs-
SUSIE

With Sympathy- using 'Flourishing Phrases'!

Here is an elegant sympathy card that I made & sent to a dear friend.  I loved playing with this new stamp set- 'Flourishing Phrases' & coordinating 'Flourish Thinlits'.  I thought it turned out good & am really pleased with it.  It is such a pretty card in person!

I used the new Big Shot Platform, along with the Precision Base Plate when cutting out the images from the Flourish Thinlits.  OH MY GOSH!!  I love it!!  Those words sum up how much I like it!  Even these very detailed images cut so nice & easy!  Woo Hoo!!

And guess what?  This awesome new stamp set ' Flourishing Phrases' has a couple of pretty flowery images in it, but is has LOTS of new words & inside greetings!!  I really like the words in it & the font is pretty too!


stamp set:  'Flourishing Phrases'
card stock: Basic Black, Peekabook Peach, Very Vanilla
ink:  Archival Basic Black, Peekaboo Peach
other:  Big Shot, New Platform, Precision Base Plate, Flourish Thinlit, Die Brush, Basic Pearl, Dimensionals, Fine Tip Glue Pen, Paper Snips (yep- had to fussy cut out this flower!)

++++++

Last night we went to Brayden's game in North English.  They won!  We got to see some friends & family there too, as my nephew Luke played after Brayden's game, so we stayed for awhile & watch him too.

We are off after bit to my friend Donna's, daughter's wedding reception.  They got married in Mexico in March, but we'll be celebrating today.  I am hoping Deke has time for me to give him a quick hair cut in between doing chores too- before we leave.

I hope you have a SENSATIONAL Saturday!

Happy Stamping!
Hugs-
SUSIE