Once in awhile we need to show care for others.  There are many different ways that this can be accomplished.  One of the ways is to send, mail and/or hand deliver a card.  What’s even better, is to hand deliver the card, maybe the person will be up for a chat.

This card needed to be cheery, with bright colours.  So, that is what I set out to create. All the image outlines are stamped with Tuxedo Black ink and then stamped with either Watermelon Wonder ink or Cucumber Crush ink or Delightful Dijon ink.  The bumblebee trail is created using the Basic Black Stampin’ Write Marker.

The Whisper White layer is mounted on Basic Black cardstock.  Before mounting on the Watermelon Wonder panel, the Watermelon Wonder Mini Striped Ribbon is attached to the Watermelon Wonder panel. Finally, all panels are mounted on the Basic Black card base. Basic pearl jewels at place in the center of the flowers to provide from bling.

Recipe

Stamps: Garden In Bloom, Basket of Wishes.

Ink/Markers: Watermelon Wonder, Delightful Dijon, Cucumber Crush, Tuxedo Black, Peekaboo Peach, Basic Black Stampin’ Write Marker.

Paper: Whisper White, Watermelon Wonder, Basic Black.

Accessories: Pearl Jewels, Watermelon Wonder 5/8”Mini Striped Ribbon.

Take time to show care to someone.  It will not only lift their spirits, but you will get a good feeling as well.

Product List

The post Create Thinking of You Card and Show Care For Someone appeared first on .

National Friendship Day is August 7th and you can celebrate by giving or sending a card to a dear friend. How many communication devices do you have?  Do you send many text messages and emails during the day?  We seemed to have stopped communicating in a personal way.

Sending a card on National Friendship Day is a great way to communicate.  And, I know that a friend would enjoy getting the card in the mail.  Is a way to let them know that they are special to you.  Sometimes I think we have lost the art of personal communication.

Using the Grateful Bunch stamp set, to create the ideal friendship card. Daisies pack a basket made from the Serene Scenery DSP stack, and who doesn’t like flowers.  I used the paper that reminded me of woven material.

I cut a piece of 3″ x 1-3/4″ and used an oval framelit to cut a scoop out of the top of the basket and  the Corner Rounder Punch to round to basket bottom.  The handle was created by using 2 oval framelits and positioning them vertically.

Before attaching the various elements on the Whisper White layer, I watercoloured the Whisper White layer using the Aqua Painter Brush and Soft Sky ink. Use Emerald Envy ink to stamp the background leaves.

Finally, the elements were layered on the basket, the sentiment added and a piece of .

Recipe

Stamps: Grateful Bunch, Banners For You.

Ink/Markers: Emerald Envy, Flirty Flamingo, Soft Sky, Flirty Flamingo, Sweet Sugar Plum, Peekaboo Peach, (2016-2018 In Colour Markers), Daffodil Marker (Brights Collection).

Paper: Whisper White Thick, Whisper White, Flirty Flamingo, Emerald Envy, Serene Scenery DSP Stack.

Accessories: Big Shot, Botanical Builder Framelits, Oval Collection Framelits, Bunch of Banners Framelits, Blossom Bunch Punch, Corner Rounder Punch, Flirty Flamingo 3/8” Ruched Ribbon, 2016-2018 In Color Enamel Shapes, Aqua Painter Brush.

Let a friend know that you are thinking of them on National Friendship by creating and sending a card.

Product List

The post A Great Card For National Friendship Day appeared first on .

The lacy Floral Thinlits are pretty on any type of card. Try overlaying them on other card stock can form the card base.

For the “Comfort & Healing” card, the thinlits are used to create a gatefold card opening.

Recipe

Stamps: Floral Phrases.

Ink/Markers: Watermelon Wonder, Night of Navy.

Paper: Whisper White Thick, Whisper White, Night of Navy, Watermelon Wonder, Floral Boutique DSP.

Accessories: Big Shot, Detailed Floral Thinlits, 1-3/4” Circle Punch, 2” Circle Punch, Banner Triple Punch,  Solid Night of Navy Baker’s Twine, 5/8” Watermelon Wonder Mini Striped Ribbon.

It is best to create the inside of the card prior to die cutting with the Big Shot.  In this way, the placement of the score lines will be easier.

Instructions

Create the standard sized card for the inside.  The bottom panel is 4-1/8″ x 5-1/2″, the middle panel is 5-1/4″” x 4″ and finally, the top panel is 3-3/4″ x 5″.  Use the inside largest panel to determine the score lines.

To create the card base, the Night of Navy is cut at 4-1/4″ X 11″.  Before using the die, calculate where to place the score lines and the framelits.

