Check out this 12x12 sampler!

Hello!
I had an Iowa Inkers Team meeting on Saturday & these are some of the squares that we did as a swap!  The gals on my team each designed one square & then made multiples of that one square.  They brought them to our meeting and we swapped them with each other!!  It is so fun to see what everyone came up with.  Everyone has their own styles & likes and it shows here.  I put them all together in this 12x12 Spring sampler!!  There are lots of fun cute squares here aren't there!  I am just totally in love with these samplers & plan to get one made for each of the occasions throughout the year & change them out.

 

The theme for our 2 1/4" x 2 1/4" square block swap was to use Subltes color & flowers. After everyone left I then mounted the squares onto a 8x 8 " Basic Black card stock, then a 8 1/2 x 8 1/2" Wild Wasbi card stock & then a 12x12 Basic Black card stock and put it into this cool frame.

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Yesterday wasn't a good day..........

Please keep my step-dad, Dick Homan in your prayers.  He fell down their basement steps yeseterday morning & was air lifted to the hospital.  They thought he had a brain bleed- but thankfully it stopped.  He doesn't have any broken bones, just lots of bruises, a big cut on his head & a lots of fluid on his one knee.  He'll be there for awhile again, as he was just in the hospital last month because he suffered a bad stroke.

Last night Deke & I were on my monthly stamp delivery run & then we were going to see Dick at the hospital. But we didn't make it make it all of the way.  Our vehicle broke down at the Oxford Exit. A bearing went out of the alternator.  It was growling & our lights were really dim.....so it is at the repair shop now.  I am just to thankful that I wasn't alone & that Deke was with me. 

I'm off now to pick up the boys.  Then tonight after they leave I'm a farmer.  We sell 2 loads of hogs & then Deke & I have to move about 800 head of 50# piggies.  It will be a late night & alot of walking!  Honestly- I hope we are done & in the house by midnight.....

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

To a CLASSIC card AND keep reading about a BLOG HOP!

Hello!!
Here is a great guy card that I made.  I designed it for a monthly swap that I'm in with some other demonstrators & I also shared it with my Iowa Inkers downline team as a shoe box swap that they all got to make at my meeting here on Saturday!  

Guy cards aren't always easy to create.  So when I saw this awesome new stamp set- 'Guy Greetings' in the Occasions Catalog I know that I had to have it!!

Isn't it just a cute card!  I love the old car & then the banner flags along the side are just so fitting.

stamp set:  'Guy Greetings'
card stock:  Soft Suede, Baked Brown Sugar, Very Vanilla
designer paper:  Park Lane
ink:  Soft Suede
other:  Big Shot, Stylish Stripes Embossing Folder, Gold Metal Buttons, Burlap Ribbon (shredded it to tie into the center of the button), paper snips, dimensionals & glue dot

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

I was asked to do a Stampin' Up! (R) Blog Hop from a fellow friend- Dena Rekow.
You can check out her blog:  The Creative Cave- http://drekow.typepad.com
I was then asked to answer the following questions-

1. What are you working on?  
I stamp every day- so I'm always working on something!  I started my blog alittle over 3 years ago now & I've never missed a day of posting a new project yet.  We live, eat & breath stamps at our house.  

I am presenting at our Stampin' Up! Leadership Event next week in Orlando, Florida- so have been adding that extra planning to my already crazy schedule.  I'm presenting about KITS- so I've been writing my script, rehearsing & working on projects for my display board.  I am excited about getting to go & I'm looking forward to this Stampin' Up! event.  I will get to see so many of my demonstrator friends from all over the US & Canada!  And I plan to come home with TONS of new ideas to share with my customers at my upcoming events. 

2. How does your work differ from others in your genre?
I would say that I do have a certain style- although I'm not sure what style you'd call it.  I love to layer & love dimensionals!  Often people can pick out one of my cards from a pile of cards, just by looking at it & know that it is a "Susie" card.  I don't copy other projects too often.  I usually try to do original designs.   I love stamping, creating & sharing!!

3. Why do you create what you do?
I create a project depending on what is on my calendar of upcoming events.  Mostly I design cards. But I do some scrapbooking & 3D items too though.

I am getting ready to host my big Annual All Occasions Card Class in March- so have been planning that event.  And then each April I do an annual Stamp Camp too.  This year I'm changing up that event & it will be called- "Susie's Spring Fling"!  Everyone attending will be making a few 12x12 square samplers & a couple of other projects too.  I've been making the square samplers & I've had alot of customers tell me that they'd love to make them!  So I am excited about adding this FUN NEW EVENT to my calendar & hope I that have a good turn out for it.  Do you want to see what I'm talking about when I talk about my square samplers?  Check out my winter sampler HERE!! 
Be sure to check back tomorrow as I'll be posting a spring square 12x12 sampler that my Iowa Inkers team did as a swap for our meeting we had this past weekend!! 
 
4. How does your creativity process work?

• I choose what event or what I need a project for
• I choose my stamp set
• I then choose the colors I want to use
• I then just start playing(I mean creating & stamping!)

I am lucky I guess, as creating comes easy to me.  I am definitely perfectionist though- so often the card that my customers see at one of my events isn't my first & only attempt at what they get to make.  I often make a card & then end up deciding "if I would change this little thing" that I'd like it better.  

Next Monday- January 26th, 2015-  I've asked my demonstrator friends- Brenda & Lynda to join this blog hop- so be sure to check out their blogs then!! NOTE:  I will also link these 2 blogs again next Monday on my blog- so that you don't forget to check them out!

