MY 2018 CHRISTMAS CARDS

I don't know why I impose on myself a little frantic rush to the Christmas season, but I seem to think that I need to spend precious time making the Christmas cards that I will send to family and friends.  It's really not necessary because I always seem to have a lot of cards from the samples that I make, but I still rush to make a stack.  I had two main designs this year:

The first card features Stampin' Up!'s Buffalo Check background stamp, Sprig punch, glimmer paper, retired black and white designer paper, Whisper White and Smoky Slate cardstock.  The sentiment is from Stampin' Up!, but I can't recall which one at the moment.  Because I was in a time crunch, I used my Cricut Explore to cut the green sprigs, tiny reindeer, ovals, and trees.  Funny discovery took place when the trees were cut.  As I peeled the glimmer paper from the mat, I soon found myself confused as to which trees were the ones that I had cut--the ones that came up with the paper or the ones stuck to the mat.  Because I let the machine set up the cuts to save paper, they were cut so close that the "negative" was absolutely useable!  Bonus!

My second card features the Softly Falling embossing folder, Winter Woods stamp set, Vellum and Whisper White cardstock, Shaded Spruce ink, In the Wood Framelits, silver sequins, and a retired die was used to cut "Merry" from glimmer paper.   

I had purchased the "Cool Christmas" stamp set and dies from My Favorite Things, and I had to complete at least one card featuring these cute snowmen with a tree tied to the top of their car.  I think that image worked very well with the background, don't you?

"COUNTRY ROAD" + "BUTTERFLY GALA"

Today's post features a sentiment from a brand spankin' new stamp set (Butterfly Gala) and images from a new-to-me stamp set, Country Road.  I have wanted this set since my eyes first landed on it, but it always seemed to get bumped off of my orders until recently.  

I can't take full credit for the design, though, because my card was heavily inspired by one created by another demonstrator, Marilyn Harres.  

How did I make it?

1)  Crumb Cake ink was used to stamp the wood-like image from Timeless Textures all over the Whisper White cardstock.

2)  Shaded Spruce ink was used to stamp the leafy stem image from Country Road, and I used Gorgeous Grape ink to stamp the flowers from Jar of Love.

3)  Early Espresso ink was used to stamp the wagon wheel image.

4)  Shaded Spruce and Early Espresso inks were sponged on the edges, and then I used Shaded Spruce ink to stamp that pretty sentiment.

5)  The Whisper White cardstock was adhered to a layer of Gorgeous Grape cardstock.  The Braided Linen Trim was wrapped around the two layers, tied in a bow, and then that layer was adhered to the Crumb Cake card base.  

6)  The finishing touch was the addition of the three sequins.  They're from the Gingham Gala Adhesive-Backed Sequins pack--another new product available January 2019 from the Occasions Catalog.

"SIMPLY SAID" CHALK COUTURE BUNDLE

Today I am hijacking my own blog to share a FANTASTIC Chalk Couture bundle!  I have shared some of my Chalk Couture projects in the past, and I was first drawn to the products because they kinda/sorta go hand-in-hand with my love of stamping, paper crafts, creating handmade gifts, etc.  The "Simply Said" bundle is an all-inclusive way to test the Chalk Couture waters!  Just look at what's included:

Order your bundle at https://www.chalkcouture.com/regina/product/M184173

Besides the fact that the hexagon-shaped chalkboard surface is a brand new product, it's also one that can be used again and again and again!  Use the images from the You Are Enough  Chalk Transfer and the Chalkology Paste to decorate the chalkboard, and then wash it clean with a damp cloth so you can change the design.  The Chalk Transfer is also re-useable, of course!  In case you didn't already know this . . . the Chalkology Paste goes on wet but, once it has dried (takes just a few minutes), you don't have to worry about the design coming off if it's touched--accidentally or otherwise.  Once you're ready to re-use the chalkboard surface for another design, a damp cloth will wash away the paste.  If you make a mistake, just wash it off and try again.  It really is that simple!

