More 'Rooted in Nature'!

This is another clean & simple card using the 'Rooted in Nature' stamp set!!  It would make a great card for any occasion. 

My friend LeeAnn Greff did a card where she stamped this tree 3 times without re-inking it.  I had done it this way with the leaves & the evergreen trees, but hadn't thought about trying it with this tree.  I sure think it turned out cute!

I used the same colors & layout here as I did on these 2 cards that I have previously posted.  
https://stampwithsusie.blogspot.com/2018/06/rooted-in-nature-trees-great-guy-card.html
https://stampwithsusie.blogspot.com/2018/06/rooted-in-nature_28.html

stamp set:  'Rooted in Nature'
card stock:  

• Shaded Spruce- 4 1/4 x 11"
• Crumb Cake- 2 3/4" strip for circle, 5 x 3 3/4"
• Whisper White- 5 x 3 3/4" for outside, 5 x 3 3/4" for inside, 2 3/4" strip for circle

ink:  Shaded Spruce
other:  

• Natures' Twin (set of 4 colors- I used the Crumb Cake)- 11"
• Dimensionals, Glue Dots, Big Shot, Layering Circle Framelits 

+++++++++

Yesterday Sarah's niece & nephew ended up coming to their house, so the kids stayed home with them.  I ended up spenting my morning working on farm bookwork & then burnt the midnight oil stamping!  So far I have some cute cards for my upcoming classes I have this weekend.  I'll get photos taken of them hopefully soon & post them.  

 

Today I will be home alone & I'll be spending my day stamping- creating & cutting.  And then tonight Manda & I are attending a fundraising event in Sigourney for a couple of hours.  When I get home from there I'll be burning the midnight oil again- getting everything all finished up & ready for my Iowa Inkers Team meeting I am having at our home all day tomorrow.

 

Gotta run...... 

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

'Rooted in Nature'

This is probably my very favorite stamp set- 'Rooted in Nature', that is in the NEW Annual 2018-2019 Catalog.  It is so versatile & the images are just great!!  

This is a card that I did at a stamp class earlier this month.  It is clean & simple, yet just great!

I stamped the leaves 3 times without re-stamping them to give them lighter & darker shades.  And this NEW Shaded Spruce color is one of my new favorites too! 

You can see another card I shared a few weeks ago, with the same colors & stamp set.  It is very similar, but used a different image from this stamp set.  You can CHECK IT OUT HERE!

stamp set:  'Rooted in Nature'
card stock:  

• Shaded Spruce- 4 1/4 x 11"
• Crumb Cake- 2 3/4" strip for circle, 5 x 3 3/4"
• Whisper White- 5 x 3 3/4" for outside, 5 x 3 3/4" for inside, 2 3/4" strip for circle

ink:  Shaded Spruce
other:  

• Natures' Twin (set of 4 colors- I used the Crumb Cake)- 11"
• Dimensionals, Glue Dots, Big Shot, Layering Circle Framelits 

+++++++++

Yesterday was a busy day with pigs, baking, kids & racing.  Manda & her 3 boys were here for awhile yesterday morning & Susie's Hair Hut was open to give Trey a hair cut.  It was fun to see all of the boys together & they had fun.  Masen & Sarah rode in the truck/trailer with Deke to the races & met Nathan there.  I took Miss Ainslee with me.  It was hot sitting in the stands, as there wasn't any air moving.  And it was late when we got home last night.  I got the toys picked up, answered a few emails, did my blog post, got some supplies out for projects & finally called it a night.  We were both just beat.  As we didn't get much sleep the night before. 

 

Nathan got 5th in his heat & 2nd in the Stock Car main!  He is still using his back up car- which is really for short track racing......and he struggled with the set up in his heat.  He looked better in the main, as he stated in the 10th place & finished 2nd.  His friend, Derek from Missouri won!  Hopefully the guys can find time to get the other card put back together sometime soon. 

 

This morning I'm up early to walk & get ready to spend my day with the 2 little Wood kids.  Tonight I'll be burning the midnight oil stamping!