• Brenda Keenan:  Keenan Kreations- http://www.keenankreations.com/blog 
• Lynda Wilson:  Lynda Sue Stamps 4 U- http://lyndasuestamps4u.blogspot.com 

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I'm off to pick up the boys.  Deke has a meeting today.  Tonight I have my monthly delivery stamp run- so I will be seeing many along the way to deliver their orders to them!

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

'Big On You'

Here is a new stamp set in the Occasions Catalog.  Love the big bold script words here.

I made this card too with the Sale-a-bration This Day Project Life Mini Card Collection.  The printed card stock- Coastal Cabana dots & the White lined with multi-colored dots on the top, are both cards out of this kit.  I just had to add the Coastal Cabana & Black Card stock to it for the card base & layering pieces.  What a cute & simple card this is!

stamp set:  'Big On You'
card stock:  Coastal Cabana, Basic Black
ink:  Black Stazon
supplies:  This Day Project Life Mini Card Collection, Best Year Ever Accessory Pack (ribbon & buttons), dimensionals, glue dot

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

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Yesterday we had a great time at my Iowa Inkers team meeting.  I'm so glad that many of my gals could attend.  I'm also sad that everyone doesn't live close by & we missed those of you that couldn't be here.

Deke & I enjoyed our night with the Seeley boys staying with us.  They'll head home this morning & I'm going to spend my day working on stamping stuff.

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

A clean & simple card!

Here it is- check out this card!  Woo hoo!  There is alot of Sale-a-bration items used here.  It is clean & simple, but I really like it.

This card is also one that I made with the This Day Project Life Mini Card Collection from the Sale-a-bration catalog.  I also added the Best Day Ever Buttons & the stamped image is from the 'Simply Wonderful' stamp set. 

 Don't you love this simple Crushed Curry & Whisper White card?

I will update this post with the supplies used sometime soon.

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I still have LOTS to do yet.....as I'm having my Iowa Inkers team meeting at our home today!  I'm looking forward to seeing everyone.  I've been a stamping the evening/night/morning away creating swaps & shoe box swaps!  We will have a fun filled day with great company, awesome projects & yummy food.  I know everyone will be going home with around 50 new projects- using new products from the Sale-a-bration & Occasions Catalogs.  There definitely will be lots & lots of stamping going on here today!

Later this afternoon the 3 Seeley boys will come to crash the end of our downline meeting- so all of the gals will get to see them!  They are spending the night with G'ma & Papa tonight.  I have a day off tomorrow.  (Or should I say that I'll be home to work.)  So when the boys go home in the morning I'll be a stamping fool ALL DAY/NIGHT LONG- with a swap to finish & then I have lots of kits I want to get done for my display boards for Leadership!  And I need to get all of my photos for my power point done too.

Ok- I've gotta run!!
I hope you have a SENSATIONAL Saturday!!
I hope you get to spend some time stamping this weekend too. 
Happy Stamping!
Hugs!
SUSIE

Check out these cards!

WOW!!  I am presenting at our Stampin' Up! (R) Leadership Conference in a couple of weeks......so I've been working on my script, rehearsing & making projects out of kits to put on my display boards every spare minute I have had lately.

Last night I had another phone rehearsal with Andrea & then I spent the rest of the night whipping up cards.  And can you guess what kit all of these pieces laying on the table are from?  All of these pieces are from the Project Life Kit in the Sale-a-bration Catalog called 'This Day Mini Card Collection'.  The kit containes 30 cards total (10- 4x6 & 20- 3x4 pieces).   I wanted you to see that they are super cute inserts to help you preserve your memory keeping, making it simple to do.  They are so fast & easy!  BUT those of you that know me, know that I think outside of the box & I like to be different.  So last night I created 24 regular sized full cards.  I cut 24 card bases out of card stock measuring 5 1/2 x 8 1/2".  I then got out my box of cardstock scraps, some punches, a few ink pads & a few different stamp sets.  AND I added a few dimensionals & the Best Year Ever Sale-a-bration Accessory Pack of ribbons & buttons.

So here is my stack of finished cards!  Aren't they amazing!!  Yes- most of them are clean & simple- but I think that they are very nice & super cute cards for several different occasions.  I'm sure the person receiving them will love them!

Here is one of the cards!  These flower images were on one of the 4x6 cards & I just cut it in half, added a layer, stuck it onto my card base, stamped some words, added my button & it is done!!  

card stock:  Coastal Cabana- 5 1/2 x 8 1/2";  Crushed Curry- 5 1/4 x 2 1/4;  The flowered card stock measured 5 x 2".
ink:  Coastal Cabana
stamp set:  'Best Day Ever'- Sale-a-bration Mini Catalog
kit:  This Day Project Life Mini Card Collection- Sale-a-bration Mini Catalog
button:  Best Day Ever Accessory Pack- Sale-a-bration
other:  Dimensionals & Glue Dot

How can you get Sale-a-bration products?  You get to choose one Sale-a-bration product for free with every $50 that you spend (before shipping & tax) now through 3/31/15!  You can click HERE to see the Sale-a-bration Catalog!

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

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So what do you think of this kit?  Would you ever have thought of making cards with it?  Isn't it super cool! 
 

Yesterday the boys had their ear re-checks with Dr. Sam & they looked good.  Trey got his 2nd flu shot.  He was back to his happy self too, since that darn tooth finally broke all of the way through.  Brayden was here for awhile after school & for supper, as Nathan referred a ballgame.  And then I stamped the night away!

