February Hostess Club Take 2

Hi Stamping Friends!


Happy Leap Day!! Sorry, no frog card from me today. I thought about somehow "celebrating" Leap Day today, since it only comes around once every four years. But most ideas I saw were geared toward pre-schoolers, including lots of frog stuff. Not thinking my 15yo Man-child would appreciate having to play leap frog with his 40-something mother. :)

ELEMENTARY ELEGANCE

Stamps: Elementary Elegance (Sale-A-Bration)

Paper: Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, Beau Chateau DSP

Accessories: Labels Framelits, Crocheted Lace, Crumb Cake Seam Binding, Pleated Satin Ribbon, Vintage Wallpaper EF, Twitterepated Buttons

Elementary Elegance is one of my favorite stamp sets from the Sale-A-Bration catalog. 5 out of 6 of my hostess club members chose it for their SAB freebie this month. This card was inspired by Kimberly Van Diepen, whom I consider the "Queen of Shabby Chic". I just love all the layers and accessories she adds to her cards.

Today is the last day to participate in my February Prize Spectacular!! Don't forget to place your online order today!!

Thanks for stopping by!
Happy Stamping!

February Hostess Club

Hi Stamping Friends!


Check out what we made last week at our monthly Stampin' Up! Hostess Club...

APOTHECARY ART

Stamps: Apothecary Art

Paper: Sahara Sand, Pear Pizzazz, Very Vanilla, Everyday Enchantment DSP

Accessories: Label Framelits, Pool Party Seam Binding, Basic Pearls, Tulip Frame EF, Markers

Finally had a chance to show off the new Framelits to my hostess club. I didn't have them yet in January. Everyone loved them! I can't wait until July to see what new shapes we will get in the new catalog! I used markers to color the center of the flowers.

If you are interested in being a part of a monthly hostess club, contact me. I need of a total of six member to start a club, so call up all your stampin' friends and ask them to join you! Monthly hostess clubs are simple and fun. Each month the club meets together to stamp and laugh and learn something new. Each member places a $25 order each month during the six months. One club member each month is the designated "hostess" and receives all the hostess benefits. It's great because you get the benefits of being a hostess, without actually having to host anything!  :)

I've also considered doing a "Stamp of the Month" club. Would anyone be interested in that? Leave me a comment and let me know if you would.

There is still a couple days to take advantage of my 

FEBRUARY PRIZE SPECTACULAR!!

THREE EASY WAYS TO WIN!!
 1. For every $50 order placed during the month of February, your name will be entered into a drawing to win a tote full of fabulous Stampin’ Up! products. Place a $100 order and your name will be entered twice. A $150 order equals three chances!! This adorable Stampin’ Up! tote contains:
Fresh Vintage Stamp Set (SAB)

Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper (SAB)

Everyday Enchantment Ribbon and Brad Pack (SAB)

In Color Card Stock

Designer Frames Embossing Folders

 2. Can’t spend $50? You still have a chance to win! For every $25 order placed during February, your name will be entered into a second drawing. This prize package contains:Everyday Elegance Simply Sent Kit

Kindness Matters Stamp Set

Designer Frames Embossing Folders

(You can not be entered into both drawings. Online orders do apply.)

3. Don’t spend any $ at all and still win!! Everyone who becomes my “fan” on Facebook before February 29th has a chance to win the Elementary Elegance Stamp Set on page 15 of the SAB catalog. Like me: Krystal’s Cards – Stampin’ Up

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

Stampin' Addicts 3rd Anniversary Party Blog Hop

Hi Stamping Friends!

I'm so glad you are hopping with us today! Stampin' Addicts hops are the best!! And Stampin' Addicts is my most favorite online Stampin' Up! hangout in cyberworld! If you are looking for stamping inspiration or friendly advice, come visit us. We'd love to have you!

If you've been hopping since the beginning, then you have just come from Betty's blog where she has dazzled you with all kinds of Easter beauty. Isn't that cross amazing?! If you are just starting to hop, we are glad you are here!! This party hop has 11 stops. Each stop features a different "party" theme. I chose the 4th of July for my party.

Every party needs an invite! It wasn't until after I signed up to do a 4th of July party that I realized I have no patriotic stamps. So I had to get extra creative with my projects. Good old red, white, and blue and stars and stripes to the rescue!

