WOOT-WOOT…it is Friday and I know to many, that makes you super happy! Well I guess I am happy but let’s face it….it is what it is!!! (as the saying goes).
On Wednesday I had shared with you that I would be back to share some photos of my time away and YEP….I will do so but before we get to that…let’s talk about the BLOG CANDY for one lucky winner! (I realize that many do not wish to be bored with things other than Stamping…but heck, I am what I am and I do use my blog as an extension of “me”)
I feel very blessed to have a community of Blog followers that love to share a bit about themselves and I thought – let’s do a super simple BLOG CANDY that we all can see a community of talent from all over this beautiful country! (If you live outside the USA….please chime in as well….it makes it even more special!).
While I was away I saw beauties that I have never seen before. John felt the same way as both of us have been born and raised on the East Coast….it was just amazing and the weather – I LOVED IT….not having humidity as we do on the East.
WHAT IS THE BLOG CANDY? YUM….something super practical!
Let’s face it…we all love to make things with our hands…and I am just like YOU! With a new catalog coming I will be hosting another Product Share (NO, you did not miss it – and I will post on that next week…but these DSP Swatch gems make this wonderful thing that we do (stamping) sooooooo much easier!)
The DSP Swatch Books make life easier, it is as simple as that!
No need to flip through a bunch of paper and all of the info is right on the back of each offering… I cannot begin to tell you how many of these gems I have made up…but I will do so again and again with every catalog as they are lifesavers! (It’s like reading the “above the crease” on the front page of a newspaper))
Leave a comment answering these simple 3 ?’s…
- What State are you from…
- How long have you been stamping…
- What is your favorite type or style of card to make…
Here’s my answer…
I live in Maryland, I have been stamping for 8+ years and my style of card making is to make clean and simple cards with lots of basic layers
OK folks – time to switch gears!…Grab a cup of whatever (somewhere in the world it’s 5 o’clock)….if you want to hear about our time away….if not…please leave a comment and I will see you Monday with a card that will make you BEAM!
Good luck and it will be fun to see the answers and especially where everyone is from! Again, I honestly had NO IDEA WHAT SO EVER that the Pacific Northwest part of our country was as beautiful as it was!!!
It was just amazing and it truly made me feel like a little East Coast Bumpkin having a pair of new glasses on! It is just spectacular and I can hardly wait to go back!
I did earn the Alaska Incentive Trip from Stampin’ Up! (it was wonderful) and naturally that was the reason of our “going to this part of the country” but John and I added 2 days to the front and then a week after making it an ultimate time away!
When I started to go through my pictures I clearly realized that there were WAY TOO MANY THINGS to communicate to you all about…..but here are some of the things that totally stood put in my memory bank! Some will make you smile and laugh….some will make you look and say….WOW – it is beautiful….and then there are some that will inspire you.
For me, the inside feeling from this trip is…
If you can….travel and see things before time slips by!
When we arrived back to Seattle after the cruise…we rented a car and drove with no agendas….nothing booked or planned, (this is a 1st for us) we just knew that we needed to end up at the end of the week in Portland to fly home! After we got off the boat, we picked up the rental car and went to “Highway 101” and drove the Oregon Coastline!
Usually I go by a set of “to do’s” and agendas….and I love to make plans in advance, especially for restaurants as I do love my food and I do love to cook! John and I are both pooped (having some busy past months) and vowed to each other – let’s just get away and relax. We said, We are going to a place we have never been to….so let’s just do it! (Funny thing is……Hannah is getting ready to move to Seattle so she was THRILLED that we liked the area so much…..as she said to me, now I do not need to worry if you will come and visit!!!!)
As I was going through my pictures just to share with you some…..I went to export them and there were 97 (that was just picking some “keepers” from the 100’s and 100’s that I took) YIKES!!!! I know that there is NO WAY that I could edit, communicate the photo but trust me….there might not be 97…..but there are pretty darn close to it!
Here you go….snippets from the travels of John and Susan….
We were about 15 from the house leaving to the airport and I remember that I forgot my backpack/camera….naturally I said a few verbal words and John just looked at me and said NO…we are not going back! (I had a hunch that was what he was going to say)
This is one of those differences about us…..he is one of those die-hards that makes sure that he is WELL OVER 2+ hours ahead to the airport……so – keep in mind – all of these pictures from our time away were taken with my I pad! (and I must say….it did GREAT!)
