Thursday, December 11, 2025

Two Sketch Challenges

 Hey Everybody,

Today's card is for a sketch challenge. Check out the challenge here. 


Here's my card. 

I stamped, colored and cut out the images which are from the Stampin' Up set called, Basket of Wishes. I punched out the circles then added them to the Thoughtful Journey designer series paper. I added the images with dimensionals so they'd stand out. This will go on a patient dinner tray at a local hospital.

Keywords: SC1084 fall blessings
Stamps: Basket of Wishes
Paper: white, SU-Thoughtful Journey designer series paper
Paper Size: A2
Ink: memento tuxedo black, night of navy
Accessories: 2" and 2 1/4" circle punches, scissors, Copic and SU Blendabilities
Techniques: Coloring, fussy cutting

Here's another sketch challenge which can be found here.
Here's my card.




I chose the designer paper I wanted for the base. The designer paper I chose is called, Iconic Celebrations. I liked this paper because it had paper for fall, Christmas, birthday, New Years, and even masculine cards. Then I used that same designer paper for the squares. I took two squares one size apart and cut them three times using the Iconic Celebrations designer series paper. I cut the linen material and added the rub on leaves to it. I pulled the threads to make a pulled edged all around. I place the designer paper on the card base then added the linen material. I added the three squares and stamped my greeting. I added the streaked dots last.  
Keywords: SC1086 fall blessings
Stamps: Fall Stamps gifted to me-sentiment
Paper: SU-Iconic Celebrations Designer Series Paper
Paper Size: A2
Ink: early espresso
Accessories: linen material, square dies, stamp n cut and emboss machine, SU streaked dots
Techniques: die cutting, stamping

Well there you have it, two different sketches to try for something different for layouts.
I am thrilled that the ladies at Splitcoaststampers continue to make up sketches and challenges each day to challenge our card making skills.

Off to teach my last class for December. Then to play with Mia.
Thanks for stopping by.
Blessings,
Sue

Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Free Shipping with a $75 order begins today

 

FREE Shipping with a $75 order Begins Today

 Hey Everybody,

Free shipping with a $75 order is going on today through Friday, December 12th. If you have any questions, please let me know.

Blessings,

Sue




  • All order types qualify for this promotion.
  • Free shipping is for three days only. Orders must be opened and closed from December 10–12.
  • Free shipping automatically applies to your cart after the qualifying amount has been met, which is $75 USD | $100 CAD (before tax).
  • Coupon codes and Stampin’ Rewards will lower your order’s retail amount. Orders must meet the qualifying amount to be eligible for free shipping.
  • The additional cost for expedited shipping is not covered by this promotion.
  • Prepaid 3-, 6-, and 12-month Paper Pumpkin subscriptions and month-to-month subscriptions do not qualify for free shipping. Refills, past kits, and add-ons do qualify toward free shipping, but you must be a subscriber to purchase. Subscriptions billed and shipped this month will be charged for the normal amount ($27.00 USD | $36.75 CAD shipping included) + tax.
  • Please keep in mind that due to the high volume of orders and the Christmas season, the distribution center may fall behind our typical shipping timeframes. We will do all we can to return to our regular service levels as quickly as possible. Any orders placed during this promotion are not guaranteed to arrive before or by December 25.

Tuesday, December 9, 2025

Using Fun Flock and Generational Stamping

 Hey Everybody,

Here's a card for another double challenge. The challenges were to use generational stamping on your card and the other challenge was to use a snowman.

What is generational stamping you ask?

In its most basic form, it's stamping once with full ink, stamping a second time without re-inking, then a third time, no re-inking. I feel like this technique takes me back in time because I love simple (but effective) stamping. Depending on the ink you used, you may only get a second generation or you may go further than three. You can interpret this any way you like: a background, simple stamping three times in any arrangement you like, or something in between. 