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

'Dandelion Wishes'

I love this new stamp set- 'Dandelion Wishes'! 

I created this card for a swap I'm in with my GoDiva demonstrator friends from all over the US.  

I thought it turned out bright & cheery!  The new Tea Room Specialty DSP is what I choose to add with it!

This is a totally Susie card.  I love the layout, the colors, the stamp set & the font of the words!

I took my sponge dauber & some Crushed Curry ink & colored the center of the 3 Dandelions in- so that it added some extra color.  

stamp set:  'Dandelion Wishes'
card stock:  Coastal Cabana, Crushed Curry, Whisper White
designer paper:  Tea Room Specialty DSP
ink:  Crushed Curry, Coastal Cabana
other:  White Twine, Paper Snips (to flag the banner), 2" Circle Punch, 1 3/4" Circle Punch, Sponge Dauber, Glitter Enamel Dots (Coastal Cabana), Dimensionals, Glue Dots

+++++++++

Yesterday was a long day.  We were up early & on the go.  When the kids left we went to a High School friend's moms visitation.  It was soooo good to see our friends that we rarely see any more.  We so enjoyed visiting with them & catching up on our families.  It is sad that we only see special people like them in our lives when some passes.  Deke then went to Brayden's ballgame in Williamsburg & I came home to stamp.  I burnt the midnight.  This week is just crazy!!  I have an all day team meeting this Saturday here at our home & then I have my monthly IC group on Sunday.  So I have LOTS of creating & cutting to get done. 

This morning we are up early at 5 to mark, sort & sell hogs.  Deke will chore & then head to his office at the courthouse.  I'm on our church funeral committee this month, so have to hurry & make a pan of bar cookies to run to the church when I get in the house.  I'll spend my day with the 2 little Wood kids.  Trey is coming out to get his hair cut too sometime later this morning.  Tonight we will all head to the races to cheer Nathan on.  I'll head home as soon as he is done so that I can stamp!

I hope you have a WONDERFUL Wednesday!!

Happy Stamping!
Hugs-
SUSIE

'Hand Delivered' a bouquet of balloons!

Here is the birthday card that I made for Sarah!

This is SUCH a cute stamp set!!  It is a hostess set called- 'Hand Delivered'!  It has lots of different cute & stylish images in it that can be used for many different occasions.

I used my Stamparatus to stamp it!  Oh my gosh- it worked soooo cool too!!  I had the girls skirt/legs/bottom half on one clear plate & then the balloons on the other clear plate.  It was so easy to line up & make multiples of when doing it this way.

I added some flowers along the edge of it too!!  AND check out the stars!!  They are NEW!  They are called Twinkle sequins on page 197.  And they are an iridescent color.  There are also silver ones in the package of them.

I colored the balloons with my Stampin' Blends!
And I used a thin strip of a NEW DSP (Tropical Escape) along the edge!

stamp set:  'Hand Delivered'
card stock:  Blushing Bride, Whisper White, Basic Black
designer paper:  Tropical Escape
ink:  Black Memenoto
Stampin 'Blends:  Light Pool Party, Light Bermuda Bay, Light Smoky Slate, Ivory, Light & Dark Calypso Coral, ****Light Pink Pirouette (retired now)
other:  Twinkle Sequins (stars), Classic Label Punch, Stamparatus, Mini Dimensionals

++++++++++

Yesterday was a busy day with kids.  When they left I went outside & helped Deke on the farm, as we had a bunch of hogs we had to sort in the big outside lot.  Thankfully Nathan & Steve helped us sort them & it actually went pretty well.  

When we got in I made supper & then burnt the midnight oil working on stamping stuff.  

This morning I'm up early to walk & will spend my day with the 2 Wood kids.  Tonight we have a visitation of a family friend.  And then we have a baseball game.  I'll be burning the midnight oil again stamping!

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

A cake banner!

Today our little princess- Ainslee turns 1!!  Where did the time go?