Stamps: Fabulous Phrases
Paper: Whisper White, Pacific Point, Real Red, Red Glimmer Paper
Accessories: Stripes EF, Snowburst EF, Star Punches, Modern Label Punch, Word Window Punch, Labels Framelits, Striped Grosgrain, Dimensionals


And every party needs some decorations! Truth be told, this is why I chose the patriotic theme. I saw a "freedom" banner on Pinterest and I wanted to make one. This is the first time I've made the paper rosettes. It was super easy using my Simply Scored scoring plate. So glad I finally got one! I cut the "flags" using a template I made. They measure 4" x 6". I backed each "flag" with a square of the white cardboard that comes with our Designer Series Paper packs. I knew that stuff would come in handy someday!

Stamps: none

Paper: Real Red DSP, Pacific Point, Whisper White, Red Glimmer Paper

Accessories: Simply Scored, Scallop Circle Punch, Star Punch, Serif Essentials Alphabet dies

And what's a party without food?! In this case, what is 4th of July without a hamburger off the grill and a little corn on the cob on the side?! And some yummy dessert of course. Possibly even homemade ice cream! I love how easy it is to make these cute utensil holders using the Pillow Box die.

Stamps: none

Paper: Pacific Point, Red Glimmer Paper

Accessories: Pillow Box die, Star punch, Striped Grosgrain

And no party would be complete without a little sweet treat to take home. Actually, no party would be complete without a little chocolate. :)

Stamps: Fabulous Phrases
Paper: Whisper White, Pacific Point, Red Glimmer
Accessories: Label Framelits, Star punch, Word Window punch, Striped Embossing Folder,White Grosgrain Ribbon, Red Grosgrain Ribbon, Dimensionals, Clear bag


I made the red and white striped paper using my Stripes Embossing Folder and my brayer. I just brayered Real Red ink on one side of the embossing folder. Set my Whisper White card stock on top of the ink, closed the folder and ran it through my Big Shot. Super easy! There is only one side of the embossing folder that the ink will adhere to, so you may need to play around til you discover the "right" side. If you feel each side of the folder, the stripes on one side feel a little smoother. That is NOT the side you want. You want the "rougher" side.


I hope you've enjoyed a little Americana in February. I had a hard time figuring our what I wanted to create for this hop. I started pinning 4th of July ideas on to one of my Pinterest boards and came up with so many adorable projects, I just wanted to make them all! :)


This is the last stop on the hop.If you started somewhere in the middle, then you don't want to stop yet. You want to keep hopping to Yapha's blog where she is showcasing some adorable Baby Shower ideas.

YAPHA MASON

BETTY TRACIAK

Thanks for hopping by!

Happy Stamping!

Psalm 8 For Real Friday

Hi Stamping Friends!

³ When I consider your heavens,
   the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
   which you have set in place,
⁴ what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
   human beings that you care for them?

Psalm 8:3-4

CLEARLY FOR YOU

Stamps: Clearly For You

Paper: Blushing Bride, Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, Beau Chateau DSP

Accessories: Crochet Lace, Pleated Satin Ribbon, Pearls, Perfect Pennants die, Decorative Label Punch, Oval Punch, Baja Seam Binding, Twitterpated Buttons, Finial Press EF

I almost printed out Psalm 8 in it's entirety, because I love the whole chapter. It was difficult to choose which verses to focus on. Verse 5 says, "You crowned them with glory and honor." So I just had to have a crown on my card! :)  And verse 8 mentions the "birds in the sky", which is why I chose the darling little birds on a wire. Love this stamp set. Can't believe I waited this long to get it!!

I love what Wendy Pope shared with us this week in her online Psalms Bible Study.

Here's a bit from Tuesday's study:

"There is nothing we can do to lose or add to our worth in the eyes of God. No sin, no mistakes, and no failures change how God feels about us. We have worth because we are created in His image. Determining our worth by anything other than the truth of what God's Word says about us discounts the greatness of God's creativity and reduces the significance of the sacrifice of His Son."

And here is a piece from Thursday's study:

"When we learn to live in the extent of our worth in Christ instead of in response to our feelings, we experience victory. The greatness of God's creativity is illumined and the significance of Christ's death on the cross touches our hearts in a new way."

