There is a 'Reason to Smile'!!

Flowers

HI!

A quick post today.......as I'm trying to get things finished up so I can get loaded up & on my way to my workshop today.  I have a big group coming.  So EXCITED to share my cards with the gals today.  They are all really cute!! And "NEW" things to share!  :)

Today's card is one that I did at my 40 card class in March.  It is simple but cute.  The gals that came to this class choose the stamped image that they wanted out of the whole set- so no ones was alike.  There is a great variety in this stamp set!!!  It is a good one- especially for someone wanting a wide variety!

'Easy Events' & 'Perfectly Penned'
cs:  Marina Mist, So Saffron & Very Vanilla
Subtles Designer Paper Stacks
ink:  Black Stazon
markers: Old Olive & Marina Mist
supplies: dazzling details glitter, dimensionals, 2 3/8" scallop circle, 1 3/4" circle punch

NOTE:  I used the 1 3/8" square punch to snip the ends of the banners with.  Just slide in your square punch instead of having to use scissors to cut your tails!! :)

Deke & I had a very nice time at the Lake Belva Deer dedication yesterday.  What an amazing park we have in Keokuk County!!  So much to do & so beautiful!!  We are really lucky to have such a park in our community.  My sister Beckie & brother-in-law Dan were also there (among other friends), so it was really nice to get to visit & see them too. 

Have a great day!!
ENJOY!
Happy Stamping!
SUSIE

'Lovely As A Tree'

HI!
Yipee- we got some rain last night!!
There were some plus's & minus's that went along with that.
We got wind first though & it broke a big branch out of our tree in our front yard. 
And Nathan got rained out at Columbus Junction after they drove all of the way down there to race.
BUMMER!
But we were so dry & really need the rain for the crops & yard.

Yesterday I had the twins in the afternoon & my sister Barbie was here to visit. 
It was a nice/fun afternoon!
I did get all of my scrapbook things finally put away.
And I did a little stamping last night.
I kinda struggled with my Mojo at first- but really like the 2 cards I got done.
I have TONS to do today/tonight.

From 3 to 8 today, Deke & I will be attending the dedication of our Lake Belva Deer.  

Since Deke is on the Board of Supervisors he got an invitation to attend & we graciously accepted.  

It is truely a beautiful place!!!

Keokuk County is so LUCKY to have such a great conservation officer- as David & his crew have done an amazing job building everything at our Lake and taking great care of things.

Governor Brandstad will be there to do the dedication.

They are having a bus tour, the dedication & then a supper.

The public is invited to some of this & other parts of it are for reservation/invitation only.

We are looking forward to it. 

Today I wanted to share a card that I did in March at my 40 card class.

Again.......an 'OLDIE' but a goodie stamp set.

I just love 'Lovely As A Tree'.

 'Lovely As A Tree' & 'Embellished Events'

cs:  Crumb Cake, Certainly Celery, Early Espresso

ink:  Early Espresso

Soft Subtles Designer Series Paper Stacks

supplies:  Naturals button, linen thread, Word Window punch, Decorative Label punch, dimensionals, glue dot, watercolor crayons & blender pens

Ok- off to my stamp studio I go with my cup of coffee!
I'll be a stampin' fool today.
Thankfully Deke said he would help me do the Big Shot cutting tonight when we get home.

Have a great day!!

ENJOY!

Happy Stamping!
SUSIE

Some of my scapbook pages..........

HI!
Here are 4 of my sets of scrapbook pages that we did at my class last Saturday!!  I offered a wide assortment of various layouts & pages.  It was so much fun!!  I think they all turned out super cute!
All of the products I used were Stampin' UP!  Many of them were retired (designer paper, buttons, ribbon, brads, dies)- as I was cleaning out things.  

Yesterday I enjoyed they whole day.  In the morning I had a visit from Brayden.  He was here with his dad at the shop, but he always knows that Grandma has cookies & enjoys his company- so he came down to check in on me & ended up here until his dad came to get him.  Then I had lunch with my friend Marge, Manda & the twins.  After that Manda, the twins & I went to pick out & order her new glasses.  They are cute & look really nice on her.  She got a few groceries & loaded up on formula & baby things too before we headed back home.  The boys are so good!  We had several comments from people we saw that 'They sure are good babies'!  Today they are 10 months old!  Were does time go?  We are so blessed!

Since Deke had a meeting all day yesterday, he spent his whole night moving pigs & it was almost midnight when he got in.  I felt so sorry for him.  I went out & helped him about an hour, as I was getting worried about him.  (I offered to help earlier & he said he would get it- but I should have gone anyways.)  The spent my might in my studio cleaning & putting things away from my scrapbooking class.  Almost done!!