 

I want to share with you the cute little banner I made for Ainslee's birthday cake!!  Sarah saw something similar on Pinterest & wanted me to make one.  She was pleased with it!  We used straws to tie it to & stick it into the cake.

The card I made for her matches her banner.  You can check it out by clicking here- https://stampwithsusie.blogspot.com/2018/06/ainslees-birthday-card.html

 

Here is a picture of the banner when it was added to her 

beautiful & yummy birthday cake!!  

stamp set:  Retired Alphabet set

card designer paper:  Tropical Escape 6x6 pack (Blushing Bride), Brights 6x6 pack (Coastal Cabana) & Subtles 6x6 pack (Calypso Coral)

ink:  Black Memento

twine: retired 

other:  Dimensionals & paper snips

AND straws!

+++++++++++

Yesterday I was home all day!!  It wasn't a day off....it was a day to try to catch up!!  I worked on piles of stamping bookwork & left over class boxes; I did a little stamping; I worked on farm bookwork, I worked in the yard- pulling some weeds, watering flowers, etc. & I stained some woodwork too! I made a little dent in things......but still have LOTS to get done sometime soon. 

 

Long story short about the woodwork......  We have double sliding closet doors in our bathroom that keeps falling off the track. So we are remodeling those 2 doors- Adding 3” wood trim around front outside edges on them so that they look like barn doors. And then we bought a new barn door track to put them on. I also changed the towel racks & drawer knobs too- so that all of the hardware will be black! Now hope we find time to get it a done soon. And hope our ideas turn out like we have pictured they will.  As Deke & I are doing it ourselves!  LOL!

 

This morning Deke is up early to chore & head to the office for his weekly board meeting.  I'm up to walk & get ready to spend my day with the 2 little Wood kids.  Tonight when they go home I'm a farmer- helping Deke outside with the pigs.  When I get in from there I'll burn the midnight oil stamping!

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

Ainslee's birthday card!

The card I made for Ainslee was alittle bit of a challenge.  I had to think outside the box for a layout I could use a banner with.  Sarah found a cake & little banner on pinterest & wanted me to make one like it for the top of Ainslee's cake.  So I decided to combine the banner & create her card using it too.  


I opened up a stamp box I had just gotten & used some new stamp sets, along with some new designer paper.

stamp sets:  
'Bouquet Blooms', 'Around the Corner', 'Southern Serenade' & a retired alphabet set
card stock:  Coastal Cabana, Blushing Bride, Whisper White, Calypso Coral
designer paper:  Tropical Escape, Subtles & Brights
ink:  Black Memento, Blushing Bride
other:  White Twine, Basic Pearls, Paper Snips, Big Shot, Layering Circles Framelits, Gatefold Blooms Framelits, 1 3/4" Circle Punch, 1 1/2" Circle Punch, dimensionals, Glue Dots

+++++++

Yesterday was a whirl wind of a day....from early morning to late last night.  We were on the go the whole day.  We were beat when we got home.  It was a fun day spent with many family & friends though!  The Hedrick parade, Ainslee's birthday party & then Sellers wedding reception.  

 

Here is Papa Deke & the boys as we were waiting in line for the parade to start!

 

Here are the all boys- full of smiles & excited to get to throw candy out at the parade!  

I had new shirts made at Misc. On Main for all of us.  Our names are on the front & then Vote for Wood Keokuk County Supervisor on the back. 

 Here is a picture with Ms. Ainslee & grandma!

Here is a picture of Ms. Ainslee with Papa!

 

Here is a picture of The Wood family- Nathan, Sarah, Brayden, Masen & Ainslee

 

And Ainslee in here little car she got from her mom & dad.

 

 It was a fun party with family!!  Check out the 3 Seeley boys here with Aunt Virginia!

Today I'm home!!  I have piles to get done so that I can start creating cards for all of my upcoming July classes.  

I hope you have a SUPER Sunday!!

Happy Stamping!
Hugs-

SUSIE

A fun guy card!

