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Thursday, August 4, 2016

Stampin' Up!- 'Thoughtful Branches' leaves

Yesterday I posted a card using the leaves from the 'Thoughtful Branches' set.  I made this card for today's post using the left over pieces of card stock from that card.  It is the same colors & stamp stamp images......but a totally different looking finished card.  It is another beautiful fall (or guy) card though! 

You can see yesterdays card post BY CLICKING HERE!

Isn't this just so pretty though!!  I love the cut out leaves using the coordinating framelits that go with this set.  And the burlap ribbon just adds that extra little touch. 

stamp set:  'Thoughtful Branches' -AUGUST SPECIAL
card stock:  Early Espresso, Cajun Craze, Very Vanilla
ink:  Early Espresso, Cajun Craze
other:  Big Shot, Magnetic Platform, Thoughtful Branches framelits,  5/8" Burlap Ribbon, Dimensionals, Glue Dots
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Busy day yesterday with our boys!  And FUN night at the races with all of our family last night!  Guess working in the shop late the night before worked- as Nathan won his heat & WON the stock car main too!  It was great/close/fast racing!!  We had some excited little boys- as they got to get their picture taken on the front stretch! 
 
Today I plan on getting caught up on bookwork & then stamping!  I'm way behind in getting some much needed cards mailed out to friends/family!  I don't know if I have any boys today or not- guess we'll see!

Tonight I'll be burning the midnight oil working on cards for this months stamp classes.  And I'm praying that I have good mojo!

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

Wednesday, August 3, 2016

Stampin' Up!- 'Thoughtful Branches'

Oh wow- You're In My Thoughts.......I just love the font on these words.  Yep- I'm using the stamp set 'Thoughtful Branches' again......this is a great guy card.  Or it could be a nice sympathy card too.  It is clean & simple, yet elegant. 

 stamp set:  'Thoughtful Branches'- AUGUST SPECIAL
card stock:  Early Espresso, Cajun Craze, Very Vanilla
ink:  Early Espresso, Cajun Craze
other:  5/8" Burlap Ribbon, Dimensionals, Glue Dots

I wanted to add a little color to the corners on the front of this card, so attached these 1 1/4 x 1 1/4" squares on all 4 corners.  And I made the leaves more of a collage style by twisting & turning them & stamping them over each other.

Check out the cool bow!!  It was actually an accident that turned out great!!  I was trying to tie a bow with tails & they just wouldn't go down.  This new 5/8" Burlap Ribbon is the perfect width, but it is a little stiff for tying.  So I was going to redo the bow & soften the burlap by rubbing my fingernail over it.....but then decided to cut the tails pointed & leave it as it was.   And I really like it!
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Yesterday Masen spent the whole day/evening with me.  Brayden was here all afternoon, until he went to football practice & then he spent the night with the Seeley Family.  Nathan & Deke worked late in the shop on the race car & Sarah was working at our National Night Out kids event in town.  So it was late when Masen left.  I didn't have a card made to use for my blog post today, so this is what I whipped up real quick.  Yep- I LOVE FALL- so I just couldn't resist doing something with the leaf image in this stamp set.  And I do love the way it turned out!

This morning Deke is off early to chore & head to the office for the morning.  Nathan has an early meeting, so will drop Masen off on his way to it.  Tonight we're all headed to Osky to the races to cheer on Nathan!  

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

Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Stampin' Up!- more 'Thoughtful Branches'!

Check out these trees!  Here is another clean & simple card that I created using the awesome stamp set- 'Thoughtful Branches'!  

Have I mentioned to you that I love this stamp set yet?  Well- just keep scrolling down to check out the past couple of weeks blog posts I've done.  I have several cards/projects on my blog that I've created using this awesome August Special stamp set- 'Thoughtful Branches'!

Today you can begin ordering 'Thoughtful Branches'.  It is available from 8/2 to 8/31 or while supplies last only!  

To see all of the images & learn more about this stamp set & coordinating thinlitsCLICK HERE! 
OR you can CONTACT ME HERE if you have a question or want to order it!