The largest framelit and the border framelit are aligned at the right end of the card stock and the smaller framelit and the border framelit at the other end. Lay the inside of the card between the 2 framelits.  You will be able to see if you need to make any adjustments.  There needs to be a 1/4″ border between the back of the card base and where the thinlits lies. Use the border framelits to assist in the placement of the detailed framelits.

Mark and score the fold lines on the card base.  You can now die cut using the Big Shot and the framelits.  The card will close off-centered.

There is not a proper closer, so you need to create one.  Punch a coloured circle using the 2″ Circle punch, stamp the sentiment on a piece of whisper white and punch using the 1-3/4″ Circle Punch. Layer the 2 circles and punch a small hole with the 1/8″ Handheld Circle Punch.

Adhere the closer to the left hand side and thread the Solid Night of Navy Baker’s Twine through a space.  The circle will be enough to hold the other side in place.

Can you think of other ways that the lacy Floral Thinlits can be used?

Product List

The post Lacy Floral Thinlits Gatefold Card appeared first on .

It was fabulous to see the Picture Perfect stamp set in Stampin’ Up!’s 2016/17 Annual Catalogue. The stamp set uses the 2 and 3 step stamping process which will create depth to your images.

One of the issues I deal with is: what does the intensity of the ink need to be for each layer. The rule of thumb that I use is:  the bolder the stamp, the lighter the colour.  So, now, you have to determine which is the bolder stamp.  It usually is the one with less design on the stamp or more solid areas.

To make it easy to line up the  stamps on top of each other, the Perfect Picture stamp set is clear.

Recipe

Stamps: Picture Perfect, Flourishing Phrases, Birthday Blooms.

Ink/Markers: Watermelon Wonder, Flirty Flamingo, Peekaboo Peach, Soft Suede, Mint Macaron, Crumb Cake, Emerald Envy, VersaMark.

Paper: Whisper White Thick, Whisper White, Watermelon Wonder, Flirty Flamingo, Peekaboo Peach.

Accessories: Copper Embossing Powder, Flirty Flamingo 3/8” Ruched Ribbon.

Images are numbered 1, 2, and 3.  Therefore, you can determine the bolder image. The rose solid image is stamped in Watermelon Wonder, #2 stamp in Flirty Flamingo and #3 stamp in Peekaboo Peach.

Of course, there is something different with the hummingbird. To give the humming bird an authentic look, use the #4 stamp to give him a throat,

Before layering the humming bird on the card front, the flourish is stamped in VersaMark and embossed with the new Copper Embossing Powder.

Do you like to use stamps that provide depth to images.  Leave me a comment and let me know if you have used the Picture Perfect stamp set.

Product List

The post Picture Perfect Stamp Set appeared first on .

Encouraging words can have a positive influence on a person who is going through a rough time in their life.  I am sure that from time to time, you have given and/or received positive messages.

Words of encouragement can be cute, but they also can be very powerful. The words are more than motivation, they can be empowering.  We need to  recognize the person’s ability, point out their potential and then challenge them to do it.  Of course, the person has to be receptive to the challenge.  You can help them be receptive by praising instead of criticizing, acknowledge that they have the ability to meet the challenge and make that challenge specific.

I used one of the new stamp sets and matching thinlits to create this card.  This stamp set is very cute and the possibilities are endless.  When I first saw this stamp set, I thought of a mother bird’s nest as there are shapes that could easily be viewed as eggs.  Yes, you are only limited by your imagination,

Recipe

Stamps: Swirly Bird, You’ve Got This.

Ink/Markers: Daffodil Delight, Real Red, Soft Sky, Dapper Denim.

Paper: Whisper White Thick, Dapper Denim, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White, It’s My Party DSP.

Accessories: Big Shot, Swirly Scribbles Thinlits, Home For Christmas Enamel Dots.

I also fell in love with the little sail boat.  The sun was stamped in the corner with Daffodil Delight and one of swirlys added.  The sun was masked and the sky  sponged with Soft Sky.  To create the water, scrap paper was torn to resemble waves and sponged using the new In Color, Dapper Denim.  Finally, I added the swirly strips that were die cut using Dapper Denim and the thinlits.

The sentiment, “You’ve Go This” was added in Dapper Denim Ink.

I am sure that I will be using this stamp set again, but in another way.  Remember, you will be able to order this stamp set and matching framelits on June 1st.

In the meantime, make sure that if you want any of the retiring products, get them while they last. You can view and order from my ONLINE STORE.

The post Encouraging Words Lift Spirits appeared first on .

Thinking of You cards usually mean that someone is going through a tough time in their life.  It seems that I have made a few of these types of cards this year.

