Happy Friday! I have many confessions today….so let me start by getting them off of my chest!
(no worries, we are having BLOG CANDY so hang in there)
- I am glad it’s Friday…..it has been a challenging week and I just am happy that it is the end of the week! (whew…got that off my chest)
- I did not like this Paper Pumpkin Kit this month when I first saw it (double whew…but then I figured out how to make it work for me)
- I am sad as we have have to have several HUGE trees removed from our property because of a disease that has affected Ash trees in our state (it always makes me sad to see trees get damaged or have to be removed) and these were HUGE!
- I need your prayers, one of my dear friends son is having an open heart surgery on Monday that is very life threatening and the Mom is also going through her own battle with Breast Cancer, he is just 16 years old and they cutest, most polite young man you would ever meet….please keep this special family in your thoughts!
I thought that this was a FABULOUS quote that I think all of us could relate to….so I hope it touches your heart!
Let’s get to the GREAT STUFF, yesterday….many of you liked….really liked the card that I did. I too was happy with it because I am being honest, when this kit arrived...I was not jumping for joy! When I see that box in my mailbox ~ I am OVER THE MOON excited to rip into it…to see the stamp set, to see the color of ink spot…to see the papers and embellishments….and for some reason, it just didn’t hit me!
Below is the stamp set,I ADORE the “for you” stamp but when I saw that this video suggested to stamp the floral one over the DSP – that is what threw me over the edge. I guess that I am just that clean and simple stamper that likes the classics!
Below you can see the video of all of the products that are included and the the suggest ideas on how to put it together! (Guess you can tell that I was a bit of a rebel and did my own thing) This is a quick video and then below you will see how I made the products and stamps work for me!
To me, this is just a sweet clean and simple card and I love using multiple strands of Bakers Twine to adhere a bit of fru-fru. I like to use glue dots to hold then in place, same with the wooden elements. Maybe I am crazy and maybe it is an artistic think…but I do not “get” the look of stamping the flowers on top of this paper~ (Am I on an Island by myself)
Next one…I did a combo on this one! The little “pocket” is perfect for a gift card…but I thought why not put a piece of paper and stamp on it multiple times and make it interactive with a “pull” with some bakers twine! I liked the layers and the colors of this and the “pull” makes it fun and I am sure that it will bring a smile!
Now to the BLOG CANDY…..YIPPPEE !
I like it when we get some interactive chats going one so leave me a comment about the following question and randomly I ill pick a winner (using random.org) and someone will win all 3 of these cards!
When do you start making Holiday Cards?
If you do…how many are on your list?
I can’t wait to read the comments! Thanks for popping in and good luck!
p.s. – because so many of you liked the card yesterday, I will also stamp (3) cards with that stamp in the corners so you can play and color them in….so that means someone will win 6 cards! That deserves a HUGE WOOT-WOOT!
p.p.s- I hope that there is something “good” in your day! Thanks for always making me smile!
It is a LONGGGGGG answer, for both. Best shared well, not at 3:06 PST when trying to complete a final, but it is Friday now. Right! Over a glass of lemonade in person, sometime. Please, is my answer.
Hi Susan and friends, I make all my Christmas Cards. Last year the total was 90. If I get on a roll and like a particular card I’ll make a bunch of them. Otherwise, they are similar but different. I like using scraps from one to make the next, etc. I make about 20 before I start writing them out. I never mail one until they are all done. I have submitted to using address labels, after-all if I made the card, does it look chintzy that I used the computer for the address? I never start making them until December. . . just not in the mood, but then I’m under pressure and make them my priority. Maybe this year I’ll start earlier. I hope you all have something great in your day too. I will pray for your friend’s Susan. OMG this is really long, so sorry.
🙂
Thanks Susan for sharing the wonderful quote as well as the very cool pumpkin alternates. No you are not on an island all alone. Grin.
Crossing my fingers random.org finds me random enough. LOL
Adding your friends to !y prayer list and trusting all will go well.
Commiserations on the trees. Always a sad thing to have to lose the growing green things around you.
I love the create Christmas cards all year long. Gives me hope I’ll come close to filling my very long list with homemade instead of box cards come December. I try for 100.