Today I am creating & cutting cards & getting ready for my workshop that I have on Sunday!  WAHOO!!  I have some fun new things to share.  Can't wait to see everyone that is coming.   I have LOTS to do before I'm ready for this workshop.  I hope I have good MOJO & things just click! :)

Nathan races tonight- but I don't know if I'm going yet or not.  We'll see how my day goes.  If Brayden doesn't want to go I'll stay home & stamp.

We've had some terribly HOT days this week & so badly need the rain for our crops!!  I've been PRAYING we get some much rain soon!!  This heat isn't good.   

Have a great day!
ENJOY!
Happy Stamping!
SUSIE

Papa Deke & the twins..........

Today the twins are 10 months old!!!

What a blessing they are.

Just precious!

We are so lucky that our family lives so close to us & we get to spend so much time with them!!

'Lovely As A Tree'

HI!  This set is an OLDIE but a goodie!  I love it & have used it TONS.

This is a card that I did at my 40 card class in March.

'Lovely As A Tree' & 'Loving Thoughts'
cs:  Old Olive, Crumb Cake, Early Espresso
ink:  Early Espresso
supplies:  Big Shot, Stripes embossing folder, dimensionals

My dear friend Nicole Slaubaugh gave me a card similar to this one a long time ago, so the creator for this one goes to her.   Thanks Nicole!  :)

This set is just so versatile.  Anyone that has been stamping very long probably has this stamp set.  It is a great set to use for a guy card too!

Deke has meetings in Ottumwa all day today, so since he won't be here for me to have to make lunch for, I am taking my friend Marge out for lunch, as I haven't seen her for a long time & we use to work together at the courthouse.  It will be great to get to see her & chat.  I think that Manda & the twins are going with us & possibly Brayden too.  When we get home I will be heading to my stamp studio to create! I still have to finish picking up from my scrapbooking class & then I have my monthly Iowa City workshop on Sunday & need to get going on those 6 cards too.  I have a bigger group joining us & I have some new fun things to share!!!

Have a great day!!
ENJOY!
HUGS!
SUSIE

'Thoughts & Prayers' card

HI!  Here is a pretty sympathy card.

'Thoughts & Prayers'
cs:  River Rock, Night of Navy, Whisper White
ink:  River Rock, Night of Navy,
supplies:  Big Shot, Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder, scallop edge border punch, XL Oval punch, White 5/8" Organza ribbon, glue dot, dimensionals, Dazzling Details glitter

This is a card that we did at my 40 card class this past March & I've never posted it yet.  I love it!  Who would ever have thought to put those 2 colors together & get this look?  Don't they look amazing together!  I would say that this is a simple elegance card.

Last night we sold hogs late.  And before that Manda, Steve & the twins came out to eat supper with us.  I cut the twins hair for their first real haircuts!!  Brody's was really long & I cut it all over.  Drake just needed trimmed in the back & above his ears- as his front/top wasn't as long.  They both did a good job & now look like such big boys!  Guess my going to cosmetology school 30 years ago has really paid off with the savings by just cutting my families hair over the years.  I cut- Brayden, Nathan, Brody, Drake & Steven's hair all the past day.  Deke needs his done- but we haven't had time yet.  But will soon.......as he has a big meeting tomorrow & one on Saturday that he has to get it done before then so he looks good.  

Today is going to be a HOT SIZZLING day!  Be sure to drink lots of water & stay cool.

Today is a super busy day for Deke too.  He is in the office this morning & then home to get alot done before the terrible heat sets in.  One of our bulk bins is worn out & broken beyond repair, so the new one is in & they will be delivering it later this morning & they will set it with a big truck.  That will be neat to see & so nice when Deke gets it all put together & it will be in use. 

Tonight we race- so hope that Nathan will be ok racing in the heat.  He has to wear all of his hot safety equipment.   Feel so bad for him & always worry when it is so hot out.  Assume they will run fewer laps than normal.  Hope he has a good night.  He has had a streak of bad luck with that bad wreck & a couple of blown motors- so could use some good luck on his side for a change. 

Have a great day!!
ENJOY!
Happy Stamping!
SUSIE

My boys!!

HI!
Here is a picture of the boys taken on Father's Day down at our pond!  It was a lovely day!  The weather was perfect & it was wonderful spending the time with our family.