Next….I left my cell phone on the plane going out to Seattle. WHAT???? YEP, I did. I do have a legitimate reason though…(ha-ha) – after we got all settled in our seat and John took a deep breath and said to me, now I am ok – we are here….we are settled and I am fine (I think that was his way of telling me that I could talk now)….Well….you know me – I spotted a dog on the plane 2 seats back.
My maternal and doggie instincts kicked in…..(John rolled his eyes and then smiled…I know what this means) I naturally asked this sweet gal about her dog and the moral of the story is that her dog is a companion dog to her as she has severe anxiety with flying! Yep….I bet you know what I did – I offered for John and I to move back to sit with her.
We did….and it ends up that she is 29 yrs old – a school teacher and her buddy…Jimmy, flys with her everywhere! (He is a rescue and the story made me melt) They were simply adorable and guess what, my phone was left in the seat back of where we 1st sat….(turned off) and I totally forgot about it when the plane landed!
With the wonders of technology…..we saw from FIND MY IPHONE….that my trusty phone flew all over the country…for many days…..making it’s ultimate stop in Denver – Southwest shipped it to our house and after a 2 1/2+ week journey…..it is back home on Randall Lane.
Ok – I promise that I will STOP…..(I am sure that I will have many people unsubscribe from my blog because of all of the pictures etc….) but as I have said and will say again. I love to Stamp….I love my Stampin’ Up! friends and family….I never EVER dreamed that I would ever have a Blog or heck – be a SUD this long….but I share all of this as this is what makes me tick, this is what makes me roll and this is a passion that I have ….to share and inspire.
I truly, truly feel that we are are all sooooooo darn hard on ourselves. Trust me, I am guilty as well. We all need to take a deep breath and remember that there are truly so many things to be grateful for. When I do not blog, I feel guilty. When I do not create, I feel guilty. Why do we do this?
I am having to come home to 100’s of emails and to-do’s but what is the best feeling is…to have people that I have never ever met before…reach out and care…reach out and ask – everything ok….now that’s what I call is a gift! I am taking a deep breath and it will get done…
Taking time for yourself is super important. I find it much more of a joy to give and give and do and do rather than take care of myself….Am I hitting a cord with any of you? I sometimes think is a habit we get ourselves into….but what happens is – you run yourself down and you lose your belief in yourself!
Many of you know that I love to make up kits…..last year was the PITS for me with kits…..did I plan to break my wrist….NO…..did I plan for my Dad to become ill……NO…..Did I know that I might have to deal with severe bone loss...NO….but these things did happen and guess what – I just kept going forward but now I am going forward with intention.
I am planning to start a “kit like program” in September (it will be different than before)….as I do miss them. It is a passion and love to me to make up sample cards for my kits as we all seems to be our worse enemies ….saying WE CAN’T DO IT….but I have learned…when we have positive energy…WE ALL CAN ACHIEVE GOALS….it is just that we need to see that we are the ones holding ourselves back!
Yesterday I shared in a group text to some special ladies in my life….you are being too hard on yourself – there is no judging here….whatever YOU make with YOUR hands is a gift….it is as simple as that! I am really starting to embrace that motto of getting wiser as you get older!
Creating, Stampin’, laughing, sharing my love for my family, sharing my crazy passion for animals….I guess the highs and the lows is a way to express who I am. I am blessed but guess what – WE ALL ARE BLESSED….I truly love this creative thing that I do!
Darn, I just wish that there was “STAMPIN’ TOWN, USA” that only people that were fun, creative, positive could go to…..this is how I feel when the group of us get together to do some crazy fun weekend adventures together – We call ourselves the Sisters of the Traveling Stamps! We have a BLAST and we are all soooo different….that’s what makes us roll….
Enjoy these pictures of the fun….and if any of you live in Eugene or Florence Oregon….YOU ARE MY NEW BEST FRIEND and YES – I would love to come and meet you. (nothing like inviting yourself) We adored those areas! We loved the coast line so much that we only made it in Eugene the night before we headed to Portland!
The great news is….we will be back. It was truly magical and loosing my phone….being unplugged was FABULOUS….we hiked and hiked….we ate and ate (I am a BIG FOODIE)….we laughed and laughed….and we drove and drove saying mile after mile – WOW, LOOK AT THAT! (I’m sure we were being total tourists)
I have become a big yoga lover and I am very dedicated to practicing on a daily basis. I feel better than I ever have and after being diagnosed with aggressive osteoporosis I make sure that I take care of myself. John too has learn to love and appreciate the benefits of Yoga and while were were away we practiced at any studio we could find…..and you will see we hikes and hiked our legs off! This area is the BEST for all of this…..