I'm off to pick up the boys.  Deke is headed out for another meeting today.  Tonight I'll be burning the midnight oil again stamping.  I have my Iowa Inkers Team meeting here at our home tomorrow.  So I have swaps to make & LOTS of things to do to get ready for that.

I have gotta run.......

I hope you have a FABULOUS Friday!!

Happy Stamping!
Hugs!
SUSIE

A 'Be Mine' Valentine!

Here is another card that everyone made if they joined me for my January monthly classes last week.  Isn't it a cute card!  Did you notice the heart window in it?  And check out the black & white designer paper.  I also used the new Heart Embossing folder too under the ribbon- but it is kinda hard to see in the pictures. 

stamp set:  'Your Plus Me'

card stock:  Basic Black, Real Red, Whisper White

dp:  Stacked with Love Designer Series Paper Stack

ink:  Black Memento

other:  Big Shot, Hearts Collection Framelits, Sweetheart Punch, Black Chevron Ribbon, What's Up Punch, Happy Hearts Embossing Folder, Dimensionals, Glue Dots

 

NOTE:  This stamp set & Designer Paper stack can both be purchased separately BUT they do come together as a BUNDLE & you can save 15% when you purchase them together.

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

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Yesterday was a long day.  Poor little Trey was having a bad day, as he is cutting his other top tooth through.  I felt so bad for him.  So we just spent alot of time rocking & cuddling.  I hope he slept all night.  He is just such a happy little guy and it is hard to see him being so unhappy.  

Deke is gone all day again today for meetings.  I'm headed in to pick up the boys.  This afternoon the twins have dr's appointments for ear re-checks.  And Trey is suppose to get his 2nd flu shot.  So I'll meet Manda & Steve in town with the Seeley boys & pick up Brayden.  

Tonight I have another phone rehearsal with SU! for my Leadership presentation practice.  I spent about 6 hours last night writing & polishing up my script.  I hope that goes well.  WOW- we leave in less than 2 weeks for Leadership.  Oh my gosh.....and I have tons to get done between now & then.

I hope you have very special Thursday!!  

Happy Stamping!
Hugs!
SUSIE

It's 'Better Than E-Mail'- a new Photopolymer stamp set!

Check out this cute new photopolymer stamp set!!!  There are lots of images here to personalize your creations!!  And the Stampin' Up! copywrite is included on these!  Woo Hoo!!














Better Than E-Mail

Item #140463
Price: $15.95

 

 This great new Angel Policy set has many different stamps included in it for many purposes.

'Petal Potpourri' done in Stampin' Up! style!

Good morning!!
Here is a super cute clean and simple card I made.  I need several thank you cards so whipped up this one and will make some more like it sometime soon.  This flower stamp is cute and versatile.  And it even has a coordinating punch that goes with it and can be purchased in a bundle- which saves you 15%.  I love it when a stamp set and punch coordinate!

 Look at this card that I have the black edged oval around right here!!  
Can you believe that it is a boughten thank you card that was sent to us.   

Well- you know me.....I looked at it and thought instantly how I could case (copy and share everything) this card using new Stampin' Up! (R) products from the Occasions Catalog.  Pretty cool huh!!  I was impressed with myself and I think that my card turned out super cute!  Woo hoo!  And of course my stamped card is way cuter than the boughten one isn't it! 

stamp set:  'Petal Potpourri' and 'Simply Wonderful' (SAB)
card stock:  Whisper White and Vellum
ink:  Old Olive, Tangerine Tango, Daffodil Delight and Melon Mambo
supplies:  Bright Candy Dots (Daffodil Delight), Glue Dots, Dimensionals

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Check out this card too.  I used the exact same supplies to make it as I did on the one I posted above, but this card is going horizontal instead of vertical and I used different words on it from the same stamp set.  It is so FUN to change things a bit and get a totally different look!!

**Leave me a comment and let me know which one you like best.  The vertical one or the horizontal one.

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We had a late night on the farm last night.  Thankfully it wasn't too terribly cold out.  We are up bright and early this morning to chore, as Deke has meetings in Mt. Pleasant.  We'll both leave the house about 7 this morning as he heads to his meeting and I go pick up the boys.  Trey has a dr appt today, so we'll go to it and then head out to our home.  

I am finally home tonight......and will be working on fine tuning my Leadership script for my presentation.  I have my rehearsal tomorrow night and I want to make sure I have it all polished up and ready!  I have my fingers crossed that all goes well.  I'm such a worry wart and always want everything to be perfect. 

I've gotta run......I hope you have a WONDERFUL Wednesday!!

Happy Stamping!
Hugs!
SUSIE

This weeks- 'WEEKLY DEALS January 13-19, 2015!

Check out this COOL card!

Woo Hoo!  Here is a fun stand up BOX card that was one of my January class cards.  We stamped with the new Color Box Chalk ink pads onto the new Chalkboard Paper.  Isn't it cool!

Here is what the card looks like when it is closed.  Check out the cute bow made with the New Bow Builder punch!  And don't you just love this confetti designer paper too!  

This card lays folds down and lays flat for easy mailing.  

And it is adorable when it stands up isn't it!

I will update this post sometime soon with a supply list.  I have a super buys week this week!  I'll be posting photos of new projects every day- but I won't be taking the time to do the supplies until later this week.  I hope you understand.