(Brody, Brayden & Drake)

Here is a precious photo too.
Papa & Brayden are fishing.
Brayden caught the first fish of the day.  

TOO CUTE!

Family is such a blessing!!
I'm so lucky to have them & all of my dear friends & customers in my life.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!
HUGS!
SUSIE

Another Window Sheet card.......

HI! 
 A Christmas card- YEP in June!  Isn't it an elegant card.

 This is a card that I did for a swap that I'm in this month with my friend Di.  It is another window sheet card!  It is the same layout as the one I did at my June workshops using the set 'Betsy's Blossoms'. 


'Rejoicing with You'
cs:  Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla
Be of Good Cheer Designer Paper
ink:  Cherry Cobbler
supplies:  window sheet, Cherry Cobbler & Very Vanilla 1/2" seam binding ribbon, Little Labels Punch Pack, dimensionals, glue dot

I have lots more to catch up on today.  I'm still working on scrapbook pages. 

Yesterday Nathan, April & Brayden were here working on cleaning out our camper, as they are going to Red Rock this weekend with it.  Of course Brayden was down visiting me alot- as he was hungry or thirsty or whatever.  He did take a 1 1/2 hour nap too.  We then buzzed his hair!  It will be so much cooler for him for this summer.   And so much easier to take care of.  He looked CUTE!!

Tonight Steven, Nathan & the twins are getting their hair cut & then I help Deke sell hogs- so will be a long night.  Sometime we have to find time to cut Deke's hair too. 

Hope you have a wonderful day!!
ENJOY!
Happy Stamping!
SUSIE

He wants to be in his Papa's shoes!!!

HI!
I just had to share with you a couple of adorable pictures of Brayden from last Thursday.  I was in my stamp studio working on scrapbook pages & he said he wanted to go out to ride his gator- so I came out to help him get ready to go & was going to go water my plants while he played outside for awhile.  When I walked into the room- this is what I saw!!  I laughed so hard....he is such a doll!!  He was standing at the door- ready to go outside with Papa Deke's tennis shoes on.  And yes- he did wear them outside to ride his gator!  :)

At my last downline meeting we were all playing with the 'Papaya Collage' stamp set.  Here is the card I put together with the various different stamps in this set that we have.

Yesterday Manda, the twins & I attended our Mason Family reunion & enjoyed getting to see may of our family that we haven't seen for a long time.  The twins were the youngest there & my aunt Grace (79) was the oldest one there.  It was a beautiful day!!  

I've had a very productive day already!!  Meet one of my Bussey stamp gals at 6 in Osky with their orders- THANKS JO!  Then went to Walmart to get groceries.  Off now to get Dekes clothes ironed for the office today & then work on putting my house back into order from my scrapbook class.  I have a long list of things to get caught up on today so pray I get lots of them done. 

Have a great day!!!
ENJOY!
Happy Stamping!
SUSIE

Such a cool METAL TAG!!

HI!  WOW- everyone had a GREAT day yesterday at my big 'annual' scrapbooking class.  I'd say the day was pretty much perfect!!!  I had a big group & everything went smoothly, I was organized & I think everyone loved the all of the pages as much as I did!!  :)  I wish I could see their pages after they get home & get their photos added to them! 

I had 2 new ladies join us that I'd never met before & I think we got them both hooked!  They both say they are coming back for a card making workshop soon!!

Hearing good comments & feeling the excitment in the air makes all of my hours of planning, creating & cutting so worth it!  Thank you to ALL of you that joined me yesterday!!!  I know I was tired last night & slept like a rock- I'm sure you did too!!

So yesterday I quickly posted a cool card that I did a couple of weeks ago at Lisa's workshop.  Isn't it a beauty!  Let me tell you about it.  Above is a close up photo I took this morning of the cool tag on it!  There are A LOT OF NEW PRODUCTS on this card!

'Everything Eleanor' & 'So Sorry'
cs:  Summer Starfruit, Soft Suede, Whisper White
Comfort Cafe' designer paper
ink:  Summer Starfruit, Soft Suede
supplies:  Big Shot, Finishing Touches Edgelits, Labels Collection Framelits, Designer Frames Folders, XL Oval punch, Summer Starfruit 3/8" stitched satin ribbon, dimensionals, glue dot

I used aluminum flashing that I bought at your local hardware store & I cut with our craft & rubber scissors, ran through the big shot & made the tag. 

Gosh I like this card.  I love both of these new stamp sets & all of the new accessories too!!

If you attend one of my July workshops I will be showing you how to make this cool metal tag.  I'll be using it on one of cards!!  So if nothing else- you won't want to miss my workshops in July- just so you can make the tag! 