The peeps are thinking that their Mom and Dad are having “what-ever you want to call it crisis” but we laughed and laughed as there were actually days that went by that we did not check in with them.
James had the best comment……he sent John a text and said……“Everything ok?…reason being the last time we communicated with you all…..Mom was getting ready to get on a Helicopter to a glazier to play with Husky Dogs and go sledding and you were leaving with some men to go Halibut fishing”
We arrived home last Thursday to have all of the peeps come home on Friday and we celebrated Christmas over the weekend.YEP…that’s right….Christmas in August. We have not been together as a whole family since Thanksgiving and even with a delayed plane coming home and the time difference…..I rallied and made it a special weekend.
We pulled out Christmas decorations and had our traditional dinner one night (it was probably 90 outside) and we just laughed as ….only us!!! The other night….we did the yummy Maryland thing…..picked Crabs and then James did his annual firework show!
As we were all outside eating in between storms there was this beautiful rainbow….and I just smiled as I knew it…..I did the right thing….I had a great time away and really vacationed and enjoyed myself….and then came home to the best group of people…..my family!
Every time I see a rainbow my heart skips a beat and my eyes get a tear…as my Mom loved rainbows and the icing on the cake was Hannah looked at me and said, “Look Mom…..Gigi’s with us!”
Have a great weekend….and please leave a comment for the Blog Candy!
Monday I will announce the winner!
ENJOY THE PICTURES…..
Here they are…she was so sweet and her dog Jimmy is the best!!! She said that when she puts the bandana on his neck, he knows that they are going to an airport. It is amazing how service dogs can be trained.
If you are ever in Florence Oregon – you HAVE TO take a ride on the sand dunes…we did the slow tourist one….and then the super thrilled crazy one – I admit, even I was a bit scared – over 60 mph in the sand and it was sooooo hard to see the dips etc….a super fun time!
I sure do wish that the State Parks in our area would take after the Oregon ones….they were simply amazing!
FAB-O tiny restaurant in Florence…..
Eugene Oregon stole my heart – we were only there for a short time but certainly long enough to realize that we will be back! Clean…great weather….fun things to do….lots of beautiful countryside and lots of Vineyards!
Did someone say vineyards??? Oregon has some AMAZING Ones!
John doing a little retail wine therapy at King’s Estate….
Yep…we saw Sea Lions…..they are just adorable and I love the noise that they make. We also did see Whales….not in Alaska….but in Oregon – John was thrilled!
We went to heaven…..Cannon Beach Oregon….(If I am ever missing and the weather is good….I am probably there) – This was spectacular and there was a HUGE CORGI DOG FESTIVAL going on as we walked up the beach – there were 100’s of dogs having the BEST TIME and me…..I was melting missing my pups!
Look at the man below…using his sweet Lab as a foot rest!
Does this make you smile! This little guys was a happy as the rest….playing and having a BIG OLD TIME!
As we walked down the beach I could sense something over my shoulder….YIPPEE – HORSES…..is this the BEST or what!
I view like this does wonders to your soul…..simply beautiful!
Ok….John and I are THE WORST at selfies…..we laugh and laugh every time…..one day we’ll get it!
Look at this amazing water….just breath-taking!
After hiking and hiking…WE FOUND IT….now this is ONE BIG TREE!!!
BEST food truck ever…..look at the flowers on the roof – it is actually a cargo carrier and we stood in line for over an hour!
We were up really high and we were so scared that we would fall trying to do a silly selfie for the peeps!
Recognize this? It was where the Goonies Movie was filmed!
The water in Alaska was always so crystal clear….I had NO IDEA that Alaska was soooooo green and lush – I think that this is a place everyone needs to see to appreciate….WOW!
We took a super fun train ride up a HUGE Mountain…..breathtaking! A great history tour!
We went to a glacier while on the cruise and you would see these massive pieces of ice in the water. The color of the ice was amazing
Every night when we would come back to the cabin…we had a new animal made out of towels….I admit, when we walked in….he scared me!
In Victoria we toured an amazing garden….these flowers were unreal….and to think – this was from my I Pad
The sequence of pictures are all out of order but here in Seattle at the market….now how could I NOT take a picture of a pig! Oh, by the way….Daisy did great while we were away and Hannah even groomed her and put cream on her every day – She looks BEAUTIFUL!
If we lived in Seattle, I think sweet John might need to know these flower ladies….just amazing!
Darn I love food, look at this beautiful bounty that summer brings!
How can you not love a city with a Piano playing on the corner!