#144328Thoughtful Branches Bundle (ENG) $52.00



#143539 Thoughtful Branches Photopolymer Stamp Set (ENG) $27.00



#143538 Beautiful Branches Thinlits Dies $31.00 

Today is also the first day that BONUS DAYS COUPONS can be redeemed.  For every $50 you spent with me in July, you earned a $5.00 bonus coupon from Stampin' Up! that you can redeem through the end of August!  
 This card could be for a special guy in your life.  Or it would make a great sympathy card too.  It is really just pretty!

stamp set:  'Thoughtful Branches'
card stock:  Early Espresso, Garden Green, Whisper White
ink:  Early Espresso, Garden Green
other:  1 1/2" Circle Punch, 1 3/4" Circle Punch, Decorative Label Punch, Dimensionals

Measurements:
*Early Espresso- 5 1/2 x 8 1/2- folded in half; 3 1/4 x 3 3/4; 2" strip for circle punch
*Garden Green- 4 x 3 1/2; 2: strip for Decorative Label Punch 
*Whisper White- 3 1/4 x 2 3/4 to stamp trees on; 2" strip to stamp words on & punch out with circle punch
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Yesterday was a busy day with Brayden & Masen.  I worked on bookwork last night & I'd rather have been stamping though.  I also got all of our laundry caught up from the past 4-5 days & our pile of mail has all been gone through too!

Today Masen will be here all day.  Brayden has a dentist appointment this morning & then he'll be here to hang out with us too!

Tonight when the boys go home I hope to be a stamping fool!  

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

Monday, August 1, 2016

'Thoughtful Branches' Bundle- begins tomorrow- August 2nd!

Here is what the 'Thoughtful Branches' Bundle looks like!
You can order it beginning on August 2nd!

 
 

















Stampin' Up!- More 'Thoughtful Branches'

This is a clean & simple card.  I used the 'Thoughtful Branches' set again!!  See- I told you that this was a very versatility stamp set!  Aren't these flowers just so pretty!

Look closely at my circle.......I layered it so that it was 1/2 Perfect Plum & 1/2 Garden Green.  Cool huh!

stamp set:  'Thoughtful Branches'- August SPECIAL
card stock:  Perfect Plum, Garden Green, Whisper White
ink:  Garden Green, Perfect Plum
marker:  Garden Green
other:  Whisper White Organza Ribbon, 1 1/2" Circle Punch, 1 3/4" Circle Punch, Dimesntionals, Glue Dot, Clear Wink of Stella

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We had a long day again yesterday!  All of their family- Nathan, Sarah, Brayden & Masen spent the night at their new home last night & in their own rooms!  We got a ton done yesterday!  The whole family was there.  And the boys were so good while we were busy cleaning & unpacking!  It was about 10:00 pm when we got home last night.  We were both just beat!  We are thankful & happy we got to help them get moved & get somewhat settled in.  They have a beautiful home!  And it is only 1/2 mile from our home too to top it off!

This morning Deke is off to chore & head to the courthouse for his weekly board meeting.  I'm off to run errands & get caught up on some things.  Brayden & Masen will be here about noon & spend the rest of the day with me.  

I hope we are home tonight.  As I have tons to get done this week!

Gotta run........

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

Sunday, July 31, 2016

Stampin' Up!- My 'Thoughtful Branches' 4 Seasons

Here is my SPRING tree!
Here is my SUMMER tree!
Here is my FALL tree!
Here is my WINTER tree!

You can check out my 12x12 Framed- 4 Seasons Sampler HERE!
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Oh my......my whole body hurts from head to toe.  I've cleaned, carried, moved, painted, climbed up steps & ladders & done the whole bunch the past 3 days.  

Nathan & Sarah are in the new home!  I left early yesterday morning & spent most of my day yesterday painting & cleaning!  They put the first coat of paint on their bathroom & I put the 2nd coat of paint on it.  Manda & Steve got there to help & the 3 of us painted the living room, kitchen, dinning room & master bedroom.  It was about 11 last night when we got home.  

We are headed back to their house for the day today to do some more cleaning & unpacking!  

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

Saturday, July 30, 2016

Stampin' Up!- 'Thoughtful Branches' BUNDLE!

Here is what the 'Thoughtful Branches' Bundle looks like!
 Thoughtful Branches

TH_ThoughtfulBranches_Flyer_Newdemo_Jul0516_US
#144328 Thoughtful Branches Bundle (ENG) $52.00
#144329 Thoughtful Branches Bundle (FR) $52.00
#143539 Thoughtful Branches Photopolymer Stamp Set (ENG) $27.00
#144264 Thoughtful Branches Photopolymer Stamp Set (FR) $27.00
#143538 Beautiful Branches Thinlits Dies $31.00 

More' Thoughtful Branches'

Check out my 4 Season Sampler I made using the 'Thoughtful Branches' stamp set.   I think that the Winter tree is probably my favorite one!  Although, Fall is my favorite season.   It turned out super cute though & I really like it! 
ThoughtfulBranches_Header_Newdemo_Jul2016_ENG 

For a limited time, you can get the exclusive 'Thoughtful Branches' bundle.  You will be able to order the bundle between August 2nd - August 3st OR while supplies last!  So be sure if you really want this bundle you order it sooner than later!  

