Happy February

Written by on · Leave a Comment

Good morning on this bitter cold February morning. I heard this is the coldest we’ve seen here in Florida since 1982. It was 27 degrees when I got up this morning.

February CD Calendar

For this month’s calendar page I used Stampin’ Up’s Bee My Valentine stamp set and coordinating punch. 

 

I have two more cards to share using the same template as the Valentine Day card I posted a few days ago.
Friendly Foliage
 
 

The patterned DSP inside the card is some retired paper that happened to coordinate with the card.
 
Zany Zoo (Retired)
 
 
 
 
 
Bonus Days Coupons
 
If you ordered last month and earned a Bonus Day Coupon remember to redeem it between February 3rd – 28th.
 
 
 
 
 

Endless Love

Written by on · 2 Comments

I created this fun fold for a Valentine card. I tend not to send Valentine cards but this could be used to send to someone you are missing. Who are you missing? I have a granddaughter living in Chicago now and it means I won’t be seeing as much of her as I would like. The front side flaps are tucked behind the center square focal point. When opened the card looks like this:

And of course I like a decorated envelope:

 

 
 
 
Although we are not seeing the low temperatures and the snow and ice that so much of the country is dealing with, for us here in Florida it’s still winter to us. I do miss snow so much having grown up in Iowa but I sure would not want to have to shovel it or drive in it anymore.
 
 
This photo was from my son who lives in KY and was shoveling the driveway and walkway for two elderly women. The snow was coming up in these sheets of ice and snow and so difficult to remove he had to get a crowbar to help dislodge them. 
 

This is so much easier than shoveling snow. When it gets down to freezing temperatures at night I just cover the plants and go back inside to my nice, warm fire.

 

 

Stay warm. It’s going to be a chilly weekend.

Join Offer, Bonus Days, & January 2026 CD Calendar

Written by on · Leave a Comment

There are a few specials I want to let you know about before I share the newest CD calendar page for January.

Stampin’ Up Positioner.

There is a new positioning tool that will be available at a later date (not sure when that will be) however if you join as a new demonstrator between February 3 and March 2 you will get it FREE along with the starter kit. The starter kit is $99 and you select $125 of any product you want. And it ships FREE.

When you place a qualifying order between January 6th -February 2nd of $50 or more (before shipping and tax are added) you will receive a coupon via email from Stampin’ Up for $5 good on an order placed between February 3 rd- 28th. Keep track of the coupon number as that is what you will enter to redeem the coupon.

January 2026 CD Calendar

This just reminds me of a winter scene. The entire sheet was sprayed with a glittery spray so it really does sparkle. I used the retired stamp set Peaceful Evergreens. I rarely get rid of any of my Christmas sets. Balmy Blue ink was swirled across the middle of the stamp area with a blending brush and the trees were stamped with Night of Navy ink.

 

Thanks for stopping by,

Written by on · Leave a Comment

Oh my! I knew it had been a while since I last posted, but I was still shocked to see that my most recent post was back in April. Where does the time go? While I’ve been scaling back on how much stamping I do these days, nine months is still a bit longer than I intended!

To get back on track, I’ll be playing a little catch-up and sharing the CD calendar months I haven’t posted yet. And moving forward, I’ll do my best to be more consistent. Thanks for sticking with me — I’m happy to be back!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’ve been doing classes for the CD calendar for at least 12 years. It’s probably the favorite class of my customers. They make anywhere from just one calendar to as many as ten. I am up to making 24 myself for family and friends. I have never repeated a design over the years. Some months are easy to design, like December. I never have a problem with that. But March, that month gives me a headache. 

I hope everyone has had a good start to the year. Do you make resolutions? I don’t but I am going to try to be more present here. 

 


New Rewards Program & a Faker Shaker Card

Written by on · Leave a Comment

Introducing the new Stampin’ Rewards 🎉

Starting April 15, every order of $20 or more will earn you 10% in rewards to spend on a future purchase! 

  • No Limits: Whether it’s one order or many, the rewards keep adding up!
  • Track with Ease: Your rewards dashboard makes it simple to understand, monitor, and redeem your points.
  • Flexibility: Rewards are valid for an entire year, so you can save them up for something special!

How to Get Started:

  1. Create a Stampin’ Up! Online Store Account (if you don’t already have one)
  2. On or after April 15, when you login, you’ll see a pop-up in your account inviting you to opt-in to the new rewards program. It’s quick and easy!  Guests who check out without opting in won’t earn rewards, so make sure you’re signed in and enrolled!

Faker Shaker Card

Shaker cards are always fun and this version of a faker shaker card just as fun and a little easier to make.

 

A clear envelope is what makes this an easy shaker card. The floral DSP in inserted in the envelope and the embellishments added before the back is folded over and taped closed. 

It’s a bit hard to see the embellishments in the front of the card but there are several small sequins and flat beads enclosed in the clear envelope.

The directions and a video for this template can be found on Rachel Tessman’s blog here.

 

 

Have a great week!