You can punch or drill holes in the hexagon-shaped surface so it can be hung with ribbon or twine, but it could also adorn a large wreath or be used as a decorative vignette in your home.

This awesome bundle is available while supplies last.  If you have questions about it or any of the Chalk Couture products, please give me the opportunity to be of assistance to you.  

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"ACCENTED BLOOMS" THANK YOU

I don't know why it took me a while to get Stampin' Up!'s Accented Blooms stamp set, but it's such a fun one to use, particularly with the coordinating punch.  The photos aren't the best, but take a look at this fun fold I created recently:

One of the Petal Pair embossing folders was used on that right side flap.  Other Stampin' Up! products featured on this card include:

Cardstock:  Gorgeous Grape, Lemon Lime Twist, Whisper White

Specialty:  Watercolor Paper, Share What You Love designer paper

Punches:  1" Circle, 1-1/4" Circle, 1-3/8" Circle, Tailored Tag

Accessories:  Aqua Painter

THIS NEW STAMP SET IS THE "SWEETEST THING". LITERALLY.

Stampin' Up!'s brand new Occasions catalog products and the Sale-a-Bration promotion are just around the corner, and it's always such an exciting time!  I preordered a few things two days ago and expedited the order . . . just in case it decides to snow this weekend.  So far, the only new stamp set that I've worked with is the Sweetest Thing.  I think I know how it got its name because it (and the coordinating dies) are SUUHHHWWWEEEEEEEET!!!  You don't have to take my word for it, though.  Feast your eyes upon my first two cards with this bundle:

You'll be seeing more of this one from me, I'm sure.  It's just too fun.  See those cute white candies on the left side of card #1?  The dies cut and emboss in a single pass through the Big Shot.  If you're wondering why I colored the gummy bears on card #2 with three shades of brown, it's because they aren't gummy bears to me . . . they're Teddy Grahams.

It's not too late to ask Santa for some stampin' dollars for Christmas because you're going to want the Sweetest Thing bundle (and lots of other goodies) when January rolls around.  ;-)

BRUSHO "THANK YOU" CARDS

Does it sometimes (or often) seem that you get excited about a product, purchase it, and then hide it in a drawer, basket, cabinet, etc.?  The last time I re-arranged my desk drawers, my box of Brusho Crystal Colour got pushed to the back where I couldn't see it.  That's not good!  When I needed to make some thank you cards recently, I was quite excited to spy those magical crystals and put them to use!  Oh so fun and oh so easy!

The same colors of crystals were used on these cards, and I love that none of them are identical.  I just sprinkled the crystals on the watercolor paper and then spritzed with water.  

After the paper dried, my Stamparatus® was quite handy for stamping the dragonfly image on the watercolor paper since I needed to re-ink and stamp the dragonfly at least three times to get a nice crisp image.  Because watercolor paper is often thick with a roughish texture, it's a good idea to plan to stamp your image(s) more than once.

On two of the cards, the sentiment has been stamped onto Vellum cardstock using Pacific Point water-based dye ink and Whisper White pigment ink. The stamped sentiments were cut with the Pretty Label punch.

Other Stampin' Up! products used to create these cards include:

Tin Type embossing folder

Dragonfly Dreams stamp set

Beautiful Bouquet stamp set

Whisper White Solid Baker's Twine

Silver & Pool Party Baker's Twine

Thick Whisper White Cardstock

Basic Black Cardstock

If I can help you find any of these products in my online store, let me know.  

CATCHING FLURRIES

Since I shared my non-Stampin' Up! Christmas centerpiece in the previous post, I thought I'd share this little dilly that I whipped up on Sunday.  Notice his sparkly Swarovski crystals?  They look so nice in real life, and I wonder why I often forget to bring them out and use them.  I thought this was going to be a non-Stampin' Up! post, but I just remembered that the pretty snowflakes were cut with my Big Shot and three of the Snowfall Thinlits dies.  YES!  Thinlits dies can cut felt like butter.  I cry for you if you didn't purchase the Snowfall Thinlits while they were available last month because there are at least 10 different gorgeous snowflakes in that set, some leafy elements, a delicate flurry flourish, etc.  Anyway . . . check out this guy:

Most of the time when I visit my parents on Sunday, daddy watches the race while my mother and I help my sister with whatever she needs for her classroom.  It seems that our needle and thread projects get put on hold while school is in session, so you might imagine my surprise when my sister told me on Saturday to bring my wool and thread this past weekend.  Hmmm . . . I didn't have anything in particular ready to work on, so I just took some felt (not even wool) and all of my thread.  I really love my wool, but it was just easier to take lots of colors of felt in one small container without having to stir through all of my wool.  I even found a glittery white felt for the flurries and the snowy ground.  And so, by the end of the day, this snappy little flurry catcher was born.  He is actually Tammy Tutterow's Snow Many Buttons design but, since I didn't follow her pattern exactly or use any buttons, I personally refer to this piece as Catching Flurries.

Yes, I know that my snowman is missing a mouth, and my plan was to not give him one because I'm not that skilled at making same-size French knots.  I might re-consider, though.  Probably not.  

What shall I do with him?  I still need to trim the felt, but this piece will end up being approximately 6" x 7".  Shall I turn it into a large ornament to hang on the tree?  A small wall-hanging?  Attach it to a small decorative sled (if I can find one)?  Suggestions welcome!

MY EASY PEASY CENTERPIECE

Last year, I created (what I think) is a lovely decoration in my living room using a rustic metal tray and some mini pillows made by my sweet mother.  You can see that post HERE.  As my mind started thinking about Christmas, my plan was to take the remaining pillow covers that my mother had made and decorate them using Chalk Couture transfers and ink.  And then I remembered my little stash of cotton/muslin sacks that wouldn't require any sewing!  I present to you . . . the Christmas centerpiece for my coffee table:

I love it!  Know what else I love?  The fact that I could just as easily hang those sacks as ornaments on my tree (when I find a place to put it, that is).

I won't link all of the Chalk Couture products that I used because a couple of them are retired, but I'll list them:

Days Until Christmas (transfer)

Mini Holiday Icons (transfer)

Peace Joy Believe (transfer)

Mistletoe (transfer)

Snowflakes (transfer)

Happy Camper Add-On Winter (transfer)

Wise Men (transfer

Azure Chalkology Paste

Candy Apple Couture Ink

Shimmer Gold Couture Ink

Shimmer Silver Couture Ink

Eucalyptus Couture Ink

Morning Sky Chalkology Paste

Garden Herb Chalkology Paste

Note:  You'll notice that I used a combination of Couture Ink and Chalkology Paste.  Typically, you would prefer ink on fabric; however, since I do not plan to launder the sacks, it's all okay.  ;-)

IT'S TIME!!!

Nearly EVERY product in Stampin' Up!'s current 2018-2019 catalog will be on sale (10% off) at some point from today through the 28th.  The Online Extravaganza is divided into three categories as follows:

Paper & Embellishments:  Nov 23-24

Stamps & Kits:  Nov 25-26

Tools & Ink:  Nov 27-28

Ready to shop?  Click HERE and then select the "Online Extravaganza" link in the left sidebar.  Don't forget to enter the current Hostess Code (if your order is under $150).  The current Hostess Code is:

E B K M 7 N Y Q

Thank you so much!!!  Happy shopping!

THE NOVEMBER PAPER PUMPKIN NEVER DISAPPOINTS!!!

I've been a Paper Pumpkin subscriber since the beginning, and the kit that I most look forward to each year is the one for November.  It NEVER disappoints!  My kit showed up in the mailbox yesterday, and today I have TEN Christmas cards ready to go!  And not just ten cards . . . they're ten really nice cards!  Just look at them:

They have tactile dimension, sparkly bling, and gorgeous Cherry Cobbler braided linen ribbon.  Of course, those festive plaids are very eye-catching and trendy.  The kit even included 10 quality envelopes, which just happen to be lined with a coordinating plaid design.

I can't decide if the photo is a bit blurry or if my eyes are having an off day, so I apologize if the photo isn't good.  Trust me, the cards are great and were quite fun to make!