Check out this tool box card I made.  This is the Father's Day card that I gave to Steve last weekend.
It wouldn't have to be just for Father's Day!  This card could be a birthday card or any type of guy card.

stamp set:  'Itty Bitty Greetings'
card stock:  Real Red, Basic Black, Silver Foil
ink:  Black Stazon
other:  Classic Label Punch, Dimensionals, Cookie Builder Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch 

+++++++++

This has been a killer of a week.  We have had so much going on.  I have been going 100 mph & haven't had much sleep.

 

Yesterday was a busy day with the kids.  We ran errands yesterday morning.  Last night Nathan & Sarah took their family, the Seeley family & us out for supper to celebrate the 4 June birthday's we've had the past 1 1/2 weeks.

 

When we got home I worked on things for Ainslee's birthday party.  I made mints & Deke helped me.  

 

This morning I'm up early to finish up things for her party- her banner, card, cake, etc.  We'll then pick up the 2 Wood boys & meeting the Seeley family in Hedrick for their Annual BBQ Day's Parade.  We'll hurry home from that & go to Ainslee's 1st birthday party!  Then home to chore & go to a wedding reception.

 

I hope you have a SENSATIONAL Saturday!!

Happy Stamping!
Hugs,

SUSIE

"Bee Thankful"!

OH what a cute single stamp this is!!!  Check it out!!  It is called "Bee Thankful" & it is on page 125 in the new Annual Catalog!  You know.....we all have so much to be thankful for!  I know I sure do!  So this stamp set is very fitting for many different reasons!

Our boys all love to stamp & create.  They have their own box of scraps.  And they know which punches & markers, etc...that they can use.  They make great creations just out of the scraps!  And I'm always so amazed at their creations!  So I decided I needed to create a quick card last night & just grabbed these pieces out of the boy's scrap box.  I grabbed their marker box & even found this piece of ribbon in the scrap container too.  

This is clean & simple card, but I think it turned out pretty cute!

After I got this card all assembled I got to thinking that I should have made it an easel card.  So......will have to try that sometime now. 

stamp set:  'Bee Thankful'
card stock:  Basic Black, Whisper White, Crushed Curry
ink:  Black Stazon
Stampin' Write Markers:  Old Olive, Crushed Curry, Old Olive, Melon Mambo

other:  Black Satin Ribbon, Dimensionals, Glue Dot

++++++++++

Yesterday was a busy day with kids!  Last night we took Brayden & Masen & went to watch the twins play in their last baseball game of the year.  Brayden helped by being the team catcher & he was thrilled to get to do this!  Mother Nature got us alittle wet with the rain, but it didn't stop the game. We were all just a little wet.  After the game was over with we took the 2 Wood boys home & then Deke & I made a quick trip to Osky to deliver some stamps to my friend Sheila.  We also deposited a hog check & made a quick stop at Walmart too.  When we got home I made supper, picked up toys, answered emails & made this quick card before heading to bed.

This morning Deke is up early to chore & head to Ottumwa for a meeting.  I'm up to walk & get ready to spend my day with the 3 Wood kids.  Brayden has open gym this morning & I've got some errands to run too while we are in town.  I hope the 2 little ones take a good nap this afternoon, as I'll be making mints for Ainslee's birthday party that we have tomorrow.  Manda & the boys might come out too so that she can help me make them.  I'll bake Ainslee's birthday cake tonight, as tomorrow we have a busy day & will be gone & on the run all day/night long!

ENJOY!!

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

Another 'Rooted in Nature' card!

Here is another card, using the 'Rooted in Nature' stamp set & coordinating Nature's Poem DSP.  I used the same products that I used on the card that I shared yesterday.......it is just a different layout!  You can see that card by clicking HERE!

If you look closely you'll notice that I stamped over the DSP with the 3 leaf image, using my Soft Suede ink pad.  I really ike the way it looks!  