This is for two challenges. The first one is generational stamping and the second one is make a snowman.
I stamped the snowman in Memento tuxedo black ink. I colored him with Copic Markers. I added the dots with the SU eyelet placement template. I added glue with a paint brush to the hat and added the flock. I also added flock below the snowman which might be harder to see. This will go to a local nursing home for resident use.


Keywords: TLC1085 CAS876 snowman
Stamps: Penny Black-Snowman, SU-Snowman Season
Paper: white, balmy blue
Ink: balmy blue, misty moonlight, Memento tuxedo black
Accessories: Copic Markers, Night of Navy Stampin' Write Marker, peppermints, Cotton ball white Fun Flock, SU eyelet placement template
Techniques: Coloring
Have you used flock before? I remember this stuff from when I was  kid. They put it on books for little kids which gave it a soft, fuzzy feeling for an image.  You put glue on where you want the fun flock. You sprinkle the fun flock on the glue. Then press the fun flock into the glue. Pick up the paper and tap the extra flock off the image. Let the glue dry before touching the flock on your image.

Well, that's  it for today. I hope you learned something and try generational stamping and even using fun flock.
Blessings,
Sue

Monday, December 8, 2025

FREE Shipping

 Hey Everybody,

Free shipping with a $75 order  will be happening this week. Any questions, let me know.

Blessings,

Sue




  • All order types qualify for this promotion.
  • Free shipping is for three days only. Orders must be opened and closed from December 10–12.
  • Free shipping automatically applies to your cart after the qualifying amount has been met, which is $75 USD | $100 CAD (before tax).
  • Coupon codes and Stampin’ Rewards will lower your order’s retail amount. Orders must meet the qualifying amount to be eligible for free shipping.
  • The additional cost for expedited shipping is not covered by this promotion.
  • Prepaid 3-, 6-, and 12-month Paper Pumpkin subscriptions and month-to-month subscriptions do not qualify for free shipping. Refills, past kits, and add-ons do qualify toward free shipping, but you must be a subscriber to purchase. Subscriptions billed and shipped this month will be charged for the normal amount ($27.00 USD | $36.75 CAD shipping included) + tax.
  • Please keep in mind that due to the high volume of orders and the Christmas season, the distribution center may fall behind our typical shipping timeframes. We will do all we can to return to our regular service levels as quickly as possible. Any orders placed during this promotion are not guaranteed to arrive before or by December 25.

Alphabet and Sketch Challenges

 Hey Everybody,

Today's card is for the Alphabet Challenge is the letter O-oil can. I printed out an old-fashioned oil can and colored it. I added it to the scene I made. Since it's old, why couldn't it have been tossed in a field somewhere? Anyway I colored and die cut the images and added them to the designer series paper with dimensionals. I made a scene to go around the oil can. This will go on a dinner tray at a local hospital.

Keywords: ABC23O15
Stamps: Colorado Craft Company-This is the Life
Paper: white, SU-Thoughtful Journey Designer series paper
Paper Size: A2
Ink: memento rich cocoa, misty moonlight
Accessories: Colorado Craft Company-This is the Life dies, dimensionals, Copic and Blendabilities alcohol markers, white pen
Techniques: coloring, die cutting
Here is the stamp set I used for the mushroom and snail.  I got this because the images were cute and I liked the sentiments for cards I make for the hospital and nursing home. The samples I saw on Colorado Craft Company, for this set were just darling.

Here's another card I made with this stamp set.  Our sketch challenge can be found here.  
I stamped the mushroom and grass and colored with Copic Markers. The mouse was stamped and colored with Copic Markers then fussy cut. I didn't glue his tail down because I liked the dimension it gave raised up. I cut strips of paper 1/2" x 4" for the bottom and 1/2"x 3 for the top. This card will go on a dinner tray at a local hospital.

Keywords: SC1088
Stamps: Colorado Craft Company-This is the Life
Paper: basic beige, white, SU Painterly Pears designer series paper
Paper Size: A2
Ink: memento tuxedo black, mossy meadow
Accessories: scissors, copic markers
Techniques: fussy cutting, coloring

Here is the sketch for the challenge.
I have to make some more cards with this set but first I have to finish my Christmas cards. I need to finish stamping some of them. I have to print labels and also write my family annual letter that I send to family and friends that aren't local.

