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Simply Said With Karen
rubber stamping, paper crafting, greeting cards, Stampin Up products, scrapbooking, education, provide knowledge
A Whale of a Birthday
A Birthday Whale for Maya
Whale, pink it is.
What could be more fitting than a pink whale and purple umbrellas for Maya. We all know how much little girls enjoy pink and purple. I think that it is a given. Maybe that’s why we ladies of a certain age can’t get enough purple in our wardrobe.
Before I continue though, I would like to boast a bit. I wrote an article for Ezine titled, “Where do I start to design a hand-crafted card?” and it has now been published. You can check out HERE
Now, back to the birthday whale.
This card uses 2 stamp sets from the Spring Catalogue which will expire on May 31st. So if there is something that you really want, hop on over to my ON-LINE STORE to order or send me an EMAIL. I will be placing an order at the end of the month.
Stamps: Rain or Shine (c – 126777, w- 126775, p30 2013 Spring Catalogue), Oh, Whale! (c – 129132, w- 129129, p29 2013 Spring Catalogue), Family Reunion (c – 122712, w- 122710, p138 2012/13 Annual Catalogue)
Paper: Whisper White, Marina Mist, Primrose Petals, Sunshine and Sprinkles DSP, Subtle DSP Stack
Ink: Marina Mist, Perfect Plum, Primrose Petals
Accessories: Big Shot, Happy Whale Clearlits Die, Tasteful Trim Bigz XL Die, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Pearl Jewels
The umbrellas from the Rain or Shine stamp set were stamped with Perfect Plum on Perfect Plum DSP from the Subtles Designer Series Pack and then fussy cut with the Paper Snips. Both the umbrella handles and the water spouts ( ok one is an alphabet spout) were aligned to the whale with the Stamp-a-ma-jig. The Stamp-a-ma-jig is a handy tool for two-step stamping and can be used for both the clear mount and the wood mount stamps.
So that’s it for today, Happy 4th Birthday Maya.
Happy Stamping
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Posted in Big Shot, Birthday, Spring 2013
3 Reasons Why I Love My Stamping Business
3 Top Reasons to Love My Stamping Business
My stamping business means a lot to me and I would like to share 3 reasons with you as to why that is so.
However, before I do that, I would like to send out my thoughts to the people in Moore Oklahoma who are suffering due to the tornado that ripped through their town yesterday. How devastating for those who lost every thing including their loved ones, houses, businesses and supporting facilities. I have no idea what they are going through and what they must be feeling.
You can help with the situation by going to the Red Cross website and donating. Canadian donors, US donors
Ok, I will now give you my reasons.
- People and Relationships I love to be around people and share my knowledge and coach them through different things. I was never afraid to share my knowledge and keep it close to me. I have met so many wonderful people along this journey. My customers, my email subscribers, my up-line, my downline and my sideline. With all of that there are still the people that read my blog, like my Facebook Page and follow me on twitter, and of course there are the various Stampin’ Up! events that I attend and I have met wonderful people there are well. It is the relationship building that is so important to me.
- Creativity I have had many opportunities over the years to be creative and enjoyed those opportunities so much. When I started stamping, I just knew that I had found a passion, so why not turn it into a business. Thinking about something does not get you to where you want to be, you must take action, so I jumped in with both feet. Stampin’ Up! is a premier company in the crafting world and I am so proud to be a part of it. There is the training that they provide to get you one your way to establishing a successful business. They help you and in turn you help them with the sales and recruits. The perks are many – advance notice of new products, sneak peeks from new catalogues that allow you to order and work with the products before they are released to the public, contests where you can win FREE merchandise (stamps and other products), bonuses such as FREE trips like the one that was just completed to Fiji. Yes, you do have to work for these but in the end it is rewards that you have earned.
- Conduct my Stampin’ Up! business my way. My last reason for loving my Stampin’ Up business is the freedom to conduct my business the way I want. I am the CEO and Founder of Simply Said with Karen and I do conduct my business the way I want. For example, I can work from home in my PJs if I want; there’s the ability to conduct workshops, classes, private parties, online clubs, online classes stamp-a-stacks and special events.