This card would make a great guy card.  And it could work for many other occasions too- like sympathy, get well, thank you, etc.  

stamp set:  'Rooted in Nature'
card stock:  Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, Whisper White
designer paper:  Nature's Poem DSP
ink:  Soft Suede
other:  White Twine, Dimensionals, Glue Dots

++++++++

Yesterday was a busy day with the kids.  Brayden game got cancelled due to the rain.  So when thee kids went home last night, Deke & I made a quick trip to Menards to get some wood strips to fix our bathrooms doors that are broken.  I burnt the midnight oil stamping when we got home & I finally called it a night.  I was just beat!

I'm up early this morning to get some stamping done before the kids get here.  Tonight we have the twins last baseball game.  And then after that I need to run to Osky to get a hog check deposited & deliver some stamp orders. 

I hope you have a great Thursday!!
Happy Stamping!
Hugs-

SUSIE

'Rooted in Nature'

Here is the card I whipped up for Deke's birthday card quickly before we walked out the door for the twins ball game last night.  

I used one of my favorite new stamp sets- 'Rooted in Nature' & the coordinating Nature's Poem designer paper. 

 

It is clean & simple & cute!!  It would be the perfect card for many different occasions.  

stamp set:  'Rooted in Nature'
card stock:  Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, Whisper White
designer paper:  Nature's Poem DSP
ink:  Soft Suede
other:  Crumb Cake ribbon, Triple Banner Punch, Dimensionals, Glue Dots

++++++++

Here is a picture of us sitting around the fountain at the courthouse last night 

with all of the kids.  

Check out the crazy faces that Masen & Brody are making! 

They are all sooo sweet & sooo fun!!

So when you hear me talk about the zoo at our house & how crazy it is- this is why!  

There isn't a day that goes by we don't laugh alot!

 Yesterday was a busy day with kids!  

We got a nice rain mid morning/earl afternoon- 

which we really needed & we are thankful for.  

But that meant the kids were house bound.  

Mid afternoon the 3 big boys went outside to clean Brayden's 4-H pigs pen.  

Check out their proud picture!

 

 

Brayden, Drake & Brayden's four 4-H pigs! 

 We all went to the twins baseball game.  And then I took a chocolate cake & we went to the Copper Lantern for sandwiches for supper.  Then went to the city park to swing & play.  And then went to sit around the fountain in the courthouse lawn.  It was a busy, but great day with family.  And a fun time

celebrating Deke's birthday!!  

 This morning Deke is up early to chore & head to the his courthouse office.  He then has dr appointment this afternoon with an orthopedics dr for his knee.  I'll have the 3 Wood kids with me today.  Brayden has open gym, so will run him there.  And then tonight we have another baseball game that we'll be going to.  

 

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

SUSIE

'Big Wishes'

I had hoped to get a cute birthday card created for Deke last night, so that I could share it on today's blog post- but that didn't happen.  Yesterday was a crazy day.  But today is Deke's birthday!!!  I told him when we went to bed last night that he will get a birthday card from me, it just might be a little late as I ran out of time to get one made.  He just laughed & said that was ok.  Hummm... guess he knows me too well!  
 
So today I'm sharing this fun card I did using the 'Big Wishes' stamp set!!  I did a watercolor wash, using a clear stamp block & my Stampin' Write Markers to add the colors!  What do you think?  I think it turned out cute!! 

How did I do it?

• I stamped the words onto Watercolor Paper, using my Black Stazon ink pad.  
• Then using a clear stamp block, I made diagonal lines with my Lovely Lipstick & Grapefruit Grove Stampin' Write Markers- directly onto the clear block.
• Using my Stampin' Spritzer I lightly sprayed the block with the markers on it.
• Then I pressed it down onto the stamped image/watercolor paper.  
• I let it dry a little & then using my Grapefruit Grove Stampin' Write Marker I colored inside the words.  

You can CLICK HERE to see another card I previously posted, along with the step by step pictures 

on how I did this technique! 