This week I have classes Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.
Mia Sunshine will be here Thursday instead of Wednesday. Papa will pick her up from preschool while I teach my last class.

This weekend I'll be going to Columbus with Tim to celebrate my birthday with my twin sister, another sister and brother-in-law and my brother.  It's been a few years since I've seen my twin so it will be wonderful, I hope! LOL

Thanks for stopping in today.
Blessings,
Sue


Sunday, December 7, 2025

The Simple Woman's Daybook for December 7, 2025

 

For Today, Sunday, December 7th, 2025

December 7 is most famously known as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, marking the 1941 surprise attack by Japan that brought the U.S. into World War II.

On December 7, 1941, a peaceful Sunday morning on the Hawaiian island of Oahu was shattered by an unprovoked attack by the naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan on the United States Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor and the aircraft and hangars at Kaneohe, Ford Island, Barbers Point, and Hickam Field.  The surprise offensive claimed the lives of 2,403 American service members and civilians and propelled our Nation into the Second World War. 

The Japanese mission was designed to cripple our military assets and obliterate the American spirit, but instead, the fatal attacks rallied our shattered citizenry and fueled our resolve.  Young men from every corner of our country put their lives and futures on hold and were thrust into bloody and brutal battles of historic consequence that would forever change the world.  Although untested in battle, these patriots, still reeling from horror and disbelief, united in a singular mission:  to defeat tyranny.  The exceptional courage and immeasurable sacrifices of the Greatest Generation secured our way of life and the blessings of freedom for future generations.




The Pearl Harbor Memorial


"Yesterday, December 7, 1941—a date which will live in infamy..."
These iconic words marked the beginning of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s address to Congress, requesting a Declaration of War against Japan after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

I remember learning this phrase in my 9th grade Civics class. Sheesh, the things we remember, huh? I didn't like that class because of the teacher. He picked on kids and made fun of you if you didn't know an answer. I still remember that too. Junior high was a tough time in life for many. But, that's another conversation. Because of my 9th grade Civics class, December 7th has been ingrained in my brain.

 

Looking out my window it's dark except for the twinkling Christmas lights in displays in yards and on houses. We have a wonderful collection of colored lights in our  front yard. My favorite lights are the blinking lights on our light pole.

 

I am thinking that family is so precious. I had a wonderful time Wednesday morning, with Mia and a few of her preschool friends, teacher and staff at a local city square. The city workers cleared the snow and ice away in an area so we could meet under a tarp and drink hot chocolate. We then made a bird feeder using a bagel. You tied a piece of yarn through half a bagel then spread peanut butter on the bagel. Then the kids dumped bird seed on the peanut butter. We pushed the seeds down so they'd stick in the peanut butter. Then we hung the bagel on one of the bushes in the town square.  It was a fun activity.

Next we went on a scavenger hunt to find things that were on the displays and lights in the square. The fun part was, we've been to the square every year for 32 years since it is near Tim's parent's home. We've taken our kids there each holiday season to see the lights and displays and listen to the music.

Last year they had a blow up penguin that went up and down inside a chimney. Mia was amazed by it.  She was two at the time and loved the fact that when we said, "Please come up penguin." he came up. Then we'd say,  "Please go down Penguin." he'd go down.

She couldn't wait to see the penguin this year and do the same thing. She and I did this last year and she wanted to do it again this year. It was so much fun. I wonder what age she'll figure out that he goes up and down no matter what we say. LOL  Precious memories.

 

I am thankful that we can spend time with the kids. We celebrated Thanksgiving the Sunday after. Everyone was tired of turkey so we had a wonderful brunch full of  lots of goodies. It was so well received that we may make it a new family tradition.  I don't know what I liked best, the cinnamon rolls or the french toast.

