Friday, November 26, 2010

Turkey Coma Wearing Off

Today I am VERY grateful for the invention of automatic dishwashers!  My hands had taken enough of a beating with the constant hand-washing while prepping the food.....I don't think they could have survived an hour in hot sudsy water!

This is the napkin ring I threw together at the last minute for our holiday table.  Stamped all over Shimmery White cardstock using the French Foliage set in autumn colors, then gold heat-embossed the maple leaf from Autumn Splendor on Cajun Craze and cut it out.  Ran a 2" strip of the stamped cardstock through the paper crimper, made a ring using Sticky Strip, stuck the embossed leaf on with a glue dot and tied some raffia around it.  Simple!
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to you all!  I am thankful for so many things; the obvious ones like having a roof over my head and a warm place to sleep, a full tummy, my health, my family, and my friends.  But also for things that are less obvious, like the ability to connect with people from all over the world through the Internet.  I am thankful for YOU, the people who so kindly visit my little blog, and those who take the time to leave comments, and those who post their creations on their blogs that inspire me.  So, this card is for all of you:
Free Smiley Courtesy of www.millan.net

Stamp: Under the Stars (greeting printed on computer)
Cardstock: Whisper White, Old Olive, Cottage Wall DSP
Ink: Basic Black Classic, bear colored with Copic markers
Accessories: Old Olive 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Neutrals Button, Linen Thread, Modern Label Punch, Word Window Punch

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

It's UnBEARable

My gratitude today is for all the military members who are serving our country, especially the ones who have to spend the holidays away from their families.  It is so hard for them, AND their loved ones, and I truly am grateful for the sacrifices they make for us.

And in that vein, today's card is going to be included with the next batch going to Operation Write Home, for a deployed service member to send home to a loved one!  BTW, don't forget to vote for OWH at Joann's Craft for a Cause - you can vote once a day through December 4th!
Stamp: Teddy & Train (greeting printed on computer)
Cardstock: Confetti White, Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake, Watercolor Paper
Ink: Soft Suede Classic, Cherry Cobbler Classic
Accessories: Very Vanilla 5/8" Seam Binding Ribbon, Heart Bitty Button, Linen Thread, Perfect Polka-Dots embossing folder, Square Lattice embossing folder, Big Shot Die-Cut Machine, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Decorative Label Punch, Word Window Punch, Basic Pearls

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Easy Peasy Christmas

Today I am thankful that my dad is on his way to spend Thanksgiving with us!  He's been battling (and winning) Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma for about 5 years, so I treasure every blessed moment we share.

Here is a card that is a perfect example of "quick and easy" (and if you know me, you know how I love those words!).  All you need is some Designer Series Paper, and an appropriate greeting. The paper becomes the main focal point, rather than a stamped image, so you don't have to mess with stamping and coloring.  Like I said, quick and easy!
The only thing I did to dress it up a bit was add the triple bow with an Antique Brad center, and heat emboss the greeting.
Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Cherry Cobbler, Brushed Gold
DSP: Deck the Halls
Ink: Cherry Cobbler Craft
Accessories: Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder, Heat Tool, Very Vanilla 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon, Antique Brads

WOWSERS!

Stampin' Up! is really rocking the holidays.....first it was the Holiday Bundles for 20% off.  Then they kicked it up a notch and offered the demonstrator Starter Kits for 50% off the already great price (so you get over $320 in products for a mere $87.50).  I've never seen it at such a discount!

Now they're having an Online Spectacular, which is like Black Friday and Cyber Monday all rolled together, with free shipping (on qualified orders) thrown in!!!  If you've been wanting to get my Digital Studio, but couldn't quite afford it, it is now 50% off, along with the fabric bundles, and the Sweet Shoppe stamp bundles (wood or clear mount).  And here is something to seriously consider.....in the new Sale-A-Bration catalog, which starts January 25th, there are FREE digital downloads for My Digital Studio!

The deals continue with 40% and 30% off stamp bundles, embellishments, tools, dies for the Big Shot and much more.  This Online Spectacular ends November 30th, so check out the flyer, then click on the SHOP NOW button.  Christmas will be here sooner than you think!!!

Oh, and today I am thankful that I am a part of the fabulous Stampin' Up! family.  What  great company to be associated with!

