First Annual No Foolin' Retreat

 

Hello Friends!  I wanted to share some photos from my past 3 plus days at a stamping and crafting retreat that I organized called No Foolin' Retreat.  It was held at The Gather House in Waunakee, WI, a bit over an hour away.  I have attended Sarah's Galentine Retreat twice and was not sure if I would have a spot in the future as I did not go in 2020 and 2021.  So--I asked a few stamping friends if they wanted to join me and they said YES!  A couple ladies brought a friend, and in the end, two individuals could not make it, so we had 10 attendees.  The photo above shows us displaying a card we made along with one of the items from our goodie bag.

Here is a picture of my car packed to head up Thursday morning--the four large boxes in the front are the attendee gifts!

Here is a picture of the attendee gift items so generously donated to the retreat or offered at a great discount.  There are also some "sweet" tems that the EB-Easter Bunny-left on each craft space in the morning before everyone got to the stamp room!

Thanks so much to Marci Snee, Rubbernecker Stamps, Gina K Designs, Taylored Expressions, Pinkfresh Studio, Waffle Flower, Ink Blot Shop, The Paper Cut, The Rabbit Hole Designs, Thermoweb, The Project Bin and Newton's Nook!  

We did a shoebox swap and these are the cards that everyone made:

My mission for the weekend was to make 25 Easter cards.  Our church members donate money to buy grocery gift cards that we then send to families at our sister church in Milwaukee.  I made a few varieties of cards and delivered them today so they can be sent to the families with the gift cards this week.

Here are some pictures of the awesome crafting space:

We also did a white elephant exchange for a new or gently used stamping item that you knew someone else would use.  It was very fun and a hot Stampin' Up bundle was stolen three times!  

Susan is the owner and is so sweet and an absolute hoot!  She has all of her Stampin' Up items for us to use along with a number of make 'n takes if anyone wanted to purchase and make those too.  Each of the bedrooms--either a double or triple room--was responsible for one of the meals and we sure ate well!  We had a late breakfast, snacked and had wonderful appetizers during the day and then had dinner later.  

It was such a fun weekend and I am missing everyone already.  Everyone is in for 2023, so we have the same weekend booked. No Foolin' Retreat, part II.  Look Out!

Sending Healing Thoughts

 

This is my One Plus Twelve card for March!  This was the brainchild of Kelly and she asked Jeanette and me to join her in this challenge in 2019. We are to use just one stamp, to make a card every month and post on the 3rd of each month.  It was so much fun that the three of decided to continue for our fourth year and pick a new image to use.

For 2022, I picked newer Stampin' Up set called Nature's Harvest.  I think this set is so pretty and I picked the largest coneflower or sunflower image to use each month.  There is also a coordinating die set called Harvest so I can use that some months too.

For my card this month, I used one of the panels that I made a bit ago with my Gel Press.  They are combos of pinks, yellows and orange.  I used a Gina Marie Designs Peek-a-Boo Oval to die cut a center of the white panel and then embossed it with Stampin' Up Pinewood Planks folder.  I placed the colored panel behind the oval and placed the flowers that I colored with Copics and then die cut on the side of the oval. I also stamped one of the sentiments in this sweet set and die cut it also with one of the dies in this sweet set. I added some orange dots for the final touch!

Please be sure to check out the other One plus Twelve cards.  Here is a link to Jeanette's and Kelly's blog. I am sure you will enjoy checking out each of our stamps for 2022 and will see a couple of great cards! I hope Kelly and Jeanette like my card and that you might too! Be sure to check back every month on the 3rd to see our cards!

Image/Sentiment: Stampin' Up Nature's Harvest Stamp and Die Set

Cardstock: The Paper Cut 100# Cougar Opaque; Gel Press panel, colored with acrylic paints

Ink:  Hero Arts Intense Black

Accessories: Copic Sketch Markers; Gina Marie Designs Peek-a-Boo Oval Die; Stampin' Up Pinewood Planks Embossing Folder; Orange Enamel Dots

Sunshine in the Rain

Today is the day I am posting my card for our Challenge Your Stash group on SCS.  This is our 63rd month of de-stash, so we are into our 6th year of challenges.  We are continuing in 2022 and hopefully beyond as I know I have many, many items in my stash that I can use and love the fun challenges!

The premise is to create a card or something else that uses only items that are in your own stamp room--nothing new is to be purchased.  The hostess each month posts their challenge to the group. Each person in the group creates their card with their own image, their own papers, their own embellishments with their own supplies--using up items from their own stash!  The card can be for any occasion and each person is encouraged to send the card on its way to someone so it can be admired.  It is a way for us to step out of the box a bit and create something that follows a challenge--isn't that what a challenge is supposed to be.  And--no money is spent as all items are to be already available in each of own stamping spaces.

