Welcome to this month’s edition of the Ink & Inspiration Blog Hop!

You have stopped here at my little corner of the web. I am Joanne Cantrell and I live outside of a tiny town in the middle of the United States. I am glad you hopped on over.

Before I show you this month’s inspiration photo, can we just take a moment to ooh and aww over the new blog graphic. It is so fresh and beautiful, don’t you agree!?!

Well, that is our inspiration image this month. And, I did enjoy starting at it wishing I was there as I was creating my cards last night. If I would have turned around to look out my window, I would have seen the snow falling – BRRRR!

But, enough about that. Without further ado, here are the projects I made…

As you can see, I used all the colors except Tahitian Tide. (Which I had used but it looked odd as there was only one strip of it and I couldn’t figure out how to get anymore of that color to look right!)

To create the frame, I used some of those 1/5″ strips that you get when you cut an 8″ x 11″ piece of card stock into layers. I covered a piece of Basic White cardstock with Stampin’ Seal and laid the stipes from top to bottom. Then I used the Stitched Rectangles to cut out the frame.

The images and wording are from the Nothing’s Better Than stamp set and the die cuts are from the Love You More Than dies in the 2022-2023 Annual Catalog.

Here is a glimpse at the inside.

But, the question you might be asking is what did I do with the center of the frame?

Well, I made another card, of course!

I just added some die cuts from the Painted Labels dies and the sentiment came from the new Conversation Bubbles stamp set in the new Mini Catalog.

Well, that’s all I have for you for now.. time to keep hopping along!

Blog Hop Index

Until next time… Keep it simple, Stampers!

🙂 Joanne

Welcome to this month’s installment of the Stamper’s Dozen Blog Hop!

This month is all about Sale-a-Bration! You know, that magical time of the year where you earn FREE products for buying stuff you were already going to but anyway!

While I love all the new stamp sets available in the stamping up brochure… I mean really – have you seen the Owls! 😍. Even more so, have you seen the Designer Series Paper? Wowzers!

So that’s what I focused my projects on this time… I Picked out two of the paper packs and had a little fun!

This gorgeous paper is from the Dainty Flowers DSP pack. It coordinates with the Dainty Delight found in the new January-May Mini Catalog. The sentiment is from the Sending Support sentiment-only set found in the Sale-a-Bration brochure!

Here is another way to use that beautiful paper. The flowers are cut from the Dainty Delight coordinating dies, but the tags come from the new Something Fancy dies in the new Mini.

Here is my last card using this paper! I know this is my second post for this blog hop using this paper… but I just love it so much! And it’s FREE!!! It really doesn’t get much better than that! Or does it?

Hmmmm…

What about these cute patterns from the Down on the Farm Designer Series Paper pack also available for FREE in the Sale-a-Bration brochure?!?

And when you pair it with the Silly Goose stamp set from the new Mini…. Oh be still my heart!!!

Sorry… the inside of the card was too cute not to share!!! I’m sending it off to my nephew who had a birthday yesterday! He turned 30. I’m happy to say, this was only the 26th birthday I’ve missed! Lol!!!

But wait… there’s more!

I can’t believe I actually chopped this paper! #loveitchipit

But I had a vision…

And I had to show you!

Didn’t I! 😁

Well, that really is all I have for you this time around!!! Hop along and see what the others have in store for you!

Blog Hop Index

Until next time… keep it simple, Stampers!

🙂 Joanne

,

Welcome to the December 2022 edition of the Stamper’s Dozen Blog Hop! Youa re currently hopping through my neck of the woods! I hope you enjoy what you see!

So, this month is all about new things. What better than showing a sneak peek of some of the new products coming in January?

One of my favorite sets is the Dainty Delight Bundle. I love how delicate the flowers in the imagine are but, not so delicate that they are hidden. Not only are the images great, but so are the sentiments. And what’s better than a stamp set with great images and sentiments? Why of course… coordinating dies! And this bundle has those too! So, let’s get on to the good stuff… my projects!