However, it is a time of reflection on the life of the person and those close to them.

Both the Watercolor Wings and the Butterfly Basic stamp sets are perfect for these types of cards.  By changing up the colours, you can make the card peaceful, calming or joyful and vibrant. Of course, the colour choice always depends on the occasion and who the card is for.

Recipe

Stamps: Watercolor Wings, Butterfly Basics, Thoughts and Prayers, Petite Petals.

Ink/Markers: Mint Macaron, Lost Lagoon, Bermuda Bay, Rose Red, Daffodil Delight, Sahara Sand, Tip Top Taupe.

Paper: Whisper White, Basic Black, Mint Macaron, Pear Pizzazz.

Accessories: Big Shot, Bold Butterfly Framelits, Butterflies Thinlits, Lots of Labels Framelits, Brick Wall Emboss Folder, Pansy Punch, Bird Builder Punch, Tea Lace Paper Doily, Pearl Jewels.

This is the first card that I created using the Brick Wall Embossing Folder and it is the perfect backdrop to this thinking of you card.  To achieve the effect of the ferns and border on the wall, these images were stamped prior to embossing with the folder. After embossing, I took a sponge and Sahara Sand ink and went over the wall.

To provide some bright colour, the flowers were stamped in Rose Red and Daffodil Delight ink and punched. The leaves were punched from Pear Pizzazz card stock and sponged lightly with Tip Top Taupe. The flowers and the leaves were added to a piece of Tea Lace Doily.

I stamped the ” Thinking of You ” sentiment on Whisper White and die cut it and a piece of Mint Macaron using the Lots of Labels Framelits.The Mint Macaron label was cut in half lengthwise and added to the Whisper White for a border.

If you have need for a thinking of you card, the stamp sets that I used for this card would be a great place to start your creation.

Click on the picture links below and you will be taken right to my online store if any products are needed.

Watercolor Wings Photopolymer Bundle – 140232

Price: $45.00

Butterfly Basics Photopolymer Bundle – 138865

Price: $51.75

Thoughts & Prayers Clear-Mount Stamp Set – 127805

Price: $23.00

Mint Macaron 8-1/2″ X 11″ Cardstock – 138337

Price: $8.75

Basic Black 8-1/2″ X 11″ Cardstock – 121045

Price: $8.75

Whisper White 8-1/2″ X 11″ Cardstock – 100730

Price: $10.50

Mint Macaron Classic Stampin’ Pad – 138326

Price: $8.00

Lost Lagoon Classic Stampin’ Pad – 133644

Price: $8.00

Bermuda Bay Classic Stampin’ Pad – 131171

Price: $8.00

Daffodil Delight Classic Stampin’ Pad – 126944

Price: $8.00

Rose Red Classic Stampin’ Pad – 126954

Price: $8.00

Tip Top Taupe Classic Stampin’ Pad – 138325

Price: $8.00

Sahara Sand Classic Stampin’ Pad – 126976

Price: $8.00

Lots Of Labels Framelits Dies – 138281

Price: $33.00

Brick Wall Textured Impressions Embossing Folder – 138288

Price: $10.50

Pearl Basic Jewels – 119247

Price: $6.25

Bird Builder Punch – 117191

Price: $22.00

Stamping Sponges – 101610

Price: $4.50

Supply List

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

The post Thinking of You with Thoughts and Prayers appeared first on .

Copy and share everything, simply put CASE, makes creating your hand crafted projects so much easier.

Have you ever lost your mojo, or had a brain freeze when you go to create a card?  Well, there is an answer for these dilemmas.  It’s called CASE, or copy and share everything.  Stampin’ Up!’s annual catalogue has so many ideas that you couldn’t possibly create everything that is shown.  For some people, their creative juices flow freely, for others not so freely.

Just turn the pages in Stampin’ Up!’s catalogues and there is sure to be something that draws you in.  It may be the stamp set, the colours, and/or the embellishments that intrigue you.  There is no shame when you have to copy and share everything.

That is exactly what happened to me when I came to use the Awesomely Artistic stamp set.  When I saw this stamp set in the new catalogue, I just had to add it to my collection.  When I opened it and got to creating with it, I didn’t know what to do with it.  Yes, creative brain freeze set in.

Sol my next step was to open the catalogue to page 125 where I knew something on that page would help me out.  And sure enough there was something on that page.

I was happy, I had found something to help cure the creative brain freeze.

Recipe

Stamps: Awesomely Artistic.

Ink/Markers: Melon Mambo, Cucumber Crush, Mint Macaron, Tuxedo Black, VersaMark.

Paper: Whisper White Thick, Whisper White, English Garden DSP, Typeset Specialty DSP.