Monday, November 22, 2010

A Poinsettia CASE

Today I am eternally thankful for the talented people who so freely share their creative genius on their blogs....without whom I would be stuck for inspiration.  Occasionally two of my brain cells bump into each other and I'll have a great idea of my own.  But more often than not, I turn to the creativity of others to help get my mojo going.

Today's card is just such a piece.  This card was the source of creativity for today, found on Deb Burgins's blog, Heartfelt Inkspiration.  Thanks, Deb, for getting some ideas popping in my head!!!

Sunday, November 21, 2010

S.O.C.A.S.

In continuation of the month of gratitude theme, right now I am thankful for the rain that has been falling today.  We surely need it, and now I am pretty sure we won't have any firestorms this year!

This card is sort of clean and simple, hence SOCAS in the blog title. :-)  I think the addition of the crocheted lace bow and flower button push it a little out of the realm of CAS, but overall, it's still a quick and easy card to make.  A little scrap of DSP, a fancy border punch, a simple greeting, some ribbon and brads, and there you go!
Stamp: Four the Holidays
Cardstock: Very Vanilla
DSP: Jolly Holiday
Ink: Old Olive
Accessories, Old Olive 5/8" Satin Ribbon, Old Olive brads, Chantilly 1/2" Crocheted Lace Trim, Button from Earth Elements button set

Saturday, November 20, 2010

19 for 19

My attitude of gratitude today is being very grateful for my stamp cave.  I can go in and create to my heart's content, letting the worries of the everyday world just fall away.  Kind of hard to put a price on just how precious that is!

Today's card is for a swap coming up.  The theme this time was a real bear.  No, not the ursine animal kind of bear.....I mean there had to be swirls on the DSP, and pearls AND rhinestones.  This turned out okay, I guess.  Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn't!  This is an in-between one for me. ;-)
And I almost didn't get this posted in time!  This is National Blog Posting Month, and the goal is to post something every day for the entire month.  That's not as easy as it sounds!  Anyway, I've been keeping up (barely) so far, but next week is definitely going to be a challenge.  Why couldn't they choose a boring month, like March, with no major holidays that require lots of preparation?
Free Smiley Courtesy of www.millan.net

Friday, November 19, 2010

Rejoicing in Christmas

I am thankful today for the sights, and sounds, and smells of the holidays.  My CD player isn't working, otherwise I'd have Christmas music playing while I'm in my craft room.  Maybe I'll ask Santa for a CD player. :-)

Here's another CAS (clean and simple) card.  After doing a little straightening in the stamp cave, there were some bits and pieces that cried out to be used, and this was the result.
Stamp: Rejoicing in Christmas (W-120829, C-121139)
Cardstock: Baja Breeze111352), Night of Navy (100867), Whisper White (100730)
Ink: Basic Black Classic (101179)
Accessories: Watercolor Pencils (101879), Blender Pens (102845), Scallop Trim Border Punch (118402), Scallop Trim Corner Punch (118870), Big Shot Die-Cut Machine (113439), Perfect Polka-Dots embossing folder (117335), Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint (made into mist spray, 116806), scrap ribbon

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Something a Little Different

As I sit here making my grocery shopping list for next week's feast, I am thankful for the abundance and variety of food available to us at the grocery store. Although I really enjoy gardening, I'm so glad I don't HAVE to garden/hunt/gather food just for survival!

Today's card is for Operation Write Home.  It is past the deadline for Christmas cards now, and we're on to Valentine's Day!  This isn't exactly a Valentine, but I'm sure it expresses the feelings of probably 99.9 percent of our deployed service members. The tag reads "In my thoughts 24/7."
Don't forget to vote today (and every day) for Operation Write Home over at Joann's Craft for a Cause Contest!

Stamps: Have a Seat (W-116696, C-120447), Hodgepodge Happiness (W-117141, C-120570)
Cardstock: Whisper White (100730), Night of Navy (100867)
DSP: Subtles Designer Series Paper Stack (117152)
Ink: Night of Navy (102997)
Accessories: Night of Navy 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon (119954), Linen Thread (104199), 3/4" Circle Punch (), 1" Circle Punch (119868), 1/16" Handheld Punch (101227)

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Adventures in Candle Stamping

Today I am eternally grateful to my loving husband for his kindness, sense of humor, and patience with his crazy wife.