Sorry about your rough week and thanks for the great quote. You’re not alone – I wasn’t thrilled with this month’s paper pumpkin either and went my own way too. In fact I made a card similar to yours a few days ago, embossing the flowers and there’s NO way that I’ll be stamping over the DSP, no way at all!
I’ve started making my Christmas cards already because, as a demo, I preordered from the Holiday catalogue and couldn’t resist playing with the new product. I’m not sure how many I make – too many apparently because I have a box with an awful lot left over from last year and one of my friends used quite a lot of them (fortunately). I think I need around 50 and I probably have that many already – it won’t stop me making more though!
First and foremost, hugs, love and prayers to your friends; I am so sorry they are going thru such hard times right now and send my best to both, As for cards, I make 60 of them and start in October. I love making them and picking just the right one for the right person. I usually make 10 different designs and often work on them with a dear coworkers and fellow stamper and that makes it all the more fun! Sorry too about the trees, such a tough thing, I know. The Ash are taking a beating in this area.
I’m sorry about everything unexpected that you had to deal with this week, Susan. Life can throw us curve balls, but it’s how we handle them that really makes all the difference. It’s ok to feel sad, we were created with emotions, but then we need to pick up our boot straps and move on so we don’t become contagious to others (in a negative way). Your quote is perfect for what I mean. I will definitely keep your friends in my prayers. Now on to the question. Once I’m finished making Christmas cards for the year, I immediately continue for the next year (if it’s still Dec. or Jan.). I take a break for a few months, but if I see a challenge that can easily be used for a Christmas card, I make one no matter what month it is. I have several already done. I choose a sentiment for every card so they are all the same and I finish the inside right away that way when it is time to write them out, I don’t need to go searching for the right color or some dp to finish them. I normally make about 35-40. As for your blog candy I say Good For You to come up with such Beautiful alternate cards! I Adore each one of them…and they are way better than the intended cards in the kit. You Rocked the changes! I didn’t like stamping on top of that pretty piece of dp either, but I Love what you came up with much better! Now go have a Wonderful Friday and make someone Smile today! Does that sound familiar~
I make my Christmas cards in late spring when we are at our time share for a week. I make 140 cards. I plan them at the beginning of the year and buy all my supplies when I have a party during Sale-a-bration.
I like to start making my Christmas cards in October. That usually gives me enough time to finish them if I get sidetracked. I usually make around 40 cards. Enjoyed all your alternative cards to the paper pumpkin kit this month.
I usually start making Christmas cards in September or October so they are completed by Thanksgiving. I make about 70 cards. So excited to get my Christmas order in and get started.
Thank you for the reminder that there is good in everyday. I try to start making cards in September and I mail out about 50.
Hi Susan! I go to a scrap camp every July so I begin my 40 Christmas cards then. I then have to make a few with the new sets from the holiday catalog. Thank you!
So sorry about the boy and his mom. Prayers of healing to them both.
Great card, and that quote is a keeper!
I make over 100 Christmas cards. I start in July. But this summer was busy so I’m way behind. I’ve got 2! Well, that’s 2 down and 98 to go! I make several different designs (thank you Susan and Pinterest!) and have them done by early December. Then I have all my girlfriends over for a little gathering so they can see all the cards before I send them out. They are so supportive of what I do and it is fun to hear their comments about what they like about the cards.
Praying ofr your friends that they would both have the best doctors, nurses and staff in the hospitals they are in and that healing would be complete,
As to Christmas cards…I don’t have a start time…whenever the creative juices flow towards Christmas I go with it…all through the year
thanks for the encouragement to create and think outside the box
blessings
patti
I seriously think the Paper Pumpkin gods should talk to you on a regular basis. What a super job with unappealing materials ( at least for the way the kit was originally purposed.) Love all your ideas.