One of my favorite things is spending time with my kids. Wednesday evening Tim and I went with Ben to the Chargers Game. They are the G-League basketball team that feeds into the Cavaliers NBA team.  Three of the players have dual contracts. They play at the G-level and with the Cavs.  
We  have a package that gives us half of the home games. We got a sweatshirt Wednesday. Each time we go to a game we eat a dinner then at half time we eat snacks and dessert. It's all included in our ticket price. Plus we have front row seats at one of the ends of the court. It's a great time.

I am creating more lap afghans for a local nursing home. I'm also working on Christmas cards for a hospital and the nursing home.

 

I am wearing a red sweater, jeans, and tennis shoes.

I am watching Mistletoe Murders on Hallmark. I've finished the two seasons and want more. I hope there is a season three.  Did you know you can get a Hallmark Bingewatch pass from the Cuyahoga County Library?  Yup, you can watch anything they have for a week. Then all you have to do is reorder it to continue to watch shows.

I am learning new crochet stitches. When I get good, I will start a lap afghan because it's smaller than a regular blanket.

 

In my kitchen all is quiet. However, all is decorated for Christmas. The Christmas mugs are out, the placemats and the decorations. We have a clock that plays a Christmas song on the hour. At night it plays softly so you don't hear it upstairs.  We also have a small lighted tree on the counter next to the Christmas mugs. 

In the school room I have just finished cutting paper and organizing 4 sets of cards for my classes this coming week. 

 In my garden all of it is covered with snow. The mum hanging basket didn't make it inside so it's sadly out in the snow. It was very pretty all fall so it did it's job.  We have a few bird feeders out but not many birds are taking advantage of them. 

A moment from my day-Today a friend came over and I showed her how to do a crochet stitch called the moss stitch. She is going to make a scarf so I thought that would make a nice pattern for her. Plus, it's an easy, repeating stitch. 

Well, I have the family Christmas lists and have almost all of my shopping done. I do most of it online. It is delivered and all I have to do is wrap and put under the tree.

We put up our tree with Mia on Wednesday. It was so cute to watch her place the ornaments. She put them in clusters. I left them where she put them. Afterall, why ask for help decorating the tree if you are just going to move the ornaments to where YOU want them. LOL

Tim moved them after Mia left. He just had to. LOL That kind of thing doesn't bother me but he sits in that room for reading and coffee so he looks at it a lot. It's just one of those things.  Yes, he's the kind that straightens the picture if it's crooked when he walks by.

Well, it's late and I need to get some sleep. Tomorrow's another day and I have to get a handle on my Christmas cards. I've been making them and have some from last year. Now I need to get labels and family letter printed so I can begin the process of getting cards out to people.

Thanks for stopping in today.

Blessings,

Sue

 


Saturday, December 6, 2025

Thoughtful Journey

 Hey Everybody,

Today's challenge can be found here


I started with Thoughtful Journey designer series paper for the background.

Then I used the background stamp called, Peaceful View and stamped it in black ink. I used a stamp positioner so I could stamp this multiple times.

Keywords: MMTPT899
Stamps: Peaceful View, Sketched Butterflies
Paper: Thoughtful Journey designer paper, white
Paper Size: A2
Ink: Versafine black, highland heather
Accessories: double oval punch, Tiny bee trinkets, stamp positioner
Techniques: Stamping

This is the stamp set I used for my card. 




Here are some cards I've made using Thoughtful Journey designer series paper.






This is the type of card that is quick and easy to make. It can have many different kinds of sentiments like Thinking of You, Sympathy, Birthday, Thank you etc.
That's the beauty of this pack of paper and the background stamp. You can make any type of card you want.

This would make wonderful gifts with assorted sentiments. If you have someone who uses cards, make some cards with this paper stack them in a pile with envelopes and wrap a ribbon around them with a gift tag for a perfect gift.

Thanks for stopping by today.
Blessings,
Sue


 





Two Sketch Challenges

 Hey Everybody, Today's card is for a sketch challenge. Check out the challenge here .   Here's my card.  I stamped, colored and cu...