NOTE:  If you attend my monthly classes- you can order it ahead of the class by emailing me with your order.  I'll use a hostess code & it will count towards your August class order! 

 Here are some samples that Stampin' Up! made using this Bundle!
TH_ThoughtfulBranches_Share_NewDemo_Jul0516_NA

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Wow!!  Yesterday was a busy day!!  We got alot done!!  I spent the majority of my day at Nathan & Sarah's old house & got it all cleaned & ready for the new owners to move in!  They got possession of their new home late yesterday afternoon, so we started cleaning there & moving things in.  It was after 11 when we got home last night.  We were just beat!!

This morning Deke is off to chore & then we'll head back up to Nathan & Sarah's for the day!  I'm going to help Sarah paint & the guys move the furniture & set up the rooms.  Manda & Steve are coming to help us today too!  So we'll get to spend the whole day with our kids & no little ones will be with us. 

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

Friday, July 29, 2016

Stampin' Up!- 'Fresh Fruit'

Last Saturday I attended & presented at a stamping event in Illinois for demonstrators.  It was called Vacation Stamping School & hostessed by demonstrator friends- Meg Loven, Julie Davison & MaryEllen Stiles. 

These are the cute make & takes projects that everyone attending got in their packets & we got to make while we were at the event. 

Aren't they all adorable!  This stamp set is really cute & it's just perfect for summer!  It has coordinating designer paper that goes with it too!  All of these cards were made with the stamp set- 'Fresh Fruit' & the coordinating Fruit Stand Designer Paper!!  There were some fun folds & neat layouts that we did when getting to make these cards.  


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Yesterday we were on the go!  We spent the majority of the day/evening at Nathan & Sarah's current house- packing/loading & cleaning things.  

This morning Deke will work on the farm & I'm headed back into help Sarah.  They are suppose to get possession of their new house later this afternoon.....so we'll switch gears & paint & clean there.  The guys will work on moving things.  We have a busy weekend ahead of us, with lots to accomplish!  Sarah's grandma came up from Missouri to keep Masen for us.....so we're all gonna be going 100 mph!  Hope we get it all done & all goes well! 

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

Thursday, July 28, 2016

Stampin' Up!- 'Thoughtful Branches'!

Oh my gosh.......I am totally in love with this stamp set & coordinating framelits!  It is so versatile!  It is just absolutely my style!  And there are endless possibilities when creating with it!
This is a card that I made to swap at the SU! event I went to last weekend in Illinois with the Business Share group there.  I LOVE IT!  Look at it closely & you can see the snow I created!  I used a white crayon here & then rubbed the Soft Suede ink over it, creating the look.  This technique is called "crayon resist".  Don't you just love it!  It is stunning in person!

This is very just a very elegant card!  And it is just totally me!  

This stamp set- 'Thoughtful Branches' was available for demonstrators to pre-order during July.  On August 2nd- customers can purchase this stamp set & the coordinating framelits.  This 'Thoughtful Branches' Bundle (set and/or framelits) are only available to purchase during August.  And they are only available while supplies last.  HOPEFULLY they won't sell out too soon, but to be on the safe side if you want these, I suggest that you buy them sooner than later!  If you are interested in purchasing this set, you can CONTACT ME HERE!

stamp set:  'Thoughtful Branches'
card stock:  Basic Black. Whisper White, Soft Sky
ink:  Black Memento, Soft Sky
other:  Big Shot, New Platform, Softly Falling Embossing Folder, 1 1/2" Circle Punch, Pool Party ribbon, DImensionals, Glue Dots, Sponge

I also used a White Crayola Crayon to do the Crayon Resist technique! 

This card is also a fun fold!   
THIS CARD HERE is also the exact same layout!  CHECK IT OUT!

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Grandma had a fun & busy day with my boys!  We played outside quite awhile in the morning & enjoyed the beautiful day!

Last night Deke & I went to help out at Nathan & Sarah's home.  Sarah & her mom packed, the guys loaded stuff in the trailer & I cleaned carpets in the family room & downstairs bedroom. 

This morning we are headed back into Nathan & Sarah's to help clean & such when we get done doing chores here.