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Last night Brayden & Nathan were here.  I worked outside a bit and then spent the rest of the night entering orders and working on Stampin' Up! things burning the midnight oil.  This morning I'm off to pick up the boys.  We are going to run up to visit Deke's parents for a bit, as yesterday was his mom's birthday.  I know she'll enjoy getting to see the boys.  Then I'm a farmer again tonight when the boys go home.  We will be selling 2 semi loads of hogs.  It will be another late night out on the farm with Deke.  And it is going to be a cold one again too.

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

'Celebrate Today'!

WOW!  What an elegant balloon card created with the awesome new 'Celebrate Today' stamp set & coordinating balloon framelit!  Isn't it just super cute!!  I got a card similar to this in a swap from Raedean Shibata.  I loved her idea!  So I cased it, changing it some and came up with this.  Everyone joining me for my monthly card classes got to make this card this past week!

 I will update this post sometime soon with the supplies I used to create it.

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I headed out early yesterday morning for my 2 stamp classes that I had in Cedar Rapids.  It was a fun day!  I think everyone attending liked the option to be able to come either for the morning or afternoon session.  We'll continue doing this for the next couple months on a trial basis to see if it is something we'll implement full time or not.

I got back to Sigourney about 6:45 last night and went right to Nathan's house.  He and Sarah made supper for us all.  The Deke and the Seeley's were already there when I got there.  So we enjoyed a fun evening with our family together.  I was beat last night when I  finally got home and I was actually in bed shortly after 11 (which is early for me).

I'm off this morning to pick up the 3 Seeley boys.  We'll go pick up Brayden and we'll take him to school.  Then well head out to our house for the day.  Deke has a meeting this morning and we'll then be working on the farm tonight.

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

A Occasions Catalog & Sale-a-bration Catalog Combo!

Hello!
Here is another beautiful flower card that I LOVE!  These colors are bright, cheery & springy!  There are alot of new products here from the Occasions & Sale-a-bration Catalogs!  This is one of my January class cards.  Are you signed up to come to one of my stamp classes today & making this card with me?

I shadow stamped (restamped my flower image again before reinking it) to make the 2nd flower a lighter color.  This is a great way to get a lighter and darker shade of the exact same color by just using one color of ink pad!  So I only used 2 ink pads when creating this one card- even though it looks like I used more.  I used Calypso Coral and  Wild Wasbi.   Check out the new Flower Medallion Punch.  Woo hoo!  I love it when Stampin' Up! makes punches to coordinate with our stamp sets.  And this punch not only coordinates with this stamp set- 'Crazy About You', but it also coordinates with another new stamp set in the Occasions Catalog called- 'Petal Potpourri'.  I am also a huge fan of this years Sale-a-bration Designer Paper Package called- Best Year Ever.  It is very versatile and the colors are just amazing together.  

stamp sets: 'Crazy About You' & 'Simply Wonderful' (SAB)
card stock:  Calypso Coral, Blushing Bride, Whisper White
designer paper:  Best Day Ever (SAB)
ink pads: Calypso Coral, Wild Wasabi
supplies:  Petite Petals Punch, Flower Medallion Punch, Glue Dots, Dimensionals, Basic Pearls, Best Day Ever (SAB) ribbon, Scalloped Edge Border Punch

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

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Wow!  I had a busy day yesterday- but enjoyed having coffee and catching up with my friends- Donna and Phyllis yesterday morning for coffee.  Then Manda and I spent the afternoon with Sarah, her mom and the other bridesmaids- trying on dresses for Nathan and Sarah's wedding.  The dresses are all picked out, measured for the sizes everyone needs and we are ready to order them!  They are beautiful!  

When I got home about 6, I made supper for Deke and then spent the rest of the night and into the wee hours this morning cutting card stock and finishing getting ready for my big classes that I am having today!!  I'm EXCITED that we are trying something new.  I'm having 2 hostesses and 2 separate class sessions today (one this morning and one this afternoon).  I'll be seeing Michele and Karen and many of my friends/customers soon!  We are also going to have some new stampers and some old stampers too, that will be joining us!  I can't wait for everyone to see the 6 cards that they'll be making.  I'm looking forward to spending my whole day stamping with everyone!!

Ok......I am ff to bed for a few hours.  I'll rise early this morning, load the car and head out!  My first stamp class starts at 10 and it is in Cedar Rapids- which is about 1 1/2 hours away from our home.  I have a long day ahead of me- but I'm looking forward to it!

I am so thankful that today the weather is going to be a little warmer and it is actually going to be above freezing for a change!!  WOWSER!!!

I hope you have a SENSATIONAL Sunday!!!
Happy Stamping!
HUGS!
SUSIE

Sale-a-bration 'Lotus Bossom' stamp set-

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this new 'Lotus Blossom' stamp set that is in the Sale-a-bration Mini Catalog.  This is one of the cards for my January card classes.  This is just a very elegant card that could be great for many different Occasions.

stamp set:  'Lotus Blossom' (SAB)
card stock:  Blackberry Bliss, Perfect Plum, Very Vanilla
ink:  Blackberry Bliss; Pear Pizzazz, Perfect Plum
supplies:  Texture Boutique Embossing Machine; Delicate Designs Embossing Folder; Extra Large Oval Punch; Blackberry Bliss Satin Ribbon; Dimensionals, Glue Dots

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We went to our annual racing banquet last night and had a nice time.  It sure was cold out though!   Darn....I am so ready for a little warmer temps.  This cold is hard on all of our animals- so making extra sure they have water, extra bedding and extra food.  

This morning I'm headed out the door now to meet some old co-worker friends for coffee.  I'm looking forward to catching up with them.  Then Manda and I are going with Sarah and her mom- shopping for brides maid dresses.  When I get home tonight I'll be finishing cutting card stock and packing up for my stampin' parties that I have tomorrow. 

