MORE Sneak Peeks- check them out!

Every spare minute I've had for the past 5 days I've been working on swaps!  I have demonstrator friends from all over the US & we make cards & share (swap) with each other whenever new catalogs come out.  I've made over 185 cards!!  They are all done, in the mail & I'll have lots of ideas in my card basket for you to see at all of my upcoming January classes.  

So don't you love it!!  Do you see lots of new things you like?  I just love getting to play & create with new products!  It makes me feel like a kid in a candy store........it is so exciting!

This card is one that I did for one of the swaps.  I used lots of NEW Occasions Catalog products here:

• Happiness Blooms DSP
• 'Forever Lovely' stamp set
• Gingham Gala Adhesive Backed Sequins
• Calypso Coral 3/8" Satin Ribbon
• Dot to Dot Embossing Folder

stamp set:  'Forever Lovely'

card stock:  Calypso Coral, Blushing Bride, Call Me Clover, Whisper White

designer paper:  Happiness Blooms

ink:  Calypso Coral

other:  Big Shot, Standard Platform, Dot to Dot Embossing Folder, Calypso Coral Ribbon, 2" Circle Punch, 2 1/4" Circle Punch, dimensionals, glue dots, Gingham Gala Sequins

+++++++++

Yesterday was a wild day!!  I got up early to finish swaps.  We ended up getting more baby piggies too (but we thought they were coming today)- so I spent most of my day outside helping Deke with pigs.  When we got the baby piggies all sorted & in their home, we then sort outside big hogs too.  So I was a farmer the majority of the day!!  Last night Trey came to stay with us for awhile.  We cut his hair, made cookies & played games!  I think he liked being the only one here!

This morning we are up early at 5:30 to mark, sort & load hogs.  I then will be working on cleaning our house & getting ready for Christmas.  I haven't bought any gifts yet & we don't even have our tree up!  So we plan to go Christmas shopping tonight & get everything done today & tomorrow, to be ready in time for our Christmas here on Monday with our family!

I hope you have a SENSATIONAL Saturday!!

Happy Stamping!
Hugs-

SUSIE

'Beauty Abounds' sneak peek!!

This is another sneak peek of an upcoming Occasions Catalog NEW stamp set called- 'Beauty Abounds'.  

Stampin' Up! announced a challenge at On Stage last month to do simple stamping.  Humm......that is a hard one for me.  I like layers, fun folds & different techniques.  So this card was a challenge for me to do.  I don't know if it is simple stamping or not.  But it is one ink pad & only 3 colors of card stock.  And not too many layers!

I added some Basic Pearls on the inside of some of the flowers.  And I sprayed some Champagne Shimmer/Rubbing Alcohol mix over the top of the card for some added sparkle!

stamp set:  'Beauty Abound'
card stock:  Thick Whisper White, Gorgeous Grape, Basic Black, Whisper White
ink:  Black Memento Ink
other: White Polka Dot Ribbon, Basic Pearls, Champagne Shimmer Paint, Dimensionals, Glue Dots

+++++++++

Yesterday was a busy day with the kids.  And last night I stamped!!

This morning I'm up early to stamp.  I will have the kids later this morning.  Later this afternoon I'll be helping Deke outside to sort pigs in the outside lot.  Tonight Trey will be hanging out with us & I will cut his hair too!  

I hope you have a FABULOUS Friday!!!

Happy Stamping!
Hugs-

SUSIE

My 2019 Calendar- how it stands up!

Many of you have asked me how my calendars stand up.  And why do they have the holes punched in the top of each page.  Well- I hook them all together using 2- 1" rings.  The calendar then stands up like this (like a tent) & you flip to the next page each month.  

The fronts & the backs are a light 4x4 chipboard coaster.  

For the front of the calendar, I decorate it a little bit- but honestly- when you give the calendar to your recipient they see the front at that moment only......but then they open it up & it is never seen again.  As they are looking at the months from then on!

Did you NOTICE the hole punch in the center bottom of the front?  The front & the back both have holes like that & the line up exactly with each other.  