Jeanette posted our March challenge-Winter is leaving and Spring is arriving, so let's make Spring Themed cards--think flowers, umbrellas, birds, anything that goes with spring!

I picked one of my most favorite spring images from Penny Black called Sunshine in the Rain.  I just smile everytime I see this sweet image.   I colored the image with my Copic Sketch Markers. I die cut the panel with my favorite Gina K Designs Master Layouts 2. I layered on a black panel.  I did not add any additional embellishments, as it is a very large image and I think it stands alone!

 

If you check some of the blogs on my sidebar, you may find others who have posted their cards in the next few days. There may be more posted in the thread on SCS, so you might want to check out the link here.  We also have a keyword for the SCS Gallery--it is CYSMAR.  You might see many cards there if you do a search.  They probably will be posted today or in the next few days.

I hope you enjoyed my card and I know I am excited to check out what my other hoarders, I mean stash reducers have made!  Thanks for stopping by today!  For April, Sue is up for our challenge.  Be sure to check back to see what we create then!

Image/Sentiment: Penny Black Sunshine in the Rain

Cardstock:  The Paper Cut Cougar Opaque 100# White; Stampin' Up Balmy Blue, Basic Black

Ink:  Hero Arts Intense Black

Accessories:  Copic Sketch Markers; Gina K Designs Master Layouts 2

Pinkfresh Studio Double Duty

Here we are!  This is the 14th month, so we are into year #2.  This was a thought that I had in the middle of the night, similar to what Kelly has had in the past.  Plus, it is a bit of offshoot of our Stamp What Challenge! This one is called Double Duty! 

Each month, we get to pick a stamp set from a predetermined company. Then, we will use that one stamp set and make two cards from the set.  Different images and sentiments from the same set can be used, or use the same image two different ways—Double Duty either way!  But, as an added challenge, one item must be used on both cards—same color cardstock, same ribbon, same stencil, same something.  Double Duty Again!  We will post both cards on our blog on the the 22nd of each month.  See-Double Duty again!  We will be sure to have fun getting doubly inky each month with a different stamp company.  Let’s have fun!

For March, the company we are using is Pinkfresh Studios. This is a newer company and they have such stunning florals.  They also have so many coordinating items--stamps, plus dies, and stencils along with sometimes washi tape.  Great Fun to play with all of the components.  I picked a very sweet stamp that was part of the Simon Says Stamp Stamptember Collaboration called You Are Next Level Amazing.  I did not get the matching die for this set and am a bit sad about that.........  But, it sure does have some fun and sweet sentiments.

For my first card-the pink one, I used gold embossing powder for the image and sentiment. I then colored the image with my Copic Sketch Markers.  I wanted a pretty simple card, so I placed the image and sentiment in the middle so I could use my Gina K Master Layout 2. the back layer is gold cardstock to match the gold embossing.  A few Concord & 9th enamel dots are the final touch.  

For my second card, the white one, I stamped the image and sentiment in black ink. I also colored the image with my Copic Sketch Markers and again, I die cut the panel with Master Layouts 2.  This time the back layer is black.  Again, Concord & 9th enamel dots were added for the final touch. 

I had a number of Double Duty elements on these cards.  Both panels were cut with Gina K Designs Master Layouts 2.  I used my Copic Sketch Markers on both cards and added Concord & 9th enamel dots too.

I hope you enjoyed my card for our group.  Please be sure to check out the other Double Duty cards.  

Here is a link to Jeanette's,  Darlene and Carol's blogs. I am sure you will not be disappointed and will see a couple of sets of great cards.  Our friend Kelly might occasionally post a card for our challenge, but she could not commit to the entire year.  So, check her blog to see if she did play along this month!

CC Designs is up for our our April challenge, so be sure to check out our cards on the 22nd!

Image/Sentiment:  Pinkfresh Studio and Simon Says Stamp-You Are Next Level Amazing stamp set

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  Stampin' Up Basic Black, Calypso Coral; The Paper Cut Cougar Opaque 110# White, Gold Mirricard

Ink:  Hero Arts Intense Black; Versamark;

Accessories:  Copic Sketch Markers; Gina K Designs Master Layouts 2; Concord & 9th Enamel Dots

Team Coffee or Team Tea?

Today is the 15th and that means the Dueling Darlings are back to post their fun cards!  This group was founded 10 years ago and there are a few of us that are the original members.  Kelly and Jeanette are still our team leaders and they try so hard to keep us all in line and going strong!  On team Kelly are Terry, Carol and me.  Team Jeanette consists of Lorraine, Darlene and Tracie.  And, we are all Dueling Darlings!  