It is amazing to think that the God of the universe loves us so much, that He created us in His image. We are His masterpiece. His final creation. Each one of us is valued by God. In the 5th -8th grade Sunday School class that I teach, our virtue for the month of February is Honor—Letting someone know you see how valuable they really are. Here is a little bit of what our 252 Basics says about honor:

"Every person has value, not because of what they do, but because each and every person has been put together by God. When God created people, He made them in His image. That means every person alive today has been put together in the likeness of God. So every person has value. And it’s our job to help everyone feel like they are valuable. Jesus showed other people how valuable they really were by spending time with them. He ate dinner with people who usually ate alone. He served people who were used to doing the serving. He paid attention to people who normally didn't get a lot of attention. If Jesus thought it was important to honor everyone, then we should follow His example."

I read a blog post on Ash Wednesday by Karen Ehman titled: Don't Give Up Something For Lent. In a nutshell, she says how maybe we shouldn't "give up" something for Lent, maybe we should "take on" something during Lent. Like work in a soup kitchen, or help a hurting soul. She plans on writing a note of encouragement or thanks to someone each day during Lent. Now this is something near and dear to my heart!! And what better way to show someone how valuable they are to you, than by sending them a handwritten note. And it would be even more special if that note were written inside a beautiful, unique, handmade card. :) I've sent out two cards already. I look forward to see who God puts on my heart to send a card to next.

Make sure you check out my next post for today. I'm participating in the Stampin' Addicts 3rd Anniversary Party Blog Hop. I hope you will hop with us!!

Thanks for stopping by!

I pray you've been blessed!

Birthday Extravaganza #5

Hi Stamping Friends!


Today I have the last card from my Birthday Extravaganza Card Class. 

PARTY THIS WAY

Stamps: Party This Way

Paper: Sahara Sand, Poppy Parade, Wild Wasabi, Daffodil Delight, Marina Mist, Whisper White, Eat Cake DSP

Accessories: Top Note die, Scallop Edge Punch, Decorative Label punch, Modern Label Punch, Circle Punches, Button

This was my "kid" card from the set. There are so many fun colors in the Eat Cake DSP. I couldn't decide what colors to use, so I used them all! The great thing about the Party This Way stamp set is you can get it FREE right now with the Sale-A-Bration promotion, or it is still available for purchase through the catalog. Visit my online store today and check it out: KRYSTAL'S CARDS

Tomorrow I will have two posts. First I will post my Psalm 8 For Real Friday card, and then I will be participating in the Stampin' Addicts 3rd Anniversary Party Blog Hop. Don't miss it!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

Birthday Extravaganza #4

Hi Stamping Friends!!


Yep! You guessed it! It's another birthday card! :)

FRESH VINTAGE

Stamps: Fresh Vintage, Heard From the Heart
Paper: Sahara Sand, Pool Party, Very Vanilla, Everyday Enchantment DSP, Peach Parfait, Poppy Parade
Accessories: Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Heart Border Punch, Oval Punch, Designer Frames EF, Organdy Ribbon


The Fresh Vintage stamp set is a Sale-A-Bration exclusive. The only way to get this beautiful set is to place a $50 Stampin' Up! order and then receive it FREE through the Sale-A-Bration catalog. I love how it coordinates perfectly with the Everyday Enchantment DSP. The Everyday Enchantment DSP, the organdy ribbon, and the Designer Frames Embossing Folders are also available for FREE during the Sale-A-Bration promotion. Visit my online store today to place your order: KRYSTAL'S CARDS


Too bad I tried to add some "lighting" when I was taking this pic. The top is totally washed out. But it is a pretty card!! The floral image was colored with Lucky Limeade and Poppy Parade markers. Not all the ladies at the class loved doing this technique, but they all loved the outcome of it. :) 

Don't miss the Stampin' Addicts 3rd Anniversary Blog Hop happening this Friday through Sunday! I will be featuring some patriotic projects. I hope you will hop with us!

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

Birthday Extravaganza #3

Hi Stamping Friends!  


I have another birthday card from my stamp class!!

ELEMENTARY ELEGANCE

Stamps: Elementary Elegance
Paper: Crumb Cake, Poppy Parade, Everyday Enchantment DSP
Accessories: Vintage Wallpaper EF, Top Note die, Curly Label Punch, Peach Twill Ribbon, Basic Pearls


I've used this layout before and I love it. It has lots of great elements to it. I thank Heather Klump for coming up with it. :)  I love the vintage look of this card. And I love this pattern of paper from the Everyday Enchantment. What am I talking about? I love every pattern of the Everyday Enchantment paper and I just love this card!!!