I then put a 6" piece of ribbon in the back chipboard piece, tie a double knot on the inside (of the back chipboard) & let it hang out the back of the calendar (like a tail).  Then when you stand up the calendar & flip up the front chipboard piece-  you put the ribbon in the hole on the front & tie a little knot in the tail end. 

This is what it looks like when it is standing up & flipped open.  Here is the January calendar page!!!

And here is the February calendar page!!!

I hope these photos help you understand how I assemble & use them.  Please let me know if you have any questions!

+++++++++

Yesterday was a busy day!!  The kids & I ran errands- recycle center, bank, ASCS Office, Cathy's home, City Hall, Insurance Office, and finally the courthouse so that Deke & I could get our yearly flu shots.  Everyone was here after school......and grandma cut Brody & Drake's hair.  When the kids were all gone home I spent my night stamping!!

This morning Deke is up early to chore & head to Ottumwa for a meeting.  I'm up early to stamp again before I head to town.  I'll take the twins to school & then spend my day with the 3 little ones.  The 3 big boys will be here after school again.  And tonight I'll be a busy bee stamping again!!!

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

'Piece of Cake' Sneak Peek!!

Oh wow- Every spare moment I've had the past few days, I've been creating cards for swaps I'm doing with demonstrator friends!!  

Check out this CUTE card I made using the NEW 'Piece of Cake' Bundle in the upcoming Occasions Catalog that starts on January 3, 2019!  

I also used some NEW-

• Designer paper called- How Sweet It Is
• And a new little flower punch in the Bitty Blooms Punch Pack  

Isn't this card just so bright & cheery!!  I love it!  

stamp set:  'Piece of Cake'- available January 3, 2019
card stock: Gorgeous Grape, Highland Heather, Whisper White, Silver Foil
designer paper:  How Sweet It Is- available January 3, 2019
ink:  Gorgeous Grape
Stampin' Write Markers:  Pineapple Punch, Melon Mambo, Granny Apple Green, Gorgeous Grape
Stampin' Blend:  Highland Heather
other:  Cake Builder Punch- available January 3, 2019; Classic Label Punch, Gorgeous Grape Striped Ribbon, 2 1/4" Circle Punch, 2" Circle Punch, Dimensionals, Glue Dots, Wink of Stella

Look at my pile of cards that I was working on!!!  It sure is lots of fun playing with NEW Stampin' Up! products!! 

++++++++++

Yesterday was a busy day with kids.  When everyone went home last night, Deke & I went to visit our friends Donna & John.  We picked up a Casey's Pizza & enjoyed a few hours of eating supper together & catching up on things!!  It was great!

When we got home I'm burnt the midnight oil stamping!

This morning Deke is up early to chore & head to the courthouse.  He has a meeting & will then catch up on things in his office there.  I'm up early to get some stamping done & then head to town to take the twins to school & spend my day with the 3 little ones.  All 3 big boys will ride the bus here again after school.  Susie's Hair Hut will be open for business tonight- as the 3 Seeley boys need hair cuts before Christmas.  Tonight when everyone has gone home I'll be burning the midnight oil again stamping!  

 

I hope you have a WONDERFUL Wednesday!!

Happy Stamping!
Hugs-

SUSIE

Falling for Leaves

I know fall is over with.  But I just had to post this card.  It is one I did in November & I forgot to post it.  A card like this that says THANKFUL is one that I know I can send any time of the year!!  Don't you agree!

This is a just beautiful, yet non traditional card.  This stamp set, framelits & Gold Glimmer are all in the Holiday Catalog & they are all on the retiring list!!  They are only available until 12/31/18 or while supplies last only!  

How did I do it?  Read on for some tips-

•  I stamped the Leaf onto a window sheet, using my Black Stazon on.  BE CAREFUL to make sure your stamp is inked up good, stamp it quick (as Stazon dries fast), press firmly & DO NOT rock or slide it.  You want to get a good, crisp image!
• Then using your leaf framelit- cut it out with your Big Shot & Magnetic Platform.
• Turn the stamped leaf image over & color on the back side of it using your Stampin' Blends.  
• Then cut another leave out using your Big Shot & Framelit- with the Gold Glimmer Paper.  
• Using your Glue Dots, on the back side (that you colored) leaf/window sheet- adhere it to the Gold Glimmer leaf. 