With Christmas right around the corner, I've been looking for gift ideas that utilize stamping, and saw these delightful tea lights on Tanya Boser's blog, Tinkerin In Ink with Tanya.  Tea light gift ensembles have been popping up all over recently, and they looked so easy, I thought I'd give them a try.

First, I'll let you in on a little hint.  DON'T buy the tea lights that have a little dome-shaped top.  The stamped tissue won't lay flat, and you'll have to heat it so long with the heat tool, that the wax builds up on top of your stamped image, like so:


For the next one, I tried shaving off some of the dome, and not heating the tea light quite as long, and the result was better, but still not up to my obsessive compulsive high standards.


Next, a holiday image was in order, with some holly, which turned out okay, but the image should have been a little larger, for more "wow".


Then inspiration struck!  How about a little snowman?!  I love snowmen!!!  Snowmen are one of my favorite things - right up there with raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens!  So, I stamped this little guy from the Tags til Christmas set, without inking up the "To" and "From".  He turned out kinda cute......



....until I realized from where the wick was protruding:


No wonder he has that big smile on his face.  Ummm, I may have to rethink this one.....

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Welcome Christmas

It was such a perfect day today....beautiful weather, time spent with stamping friends, lots of laughter, and good food....today I am thankful for all my senses, so that I am able to enjoy days like this!

This was a quick card using leftovers on my desk.  (Oh Lord, you don't even want to see the chaos that is my stamp cave right now!)
Stamp: Welcome Christmas
Cardstock, Whisper White, Not Quite Navy
Ink: Basic Black, Not Quite Navy, VersaMark
Accessories: Gold Stampin' Emboss Powder, Heat Tool, Oval Scallop Frame Die, Big Shot Die-Cut Machine, gold elastic card (retired), Gold Lame Smooch Pearlized Accent Ink

Sunday, November 14, 2010

SIMPLY AMAZING!!!

Today I am thankful to be a part of this wonderful Stampin' Up! family.  I about swooned when I saw this offer!

You can get the ENTIRE starter kit (Regular or Digital), with $310-320 worth of products, for only $87.50, which is 50% off the regular kit price!  That means getting about $225 worth of goodies FOR FREE!  And, you don't have to pay for shipping on the kit, either!!!
Free Smiley Courtesy of www.millan.net
If ever you were thinking about joining, either as a hobby demo just to get the discount, or as an opportunity to make a little added $$ every month (for a monthly bill or a child's activity?), NOW is the time to join!  (Well, not NOW now, because it doesn't start until tomorrow.)  ;-)  This deal only lasts 2 weeks, from November 15-30.  I've never seen it offered this low!!!

What's the catch? None...you can keep everything, no matter what!  There are no obligations whatsoever.
Can you customize the kit? YES!  There are choices on 21 of 28 items in the kit, so if you already have something in the kit, you can choose something different.
Why is Stampin' Up! doing this?  Because they love you..... and to help attain the goal they set of 10,000 new demonstrators for 2010.
Free Smiley Courtesy of www.millan.net
Ready to take the plunge?  You won't regret it!  CLICK HERE to access my Stampin' Up! website, then click the "Join Now" button on the left.  Enter password = Happy2BStamping.  If you have any questions, you can contact me through the contact info on my Stampin' Up! website.  I'd be happy to bend your ear talk with you!  If it's long distance, I'll call you back on my dime. (Boy, that sure dates me, doesn't it?)

Need one more reason to "nudge" you toward joining my team?  As a bonus from me personally, you will receive any product(s) of your choice valued up to $25.00.  This won't be in your kit - it will come from me directly, so once you sign up, I will contact you and find out what you want!

