Freedom Isn't Free!

Between stamping ahead for the upcoming holidays and knitting some red, white and blue plaid socks for Sock Madness, it is feeling quite patriotic around here this week!

The socks are color work plaid with a double-knit pocket, so I am learning two new techniques!  I have a feeling I will get bumped this round because it was also concert week (the chorale I am in sang Rutter's Requiem Thursday evening and Sunday afternoon) and Matthew was home for a visit, so knitting was low on the priority list, but the needles are clicking away now if by some miracle I might still qualify for Round 3! 

Holly used our stamp set with the more traditional flag in it for her post on Monday, but my card uses a more modern rendition of the flag waving across a map of the good ole US of A.  I love both sets and find that sometimes I might choose one over the other depending on the occasion.  For a fun 4th of July event I might use this one, whereas for a card for someone in the military I might go for the more traditional/formal.  

For the front of today's project I combined some wood print designer paper and the tray/plaque from our All Seasons Decor set with the sentiment, accented with a tiny red white and blue star.  

The inside actually almost looks like another card front (and very well would work as one!) using stamped stars with the Pledge of Allegiance.  The square "God Bless America" is a printed sentiment from the paper pad that I cut out and matted with Spellbinders' classic squares.  There is just a hint of sparkle from a light splash of diluted Delicata ink both inside and out.    

Supplies:

• Stamp Simply Clear Stamps - Patriotic Bundle TRIO
• Stamp Simply Clear Stamps - All Season Decor Bundle
• Stamp Simply Clear Stamps - Scripty Background Minis Set 2
• Stamp Simply Steel Dies - Farmhouse Pierced Nested Hearts
• Spellbinders Nestabilities - Standard Squares SM
• Spellbinders Nestabilities - Standard Squares LG
• Echo Park America 6x6
• Memento Full Size Dye Ink Pad - Tuxedo Black
• Delicata Non-Tarnishing Ink Pad - Celestial Copper (diluted ink splatters)
• May Arts Metallic String - 300 Yard Spool - Gold
• red and blue distress oxide inks
• Copic markers

My heart is filled with love and pride for my own country, but also with respect, admiration, awe, and so much sadness for the people of Ukraine.  The situation there has made people the world over so very much aware of the terrible cost of freedom.

With continuing prayers and much love.  

Planning Ahead!

Hi friends!  

I have to smile and say that I'm thankful that my Stamp Simply design team commitment keeps me ahead of the calendar when it comes to card-making!  Having a deadline helps me to stay organized, and the DT deadlines mean that I'm at least a little ahead of whatever holiday is upcoming!  Otherwise I'd probably be stamping right at the last minute.  (Now, if I can just get better about mailing them further ahead of time!)  

And so, today I'm sharing a Mother's Day card with you!  This will be for my dear Mother-in-law.  (Both of my parents are gone, but we are blessed to still have both of Patrick's parents).  ❤️   

I have previously shared my fondness of irises because of a neighbor and friend of my mother's whose name was Iris, so I was really happy when Stamp Simply added an iris stamp bundle to their floral designs.  When preparing today's card I searched online for a photo of an iris and found this beautiful example of a pale pink iris with a purple throat to use as inspiration.   I love traditional colors but sometimes something a little unexpected can be lots of fun!  Pastel pinks and periwinkle blues seemed so appropriate for a Mother's Day card.  The colors are reflected in the coloring, the card stock, ribbon and rhinestones.

Inside there is more of that pretty pink gingham designer paper and another sentiment from our Iris bundle.  I kept the inside very clean and simple with plenty of room to write.    

