It’s back to school time! I will be heading back to my classroom this week to get ready for my little cuties who start school right after Labor Day. I teach PreK and love working with 4 year olds! This week they will come visit the classroom with their parents and have orientation but the real fun starts next week! In honor of Back to School I have some fun planned for you too! Each day, starting Labor Day, I will focus on some of the basics of stamping, showcase different products, and share some tips, tutorials, and exclusive Back to School Specials as I share cards and projects. Be sure to check back each day!
Let’s get to today’s card. I thought I would get a head start on thank you cards as I seem to go through a “bushel” each year! I love the apple print in the Fruit Stand Designer Series Paper. I cut a piece 5 1/2 x 12 then cut it into 1 1/2 inch strips (I plan to make a set of these cards). I adhered my 1 1/2 x 5 1/2 inch strip to a piece of Old Olive that’s just 1/8 wider and wrapped some Old Olive Bakers Twine around it and tied a bow. I attached this to the Pear Pizzazz card base and then stamped the sentiment just above using Early Espresso ink. I stamped the tree trunk and leaves from the Thoughtful Branches stamp set using Early Espresso, Old Olive, and Pear Pizzazz inks. Then I cut out the tree with the 2 1/2″ Circle Punch.
Next I embossed a 3 x 3 piece of Early Espresso cardstock with the Woodgrain Embossing Folder. I adhered the tree to the embossed piece and attached it to the card with Stampin’ Dimensionals. I cut the apples out of Old Olive at first and attached them with glue dots but, I thought they needed to stand out more so I used Delightful Dijon then added some pear pizzazz ink using a sponge dauber. I thought it looked more like the apples in the Designer Series Paper. I also tried Soft Suede cardstock and ink instead of Early Espresso. What do you think?
Did you notice I didn’t stamp any grass on my first one? Oops! Do you prefer the Granny Smith apples or Golden Delicious? I didn’t make any red apples and Honeycrisp are my favorite! I love to go apple picking! Every year we pick apples then make homemade applesauce, apple butter, apple crisp, and apple bread. It won’t be long before it’s time to go apple picking. Yum!
Someone couldn’t wait til they got home to taste test the apples.
A set of these thank you cards would make a great teacher gift. (I should know!) The Thoughtful Branches set won’t be available after Wednesday, so don’t miss out on this limited time bundle (available only through August 31st). Order yours today!
Stamp Set: Thoughtful Branches Inks: Early Espresso, Pear Pizzazz, Old Olive Papers: Whisper White, Early Espresso, Pear Pizzazz, Old Olive, Delightful Dijon, Fruit Stand Designer Series Paper Tools & Accessories: Woodgrain Embossing Folder, 2 1/2 inch Circle Punch, Tree Builder Punch or Thoughtful Branches Thinlits Dies, Old Olive Baker’s Twine, Sponge Dauber
Have a wonderful day!
Just Stampin’
Jeanie
Beautiful fall, crisp card! I love how you set it up with the apple paper. Honeycrisps are my fav, too. Enjoy your day, Jeanie.🍏
I didn’t discover Honeycrisps until 6 years ago. I just wish they had a longer season of availability. It is hard to find them sometimes. Thanks for stopping by.
Good morning Jeanie Stark 🙂 Nice to “meet” you. I just read your post. My first post from you and I want to thank you. I want to tell you how much I enjoyed reading about you, who you are and how you created this beautiful card. I have this stamp set and you have opened the eyes of my imagination for using this set. Thank you.
I am an avid card making mom/nana in New York. (Upstate, not the big city) A few months ago I became a Stampin Up Demonstrator for the discount. (I neither teach nor sell products at this point.) Creating cards to send to others is my creative outlet and one of my passions in life. So many hurting and sad people in the world need cheerful or funny and encouraging cards to touch their hearts, if only for the moment.
My creative mind works overtime and I see card ideas everywhere I go. I see color combinations on billboard signs along the highways or buildings or people’s yards. Yesterday I was looking at my pastor’s dress shirt, which was a light peachy color with black buttons and I thought to myself “that would make a pretty card”!! I started designing a card using black card stock with a peach layer with something black stamped on it. I had a difficult time dragging my mind back to listen to his sermon!! I design while I’m half asleep and come up with interesting variations using stamps that I have. I wish I knew how to turn off the designing part of my brain while trying to sleep!!!
Below is a photo of a cards I “dreamed up” a few nights ago. I like how it turned out.
I really like your tree card. . .makes me want to copy your idea right now. I think I should get dressed first!! But maybe dressing and breakfast COULD wait until after. Priorities right, Jeanie? I wonder if Stampin Up has a stamp that says “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree”? Wouldn’t that be a cute sentiment to go with this stamp set?
So you are a teacher? Good for you. What a blessing you are to lots and lots of children. You will probably never know how many lives you have impacted during your career. . .or how many more little lives coming your way with each new school year. I remember my very first experience with school as a wonderful introduction to learning and being away from home. I loved my first teacher and cried when It was time to move on. Your job isn’t an easy one and I applaud you for doing it. A pat on your back and I say “Bravo and Well Done, Jeanie”!!
I don’t know where you live, I imagine somewhere out in the west, so I doubt we will ever meet. The mutual love of stamping creates invisible bonds and connects creative people all over the world. Pretty amazing if you ask me.
Thank you again for teaching me how you created your beautiful card. God Bless you, your family, and your day. Cathy Youngs
P.S. I imagine you are a very busy lady. . .so don’t sigh and roll you eyes thinking I will be bothering you with a ton of emails. . .I won’t. I just felt I should give back to you in appreciation for sending me your wonderful post.
