Retro Rubber 238 - The Great Outdoors

Today's card was made especially for Retro Rubber's Challenge #238. (#rrcb238) The theme is The Great Outdoors. And keeping in mind that you have to use a stamp that's older than one year, I started off with a favorite from Stampin' Up! called Always An Adventure. This one dates all the way back to 2016, but it's a great go-to, especially for those difficult guy cards.

Here's my complete supply list:

• SU! Always an Adventure Stamp Set (2016)
• SU! Cajun Craze Ink
• SU! Pear Pizzazz Ink
• Memento Old Olive Ink
• Memento Bamboo Leaves Ink
• Memento Ladybug Ink
• Memento Rhubarb Stalk Ink
• Memento Rich Cocoa Ink
• Memento Summer Sky Ink
• Versa Mark Ink
• Clear Embossing Powder
• Papertrey Blueberry Bushel Card Stock
• Stampendous Sentiment
• Copics Y15 & Y26 

I made the stars by stamping them with Versa Mark Ink then heat embossing with clear powder. That made them stay white, like the paper they were stamped on. Then I brushed the blue ink over top of that. I really like the look.

The sentiment was a last minute decision. I thought it looked a little bare but there wasn't a lot of room to stamp too much. I went looking for a small sentiment and thought the words "Keep Looking Up" was perfect for a starry sky. 

It's always a lot of fun playing along over at Retro Rubber. They would love to have you join in!

Stamped Pie Gift Box

I just found out that you can buy individual cardboard pie boxes from Walmart for about $2.00. They're a perfect way for stampers to decorate a box in a personal way that looks so very cute!

Yesterday it was the birthday of my mom's good friend. He just turned 82 and like most men, he's hard to buy for. Since he likes sweet potato pie, and they're hard to find, I thought I would make him one. Wanting to make it special, I decorated the box in a fun way too.

After buying the box, I stamped some background images directly on the box, then used Stampin' Up!'s Vintage Leaves Stamp Set and Dies to cut out the leaves.

For the wording, I used Stampin' Up!'s Layered Letters. The word "homemade" came from an old Michaels set.

But you can really do anything with a pie box. I think stars or birthday designs would be really cute too. And if you don't have stamps, pre-printed ephemera or even images that you grab from online would be really cute too.

Here's the birthday boy with his pie!

I also noticed that if you want bulk pie boxes, there are a lot of really cute styles available too.

I'm looking forward to using this idea for Christmas and other holidays too, and not just for pies. I think cookies would be perfect in these too!

Here is the link to the recipe that I used and that my mom said was the best ever: 

https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/12142/sweet-potato-pie-i/

NOTE: I did line the bottom of the pie box with waxed paper, so if there was any grease residue from the pie it wouldn't leak through. This would be really important with cookies too especially if you're going to give them to someone later on.

Thanks so stopping by today, and happy crafting!

A Visit To Herrschner's Retail Store!

My daughter just moved to Steven's Point, Wisconsin for her first "big girl job." I was delighted with her choice for three reasons. First, she loves the snow and so do I. Now I get to leave Florida several times a year and get to experience a taste of seasonal weather. Second, flights are easy from my hometown to Appleton, just about an hour away. And third, it's the home of Herrschners!

If you're not familiar with them, you can check out their wonderful website at herrschners.com.  I knew it was a wonderful place to buy yarn and I really wanted to see some of their own yarns in person. But I was so blown away by how much this amazing place holds!

The first thing I noticed was the huge selection of cotton quilting fabric. I didn't even know that they sold that, and the selection was amazing! The photo above shows just part of the selections!

On thing that they have throughout the store are samples of crafts. Quilts, afghans and gorgeous sweaters and ponchos were everywhere, providing so much inspiration! The photos on the left and below are just a few of the great projects that they have made up. And many of their items are available in kit forms too.

Their staff is also well-equipped to help you get started on any of these projects as well. Seeing all these wonderful things makes me really want to break away from just making shawls and create something really different.

I love the way all the colors go together too. It was almost autumn when I visited and they did a great job making me feel inspired to start a new fall project!

I hear that Wisconsin winters are brutal, and I so there's so many other things to keep crafty people busy rather than just sewing or crochet. The selection of jigsaw puzzles is the biggest I've ever seen anywhere! I loved the ones in the donut tins, but there are literally hundreds of others to choose from too! Again, the picture below shows just part of their selection.

They also have macrame supplies, cross stitching, plastic canvas necessities and painting supplies too. But I think one of their biggest draws in their back warehouse room that's open to the public. It's filled with discounted items for everyone looking for a great deal on yarn and other supplies!

What I love best about visiting Herrschner's is being able to feel and see the yarns that you're buying. It's also nice to be able to take everything home right then and there. My daughter, on the left, was so sweet to take me there several times and was willing to drive me there as much as I needed. I really appreciate her understanding my craft addictions! I know it's not convenient to most of the country, but if you do happen to be in the central Wisconsin area, be sure to stop by. It's a wonderful place and you'll be so glad you did!

Gingham and Roses

It's been a while since I'm been in my stamp room, although I strive to get there at least for a few minutes every day. I had a wonderful trip to visit my daughter in Wisconsin. It was my first time there and I fell in love. It reminded me a lot of my days in Pennsylvania, which were wonderful.

As much as I'm tempted to start on Autumn cards, I want to wait at least until September. So this card is still fully celebrating the summer with its blooming flowers and pinks.

Here's my complete supply list:

• Stampin' Up! Stippled Blossoms
• SU! Bubble Bath Ink
• SU! Polished Pink Ink
• SU! Parakeet Party Ink
• SU! Pear Pizzazz Ink
• SU! Lace Dies
• Pink & Main Vertical Greetings
• Gingham Paper (Big Box Store)
• Sizzix Embossing Folder
• Michaels Twine

I actually made two of these cards, and they're a little bit bigger. I bought some envelopes from Walmart called "invitation envelopes" and I really like their size. They're in between a 4.25 x 5.5 and a 5 x 7.

And before I go, just one of many wonderful pictures that I took of the Wisconsin countryside:

I just fell in love with this place. You can really tell that they care for their farm so much. The fine print says their names and that it was established in 1977. Simply beautiful!

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a wonderful day!

A Digital Birthday Greeting

I created this design for a friend on Facebook and wanted to make the most of it by turning it into a physical greeting card as well.

My supplies are really simple. I just had the image printed out at FedEx then mounted it on purple card stock and tied it with some vintage string. Easy peasy!

Feel free to snag the image below and use it on a card like I did here, or just send it to someone as a digital image!

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Everybody Needs Hugs

Today's two cards feature stamps called "Lovely Inside and Out" from Stampin' Up! This set goes back a few years. I bought it at a yard sale, and it had never been used. I'm glad I was able to breathe some life into this sweet set and make these cards!

Here's my complete supply list:

• Stampin' Up! Lovely Inside and Out Stamp Set
• SU! Pool Party Card Stock and Ink
• SU! Lemon Lolly Ink
• SU! Petal Pink Ink
• Michael's Black Card Stock
• White Card Stock

I love the simplicity of these cards and how they're really great for a guy or a girl. I especially think young people will like the colors and style too. Now it's off to find someone who needs a paper hug!