A few (of the many) reasons to join:
  • Learn the super-secret handshake that grants you access to demonstrator-only areas of Splitcoast Stampers, Stampin' Addicts, and the Stampin' Connection, SU's demo site. ;-)
  • Earn my undying gratitude, and get helpful ideas/projects for a successful business from me.  I'm here to help you any way I can!
  • Get the monthly Stampin' Success magazine, full of tips and ideas for using the products and being successful.
  • Get sneak previews (and pre-orders) from the upcoming catalogs. (Just wait until you see what's coming in the new Occasions Mini and Sale-A-Bration in January!!!)
  • Never pay full price for your stamps or products again - everything is 20% off for demos!
  • Earn 20-40% commission (based on sales), and free stamps, and a fabulous cruise, and......
  • Make wonderful new friendships, and get paid top do what you love (I think this is the best part!).
  • Flexibility - do as little or as much as you want, when you want.
  • Be a part of a world-renowned company with a reputation for integrity and true devotion to its demonstrators.  (Truly..... Demonstrator Support ROCKS!  They'll take care of any little thing...replace things, answer questions, whatever.  They're the best!)
Need more reasons?  Sheesh, you're a tough sell!  Kidding!!!  Just call me and learn more.

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Last Wish, I Promise!

My attitude of gratitude today is for the glorious weather we have had this week.  Not too hot, not too cold....just right!  I sat on the front step today, and soaked up the warmth of the sunshine, and it felt great.

Just had to do one more card using the same cardstock and ink.  The accessories are changed up, but that's all.  This one uses the Northern Flurry embossing folder with Smooch Illuminate Top Coat accenting the flakes.
The shimmer is really subtle.  On the first card, Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint was sponged on to give the glow.  This card was much simpler - just spritzed with Frost White Shimmer Paint made into a mist spray.  I love the way it looks like a fine snow falling, softening the image.
If you look closely, you can see the Smooch Top Coat on the snowflakes, too.  It is so easy to apply with its little pointed brush (like nail polish, only more control!).


Stamps: A Wish for Peace (111614), Seasonal Sentiments (W-120821, C-121130)
Cardstock: Whisper White (100730), Night of Navy (100867), Marina Mist (119682)
Ink: Night of Navy (102977), Marina Mist (119668), So Saffron Stampin' Write Marker (105114)

Accessories: Frost White Shimmer Paint (116854, used as shimmer mist spray), Big Shot Die-Cut Machine (113439),  Northern Flurry Embossing Folder (120902), Scallop Trim Corner Punch (118870), Stamping Sponges (101610), Smooch Illuminate Top Coat (121084)

Friday, November 12, 2010

Another Wish for Peace

After hearing about a friend who was without water for an entire day (maintenance), I realized how fortunate we are to have clean water that flows from our tap whenever we want.  Many people around the world don't, so that's what I am thankful for today!

Here is another card using A Wish for Peace.  There is a dove stamp in that set that I thought about incorporating into this card, but I ran out of time.
Stamps: A Wish for Peace (111614), Curly Cute (W-117014, C-120510)
Cardstock: Whisper White (100730), Night of Navy (100867), Marina Mist (119682)
Ink: Night of Navy (102977), Marina Mist (119668), So Saffron Stampin' Write Marker (105114)

Accessories: Frost White Shimmer Paint (116854, used as shimmer mist spray), Basic Pearls (119247), Scallop Trim Corner Punch (118870), Stamping Sponges (101610)

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Veteran's Day Gratitude

A Veteran is someone, who at one point in their life, wrote a blank check payable to the United States of America for an amount up to, and including, their life.
Merely saying "Thank you" doesn't begin to express the gratitude I feel for the men and women who were, and are, willing to give their all for our freedom.  America is truly the land of the free because of the brave, and for that I will be eternally in their debt.  Thank you, Veterans.  And thank you to your families, who also sacrifice.  As the daughter of a career military man, I know what the families must endure firsthand.  May God bless you all.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

More "A Wish for Peace" Ideas

On this day, I am very grateful for the opportunity to be a Stampin' Up! demonstrator.  I absolutely, positively adore helping people unlock the creativity that lurks inside them!  Today is a case in point.  A stampin' buddy has been stumped about how to use her "A Wish for Peace" stamp set.  She had already seen one of my ideas here, and came over this afternoon to learn how to do it.  I also showed her a couple more ideas, and she'll be back Monday to do them, too!  Here is one of them, a CASE of Jennifer Timko's card here.  The stamped image was substituted for the wreath on the original card.
Stamps: A Wish for Peace (111614), Heard from the Heart (W-111644, C-120006)
Cardstock: Confetti Cream (102835), Always Artichoke (105119)
Ink: Always Artichoke Classic (105219), Stampin' Write Markers - Always Artichoke (105113), Cherry Cobbler (119681), So Saffron (105114)
Accessories: Cherry Cobbler 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon (120992)

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

The Other Card

Today (and EVERY day!) I am thankful for my loving, kind-hearted husband.  He is so much nicer and more compassionate than I am.  He makes me try to be a better person.