Supplies:

• Stamp Simply Clear Stamps - Happy Day Iris Bundle
• Echo Park My Favorite Spring 6x6
• Memento Full Size Dye Ink Pad - Tuxedo Black
• Stamp Simply Steel Dies - Farmhouse Pierced Nested Hearts
• Spellbinders Nestabilities - Standard Ovals SM
• Spellbinders Nestabilities - Standard Ovals LG
• Seam Binding Sampler - Spring Pastels - 30 yards (pink)
• Seam Binding Sampler - Blues Purples - 30 yards (periwinkle blue)
• Kaisercraft Self-Adhesive Round Rhinestones - Light Pink
• Zig Wink of Stella Brush - Clear Glitter Marker
• Copic markers

John 1:1

Hi everyone!  This week's Stamp Simply project is another clean and simple card with a classic masculine feel using one of my very favorite verses, although I admit that I say that about a lot of verses!  There are way too many amazing verses to choose just one favorite!  

This scripture and the earthy colors of this paper made me think of the story of Genesis and the Garden, so the branch from another Stamp Simply set seemed to be a fitting addition.  

Of course, Easter was the entire reason for His coming, and so it was appropriate to include the Cross and crown on the inside.

Supplies:

• Stamp Simply Clear Stamps - God's Word (sentiments)
• Stamp Simply Clear Stamps - God Will Take Care of You Bundle (branch)
• Stamp Simply Clear Stamps - Salvation (crown of thorns)
• Stamp Simply Clear Stamps - Easter is for Jesus (cross)
• Craft Consortium Patina 6x6
• Luxury Pearlescent Metallic 105# Cardstock - Copper 15 ct
• Spellbinders Standard Squares SM
• Spellbinders Nestabilities - Standard Squares LG
• Delicata Non-Tarnishing Ink Pad - Celestial Copper
• Copic markers

Visit the Stamp Simply blog for more info on current sales and promotions, and for more ideas for how to use these beautiful stamps.

Now and Forevermore

Hi friends!  

Have you ever come across a stamp set that gives you "warm fuzzies" from the first moment you laid eyes upon it?  I am absolutely in LOVE with Stamp Simply's new set, A Man of Knowledge.  While this set definitely gives off a masculine vibe as does my card for today, it certainly is not limited to cards for men only.  

It was my mom who was the bibliophile of our household who passed that love down to me.  For as long as I can remember there was always a pile of books on a footstool beside her favorite chair. She worked for many years in the public library of my tiny Louisiana home town.  

I went on search for an old scrap of map paper from a pad in my stash that came to mind when I first saw this verse.  It looks great with this earthy plaid and gives everything that Old World look and feel.  It reminds me of that musty dusty paper and ink smell of old books and aged cloth and leather and the sound of crinkling pages turning.  I remember the drawer of our coffee table was always stuffed with atlases and maps and tour guides.  

These books were colored with Copic markers and accented with a gold gel pen.  Having a matching die makes this so easy!  We have a stack of old books...classics!...that belonged to Patrick's uncle from when he was boy.  They look very much like these!  

Of course, with the idea of coming and going, there must be keys! I love these skeleton keys dies and used various distress inks and oxides to give them a rustic metal look to go along with the rest of the card.

Supplies:

• Stamp Simply Clear Stamps - A Man of Knowledge Bundle
• Memory Box Woodsy Plaid 6x6
• Seam Binding Sampler - Patina - 30 yards
• Memento Full Size Dye Ink Pad - Tuxedo Black
• very old scrap of map paper from stash
• Copic markers
• distress inks
• gold gel pen

John 3:16

Hello all!  I'm back this week sharing another project using some of the stamps from our new release.  Today's project is a relatively simple, straightforward masculine card with this well known verse as its primary focal point, its theme supported by one of the smaller images of the set.

The verse inside is from another new set which works perfectly alongside the other.  One of the things I love about these is that they are so versatile and work so well for a card for either a masculine or feminine believer and for a variety of occasions.  

Supplies:

• Stamp Simply Clear Stamps - Salvation
• Stamp Simply Clear Stamps - The Good News
• Memory Box Woodsy Plaid 6x6
• Spellbinders Nestabilities - Standard Ovals SM
• Spellbinders Nestabilities - Standard Ovals LG
• Seam Binding Sampler - Patina - 30 yards

Be sure to visit Stamp Simply to see the entire collection from this release and take a peek at the Stamp Simply blog to browse our design team creations using them.  

