I am the LUCKIEST girl!!
I have been quietly watching the listings for the retired Stampin' Up set "Dream Catcher" on eBay for a couple of months.
I think the set was only available for 1 catalog year, in 2002, alongside Wild Wild West.
I've watched each one of the listings for this set on eBay but never bid on any of them for one reason or another. I just kept watching them, thinking that one day I'd find one that just needed to be mine. One sold just last week, and again, without even one bid from me.
Yesterday I picked up the mail and there was a package for Alan. I didn't recognize who it was from so I handed it to him, and said that whatever it is sounds just like a set of stamps. (You know the sound of wood blocks tapping together too, don't you!!) Alan got a sheepish grin, and handed me back the box and said it was a gift for ME! A gift? For ME?! Oooooh, I love gifts!
I opened the box and OH MY GOSH!! It WAS a set of stamps. In fact, it was an unmounted Dream Catcher set!! It was THE set I'd watched earlier in the week sell on eBay!! I was completely shocked to see it in the box, and just thrilled that Alan secretly bought it for me! THANK YOU, ALAN!! I still can't believe it!
A bit of history... I'd just finished my Showdown challenge with Jacksonbelle and was saying to Alan how nice it was to have new western themed stamps. He teases that I'm not allowed to have any stamps with cowboys on them (*wink*). I told him that western themed images are tough to find, so having the new Stampin' Up sets was just great!
Later that night, Alan was showing me links to various stamp sets he found listed on eBay that he thought I might like. The listing for the Dream Catcher set was one of the links he showed me. I mentioned to him that yes it was VERY cool and I was actually watching it, but didn't have any intention of bidding. Apparently he thought it needed to be mine, and without me knowing, bid on it! And WON! What a FELLA, eh?
Today I made these two cards with the set. I just *love* it! In addition to the portrait image, horseback image, and the hand (used on the first card), the set also has a tee pee, a dreamcatcher, and a blanket pattern image.
On the first card I combined the set with the flourish from the Baroque Motifs image stamped on two corners. I stamped the portrait image on kraft cardstock, and watercolored it with my aqua painter. I used a sponge dauber to ink all of the edges, and added some faux stitching.
On the second card, I used the new background stamp called Sanded on the background layer, and over top of the main image. I heavily distressed and inked the edges of the white cardstock to give it an aged look. I found a very cool southwestern style button in my stash and thought it would be *perfect* for this card! It's a shank button, so I punched a hole in the cardstock, inserted the button shank and tied it off on the backside to keep it flush with the base of the card. The button holds the wispy fibers in place.
I am just trilled with these cards, and can't WAIT to make more! Oooooh, this set is just so FUN!
THANK YOU, Alan!! I just LOVE it!! I really am the luckiest girl...
how do I receive automatic emails from your blog?
Posted by: Judy | March 30, 2008 at 08:24 PM
Ohhh, I love your cards, but love your story of Alan getting them for you, even more. I just had to tell you how it really made me happy for you and thank you for sharing your lovely surprise with us!
Posted by: Kathy | August 10, 2007 at 06:50 PM
Awwww...that is SO sweet!!!! You really ARE a lucky girl (and the cards are gorgeous)!
Posted by: Shel9999 | August 10, 2007 at 05:31 PM
Anna, what a sweet man you have. Great story, gorgeous cards.
Posted by: Beate | August 10, 2007 at 04:58 PM
Yup, I'd say "he's a keeper"!!! I am sure you have found a way to "re-pay" him. hehehe;)
Posted by: Nicole Ireland | August 10, 2007 at 05:48 AM
What a FABULOUS DH you have, sooooo thoughtful!!!
Your cards are EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT, TFS!!
Posted by: Juanita | August 09, 2007 at 06:18 PM
Wow! Big smooches and hugs to Alan from all of us (on your behalf, of course)! That's pretty darn cool! Now you have a well rounded western collection. I'm glad you finally got a set you've been wanting. These cards are absolutely gorgeous!