On to your Christmas card question. I send between 80 & 100 each year, and seldom make more than 3 or 4 the same: like Nancy F. I like using scraps from one card for another design. I make different types of cards depending on the group of recipients–one style for my neighbors, one for my co-workers, one for the members of my parish, one for the families I work with at DCF…you get the idea. I make 8 or 10 unique cards for those closest to me. I confess to using “contraband” on those cards usually in the form of a die or stamp that SU doesn’t carry because I think it will more particularly reflect the recipient but I have never been tempted by anyone else’s DSP. I start in November but admit there have been times I’m finishing up a week before Christmas (sorry Mr. Postman). I always vow to reform and not get distracted, but I let life intervene and I always scramble at the end to get everything mailed on time!
Lastly, thank you for the lovely quote. I think we need a stamp of that!!
Prayers to your friend and her son as they face such daunting struggles. They are lucky to have you intercede on their behalf.
I love all the chatter!!!! Interesting how we all budget our time for making Christmas cards too!!! I make 50 cards each year, usually starting in September. This year I have a few made already from using some PP I didn’t love and decided to go a different route. I love the cards you made from this months PP, Susan!!!! You never fail to inspire!!!! I saw online where someone used the background paper on your Thanks card for the sky in a Halloween card and it looked awesome!!!!!
Thank you for the positive inspiration in the quote…..we all can use that positive energy once in a while. Prayers to your friend and her son for successful treatments and healing. ❤️
Chris R.: haha…..I think you are right, it must have been a typo….I am so literal no wonder I struggle with thinking outside the box…..??
So sorry to hear your week was not that great. Sending hugs and prayers to your friends to be healed. Your quote is beautiful and full of positive energy. I am on that island too…see me waving! Lol! Love your take on the PP cards…much better than the video. I make around 80 Christmas cards and start in November (I need the crisp air for motivation) but I usually have my ideas already planned out. I am also enlisted to make cards for one of my peeps and my office. You made my day already so now it’s your turn to have a good, smilin’ Friday ?
I started making them the minute I got my goodies from the Holiday Catalog! And I make as many as I can! As for that stamp over the patterned paper, in my mind it would jut be to #$#^#&*#$%$&!^%&#! Crazy busy! The ups and downs of every day life can be so very hard. I am sending lots of prayers to your friend and her son.
Special healing thoughts for your friend’s family… I think there are trees here in Ohio affected by the Ash thing too 🙁 I think we should have confession day for blog candy lol. It’s been a trying week too for me. Always surprises at the dr visits and Monday’s derm appt was no different so this week was a bit of a bummer. Kind of solidified my answer to trying to make On Stage Atlanta work. Really hoping my health insurance comes thru for me!!
My goal is to always make all my Christmas cards….I start way too late or just get distracted and then I usually end up buying a cute set of store cards for most of the recipients on my list. I always try tho to make sure Granda gets her homemade card!
I really didn’t care for the Paper Pumpkin this month until I saw your cards. They are absolutely stunning. I make about 75 Christmas cards and have no set time for starting. I make a few whenever the mood strikes me. I don’t like to wait until the last minute. Prayers are being said for your friends son! Keep us informed on his progress.
Had my first Christmas card class yesterday, so August is the start. Number of cards vary.
Hi Susan, I like your take on these PP cards. I wasn’t jumping up and down over them either, but I will be caseing yours as I like them much better! I make about 25 Christmas cards and only send them to special friends 🙂 My husband does a photo card or newsletter that goes out to many people – too many! I hope next week is a better one for you! And I’m looking forward to seeing you in November!
Susan, Love your take on this month’s PP. Prayers for your friends and hope next week is better for you. I usually make between 150 to 175 and have been know to do the photo card in a pinch when I ran out of time. I usually start in late August after our Christmas in August event which is when the creative juices began flowing better.
I love your quote…….I am going to jot that down. I make about 60 cards & start to make them in October…..I like to get them mailed no later then the 10th of December. I wasn’t too excited about the PP kit either…..it is great to see alternative ideas!! Will keep your friends in our prayers & hope the next week is better.
Susan: As always, thank you for the inspiration in every way. You make all of us “smile” every day and I hope your day brings you a good measure of joy and gratitude and “fills your tank”…another Susan quote! I appreciate everyone’s thoughts on how they get going on their Christmas cards. I have been mulling over mine but have not started. I send out about 50 and do customize them. Cyber hugs….