Sent from my iPad
Sent from my iPad
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Hello Cathy! So nice to “meet” you too! I am so glad you stopped by my blog. I am new to blogging and still trying to figure out all the “technology” stuff. I am most definitely NOT rolling my eyes. In fact I am so touched you took the time to write such a nice post! You made my day!!! (And considering I got lots of hugs from some adorable 4 and 5 year olds today that is saying alot!!!)
We think A LOT alike! I had to laugh at your mind wanderings in church as I am always looking at color combinations everywhere I go. When my daughter and I go shopping we talk in “stampin’ Up” colors..”I really like that wisteria wonder sweater. Oh try the melon mambo one.” I am sure if anyone overhears our conversations they must think we are crazy!
I have been teaching for 30 years and still love it! I’ve taught PreK through 4th grade and even taught Adult Education for a few years. Teaching PreK I get hugs and lots of love everyday so who wouldn’t love that! My students leave at 11:30 so my afternoons are free (to craft and create). My favorite saying is “12-3 All About Me!” My husband usually finds me in my craft room when he comes home from work. I love creating and sharing cards. You are so right.. there are so many people we can touch through a simple handmade cards. Isn’t it amazing how a simple gesture can make someone smile? I sell my cards at a local shop to raise money for Breast Cancer Awareness, I know too many that have had to go through treatment and hope to see a cure. My daughter is just starting her college years and wants to do medical research. Its hard to see her go but I know she will make a worthwhile contribution.
I do not live out west though I have traveled extensively…another passion of mine. I grew up in Massachusetts, started teaching in Virginia, and currently live in Maryland. I hope I have at least 1 more move in me as my dream is to live as close to the beach as possible. I want to smell the ocean air, listen to the waves crashing, and feel the sand between my toes. I drive through New York on my way to Massachusetts each year as my family lives there. Feel free to “chat” anytime!
Great cards with great tips, Jeanie! Love the personal pictures. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Brian! You are such an inspiration to me and so many! I’m looking forward to meeting you in Atlanta!
What an amazing card using Thoughtful Branches!!!! I LOVE IT! 🙂 PS I’m a former HS teacher of 10 years so I applaud you for being in the teaching profession! Teaching was the most challenging job I ever had and yet it was my favorite as I loved my kids. I’m sure you are an amazing teacher to your little ones! This is my first time to your blog. I’ll be sure to visit again!
Thanks Tonya! I imagine high school students and preschoolers are not that much different! LOL Though I’m sure you had a lot more grading to do! My daughter just graduated from high school and I am ever so grateful for the wonderful dedicated teachers she had! I love the way you refer to your students as “my kids”. 🙂 I do that too…after spending 180 days together they do become one of your family and you want to keep in touch and cheer for them in the years ahead. So many of my friends are parents of students I taught. What a wonderful job/career to have! (Most days!!! LOL)
GREAT post Jeanie! Where to start?!?!? I like the softness of the soft suede but the early expresso pops and makes it look like I am seeing the tree though a porthole. Love that!! The Delightful Dijon with the pear pizzazz apples are perfect! Are those Granny Smith apples or Golden Delicious? Can you tell I am not an apple expert? Although I do love my Fiji apples! But I have never baked with apples! Love the apple picking pictures!
Hi Ramsey! I came home to the nicest surprise in my mailbox today…THANK YOU so much for the beautiful card! I love your colors. I have not played with that stamp set yet but want to make one just like it!
I couldn’t decide which shade of brown I liked better but I did like theway the golden apples stood out better. Here’s an idea…you’ll have to come and go apple picking with me this year! I’ve lost my partner in apple picking crime (How dare she give up apple picking for college!!!). I’ll let you know when the orchard is ready for picking! I’m sure we can find some stamping time too!
I finally convinced myself to buy the Thoughtful Branches bundle. Mr Brown should be delivering any day now. I love your unique design using it. This is a very pretty card and I appreciate your tips on making it. I agree with comments Cathy made about how bonds are made with the stamping community through the internet. Now we can share and see the creative works of people all over the world. It fascinates and inspires me every day. I haven’t been following you very long, but enjoy your work and concise instructions. Galas are my favorite apples. Have a great day!
Hi HJ! I am new to blogging (just started in July). I have found people who stamp are just the nicest! I love how everyone shares ideas, inspiration, and positivity! Stampin’ is good for the soul!
My mom always used Galas for her apple pies. As a kid I would walk to the store to get her apples. I knew my reward was going to be a delicious apple pie for dessert. She makes the best pies and unfortunately, neither myself nor my 4 sisters can make a crust like she does! She tries to teach us but it never comes out the same. In our defense, she is not one who uses recipes…it’s a little of this and when it feels right. Mine always sticks to the rolling pin! I can handle apple crisp so that’s what my family gets. LOL
I am hoping that there is enough demand that they will continue to offer this stamp set. I love the sentiments and font! I haven’t even begun to make all the possibilities using this set.
Thanks for stopping by!
Ok, now you all are making me, yes me who does not really cook, want to make apple pie and apple crisp! Oh yes, and cards with apples on them!
Ooooh, how fun , and they sure look juicy!! And your card shows it too !!
Hugs Frenchie
O.k – Now where do I start! I needed this laugh more than you will ever know and for all of you out there….JEANIE is one of the FUNNIEST I know….Apple Picking from the Van~ it simply does not get any better than this!
As I always say…..her “grasshopper students” are SOOOOOO over the top lucky to have her!
Hey Jeanie….maybe you should blog one day about napping!!!! You make my day….ALWAYS!
Wonderful cards and pictures, Jeanie! I prefer the golden delicious.
Oops, typed my name wrong!