Accessories: Big Shot, Project Life Cards & Labels Framelits, Gold Embossing Powder, Linen Thread, 2015-2017 In Colour Blossom Accents.

Now, if you go to page 125, you will find that my card is not an exact replica of the card that is shown.  However, I got the idea and changed up some of the elements on the card.  The big difference is that I included the English Garden DSP as a background for the stamped images and changed up some of the colours.  When you copy and share everything, there is nothing that says you have to do it exactly. You are free to add your own flare.

Do you have the 2015/16 Annual Catalogue?  If you live in Canada and do not already have a Stamping Up demonstrator, I would love to be yours.  Fill in the Catalogue Request Form and I will send one out to you.

Awesomely Artistic Clear-Mount Stamp Set – 139950

Price: $25.00

Awesomely Artistic Wood-Mount Stamp Set – 138694

Price: $34.00

English Garden Designer Series Paper – 138440

Price: $13.75

Typeset Specialty Designer Series Paper – 133704

Price: $16.00

Project Life Cards & Labels Framelits Dies – 135707

Price: $31.00

Gold Stampin’ Emboss Powder – 109129

Price: $6.25

Versamark Pad – 102283

Price: $9.25

Mint Macaron Classic Stampin’ Pad – 138326

Price: $8.00

Melon Mambo Classic Stampin’ Pad – 126948

Price: $8.00

2015-2017 In Color Blossom Accents – 138383

Price: $10.00

Supply List

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

The post Copy and Share Everything For Great Ideas – CASE appeared first on .

What is the importance of friends and friendships in our lives?

Friends become a significant part of our lives, make life interesting and wonderful.

Here are 5 reasons that I consider to be the importance of friends in our lives.

1. Friends improve our lives through sharing themselves with us. You may have various types of friends that fulfill different roles in your life.  There may be casual friends, close friends and/or besties.
2. Friends provide us with emotional support.  Often we will need a friends to lean on, listen to us, share our tears and motivate us.  It is important to connect with others who will nurture our lives.
3. Friends can boost your self-esteem. Friends will give us the attention and love that we need in the moment.  They boost your self-confidence and encourage you to keep moving on.
4. When you have friends, there is never a need to be lonely.  Some of us like to surround ourselves with others and some may not be as social.  Hanging out with a friend is a great way to fight those “blues”.
5. Friends can be sounding boards.  Talking and sharing with a friend can have can often help us change our lives for the better.

Recipe

Stamps: Choose Happiness, Sheltering Tree, You’re So Sweet.

Ink/Markers: Watermelon Wonder, Cucumber Crush, Crushed Curry, Chocolate Chip.

Paper: Whisper White Thick, Whisper White, Watermelon Wonder, Cherry On Top DSP Stack, Window Sheets.

Accessories: Big Shot, Squares Collection Framelits, Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack, Gold Sequin Trim, Pearl Jewels.

I created this pop-out shaker card for a friend that is very ill.  She is a bestie and has made a difference in my life.  She always accepted me for who I am, encouraged me through difficult times and got me to places that I may never have gone.  I am very grateful for her friendship.

This card was inspired by Nicole Tugrul.

Do you believe in the importance of friends and friendship in your life?

Leave a comment to tell me what roll your friends play in your life.

Choose Happiness Clear-Mount Stamp Set – 134198

Price: $22.00

Sheltering Tree Photopolymer Stamp Set – 137163

Price: $31.00

You’re So Sweet Clear-Mount Stamp Set – 139440

Price: $23.00

Whisper White 8-1/2″ X 11″ Thick Cardstock – 140272

Price: $8.75

Whisper White 8-1/2″ X 11″ Cardstock – 100730

Price: $10.50

Cherry On Top Designer Series Paper Stack – 138443

Price: $10.00

Watermelon Wonder 8-1/2″ X 11″ Cardstock – 138334

Price: $8.75

Window Sheets – 114323

Price: $6.25

Watermelon Wonder Classic Stampin’ Pad – 138323

Price: $8.00

Cucumber Crush Classic Stampin’ Pad – 138324

Price: $8.00

Squares Collection Framelits Dies – 130921

Price: $33.00

Big Shot – 113439

Price: $136.00

Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack – 133787

Price: $21.00

Supply List

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

The post Importance of Friends and Friendships in Our Lives appeared first on .

We are always looking for sentiments for our cards and scrapbook pages and this one fits the bill.  You can even get this stamp set for FREE!, Order $60.00 worth of products from the current catalogue or the clearance rack and you can pick this stamp set from the Sale-a-Bration brochure.

