Love & Sympathy

Sometimes theres a need for a sympathy card and although its a sad time for the recipient, it makes me feel much more satisfied to actually make one with my own hands then purchase one. I feel like I am doing just a little more for the person and a little piece of me is given with it. Unfortunately, I've had to make a bunch of them lately and although I have other stamps that could do the job, I really was struck by this new set in the current Idea Book & Catalog. Here's the card with the envelope that I also stamped.

Here's the inside of the card. The sentiment is the reason I wanted this stamp set. Its so beautiful and says what we want to say so much more eloquently when someone has lost a loved one.
Stamps: Love & Refuge

Paper: Old Olive, Marina Mist, Whisper White & Old Olive Designer Series Paper

Ink: Old Olive & Marina Mist

Accesories: Large Oval, Corner & Scallop Edge Border Punches

I'm On A Roll

I can't believe I've posted four days in a row! Can you stand it? I am going to try to keep it up or at least post a minimum of three times a week. I love the flower image on this card, but sadly it was retired. I will never part with it though because its one of my favorite stamps ever. This card combines some old products with the new. I left it blank so I can have it on hand for whatever occasion pops up. I don't usually have enough extras so I am happy to add it to my stock. Thanks for stopping by, I hope to keep this posting thing up! ~ Jacki

Stamps: Because I Care (retired)
Paper: Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler, Designer Series Paper (retired)
Ink: Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler
Accessories: Lace Ribbon Border Punch (New!), Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder
& shimmer spray

Oink Oink!

How stinkin' cute is this little pig from Button Buddies? Its the reason I fell in love with this stamp set to begin with. I just had to put a threaded button with a little bow for even more cuteness. How sweet as a baby card for either a boy or girl in blue, pink, etc. I made this as a friend card this time though. Or maybe I can give it to my daughter. The sentiment would fit for either. The outside says "so many smiles" and the inside says "begin with you". Those are from the stamp set, Petite Pairs. It has a pair of sayings that fit together. I got it on my first order because one can never have enough sentiments, especially ones that go together so nicely!

Stamps: Button Buddies & Petite Pairs

Paper: Whisper White, Rose Red, Regal Rose & Designer Series Paper (retired)

Ink: Rose Red

Accessories: button, white bakers twine & Dotted Scallop Border Punch

Playing With My New Stuff....

...as well as some old product. I have too much retired product that I never used up (some not at all!) so I am using both until I feel I have earned the right to buy new paper & accessories. We'll see how long that lasts! This card is using a new stamp set that I could wait to order, Button Buddies. It is sooo cute and you can use a button (or brad, etc) with the images.














































Stamps: Button Buddies, Petite Pairs
Paper: Old Olive, So Saffron, Whisper White & Old Olive Designer Series Paper (retired)
Ink: Rich Razzelberry, So Saffron & Old Olive
Accessories: Polka Dot ribbon (retired), Flower Brads & Finial Press Embossing Folder

Stampin' Up! New Year & New Catalog

The new catalog is here and in my hot little hands. It doesn't disappoint either! Lots of new stamp sets, beautiful papers, some new in-colors, embellishments, punches, etc. Plenty of new toys to play with! My order of new goodies is finally here. I can't wait to create some new stuff. Until then, here is a little card I made for my sister-in-law's sister's bridal shower:

Blaine's wedding colors are light blue & navy which is why I chose the colors I did for this card. I love them together! I also stamped & colored the same image on the envelope and really like the way it came out. Thanks for stopping by ~ Jacki

Stamps: Easter Blossoms (retired)

Paper: Bashful Blue, Very Vanilla & Night of Navy

Ink: Crumb Cake

Accessories: Bashful Blue Satin Ribbon, Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder, Scallop Edge Border Punch, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch (flowers), Pearls

Happy Spring!!

I love pink & green and this combo came easy to me after I decided which stamp set I was going to use. They are the preppy colors but since I'm not really preppy I think of it as bright and fresh like Spring which is TOMORROW finally! Does it not seem like it took longer than usual? Hopefully it will behave like Spring from here on in.

I hope that where ever you are it is sunny & warm today. Enjoy!

Stamps: Thoughts & Prayers
Ink: Melon Mambo & Certainly Celery
Paper: Melon Mambo, Certainly Celery & Whisper White
Accessories: Big Shot, Square Lattice textured impressions embossing folder, Decorative Label & Photo Corners Punch, silver brads & Pear Pizzazz 1/2" Stitched Poly Ribbon

Papa Phil

Yesterday was my father in law's 76th birthday. I needed to make his card in 5 minutes since Michael & the kids were ready to pile in the car to go to the family birthday party. The man loves brown - its his favorite color. Who's favorite color is BROWN?! LOL! I mean seriously, is it even really a color? Its the 'color' you get when you mix too many colors together. I've seen it many times when my kids were younger and made their masterpieces for us. Anyway, I needed to quickly throw together a masculine card. Thank goodness for the Big Shot and the textured impression embossing folders. Those little guys make everything look so good. I grabbed my three favorite shades of brown - Early Espresso, Chocolate Chip & Crumb Cake and did some stamping, gluing and voila! A manly, brown birthday card for my most cherished father in law.