And isn't it just gorgeous!  

Check out the Gold Foiled Edge card & it comes with a matching envelope too!  They are on page 11 in the Holiday Catalog.  They will be carrying over & you'll still be able to purchase them in 2019!
 
stamp set:  'Falling for Leaves' & 'Touches of Texture'
card stock:  Rich Razzleberry, Window Sheets, Whisper White
Glimmer Paper:  Joyous Noel 6x6 assorted Glimmer
ink:  Rich Razzleberry, Black Stazon
Stampin' Blends:  Dark Rich Razzleberry & Bronze
other:  Big Shot, Magnetic Platform, Detailed Leaves Thinlits Dies, Gold Faceted Gems, Dimensionals, Glue Dots

++++++++

Yesterday was a busy day with kids & baby pigs & stamping!  I'm off to town, will take the twins to school & hurry home to meet Nathan & spend my day with the 3 little ones.  Tonight we are going to pick up a pizza for our supper & go visit our friends Donna & John for a little bit.  Then I'll be burning the midnight oil stamping when we get home.

I hope you have a TERRIFIC Tuesday!!

Happy Stamping!!
Hugs-
SUSIE

NEW HOSTESS CODE FOR NOW:  66GY9WCU

The Clearance Rack has been updated!!  

Check it out!!  

My SU! STORE to order from!  

Or EMAIL ME!

'Nothing Sweeter'!

Check out this cut out Christmas Tree!!  I used the Sweetly Stitched Framelits to cut out the tree.  I then used the Layering Circles Framelits & cut it out.  And then I layered a piece of the All Is Bright DSP behind it.  

It was fun putting this card together!!  I actually just used some pieces that are laying in my scrap pile.  I used this stamp set & these card stock colors when creating one of my cards for my Holiday Extravaganza that I had in October.  You can SEE THAT CARD BY CLICKING HERE!

stamp set:

card stock:

designer paper:

ink:

other:

+++++++++

I had a busy weekend full of calendar classes.  This morning Deke is up early to chore & head to the courthouse for his weekly board meeting.  I'm up early to finish assembling a bunch of cards that I need to get in the mail today for a swap with some other demonstrators that I'm in.  I'll then head to town to take the twins to school & spend my day with 3 little ones.  This afternoon we get baby piggies here on the farm- so the 3 kids & me will be headed outside to spend the afternoon helping Deke with the baby piggies!  The 3 big boys will ride the bus here after school. 

Tonight when everyone is gone home I'll be a stamping fool!!  I have lots of cards for swaps to get created this week & in the mail! 

Gotta run.

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

Another 'Winter Woods'

Have you checked out the back side of the Holiday Catalog?  They have a beautiful card there that looks very much like the one I created here.  I tried to CASE (Copy & Share everything) that card.  So check it out & let me know what you think!  I used the 'Winter Woods' stamp set again. 

I think it turned out pretty good.   I used my Aqua Painter & Bamly Blue ink pad to do the white wash look to get the sky.  

stamp set:  'Winter Woods'
card stock:

• Crumb Cake-
• Mossy Meadow-
• Thick Whisper White-
• Cherry Cobbler-

designer paper:  Festive Farmhouse
ink:  Balmy Blue, Mossy Meadow, Soft Suede
other:  Aqua Painter, Big Shot, Magnetic Platform, In The Woods framelits, Dimensionals, Glue Dots, Burlap ribbon, Gold Metallic Pearls

+++++++++

Yesterday was a busy day stamping!!!  I have LOTS more calendars to work on today!!  

I hope you have a SUPER Sunday!!

Happy Stamping!
Hugs-

SUSIE

A snowy 'Winter Woods'

This 'Winter Woods' stamp set is just awesome!!!  It has endless possibilities when creating such a wide variety of cards for so many different occasions!!  

This card is a non traditional Christmas card.  Check out the sparkly snow & the glistening tree!  