Are you ready to subscribe to Paper Pumpkin?  Just CLICK HERE to get a fun project kit in your mailbox each month.

A CARD FOR MY FAVORITE VETERAN

My parents have a very handsome photo of my daddy in his Army uniform that I would love to share today, but he has said (more than once) that I don't have permission to post it.  Soooooooo . . . if you don't mind using your imagination . . . picture a young and slim Elvis with blonde hair and blue eyes wearing an Army uniform.  Isn't he handsome???

Upon being invited to speak to my sister's First Grade class about his service time in the military, daddy started gathering some things to show the class.  When my mother told me about some of the things, I begged her to tell him to not put those items away because I was pretty sure I've never seen them.  Daddy speaks with pride about his Army days, and I am proud of his service.  That's why I decided to send him this card for Veteran's Day:

Stampin' Up! products featured on this card include:

Stamp Sets:  Work of Art, Godspeed (retired), Wonderful Words (retired)

Cardstock:  Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, Vellum

Ink:  Night of Navy, Cherry Cobbler, Soft Suede, VersaMark

Sizzix:  Sparkle embossing folder

Accessories:  Gold embossing powder, Heat Tool, Sequins, Twine

Celebrate Veterans Today!!!

FORMAL FLURRIES

When I first saw Stampin' Up!'s Snowflake Showcase products, I told myself that I would not get any of them.  I had already purchased (what seems like) the entire Holiday catalog and, besides . . . we don't get nearly enough much snow in North Carolina.

But then . . . darn it all . . . I began to see so many gorgeous creations.

And today I could hardly get anything done because I kept watching for the UPS guy to bring my snowflakes!  I'm pretty sure I was one of his last stops, but at least those beauties arrived.

I don't know how others feel about so much black on a Christmas card, but I just knew (in my mind) that the Black Foil was going to look really nice with the snowflakes.  For this first creation using my new Snowfall Thinlits and the Snow is Glistening stamp set, I incorporated the following Stampin' Up! products:

Cardstock:  Smoky Slate, Whisper White

Specialty:  Sparkle Glimmer Paper, Black Foil Sheets, Champagne Foil Sheets, Joyous Noel Glimmer Paper

Ink:  VersaMark

Sizzix:  Tufted embossing folder

Accessories:  Stampin' Dimensionals, 1" Circle punch, 1-1/4" Circle punch, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Whisper White organza ribbon, Silver & White twine, Heat Tool, Black embossing powder

If you're a Demonstrator who hasn't yet preordered any of the Snowflake Showcase products, I know that I shouldn't pass judgment but . . . what are you waiting for???  If you're a customer, set a reminder NOW so you won't forget to place your order on November 1st.  The Snowflake Showcase products will be available ONLY during the month of November and ONLY while supplies last.  Of course, I would really appreciate it if you place your order with me.

This (kinda small and hard to see) is the SNOWFLAKE SHOWCASE that will be available to order on November 1st:

SURPRISE DIORAMA CARD

I was flattered the other night when my mother said that our cousin had called to request that I make a special card for her to give to her Pastor.  I didn't know about Pastor Appreciation Day but, after looking online, I learned that it was this past Sunday, October 14th.  I also learned that some celebrate Pastor Appreciation all during the month of October, so maybe this card won't be a late one after all.  Since time was of the essence, I was in a bit of a rush to get creative.  I couldn't think of any stamps in my room that were religious (other than Christmas or Easter) and, truth be told, I just didn't have available space on my countertop to break out one of the electronic cutters to cut a cross or something else religious that I still had no idea how I would use.  Soooooo . . . I decided to make a sweet card with a Fall theme.  Not just any card.  This would be one of my favorites . . . a Surprise Diorama card . . . with a floating die-cut leaf.

