Thank You For Being A Friend

Hello!  This week at Topflight Stamps, we are focusing on a wonderful brand from the Netherlands called Studio Light.  I chose a great set of sentiment stamps called Basic Wishes.  On a white tag, I stamped "thank you" and "for being a friend" with VersaFine Onyx Black ink.  You can mix and match sentiments with this set.  I lightly inked the edges with brown ink, to give a vintage look.  The Craft Consortium Vintage Emporium Paper Pad had the perfect page full of old letters and postcards to use as a backdrop.  Finishing touches from my stash:  a seam binding bow and tiny bit of lace.

Supplies Used From Topflight Stamps Store:

Studio Light - Basic Wishes

Craft Consortium - Vintage Emporium

VersaFine Onyx Black Ink

Have a beautiful day! ~ Colleen

Katzelkraft Cat

Hello!  It's Thursday, my day to share a Topflight Stamps Anything Goes creation with you!  I made a funny thank you card featuring a kitty with attitude (cattitude).  He is Ignace from Katzelkraft.  I love his expression! I stamped him twice: once on a mottled background, and once on a piece of white cardstock.  After fussy-cutting his body, and coloring it, I added him on top of the stamped image.  The sentiment is from Hobby Art Ltd 'Hydrangea' stamp set.  Along the bottom of the card, I added a strip of bricks from Craft Consortium Brick Textures paper pad.  A couple strips of ribbon topped it off.

There are 10 Fat Cats from Katzelkraft, if you want to take a peek at the cuties, each with their own personality. 

Supplies Used From Topflight Stamps Store:

Katzelkraft - The Fat Cats 9 - Ignace rubber stamp

Craft Consortium Brick Textures Paper Pad

Hobby Art Ltd. Hydrangea Clear Stamps

Thanks for joining me and have a blessed day!

PaperArtsy Vases

Hi!  I am here with you today to share a card made with pretty supplies from Topflight Stamps.  A panel of watercolor paper colored with Lavinia Dinkles Paynes Gray became the backdrop for this trio of vases. To get that gorgeous gray-blue color, I sprinkled the Dinkles powder onto dry watercolor paper and spritzed with water several times, until the color created interesting pools of light and dark.  While it dried, I stamped some vases and one flower from PaperArtsy Scrapcosy 41 stamp set on white cardstock, colored with markers, then fussy cut them to arrange on the 'table'.  For the flourished corners, I used AALL & Create Festive Dies with some gold glitter paper.  Along the bottom of the 'table' (just some distress inked kraft cardstock) I stamped a sentiment from Crafter's Companion Thankful and Blessed that says, "sending blessings."  A perfect way to thank someone for their hospitality!

Supplies Used From Topflight Stamps Store:

PaperArtsy Scrapcosy 41

Crafter's Companion Thankful and Blessed

AALL & Create Festive Dies

Lavinia Dinkles Paynes Gray

Thanks for joining me today!

Hope you have a great day!

Katzelkraft Bird

Hello!  Today is Thursday, and it's my turn to share a project with you for Topflight Stamps!  This week, we are highlighting Katzelkraft products.  In the Topflight Stamps store, you'll find close to 300 Katzelkraft items, such a wide variety!

The set I used for today's card is called Ephemera.  On a pale pink patterned piece of paper, I stamped the script image from the Ephemera set in a light ink. The bird from the same set was stamped in Lavinia Graphite ink on light colored cardstock, then fussy cut.  A sentiment from Crafter's Companion Fabulous Fuchsia Loving Thoughts was stamped in the bottom left corner of a pink patterned paper.

I added a strip of lace overtop of the papers, dotted it with pearls, and added the pretty bird.  Love those long tail feathers!

Supplies Used From Topflight Stamps Store:

Katzelkraft - Ephemera

Crafter's Companion - Fabulous Fuchsia Loving Thoughts

Lavinia Graphite Dye Ink

Thank you so much for looking!

Have a blessed day!

Versailles Thank You

Oh, sometimes I just ADORE a whole stamp set, don't you?  The Very Versailles set from Stampin' Up! has my heart going pitter-patter.  Filled with shabby chic, vintage goodness!

Stampin' Up! Very Versailles leaves, script, frame, sentiment; hemp crochet trim; pearls

I've used the script stamp and leaves stamps on other projects too, they are so Very versatile!  Ha ha, had no idea that pun was going to come out. 😉

Have a blessed day!