Check out the words!!  Did you notice how they work perfectly with the Pretty Label Punch!!  The stamp set that these words come from is an awesome set that is often over looked!  Check it out on page 41 in the Holiday Catalog!  I just love all of the words in this set!!   It is called- 'Flourishing Filigree'.

stamp sets:  'Winter Woods' & 'Flourishing Filigree'
card stock:

• Night of Navy-  5 1/2 x 8 1/2"
• Whisper White-  3 3/4 x 5" (for outside); 3 3/4 x 5" (for inside); 2 " strip (for words); 3 1/2" strip (to cut the bottom layered tree out of)
• Smoky Slate-  3 1/4 x 4 3/4"
• Shimmery White-3 1/2" strip (to cut top layer tree out)
• Sparkle Glimmer Paper- 4 3/4 x 3/4"; 4 3/4 x 3/4"- (use Paper Snips & cut drifts for the snow & then layer one above the other)

ink:  Night of Navy
other:  Big Shot, Magnetic Platform, In The Woods Framelits; Pretty Label Punch, Silver Metallic Pearls, Dimensionals, Paper Snips, Liquid Glue, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Standard Platform, Softly Falling Embossing Folder

+++++++++

Yesterday day was a busy day!  Yesterday morning, Masen, Ainslee & I went to Columbus Junction to my Aunt's visitation.  It was great seeing cousins that I haven't seen for several years!  I have very fond memories of them being at my grandparents when we were all growing up. 

Yesterday afternoon when the kids went home- I worked on catching up on emails & some piles of paper work.  We were suppose to go to watch Drake wrestle last night, but he came home from school with a little fever.  Hope he is feeling better today.  We sure don't need anyone to be sick.  Last night I actually did nothing but watch a movie with Deke & go to bed early.  I was just beat last night.  It was like I ran into a brick wall.  The past 2 weeks & going 100 mph has caught up with me. 

This morning Deke is up early to chore.  Then he is going with Nathan, Masen & Ainslee to Iowa City to watch Brayden play on a traveling league basketball team.  I have a hair cut (finally) this morning.  Then I'm going to run some errands in town & go to the recycle center.  I'll hurry home, as this afternoon I have another calendar class. 

We'll see how our day goes.......Deke wants to go to our favorite place for supper tonight- Bogies in Albia for prime rib.  If it all goes as planned we just might do that, as we haven't been there for several months.  We also need to do our Christmas shopping too sometime.....as the days are fastly slipping away!  Christmas will be here before we know it!

Gotta run!

I hope you have a SPECIAL Saturday!!

Happy Stamping!
Hugs-
SUSIE

My December Calendar Page!!

Thanks for checking back again today so that you can see my last 2019 Calendar page!!!  

I love this stocking stamp set!  It is a hostess stamp set in the Holiday Catalog called- 'Hung With Care'!  It has 7 different stockings in it & some super cute words, using adorable font!  

Don't you just love this stamp set too!   Would you like to have one?  

++++++++++++++++

I have a challenge for each of you if you want to participate!!  Let's see how many comments I can get on this post!!! 

• LEAVE ME A COMMENT BELOW on this post!   
• Let me know which calendar page you liked the best.  (January through December)
• And WHY you like it the best!!  (color, stamp set, layout, etc)

I will have Deke draw names next week for all of you that leave me a comment.  I'll contact the winner, get your address & then mail the winner a new 'Hung With Care' stamp set in clear block mount- red rubber.    

++++++++++++++++

stamp set:  'Hung With Care'
card stock:

• Lovely Lipstick- 4x4"
• Call Me Clover- 4 x 1 1/4"; 2 1/2 x 2 1/2"
• Whisper White- 1" strip (for words to stamp on & punch out); 2" strip (to stamp stocking on & fussy cut out with Paper Snips)

designer paper:  2018-2020 In Color DSP stack- 4 x 1"
ink:  Lovely Lipstick
other:  Classic Label Punch, Basic Rhinestones, Paper Snips, Dimensionals

Yesterday was a busy day with kids.  Last night the twins had their Christmas program at school that we went to.  It was a very cute program & they did a great job!  Afterwards we all ate supper together at The Copper Lantern & then I delivered some stamp orders afterwards. We have Nathan & Sarah's kids.....they stayed last night.  Ainslee was up bright & early! 

