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Work is slowly getting better.  Less chaotic.  Finally!  Yesterday, I got home around 4:15.  Alyssa asked why I was home so early.  As in, that's the earliest since this insanity has started.  It felt so good!  Today it was about 4:30 so I can't complain about that either.   Normalcy is slowly coming back to work.  

Time to do a fun fold card!  Lately, I'm into doing different fold/cut outs.  I don't know why. 

The "DSP" is from the SAB catalog, Flowering Foils.  I hate to say that I'm late in using it, but I still love it.  It's sponged using Calypso Coral.  It's color resistant, so the color only adheres to the cardstock, not the foil.  Beautiful.

For something different, I used some brads to wrap the baker's twine around to close the card.  The Flowering Foils is adhere to the Soft Sea Foam, then I punched a small through both pieces.  It just made the brad more secure and less likely to pop through.  Never had one do that, but you just never know.  

The Nature's Twine is what I used.  In there, was Soft Sea Foam.  How perfect!  The natural twine would have been perfect too.

Take a peek at the inside.  The flower was perfect to add there.

 

The base of the card is just scored at 2 1/8 on each side.  Super easy with the Simply Scored board.  No thinking required.

Click on the above picture for dimensions and instructions.

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

tams# 44796

Product List

 

Floral Essence Photopolymer Stamp Set	Flowering Foils Specialty Designer Series Paper	Night Of Navy 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock	Soft Sea Foam 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
Night Of Navy Classic Stampin' Pad	Calypso Coral Classic Stampin' Pad	Soft Sea Foam Classic Stampin' Pad	Nature's Twine	Simply Scored
Basic Brads	Stamping Sponges	Paper Snips	1/16" (1.6 Mm) Circle Punch	Clear Wink Of Stella Glitter Brush
Tear & Tape Adhesive	Stampin' Dimensionals

 

 

It was definately a very gloomy Mother's Day here.  It rained, and even had a few snow flurries!  They say it's colder now than what it was at Christmas.  That's very sad.  I had to go into work early today.  Yuck.  But, it ended up not being very busy, so I left over 2 hours early!!!  The manager said it was my Mother's Day gift.  I'll take it! 

I love it when a stamp set matches another DSP!  After looking through my stash, I noticed this flower stamp from Varied Vases closely resembles the flower on this Peaceful Poppies DSP.  Close enough for me.

Color the flower with the Rich Razzleberry stamp pad and a blender pen.   When I stamped the flower, I put a piece of scrap paper under the stem.  This was just to make sure the stem wouldn't show under the vase.  Amp the flower up a bit by coloring it with the Wink of Stella.

If you need to add a sentiment, under the DSP would be a great place.   I used an older sentiment when I sent this out and it fit perfectly.   

Varied Vases and the Vases Builder Punch are both on the Retirement List.  Don't wait 

Click on the above picture for dimensions and instructions.

Product List

 

Varied Vases Photopolymer Stamp Set	Vases Builder Punch	Peaceful Poppies Designer Series Paper	Rich Razzleberry 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
Basic Black 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock	Rich Razzleberry Classic Stampin' Pad	Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad
Watercolor Pencils	Blender Pens	Mini Stampin' Dimensionals

 

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

Today I was off and had to run some errands.  Shout out to Kohl's and Penzey's Spices!!  I ordered two items from Kohl's this week and chose the pick up at store option.  They had two girls running between the store and cars, getting the items.  There was 4 cars in front of me, and it still only took about 5 minutes to get to my car and to place my items in the car!  Those girls were hustling.  Super fast...impressive.  I would highly recommend the pick up at store option.

For Penzey's Spices, I sent a request last night for them to contact me so I could place an order.  By 10:00 this morning, I was contacted, and my order taken.  They hung up, shopped for my items, and called me back with my total.  It was less than 5 minutes inbetween calls.  I. scheduled a time, called when I got there and they put my bag on a crate right outside their door.  I was looking at placing an order online and this was so much faster.  Penzey's has only been doing it for about a week, but it was fabulous!   I can't go without my Penzey's Spices.

Now, for real business.  Early this week, HSN had a Crafting Day.  I was able to catch a small part of it.  Normally, I don't order anything, but it's always fun to see what other products are out there.  In this case, a card they were showing caught my interest.  I had to try to re-create it myself.

What caught my eye was one circle was actually cut out from the front of the card.   That's right.  The base is Mossy Meadow, and can see the outline of its circle.  I added two other circle layers from the Magnolia Lane DSP and Petal Pink.

I put in the card recipe, the dimensions of the circles, but I'll add them here for you to see. 