I will be sharing two more cards with you on Wednesday and Friday from my birthday class. Then on Friday, I will have 2 blog posts. I will have my usual For Real Friday post and  I am also participating in another Stampin' Addicts blog hop. I am so excited!! The Stampin' Addicts blog hops are always amazing. This the 3rd Anniversary Party Blog Hop. Each participant chose a "party" theme. I chose 4th of July. There will be birthday parties, bridal showers, baby showers, Easter, and more. It should be a ton of fun. I hope you will come check it out!

If you haven't taken advantage of the Sale-A-Bration promotion, go visit my website and get some FREE stamps: KRYSTAL'S CARDS

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

Birthday Extravaganza #2

Hi Stamping Friends!


Today I have another card for your from my birthday card class. 

MIXED BUNCH

Stamps: Mixed Bunch, Bring on the Cake

Paper: Whisper White, Pink Pirouette, Concord Crush, Lucky Limeade, Cheerful Treat DSP (Hostess)

Accessories: Concord Crush Twill Ribbon, Blossom Punch, Blossom Bouquet Punch, Bird Builder Punch (leaves), Eyelet Border Punch, Pearls

I love the fun, cheerful paper in the Cheerful Treat DSP pack. Such happy colors! And the only way to get this DSP is by hosting a workshop and "buying" it with your FREE hostess dollars. So make sure to book your Stampin' Up! workshop ASAP!!

I had a wonderful time stamping with my hostess club gals yesterday. Thanks all for coming!!! I will be sharing those cards next week. Well, I already shared one on Friday, so I only need to take pics of two cards. One of my club gals also had an awesome storage tip she shared with us, so I will be taking some pics and sharing that great bit of advice next week as well!

There is still time to take advantage of my February Prize Spectacular:

FEBRUARY PRIZE SPECTACULAR!!
THREE EASY WAYS TO WIN!!
 1. For every $50 order placed during the month of February, your name will be entered into a drawing to win a tote full of fabulous Stampin’ Up! products. Place a $100 order and your name will be entered twice. A $150 order equals three chances!! This adorable Stampin’ Up! tote contains:
Fresh Vintage Stamp Set (SAB)

Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper (SAB)

Everyday Enchantment Ribbon and Brad Pack (SAB)

In Color Card Stock

Designer Frames Embossing Folders

 2. Can’t spend $50? You still have a chance to win! For every $25 order placed during February, your name will be entered into a second drawing. This prize package contains:Everyday Elegance Simply Sent Kit

Kindness Matters Stamp Set

Designer Frames Embossing Folders

(You can not be entered into both drawings. Online orders do apply.)


3. Don’t spend any $ at all and still win!! Everyone who becomes my “fan” on Facebook before February 29th has a chance to win the Elementary Elegance Stamp Set on page 15 of the SAB catalog. Like me: Krystal’s Cards – Stampin’ Up


Visit my website today! KRYSTAL'S CARDS

Thanks for stopping by!
Happy Stamping!

Birthday Extravaganza #1

Hi Stamping Friends!
Happy Sunday!


I wanted to share the cards we made last Sunday at my Birthday Extravaganza card class. I figure I'll stretch it out and show you one card each day for 5 days. Can't show you all my stampin' pretties in one post!

CREATE A CUPCAKE

Stamps: Create A Cupcake

Paper: Very Vanilla, Calypso Coral, Pool Party, Everyday Enchantment DSP

Accessories: Scallop Square die, Perfect Polka Dots EF, Scallop Rectangle Clearlit, Cupcake Punch, Word Window Punch, Dimensionals

Fun, simple card. I love the colors in the Everyday Enchantment DSP. I used it on a lot of my cards for this event. I don't have any Pool Party card stock left! You can never go wrong with the Create A Cupcake stamp for a birthday card. It's always perfectly sweet!

It had been almost a year since my last big card class. It felt good to do it again. I had 12 stampers come. Thankfully I can use a room at our church for free. It makes it easier on my family, as it would be a tight fit in our house. Here is a few pictures from that day. I wish I would have remembered to take pictures earlier in the day when the sun was still shining! 