Loved the quote and know that you are part of the ‘good’ in my day everyday!
Will keep your friends’ health concerns in my thoughts and wish them strength.
As to your question about holiday cards:
1. I usually send 20-25
2. I begin gathering ideas in summer and production usually begins in November.
Thanks for the great inspiration each day and I’m with you on your ‘island’…..less is best in my book too!
Sometimes things just don’t go as we planned. Hugs and payers to you and your friends. I like your PP cards much better–I too wasn’t thrilled when I saw it–but am more positive about it now. I only make about 30 Christmas cards and don’t usually start until Nov. It helps put me in the Christmas spirit so I don’t like starting too early.
I hope you have a good weekend and that next week will be better!
To my dear friend in Maryland, I really liked your quote this morning. Sent copies to my grand children that are in collage. I make about 75 cards for Christmas. I like to start in late October or first of November. I have been saying prayers for your friends. I love trees and always find it hard to have to cut them down. Love your paper pumpkin cards .want to make some I know you need a “big Texas hug ” today so I am sending one to you. By the way our friend Millie Keller is doing better. Alyece Garrett
Hug, prayers to you and your friends. Hope all goes well and the sun will shine brightly for them. I make about 20 cards and usually begin in October. One of my favorite things is to see all the wonderful inspiration that people come up with (you are one of my favorite inspirations). I just love how creative people are and hope one day I can be as creative.
I forgot to comment on the comment. What a great saying! I plan to forward to my sons and brother. Also, thanks for the chance to win the blog candy.
Love the sentiment……it is good to look for good in our days. I make very few Christmas cards. I send photo cards of my family for my Christmas cards. I make a few cards to go with special gifts. Praying for your friend. LOVE what you did with the paper pumpkin this month. You are not on an island by yourself!
I love the quote, I try and see the positive in everyday myself. I try and start early, however its usually November before I get many of the 75 I send out done! Love what you did on yesterday’s card!
Ready to start stampin now–at least 25–may try for more this year. Prayers for your friend and his family!!
I like that first card that you already shared with us, but those other ones don’t really do it for me. Remember, they can’t all be winners, but you gave it a good college try and came out with some decent cards.
This year I started making holiday cards the first of the year and made some weekly until we moved, then it all went to heck. I’ve got about 20-something done now. People always want to know how many cards I send, well, it depends on how many I make. I have about 15-20 I really, really, REALLY want to make sure get holiday cards from me. Anything else is extra. I have lots of stamping friends and am in several clubs so I could probably send 100 cards if I had that many made. The average is about 60.
I always start my cards for holidays, no matter what the holiday is, way too late. So, they’re rarely done on time. For Christmas, I’ll probably manage to get some cute gift tags made. I’ll start those about the day after Thanksgiving.
As for your interpretation of the Paper Pumpkin: Great work! I so much prefer your Thank You card with that gorgeous, simple swish of color behind the sentiment to the overstamping.
THe corner stamp is adorable. Your coloring on it really makes it fantastic.
I love the pull out tag idea.
Maybe SU was looking to help out folks, who love the openwork stamps but don’t like to color. ??? However, I think they chose poorly on the paper to use to overstamp. Something more like a subtle wash would look better. Or maybe some subtle chalking over the flower corner stamp.
Lovely work as always, Susan!
Alright, now I am miffed. I wrote two good comments and they keep telling me no page found when I hit the post comment button!
I will leave another positive comment about our fiasco yesterday later…..
I started really early this year. Christmas cards in July. I got a really good jump on them. I am making 80 cards.
I always have better intentions than actually accomplishment :{ So I don’t make as many as I’d like to say I do! lol
I have a few made for this year already but need to get going!
Love your cards 🙂
I will try it again, it isn’t like I need to win the blog candy or anything – I just have a lot to say!