Lorraine and I sent out the March kits. The theme this month is Team Coffee or Team Tea!  I am team coffee as I have a latte every morning, made by Rebecca followed by a cup or two of regular coffee.  And Lorraine is a tea drinker so she is team tea. Side note--as I type this up on Monday, I too am sipping a cup of tea..........  Which team are you?  Be sure to tell me in the comments are you team coffee or team tea?  

I sent out some sweet coffee images and sentiments from a fun Gina K Designs set called Perfect Blend. I also included some fun coffee themed patterned papers, along with some cute ribbon and twine. And, of course embellishments for the bling!  I hope there were enough options for some fun cards!

I picked the traditional coffee cup and colored it with my Copic Sketch Markers.  I die cut the image and black layer with a set of Gina Marie Cross Stitched Circles.  I then added one of the cute sentiments and also backed that rectangle with black.  The fun patterned paper are coffee beans from Moxie called Perfect Blend-Coffee Addict. I went with a layer of the sparkly brown ribbon, topped with brown baker's twine. The bling are jewels from Pinkfresh Studios and the color is Sparkling Champagne--another great beverage!   This was fun card to make!

Here is the inside of my card, with a strip of the fun coffee bean patterned paper.

I hope all of the Dueling Darlings enjoy my card this month and that my team liked their coffee themed kit. Please be sure to stop in to see what fun morning beverage creations are posted!  All of the blogs can be found on my left sidebar.  Our teammate Lorraine does not have a blogs, so please check out her card in her SCS gallery.   I am sure you will enjoy all of the wonderful creations this month!   Darlene and Terry are up for April, so be sure to check back on the 15th to see all of our creations.

Image/Sentiment:  Gina K Designs Perfect Blend Stamp Set

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:   The Paper Cut Cougar Opaque 110# White Stampin' Up Basic Black, Early Espresso;  Moxie Perfect Blend-Coffee Addict Patterned Papers; 

Ink: Hero Arts Intense Black

Accessories:  Gina Marie Designs Cross Stitched Circle Dies; Brown Baker's Twine; Brown Sparkly Ribbon; Pinkfresh Studios Sparkling Champagne Jewels; Copic Sketch Markers

Hello-Thinking of You

Today is the 12th and it is time for another Hot Mess card.  This is card number 34 and we are well into year #3. The idea of Hot Mess ~ Success started with Kelly and the general theme is to Get Messy and you will have Success!  Messiness can be almost anything that we come up with--glitter, alcohol inks, glimmer glitz, sponged backgrounds, etc., anything that is a bit messy.  We are a group of 6 and we will post a card each month on the 12th.  The links to the other 5 members are on my left side bar and I will also link them at the bottom at this post.

For this month's messiness, I used one of the previous panels I made last month with with my Tim Holtz alcohol inks.  I do love them and they are very messy! For this panel, I used three colors of blue on a piece of Yupo.  I also added Tim Holtz blending solution along with my hand blower.  I die cut the word Hello from an Altenew Die called Mega Hello from the inked panel.  I then embossed a piece of Night of Navy with a Stampin' Up folder called Seaside. I added two more layers of die cut word behind hello for some added dimension. The embossed panel was added onto the remaining piece of inked paper for a bit of color as a layer.  The sentiment is from a Simon Says Stamp sentiments strip set.   I added some blue enamel dots as the final touch.   I really like the look of this card and hope you do too.  I also sure hope my fellow messy ladies liked it too!  

Here are the links to the other members of Hot Mess ~ Success.  Please be sure to check out Jeanette's, Terry's, Kelly's , Carol's and Darlene's blogs. I am sure you will enjoy seeing how everyone got messy and was successful in making some great cards!   Be sure to check back to see what we are up to on April 12th.  

Image/Sentiment: Altenew Mega Hello Die/ Simon Says Stamp Sentiment Strips sddt

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  The Paper Cut Cougar Opaque 100# White; Stampin' Up Night of Navy:  Yupo

Ink:  Tim Holtz Alcohol Inks--shades of blue

Accessories:  Blue Enamel Dots; Stampin' Up Seaside Embossing Folder

Vera Golfs!

This is my February card for the monthly themed swap that Terry is hosting on SCS. Each month she will post a theme and we make cards using any stamp set we believe follows that thought. This is our 69th month and the theme for March  "Fun and Games" 

I picked a stamp from Art Impressions called Vera. She just makes me smile...............   I also have the stamp of her matching male partner Al!  I colored the fun image with my Copic Sketch Markers.   I used Gina K Designs Master Layouts 2 for the frame as that is one of my favorite and most used die sets! I did not add a sentiment or any embellishments as I really wanted a simple card this month.   I think this is a fun card and will make a good card to send to any woman who golfs for most any ocassion.