Now I ask you . . . how FUN would it be to receive this card?  Yes, I know that the photo isn't great, and it may be difficult to see that sparkly die-cut leaf that I cut from Stampin' Up!'s Joyous Noel Glimmer Paper.  That glimmer paper is so gorgeous, and it cuts like a dream.  When I first cut the two leaves (the solid one from Mint Macaron cardstock and the glimmery detailed leaf on top), I didn't think about sandwiching the oh, so thin fishing line between the two cuts, so I ended up cutting another detailed glimmery leaf to hide the attachment of the fishing line on the back of the leaf.  This also gave more weight/stability to the floating leaf.  The "Blessings" fabric ribbon is something that I found in my stash, and I adhered that small cut to a torn piece of Vellum cardstock so it wouldn't get lost on that (retired) Petals & Paisleys designer paper.  On the opposite panel, you'll notice that it doesn't look very well attached.  I had planned to leave it removeable so it would be easy for my cousin to write a note/sign the card, but I later decided to go ahead and adhere that layer since the card opens and lays almost flat.

The front of the card is a low-key "looks-nice-but-wait-until-you-see-the-inside" with a Vellum leafy stem (Mayflowers Framelits), glimmery leaf (Seasonal Layers Thinlits), Linen Thread, and "grateful" die-cut sentiment (Seasonal Frame Thinlits, retired).  You'll notice that the front of the card isn't as wide as the inside diorama panel, but it worked out beautifully that when the card is closed, you only see the pretty designer paper along the right edge and none of the oval-shaped window (Stitched Shapes Framelits) on that panel.  Stroke of luck for me but, if you make one of these cards, make sure that the window will be covered by the card front.  ;-)  My card base was 5.5" x 12", and I scored it at 3.5", 7.25", 7.75", and 11.5".

The card lays nearly flat (depending on the bulk of embellishments) for mailing.  In the above photo, you can see that as the card opens, the back panel pops up to reveal the fun 3D diorama design.

I'm ready to make more of these fun cards but . . . first . . . I need to walk this one to the mailbox.

AUGUST CLASS SWAPS . . . VERTICAL STRETCH CARD

There's no time like the present to start playing catch-up on sharing photos of my class swaps.  I hate it when I get behind, but I just kept procrastinating taking photos of these lovely cards.  Why?  Because I would need to take two photos of each card, which meant double the amount of time to edit.  I know, I know . . . what a lame excuse!  So instead of taking the photos right away and gettin' the job done, I had these lovelies neatly stacked in front of my keyboard.  For two months.  

Our swap theme for August was the oh, so fun Vertical Stretch card, and I think my stampin' friends did a fantastic job!  And here they are [cue the drum roll]:

Aren't the swaps great?  The Vertical Stretch card is truly a fun one--and very easy to make!

PAPAW'S LUNCHBOX

When the family was cleaning out my grandmother's house (written about in this post), we each found enough "treasures" to fill (or overfill) our own homes.  If you've been through this process, then you already know that it takes a lot of time to process and integrate those precious findings into your home--or change, purge, rearrange, etc. to make room for treasures that you want to see/enjoy on a daily basis.  I still have quite a lot to go through, but one item that has been sitting in my bedroom, waiting to get cleaned (now with extra dust)--an item that I walk past sooooooo many times during the day--is papaw's lunchbox.  

As we go through life, it's only natural that certain items trigger thoughts or memories of certain people in our lives.  Although there are several things that remind me of papaw, this lunchbox is near the top.  I can remember seeing him walk in or out the door with this silver box.  It shows scratches and wear even after I scrubbed it, but I love its rustic, industrial look.  And I love that it makes me think of papaw.  I can picture him with his denim overalls and plaid shirt, lunchbox in hand.  What has me a bit perplexed, though, is why I would remember him with this lunchbox.  He left for work before the sun came up, so maybe I remember him coming home from work.  If that's the case, then can you imagine that the last thing he'd want to deal with or entertain after working hard all day is a grandchild(ren)? 

I haven't decided yet how this lunchbox will be displayed or used in my home, but I'm grateful for this little treasure because of the special things, times, and the man that it reminds me of.  