He means everything to our family, especially his five grandchildren who adore him to pieces. Papa Phil is currently going through cancer treatments and with our love and prayers and his amazing strength, we will hopefully be celebrating many, many more birthdays with this beloved man. Happy 76th to my 'favorite' father in law! xo Jacki

Stamps: Apple Blossoms (level 2 hostess) & Wonderful Favorites

Paper: Early Espresso, Chocolate Chip, Crumb Cake & Very Vanilla

Ink: Chocolate Chip & Crumb Cake

Accessories: Big Shot, Square Lattice textured impressions embossing folder & medium oval punch

Loads of Love

So Valentine's Day is over but we can always make cards for our loved ones! Who needs a specific holiday to inspire us, right?! I love the colors in this card and was pleased with the way it came out. This stamp set is one of the oldest ones in the Stampin' Up! catalog. I am not sure if its one of the original ones or not but I would bet on it. Its great for coloring with either markers or aqua painters, etc. I used markers this time because I wanted the color to be vibrant. I don't use this set enough but will have to remember to - it has a lot of cute stamps for the bed of the truck. Maybe you'll be seeing some more creations soon from me using it! Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Loads of Love
Paper: Baja Breeze, Real Red, Regal Rose & Whisper White
Ink: Black, Baja Breeze (sponged around punched sentiment) & markers
Other: Circle punches, Dotted Scallop Border Punch & Small Heart Punch

Happy Valentine's Day!

I love this card and wish the photo captured it better. For some reason its kind of dark in the picture. I was never into vintage anything but it is so huge now and its beginning to grow on me. I bought the crochet ribbon to try it out and ended up loving it and used it all up! I have to reorder more! Enjoy your day & thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Tiny Tags

Paper: Pretty In Pink, Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip & Sending Love DSP

Ink: Pretty In Pink & Chocolate Chip

Other: Scallop Border & Jewelry Tag punches, "Victoria" Crochet Trim & Silver Cord, Big Shot Dies - Circle & Scallop Circle

Sweet Valentine

With Valentine's Day fast approaching I thought I'd show some cards that I've made recently before its too late. Today's card is one that I cased but don't remember where from. (sorry!) I love punches and use them in almost all of my cards & pages. The owl punch is definitely a fun one. I am thinking I will give this card to my husband, as he is certainly my sweet valentine.

Stamps: Level 2 Hostess set from Occasions Mini Catalog & Season Of Friendship (branch)

Paper: Real Red, Marina Mist, So Saffron, Early Espresso & Whisper White, Play Date DSP

Ink: Early Espresso

Other: Modern Label & Small Heart punches

You Know Prancer and Dancer and Donner and Blitzen......

So this little guy is surely one of Santa's famous reindeer! Hubby took the kids a couple of weeks ago to check him and his other buddies out while I did some Christmas shopping. The kids were thrilled but a little taken aback by the smell lol. The reindeer were feasting to try to fatten up for the big trip, or at least thats what I was told by the littles. And I believe them!

Enough about the reindeer....you probably want to see another amazing card that I've created, right?! ; ) Another blue theme....I love how soft it looks. Another very easy card to make and reproduce over and over.

Thanks for stopping by! ~ Jacki

Only Six More Days

I am soooo not ready for Christmas! It has truly snuck up on me this year. Thankfully my shopping is 95% finished. I still need to wrap, bake, make & mail our Christmas cards and so on. I guess I am a last minute kind of girl! This is one of the cards I made that is easy to reproduce. It may or may not make it to the final cut. Tune in to find out which one does . Hopefully you are way more organized and prepared than I am and are enjoying this time of year!

Thanks for stopping by! ~ Jacki

Perfect & Bashful

I sometimes struggle with a title for a blog post and today I certainly did. Same when I send an email and leave the subject empty - ever do that? Well at least the title has to do with today's card! I used Perfect Plum & Bashful Blue as my color combo for a little twist on the usual holiday colors. It came out pretty if I do say so myself! Here's the recipe:

Stamps: Medallion,& Sincere Salutations & Serene Snowflakes

Paper: Perfect Plum, Bashful Blue & Whisper White

Ink: Perfect Plum & Bashful Blue

Other: Snowflake Punch, Rhinestones, Subtles Designer Button

Enjoy your weekend!

~ Jacki

Its Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas....

