BRIGHT RETRO BIRTHDAY

Birthday cards are always in demand, and I am always happy to find one that is quick and easy, colorful, and suitable for all ages and both genders. 

I am really blessed to have so many stamps in my collection to choose from, both current and retired. Usually I post from my current sets, but today's is a throw back to a set I really enjoy using. 

A few years back, Stampin' Up! brought out the Little Layers stamp set of spring and outline images of a kite, fish, flower and ladybud along with 4 background stamps.  In the Little Layers II set were holiday images of pumpkin, acorn, snowflake and ornament and 4 more background stamps.  To round out the collection, they also made available a hostess set, Little Layers Plus, which included a mortar board, heart, gift package, flower, pacifier and the cupcake used above, plus 2 more backgrounds.  Wow!  with a collection like that and an easy layout like the one shown here, you could make cards for every just about every occasion all year long.  If you have a copy of the 2004-2005 Idea Book & Catalog, you can see all 3 sets, then be on the look out for them at thrift shops, garage sales, etc.
 

Thanks for stopping by.

May all your days be bright and cheery.
Trish

CHRISTMAS at HOME

Hi Stampers!

What a wonderful Christmas this has been for Lou and me!  As always, Sunday morning found us with our dear church family celebrating the priceless and unique gift of God's love shown to us through His Son Jesus, the only gift that truly keeps on giving without end!

Late that afternoon, we gathered with extended family for a meal, games, exchanging of gifts and stories of what has happened since the last time we saw each other.  What a treat to get together with them.

Monday, Lou and I spent the day baking up a storm, laying in a supply of chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin and stamped sugar cookies, as well as our traditional family favorite-- butterballs, using my Mom's recipe.  Back to church that night for a simple service of praising our Lord through prayer, song and a message from Luke 2:21-35.

Today after getting all the big dinner preps out of the way, Lou and I spent time in conversation, prayer and reading all the gospel accounts of the birth of the Savior.  Later, our good friends Marnie and Bill came to share our Christmas meal, bringing a huge supply of the best egg rolls I have ever eaten!

Also on the table:  German pot roast, potato salad, deviled eggs, veggie tray, steamed broccoli, cottage bread and fruit salad. followed by some of those cookies we'd made yesterday.  It was way more food than 4 people could possibly eat, but after all it is CHRISTMAS! and we do things up bigger than usual to celebrate!  We had a wonderful time of fellowship, and all too soon they had to leave, so Bill could get to work.

Afterward, Lou and I called our sons to wish them and their families a Merry Christmas, then opened all the cards and greetings people have sent to us over the last several weeks.  With the sharing of each one, we certainly felt surrounded by the abundance of love of family and friends.  Yes, indeed, it has been a special time of blessing.

With prayers for love, peace and joy in Christ to you and yours,
Trish

THEY ARE HERE!

Hi Stampers!
Welcome to my blog!

I am so delighted to announce that the refill cutting and scoring blades for Stampin' Up!s new-this-year cutting board have finally arrived from the manufacturer and are ready for us to order. I got my cutter in early November and have cut for literally hundreds of projects and cards and am only now seeing the need for a new blade on our thinner papers.  Now THAT is what I call a good deal.

See these and other great products at my website and click on SHOP to enter the store.

Now for today's share:

I am always needing birthday cards.  This month alone I have sent out over 20 and have a few more to go.
This fun card goes together quickly and with a minimum of supplies and tools.  I think I need to make a bunch of these in different colors to add to my stash.

To make this card, you will need.
card stock:  Crumb Cake, Raspberry Ripple, Midnight Muse, Whisper White
stamps:   Affection Collection, Itty Bitty Banners
ribbon:  Victoria Lace, Raspberry Ripple Stitched Satin
tools:  paper snips, adhesive, stampin' dimensionals

Take it up a notch by giving the Midnight Muse mat some texture, using the Fancy Fan embossing folder and the Big Shot.  A small rhinestone jewel on either side of the greeting would a touch of bling.

Have fun this weekend.
Trish

CHRISTMAS NUGGETS

Hi Stampers!
Thanks for stopping by on this wintry day.  Last night's blizzard was quite a change from the unseasonable warm we were being spoiled with.  The street crews have been doing a fantastic job! but things ice up fast here after sunset.  Hope you are safe and warm wherever you are.

Are you still a quick and easy "little something" to give to those in the office or perhaps to use as stocking stuffers?   Today's share just might the right thing for you.

These little containers are made by overlapping 2 tag die cuts (Bigz Two Tags die + Big Shot); use Sticky Strip or other strong adhesive to adhere together..

Cut one inch strips of Designer Series paper to decorate both the front and back of the container, as well as to wrap around Hershey's Nuggets (3 will fit nicely inside, adhered with Sticky Strip).

Finish off with a quick tag (Mixed Medley set, 3/4" and 1" circle punches) and tie together with a ribbon.

Love it!

Happy stamping to all,
Trish

VERSATILE HOLIDAY FRAME

Hi Stampers!
Thanks for stopping by.

Like yesterday, today's card is one we did at stamp club last Friday.  We all celebrated its versatility.  Change out the color and/or the sentiment and this card will serve well to send birthday, anniversary, graduation, retirement greetings, or just a Thinking of You note.

To make this card, you will need
* card stock:  a standard A2 card base in in Primrose Petals plus a Whisper White mat and scrap
* Holiday Frame embossing folder and Big Shot
* ink:  Primrose Petals
* ribbon:  Primrose Petals stitched satin ribbon
* stamps:  Four Frames, Petite Pairs
* adhesives

Helpful Hints:
* The Holiday Frame folder embosses deeply.  To prevent shredding your card stock, run through the Big Shot using no tabs on the platform.
* Give the sentiment a little lift by adhering using 2 stampin' dimensionals.

There you go.  Another quick-as-a-wink for you to make on the spur of the moment, create a stash in a rainbow of colors in just a little time and be ready when the need arises.

Have a great day, and keep on stampin'!
Trish