I hope you have a SUPER Saturday!! 
Happy Stamping!
Hugs!
SUSIE

Some clean & simple hearts!

Here is a cute Valentines card that I made with some left over pieces I had laying on my Stampin' Studio table.  I thought it turned out cute & made a clean & simple card.  I love the image of a heart!  And love these 3 in a row!

stamp set:  'You Plus Me'

card stock:  Real Red, Basic Black, Whisper White

ink:  Real Red, Black Memento

supplies:  Sweetheart Punch, Paper Snips, Dimensionals

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

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The darn winter weather put a damper on my turn out for those being able to join me last night to stamp.  I missed those that couldn't make it- but I would rather have you safe than out on bad roads.  I enjoyed my time visiting & stamping with those here.  I pray that the weather will be better for our monthly class here next month!

I'm headed in to pick up the boys.  And so thankful we'll get to spend our day in our warm home.  Poor Deke will be out in this darn weather trying to fix a broken auger.  We have more piggies that need moved too as we are trying to get buildings all ready for new babies to arrive in the next couple of weeks- but think Deke is going to wait & move them now on Saturday since the weather is to be a little warmer then.  I've had enough snow, cold & wind for the winter.  Our driveway & sidewalks got shoveled out 4 times yesterday between Deke & I & they are completely drifted in again.  

Tonight- Deke, me, Nathan, Sarah, Manda & Steve will be attending the racing banquet together.  The Seeley boys other grandparents will be keeping them.  It will be fun to have an adult night out together honoring Nathan's racing year.  We're looking forward to seeing some racing friends too that we haven't seen for awhile.  

I hope you have a FABULOUS Friday!!!

Stay warm & safe!!

Happy Stamping!
Hugs!
SUSIE

'Hey Valentine' Fishy!

 There is a cute little group of fishy on this Valentines card.  I got a circle swap with fishy on it from Carol Payne and I added to her idea when I was making this card. 

stamp set:  'Hey Valentine' & 'Gorgeous Grunge'
card stock:  Red Glimmer Paper, Basic Black, Marina Mist, Whisper White & Real Red
ink:  Black Memento, White Craft, Marina Mist
markers: various colors from Many Marvelous Markers set
other:  Big Shot, Decorative Dots Embossing Folder, Circle Framelits, Itty Bitty Accents (heart), White Embossing Powder, Embossing Buddy, Heat Tool, Paper Snips, Dimensionals

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

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I am having Stampin' Night at our house tonight!!  Everyone joining me will be making 6 cute cards using new products from the Occasions and Sale-a-bration catalogs.  I can't wait to share!

Manda has an early meeting today so I'm off to pick up the boys and spend my day with them.  I hope you have a very special Thursday! 

Happy Stamping!

Hugs!

SUSIE

A clean & simple birthday card!

Hey- we all need birthday cards don't we!  Well here is a clean and simple one I made using some New Occasions Catalog and Sale-a-bration (SAB) products.  Don't you just love the spackled designer paper.  And check out this awesome bow that is made with the new Bow Builder Punch- which is so cute, simple and such a wow!

I think I need to add some Dazzling Diamonds Glitter to this slice of cake!  
 
stamp set:  'One Tag Fits All'
card stock:  Calypso Coral, Blushing Bride, Whisper White
designer paper:  Best Year Ever (earn for FREE during SAB)
ink:  Calypso Coral
Blendablities marker set:  Calypso Coral and Daffodil Delight Assortments  (earn for FREE during SAB)
other: 2 1/2" Circle Punch, 2 3/8" Scalloped Circle Punch, Bow Builder Punch, Dimensionals, Glued Dots
 

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

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It was a LATE night on the farm in the cold last night.   We didn't get done working very early, as it was around 10:30 when we walked in the house door.  We were both cold and tired- but we got big pigs sorted and loaded on the semis and they are headed to the packing house.  We then moved the rest of the pigs in the old finisher, drained the waters there so they wouldn't freeze and cleaned the pens.  Hopefully later this week we'll get smaller piggies moved back into that building.  It isn't much fun making supper so late at night either.  I have several things yet I had hoped to get done- that didn't happen.  As I know that I have tons of emails that I need to read and reply to and I also have to get the toys picked up in the toy room too, etc.  All can wait...I guess.  I'll work on getting it done today.

This morning Deke is headed to a meeting in Ottumwa.  I am home alone (I think).  Sigourney School is cancelled today due to the extreme cold temps.  I know I have tons to do!!  I can catch up on things that I didn't get done yesterday, work on farm books and pay those bills, work on my script and things for my Leadership Presentation, and hopefully get card stock cut and things ready for my Stampin' Party I have tomorrow night.

I HOPE you all stay warm and safe and have a WONDERFUL Wednesday!

Happy Stamping!
Hugs!
SUSIE

This weeks- "WEEKLY DEALS"- Jan 6-12, 2015!

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Woo Hoo!! Let the Celebrating BEGIN!

Woo Hoo!!!  Today is the first official day that the New Occasions Catalog & the Sale-a-bration Catalog go live.  You can now begin ordering from both of these catalogs.  

If you haven't seen them yet- click on the links below to see all of the new products that Stampin' Up!(R) has to offer right now.  I love all of the new products & I have a HUGE wish list!  I know what I'm going to be doing with my Christmas money. 