Ok.......I'm behind this morning as I slept in a little (which I never do) & have been catching up on things.  I still have my house all messed up for moving furniture & having tables set up all over yesterday for my scrapbooking class.  I will work on getting my house back in order later this afternoon, as I'm off now to finish making a few things to take to our Mason Family reunion for the potluck.  And I need to jump in the shower & be out the door to pick up Manda & the twins in less than an hour.  I'd better run......

I hope you have a wonderful day!!
ENJOY!
Happy Stamping!
SUSIE

Everything Eleanor

GOOD MORNING!

WOW- Today is my big scrapbooking class.  I am just about ready.  I am cutting my last page now, cooking & setting up tables for work stations.  My pages all turned out cute!  I'm pleased with them.  I can't wait to share them with those joining me for the day & hope they like them too!


This is a card that I did at Lisa's workshop a couple of weeks ago.  I used LOTS of new products & focusing on the new stamp set- 'Everything Eleanor'.

I will post supplies & more information on this card tomorrow.
I love this card- don't you???

Gotta run..............
Have a great day!
ENJOY!
Happy Stamping!
SUSIE

More 'Bright Blossoms'.........

HI!  Short & sweet today......still creating & cutting scrapbook pages.  They are really turning out cute though!  I'm excited about sharing them with those coming to my class tomorrow.

Here is another card made using the set- 'Bright Blossoms'.  This was on our display board at Disney too- so I don't know who the creator of it is.

Have a great day!
ENJOY!
Happy Stamping!
SUSIE

HI!

Just a quick post today......

Here is a neat card that was on our display board at Disney- so I don't know who the creator of it is to give her credit.  (Sorry!)

'Bright Blossoms' & 'Petite Pairs'
cs: Lucky Limeade, Rich Razzleberry , Daffodil Delight, Whisper White
Summer Smooches designer paper
ink:  Rich Razzleberry
supplies:  Big Shot, Ovals die, 1 3/4" circle punch, Brights Designer buttons, Basic Rhinestones, 1/8" Daffodi Delight Taffeta ribbon, dimensionals, glue dots

I am busy working on scrapbook pages!!  Have some cute one created.  I'm excited about my class on Saturday- but still have lots to do before then.

Brayden is coming today.  Looking forward to seeing him.  He hasn't been here for a couple of weeks during the daytime anyways.  Papa has a broken grain bin- so has to go get parts to fix it.  Brayden can go with him & they will both enjoy their time together.   Brayden is quite the little farmer & can tell you all about all kinds of tractors & farm equipment.   He knows way more than I do about equipment.  I'm sure they will check out fields, tractors & lots along the way on their road trip to Riverside. 

Have a great day!
ENJOY!
Happy Stamping!
SUSIE

Lovin' this card!!!

HI!
Happy Hump day!!!!

Today I am home alone & busy creating in my stamp studio.  I have my big annual scrapbooking class on Saturday & have TONS to get done.

I wanted to share this pretty card with you today.  This is one that I did at my workshops this month.  It is diagonal gate fold card. 

Here is a view looking down on it from the top.

Here is a view of it opened up.

Isn't the pretty!  It looks really cool & it really isn't hard to do either.

I've seen it done using designer paper before, but you know me- I like to layer & didn't have enough designer paper for everyone at my workshops to be able to do it- so I created this version of it.

'World Treasures' & 'Wacky Wishes' (hostess set)

cs:  Whisper White- 3 3/4 x 5"; 2 x 2 3/4"; strip

So Saffron- 2 1/4 x 3"

 12 x 5 1/4" for the base gate fold- score at 2", 4", 8" 10"- then mark at 2 5/8" (half way) in middle of ends & cut diagonally from there up to the outside score mark

Soft Suede- 4 1/4 x 5 1/2"; 2 1/2 x 3 1/4 

Floral District Designer paper- 2 x 2; 2 x 2

ink:  Soft Suede

supplies:  White Organdy ribbon, Word Window punch, Basic Pearls, dimensionals, glue dot

This card is totally me......actually reminds me of my kitchen since it is those colors.

Notice that I'm using the set 'World Treasures' again.  LOVE IT!  

Tonight we are to race in Osky.  Don't think I'm going.  I hate to miss the races, but it will depend on how much creating I get done on my scrapbook pages for my class.

Brayden will be tomorrow- so I need to make the most of every minute I have alone.

Have a great day!

ENJOY!

Happy Stamping!
SUSIE