The Vintage Verses stamp set is a set of four sentiments that can be used for a variety of cards…”Thank You”, “Anniversary”,  “Thinking of You”, “Birthday”, “Random Act of Kindness”, and probably a few more that you can think of.

Vintage Verses- (w-12963, c-129636)

Supplies

Stamps: Vintage Verses ( c – 129636, w- 129633, 2013 Sale-a-Bration), Madison Avenue  (c – 129660, w-129657 2013 Sale-a-Bration)

Paper: Naturals White, Rich Razzleberry, Pool Party, Sycamore Street DSP

Ink: Rich Razzleberry

Accessories: Big Shot, Large Scallop Edgelit, Versamark, Pearl Jewels, Tea Lace Paper Doilies, Sycamore Ribbon & Button Pack, Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets, Multipurpose Glue, 1/2” Punch, 3/4” Punch

Directions:

1. Cut Naturals White card stock – 5-1/2″ x 8-1/2″ and score at 4-1/4″
2. Cut Razzleberry card stock – 3″ x 3″
3. Cut Sycamore Street DSP panel – 2-1/2″ x 4″
4. Cut Pool Party card stock – 5-1/4″ x 3/4″
5. Using Versamark and the the stamp from Sycamore Street Stamp set, stamp down the Rich Razzleberry panel – evenly spaced
6. Fold Tea Lace Paper Doily in half and stamp “Just Because” with Rich Razzleberry ink
7. Run the Pool Party strip through the Big Shoot using the Large Scallop Edgelit.
8. Assemble card using Multipurpose Glue .
9. Place Pearls along the bottom of the Pool Party strip.

To Make Ribbon Flowers

Tip: Do 1 flower at a time and cut your ribbon when you have completed the flower

1. Punch out 2 pieces from the Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets using the 3/4″ punch
2. Punch out 1 piece from the Multipurpose Adhesive Sheets using the 1/2″ punch
3. Do 1 flower at a time
4. Peel backing off the circles to reveal the sticky surface
5. Tie a knot at the end of the ribbon and adhere to center of the adhesive circle.
6. Start going in a circle around the knot and twist your ribbon as you go.  Make sure that the ribbon is being attached to the adhesive.
7. When your flower is as large as you want, trim the end of the ribbon and tuck under the flower to adhere the end to the adhesive.
8. Trim any adhesive sheet that shows beyond your flower and place flowers on the card in a group of three.
9. Place a small pearl in the center of the flower.
10. If some of the ribbon in the circles did not touch the adhesive sheet, use a glue dot to hold it down.

A reminder that Sale-a-Bration ends March 22, 2013.

Order Now

Email me – karen@simplysaidwithkaren.com or visit My Online Store

See you next Saturday for Week #7

Happy Stamping

Karen

The post Just Because It’s Sale-a-Bration Week 6 appeared first on .

Yes, On February 2, 2013, Canada stopped minting the penny.  Why?  Because it costs more to produce the penny than it is worth – actually the cost is 1.6 cents to manufacture.  SO, it’s costing Canadians a mint to mint the penny.  So how is it going to work given that the penny is still in circulation and will be for years to come.

All cash purchases will now be rounded up or down to the nearest nickel – so if your cash purchase is $1.17 – then the actual cash is $1.15, if the purchase is $1.18, then the actual cash is $1.20.  Businesses can still accept the penny, they just cannot give pennies as change.  As the pennies come into the store and the banks they will be returned to the Canadian mint. Businesses can also refuse to accept the penny as it is no longer considered legal tender.

Countries such as Switzerland, the Netherlands, Norway and Australia and New Zealand have successfully eliminated the penny and the United States is waiting to see what happens in Canada. 

So what’s on the horizon?  Elimination of the nickel?  It’s possible.  It sure is getting expensive for a thought!

I created this card for a friend to let her know that I was thinking of her.  Thinking of You cards are great because you can send them to anyone at anytime to let them know that they are in your thoughts and yes, it now costs 5 cents for that thought.

Stamps: Just Thinking (w- 129940, 2013 Spring Catalogue), Papillon Potpourri (c – 123759, w – 123757, 2012/13 Annual Catalogue)

Paper: Baja Breeze, Midnight Muse, Whisper White, Twitterpated DSP

Ink: Primrose Petals, Baja Breeze, Midnight Muse

Accessories: Big Shot, Fancy Fan Embossing Folder, Window Frames Collection, Pearl Jewels, Elegant Butterfly Punch ,Bitty Butterfly Punch,  Artisan Embellishments Kit

Item 129940 $14.95

Leave me a comment so I can think of you!

Happy Stamping

Karen

The post A Penny For Your Thoughts- Maybe a Nickel appeared first on .