Here is the inside of my card, with a strip of washi tape:

I hope Terry and the others swappers like my card this month too! Terry has posted all of the 2022 themes, so be sure to come back to see what we create!  

Image/Sentiment:  Inky Antics Vera

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  The Paper Cut Cougar Opaque 110# White; Stampin' Up Basic Black, Pacific Point

Ink:  Hero Arts Intense Black

Accessories:  Copic Sketch Markers Gina K Designs Master Layouts 2 die; 

Mandy's Flowers

It is time for another The Three Musketeers post. We are ready to showcase the card we all created with the pretty floral image from a Simon Says Stamp set called Mandy's Flowers that Jeanette sent out for our March card #91! That means we are in the middle of year number 7 with this fun challenge!  All three of us sure have enjoyed the challenges every month and we hope that it continues for a long time! 

I colored the sweet image with my Copic Sketch Markers. I then die cut the image and the black layer with my Stampin' Up Oval Dies.  The background is a Stampin' Up embossing folder called Brickwork--one of my favs!  I added some black enamel dots for the final touch!   I hope Jeanette and Kelly along with you enjoy my card!

Here is the inside of my card, with a strip of washi tape:

Please check out the other Musketeer's cards.  Here is the link to Jeanette's blog along with Kelly's blog.  I am sure you will not be disappointed and will see a couple of great cards!  They may post today or tomorrow, so be sure to check out their blogs for their card!   Kelly is up for our April challenge.  Please be sure to join us again.  

Image/Sentiment:   Simon Says Stamp Mandy's Flowers

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  Neenah Solar White; Stampin' Up Basic Black, Melon Mango

Ink:  Memento Black

Accessories:  Copic Markers; Stampin' Up Oval Dies, Brickwork Embossing Folder; Black Enamel Dots

Lamp Unto My Feet

This is my March Crafters of Faith card.  This is a great group that my friend Kelly started on SCS.  She hosted for 5 years and now Faith has taken over for year #7. We will continue as we have in the past with each month a new hostess gives us a scripture and challenges us to make a card with that theme. 

Lisa is the hostess this month and gave everyone this challenge:

Psalm 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.

Challenge: I keep hearing Amy Grant singing it while Michael W Smith is playing the piano. For a card, base it on any meaning you can draw from this verse.

I really like this stamp set from Inky Antics called Shining Lantern.  I contains the lantern image and some wonderful coordinating sentiments.  I have used it often for cards in the past.  I think I bought this at a stamp show in Rockford, Illinois a number of years ago.  As I am scheduling this post, I am planning to go to the same show on Saturday and it is the first in person stamp show I have been to in more than 2 1/2 years!  I colored the lantern image with my Copic Sketch Markers.  The sentiment and layer was die cut with a very old set from Spellbinders Nestabilities called Labels 3.  The background was die cut with Gina K Designs Master Layouts 2 and then I used is a Stampin' Up Embossing Folder called Tufted.  The final touch are 3 black enamel dots.   I really like the look of this card and the message makes me smile!

I hope you and the others from the Crafters of Faith group like my card this month!  We are to post on the 7th of each month, so if you look on my sidebar, you may see other creations.  I know that there will be many posted in the COF thread on SCS too! 

Image/Sentiment:  Inky Antics Shining Lantern

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  The Paper Cut Cougar Opaque 110# White; Stampin' Up Basic Black, Crushed Curry

Ink:  Hero Arts Intense Black

Accessories:  Copic Sketch Markers; Black Enamel Dots; Stampin' Up Tufted Embossing Folder; Gina K Designs Master Layouts 2; Spellbinders Nestabilities Labels 3

Pocket Full of Sunshine

I have made another card with this theme #cardsforukraine, to show support for everyone in Ukraine.  Gina K Designs offered a sweet digital stamp set this week with this awesome image and a number of coordinating sentiments.  I love the image, as it is so perfect with a sweet sunflower to color up!

I colored the sunflowers with my Copic Sketch Markers. I die cut the image and the black layered with a set of Gina Marie Designs Stitched Rectangles.   I added one of the sentiments and layered it with blue.   I added some Pink Fresh Designs Sapphire Jewels for the final touch!

I hope you like my card and will join me with continued prayers for Ukraine.  

Image/Sentiment: Gina K Designs Basket Full of Sunshine Digital Stamp Set 

Cardstock: White;  Stampin' Up Basic Black, Brilliant Blue, Crushed Curry

Ink:  None

Accessories: Copic Sketch Markers; Gina Marie Designs Stitched Rectangles; Pinkfresh Studio Sapphire Jewels