Posted by: Leslie Miller | August 07, 2007 at 01:07 PM
Well this Alan character seems like a keeper to me too -- I know others have commented already.... What a clever fellow! :) Perhaps he could offer classes! :)
Posted by: Queen Mary | August 07, 2007 at 11:16 AM
Awe, I just love a story like this! Alan, you are so thoughtful--you, sir, are a keeper! Anna, some of us womens be vewy *jealous*--and not about the rubbah, kiddo! chuckle!
Posted by: juliehrr | August 07, 2007 at 10:27 AM
You are a lucky girl. I have this set and never thought of watercoloring it. I get such good ideas from you. The card is Fantastic. I love it.
Posted by: Linda Palmer | August 07, 2007 at 07:01 AM
What a sweetheart Alan is! Beautiful cards Anna..Your coloring is perfect for these western cards!! TFS chris
Posted by: chris | August 07, 2007 at 06:46 AM
OMG!!!! WOW!!!!! That's soooo cool that Alan did that for you!! You ARE the luckiest!! These cards are just FABULOUS!!!!! I LOOOOVE that too but sadly do not own it! WAHOO ANNA! :D
Posted by: Lindsey (jacksonbelle) | August 06, 2007 at 09:41 PM
So cute! My husband actually did something very similar just a few weeks ago! He knew I really wanted a set that I'd been watching on ebay, so he woke up at 6 am to bid on it and WON it for me! :) We are lucky women, eh? :) Congrats to you!
Posted by: Laura | August 06, 2007 at 07:56 PM
True LOVE I'd say....Thanks for sharing the story and of course the cards!! What a guy! and what a lucky girl!
Posted by: Dotty | August 06, 2007 at 07:44 PM
Anna, don't let him get away! :)
Posted by: Lori Craig | August 06, 2007 at 07:40 PM
You need to keep a close eye on Alan, 'cause I have a feeling someone will try to snatch him up...LOL. What a sweet thing to do! And your cards are gorgeous as always!
Posted by: diane (cookiestamper) | August 06, 2007 at 07:08 PM
Just found you. Love your watercolor shading - beautiful! And such a kind-hearted husband. God bless you both!
Posted by: mary leeson | August 06, 2007 at 06:50 PM
Your coloring is absolutely astonishing. I love your creative talent. Keep those cards posted !!
Posted by: Tracye | August 06, 2007 at 03:41 PM
That's absolutely WONDERFUL! How sweet of him!
Posted by: Samantha | August 06, 2007 at 03:38 PM
Wow, you are such a lucky girl! If my DH bought a stamp set for me I think I'd pass out! *is serious*
Your artwork is beautiful as always, thank you for sharing your talent with us!
Posted by: Melissa (SCS: stampin_melissa) | August 06, 2007 at 02:38 PM
What a great guy! And what super cards! Love them both.
Posted by: Sharlene Wale | August 06, 2007 at 01:01 PM
How exciting & "romantic" too that Alan surprised you with this stamp set. Your card are truly gorgeous. I love Western themed cards & wish SU had more sets like this one & the retired (Wild Wild West) which I happen to still own. Thanks for sharing your wonderful news and fabulous cards. Ida
Posted by: Ida | August 06, 2007 at 12:49 PM
Love what you have done with this retired SU set, WOW! Nice to meet you and find your blog! Stop by and visit me soon! Deb
Posted by: DeborahDeborah | August 06, 2007 at 12:01 PM
Must be something about Alans and Texas. I have a wonderful Alan, too and in Texas! I wish I had seen these cards before the mail went out Sat. You'll see what I mean shortly.
Posted by: Sarah | August 06, 2007 at 11:21 AM
What a great story! You have a real keeper guy there!!! It's great to know that a guy can be so thoughtful! :)
Posted by: diane mcvey | August 06, 2007 at 11:19 AM
Love your dreamcatcher cards!! They are gorgeous!! What a sweetheart you have in Alan!!
Posted by: stampngokaren | August 06, 2007 at 11:02 AM
Now THAT is a guy who listens...what a keeper! (Tell him we all love him for being so sweet to you!)