April News & New Catalog Sneak Peaks

Written by on · Leave a Comment

 

As we get closer to the release of the new annual catalog in May Stampin’ Up has updated the Last Chance Products with those things that will be retiring. In years past I always had a retirement list to share with you however changing the way Stampin’ Up is handling the switch there is not an official list. Many of the products that will not be retiring and will not be in the new catalog will move to the Online Exclusives.

The Last Chance Products category will be updated every other month. Updates to this category will happen in February, April, June, August, October, and December.

New additions to the Kits Collection

PAPER BOUQUET KIT

With the Paper Bouquet Kit, you’ll bring the beauty of fresh flowers into your home. And the best part is, they’ll never wilt! This kit comes with pre-cut leaf and flower pieces, floral wire, and pony beads. You’ll layer and curl the paper pieces, forming a vibrant bouquet with 23 flowers and 11 leaves. Place the paper bouquet in a vase to give your décor a timeless touch, or gift it to a loved one as a heartfelt keepsake! This new kit is part of the Kits Collection and is now available as of April 1, 2025 (while supplies last). 

  • Cost is $22 USD
  • Use item number 165636 when ordering
  • DETAILS
    • Makes 1 bouquet (23 flowers and 11 leaves)
    • Colors: Basic White, Cloud Cover, Darling Duckling, Garden Green, Secret Sea, Strawberry Slush, and Timid Tiger
    • Hot glue gun required for assembly but not included.

 

ESSENTIAL OCCASIONS KIT

Always have a card on hand with this oh-so essential kit! With hand-illustrated elements, die cut sentiments, and six card designs, the Essential Occasions Kit comes with everything you need to celebrate birthdays, share well wishes, or send a thank-you message. From graduations to anniversaries—and everything in between—celebrate the most important moments in your life with this kit! This new kit is part of the Kits Collection and is now available as of April 1, 2025 (while supplies last).

  • Cost is $13 USD
  • Use item number 165635 when ordering
  • DETAILS
    • Makes 6 cards: 1 each of 6 designs
    • Folded card size: 4-1/4″ x 5-1/2″ (10.8 x 14 cm)
    • Colors: Calypso Coral, Crushed Curry, kraft, Pool Party, Pretty Peacock, and Pumpkin Pie
    • Sentiments printed in Dutch, English, French, and German

 

 

LOVELIEST WISHES KIT


Elevate your birthday cards with the Loveliest Wishes Kit! Craft cards that speak volumes through sophisticated simplicity. With pre-cut images and gold foil sentiments, you can create nine stunning cards that lend an air of elegance to every “Happy birthday!” This new kit is part of the Kits Collection and is now available as of April 1, 2025 (while supplies last).

  • Cost is $14 USD
  • Use item number 166284 when ordering
  • DETAILS
    • Makes 9 cards: 3 each of 3 designs
    • Folded card sizes: 4-1/2″ x 4-1/2″ (11.4 x 11.4 cm) and 4-1/4″ x 5-1/2″ (10.8 x 14 cm)
    • Colors: Petal Pink, Soft Sea Foam, and white
    • Sentiments printed in Dutch, English, French, and German

 

New 2025-2027 In Colors

I’m always excited to see the new In Colors. Stampin’ Up brought back an old favorite, Strawberry Slush. My favorite so far is Secret Sea. It’s not quite black but a new very dark color with a hint of green to it. There were some issues with the Cloud Cover ink pads so until that is resolved that will not be available however the cardstock will be. 

Sneak Peaks

One of the best parts of going to On Stage is seeing the new catalog early and seeing demonstrations of new stamp sets. Here are a few photos from the Notes & Totes bundle.

 

 

 

Extraordinary Flora

The stamp set has one large stamp that will stamp all of the flowers and leaves that coordinate with the die. And what I’m excited about is this new washi tape that the die also coordinates with. It is 3-1/4″ wide and 10 yards long. The die is 5-1/2″ long so by my math you may be able to get about 60 cuts from it. That’s a lot of flowers and leaves! 

 

 

 

Thanks for stopping by.

Feb, March, and April CD Calendars

Written by on · Leave a Comment

This is one of my favorites from this year’s calendar. I love how the mail has hearts on it with additional hearts falling out of the mailbox. Getting a hand stamped card makes the person receiving it so happy and loved. 

 

This month’s calendar was made from the DSP. No stamping involved. 

 

And since we are just a few days away from April … 

 

 

Actually I did eat a salad for dinner last night. I like fruit in my salad and had the veggies on the side with a little humus.

 

Thanks for stopping by. And have a blessed day.

Happy 2025! Lots of News

Written by on · Leave a Comment

I hope everyone had a joyful Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebration. Today is the start of the new Stampin’ Up mini catalog and Sale-a-bration.  You can access both of these online buy clicking on the links on the right.

 

Earn FREE Sale-A-Bration product with each $60 in purchases. 

 

There are several new Kit Collections available beginning today.