"BRING ON THE PRESENTS" CARD + ENVELOPE

Aunt Betty has a birthday next week, so I worked on a card for her today.  I wanted to do something really special, but I was lacking creative ideas.  I think that happens to everyone, so I'm not going to beat myself up about it.  Getting a birthday card on time--or before her special day--will probably seem miraculous enough.  

The card that I made features Stampin' Up!'s Bring on the Presents stamp set.  I first created the envelope, and using the Stamparatus was soooooooo very helpful!  It's difficult to tell in the photo, but I drew the shape of a tag appearing to be tucked under the bow, which is where I wrote the address.  Do you decorate your envelopes?  I think it's such a fun thing to do, although mine aren't always worth mentioning.

The photo is really awful, but just know that I tried so hard to get a better one.  I must have taken 25 photos with a variety of backgrounds and lighting, and they were all terrible.

Other Stampin' Up! products featured on this card include:

Cardstock:  Thick Whisper White, Pool Party, Basic Black

Stamp Sets:  Bring on the Presents, Dragonfly Dreams, Around the Corner

Ink:  Pool Party, Memento Tuxedo Black

Stampin' Blends:  Pool Party

Accessories:  Corrugated Elements, Glitter Enamel Dots, Watercolor Paper, retired washi tape, Aqua Painter

MY FIRST SAW-CUT STOCKING

A couple of weeks ago, I asked my husband if "we" had a scroll saw.  I was hoping that we had one that I could try but, since that didn't pan out, I asked him to buy one.  After he and my son gave some instruction and pointers on how to use it, I started practicing some cuts.  Mostly, I worked on cutting a straight line and some curves before going straight to the challenge of cutting a stocking.  I still need lots of practice--am a bit too skilled at breaking blades--but I have so many things that I want to cut!  I'm excited to share my decorated stocking . . . 

After sanding and staining the wood, I used the following Chalk Couture products to decorate it:

Garden Herb Chalkology Paste

Candy Apple Red Chalkology Paste

Shimmer Silver Couture Ink

The Adventure Begins Chalk Transfer

Mini Holiday Icons Chalk Transfer

Mistletoe Chalk Transfer (not currently available)

It's difficult to see the shimmer on the snowflake and the text, but the Shimmer Silver Couture Ink looks so nice!

Want to know more about the Chalk Couture products?  Check out the following links:

My Chalk Couture Store

Facebook

Décor Creations Blog

"PAINTED HARVEST" & WOOL APPLIQUE

I don't get to visit aunt Betty as often as I'd like but, each time that I visit, she asks if I have finished my quilt yet.  It's getting embarrassing to tell her that I have not finished it since I started the (10 month) Block of the Month project almost four years ago.  In my defense, I have been taking my time (that's obvious) and using the contents of each month's kit but designing some of the blocks to something meaningful to me.  If I'm not mistaken, I only have one block left to complete.   

Anyway . . . it occurred to me that I should whip up a little wool appliqué project to send to aunt Betty as proof that I really do know how to use a needle and thread.  Following is a photo of the framed project and card that are going in the mail to her.  Won't she be surprised?

WORLD CARD MAKING DAY PROMOTION!!!

In honor of World Card Making Day, Stampin' Up! has a week-long promotional offer of select discounted products.  

CLICK HERE FOR THE LIST OF DISCOUNTED PRODUCTS.

Don't forget to check out the fantastic products in the Clearance Rack HERE.  

And, of course, there are brand new accessories for the Stamparatus!

Don't forget to use my current Hostess Code on your online order:  4FS3VVSF.

If you have any questions or need assistance, email me at randari at hotmail dot com.