I also used the 'Big Wishes' stamp set on it too!

stamp set:  'Big Wishes'
card stock:

• Lovely Lipstick 
• Grapefruit Grove
• Watercolor Paper

designer paper:  2018-2020 IC Stampin' Write Markers:  2018-2020 IC
other: Pretty Label Punch, Faceted Buttons, Nature's Twine (Grapefruit Grove), Big Shot, Scattered Sequins Embossing Folder, Glue Dots , Dimensionals, Stampin' Sptritzer, Clear Block

 ++++++++++

Yesterday was a HOT & busy day with the kids.  We did go outside to play & swing for awhile.  I know that grandma is ready for cooler temps!  I am not a hot weather fan at all.  

When the kids went home last night I worked on bookwork & made a quick tirp to town to the grocery store & Dollar General, while Deke was gone to his meeting.  I then worked on more bookwork when I got home. 

This morning the 3 Wood kids will be here early & then the Seeley twins will be here mid morning for the day, as Trey has his 4 year check up.  

Tonight we'll all be going to watch the twins play baseball.  And then we are doing supper after the game with our family to celebrate Deke's birthday!  Sometime today I've got to get his cake baked too! 

Gotta run.....

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

A 'Heartland' barn!

Oh how I love this stamp set!  I am a farm girl & this stamp set just warms my heart!  Everything in it is "just so me".  

This is the card that I made for Deke for Father' Day.  I colored it using my Stampin' Blends.  Oh my.....it was so easy to do & it didn't take long at all.  I do LOVE my Stampin' Blends too!

Check out these other cards I have previously posted using this 'Heartland' stamp set-

• fun fold barn
• barn
• tractor
• colored tractor

Check out the Wood Textures 6x6 DSP that added around the outside edges of this card to make it look more like a frame.  

I thought it needed some extra color or texture added to it too, to added a thin strip of Burlap under the Classic Label Punch. 

stamp set:  'Heartland' & Itty Bitty Greetings'

card stock:  Early Espresso, Whisper White, Soft Suede

designer paper: 6x6 Wood Textures DSP

ink:  Black Memento

Stampin' Blends:  Light & Dark Old Olive, Light Smoky Slate, Bronze, Dark Cherry Cobbler, Light Pool Party

other:  Classic Label Punch, Burlap, Dimensionals

 +++++++

Yesterday was a quite day around here.  I worked on my pile of bookwork in the morning.  And then I cooked all afternoon, making some of Deke's favorite things- deviled eggs, potato salad & baked coconut pie.  

The Seeley family came to visit us last night for awhile.  We went outside so the boys could play with their remote car & swing. 

This morning Deke is up early to chore & head to the courthouse for his weekly board meeting.  I'm up early to walk & get ready to spend my day with the Wood kids.  Brayden has open gym & then basketball camp to go to today too.  Tonight when the kids go home I'll work on my bookwork pile.  Deke has another meeting that he'll be going to.

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

Happy Father's Day!!

Wishing all dad's a very special day today- "Happy Father's Day!"

Here is another tie card.  I just had to ply with another layout going the other direction & using some new products too!

Check out these:

• NEW White Brads
• NEW DSP- Twinkle Twinkle (12x12)
• NEW Gray Granite

I used the Classic Label punch for the pocket....just cut off one of the ends.  

And isn't this NEW DSP- Twinkle Twinkle cool!

stamp set:   'Itty Bitty Greetings'
card stock:  Night of Navy, Gray Granite, Whisper White
designer paper:  Twinkle Twinkle
ink:  Nigh of Navy
other:  Classic Label Punch, Basic Brads, Paper Piercing Tool, Pierce Mat, Dimensionals, Stampin' Trimmer, Paper Snips, Glue Dots

+++++++

Yesterday was a busy day with kids, getting meat ready for the party & all!  It was a hot one, but Trey had a great time at his birthday party!  It was a fun dinosaur themed party!  The food was good, the cake was yummy & the kids had a blast.  It is always great to get together with family!
 

Here are some photos!! 

 

Trey getting ready to open his gifts!

 

 Trey, Brody & Drake

Manda, Steve & their boys!
 
Celebrating with family!

 Breaking the Pinata.  It was a dinosaur too!
 
