Stenciling over Heat Embossing

This card took me a month to make for Group of Seven! I couldn't seem to get the background stamps I have and stencils that looked right with them to connect. I agonized over it for so long. You should see all the products I had out trying to get it right. I finally decided to go with a script background since that was working. I made several cards that ended up in the trash. After I put the Versamark ink on the stamp and stamped it I couldn't tell if the embossing powder was melted since it was hard to see white on white. Then I couldn't tell if the words were right side up! Inking over the embossing with the Picket Fence stencil was a piece of cake by then. I added a die cut deer from Poppy Stamps inked with a blending brush. The sentiment is Simon Says. I made this much harder than it was and now that I've made a card, I feel better.

This really wasn't hard at all. I think it was a combination of having bronchitis twice in a month and running around so much with little rest. The prednisone I'm taking keeps me up at night so I'm not sleeping much and am still tired. I only have a short time to take the remaining pills then I hope to be back to normal sleeping and crafting. 

Be sure to check out the great cards the group of seven made without screaming. They are all terrific.

When does hibernation start? I want to participate this year.

Be kind to one another.

My first one

This has been the busiest month of this year for me. A lot of activities that I'm not used to. I'm really a homebody but it has been good to get out for lunches with family and friends before the cold sets in. It has not left a lot of crafting time since I have to have a nap when I get home! So, I missed posting on Sunday like I normally do since I met my granddaughter for lunch to celebrate her birthday. 

I finally got my first Christmas card made yesterday. I needed a kick start to get it done so I used a 49 and Market rub-on. The mat is a Pinkfresh that surprised me when I die cut it. I thought it was going to be a scalloped frame. The mat is the inside of that die. The sentiment is from a $1 stamp I picked up somewhere. But hey, it's a card and I'm started. I wish I could take pictures with my card straight but it never looks right in the camera.

I just released a new fragrance. No one else in the car seemed to appreciate it.

Be kind to one another.

Fuzzies

I didn't get into Halloween this year like I usually do. Do you ever get your seasonal stamps out and realize you don't like them anymore or you've used them so many times you're sick of them? I pulled out some older Halloween cards I've made and sent them to family. Only made a few new ones that I needed. This is one I made with a DeNami Designs stamp. I didn't have it stored with my Halloween stuff so it hasn't been used as much. I just colored the fuzzies and matted it with pattern paper. Easy peasy, done. I can't justify buying more since I have so much. Maybe next year the stamps will look better!

Dove chocolate tastes way better than their soap.

Be kind to one another.

It's pumpkin time

It is pumpkin time and you can't ignore it because it's everywhere. In our food, in our stores, in front lawns and on our cards. I love pumpkin anything so this is a fun month for me and I hope, you. I don't know where this stamp is from but I do love the toothless happy smile pumpkins always have.

Nothing makes me feel so old as having to scroll down to find the year of my birth.

Be kind to one another.

Cherish

Just a reminder to cherish your friends. After seeing so many of my friends this week I know how special they are, as well as my neighbors and all the precious friends I've made online. Just because we haven't all met in person doesn't mean you aren't as loved, So many people have moved to Instragram and that's okay too but I miss the personal stories we tell in blog land. Each and every person is special to me and the fact that you took time to comment or say hello is awesome. 

This is a card to honor special friends. It is an older stamp from Great Impressions and pattern paper.

I knew I'd get older. I am just so surprised how fast it happened.

Be kind to one another.

What a wonderful surprise

My sons gave me a surprise 80th birthday party Saturday. I was completely surprised and overwhelmed. They pulled out all the stops and there were people there I haven't seen in a long time. All the family and cousins, friends from when my sons were little and some since before they were born. Lots of food, presents and they even sang!  I am so blessed.

Good news - I made it to my golden years. Bad news - there is no gold.

Be kind to one another.

Pumpkin kitty

I'm feeling so much better and took my last dose of antibotics this morning for the bronchitis. I still have an occasional cough but not like it was. Whew, I don't want to do that again! I'm going to lunch with a friend today so I'm so glad to feel like going.

I used a Simon Says Stamp for this pumpkin card today. The pattern paper is from an old pad with no cover and the black cat is an IO die. I added some Doodlebug gems to the eyes and nose.

Today is my birthday and they say "act your age". I've never been this age before so I don't know how to act.

Be kind to one another.

Welcome to October

Only three more months of 2023. How can that be? This is such a beautiful time of year and my favorite season. I have been missing this week with bronchitis. The cough is getting better now but it really laid me low the first week. My poor, comprised lungs have a hard time dealing with this and it completely saps my energy. So, a lost week for me.

I know this card is strange but it fits right in with my family. Tomorrow is my son's birthday and he lives on a lake with lots of turtles. You see one every time you walk out on the dock. I had to make this card for him! This is KaiserCraft paper and a Sunny Studio sentiment. I know he will love it. I made it a few months ago after seeing Patty Dolan make it on YouTube.

Never drink with a ghost. They can't handle their boos.

Be kind to one another.