New Stamps: Happy Day Iris

We have a wonderful new release happening now at Stamp Simply! Just look at all these beautiful new stamp sets!  My card for today features Happy Day Iris and its matching die.   

There are lots of wonderful verses and sentiments, coordinating dies, and of course, beautiful images among these sets.  You're going to love them!

You might think that I simply colored these lovely flowers to match that colorful designer paper, but in fact, I looked up some images of irises online and used one as a guide!  

Here's the inside, with more Springy plaid and a simple sentiment.  

Supplies:

• Stamp Simply Clear Stamps - Happy Day Iris Bundle
• Spellbinders Nestabilities - Standard Ovals SM
• Spellbinders Nestabilities - Standard Ovals LG
• Spellbinders Nestabilities - Standard Squares SM
• Spellbinders Nestabilities - Standard Squares LG
• Seam Binding Sampler - Blues Purples - 30 yards
• May Arts Burlap String - 400 Yard Spool - Sage
• May Arts Burlap String - 400 Yard Spool - Lavender
• Kaisercraft Self-Adhesive Round Rhinestones - Lilac
• Echo Park My Favorite Easter 6x6
• Zig Wink of Stella Brush - Clear Glitter Marker
• Copic markers

American Pride

We always love watching the Olympics!  This year it felt bittersweet with The Games being held in China and with the threat of war in the Ukraine which has since become a reality.   Human rights and personal safety for the athletes were a constant underlying concern. 

It would have been awful to have trained so hard for so long and then not get to compete so diplomatic boycott while still sending our athletes seemed like a satisfactory compromise.  We are so very proud of our US athletes and the 25 medals they brought home from Beijing!  It was especially exciting to have medalists from Florida and from the UP of Michigan!  

I enjoy working with themes and incorporating symbolism into my projects.  My Stamp Simply project for today celebrates the indomitable American spirit along with the Olympic spirit of setting goals that shoot for the stars, staying the course and remaining true to your inner compass!  This Graphic 45 designer paper worked perfectly for this theme and the sentiment inside echoes my continued prayer for the entire world!  

Supplies:

• Stamp Simply Clear Stamps - The Red, White & Blue
• Graphic 45 Catch of the Day - 8x8
• Spellbinders Stars Five
• Stamp Simply Steel Dies - Welcome Baby Basics (tiniest star)
• Stamp Simply Steel Dies - Farmhouse Pierced Nested Hearts
• Spellbinders Nestabilities - Standard Circles SM
• Spellbinders Nestabilities - Standard Circles LG
• Bazzill Mirror Cardstock - 8.5 x 11 - Gold - 15 ct
• May Arts 1/4" Crochet Lace - 15 yd Spool - Natural
• May Arts Burlap String - 400 Yard Spool - Natural
• Delicata ink

Fresh Springtime Greetings

Hi!  I'm here today with Springtime Greetings inspired by the tulips that my husband gave to me for Valentine's Day!  They are SO pretty!  

I had a hard time getting a good photo of today's project.  Here's what it looks like as it slides out of its envelope.  I used a narrow fishtail banner die to cut through the fold of the card stock so that the sentiment can peek through and that fun Spring garden print shows even when the card is closed.

That sheer bow adds some sparkle without overpowering the delicate flower.  

There's a sprinkling of hearts and a small trio of flowers die cut from the polka dot paper using our new Welcome Baby dies. Dotted Swiss always makes me think of Easter dresses from my childhood, so along with butterflies and garden implements, this card heralds the coming of Spring.  Our azaleas are already blooming and I've noticed a few of the redbuds starting to flower.  I am looking forward to seeing the dogwoods blossom!