 

 Here is the New Occasions Catalog.
This catalog if FULL of new stamp sets, punches, designer paper & accessories that you are going to LOVE!
This catalog runs from January 6- June 2, 2015!

Click HERE to see what is inside of it!

 

Here is the New Sale-a-bration (SAB) Catalog.
Sale-a-bration runs January 6- March 31, 2015!
Check out all of the products you can earn for FREE with every $50 of product (before shipping & tax) that you spend!!

Click HERE to see what is inside!

You can CONTACT ME to place an order!

OR

You can ORDER ON LINE FROM MY WEBSITE HERE! 

Let it SNOW with 'Sheltering Tree'!

WOW- what a winter wonderland we have here at our home!  We have several inches of snow!  It is very pretty to just look at out the window.  But we are going to have record breaking low temps the next 2 days.  Oh the joys of living in Iowa! 

Isn't this card just so pretty?  I love it!!  When I first saw this tree stamp set in the New Occasions Catalog I knew right away that I wanted to try this technique with it!

This card is one of the cards everyone joining me in January for my monthly classes will be making.  It goes perfectly with the scene outside right now too!  I have visions of making all 4 seasons using this set- so be watching for more projects I'll be creating and posting using this set in the future!

Do you see the snow sitting on the branches of the tree?  I made the snow using a white crayon, doing the crayon resist technique.  It is just so neat!

AND 

I've robbed all of the white crayons from every box of crayons the boys have.  They'll never know until they start school that there is suppose to be a white crayon in their crayon boxes.  

NOTE:  When doing the crayon technique.....

• Stamp image (I used Black Memento Ink Pad)
• Using the white crayon draw lines along the edges of the image where you want it to look like the snow is sitting.
• Ink your sponge in Soft Sky ink & rub over the tree.  You might need to rub over the image several times to add enough color to make the white crayon show up & pop.

stamp set:  'Sheltering Tree'
card stock:  Basic Black, Whisper White, Soft Sky
ink pads:  Black Memento, Softy Sky
supplies:  Big Shot, Decorative Dots Embossing Folder, Paper Snips, Painted Blooms Cotton Twine (Soft Sky), Sponge, dimensionals
other: White Crayon

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I had a great day with my boys yesterday!  They are just so sweet.  How blessed we are.

School is delayed 2 hours this morning here in Sigourney.  So I'll be busy placing orders and doing SU! business things until I go pick up the boys.  Tonight I'll be a farmer helping Deke.  I can honestly say that I'm not thrilled at all about going out in the frigid temps to work with the hogs.  We are selling 2 load of hogs tonight- so I pray that all goes well.  I hope they load well and that the truckers make it to the packing house safely.  

Gotta run.....I have LOTS of orders to get entered from Kathy's party on Sunday.  I just LOVE the New Occasions Catalog and Sale-a-bration Catalog products and I'm hearing many of you do too! 

Ok....gotta run!!
I hope you all stay warm and safe today!
Be sure to check back again tomorrow to see another card created with new products!
Happy Stamping!
Hugs!
SUSIE

SAY GOOD-BYE TO THE HOLIDAY CATALOG!

Today is the LAST day to order things that will be retiring from the Holiday Catalog.
Click HERE to see the list! 
I'll be placing an order tonight if you need me to order you anything at the last minute.

Tomorrow is the official kick off for the New Occasions & Sale-a-bration (SAB) Catalogs!!

If you have any questions don't hesitate to contact me.
  

You & Me

Here is a cute Valentines card that I made for a swap that I did with my GoDiva Demonstrator friends.  I LOVE this Black and White Designer Series Paper Stack!  It is called- Stacked with Love Designer Paper Stack and comes with 48 assorted sheets (4 each of 12 different double-sided designs) and is 4 1/2 x 6 1/2".  On the back side it has different prints in colors of:  Calypso Coral, Crisp Cantaloupe, Real Red, Basic Black and Whisper White with different various prints.

 

I LOVE the Basic Black, Real Red and Whisper White together!  This stamp set and the Stacked with Love Designer Paper Stack is also available as a bundle and you can save 15% when you buy them together.

stamp set:  'You Plus Me'

card stock:  Basic Black, Whisper White, Real Red,

designer paper:  Stacked with Love Designer Paper Stack

ink:  Black Memento Pad

other supplies:  Big Shot, Happy Heart Textured Embossing Folder, 2 1/2" Circle Punch, 2 3/8" Scalloped Circle Punch, 2" Circle Punch, What's Up Punch, Dimensionals, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack (heart), Glue Dots

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This is another crazy busy week for us.....I hope that I can get everything done that I need to.

Deke is headed to the office and I'm headed in to Manda's to pick up the boys.  I'm looking forward to spending our day together.  Trey is a mover and on the go now....and he is only 6 1/2 months old.  Gosh they grow up too fast!

Gosh it is soooooo COLD out!  We had a couple inches on snow yesterday morning and more is headed our way.  We are on the breaking line for the amount we could end up getting- so hope we get the lesser amount.

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

It is time to CELEBRATE with Sale-a-bration!

Here is a cute birthday card I made using some new products from the Sale-a-bration Mini Catalog! I created this for my GoDiva swap with some dear demonstrator friends.  

I love the bright colors and designs here.  Check out the stamp set, the Designer Paper and the ribbon.  They are all products that you can earn for free during Sale-a-bration!  Woo Hoo!