"COFFEE TIME" . . . GIFT FOR A COFFEE LOVER

I've shared cotton/muslin bag projects in the past, but this time I am sharing one that features Chalk Couture's Couture Ink.  I recently needed a small gift for a coffee lover, and a bag filled with K-cups seemed like a great idea.  To make the bag more interesting, I decorated it with Chalk Couture products (shown below the photo):

Coffee Time Chalk Transfer

Teal Couture Ink

Small Squeegee

Two bags are shown in the photo so you can see the images that I transferred on the front and back of each bag.  After the image was transferred with ink, I allowed time for the ink to dry and then heat set it with my EasyPress.  If you don't have an EasyPress, an iron will work just fine.  Could I have used Chalkology Paste instead of Couture Ink?  Absolutely!  For a project this small, the paste would have worked just fine--it wouldn't have been permanent, though.  A fabric project tends to absorb more paste than the amount of ink that it takes to transfer an image, and the paste couldn't have been heat-set.  This might not be a problem, though, since a small bag like the ones pictured will most likely not come in contact with water or get laundered.  If this is confusing or you have any questions about the process, just leave a comment.

If you would like to explore more of the fantastic Chalk Couture products, visit my web site HERE.  You are also invited to "like" and "follow" my Facebook Page HERE.

WHEN WILL "198" BECOME JUST A NUMBER?

198.

That was my grandmother's house number, and her house is where I spent many happy times as a child, less time than I should have during my late teens/early adulthood, and more time than ever during the last couple of years that she resided at 198.

On many of my latter visits, I would walk around the house--now more quiet and dark than I ever knew it to be--and reminisce lots of good times.  Delicious meals, mamaw baking cookies, biscuits, etc., her stereo that used to play the kind of music that my sister and I enjoyed, mamaw in her favorite chair watching "Murder She Wrote" or the news, all the while working on some kind of project that fit on her lap.  The sun seemed so much more golden in those later years as it beamed into the dining room and kitchen, and I always enjoyed the peaceful view from any of mamaw's windows.  

I always enjoyed going to mamaw's basement, mostly because it was a cool getaway, but also because there were so many treasures for the eye to behold.  Any time she would ask me to go down there and get something, I was on it!  Of course, I always had to apologize for taking too long but was honest enough to explain that I took my eyes on a walkabout down there.  She would half chuckle and let me know that it was "mostly junk" and how she felt sorry for us or whomever had to carry "all that trash" out after she was gone.  

That day (weeks, really) finally came.  It was a lot to carry out, carry home, carry to my parents' house, etc., but I still enjoyed looking around--only this time I got a much more in-depth view.  My mother laughed at me because I kept going through what had been put in the trash pile, but you know there are treasures among the trash.  As you may have guessed, we were cleaning the house out for a new owner.  It was a huge job, but I enjoyed the time (but not the sweltering August heat) with my parents and sister.  I still walked through the house, but this time we were undressing the always-neat-and-tidy home that once was hers.  I tried to imagine not being able to come through the door again.  It's still bittersweet to reconcile that 198 is no longer in our family, but ohhhhhhhh . . . there are so many fantastic and loving memories.  

I will never enjoy mamaw's company or her beautiful and peaceful views.

I won't ever again check her mailbox.

I won't ever get to bake cheese biscuits for her (she taught me how).

I won't ring the doorbell and hear her footsteps rushing to get to me--or feel the warm embrace of her welcoming arms.

I haven't actually had any of that since 2014, but having her house in the family has been kind of like having a wee bit of her.

Sorry the prelude to this card was so long--I just needed to get some words out.  My mother asked me to make a card for the new owner, and I thought that it had to include "198".  And this is the card:

YOU'RE TURTLEY AWESOME!

I try to (on a rather frequent basis) send cards to some special ladies that I have known for all or most of my life.  I can't imagine what kind of person wouldn't perk up when they pull a handmade greeting card out of the mailbox, so I just figure my cards are day-brighteners.  When I saw a photo of someone's  (gently used) "Turtlely Awesome" stamp set for sale in a Facebook group a few months ago, I thought it would make a perfect little "hello" card.  Just thought I'd share the design that is going in the mailbox today:

It's just a very simple card, but isn't it a cute one?

Stampin' Up! products featured on this card include:

Cardstock:  Pool Party, Whisper White
Ink:  Pool Party, Grapefruit Grove
Stampin' Blends:  Pool Party (light & dark), Pumpkin Pie (light & dark)
Punches:  1-3/8" Circle, 1-1/2" Circle
Accessories:  Stampin' Dimensionals