Of course as with any business, there is work if you want to succeed. However, it is about pushing your boundaries and challenging yourself to go beyond those boundaries. Some days I may not feel like stretching those boundaries and I don’t have to because it’s up to me whether or not I do less on one day and more on the next day. It’s called FREEDOM!
So if you are interested in the freedom of owning your own stamping business, I would love to talk to you about Stampin’ Up! and give you information on becoming a demonstrator. All you have to do is EMAIL me and I will call and talk to you. You can also go to my Online Website to find out more particulars.
There is FUN to be had.
Happy Stamping
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Posted in Business Opportunity
Amazing Birthday Celebration
Hope You Had an Amazing Birthday
A birthday is amazing and needs to be celebrated. I always feel that the alternative is not that great. I know some don’t like to celebrate their birthdays but after all it is your day and does it matter how old you are? I don’t think so. It is quite funny how people react to their ages.
A child will tell you exactly how old they are, a teenager will attempt to find fake ID depending on what they want to do, a young adult doesn’t like to tell, a middle aged person will try anything to make you think they are younger than they are and then the older person depending on how close they are to 90 will tell you an age that makes them older than they really are. There is something about living beyond 90 that gives reason to celebrate.
We continually go through life making sure that people really don’t know how old we are. Of course this is not based on a science but what I have seen and hear over the years. And, I’m sticking to it.
So now, on with the Amazing Birthday. Can you guess which stamp set I used?
Stamps: You’re Amazing (c-126722, w-132103, p. 33 -2012/13 Annual Catalogue)
Paper: Naturals White, Whisper White, Soft Suede, Bermuda Bay
Ink: Bermuda Bay, Soft Suede, Crushed Curry, Real Red
Accessories: Big Shot, Argyle Embossing Folder, Early Espresso Bakers Twine
Can you see which are the new colours?
This stamp set can create a real quick birthday and it can be used for a man card as well. Sometimes its really difficult to do man cards, however, this one works.
You can shop for this stamp set HERE.
So if you are in need of a man card, this stamp set will do it for you.
Happy Stamping!
Karen
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Retirement Can Be the Best
What Are Your Retirement Plans?
Retirement can be the best time of your life. Notice that I said can be. Retirement is what we make of it and whether or not it has been a decision that we made freely or forced upon us.
Retirement is a new phase in your life and it takes planning just as we would plan other events in our lives. One of my friends from work decided to retire. Her husband has been retired for 2 years now and that makes getting out of bed and going to work really tough.
I was very pleased to have been asked to make Gayle’s card so that her co-workers could send her off in style. So, I drew on what I knew her to like and that is golf. Gayle and I took golfing lessons together and she stuck with it and guess what…I didn’t. Oh well!
This is an oversized 8-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ card because there needed to be lots of space for good wishes, so I also created the envelope using the Simply Scored scoring tool and the Simply Scored diagonal plate. Do you have the Simply Scored scoring tool? I find myself using this handy tool every time I sit down to craft.
Here is the card that I had so much fun creating.
Front
Inside
Paper: Whisper White, Old Olive, Crumb Cake, Melon Mambo, Night of Navy, Basic Grey, Basic Black, Chocolate Chip, Riding Hood Red, Sunshine and Sprinkles DSP
Ink: Marina Mist, Baja Breeze, Old Olive, Always Artichoke, Chocolate Chip, Crumb Cake
Accessories: My Digital Studio, Cricut Everyday Dolls, 1/2” Circle Punch, 3/4” Circle Punch, Hung Up Cute Clips,
This card uses a combination of My Digital Studio for the text on the front and the inside of the card. The bubble on the side used the My Way Bubble outline with a border and the drop shadow. The “Fore” text was added and a free-form line created and the text added to the line. This page was then printed from my home computer so the elements could be placed.
The elements such as the golf card, golf bag, etc were created using the Cricut Everyday Paper Dolls cartridge. The sky and the grass were created using the sponging technique.
Creating with My Digital Studio can be so much fun. As you can see here, projects can be printed out at home or you can send them away to have them printed by Stampin’ Up!.
Currently, MDS digital content as well as the printing is 30% off until May 31st. You can see the various content on special by going HERE.