I am super excited about Sale-a-bration this year and I will be CELEBRATING it with so many of my friends!  Today is my first Kick Off event for 2015!  I'm super excited to get to see everyone and have them all stamp 6 cool cards that I've been creating!!

stamp set:  'Big Day' (SAB)
card stock:  Coastal Cabana, Soft Suede, Whisper White, Calypso Coral, Crushed Curry
designer paper:  Best Year Ever Designer Paper (SAB)
ink:  Soft Suede
Blendablitlies Markers:  Coastal Cabana
other supplies:  Best Day Ever ribbon (SAB), Banner Punch, 2 1/2" Circle Punch, Big Shot, Starburst Framelits, dimensionals, Glue Dot, Paper Snips

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

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I've still got some card stock to cut and things to finish getting ready before I can walk out the door this morning.  Brayden stayed with us last night- so I need to get him up, make his pancakes and bacon and spend a little time with him this morning too before I take him to his other grandparents.

I would like to take a few minutes to share how very THANKFUL our family is that Brayden's mom Kimi is ok.  She was in a terrible automobile accident yesterday morning.  The young man that ran the stop sign and hit her was killed at the scene.  Kimi only has a broken left wrist, lots of bruises and some scratches.  She should be released from the hospital sometime today.  She rolled her vehicle down a deep ditch into 4 feet of standing water.  The SUV landed on it's top and started filling up with water.  It is a miracle that Kimi somehow got out of her seat belt, through and away from the air bags, found a metal piece on a small shovel she had in the back end of her SUV and starting beating on the back window until she got it broken.  She then kicked the window out so that she could crawl out of the SUV.  She definitely had an angel watching over her!!  The vehicle is destroyed.  AND we are so BLESSED that the boys (Brayden and his baby brother Jacobi) were not with Kimi (which they normally are).  The boys were both safe and sound at home, as Mike's parents were visiting and they stayed home with them.  What a miracle that is!!  We too are very sad and heartbroken for the Fisher family with the loss of their son.  Will you please keep them in your prayers as they suffer from this tragic accident too.

Sending many blessings your way......
Hugs!
SUSIE

Here is the LONG LIST of items RETIRING with the Holiday Catalog!!

• If you are wanting to order any of these items before they are gone- be sure to do so!!  
• These are all items from the Holiday Catalog and they will be gone after Monday, January 5th, 2015!
• The New Occasions Catalog and Sale-a-bration Catalogs start on Tuesday, January 6th, 2015!
• You can contact me HERE!
• Or ORDER ON LINE HERE!

ITEMS RETIRING FROM THE HOLIDAY CATALOG-
Under The Tree Specialty Designer Series Paper[135825]
Cheerful Tags Photopolymer Stamp Set[135065]
Under The Tree Tag ABag Accessory Kit [135865]
Cherry Cobbler 1" Sheer Linen Ribbon [135839]
Trim The Tree Designer Series Paper Stack[135824]
Trendy Trims Photopolymer Stamp Set[136820]
To & From Wood-Mount Stamp Set[135191]
Cut & Ready Card Bases Cherry Cobbler [135808]
Cut & Ready Card Bases Garden Green [137093]
Cut & Ready Card Bases Lost Lagoon [137094]
Cut & Ready Card Bases Old Olive [135809]
Festive Designer Kraft Paper Rolls [135828]
25 Days Photopolymer Stamp Set [135041]
Trio Of Trees 1 Lines [137390] TrioOfTrees2Lines[137388] TrioOfTrees3Lines[135176]
Cheerful Christmas Wood-Mount Stamp Set [135146]
Filigree Frame Textured Embossing Folder[135818]
Nordic Designer Buttons [135836]
Real Red 3/8" Satin Woven Ribbon [135840]
Nordic Noel Designer Series Paper[135822]
Holiday Home Photopolymer Stamp Set [135095]
Homemade Holiday Framelits Dies[135857]
Holiday Home Photopolymer Bundle[137631]
Mingle All The Way Wood-Mount Stamp Set[135770]
Mingle All The Way Clear-Mount Stamp Set[135773]
Santa Stache Wood-Mount Stamp Set[135032]
Santa Stache Clear-Mount Stamp Set[135035]
Christmas Bauble Wood-Mount Stamp Set [133824]
Happy Hanukkah Wood-Mount Stamp [135782]
The Newborn King Wood-Mount Stamp Set[135110]
The Newborn King Clear-Mount Stamp Set[135113]
Letterpress Winter Photopolymer Stamp Set [135143]
All Is Calm Designer Washi Tape[135844]
Frosted Sequins[135835]
On Point T extured Embossing Folder [135876]
All Is Calm Snowflake Embellishment [137383]
LostLagoon3/8"SilkyTaffetaRibbon[135841]
Snowflake Card Thinlits Dies [135855]
All Is Calm SpecialtyDesigner Series Paper [135823]
Wintertime Wood-Mount Stamp Set [136565]
Nature's Peace Wood-Mount Stamp Set[135116]
Nature's Peace Clear-Mount Stamp Set[135119]
Beauty Of The Season Wood-Mount Stamp Set[135776]
Beauty Of The Season Clear-Mount Stamp Set[135779]
Ornamental Pine Wood-Mount Stamp Set[135104]
Ornamental Pine Clear-Mount Stamp Set [135107]
Santa & Co.Embellishments[135845]
Santa & Co.Designer Washi Tape[135843]
Santa & Co.Designer Series Paper[135821]
Visions Of Santa Photopolymer Stamp Set [135167]
Get Your Santa On Photopolymer Stamp Set [135761]
White Christmas Photopolymer Stamp Set [135767]
Endless Wishes Photopolymer Stamp Set [136829]
Bearing Gifts Wood-Mount Stamp Set [136667]
Partridge & Pears Wood-Mount Stamp Set [133854]
Partridge & Pears Clear-Mount Stamp Set [133857]
Frightful Wreath Simply Created Kit[135866]
Frightful Wreath Photopolymer Stamp Set[136816]
Watercolor Winter SimplyCreated Kit [135869] WatercolorWinterTooPhotopolymerStampSet[136819]
Gratitude For Days Photopolymer Stamp Set [136818]
Gratitude For Days Simply Created Kit [135868]
Color Me Autumn Designer Washi Tape[135842]
Color Me Autumn Designer Series Paper [135820]
I'm Thankful For Wood-Mount Stamp Set[135170]
Seasonally Scattered Wood-Mount Stamp Set[135020]
Seasonally Scattered Clear-Mount Stamp Set[135023]
Ghoulish Greetings Wood-Mount Stamp Set[136663]
Ghoulish Greetings Clear-Mount Stamp Set[136664]
Freaky Friends Wood-Mount Stamp Set[135158]
Freaky Friends Clear-Mount Stamp Set [135161]
Motley Monsters Designer Series Paper [135819]
Fall Fest Photopolymer Stamp Set [135194]
Fun Fall Framelits Dies[135856]
Fall Fest Photopolymer Bundle [137628]
Autumn Wooden Elements [135846]
Tee-Hee-Hee Photopolymer Stamp Set[135125]
Halloween Street Wood-Mount Stamp Set [136567]
Making Spirits Bright Wood-Mount Stamp Set [135086]
Making Spirits Bright Clear-Mount Stamp Set[135089]
Holiday Invitation Photopolymer Stamp Set [135074]