I have my yearly allergy appointment in Bloomfield this afternoon with Dr. Ron- so will head down there for that & back to help out cleaning.  Hope we get most of it done today/tonight.  Nathan & Sarah get possession of their new house tomorrow night!  And we'll be busy painting there before we move all of their stuff into their new home this weekend.

I hope you have a great day!
Happy Stamping!
Hugs-
SUSIE

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Stampin' Up- 'Flourishing Phrases'

Wow!  At the SU! event I went to last weekend in Illinois, I learned a new technique that I'd never done before!!  It is called Smack Down!  So I tried it on this card!  And I think it turned out pretty cool! 
In our hotel rooms last Saturday night we stamped!  We all brought shoe box swaps for each other to make cards all night.  These are the pieces of cardstock that Sally brought for one of her swaps.  So Dawn & I decided to try the new technique we had just learned by playing with it on this card that I made.  It is just really cool!  I can't wait to play with it some more & see what other looks I get using different stamp sets & colors! 

stamp set:  'Flourishing Phrases'
card stock:  Basic Gray, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White
ink:  Daffodil Delight, Basic Gray & Old Olive
other:  Big Shot, New Platform, Precision Plate, Flourishes Framelits, Classic Label Punch, Fine Tip Glue Pen, Dimensionals, Glue Dots, Basic Pearls
Here is a photo of us stamping at the SU! event.  Dawn, Christy, Sally, Sharon's downline, Sharon & Lynda!  We had a great weekend together!!
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Yesterday was a busy day with Masen.  Gosh....he is on the go!  Last night when he left I worked on bookwork until Deke got in around 9:00.  By the time we were done with supper & my dishes were done I was beat!!  We watched the movie- Count of Monte Cristo.  It was filmed in Marseille, France.  On our trip in May Deke & I went out to the Chateau d'lf island for a tour of that prison.  It was amazing to watch the movie as we recognized alot of things.  

Here are some photos we took while on that tour......we took a long boat ride out to this island prison.







This was a great tour & we really enjoyed the history & the beauty of things there....although there was much remorse & sadness to think of things that happened there too. 
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Deke is off early to chore this morning & head to the courthouse for the morning.  Nathan has an early meeting, so Masen will be here soon.  And the 3 Seeley boys will be here too today!

Tonight we are going to Nathan & Sarah's & help them pack!  

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

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Stampin' Up!- 'Touches of Texture'!

Here is a quick thank you card that I needed to get sent out to a friend.  She loves the new Flirty Flamingo, so that is why I chose these colors! I need to find time to make this same card (or similar to it), using Early Espresso & Crushed Curry for a daisy look for a fall card. 
stamp set:  'Touches of Texture' & 'One Big Meaning'
card stock:  Basic Black, Whisper White, Flirty Flamingo
ink:  Archival Basic Black, Flirty Flamingo
other:  2" Circle Punch, Scalloped Tag Topper Punch, Dimensionals, Sponge Dauber


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The air conditioner in my car broke on our way home from Illinois this past Sunday!  So yesterday morning Masen & I took it to the repair shop.  Hope it is an easy fix & not something super expensive.  We then met Nathan, Sarah & Deke for lunch in town.

Manda & the boys came out for the afternoon & we got Masen's birthday invites finished.  Plus we got Brody & Drake's invites all done too!

Last night I worked on catching up on laundry, bookwork & emails!  Nathan, Sarah & Masen were here for awhile & ate supper with us. 

This morning we are up early to get 2 hogs to the Keota Locker & then chore & work on the farm all day.  Masen will be here after bit too to spend the day with me.

Tonight I hope to have some energy to stamp!  

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

Monday, July 25, 2016

Stampin' Up!- 'Styliized Birthday'!

Here is a fun fold birthday card.  It is bright & clean cut!  The black designer paper on it just makes it pop with color & boldness!
The fun fold is a double "Z" fold card with a twist!  Don't you just love it!

You can see another card I created with that fold BY CLICKING HERE!
  • I cut the base card in Flirty Flamingo- 4 1/4" x 11"- score at 2 3/4" & 5 1/2".
  • I cut the flip middle part in Flirty Flamingo at 1 1/2" x 11"- score at 2 3/4" & 5 1/2" & flipped it so that it folded the opposite of the card base.    
  • The designer paper- 4" x 2 1/2".
  • Happy Birthday is stamped on Very Vanilla card stock- 3 x 2 3/4"; Flirty Flamingo- 3 1/4 x 3"; Basic Black- 3 1/2 x 3 1/4".
  • I used 1 3/4" strips of Flirty Flamingo to stamp the flowers onto & then punched them out.  
  • The inside layer piece is Very Vanilla- 4 x 5 1/4".
stamp sets:  'Stylized Birthday' & 'Grateful Greetings'
card stock:  Flirty Flamingo, Basic Black, Very Vanilla
designer paper:  Playful Palette 6x6 Paper Stack
ink:  Black Memento Pad
other:  White Perfect Accents, Dimensionals, Simply Scored Scoring Tool, Blossom Bunch Punch