Rose with Woodgrain, Rose with Dictionary Print

Hello my friends, thanks so much for the kind words from my last post.  It's so comforting to have my cardmaking friends be out there, thinking of me.  I truly appreciate it. 💖

I need normalcy as much as possible, and things that bring me joy. Anything related to handmade cards is big joy in my book!  I already have some posts in draft form, so it will be easy to hit "publish".

Here are two cards today that both features roses.

Inspired by Stamping Garden Seed Packet rose; Stampin' Up! Hardwood background, Rose Wonder sentiment; crochet lace; pearls

Stampin' Up! Dictionary background; Inspired By Stamping Elegant Flowers and Garden Seed Packets roses; sentiment is Stampin' Up! from a scrap bag - unsure of set

It was fun (when I made these a while back) to play with the two Stampin' Up! background stamps, Dictionary and Hardwood.  I've got a nice collection of their background stamps, most pretty old, but very well loved!

Thanks for joining me here today!

God bless you!

You are my biggest blessing...and more!

Hello everyone, how are you doing in your little corner of the world?  Here in NJ, we are beginning to relax quarantine restrictions.  I guess we're one of the last in the country, but our state had been hit pretty hard with COVID-19 cases.  It's a little scary to think about re-entering society.  I have asthma - an underlying, chronic condition - so I need to be cautious about my health, as so many do.

I must say it truly is nice to see more and more people out for bike rides and walks in my neighborhood.  I remember early on during quarantine, there was NO one out during one of my walks, and it was eerie.

Hope you don't mind me popping in for a short visit to share some cards with you. 
Here we go!

Papertrey Ink Pen & Ink sentiment stamp; Memory Box Lucky Leaves, Lucky Charms shamrock dies; Stampin' Up! Irish Blessing background stamp

The paler green cardstock I used for the shamrock die cuts is pearlized!  It's really pretty in person.

Papertrey Ink Garden Garland floral dies, Garden Gild sentiment stamp; Stampin' Up! Heart to Heart heart punches, Flower Trio flower punch; rhinestones; My Favorite Things Stitched Mini Rectangle Stax die; Martha Stewart Hydrangea punch

Stampin' Up! A Little Smile Paper Pumpkin starfish, sea dollar, On My Mind Paper Pumpkin shell stamp, Burlap background stamp, Hugs From Shelli Paper Pumpkin splatter stamp; pearls; My Favorite Things Stitched Sentiments Strips die; Momenta Hello sentiment stamp; abaca ribbon

Flourishes Spring Bouquets sentiment stamp; Stampin' Up! Very Versailles script stamp (background); Papertrey Ink Mix & Mat: Scallops lace die, scallop die; rhinestones 

Stampin' Up! Wellness Wishes dog and sentiment stamp, Hugs From Shelli Paper Pumpkin floral cluster stamp;
white flower lace

Memory Box Honeyblossom Sprig die; My Favorite Things Stitched Mini Rectangle Stax die; Stampin' Up! gray ribbon; Papertrey Ink Words of Comforts sentiment stamp 

That's it, my friends!  I truly appreciate your visit. 😀
God bless you!

For the Guys

Hello again!  It is Tuesday April 7, 2020 as I write this.  It's time to get ready for bed, but I wanted to put together a post to share for tomorrow.  😀  I just took a walk to get some fresh air, because it is supposed to rain overnight and for at least part of the day on Wednesday.  It was SO QUIET outside as I walked.  So quiet.  It's peaceful, and weird. 

So today I'm sharing some cards that have a masculine touch.  Always one of my tougher categories to create.  In fact, when my husband's birthday or our anniversary rolls around, I get so nervous, and procrastinate making his card because I think it won't look 'good enough'.  He tells me he always likes my cards, but you know how we are each our own worst critic. 