I had no clue that Seattle was soooooo hilly – what a fabulous place!
Get ready to moan with this cuteness….this guy was in our hotel – and YEP….he was there for an Instagram following….
LOVED this sign at the yoga studio in Seattle…..it was a great place and the coffee in Seattle….PERFECT!
I know you can’t tell….but I was DRENCHED…..we were very true to our Yoga on our ventures….
The view of Seattle as the boat left the dock.
I was sitting reading a book and looked up…..this plane just gliding in!
Anyone else like fried pickles? You just have to have pickles and cheese with hard shell Crabs!I mastered a new recipe that was a hit with the peeps……(notice the Christmas Tree) – I will say…I heard, “Oh Mom….I can’t believe you did that” (I just asked John if we could just keep the decorations upstairs as heck, Christmas will be here sooner than we think)
Here is the rainbow when we were doing our family crab feast!
I hope that you will find your own rainbow this weekend….
thanks for letting me share……xoxo….susan!
Answers to the questions are;
1. Nebraska
2. Just a little over 3 years
3. I love to make “Thank You” cards
Thanks for sharing your trip and pictures. I am SO glad you found Cannon Beach. It is a very special place. I too love to go to Oregon and spend time at the coast. The beauty of Alaska is amazing. We took a cruise several years ago and have may fond memories of it. Looking forward to your next card. Have a great weekend.
1. Minnesota
2. Over 20 years
3. Clean and simple cards of all kinds
Beautiful pictures. We have visited Alaska and loved it!
I’m from NJ but I live in Maryland. I’ve been stamping over 15 years and I love lots of layers and a little bling!
Enjoyed your travelogue and sharing your life’s journey with hubby. I really loved the pictures of the flowers. I have been stamping about 10 years, live in Rochester, New York and enjoy making clean and simple Get Well cards.
I am from Michigan. Stamping since 1994 and I love the variety of my hobby. If the recipient likes vintage I can make that, if my friend is contemporary I can make that. I love the versatility that this creativity provides. So much fun!
I’m from California. Been stamping about 15 years, and I love to make Holiday cards, Halloween, Christmas and Easter.
Loved the photos and your captions/narrative! Great fun! My husband and I need to do this.
I live in Oregon, and have been stamping about 7 years and my favorite cards are everyone of them. No really I guess it would be Birthday cards and simple.
Susan the pictures are beautiful. I have been to each of the places you have taken pictures of. When you were at King Estate Winery you were only 10 miles from my house.We live 20 miles from Eugene.
You certainly did your research and picked all the best sites to see and do on the West Coast.
Hi Susan, Loved all your pictures.. been to the West Coast but never Oregon… looks gorgeous…
I am from NY, been stamping on and off for 20+ years.. I love clean, simple and elegant cards with lots of layers…
First, I just love all of your pictures and your excitement for new experiences and travel!! I started out in Georgia, grew up in New Jersey but have called Maine “home” for the last 38 years. Stamping has been a part of my life for 15+ years and a demonstrator for 5. My card style usually includes layers and texture no matter the type. Look forward to your creative ideas anytime I see an email from Simple Stampin’!
I’m from Wisconsin
Been stamping over 20 years
I love any cards with flowers!!!
Your pictures of your trip are wonderful, thNks for sharing!!!! Loved them all and your stories!!!!!!
Love your photos and your blog! I’m from Maryland, have been making cards for about 2 years and my favorite type to make are holiday cards, Christmas and Halloween in particular.
We live in the Pacific Northwest— Portland. Know of all the places you spoke about and visit Cannon Beach often.
Have been paper crafting about 8 years and love to make my own Birthday and Christmas cards. I’ve sent you a separate email that I hope you get. I hope to hear back from you when you have time.
I live in the great state of Florida. I’ve been stamping for 10+ years. My favorite type of card to make are clean and simple holiday cards.
Loved your vacation and all the photos. Sounds like a wonderful time. I love the Oregon coast.
I am from Illinois and have been stamping for 10+ years. I like to make clean and simple cards. Birthday and Holiday cards are my favorite. Thank you for sharing your travel photos. So glad you had a great vacation.
Hello from Central Maine! I’ve been stamping for six years and although I usually stick to clean and simple cards, I love to make vintage cards when I have the time. Loved all your photos, the scenery was fabulous!
Forgot to say:
I am from VA
I have been stamping for 22 years
I love to make birthday and thinking of you cards
1. Live in Delaware
2. Have been stamping for 14 years
3. Birthday cards are the most fun for me.
Glad you’re home safe and sound after your wonderful cruise and tour of the Northwest. Your normal schedule will set in before too long. With all you have been through the past couple of years, you really needed time away to relax and explore new territory. Glad you accomplished all that. It’s great to see you back to blogging again. You were missed!