1. Christmas cards – do you mean there is a time to quit making them? If I see one on xmas Eve I still might CASE it that day for later on. The more the merrier is my motto. I may not send them out and may even display some of mine with those which came in the mail. I tend to send 20-30 out with notes in them which includes a couple Hanukkah cards. I hand deliver 10-15 usually and have 5-10 with presents. I have been known to make some and give them to friends who I know would like to send them to their friends. I have the stuff to make them, so why not? If a stamp a stack comes up and they look great, I will do that and keep them ready for next year or maybe change the wording for a winter theme or winter birthday. Now, Mike on the other hand, will BUY 2 boxes of cards and mail. I asked him if mine weren’t good enough and he would say well I thought you were busy and you never hardly make a bunch of one kind. OH I am sure all his friends sit around comparing their cards!
2. Paper Pumpkin. Your cards are wonderful and I am definitely CASEING the thanks card tonight. When I opened the box and looked at the photo, I scrunched up my nose and put it wrong side up back in the box. But, I pulled out the individual stuff and oohed and ahhed at the swishy looking cardstock and I loved the wooden leaves ad espresso baker’s twine. I will cut up the mint macaron cards so I have 2 pieces to use. The gift card part I may punch some shapes out of one at least. I really love looking at alternative ideas and that will be what I eventually do. This screams fall and I love the stamp set. Rarely do I do the project. I may use some of the kits for XMAS cards this year too.
3. Quote – for the bad, Ted and I ran into a swarm of bees yesterday. For the good I must not be allergic to bees. Ted had to go to the vet and have a couple of shots and has pills to take. He had welts all over his body and his face was swollen as well as his lips. Caleb – he is o.k. for now with just his lips swollen and ears for now. He is able to eat, drink and walk. The vet had to send an assistant to help me get him in the car. His breathing is fine today but it sure was scary! He should be able to hold a big bone in his mouth in a few days. I just have some small welts left. Gotta just take each day at a time.
4. Sending warm wishes, good thoughts, cyber hugs, and prayers to your friend Susan for both herself as well as her son’s surgery. Plus, all others in the family as well as the doctor and hospital staff.
Sending prayers for your friend and family! So sorry to hear that! I love the quote…so true! I always try to remember to find the good, not only in each day but, each person as well.
I always have good intentions when it comes to making and sending Christmas cards but somehow I seem to end up rushing at the last minute to get them out before the holiday. I make and send around 60. I’ve only missed one year and had to send out Happy New Year cards instead. I seem to work best under pressure. LOL
TGIF!
When do I start thinking about making Christmas cards/design or when do I ACTUALLY begin making Christmas cards…..that is the question. I always have the best of intentions and plan to have them all finished by November 1 but alas, it is usually December 15 and I’m still frantically working on completing them and getting them in the mail, hopefully before the BIG day! I usually make around 40 cards. I’ve changed my thought on sending Christmas cards as of late…..if I will see the indivdual in person before Christmas and can wish them a personal Merry Christmas then I won’t send them a card. Cards are reserved for only those I will not see.
I like seeing what is available from Stampin Up in September, see some examples of the new stamp sets and paper and then getting started in October. I love to have lots of parts and pieces to my cards so I need to start early. Thanks for the chance to win.
Well, I usually wait much too late and then I am in a hurry! But this years Christmas cards are all done and even addressed! I do need to sign them and slide them in the envelopes! I plan to have that done by Sept. 1st. I am so proud of myself! The secret was deciding what I was going to do last year!
So sorry, you have had a rough week! Praying things will be better! Thanks for the Paper Pumpkin ideas. I will give them a try!
I usually start in the fall and make 120 of them using 5 or 6 different designs. I did not care for the August Paper Pumpkin either. In fact, I just closed it up and set it aside. But, I do like what you have done and will copy yours. Thanks!!
My goal is to start November 1 but usually ends up being December 1. I have also been known to send out New Year’s cards instead of Christmas cards.
I am with you. Did not like this months paper pumpkin set very much. I am more inclined to use your suggestions, than theirs. That said, everybody’s entitled to a blooper once in a while. I’m sure I’m going to have great fun with the papers in my own way. BTW, I am done with my Christmas cards . Made about 20 of them in early August.
Having read your blog, you obviously know what you are talking about. I’m sure visiting my page FQ4 about Thai-Massage will be worth your time!