• Mossy Meadow - 2 1/8
• Petal Pink - 2 3/8
• Magnolia Lane DSP 2 7/8  

In between the Petal Pink and Mossy Meadow is the vellum.  I stamped the magnolia bud in Versamark and heat set the White embossing powder.  I colored the bud with ink pads and sponges.  

What's great about the vellum is that when you open the card, you get to see the reverse side of the magnolia bud.  

I thinking that I'll have to make a different card using the cut-out theme for my club.  They love doing new card layouts.  

Click on the above picture for dimensions and instructions.

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

tams# 44487

Product List

 

Good Morning Magnolia Cling Stamp Set	Magnolia Lane Designer Series Paper	Mossy Meadow 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock	Petal Pink 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
Vellum 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock	Layering Circles Dies	Mossy Meadow Classic Stampin' Pad	Petal Pink Classic Stampin' Pad	Versamark Pad
Heat Tool (Us And Canada)	White Stampin' Emboss Powder	Linen Thread	Mini Glue Dots	Stamping Sponges
Multipurpose Liquid Glue	Paper Snips

 

 

I must be crazy, but work seems to have gotten easier.  We are still busy, but we finally got some really good people working for us and that's HUGE.  I've been able to try training people on the computer so hopefully that will be easier for me.  

When I got home tonight, I actually went into my stamp room!  Yay me.

Enjoy Life stamp set is on the Retirement List.  I love the grass images and the words.  The font is elegant, but still legible.  I hate fonts that are so curvy and fancy so you can't read the words.  What's the point then?

The card needed some happiness so I used Flirty Flamingo.  It's a bright and cheerful color.  Perfect for what's going on in the world today.    But, it's not a color I use much, so that took me out of my box.  

To get the perfect oval shape, I used the Oval Dies and cut one from a scrap piece of cardstock.  Make sure the oval is in the center of the scrap.  Mine was off to the side, so I accidentally sponged onto the Whisper White.  Oops.  Start over.

It's a deceptively simple card.  Looks simple, but there is some technique put into making it.  

Click on the above picture for dimensions and instructions.

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

tams# 44406

Product List

 

Enjoy Life Photopolymer Stamp Set	Flirty Flamingo 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock	Flirty Flamingo Classic Stampin' Pad
Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad	Layering Ovals Dies	Whisper White Solid Baker's Twine	Stamping Sponges	Tear & Tape Adhesive

 

 

 

 

 

I had an unexpected surprise today.  I got to leave work early!!  To some people, it might not be a huge deal, but for me, it was AWESOME!  We were all caught up today so the manager said to get out.  She knows how much time I've put in over the past month.  I did some quick shopping and went home.  Since it was a gorgeous day, I quickly cut up some cheese/sausage and crackers and got everyone out on the deck for snacks.  Sitting and relaxing with my family was the best relaxing therapy ever.

Have you had a chance to look at the Retirement Lists?  There are some good things on there!

One thing not to worry about are the Stampin' Blends.  I started to freak out when I saw them on the Retirement List!  In the next catalog, they will be sold only as a combo.  Stampin' Up! has noticed the trend that most are bought as the combo pack.  They have get rid of the singles supply and re-packaging the combos.  That is why they are on the Retirement List.  I saw the digital copy of the new catalog, and trust me.  They are in the next Annual Catalog.  Whew!  Grab those single Blends while you can.

That was pretty much the only BIG surprise on the list.  All the bundles are on the list, but that's to be expected.  Bundles only last the first year of the products.  While the bundles retire, the individual products don't necessarily retire.  Look closely at those products.  

Click here for the Annual Catalog Retirement List

Click here for the Mini Catalog Retirement List

Let me know if you need a new Annual Catalog.  I'm putting my order in this week.  Nothing beats getting an actual copy of the catalog.  

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

 

 

What a beautiful day to have off from work!   I couldn't have asked for more.  This week the weather sure make work challenging.  I think the cold is actually better than the rain and wind.  Today, we ordered breakfast from a local restaurant.  Omlets haven't tasted any better.  We all agreed, it was definately a wonderful treat.  

I had some time in my stamp room today making this Fun Fold Card.  It looks simple from the outside, but when opened, it is a surprise.

I had this sample of Peaceful Poppies DSP, but not the stamp set.  I challenged myself to make it work somehow.  

The sentiment is from Rooted in Nature stamp set.  It's adhered to the front flap of the card.  The front is scored at 1 inch.   I wanted a larger sized sentiment for this one.  A smaller sentiment would have gotten lost on the DSP.  It's also adhered with the Tear & Tape.  You don't want that piece falling off!