This morning Deke is up early to chore & he'll then head to Ottumwa to a meeting.  I'm off to Columbus Junction with the kids, to my great Aunt Martha Gregan's visitation.  We won't stay for the funeral, since I'll have the kids- but I really want to go see all of her family.  Tonight Drake wrestles in North English, so we'll go there to watch him.  

Gotta run.....

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

SUSIE

My November Calendar Page!

I go the back way & gravel roads all of the way, on my drive each morning to town to Manda's home. I see alot of wild life, including pheasants, deer, eagles & more!  So when I saw this stamp set- 'Pleasant Pheasants' in the Holiday Catalog I was thrilled!!  I have used it several times on various cards over the past few months.  And I am sad that is retiring, as it makes a great guy card too!

stamp set:  'Pleasant Pheasants'
card stock: 

• Cajun Craze- 4x4"
• Mellow Moss- 1/2 x 4" 2 1/2 x 2"
• Sahara Sand- 1" strip

ink:  Early Espresso
other:  Gold Metallic Pearls, Retired Punch

++++++++++

When Deke got home from his meeting last night, we made a quick trip to Osky to deposit a hog check, deliver some stamps, stopped real quick at Walmart & ate some pizza at Taso's.  When we got home Deke went to shop to help Nathan work on his race car & I worked on cutting some more Christmas Card Kits.  

This morning I'm off to town to take the twins to school & spend my day with the 3 little ones.  Nathan & Sarah are gone today/tonight- so their 2 are spending the night with us.  We'll see what time they get to bed & hopefully I can get some stamping stuff done.  

Gotta run.....I hope you have a great Thursday!!

Happy Stamping!
Hugs-

SUSIE

My October Calendar Page!

How can you make an October page without using Orange & Black?  I tried it.....I thought about making it purple- but just really liked the look of the Pumpkin Pie background with the moon & the bats!  So what do you think? 

So I have said many times that I'm a punch girl- so I love that the moon & bats have coordinating punches to go with them!!  

stamp set:  'Spooky Sweets'
card stock:

• Pumpkin Pie- 4 x 4"
• Crushed Curry- 4 x 1"
• Basic Black- 2 1/2 x 2"
• Whisper White- 2 1/2" Strip (stamp bats onto it & punch out); 2" strip (stamp moon onto & punch out)

ink:  Black Memento
other:  Spooky Bats Punch, Twinkle Builder Punch, Dimensionals, Glue Dots

+++++++++

Yesterday was a busy day with the kids.  Last night when they left I cleaned, did laundry, cut Deke's hair & got caught up on my farm bookwork.  

This morning Deke is up early to chore.  He'll go to his courthouse office for awhile this morning, then head to Mt. Pleasant for a meeting, back home to take 2 hogs to the locker, chore & head to another meeting he has tonight!  I'm off early too, as everyone has early meetings today.  I'll take the twins to school & spend my day with the 3 little ones.  Tonight I plan to make a quick trip to Osky to deposit our hog check & deliver a few stamps along the way!  

I hope you have a WONDERFUL Wednesday!!

Happy Stamping!
Hugs- 

SUSIE

My September Calendar Pages!

I love fall!  So this this was one of my favorite pages in my calendar in year!!  I love all of the images, words & font in this stamp set!  It just has lots of possibilities! 

This stamp set is called- 'Many Blessings'.  It is on 38 in the Holiday Catalog & it will not be carrying over.  So if you don't have it yet & it is on your Wish List- be sure you get it before January 2nd, 2019- as it will be gone.  

stamp set: 'Many Blessings'

card stock:  

• Tranquil Tide- 4x4"
• Crushed Curry- 2 1/2" strip; 2 1/2 x 2"
• Whisper White- 2 1/2" strip
• Crumb Cake- 4 x 1"

ink:  Black Memento
Stampin' Blends:   Dark Shaded Spruce, Light & Dark Crumb Cake, Dark Daffodil Delight
other:  Wink of Stella (for the center of the flower), Tranquil Tide 1/4" Velvet Ribbon, 1 3/4" Circle Punch, Big Shot, Standard Platform, Layered Leaves Embossing Folder

++++++++++

Yesterday was a busy day!!  After I took the twins to school I came home, fed the 3 little ones breakfast & then we went to story time at the library.  They made cute little foam puppy crafts with stickers.  We came home for lunch, naps & then Brayden rode the bus here.  When the kids were gone I quickly picked up & made cheesy potatoes, corn & mixed up some sugar cookies.  As everyone came back for a late supper & we had our annual visit from Santa!!  Nathan smoked a pork loin for us & it was yummy!