My Favorite Things Cheerful Blessings sentiment stamp; Bizzaro Fish stamp; L'il Inker Designs Stitched Rectangles dies; Stampin' Up! Paper Pumpkin You Are My Anchor sailboat, anchor, wheel stamps; Kat Scrappiness Stitched Postage Stamp Edge Rectangles die

Stampin' Up! Hardwood background stamp, Paper Pumpkin You Are My Anchor anchor; black twine; My Favorite Things Pierced Traditional Tags die; Papertrey Ink The Skinny sentiment stamp; vintage thread

Stampin' Up! Paper Pumpkin You Are My Anchor anchor, wheel, sentiment stamps; woven ribbon; twine; My Favorite Things Slanted Sentiment Strips die

After work this evening (as I write this on Tuesday), I polished more silver.  LOL  Why not, right?  I have a collection of baby cups, and they needed to be shined up.  One cup is my husband's, two belong to my daughters, and the rest I've just collected from antique and vintage shops.  It's not a big collection, but to me they are sweet little treasures.  One has the name 'Warren' on it.  Another more ornate one has the initials 'E.M.' engraved on the side.  I'll have to take a picture of them in the daylight to show you.

God bless you all, and I pray you remain healthy and safe.
xo

Butterflies and Birds

Good morning friends!  It's Sunday March 29th, 2020 and I hope you are healthy and well. 😊  There are so many sad stories in the news; sometimes it is good to step away from the TV, radio, internet to give your emotions a break.  I am grateful for this card-making craft of ours.  The process of making, photographing, and sharing them is therapy for the soul.  The cards help me escape for a little while.

For today, here are cards with themes of birds and butterflies.

My Favorite Things Decorative Doily Duo die; butterfly sticker; pearls; Gina Marie Designs Peekaboo Square die; Papertrey Ink Words of Comfort sentiment stamp; Inkadinkado Floral Damask stamp (behind doily)

My Favorite Things Decorative Doily Duo die; Hero Arts Canvas Stripes background stamp; butterfly sticker; pearls; EK Success Postage Stamp border punch; Papertrey Ink Words of Comfort sentiment stamp

Papertrey Ink Words of Comfort sentiment stamp ('for your loss'); butterfly sticker; crochet lace; My Favorite Things Mini Delicate Doilies die; Verve Heartfelt Phrases sentiment stamp ('so sorry')

Papertrey Ink Topiary Trio sentiment stamp; butterfly sticker; Sizzix Donut Phrases dies ('so sweet'); gold pearls

Hug Snug Mottle Brown seam binding (in a Colleen Bow); L'il Inker Designs Stitched Rectangles dies; Stampin' Up! Natural Beauty bird stamp; Spellbinders Labels Eight die; Inspired By Stamping Creative Tags sentiment stamp ('hello'); Verve Heartfelt Phrases sentiment stamp ('feel better')

Stampin' Up! Punch Potpourri bird stamp, Extra Large Bird Punch, house stamp (set unknown); Papertrey Ink Tiny Tags sentiment stamp and die; My Favorite Things Bold Greenery dies; twine

Thank you so much for joining me here today.  I will see you again soon.

Social distance hugs,

Thank You, Friend, You Are Enough...and more

Hello friends!  It's hump day, and we're halfway through the work and school week. For those of you who have young kids, how's the homeschooling going?  I have to admit, I don't think my stress level would be too good if I had to work from home full time AND help little ones stay focused and on track with schoolwork, plus find other ways to keep them occupied.  That would tire me right out!  God bless all of you who do it every day. 

I've got a parade of cards to share today.  The first one is my favorite.  I am of Irish descent (Polish and Lithuanian too), born on St. Patrick's Day, and I have a penchant for shamrocks and Irish blessings.

Memory Box Lucky Charms, Lucky Leaves shamrock dies; Papertrey Ink Tiny Tags die, thank you sentiment; Stampin' Up! Itty Bitty Accents flower punch; pearls; vellum; Gina Marie Designs Pleated Lace Rectangles die; Ann-ticipations Irish Blessing stamp (under vellum); vintage thread

In the close-up below, you can see better the sheen on the green cardstock.  It has a pearly look.  Very pretty!

Memory Box Lucky Charms, Lucky Leaves shamrock dies; Papertrey Ink Tiny Tags die, thank you sentiment, Luck Of The Irish small shamrock stamp; Stampin' Up! Itty Bitty Accents flower punch; pearls; vellum; Gina Marie Designs Pleated Lace Rectangles die; Ann-ticipations Irish Blessing stamp (under vellum); vintage thread

Papertrey Ink Tiny Tags tag die, sentiment stamp; Martha Stewart Hydrangea punch; Stampin' Up! Itty Bitty Accents flower punch; pearls; My Favorite Things Stitched Mini Scallop Rectangle STAX die; Prima paper; vintage thread

Wplus9 Clear Cut Stackers Stars dies; Papertrey Ink Double Ended Banners die; L'il Inker Designs Stitched Rectangles dies; silver cardstock; I can't remember which set the sentiment came from!