My Stampers

My Card Display

My Treats

All in all it was a very fun day. I hope to do it again much sooner. :) This afternoon I have my monthly hostess stampers coming over. Can't wait to stamp and talk and stamp and visit with them. Such a fun group of gals. I've been doing a lot of stamping the last two weeks. It's been so fun! And next Friday I am participating in another Stampin' Addicts blog hop, so I'm stamping for that too! And when I'm not stamping, I'm hanging out on Pinterest. :) Come check out my boards. I've been pinning lots Stampin' Up! ideas there. Let me know if you need an invite and I will email one to you.

See that cute Stampin'  Up! bag in the pic of my card display? It's full of lots of stampin' goodies that can be yours! All you need to do is place an online order of $50 or more before February 29th and your name will be entered into the drawing. So far two stampers have taken me up on the offer. Now it's your turn! Visit my online store today: KRYSTAL'S CARDS

And remember, with each $50 purchase, you will get to choose one item from the Sale-A-Bration catalog for FREE!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping!

Psalm 7 For Real Friday

Hi Stamping Friends!!

Psalm 7:1

"O LORD my God, in thee do I put my trust: 

save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me: (KJV)..."

MIXED BUNCH

Stamps: Mixed Bunch, You're a Gem

Paper: Daffodil Delight, Whisper White

Accessories: Blossom Punch, Adorning Accents Edgelits and Embossing Folders, Blossom Bouquet Punch, Limeade Ruffled Ribbon, Black Button

This Psalm study was great, but it was tough to come up with a card for it. I chose the sentiment 4 EVER because we can always put our trust in God. He will always be there for us... FOR EVER! I think I'm going to use this card for my hostess club this Sunday. I've seen similar cards like this one on the net. It's simple and pretty and uses lots of new toys! :)

The Matthew Henry commentary had some interesting thoughts on Psalm 7 and putting our trust in God:

"David, thus basely abused, has recourse to the Lord. The injuries men do us should drive us to God, for to him we may commit our cause. Nay, he sings to the Lord; his spirit was not ruffled by it, nor cast down, but so composed and cheerful that he was still in tune for sacred songs and it did not occasion one jarring string in his harp. Thus let the injuries we receive from men, instead of provoking our passions, kindle and excite our devotions."

I love the thought: "The injuries men do us should drive us to God..." and also, "Thus let the injuries we receive from men... kindle and excite our devotions." Use the hurtful things that people say and do to you, to bring you closer to God.

Here is what my NIV Life Application Bible has to say about Psalm 7:

"Have you ever been falsely accused or so badly hurt that you want revenge? David wrote this psalm in response to the slanderous accusations of those who claimed he was trying to kill Saul and seize the throne. Instead of taking matters into his own hands and striking back, David cried out to God for justice. The proper response to slander is prayer, not revenge, because God says, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay". Instead of striking back, ask God to take your case, bring justice, and restore your reputation."

One thing I learned from Wendy Pope and this week's lesson on Psalm 7 is that my words have the power to hurt or to heal.

So often, when someone says something hurtful to us, or about us, our first response is to say something just as hurtful back. But this psalm of David teaches us to stop, and give it to God instead. Do not try and seek revenge on your own. Even through words or conversation. Instead, lay it before the feet of the one you can always trust to protect you.

Some thoughts from Wendy: "Words hurt. Words heal. And in order for the right words to come out of our mouths, the right words must go into our heart. God wants our words to be gifts."

Here are some great verses to remind us of the power of our words:

Ephesians 4:29 "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."

Proverbs 12:18 "Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing."

Proverbs 16:24 "Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."

What a wonderful lesson to learn! I constantly need to be reminded of the power of my words. And I need to remember to ask God for assistance in keeping me from wanting to have the last word. Psalm 141:3 says, "Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips." There are many times my mouth should be locked up! I come from a long line of "arguers". We all love to get the last word. I literally used to have to bite my tongue to keep myself from answering back. Now I just let them have the last word. It's not worth hurt feelings, just to prove a point.


If I'm not stamping, I'm usually reading. Here are a few of the books I've read in the last few months:

And here are some of the books on my list of books to read next:

What about you? What have you read lately that you would recommend?

I hope you have been blessed today!

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stamping! (and reading!)