Here is our crew!!  
They are all growing up soooo fast!
 

Drake, Brody, Santa, Trey, Masen, Ainslee & Brayden

How blessed & thankful we are!!!

Maybe today/tonight I'll be able to get caught up on mail, email & things around here.  The past 1 1/2 weeks has been totally consumed with cutting for calendar classes.  I have one more calendar class with a group of friends sometime before the end of the year & I have LOTS of calendars to make for gifts that I give to so many.  But things are winding down- thankfully!

I'll spend my day with the 3 little ones today.  Deke is home to work on the farm all day.  And tonight I'll be working on my piles to catch up!

I hope you have a TERRIFIC Tuesday!!

Happy Stamping!
Hugs-

SUSIE

My August Calendar Page!

Isn't this page just so cute!  OH my how I love this little frog!!  What an adorable little guy he is!  

Here is another SNEAK PEEK!  This stamp set is called- 'So Hoppy Together'!!  Is a NEW 2019 Sale-a-bration stamp set & will be FREE with a $50 order starting January 3, 2019!  You will want to add it to your Wish List of things to get!

stamp set:  So Hoppy Together' & 'Petal Palette' (dots)
card stock:

• Granny Apple Green- 4x4"
• Basic Black- 2 3/4" Strip (to punch out circle); 4 x 3/4"; 2 1/2 x 2"
• Whisper White-  2 1/2" Strip (to stamp frog onto & punch out)
• Real Red- 1" strip (to stamp words onto); 3/4" strip (to punch heart out of)

ink:  Black Memento
Stampin' Blends:  Light & Dark Granny Apple Green
other:  1 3/4" Circle Punch, 2" Circle Punch, Retired Heart Punch, Dimensionals

++++++++

Yesterday was a long day- as I was gone all day.  But it sure was a fun day!!  We all had a great time stamping calendars together.  I'm glad that everyone could join me.   I am thankful for Ruth & Rita's help all day!!  They were truly a God sent!   I was beat last night when I got home.  I got the car unloaded, did a few things that I had to get done & called it a day/night.  

This morning Deke is up early to chore & then he has his weekly board meeting.  I'm headed to town to get the boys, take the twins to  school & spend my day with the 3 little ones.  We will go to story & craft time at the Library later this morning.  Then tonight we have a special visitor coming to our home for his annual visit- SANTA!!  And our kids will all be here for supper!  Fun!  Fun! Fun!!!  Nathan is smoking a pork loin for us & I'm making the cheesy potatoes & some frozen sweet corn!  Plus we'll bake some sugar cookies too! 

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

My July Calendar Page!

Stars & Stripes is what I used today when creating this page!!  Yep- here is another SNEAK PEEK!  

For this page I used the 'Incredible You'- NEW in the 2019 Occasions Catalog!  And I choose Blueberry Bushel & Lovely Lipstick colors to make it bright!

stamp set:  'Incredible You'- NEW 2019 Occasions Catalog & 'Tabs of Everything' (celebrate)
card stock:

• Lovely Lipstick- 3 1/2 x 2 1/4"; 2 1/4 x 1/4"
• Blueberry Bushel- 4 x 4"; 1" strip (for stars); 2 1/2 x 2"
• SUSIEWhisper White- 1" strip (for star)

ink:  Blueberry Bushel
other:  Retired Star Punch, Classic Label Punch (to punch out Celebrate words & then flag the ends with my Paper Snips!), dimensionals

+++++++++

I am off to Hiawatha for the day!!  I have 2 more calendar classes today!!  I am looking forward to spending my day stamping with everyone that is joining me!!  I have lots of friends coming to make my 2019 calendars for gifts they are giving for Christmas!  Woo hoo!! 

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