Papertrey Ink Choose Joy sentiment; Gina Marie Designs Picket Fences With Wood Grain Finish die, Frilly Lace Rectangle die; rhinestones; Altenew Lavender Bud stamp and die; small leaf die cuts from Stampin' Up! scrap bag

Echo Park Trust In The Lord sentiment; K & Co. butterfly die cut; Kat Scrappiness Wonky Wavy Stitched Rectangles die; brown rhinestones, assorted Ranger Distress Ink sprays; gold embossed snippet from store bought card

I'm glad I bought the Papertrey Vintage Picnic set when I did, because it was on clearance and is all gone now.  It's the sweetest set.  I put my picnic basket on a gingham 'blanket'.

Papertrey Ink Topiary Trio dies, Vintage Picnic stamps and dies
(basket of food, sentiment); Gina Marie Designs Picket Fences With Wood Grain Finish die

A coworker of mine retired last year, and I made a card for him that looks very similar to the one below.

The Craft's Meow Just Sayin' sentiment; L'il Inker Designs Stitched Rectangles die; sun and palm tree stickers - dollar package; My Favorite Things Stitched Basic Edges die; Stampin' Up! Avant Garden dotted stamp

Verve Strong Anchor stamps (anchor, wheels) and matching Nautical dies; L'il Inker Designs Stitched Rectangles die; Inspired By Stamping Masculine Tags sentiment and nautical frame stamp, Fancy Label 2 dies; twine

Our Daily Bread Workshop Tools tool dies; Lost Coast Designs Measuring Tape stamp; Stampin' Up! Hardwood and Sanded background stamps; Hero Arts Year Round Sentiments sentiment   

Avery Elle Winter Wreath stamps and dies (wreath, berries, bow); Impression Obsession Birds dies; Papertrey Ink Daily Designs Sentiments sentiment, Double Ended Banners die

I had my eye on this oldie but goodie Stampin' Up! set, Garden Pleasures, below, for a while.  I found it for a (bird) song on Mercari (it's a yard sale kind of site, where people sell used items and ship around the country; I sell things on there too, and have made a decent penny doing it!).  It is such a charming stamp set.

Stampin' Up! Garden Pleasures birdhouse, bird stamps, Holiday Home sentiment stamp, Linen background stamp; Spellbinders Lacy Squares die; pearls; Papertrey Ink Double Ended Banners die 

Stampin' Up! Christmas Stocking punch (don't own it, not sure if that's the right name?), Hardwood background stamp; red gems; Sizzix / Tim Holtz Bricked embossing folder; twine; Hero Arts Holiday Sayings sentiment

Impression Obsession Square Shaker Frame die; Stampin' Up! Peaceful Boughs pine dies; Flourishes / Spellbinders Classic Tags die; Papertrey Ink Tag-Its #8 Mini sentiment; Stampin' Up! Hardwood background stamp; red button; twine

Before I go, I would like to share this verse from Scripture with you.  I say it aloud when I feel any anxiety creeping in to my mind:

2 Timothy 1:7
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

If we give in to fear, the enemy has won.  Stay positive, even amidst all the strangeness we are experiencing during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Research has proven that focusing on the positive is good for you.  I found this article on the Mayo Clinic's website that shows benefits of keeping negative thoughts away from your mind.  Here is an excerpt:

"The health benefits of positive thinking
Researchers continue to explore the effects of positive thinking and optimism on health. Health benefits that positive thinking may provide include:

• Increased life span
• Lower rates of depression
• Lower levels of distress
• Greater resistance to the common cold
• Better psychological and physical well-being
• Better cardiovascular health and reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease
• Better coping skills during hardships and times of stress

It's unclear why people who engage in positive thinking experience these health benefits. One theory is that having a positive outlook enables you to cope better with stressful situations, which reduces the harmful health effects of stress on your body."

Sending love and social distance hugs to you all!
God bless you!