It is a clean & simple Saturday!

Here is a sneak peek of one of the hostess sets from the New Occasions Catalog.  I love this little worm.  He is one of the 8 stamps from the set- 'Time to Celebrate'!  This card is a clean & simple one that I cased from someone that created it & had on our display table at Founders last fall.  I have no clue who made it though.  It sure is a clean & simple card- but I love it!

stamp set:  'Time to Celebrate'

card stock:  Whisper White

designer paper:  Back to Black

ink:  Black Memento

Blendabilities markers: Daffodil Delight, Old Olive & Coastal Cabana

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

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I spent my day stamping yesterday & will be stamping all day again today!!  I'm having fun with the new products from the upcoming New Occasions Catalog & Sale-a-bration Mini catalog.  I can't wait to see everyone joining us for Kathy's stampin' party tomorrow.  It will be my first party of 2015 to kick of these new catalogs. Woo hoo!  

I hope you have a very special Saturday!!

Happy Stamping!
Hugs!
SUSIE

An Occasions Sneak Peek!

This is a single stamp that is in the Occasions Catalog.  I love the tulips!  It makes me think of spring.

stamp set:  'Love Is Kindness'
card stock:  Soft Sky, Basic Black & Whisper White
designer paper:  Painted Blooms
ink: Black Memento pad
Blendablitiles Markers:  Bermuda Bay & Wild Wasbi (2 new sets of colors)
other:  Linen Thread, 2 Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Scallop Edge Border Punch, dimensionals, glue dot

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

I hope you have a FABULOUS Friday!!

Happy Stamping!
hugs!
SUSIE

It is 2015! Happy New Year!!!

Woo Hoo!  Happy New Year to all of you!!! I hope that 2015 brings much happiness, health and wealth to each of you!  I look forward to sharing my love of stamping with you this year!

So what do you think of my card?  I tired to make it a sparkly one.  I rarely use gold- but thought it was fitting for the occasion.  I think it turned out pretty cute!

stamp set:  Embellished Events

card stock:  Baked Brown Sugar, Gold Foil, Whisper White

designer paper:  Fancy Foil Designer Vellum

ink pad:  Baked Brown Sugar

other:  Gold Sequin Trim, Glue Dots, Scalloped Oval Punch, Large Oval Punch, Dimensionals

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

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I had a nice day yesterday as Brayden spent the day with me.  Nathan and Mark worked in the shop.  Deke was in the office in the morning & then spent the afternoon/evening choring and trying to fix a water problem on the farm.  Our poor piggies didn't have any water to drink....so the pump/well guy came and put a new pump in at the pond and it still wasn't working.  So we re-routed things from an old well here at the house so that the piggies would have water through the night. 

Deke and I were suppose to go out for supper with my sisters/brother-in-laws, but we were disappointed, as we didn't get to go since Deke didn't get in the house until about 8.  So we went to town to Nathan's for awhile to spend the evening with our family.  The boys had fun playing and we all enjoyed our time together visiting and chatting about upcoming wedding plans.  We were home early and to bed long before midnight.

We were up bright and early this morning as Deke's friend Bill has a backhoe business and he's coming out to help Deke dig.  Someplace we have a bad leak.  I just pray they find it and can get it fixed today!!

I think I'm home alone today.....so I have LOTS to catch up on, on my day off.  I want to stamp all day!  I pray I have good mojo and things just click for creating cards for my upcoming January classes.  I am excited to get to play with a bunch of new products from the Occasions and Sale-a-bration catalogs!!

New Years day isn't a day that our family celebrates much.  As today is the 29th anniversary of my brother-in-law (Deke's little brother) Daryn's passing.  He was a special young man and he will never be forgotten.  Oh how we wish he was still here with us!!

I hope you have a very special day!!

Happy Stamping!
Love and Blessings-
SUSIE