Now, if you have never tried MDS, you can download a 30 Day Free Trial Version HERE and I will send you 10 Free Lessons plus a bonus lesson to get you started. Check out the Free Lesson Information HERE
Now, if you have MDS, and have avoided using it, I am offering the 10 lessons plus the bonus lesson for $29.95. Check that out HERE
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Posted in Cards, My Digital Studio
Mother’s Day Flowers
Mother’s Day wouldn’t be Mother’s Day without Flowers
Mother’s Day is probably the busiest day of the year for Flower Shops, with the exception of Valentine’s Day.
I know that my Mother enjoys getting flowers on any occasion or a just because occasion. So along with the cards I created, I also created 3 vases of flowers; one for my Mom, one for my DD and one for my DIL. I know that these will last much longer than the fresh ones.
I used a number of the new colours in these flowers and the vases. Can you guess which ones?
Ok, I used Bermuda Bay, Burnt Brown Sugar, Pistachio Pudding, Strawberry Slush, along with a retiring colour, Baja Breeze and the Designer Series Papers Stack.
The vases are recycled and I used a mixture of white acrylic paint and reinker to give them their colour. Once you have mixed the paint colour to the shade that appeals to you, pour the paint mixture into the vases and swirl and roll to cover the inside of the vase. I found that the acrylic paint should be too thick or it takes quite a bit of time to cover the inside of the vases.
After the paint adheres to the inside of the vase, turn it upside down to have the excess paint drain out. Turn the vase right side up and you can let it dry or put it in the oven and set the temperature at 350 degrees and bake for 10 minutes. Turn the oven off and leave the vase cool down in the oven. Remove the vase when the oven is cold. If you remove the vase to soon, it may crack.
Decorate the outside of the vase as you wish.
These flowers and vases would be great to give to anyone at anytime or maybe even give one to yourself.
Don’t forget that time is running out for the retired stamps and the accessories. You have until June 3rd to take advantage of the stamps and accessories. Accessories are available until they are sold out, so if there is something you just have to have, visit HERE
Happy Mother’s Day
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Posted in Punch Art
Mother’s Day with A Sneak Peek
Mother’s Day is just around the corner.
Mother’s Day is this coming Sunday, May 12th and it’s a day to celebrate our Mothers and it is also a day to celebrate those that nurture us. We all do not have Mothers but maybe we have daughters, daughter in laws, sisters, nieces, grandmothers or maybe it’s even the one next door that check up on us to make sure that we are doing ok.
Mother’s Day has been celebrated for centuries throughout the globe, however, the first modern celebrations for Mothers was started in 1908, with formal recognition of the day taking place in 1914. In the beginning, the celebration was to recognize the Mother of the family and not others. Hence the spelling of Mother’s Day as opposed to the plural, Mothers’ Day. However, over the years, the celebration of Mother has expanded to include many.
Gifts for Mother’s Day have centered around flowers especially in North America. Here in Canada, Mother’s Day flowers are abound as many people start planting their gardens for a summer with colour.
Along with the Mother’s Day card I have to share with you, this card also uses some new products from the Stampin’ Up! 2013/14 Annual catalogue that will be available to start order from on May 31st.
This card uses the new background stamp, Wildflower Meadows which also has a matching embossing folder. The embossing folder can be purchased separately.
The flowers and leaves on the stamp were colored using Stampin’ Up! markers, and while it took a bit of time, I am happy with the way the images turned out.
Stamps: Wildflowers Meadow, (c – 129168, w-129165 2013/14 Annual Catalogue), Celebrations (Retired Hostess)
Paper: Whisper White, Burnt Brown Sugar, Gingham Garden DSP
Ink: Rose Red
Accessories: Big Shot, Wildflower Meadow Embossing Folder, Markers: Rose Red, Pear Pizzazz, Rose Red Seam Binding Ribbon, Pearl Jewels, Vanilla Flower Trim
I used a couple of other new products, the Burnt Brown Sugar card stock the the Gingham Gard DSP which is so bright and cheery.