Hi I’m from Beaverton Oregon
I have been stamping for 20 years
I live to make quick easy note card & simple greeting.
Love Susan cards.
I am a native of California and will live here until I retire. So looking for the best place
I’ve been stamping for over 20 years…though not consistently
I love clean simple cards that have a Wow factor.
Which of course is why I love your cards ♥️
I’m from Coupeville, Washington about 60 miles north of Seattle. I’m glad you enjoyed our Pacific Northwest weather when you were here. I have been stamping for about 15 years. I like clean cards with lots of layers or fun folds. Thanks for the chance to win.
Hi Susan, The pics are gorgeous! As for the questions: Was born in Astoria, Queens, but have lived in Ohio most of my life. I went to my first Stampin’ Up “stamp camp” probably 9-10 years ago, with my friend and SU demonstrator, Karla, and have been at it ever since. I love doing layered cards, sometimes with found “bits and bobs” – sea glass & shells, pieces of bark, recently a birthday card that included a souvenir spoon from Rehoboth Beach for a friend who vacations there.
I live in Maryland, near Annapolis. I’ve been stamping for about 15 or 16 years, always with SU products. I like making simple cards and especially cards for all of the grandkids.
Hi, I’m from Delaware
I’ve been stamping for over 20 years
My favorite cards to make are Christmas cards.
Your vacation pictures are amazing! You and your
husband certainly deserved this time away.
I really enjoy your blog so I’m glad you are back.
I live in New Hampshire and have been stamping for 20+yrs, I love to make all kinds of cards with lots of layers but also like to make 3D cards too.
Beautiful pics and a great story! Your trip sounded amazing with lots of fun and laughter. Thank you for sharing with us. Question answers: NJ, 8+, clean and unique cards (and of course some 3D projects). Enjoy the day!
Love, love, love seeing all your pictures and stores about your time away! Yea to losing phones! It is so hard to disconnect when we should! I am from Annapolis MD! stared stampin about 25? years ago! Had a little break for little ones in there. I am a total clean and simple card maker! Now, I just LOVE the animal pictures! That black lab at the beach…… swoon….. I so want to jump in there and snuggle with him, well all of them! I thought that the north west was always rainy! You pictures were full of sun! Thanks for sharing it all!
I am from Ohio. I have probably been stamping 10 yrs, give or take. I like cards more on the simple side but I love to learn different techniques (alcohol ink, watercolor, etc.)
LOVED that you shared photos! I enjoy seeing photos from different parts of the country esp places I have never been.
My name is Kathie. I live in Wichita, KS. I JUST received my 5 year pin from Shelli and Sara and I love SU and all the creative, fabulous people I’ve met.
I’m a native of southeast Colorado. It is about the same distance to KS, OK, NM. I’m not home so can’t count how many catalogs, so I’ll guess I’ve been stamping 8 years. I prefer to make simple cards, experimenting with new techniques.
Glad you had such an awesome time. Have a friend who goes to Canon Beach every year. OR is on my bucket list.
I’m from Michigan. I’ve been stamping for about 15 years. I like simple cards with a few embellishments and I love to add die cuts.
Love seeing the photos and hearing about your trip. I am so darn jealous!!! Mike and I have never really been on a fun vacation though we have had long weekend adventures. You both look so happy and so full of life.
I have been stamping more or less for maybe 12 years though I bought my first pig stamp to make Christmas tags back in 1995 maybe. Oh, I am from Iowa and live here now. I love layers on cards but I love to make all kinds though thank you and Christmas cards are favorites.
Teddy had several selfless taken of him today. The Sprint car nationals are this week in Knoxville and we have lots of people here in Pella. The Australians loved him and he enjoyed all the attention.
I am from Ohio and have been stamping for about 10 years. My friends laugh that they can always tell my cards because I do a lot of layering.
I was born in Kansas but moved to California before my first birthday. I now live in Oregon.
I have been stamping for seven years and a demostrater for 5.
My favorite cards to make are anything active. Tri folds that open, shaker card, pop up boxes. My grandkids love cards that do something..
I found a card making class when I moved to Nevada five & a half years ago. I have been making cards since then and try never to make two of the same card. I especially love Christmas cards and making sure all are different. Most of my relatives live on the east coast and they compare cards even birthday just to make sure it is different. I think I have created a monster, but that’s okay.