...in my craft room! I am trying to be ahead of the game or at least not late this year making my Christmas cards. Here is just one of the cards I've made, trying to use up my stash of paper & ribbons that are retired. I love the snowflake punch and how easy it makes a card look instantly more interesting. Be sure to check back soon for more to come!
Thanks for stopping by! ~ Jacki

Owl Love You For 50 More Years.......

Yesterday we celebrated my in laws 50th wedding anniverary. Can you imagine 50 years with your spouse? I can only hope that Michael and I make it there. We have only 34 more years to go and that means I'll be 'x' years old. Did you seriously think I was going to reveal my age?! HA! I didn't think so! Anyway, they are a wonderful couple and still very much in love. They raised an amazing son so I love them even more for that. I used the owl punch for the first time as I made this card for them. I absolutely LOVE this punch! Its a must have as far as I'm concerned. There are so many possibilities with it. I plan to make different things with it to show you just what I mean. They loved it and so I was happy. Mission accomplished.

Thanks for stopping by ~ Jacki

What's On Your Bucket List?

I recently got to check off something that was on my mental bucket list.....watch the sunrise! Last week my daughter and I watched it together as she got ready for school. I know I have seen parts of a sunrise before, but never from start to finish. It was glorious! It reminded me how much beauty God has given to us. I was inspired to actually put pen to paper and start writing out my bucket list. I'll share that some other day, as it is a short list right now and a work in progress! Today I will instead share a card that I made for my mother in law's birthday. She is the best mil in the world and like a second mother to me. Since my mom passed 8 years ago, she has been there for me like mine would have been. She is selfless, kind, spiritual, loving, gentle and takes such good care of everyone. I am the luckiest daughter in law ever! Ok, enough gushing....on to her card:






I love the hydrangea image from the "Because I Care" level 1 hostess set.


It was one of the first ones I 'had' to have from the catalog when it first came out. And how about those pearls? I am so excited that SU! sells them. They add so much extra beauty to a project and they are a great deal to boot!





Here's the inside of the card.


Thanks for stopping by ~ Jacki

P.S. Leave a comment and tell whats on your bucket list!

The Case of the CASE of the CASE!

Its been awhile since I've made something since my craft area is not ready. I've discovered how great the kitchen island is though and have recently taken it over! I made this card after seeing this one. I love Chat's work and visit her blog daily for inspiration. Oh to be as talented! The cool thing is that her card is a CASE of someone else's card. CASE stands for Copy And Share Everything.

I love that stampers enjoy sharing with eachother and allow their works of art to be used as inspiration for others.

Paper: Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, Cajun Craze & DSP
Ink: Certainly Celery & Cajun Craze
Stamps: Baroque Motifs & Tiny Tags
Accessories: Simple Flower Sizzix Die, Gold Brads, Elastic Gold Cord, Chocolate Chip Satin Ribbon & Scallop Trim Border Punch

Thanks for stopping by!

Tim's Card

Tim is so into sports, especially baseball, that I knew exactly what kind of card I would make for him this year. I love the little stick people in the All In The Family stamp set. You can pretty much make them look like anyone you know. (like adding some freckles!) The best part was that he loved his card. What a great kid!

stamps: All In The Family, Just Baseball
paper: Kraft, Night Of Navy, Naturals White
ink: Night Of Navy, Versamark, markers
accessories: Big Shot, Timeless Type Junior Alphabet Dies, Brads, Piercing Tool

Max's Card

Max would probably have preferred a Spider Man card from us but since SU! doesn't carry super hero stamps I had to come up with something a 7 year old might like. Needless to say, he hardly looked at it! That's ok though, I'll put it in safe keeping for him for when he is older and has better taste! And yes, those are "7's" on the background of the card front, not "1's" like everyone thought. Happy 7th Birthday to our little Maxie-man!

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Stamps: Very Thankful, Tiny Tags

Paper: Certainly Celery, Naturals White

Ink: Certainly Celery, Real Red, Black, various markers

Accessories: Modern Jewelry Tag Punch, Real Red Satin Ribbon, Twine, Crystal Effects

Retiring Colors

For our club last week we used as many soon-to-be retired colors on our projects. In fact, I don't think I've ever used Green Galor or Pixie Pink! I had to open my packages of paper for the first time. I am kind of bummed because I really like then now! At least I have a stash to use and I can always buy more before they are gone. (You can too - just go to "online shopping" at the top of this blog and then click on "Shop Now" to place an order).

Now, I am not really too bummed about the retiring colors (just a few that I'll miss more than others) because I am very excited about the new colors SU is introducing! So many great colors coming - I can't wait to get my hands on them! You will love them too : )

SUPPLIES USED
Stamps: Le Jardin Botanique, Medallion (Background)
Ink: Green Galore, Pixie Pink, Apricot Appeal
Paper: Green Galore, Pixie Pink, Apricot Appeal, Naturals White
Accessories: Round Tab Punch, Brads, Distressing Tool