When giving a handcrafted card, sometimes we don’t put a verse on the inside. However, some find it difficult to find the words to convey the meaning, so a good source for wonderful verses is the internet. I copy and paste on a piece of card stock and then insert into the inside of the card with adhesive.
This is a verse that I found on the website Verse 4 Cards that permits you to download verses for free.
For all the times you gently picked me up,
When I fell down,
For all the times you tied my shoes
And tucked me into bed,
Or needed something
But put me first instead.
For everything we shared,
The dreams, the laughter,
And the tears,
I love you with a “Special Love”
That deepens every year.
Happy Mother’s Day
Here is the link to the website: http://www.verses4cards.co.uk/mothers-day-poems.html
Happy Mother’s Day and Happy Stamping.
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Posted in Cards, Sneak Peeks
Photopolymer Stamps Product Review
Photopolymer Stamps – what are they and how do they perform?
Photopolymer stamps were introduced to Stampin’ Up! line of stamps during March of this year. These stamps are not your normal acrylic stamps but they are clear, see through stamps.
I created a birthday card with the new stamp set and I will offer up my opinions on the stamps. But first, here is my card that I created using these photopolymar stamps, a birthday card for my SIL
Supplies:
Stamps: Designer Type Set Photopolymer (c – 132956 – online), Make a Cake (c – 126742 w- 126740 p44 2012/13 Annual Catalogue), Birthday Wishes (retired hostess set)
Paper: Midnight Muse, Whisper White, Naturals White, Print Poetry DSP, Patio Party DSP
Ink: Midnight Muse
Accessories: Big Shot, Chevron Embossing Folder, Markers: Summer Starfruit, Midnight Muse, Pool Party, Chocolate Chip, Blender Pen, Gold Brad, Decorative Label Punch
Designer Type Set
These stamps are fairly new to Stampin Up so I can tell you what I know now about the Photopolymer stamps.
- the stamps are very sticky and cling to the clear block instantly.
- the stamps are bendable, ie, for the banner stamp was curved a bit on the block and then stamp
- the stamped images are very clear
- the price is reasonable
- to clean the stamps, you can use soap and water, Stampin’ Scrub and Stampin’ Mist, and if you use Stazon ink, you can clean with Stazon cleaner (use sparingly)
- the stamps come in a cello bag, between two sheets of acetate and can be stored in the clear cases – do not leave in sunlight
- the stamps are made in the US, however, the photopolymar comes from the UK
- multiple images can be stamped at the same time by positioning on the clear block
Some of the downsides are:
- the stamps have a smell when you first open them, but that dissipates after they are left exposed for a while
- some of the darker inks will stain the stamps however to prevent the staining clean immediately.
- some of the stamps in this set are very small and can be easily lost – return them to their packaging when you have finished using them
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Show and Tell (133450); Show and Tell 2 (133481), Bombs Away Birthday (133411)
Would I purchase these stamps again. Definitely yes, there are some fun images that will appeal to all sorts of age groups.
Happy Stamping
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Posted in Cards, Stamp Sets
Sneak Peek On May Day
It’s Sneak Peek Day and it’s also May Day
What could be better than a sneak peek to celebrate May Day. Why do we call it May Day? There are several reasons:
- it’s seen as the day that starts summer off…oh, how I do hope.
- it’s a celebration of the start of planting and the rejuvenation of nature.
- it’s associated with International Labour Day around the world and the celebration of the labour movement. Many countries declare this day a holiday.
As a youngster in school, I remember the Maypole dances with the ribbons and the intertwining of the ribbons. As I recall it was all so graceful. Ok, Really dating myself right now.
Actually the oldest continuous celebration in the British commonwealth goes to the City of New Westminster in British Columbia. They have celebrated this day since 1890.
Ok, I have kept the suspense and now it time for the reveal.
So, here’s the sneak peek! Drum roll please.