NOTE**I used a Black Sharpie Marker to color the White Perfect Accents with so that I had black dots! 
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Yesterday morning we were up bright & early to eat breakfast, load the car & head home from Champaign.  We had a fun time!  It was a long drive home, but the company was great!  I am glad we got to all catch up on things, as we don't see each other often.  The air conditioner in my car broke- so we had a hot ride!

Last night I didn't do much.  I had been fighting off a migraine all day & it just got the best of me.  I laid down & tried to sleep it off.

Deke went to Nathan & Sarah's & helped them pack up things in the basement.  We have a busy week ahead of us getting them all packed up & moved to their new home.  They bought a home that is only 1/2 mile from our house- so they will be our neighbors! 

This morning Deke is off early to chore & head to the office for his weekly board meeting.  I'm up to walk & get ready for Masen to spend the day with me.  Grandma needs to be a busy bee finishing up his birthday cards, so that we can get them in the mail.

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

Sunday, July 24, 2016

Stampin' Up!- 'Touches of Texture'

Oh......I just love these stemmed flowers!  I've share 3 other cards on my blog previously using these stemmed flower too!  Be sure you check out those 3 cards by clicking on the links I have posted below-
This is a card that I created to share with my friends this weekend.  We did shoe box swaps again on (last night) Saturday night in our hotel rooms.  

This card is bright & cheery!  And isn't it just stunning!
stamp set:  'Touches of Texture'& 'One Big Meaning'
card stock:  Calypso Coral, Basic Black, Whisper White, Pear Pizzazz
ink:  Black Memento, Calypso Coral, Pear Pizzazz
marker:  Pear Pizzazz
other:  Basic Pearls, Thick Calypso Coral Baker's Twine, Delicate White Doilies, Dimensionals, Glue Dots, Classic Label Punch

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We had a full day of stamping yesterday!  It was alot of fun!  I have learned alot!  I can't wait to share with everyone at my upcoming classes. 

We are headed home this morning!  I've had a wonderful & busy weekend full of stamping & friends!  I am looking forward to getting home to my family though- I sure have missed them.  

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

SUSIE

Saturday, July 23, 2016

Stampin' Up!- It's a cute bag!

WOW!  Boy does this little bag just shine!!  I don't know what I like better here......the cute little bag or the cute little tag that I put on it!  They are both adorable!!
These little bags are gifts for my demonstrator friends I'll be spending the weekend with.  Inside of them I put 2 soaps from France inside our new Gusseted Cellophane Bags- #141704- pg. 176.  And I tied the cellophane bags up with our new1/4" Natural Gold Trim.  Often when we travel to stamping events we try to make little gifts for each other for fun!  I hope the girls like these!

NOTE:  I did put a magnetic on the flap of the bag to help to hold it shut! 

I used our Gift Bag Punch Board- #135682- pg. 184 to make these little bags.  I will post the measurements for these sometime next week, incase you'd like to make them. 

I added a tag to them using the beautiful new Fabulous Foil Designer Acetate, along with a bow made using the Bow Builder Punch & Gold 12x12 Foil Sheets.

I shadow stamped leaves on the outside of the bag.  I used a new set that will be available for a limited time only during August, beginning on August 2nd.....and I'll share more information about this cool new set called "Thankful Branches' soon.  

stamp set:  'Thankful Branches'- August special- watch for more details coming soon!
card stock:  12x12 Kraft, Very Vanilla, Fabulous Foil Acetate, Gold Foil Sheets
ink:  Crumb Cake
other:  Bow Builder Punch, Gift Bag Punch Board, 1 1/2" Circle Punch, Banner Triple Punch, Dimensionals, Glue Dots, Tear & Tape Adhesive, 1/4" Natural Gold Trim, Gusseted Cellophane Bags
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We had a long day traveling yesterday & then had a fun evening stamping at a shoe box swap.  

Today we are attending an all day stamping event.  I've been asked to be a presenter & share too!  I'm looking forward to another fun day! 

Tonight we are stamping again.  We each brought 2 card projects for everyone to make in our rooms.  We're gonna order pizza & visit all evening.   

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

SUSIE