Here is the other card for my friend's 3-Day walk:
Stamp: Ribbon of Hope (115552)
Cardstock: Melon Mambo (115320), Pretty in Pink (100459), Whisper White (100730)
Ink: VersaMark (102283), Melon Mambo (115656)
Accessories: Big Shot Die-Cut Machine (113439), Elegant Lines embossing folder (119277), 1-3/4"x7/8" Oval Punch (119855), Scallop Oval Punch (119856, 3/16" Corner Rounder Punch (119871), 5/8" Organza Ribbon (114319), Pretty in Pink 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon (109032), Iridescent Ice Stampin' Emboss Powder (101930), Heat Tool (100005), Basic Pearls (119247), Frost White Shimmer Paint (116854, used as spray)

Monday, November 8, 2010

3-Day Walk

Today I am thankful that I know true friendship.  I am so blessed by the people around me!

A friend of mine (one of several, actually) is a breast cancer survivor, and will be participating in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure held later this month.  This will be her eighth walk!  She found out that she can receive cards and letters of encouragement during the three day event, so I made a couple of cards to send to her.  Here is the first one:
Stamp: Three Little Words (113254)
Cardstock: Pink Pirouette (111351), Rose Red (102544), Whisper White (100730)
DSP: Presto Patterns Specialty (117175)
Ink: Rose Red (101778)
Accessories: Pretty in Pink 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon (109067), Subtles Brads (119738), Bitty Buttons (118761), Basic Pearls (119247), Frost White Shimmer Paint (made into spray, 116854), Word Window Punch (119857), Modern Label Punch (119849), Heart to Heart Punch (119881), Movers & Shapers Punch Windows (115953), Big Shot Die-Cut Machine (113439), Butterfly punch (non-SU)

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Second Card from Club

Today I am thankful for the extra hour of sleep last night!

This was the other card we made yesterday.  Both of the cards were so simple to make, they could easily be produced in quantity for sending to everyone on your list.
Stamps: Tags til Christmas (W-121735, C-121760), All Holidays (114916)
Cardstock: Whisper White (100730), Cherry Cobbler (119685), Old Olive (100702)

DSP: Jolly Holiday (117159)
Ink: Cherry Cobbler Classic (119669)
Accessories: Old Olive 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon (111368), Ornament Punch (119847), Basic Pearls (119247)

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Monthly Stamp Club

Today I am thankful for the wonderful friends I've made at my upline's monthly stamp club!  They are a terrific group of ladies (and the very occasional guy - you know who you are, Ariel!).  I've been a club member since April of 2008, and even when I signed up to be a demo last year, Rosalie said I could still be in the club.  (Love you, Rosalie!)

This is one of the cards we made today.
It's actually a slight variation of the one Rosalie was demonstrating......she made a mistake on hers, fixed it to look like this, and I liked this even better, so I copied it when I got home.

Stamps: Tags til Christmas (W-121735, C-121760), All Holidays (114916)
Cardstock: Whisper White (100730), Cherry Cobbler (119685), Old Olive (100702)
Ink: Stampin' Write Markers, Old Olive (100079), Cherry Cobbler (119681), Early Espresso (119680)
Accessories: Decorative Label Punch (120907), Northern Flurry embossing folder (120902), Big Shot Die-Cut Machine (113439), Pear Pizzazz 1/2" Stitched Poly Ribbon (119265), Gold Brads (104337), Gold elastic cord (retired)

Friday, November 5, 2010

Gift Card

Today I am VERY grateful that my mom's pathology report was good, that her doctor is confident that she got all of the cancer, and that Mom doesn't have to endure radiation or chemotherapy!

Here's a little gift card holder that will be tucked in a birthday card this week.  This was a snap to make, and the tiny Petal Card Punch envelope is what holds the gift card envelope closed. Cute, huh?


Stamp: Cute by the Inch (W-116992, C-120130, Hostess Level Two set)
Cardstock: Very Vanilla (101650), Subtles Patterns DSP Stack (117152)
Ink: Rose Red Classic (101778)
Accessories: Paper Cutter (104152), Petal Card Punch (119273), 1/16" Handheld Circle Punch (101227), 1" square and corner rounder punches (non-SU), Linen Thread (104199), Sticky Strip (104294)

Birthdays, Birthdays, Birthdays!