Oh, did I forget to tell you… not only are there great sentiments (just not the one that I used), beautiful images, and matching dies… there is coordinating Designer Series Paper that you can get for FREE in the upcoming Sale-a-Bration brochure! One of my favorite sheets in this DSP pack features these gorgeous water colored flowers. It even has the texture of water color paper!

So, why, if they are such great sentiments, didn’t I use them. Well, this card.. and the matching one below is for two very special people that have made a very big change in their lives and have over come a lot to be where they are! Some of you may remember back to when my son went through Navy Boot Camp. Well, tomorrow morning, his baby sister, my favorite daughter, Katelynne Rose, is graduating Navy Boot Camp! Well, her and 800 of her new friends. So, this card is for her.

Here is a gander at the inside. I thought this perfect was more fitting. And, believe it or not… it comes from the A Grand Kid stamp set found in the 2022-2023 Annual Catalog.

I made a nearly identical using the same DSP and sentiment with a different color scheme.

This card I made for her new bestie that she meet during Boot Camp. She says the two of them have been inseparable. I have been sending her cards every week as well.

Which color scheme do you like better? Drop me a comment and let me know, then hop along to see what the other girls have for you this month!

Blog Hop Index

Until Next time… keep it simple, Stampers!

🙂 Joanne

Welcome to this edition of the IIBH Blog hop! You are currently visiting Joanne Cantrell smack dab in the middle of the United States.

Let’s take a look at the inspiration picture…

So, what spoke to me was really the whole picture. LOL The first thing saw in it was the Mountain Air stamp set. Come on now, I am positive I am not alone in that!

Here’s what I did with it.

What do you think?

And, did you notice the sneak peak at the new sentiment! It is from a lovely sentiments-only set found in the upcoming Sale-a-Bration catalog called Sending Support.

Well, that’s it from me today! Time to hop along…

Blog Hop Index

Until next time… keep it simple, Stampers!

🙂 Joanne

Hello and welcome the the November 2022 edition of the Stamper’s Dozen Blog Hop!

As I write this, I am currently waiting for generous people to drop shoebox gifts off at our Operation Christmas Child Drop-Off location. We have Christmas music playing in the background and we have been snacking on Christmas cookies!

If you have not heard of Operation Christmas Child… it’s a ministry of Samaritan’s Purse that delivers shoebox gifts to children in need around the world. There is really so much more to it and I do encourage you to check them out!

As a drop off location, we will be putting in a lot of long hours over the next eight days. With that in mind, I created a card to send to all the drop off locations in Southern Illinois. Take a look…

I think that sentiment is just perfect for them! They will be so weary by the end of National Collection Week, but each of the shoebox gifts they receive will be an opportunity to share the Gospel with a child. That is defiant worth rejoicing over!

My basic color scheme is Cherry Cobbler and Evening Evergreen. That beautiful Designer Series Paper comes from the Boughs of Holly suite and the sentiment is from the Hope & Peace stamp set. I used the Tailor Made Tag does to cut out the tags. And that gorgeous little poinsettia came from the flowers in the Pretty Pillowbox does. I added the center to them with a Gold Adhesive Backed Swirl!

I hope that my simple card inspires you to send a note to those that might need a word of encouragement this Christmas season!

.Well, that’s all I have for you for now… Hop along Hoppers!

Blog Hop Index

Until next time.. Keep it simple, Stampers!

🙂 Joanne

Welcome to this edition of the IIBH Blog hop! you are currently visiting Joanne Cantrell smack dab in the middle of the United States.

I know, its been awhile… longer than I would care to admit. but I am so happy to be hopping with y’all again!

so, lets take a look at the inspiration picture.

.These are really some of my favorite Stampin’Up colors. But, I did not think fall right away… I thought Moose!

I hope you are inspired by this Moose! I just love him!

Well, its time to hop along to the next blog…

Blog Hop Index

Until next time… keep it simple, Stampers!