Mosaic Madness Sneak Peek
Stamps: Mosaic Madness (c – 130249, w- 130246, p123 2013/14 Annual Catalogue), Banner Greetings (c – 129714, w- 129711, p202 Hostess Reward 2012/13 Annual Catalogue
Paper: Whisper White, Sahara Sand, Daffodil Delight, Coastal Cabana, Quatrefancy Specialty DSP
Ink: Daffodil Delight, Strawberry Slush, Coastal Cabana
Accessories: Big Shot, Finishing Touches Edgelits, Modern Mosaic Embossing Folder, Daffodil Brad, Mosaic Punch, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, Rhinestone Jewels
Yes, I received my pre-order today and could hardly wait to get to my space. I had to finish up a few other mundane things today so had to use my discipline.
I used 2 of the new In Colors on this card – Coastal Cabana, a beautiful blue-green and Strawberry Slush, a yummy pink, as well as the new Modern Mosaic Embossing Folder and the new Mosaic Punch. So much fun!
Check back often this month as I roll out more Sneak Peeks.
Happy Stamping
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Posted in Cards, Occasions, Sneak Peeks
A Bouquet of Beautiful Flowers
Flowers just say Spring
Flowers do say Spring and now you can make your very own bouquet of flowers.
Stampin’ Up! has introduced a kit that comes fully stocked with everything you need to make the bouquet. You can start ordering this kit today, April 29, 2012.
Bloomin’ Bouquet Item #134542
Bonus Flower
So what do you get in your kit?
Well, there are enough supplies to make 12 very pretty flowers plus a bonus flower
What colors do you receive?
There is Pool Party, Gumball Green, Calypso Coral, Daffodil Delight and Rich Razzleberry
What embellishments are in the kit?
You receive 13 Vintage Faceted Buttons.
What about the stems?
Yes, you receive stems so that you can put them into a vase.
Watch this video so that you can see how easy it is to put their kit together.
Here’s some ideas for your bouquet
Mother’s Day, teacher appreciation, Just because,thank you with this no-maintenance bouquet. With the extra flower, gift it to some who has helped you out and make their day, maybe the person who packs your groceries, the bank teller, or the person who holds open the door for you. The possibilities are endless. The best thing about this bouquet, there’s no watering, no weeding-just enjoy.
All you need is some paper, ribbon or a vase to add the finishing touches to the bouquet, and your adhesive. A glue gun is recommended in the video to put the bouquet together.
So, check out my Online Store HERE to get your bouquet because they are only available while quantities last.
You can make up this kit yourself, or you can gift it to a person who would like to try out paper crafting.
Happy Stamping
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Babies Are For Cuddling
Why do we just want to cuddle Babies?
Everyone has their own special reason as to why they want to cuddle babies, and for me it’s because it been over 6 years since I cuddled the last baby.
Last Sunday I was invited to a Baby Shower to welcome Brody, a dear friend’s 4th grand-baby. How special these little ones are. You sit and hold them, and they snuggle in and all of your motherly and nurturing senses come to the fore front.
So trusting and so innocent and we all have the opportunity to shape their lives. What a responsibility!
So, I was able to ink up a baby stamp, which I discovered I didn’t have many of. Like 1. What happened there.
Most likely, because there are not many babies in my life anymore.
Stamps: Easy Events (c – 132225, w- 116958, p34 2012/13 Annual Catalogue), Itty Bitty Banner (c – 126257, w- 126255, p134 2012/13 Annual Catalogue) Pretty Petites
Paper: Bashful Blue, Whisper White, Bashful Blue Subtles DSP Stack
Ink: Bashful Blue, Pumpkin Pie, So Saffron, Black Stazon
Accessories: Big Shot, Floral Frames Framelits, Bitty Banners Framelits, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Tasteful Trim, Blender Pen, Whisper White 1/4” Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon, Elements Cute Clips
I had so much fun making this card and included one of the clips from the Elements Cute Clips that are still available until May 31st in the Spring Catalogue.
Elements Cute Clips Item # 129939
Click on the image to go to my online store to check out the goodies
Stampin’ Up! also released their retiring stamp and embellishment lists today. Some items are up to 60% off their original price. Click on the links below to view the PDFs.
Some of these items will sell out fast, so if there is something that you just need to have, run, jump and skip to my ONLINE STORE
Happy Stamping
Simply Said Online Classes Details!
Learn techniques and get valuable tips. Watch the video.
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Posted in Cards, Occasion Cards
Simply Said with Karen Online Classes