 

I'm not always a perfectionist, but when lining things up, I am.  The Whisper White is lined up with the DSP on the inside of the card, as well as the front flap.  I didn't want any white showing when the card was closed either.  When doing this, I used the Multipurpose Liquid Glue.  The glue gives you just enough time to manipulate the pieces before it sets.  

I really liked this particular pattern of the Peaceful Poppies DSP.  Challenge successful

Click on the above picture for dimensions and instructions.

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

tams# 44290

Product List

 

Rooted In Nature Clear-Mount Stamp Set	Peaceful Poppies Designer Series Paper	Poppy Parade 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock	Pool Party 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock	Basic Black 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock	Pool Party Classic Stampin' Pad	Stitched Shapes Dies
Rhinestone Basic Jewels	Tear & Tape Adhesive	Multipurpose Liquid Glue

 

 

It's kind of scary, but we haven't been getting as many orders at work.  It's been down the past several days.  Don't get me wrong, I'm so not complaining.  But on the other hand, I feel like it's the calm before the storm.  And I'm hoping that's not going to come.  

It's been a long time since I've been in my stamp room during the week.  It felt so good.

This was a quick card I made today.  Mother's Day and tulips make a great combination.  Tulips go with just about anything.  Lovely Lipstick will be retiring all to soon.  So, I have to get my fill of it while it's still around.  

The Layered Leaves 3D Embossing Folder is also in the Retirement List!  I was super sad to see that.  It's been my go-to folder for quite some time now.  It goes with so many stamp sets.  Hopefully there will be another embossing folder that I can call my go-to favorite.  

I sponged Old Olive over the embossed Whisper White to bring out the leaves.  Even with the embossing, it was a little too bland.  It definately helped bring out the Lovely Lipstick.  

Click on the above picture for dimensions and instructions.

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

Product List

 

Timeless Tulips Photopolymer Stamp Set (English)	Timeless Label Punch	Timeless Tulips Bundle (English)	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock	Old Olive 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
Lovely Lipstick 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock	Lovely Lipstick Classic Stampin' Pad	Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad	Stitched Rectangle Dies
Layered Leaves Dynamic Textured Impressions Embossing Folder	Stamping Sponges	Stampin' Dimensionals	Paper Snips	Multipurpose Liquid Glue

 

 

I got a day off!  Wohoo!!  The cat made it impossible for me to sleep in, but just not having to get dressed and go somewhere felt great.  I stayed in my pajamas until about 10.  It felt sooo good.  But tomorrow's another work day so I won't get used to it. My family was impressed I even made dinner tonight.  Chris planned to make enchiladas - chicken and beef.  I figured he's been doing all the dinner planning and cooking, he deserved the night off.  I even made the meatloaf for tomorrow's dinner.   Scary right?

I even made some time to get in my stamp room.  Someone asked me to make a Mother's Day card, so I wanted to get one done before I forgot and time ran out.

I went floral with the Parisian Blossoms DSP.  The metal accents are champagne foil.  There was just enough in the DSP and the bottom strip to make photographing the card difficult.  

The flowers are from Forever Blossoms stamp set.  Yes, they are cut out by hand.  They weren't too bad to cut out and were done pretty quickly.  Stamp the image in Memento Black and use sponge daubers with Petal Pink for color.  I didn't want them perfectly colored.  The leaves are colored with Mint Macaron.  

Make sure the flowers are adhered with dimensionals. The leaves are tucked under the flowers using the Multipurpose Liquid Glue.  

I'm sure you aren't familiar with the Happy Mother's Day stamp.  It's actually a vintage stamp from SU! that goes back to 1993.  I like saying vintage rather than old.  It's actually the only stamp that I have for Mother's Day.  Can you believe that?  

Click on the above picture for dimensions and instructions.

Until next time...Stampin' Always,

Cheryl, HomeStyle Stamper

Product List

 

Forever Blossoms Cling Stamp Set (English)	Parisian Blossoms Specialty Designer Series Paper	Gray Granite Classic Stampin' Pad	Petal Pink 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock	Shimmery White 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock	Champagne Foil Sheets	Petal Pink Classic Stampin' Pad	Gray Granite Classic Stampin' Pad	Mint Macaron Classic Stampin' Pad
Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad	Stitched Rectangle Dies	Petal Pink 1/4" (6.4 Mm) Metallic-Edge Ribbon	Sponge Daubers	Paper Snips
Stampin' Dimensionals	Multipurpose Liquid Glue