🙂 Joanne

Welcome to this month’s edition of the Stamper’s Dozen Blog Hop. It’s been a few months since I have been hopping with y’all and I am so happy to be back.

This month it’s all about those feelings you get when the weather starts to get cooler and the leaves start to change colors and fall to the ground.

On of my best fall memories is taking my two favorite girls to the local orchard to play in the flower fields!

This is my daughter, Katelynne, and her best friend, Jessa. Unfortunately… both girls have deserted me to run off and start their own lives so we weren’t able to take a trip to the orchard this year.

Jessa has headed off the college this year and Katelynne left last week for Navy Boot Camp! So what better reason to make some cards!

I thought the Jar of Flowers bundle would be perfect! Here are the two cards that i created for the girls…

This card will be sent to Kate.

And this one will go to Jessa.

Well, its time to hop along and see what the other ladies have created!

…

Until next time… keep it simple, Stampers!

🙂 Joanne

It’s been a couple months since I’ve been able to hop with you all. Its been a rough time around the homestead and I am grateful to be able to stamp again.

Long story short, I went to Kansas to go visit my mother- and brother-in-law for a weekend. The day after I arrived, she was admitted to the hospital. A few days later, she came home on hospice. Ten days after I arrived, she took her last breath while holding my hand.

One thing that came to my attention is how great my daughter is. My husband and her came out to visit when they found out what was going on. When my husband had to go back to work, Katelynne stayed with me and helped take care of Grandma and Uncle LJ. After days if not eating, Katelynne finally was able to get her to finally eat some cheesecake. She loved it when Kate helped her. As the days progressed, Katelynne’s love for her grandma shined through the darkness. And her training as a CNA helped. I have always told Kate to treat her residents like they are her grandparents. She now has a new understanding of exactly what that means!

Anyway, this is the card that I made for Katelynne to let her know how much I appreciate her!

I used the Dragonfly Garden stamp set for the images and the sentiment.

I decided I would try out some of the new 2022-2023 In Colors. I couldn’t decide if I wanted to to use Starry Sky or Orchid Oasis so I used them both. The card base and ribbon are Starry night along with the ink for the sentiment and the flowers. The layer and DSP are Orchid Oasis as is the ink and Blends used on the dragonflies.

I used the Lovely Labels Pick a Punch for the sentiment and the Dragonflies punch for … well, for the dragonflies! 🙂 Of course, I had to use a little Wink of Stella and Iridescent Rhinestones to add a little sparkle!

I told you I couldn’t decide… so I had to make another! Same colors, just opposite. (And I used Memento ink to stamp the flowers so they would show up.) I think I will send this one to the neighbor that bought is pizza while we were caring for Grandma!

Well, that’s it from me this month. It’s time to hop along!

Blog Hop Index

Until next time… keep it simple, Stampers!

🙂 Joanne

I am not sure about you… but I am so glad that 2021 is done and gone, never to return! It is time to get on with a new year! And, around here, a new year means a new catalog!!!

Introducing the 2022 January-June Mini Catalog!

One of my very favorite bundles in this new catalog is the Rainbow of Happiness Bundle (157727) which includes the Rainbow of Happiness photopolymer stamp set (157721) and the Brilliant Rainbow dies (157726)

But, before I continue with my project… I have to show you my inspiration for it.

This is Stella! Stella Layne Rose Cantrell…. But you may call her Stella Bean like the rest of us do!

Stella is 8-1/2 months old and is my oldest grandchild. (You might remember Wayland, my grandson from a couple blogs ago.) She had an early start in life.

She was born 9 weeks early at 31 weeks. But, she was a fighter and is now healthy and thriving and living her best life with Grandma Jo! She is my sidekick, my co-worker, and my travel buddy. She is also the main reason I am tired and cranky! LOL

So, now that you have met Stella… you might understand why she is the inspiration for these cards. I need to find a color scheme for her room. So I present to you, three different options. Let me know what your favorite is!