 

Biggest Birthday Kit – 165004  $23.00

  • Makes 9 cards, 3 each of 3 designs
  • Colors: Azure Afternoon, Berry Burst, Calypso Coral, Daffodil Delight, Lemon Lime Twist, and Pool Party
  • Folded card size 4-1/4″ x 5-1/2″
  • Also Included: Photopolymer stamp set, Clear Block, Azure Afternoon ink spot, 9 printed envelopes, Adhesive, Holographic gold foil elements

Birthday Bask Kit – 165010 $14

  • Makes 4 gift bags, 2 each of 2 designs and 4 gift card holders, 2 each of 2 designs
  • Bag size 6-1/4″ x 3-1/2″ x 8″
  • Gift card size 3-1/2″ x 4-1/2″ 
  • Colors: Azure Afternoon, Berry Burst, Calypso Coral, Daffodil Delight, Lemon Lime Twist, Pool Party
  • Additional Included: Adhesive, Coral & White Baker’s Twine

 

Thank You Kindly Kit – 166258 $14

  • Makes 8 cards, 4 each of 2 designs
  • Card size 4-1/4″ x 5-1/2″
  • Colors: White, Black, Gold Foil
  • Also Included: 8 printed Envelopes, Adhesive

 

As promised in a previous post here is the birthday card I sent to my son who is a painting contractor. He loved it.

CD Calendar Catch-up for 2024

It takes me awhile to edit the photos and then post which is why I am always playing catch-up in posting them so today I took photos and edited all 12 month for this year’s calendar. Now if I just remember to post each month. Here is January:

 

I believe the DSP was part of a previous free SAB item because I seemed to have a good bit of it and knew these mittens would be a perfect pairing with it. Today is a bit cold here in Florida (54 degrees which is chilly for us) so mittens might feel good if outside. Me? I’m nice and toasty sitting in front of a delightful fire. One of the reasons I bought this house was the fireplace. I love a cozy fire. On the other hand it’s pretty chilly in KY where my son lives. Snow and ice and 25 degrees.  The weather up there is interfering with my recent stamp order. I paid extra shipping on Friday to get it in 2 days. It’s been sitting in Louisville the past 2 days unable to move due to weather conditions. Ugh!

Wishing everyone a healthy and blessed New Year.

Catching Up

Written by on · Leave a Comment

I am playing catch-up today since I have not posted in some time. So I am starting with September and October CD Calendar pages.

September is probably my favorite of the year and several people have said the same thing. It was done with a Stampin’ Up Decorative Mask and Blending Brushes. The set of several masks are currently on the clearance rack so if you never ordered them now is the time. Previously sold for $10.50 are now just $6.30

Abundant Beauty Decorative Masks  #162331   $6.30

 

Pick of the Patch set has been retired and no longer available.

What’s New?

If you haven’t checked out the kits from Stampin’ Up now is the time while they are on sale.

Get up to 30% off on our Kit Collection products!

  • Date: October 1-31
  • Kit Collection offers kits for everyone…card kits, treat packaging, home decor and so much more!
  • Each kit comes with everything you need to create a unique paper craft.
  • Sales includes the two new kits released today – see below

See Kit Collection Here

Two New Kits

 

 

 

Starter Special

Join Stampin’ Up! and Get More Product!

  • Join my team in October and get an extra $30 of product in your Starter Kit
  • Get the $99 Starter kit and fill it with $155 of products instead of the regular $125 in product!
  • You can even choose brand new Online Exclusives (only available to demonstrators right now) AND can take advantage of the Kits Collections Sale!
  • Includes free shipping (save 11%) and free business supplies
  • Being a part of Stampin’ Up!’s creative community also comes with several perks, including early access to products, special discounts, a chance to earn product credits, access to exclusive trainings, demonstrator-only events, and so much more.
  • Got questions – let me know.

Sophisticated Sled Gatefold Card

The back side of the card:

The card base is 5-1/2″ x 11″ scored @ 2″, 3-1/8″, 5-3/8″, and 6-1/2″

The side inserts are 5-1/4″ x 1-3/4″

The center inserts are 5-1/4″ x 2″

 

I used some retired red rhinestones on my card however you can make the basic rhinestones any color you want by using a Blend alcohol marker to color it.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Speaking of paint, I made a cute card for my son’s birthday this year. He is a painting contractor. I will post it later. 
 

August CD Calendar & DSP 15% Off Sale

Written by on · Leave a Comment

August CD Calendar

My thought in using this for August is that owls are wise and school starts again in August. However my owl looks a little cross-eyed. The stamp set is Bird’s Eye View and is just $20.

 

 

Designer Series Paper Sale – 15% off

Now through the end of August the DSP below from the annual catalog are 15% off. With Stampin’ Up’s coordination of color I almost always start a card design with the DSP. You don’t even need to think about what color cardstock to use with it because the colors in the DSP are listed on the back. Easy Peasy!

 

 

 

 

I do remember the phone number we had when I was a child. The prefix was RE2 followed by the phone number (yes, I do remember). RE stood for REgent.  The phone below is like the one we had. Phone have come a long way since then.