As I have grown older, Thanksgiving has become a time of reflection for me.  In my youth, I was filled with grandiose dreams and lofty aspirations.  But as I travelled down the path of life’s journey, I came to realize that many of these dreams would never be fulfilled…and a wonderful thing happened.  These grandiose dreams and lofty aspirations were replaced by dreams and aspirations that formed a solid foundation and grounded me, shaping me into the person I am today.   No, I don’t have the mansion of which I dreamed…but my home is warm and welcoming, filled with love and laughter.  No, I am not a millionaire…but my life is infinitely richer in many, many ways.  While I may not be counting gold and silver coins, I count family and friends among my treasures…and my life is full of blessings!

And so for my Thanksgiving card, I opted to create something from my heart for you. The image is a simple scene which reminded me of growing up on the farm…and my mother’s delicious pumpkin pies made from pumpkins picked from the patch…and not from a can!  Enjoy today’s no-frills-as-simple-as-it-gets card.

The Stampin’ Schach Design Tips: Distressed and Simple Card
This finished card measures 5-1/2″ wide and 4-1/4″ long.

• Emboss resist! The Pumpkin Patch scene from Full of Blessings was inked in VersaMark and heat embossed with White Stampin’ Emboss Powder.  Crumb Cake ink was sponged over the surface, and Crumb Cake Waterspots were added using the image from the French Foliage set.  The edges were distressed with Soft Suede ink.

• Score! Diagonal lines were scored using the Diagonal Plate for the Simply Scored tool.  It adds visual interest in the blink of an eye!

As I end today’s post, please know that I so thankful for those of you who take the time out of your busy schedules to visit me.  I look forward to the time we spend together.  And speaking of spending time together, I leave you with a picture of two of my blessings…my girls spending time together.  Lexi looks like a Mini-Muffin!  

 

As always, if you ever have any questions about the cards I make or the techniques I use, I am only an email away.  Until next time…

Stamp Sets:  Full of Blessings, French Foliage;  Inks:  VersaMark, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, Soft Suede Stampin’ Write Marker; Card Stock: Naturals Ivory; Tools:  Heat Tool, White Stampin’ Emboss Powder, Simply Scored, Diagonal Plate for Simply Scored, Stampin’ Sponge, Sponge Dauber, Color Spritzer Tool;  Glitz and Glam:  Basic Pearls
.

 
Are you ready for some Doorbusters and discounts up to 50% off?  Stampin’ Up!’s Online Extravaganza begins today! Starting Monday and running through November 28th, you will be able to choose from a variety of Stampin’ Up! items, including paper, stamp sets, embellishments and some of our favorite dies, punches.   Click Here to see a list of all items which will be offered!

Oh…and did I mention you can shop in your jammies at my Online Store?  I’m just a click away.  Until next time…
 

It’s Sunday, and time to play with The Paper Players! This week, the talented LeAnne has an awesome challenge for us:  Create a CAS project featuring Silver or Gold.  I hope you enjoy today’s clean and classy card, created with the Angel from Rejoicing with You.

The Stampin’ Schach Design Tips:  Clean and Classy
This finished card measures 4-1/4″ wide by 5-1/2″ long.

• Hi-ho, Silver!  The Angel from Rejoicing with You was inked with VersaMark and heat embossed with Silver Stampin’ Emboss Powder.  After snipping it out, it was popped up onto an embossed circle to serve as the focal point. 

• Subtle texture! The Simply Scored Diagonal Plate was used to form a subtle background.  The diagonal lines add interest, but are not overpowering.

•  Bling-a-licious border! Seven Basic Rhinestones form an elegant border when placed at the intersections of the scored diagonal lines. 

 

I love this angel image.  When heat embossed, it is elegant and classy.  Yet, when paired with the right inks and paper, it takes on a delightful country feel!  I like popping it up onto an embossed circle to complement the curve of the angel’s body.  

What do you think?  Did I keep it clean and simple…at least for me? Won’t you  let me know in today’s comment? Your comments are important to me, and I do read each and every one.  Until next time…

(Twin Update:  Woo hoo! Muffy is gaining back the weight she lost during her recent illness. It won’t be long until she is back in tip-top shape!  A big thank you to everyone who has emailed get well wishes!)

Stamp Sets:  Rejoicing with You, More Merry Messages; Inks:  VersaMark, Basic Gray; Card Stock:  Whisper White, Brushed Silver; Tools: Big Shot, Snow Burst Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (retired), 3″ Circle Die, Simply Scored with Diagonal Plate, Heat Tool, Silver Stampin’ Emboss Powder, Paper Snips; Glitz and Glam:  Basic Rhinestones