Love the pictures Susan. Thanks for sharing. I’m from California. Been stamping for about 3 years. My favorite style is clean and simple, just like yours.
Thank you for all the stories and fun photos of your trip, Susan. Sounds like you had a marvelous time.
I live in Virginia
I’ve been stamping for 10 years
I’m not sure what my style is, but I love to water color using blender pens and ink pads, and I like clean, sharp lines on my cards if that makes sense.
Thank you for a chance at some blog candy, Susan~
I currently live in Utah but am from Kentucky. I have been stamping for 10 years. I like to make simple cards using different techniques.
Beautiful pictures Susan, thank you for sharing. I’m originally from PA, but have been in MD for 31 years now. I have been stamping 10 plus years. My card style is clean and simple, but I will step outside of the box.
I live in Kansas and have been stamping off and on for over 20 years! As a retired teacher I used to love making things for my students! I don’t do a lot any more with 3D items but I love making cards. The designer papers are my weakness, so I somehow always put the papers on my cards. I do love all the colors, so I try to make everything match. Your pictures were so nice! I have been to the Seattle area numerous times and I love it! It’s such a beautiful area and is someplace I always enjoy when I visit! Thank you for sharing your trip with us!
I was born in PA, lived in California for 50+ years, and am now back in PA. I’ve been stamping for 20 years or so, and I enjoy making clean and simple cards with a little bling. LOVED the pix and commentary. The West Coast is beautiful indeed, and sometimes I miss it, but the East Coast has its beauty too. Glad you’re back, and glad you had a wonderful time in spite of leaving things behind.
Great travel log. Alaska was one of my favorite places to visit. After our 7-day northbound Princess cruise, we took a glass-domed rail car with an open-air viewing platform to Anchorage, Denali and Fairbanks.
Born and raised in New York, I have been stamping for about 8 years. I love to create all kinds of cards, but my favorites are birthday (especially milestone events) and Christmas cards.
Hi Susan! I am from California and I have been Stamping for about four years. My favorite kind of card to make is mixed media! Thanks for the chance to enter. Best of luck to everyone!
I am in Ohio. I have been rubber stamping for 15 years. I don’t make cards. I am a scrapbooker.
Comment Loved your blog post today. Thanks for taking the time to put it all together. I live in Bandon Oregon. Just 70 miles south of Beautiful Florence. Bandon is awesome and a great place to visit or live. I never tire of the ocean and all the beauty. Next time plan your trip for May. The Rhododendrons and azaleas all along the southern Oregon coast are quite a sight. Been stamping almost 12 years and like any type of handmade cards.
Hi Susan,
1) I live in MO
2) I’ve been stamping about a year and a half
3) My favorite kind of cards to make are something I can make and send
to my daughter & grand-daughter, be it a seasonal card or just a
“thinking of you” (because I always am)
Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful pics, it looks like you had a great time. Thanks for this “blog candy” chance to win one of your Holiday DSP swatch booklets. Wishing much luck to all.
Hello happy you are back and that you had a great time. Beautiful pics. I grew up in Iowa and now live I. Kansas. I’ve been stamping for many years -probably at least 15. I like more clean and simple but love techniques and coloring with any mediums.
Illinois, 5+ years, and just like you clean and simple with layers.
Loved all the pictures and adventures ! Such fun …thank you for sharing .
I live in N.C. and have been stamping and making cards for over 20 years .
I like many types of cards ,but lean more to the “Susan style ” I like layers and color and adore designer paper so I am always pumped when we get new catalogs with lots of fun stuff to play with and new inspiration !!
Again …it is good to have you back home !! Missed you !!
I’m from Wisconsin. I’ve been stampin’ since 1990, that would be 28 years. I’m dating myself here. ☺️ Things have changed so much through those years, with so many options and very different product to make some awesome cards since I began! I love making any kind of card. I make many cards for kids that I donate to the Children’s Hospitals. It makes me so very happy to know my cards put smiles on the faces of the kids who receive them while in the hospital.
Thanks for sharing your trip and you pictures were fun to view.
I rarely comment on blogs, but your photos touched a sweet spot. I grew up on the Oregon coast, spending many days camping beside the sand dunes in your photos, as my dad helped to build many of the state parks you visited. I have traveled to Alaska by car, by ferry, and by cruise ship, so your photos brought back memories. I live near wine country in the Portland area, and have been stamping for about 25 years. I love stamping because of the positive connections that are made through a piece of paper. My stamping style is clean and simple, and my favorite cards to make are very simple 3X3 thank you cards for my preschool students.