Supplies:

• Stamp Simply Clear Stamps - Get Well Tulip Bundle
• Stamp Simply Clear Stamps - Typewritten Year Round Greetings
• Stamp Simply Steel Dies - Fishtail Sentiment Banners
• Stamp Simply Steel Dies - Welcome Baby Basics
• Echo Park My Favorite Spring 6x6
• May Arts 1" Sheer - 100 Yard Spool - Watermelon
• Kaisercraft Self-Adhesive Round Pearls - Green

Refuge from the Storm

Hello again!

This week's Stamp Simply project is a card of encouragement.  Sometimes life feels tumultuous and entirely out of control, and we feel tossed like waves upon the ocean.  Hopefully a card made with these beautiful papers, calming colors and inspirational verses will bring comfort and calm.

The beautiful paper is from a new pad from Craft Consortium.  I tore the edges to emphasize the white core of the paper and then went over the torn white portion with clear wink of Stella, also adding some "ocean spray" splashes with diluted silver ink and white acrylic paint.

Here's the inside.  Such powerful symbolism for which, when one's heart is torn and one's mind is in chaos, a reminder is appropriate! 

Supplies:

• Stamp Simply Clear Stamps - He Stilled the Storm
• Craft Consortium Ink Drops Ocean 6x6
• Stamp Simply Steel Dies - Fishtail Sentiment Banners
• Memento Full Size Dye Ink Pad - Tuxedo Black
• Delicata Non-Tarnishing Ink Pad - Silvery Shimmer
• Zig Wink of Stella Brush - Clear Glitter Marker

Still Loved, Still Missed, and Very Dear

 

Hello dear stamping friends!

If you are like I am, you find sympathy cards very difficult to make.  Sometimes it is easier to make a few "generic" sympathy cards to pull from when the need arises.  Other times, because of your relationship with the person and their family, you might be inspired to make something much more personal...then the act of card-making becomes a labor of love and the first step in the process of grieving their loss.  That's what today's card was for me.  

My dear, sweet 99 year old auntie passed away in mid-January. She was the second oldest of my dad's five sisters (he was near the middle and the only son!) and had a large family of her own, so most of my memories of her are (no surprise!) in her kitchen/home where she hosted our extended family gatherings.  There were lots of smiles and laughter that go along with a house full of cousins, aunties and uncles who didn't see each other nearly often enough! I remember her as a pretty, petite woman with a fresh face and rosy cheeks who never seemed to get flustered, nor did she ever seem to mind having us underfoot in spite of whatever mischief we might've gotten into.  (One time we got into a watermelon rind fight, launching our half-eaten rinds over the badminton net in their backyard...and hitting one young cousin in the eye! Thankfully nothing serious, although it certainly could've been! Yep, we were trouble and with so many of us I'm sure we kept the adults always on the lookout and often on the run!)

Although this is a sympathy card, I wanted it to be soft and feminine in celebration of my auntie's life and her sweet personality rather than serious, dark and depressing, so I settled on a variety of pretty prints from one of my newly arrived paper pads, It's a Girl!  The pad has lots of designs that are very specifically baby, but there are others that are perfect for other occasions including this one.  The pad also has quite a few printed tags, some with sentiments and others like this one, a perfect frame for stamping one of your own.  This one is from our Sympathy Sentiments Set 2.  I added a few pearls and nothing more.

For the inside of the card I used more of the pretty papers, die-cutting a stitched heart from one of them for an accent.  This sentiment is another from the Sympathy Sentiments Set 2. 

Aunt Ret, you are definitely still loved, still missed, and very dear! Your family is in my prayers.  xo 

Supplies:

• Stamp Simply Clear Stamps - Sympathy Sentiments Set 2
• Echo Park It's a Girl 6x6
• Stamp Simply Steel Dies - Fishtail Sentiment Banners
• Stamp Simply Steel Dies - Welcome Baby Basics (tiny stitched heart)
• Kaisercraft Self-Adhesive Round Pearls - Latte