Having fun with squirt guns!

I think we are home all day today!  The kids might stop out a bit later one.  We were all together though last night.  I have piles of things to catch up on, so hope I get alot done.

Today is another bitter sweet day!  On June 17th, 2006,  my dad died.  I can't believe it has been 12 years.  I miss him lots!  We all miss him!  There isn't a day that goes by we don't wish he was still here with us!  Especially knowing how much fun he'd have with all of the boys & how much they'd all love him!  

Today our immediate family is celebrating these special dads in our lives- my step-dad Dick, my father-in-law David, Deke, Nathan & Steven, Deke's brothers (Doug & Dave), our brother-in-laws (Dan & Jeff T, Jeff E, Randy), many nephews & our uncles- Jerry ,Joe , Larry C & Larry B.  And we are also remembering the special ones we have lost- my dad, Deke's dad, our grandpa's & Deke's brother Dan. 

Happy Stamping!
Hugs-
SUSIE

A Father's Day Shirt card!!

Here is a blast from the past!!  Gosh- one of the first years I started stamping I made a card similar to this one.  I just couldn't resist making this gray card when I saw the new gray DSP in the Animal Expedition 12x12 pack.  

I always dread Father's Day, as it is always such a hard day.  Today is my dad's birthday & tomorrow is the anniversary of his death.  I always try hard to celebrate & appreciate the great dad's (Deke, Nathan & Steve) that we have in our family, but I SOOO miss him too!

This might end up being Nathan's Father's Day card, as he is the one in the family that dresses up the most due to his job. 

How did I do it?
Just follow these steps, along with the measurements too-

• Basic Gray card stock base- 5 1/2 x 8 1/2"= fold in half
• Put the card in your Paper Cutter (long ways) at the 1 1/4" measurement & cut down to the 5"mark; lift your blade & cut again at the 7 3/4" to the end.

•  Using your paper snips, cut off the back piece from the top end to the 4 1/4" fold line.

•  This becomes becomes the front of the card- that makes the collar.

 

• Bend the two corners inward- at a diagonal- like shown here.

• The points will come together in the middle.

• Next I made the tie using a 1 1/4" x 4" strip of DSP.  I made the tip pointed & then slightly angled each side to the top of the tie just a little.  
• The knot of the tie is a 1 1/4" x 1/2" strip of DSP.
• The pocket is a 1x1" square that I snipped off the 2 bottom corners slightly & then using my Basic Gray marker I made stitch marks around the pocket.  

• I put dimensionals on the back of all 3 of these & stuck them to the front of the card.

• I used glue dots to stick the corners of the collar (over the tie knot).

• This is what it looks like when it is all assembled.

• And here I added a 4 1/4 x 4" Whisper White piece of card stock to the inside & added my words.

+++++++++

Yesterday was a busy day with pigs & kids.  Our trucker was late getting here yesterday morning, so Masen & Ainslee came before we were done loading.  Thankfully the weather was nice & they watched as we finished up.  I guess it all worked out ok.  The kids were thankfully really good!

Last night we went & got my Aunt Virginia & she went with us to watch Brody & Drake play baseball.  We got ice cream afterwards & then took Aunt Virginia back home.  When we got home, it was then time to get everyone ready for bed & call it a night.  As Masen & Ainslee are spending the night with us.  I hope the both sleep good. 

This morning we are up early.  I'll get the kids their breakfast & they will hang out with me again today.  Our house will smell yummy all day, as I'm cooking a roaster of cubed pork for us to eat tonight as we celebrate Trey's birthday.  There will be family on both the Wood & Seeley sides joining us.  His party is at Lake Belva Deer- just a few miles east of Sigourney.  The Seeley's are camping there this weekend.  So we'll have a fun evening with everyone & hopefully survive the heat.  I'll go get my Aunt Virginia again later this afternoon, so that she can go with us again tonight.  

I hope you have a SENSATIONAL Saturday!!

Happy Stamping!
Hugs-
SUSIE