The stamp set is gorgeous and you have done it justice by making such stunning cards...WOW!
Lucky Girl
Posted by: Colleen | August 06, 2007 at 10:48 AM
Lucky you!! These are beautiful! :0)
Posted by: Tracy | August 06, 2007 at 08:44 AM
I... you... what... *???*
This one had me doing a total double take.
The suprise gift was apparently two-fold. The actual stamp set was half of it.
The paragraph that got me (I mean got me as in "you had me at hello" got me) was this one
**Later that night, Alan was showing me links to various stamp sets he found listed on eBay that he thought I might like.**
I... you... who the... whaaa....
WOW. For me, that's the true gift. You're on his mind and in his heart. Great effort (Here's something I saw and thought of you) and fab-u follow through (I think you need to have what makes you happy). You've gotta love that in a guy. Really. Love. That. Lucky lucky you.
Posted by: kayjaydee (Kelli Doubek) | August 06, 2007 at 08:19 AM
What a wonderful card. How sweet of your husband. Again, another story that tickled my funny bone. TFS.
Posted by: Beth N. | August 06, 2007 at 08:01 AM
Wow - beautiful cards and what an amazing, thoughtful husband you have! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Kerry J | August 06, 2007 at 06:59 AM
You lucky girl - what a guy! Fabulous cards. Of course, in my hands, they would fall far short of beautiful.
Posted by: lacyquilter | August 06, 2007 at 06:32 AM
Oh my, you ARE one lucky, lucky girl! I can't believe he actually KNEW to get it. Wowza. Hope you gave him lots of extra kisses. Shoot, you should give him one from every jealous stamper out here! :)
Posted by: Elizabeth Royalty | August 06, 2007 at 06:19 AM
These cards are beautiful, think Alan is a keeper, that was so sweet of him.
Posted by: flossie | August 06, 2007 at 06:07 AM
Oh my, that Alan REALLY IS a keeper! You lucky girl! Gosh, that actually brings a tear to my eye, it must be love, truly. Do you think Alan could give my Robert a call and give him a few tips? It would be greatly appreciated!! :) My number is 623*877*5___
LOLOLOL
Posted by: karrie baker | August 06, 2007 at 05:50 AM
Wow, Alan sure is a keeper! Those cards are stunning! I've always wanted that set, too, but it was just too 'spensive. I got a friend to do me some images of the dream catcher, but I might have to get her to do me some of the others, too. I'm looking forward to seeing more of your cards from this set. Your cowboy with his saddle on his shoulder was one of the first of your cards that got my attention and you've had it ever since!
Posted by: kathynruss | August 06, 2007 at 05:48 AM
What amazing and gorgeous cards you've made! I can't wait to see more. Love this style of stamps - wish SU made more of this type. Your Alan sounds so thoughtful and sweet and loving.... :)
Posted by: pegg | August 06, 2007 at 05:22 AM
Anna that is great!! It is so nice to have our significant others be so thoughtful!!
Mine is an encourager of my habit also. I guess we are just plain lucky. Your cards are absolutely beautiful (as always).
Posted by: Julie | August 06, 2007 at 03:31 AM
What a super surprise!!! Alan's a real keeper! Beautiful cards by the way!
Posted by: Viv (VivLyn) | August 06, 2007 at 02:50 AM
Anna, these are wonderful cards and I love your husband. I am so happy you got your set and I know the feeling of wanting a retired set.
Posted by: Kittie747 | August 06, 2007 at 02:11 AM
Supportive stamp husbands are the best! I have one too. =) So glad you got the set!
Posted by: tracy f | August 06, 2007 at 12:16 AM
I had tears in my eyes Anna! First, for the beautiful cards you made with this set and secondly, having such a wonderful guy! KUDOS....and I'm SOOOO glad this set went to a well-deserved talented person. =)
Posted by: ~LL | August 05, 2007 at 10:40 PM
Wowie zowie!!! You are a lucky girl (and talented too :)
Posted by: Mona Lisa | August 05, 2007 at 10:28 PM