Today I am thankful for the five loads of laundry I did, because it means my family has clothes to wear, a bed on which the linens go, and I have the means to keep them clean.

From the end of October to the first week in December, we have six birthdays in our family....then a lull until February hits with five more.  Must have been reeeeally cold nine months prior. ;-)
Stamps: Every Moment (W-117028, C-120522), Curly Cute (W-117014, C-120510)
Cardstock: Early Espresso (119686), Very Vanilla (101650), Watercolor Paper (105019)
DSP: Woodland Walk (117389), Subtles DSP Stack (117152)
Ink: Basic Black Classic (101179), Daffodil Delight Classic (119667), So Saffron Classic (105213), Pink Pirouette Classic (111838), Rose Red Classic (101778), Garden Green Classic (102272)
Accessories: Big Shot Die-Cut Machine (113439), Tasteful Trim Bigz Die (120893), Scallop Trim Border Punch (118402), Early Espresso 5/8" Satin Ribbon (119753), Very Vanilla 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon (109071), Chantilly 1/2" Crochet Trim (118480), 5/16" Neutral Jumbo Brads (112534), Blender Pens (102845), flower charm (non-SU)

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

CASEd Christmas Luminary

Today I am very thankful for my good health, and that even for a woman of my advanced years *smile*, I don't have to take any prescription medications! For that I am truly grateful!!!

I saw THIS adorable Christmas Tree Luminaria a week or so ago over at Add Ink and Stamp, and just had to make one, too (with my own spin, of course!).  This was so much fun to make using SU's White Vellum Cardstock.  It's a nice sturdy weight, perfect for projects such as this.  One of the benefits to the cardstock weight is you can heat emboss it without making the paper all wonky!
Stamp: Snow Swirled (111690)
Cardstock: Cherry Cobbler (119685), White Vellum Cardstock (101856), gold (non-SU)
Ink: VersaMark (102283)
Accessories: Paper Cutter with scoring blade (104152), Big Shot Die-Cut Machine (113439), Scallop Square Duo Die (120903, Holiday Mini), Whisper White 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon (119262), White Stampin' Emboss Powder (109132), Heat Tool (100005), Clear Rhinestone Brad (113144), Star Punch (retired)

Mom's Get Well

Today I am thankful that I have the right to vote in free elections, and believe me, I exercised that right today! May God bless those who have fought, and continue to fight, to preserve that right.

And today's card is for my mom, who is finally home from the hospital, YAY!!!
Stamp: Thoughts & Prayers (113252)
Cardstock: Very Vanilla (119946), Tangerine Tango (111349)
DSP: Patterns Packs III (Hostess Level One, retired)
Ink: Tangerine Tango Stampin' Write Marker (120974), Old Olive Stampin' Write Marker (100079)
Accessories: Very Vanilla 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon (109071), Linen Thread (104199), Brights Designer Buttons (119747), Pinking Hearts Border Punch (117649), Stamping Dimensionals (104430), Mini Glue Dots (103683)

Monday, November 1, 2010

A Month of Gratitude

For the entire month of November, I am going to try to post one thing each day, and along with it, something for which I am grateful.  Coming up with a different project each day may be a challenge, but having an attitude of gratitude will be a cinch!  I have SO MANY things on that list!!!  Today I am thankful that my parents are both still here with me on Earth.

Dad's birthday was last week, and here is the card he received:
I hope Stampin' Up! doesn't retire that Countryside stamp set any time soon.  It is sooo perfect for masculine cards.

Stamps: Countryside (W-116998, C-120495), Vintage Labels (Sale-A-Bration, retired)
Cardstock: Early Espresso (119686), Poppy Parade (In Color, 119793), Soft Suede (115318), Watercolor Paper (105019)
DSP: Newsprint (117166)
Ink: Soft Suede Classic (115657), Poppy Parade Classic (In Color, 119782), Early Espresso Classic (119670)
Accessories: Big Shot Die-Cut Machine (113439), Square Lattice embossing folder (119976), Antique Brads (117273), Mini Library Clips (109857), Blender Pens (102845)