Lived my whole life in Washington state. Thrilled that you enjoyed the Pacific Northwest so much. I have traveled to many beautiful places but every time I come home I marvel at how spectacular it is in the PNW. I am a lucky person to hail from here! Been stamping about 15 years and love layers and fancy folds.
I live in Washington, about 60 miles north of Seattle ☔. My house is on the beach facing Vancouver Island. I have been stamping a little over three years and love simple cards with lots of layers and details (if that could be called simple).
Your pictures of your Alaska trip and Oregon adventure were wonderful.
Oh My GOsh! Love the photos!!! What an awesome trip! Alaska is on our bucket list! I live in Maryland (LOL), been stamping for 5+ years and I love to make fun fold cards!
I live in New York and I have been stamping for 10+ years.
I enjoy making clean and simple cards. Your pictures were amazing
thank you for sharing.
Thanks for all of the photos, what an amazing time. Love that you had Christmas when you got home.
I live in New Jersey and have since 1994 when I moved here from England. I’ve been stamping for just over four years (the same time I’ve been a demo since I fell in love and signed up immediately!). I’m a clean and simple gal but I do love learning new techniques.
Oh Susan, thank you for sharing yourself with us! I love to read your stories. My favorite story is the Christmas in July! I get it, since my boys are all over the globe this year. We have been considering a trip to Oregon for next year. You have inspired me to ‘just do it’!
On another note, I’ve been stamping for about 4 years. We moved to Greensboro, GA a year ago and I have a big brand new craft room. I’ve been using your tips to organize the space. My favorite cards are clean and simple, although I love to CASE the different fancy fold cards that I come across at least once.
1. Michigan
2. 25+ years
3. Simple but always with a little bling or something extra.
I live in Gresham, Oregon and have been stamping for almost 20 years, but only became a hobby demonstrator in August 2014. I too like clean and simple cards but lately find myself adding texture whenever I can.
Oh I love this blog candy! 1.) I’m from Ohio 2.)Have been stamping for 10+ years 3.) Love making cards with movement and fancy folds
Loved your blog post and all your pictures! Haven’t been to Oregon in years, but these make me want to go again. I am from South Dakota (originally Nebraska), have been stamping for 25 years, and love to make bright, fun cards for the kids in my life!
I am from Columbia MO. I have been scrabkooking and stamping for 25 years. I love the clean and simple look
I live in Ontario, California. I have been stamping for 13 years. I love to make birthday cards, which is a good thing because I have 26 grandchildren who expect to receive a personalized, hand-crafted birthday card every year! LOL
Hi Susan, LOVE all your pics!
I’m from NY. I’m coming up on my 5 year anniversary. I like fancy folds and layering. I do not like coloring too much.
Have a great weekend.
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1 – live in Minnesota
2 – been stamping for about 16 yrs.
3 – like simple, clean cards with a little WOW factor!
I make many cards for our kids, grandkids & special friends…..probably about 50-60 cards….plus the extra cards for weddings, babies, showers and then the not so favorite sympathy card.
Loved all the pics from the Coast as well as Alaska…..we have a beautiful country!
I live in Tennessee! Go Vols!
I have been stamping 5 years.
Simple is my favorite, but I love trying new techniques!
You pictures were awesome, and good quality coming from an iPad! Looks like you had a fantastic trip!
I live in Texas,have been stampin for 12+years. Love to make birthday and thinking of you cards. It gives me great pleasure to send out cards. You are an inspriation to me ,thanks .Alyece
I currently reside in a state of perpetual chaos, but my zip code puts me in Tucson, Arizona. I’ve been stamping for over 20 years now and my fave style of card has changed over the years and currently it is either very simple or CASEd. I uneasily joke that I;ve forgotten how to make cards.
I loved your photos. So green! So much water! So much to see and do (and eat!). I think Alaska would be a nifty place to visit. People think it is stark and barren… just like they think that of the desert. Well, I live in the desert and I know there is hidden beauty all around and it is hardy beauty because you need to be sturdy to survive with so little water. You give our desert a bit of water and all sorts of beauty pops out. I imagine Alaska to be the same way–all sorts of sturdy beauty, give it a spot of sun and see what pops out.
(Oh, Princess Judy, I was going to say I live in the state of perpetual confusion!)
Home is in Vermont although in my mind I reside on Rue des Beaux Arts in Paris. I have been stamping for about 15 years and have been with SU for coming up on 5. I love to make all kinds of cards–even the dreaded masculine cards or sympathy cards–but I’m truly addicted to 3D paper crafting and anything with embossing (dry or heat) and die cutting.