This first color combination is Evening Evergreen, Cajun Craze, and Petal Pink

This next color combination is Polished Pink, Blushing Bride and Smokey Slate.

And, the final color combination is Evening Evergreen, Cajun Craze, and Petal Pink.

Well, that’s all the new I have for you… on to the next!

Stamper’s Dozen January 2022 Blog Hop

1. Rose Grunewald – Country Cards by Rose
2. Patty Chenail – Stamp-Patty’s – Stamping in My Flops
3. Judy Garza – Creativity Released
4. Sharon Hashimoto Burkert – As the Ink Dries
5. Carol Payne – Carol Payne Stamps
6. Joanne Cantrell – Keep It Simple, Stampers
7. Rachel Yurkanin – Rachel’s Stamping Place
8. Debbie Naylor – Unfrogettable Stamping!
9. Bonnie O’Neill – Bonnie Stamped
10. Kelly Acheson – A Stamp Above
11. Donna Burk Schneidtmiller – Donna Stamps
12. Jodi Petersen – Jodi’s Card Designs

Until next time… keep it simple, Stampers!

🙂 Joanne

Hello and Welcome 🙂

Here it is, ten days before Christmas. Is there anyone out there like me? Maybe the guys? I haven’t bought but two presents. I just cannot get into the Christmas spirit this year. I think the weather is too warm here in Illinois. It should not be in the 60’s. And we need snow! Because without snow… there will be no penguins.

What’s that?

You didn’t know that penguins came to Illinois with the snow?

Well they don’t. But nothing says winter to me more than penguins. We will excuse the fact that some species live in warmer weather… Because in my mind, they live in igloos with the Eskimos (which I know is not correct by any stretch of the means!).

And who better to bring wishes of winter then a penguin – which just happens to be the theme of this month’s Stamper’s Dozen Blog Hop… Winter Wishes.

With that… I present to you… a penguin and an igloo!!!

A few snowflakes stamped in Pool Party ink on a base of Pool Party cardstock sets the perfect wintery tone. My igloo was stacked using the Brink & Mortar embossing folder after I cut out a circle using the Layering Circle dies and a rectangle that was rounded using the Detailed Trio Punch. The snow bank was created using the Detailed Border dies and the Painted Texture embossing folder. Once the Winter Wonderland was comfy enough to be called a home, it needed a resident. I used the Penguin Place bundle to make the cute little penguin who wouldn’t be complete without the Playful Pets Trim scarf. I am sure with the Gingerbread & Peppermint Acrylic Shapes falling from the sky made it the perfect winter day!

This fine dapper penguin felt the igloo was too cold and he needed a winter wreath to live upon. I used the Gingerbread & Peppermint Designer Series Paper and coordinating cardstock to create the perfect little place for him to settle in the holidays under the Real Red Mini Ruffled Ribbon bow.

What penguin fun would it be without a kiss? I used the Penguin Builder Punch to create this little kiss holder. I created a small box to go in between the two penguins and added a little handle!

Well, that’s all I have for you today… I should probably go do some Christmas shopping while you go to explore what the others have in store for your wintery pleasure!

Stamper’s Dozen December 2021 Blog Hop

1. Jodi Petersen – Jodi’s Card Designs
2. Rose Grunewald – Country Cards by Rose
3. Patty Chenail – Stamp-Patty’s – Stamping in My Flops
4. Judy Garza – Creativity Released
5. Sharon Hashimoto Burkert – As the Ink Dries
6. Carol Payne – Carol Payne Stamps
7. Joanne Cantrell – Keep It Simple, Stampers
8. Rachel Yurkanin – Rachel’s Stamping Place
9. Bonnie O’Neill – Bonnie Stamped
10. Kelly Acheson – A Stamp Above
11. Donna Burk Schneidtmiller – Donna Stamps

Until next time… keep it simple, Stampers!

🙂 Joanne