Such wonderful photos, Susan. Thank you for sharing them and for your generous Blog Candy. And for the chance to hear from your devoted followers~what a fabulous bunch!
Loved your traveling tales!! The pictures were wonderful as well…make me want to go there. Thanks for sharing.
1- Maine
2- 18 years
3- Clean and Simple and CASEd
I’m from Iowa now, although I was born in Nebraska and raised in Minnesota. I’ve been stamping about 14 years and like making clean and simple Christmas cards the best. I love your style and often CASE you! What wonderful pictures that show the fun you had on your trip. We’ve been to Alaska, and our son lives in Portland, so we’ve been in the PDX airport many times. Welcome back, and I always look forward to your blog!
Hi Rosie! I live in Pella now which is southeast of Des Moines about 50 some miles. My husband works at Camp Dodge in johnston by Des Moines. I am originally from Burlington down in SE Iowa on the Mississippi River. Just wondered if you lived close enough we could get together and stamp sometime. My email is not accessible so maybe Susan wouldn’t mind you leaving your town here or letting Susan give me your email address. I plan on setting up a new acct today.
I live in Georgia and have been stamping for 10+ years. My favorite type of card has layers. Enjoyed the pictures of Alaska – brought back memories of my trip there six years ago.
Stamping and doing paper art for 30 years (it’s an addiction!). From Wisconsin and do it all! Simple, vintage, cute, fun folds, elegant, ….etc!
First I would like to say WOW. Your pictures are truly amazing. Thanks for sharing. I live in Massachusetts and have been stamping for about 6 years. I love cards that have layers. I’m trying to get into mixed media but my OCD is winning ?
I live in NC and have been stamping since 2005. I also love simple cards like you make, which is why I love your blog sooooo much. I would also like to say that your cardstock on a ring is so helpful. I love it….and, so do my three friends in our stamp club, to whom I gave each one. We bring it to stamp club and use it so much. Thanks.
Bet these DSP swatch booklets are equally helpful. Teehee
Charlene
I am from Ohio. I have been stamping for 14 years. My friend showed me how to make a Graduation card for my nephew in his school colors. That was the beginning of my love of stamping and many wonderful friendships. I like a clean and simple card style with a layer or two and an embellishment.
I am from upstate NY, have been stamping for 28 , favorite cards of simple, clean with some wow and also monochromatic. Enjoyed your pictures of Alaska, thanks for sharing.
Hi there…I live in Maryland, I have been stamping for 3 years and I like to make cards that are elegant but simply stated.
Hi, I’m from Georgia. I have been stampin for 8 years. My favorite style of card making is clean and simple.
Hey–Glad you are back! I have missed your blogs—-I am from Show Low, AZ. I have been scrapbooking and cardmaking for about 13 years. I starting when my first grandson was born. Now I have another grandson & granddaughter. I belong to a SU card group, which meets 3 times a month, and a monthly CTHM scrapbook & cardmaking group. I love making all kinds of seasonal cards that are layered, embellished, and have simple stamping inside and out. Loved seeing your trip pictures—-
I live in WV…as of now. I have been stamping for almost 4 years. I love simple stamping however, every once in awhile, I like to try a new technique or card folding.
I’m a Tar Heel through and through! I’ve been stamping for several years and half-knowing what I’m doing for about seven years. I like layered cards but create more clean and simple cards than anything, so I guess that’s my main style. I’m glad you’ll be doing some type of kits this fall.
Hi Susan! I really enjoyed all the pictures. We just returned from Seattle, our summer vacation. We loved it as well but especially the Chihuly Gardens. We walked those hills from the light rail station. I’m not fond of hills. But we walked a lot and took all the public transportation which is great.
I am from So Cal, a little city called Port Hueneme (pronounced wy-ne-me). We are on the coast just about 30 miles south of Santa Barbara. I have been card making for about 8+ years as well but am just a hobby stamper. I really like to try to make the many samples of cards I see so I don’t really have a favorite.
Love, love, love this post! Your share about your trip to the Pacific Northwest is wonderful. Love the advice too. I live in North Carolina. I’ve been card making for about 10 years. I like making all kinds of cards – everything from clean & simple to fun folds.
Hi Susan. I’m from Roseville, CA. Have been stamping since 2004 but had an unexpected break of 6 years. I like the clean and simple birthday/thank you cards. Love all your pictures. If you liked the Oregon coast, you should see the CA coast and Wine Country.
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