Simple Joys of the Christmas Season Perhaps We Can

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Simple Joys

To enjoy the simple joys of the holiday is to stay sane.  With all the shopping, baking, sending cards, inviting people to events, going to events yourself can be nerve racking.  So how do you prevent yourself from becoming a zombie and enjoying the holidays.

Even now, I can hear your big sigh as you begin to think of the things you need to do. Don’t you think that Christmas in the stores is earlier every year?  I have to admit that I did pick up a decoration in Costco this week.  What was I thinking?  Good marketing Costco.

Here is a 3 tips for you so that you can enjoy October, November and December.
  1. Make lists for everything you want to accomplish.  No, you don’t have to make every single list at one sitting, but do try to get them finished by the end of October.  There are the Christmas gift lists for family and friends.  I don’t rely on myself to determine what to get for everyone.  I have help from parents, children and grandchildren.  Just ask!
  2. Source out the dates of the events and get them on your calendar.  Are you planning on hosting an event?  Get your invitations out early because everyone’s calendars fill up.  Realize too,  that the date you choose will not be good for everyone.  But if you plan early enough and contact the people you have a better chance of getting the date you want.
  3. Take time for yourself.  So often we forget to do this and it is so important.  Do something you enjoy, like a manicure, pedicure, maybe a massage.  If these aren’t for you, get together with a few girlfriends or boyfriends and go out for an evening.  Or, there is your craft room where you can create, get ink of your fingers and make a mess.

 

Which brings me to this card. This card is a reminder about the simple joys of the season.  I did CASE the catalogue for this card.  At first I was unimpressed with Emerald Envy. This colour has definitely grown on me and I think it looks beautiful with the Cherry Cobbler.

Of course, the Copper Foil paper is beautiful along with the Copper Stampin’ Emboss Powder. To top everything off, the Copper Mini Pine Cones is the added touch.

Simple Joys

Recipe

Stamps: Christmas Pines.

Ink/Markers: Tuxedo Black, Versa Mark.

Paper: Whisper White (Thick, Regular), Emerald Envy, Cherry Cobbler, Presents and Pine Cones DSP, Copper Foil, Red Foil.

Accessories: Big Shot, Pretty Pines Thinlits Dies, Lots of Labels, Layering Circle Framelits, Copper Emboss Powder, Linen Thread, Mini Pinecones.

Do you have tips to enjoy the Simple Joys at Christmas?  I would love to read them.  Tell me about them in the comment section.
Product List

Christmas Pines Photopolymer Bundle

Versamark Pad

Emerald Envy 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

Cherry Cobbler 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

Presents & Pinecones Designer Series Paper

Copper Foil Sheets

Lots Of Labels Framelits Dies

Layering Circle Framelits Dies

Linen Thread

Mini Pinecones

Copper Stampin' Emboss Powder

How Do You Decorate a Christmas Pine Tree? Many Choices.

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Decorate a Christmas Pine Tree

Do you decorate a Christmas Pine Tree?  How do you decorate it?  Trees can be big, small, tall, short.  There is no right or wrong when it comes to selecting your pine tree. Do you decorate a real tree or an artificial tree.

There are so many ways to decorate a tree.  Decorations can be natural, themed with certain colours, or characters, or traditional, victorian, or contemporary.  Do you put lights on your tree or is it a fibre-optic tree with changing colours.  No matter how you decorate, what you decorate with, all Christmas trees are beautiful.  There is something magical and mesmerizing about a decorated tree.

Did you know that the first Christmas Tree. In the early 16th century, Martin Luther is said to have decorated a small Christmas Tree with candles.  He did this to show his children how the stars twinkled through the dark night.

Christmas Pine Tree

Recipe

Stamps: Peaceful Pines.

Ink/Markers: Tuxedo Black, Versa Mark.

Paper: Very Vanilla, Garden Green, Real Red, Gold Glimmer, Gold Foil.

Accessories: Big Shot, Perfect Pines Framelits, Pine Bough Embossing Folder, Gold Emboss Powder, White Emboss Powder, Baker’s Twine Trio Pack (Gold, Garden Green).

Two pine trees on this card are decorated with white embossed solid circles and the focal tree is heat embossed with Gold Stampin’ Embossing Powder. Of course the trees would not be complete with a gold start on the top. The tree theme of this card continues with the use of the PineBough Embossing Folder.  To tie it all together (no pun intended), gold and garden green Baker’s Twine from the Baker’s Twine Trio Pack finish off the card.

Leave a comment and tell me how you decorate your Christmas Pine Tree.

 

Product List

Peaceful Pines Photopolymer Stamp Set

Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad

Versamark Pad

Very Vanilla 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

Garden Green 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

Real Red 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

Gold Foil Sheets

Gold Glimmer Paper

Perfect Pines Framelits Dies

Pine Bough Textured Impressions Embossing Folder

Gold Stampin' Emboss Powder

White Stampin' Emboss Powder

Baker's Twine Trio Pack

Fallish Birthday Card Uses Serene Scenery Paper

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Fallish Birthday Card

Today, it’s a fallish birthday card.  “Fallish” is not a word you hear often, but it does conjure up a feeling about this time of year.

The focal image from the Remarkable You stamp set is watercoloured, but not the watercolour technique that you have come to know. This watercolour techniques uses stamps from the Gorgeous Grunge Stamp Set and ink pads.  Love that Gorgeous Grunge stamp set and try to stamp with it as much as possible.

The Other Watercolour Technique

On a piece of Watercolour paper, stamp various stamps using the Old Olive , Delightful Dijon and Tangerine Tango Inks. Try not to over stamp the colours too much because you want to distinguish the different colours.  Once you have stamped, spritz a bit of water on the stamp images so that they get the watercoloured look..  Once the ink is dry, and if you can’t wait, you can use the Heat Tool, stamp the flower from the Remarkable You stamp set using Stazon Jet Black ink.

Stamp the leaves in Stazon ink on the Serene Scenery DSP Stack.  This gives a look of texture to the leaves.

Now, it’s fussy cutting time.  Cut the flower and the leaves and attach to the Very Vanilla card stock which has been embossed with the Brick Wall Emboss Folder.  Use the Sponge Dauber and the Soft Suede ink to highlight the bricks.

Layer the panels, attach the flower and add the Burlap Ribbon to one side.  Stamp the leaf in VersaMark, heat emboss with Copper Emboss powder, and die cut with matching Leaflet Framelits. Attach to Burlap Ribbon and tie a piece of Linen Thread around the stem.

FInally, stamp the sentiment on Very Vanilla with Soft Suede ink and punch with the Duet Banner Punch.

Now you have a fallish Birthday Card.

Fallish Birthday Card

Recipe

Stamps: Remarkable You, Gorgeous Grunge, Thoughtful Banners, Vintage Leaves.

Ink/Markers: Delightful Dijon, Old Olive, Tangerine Tango, Soft Suede, Stazon Black, VersaMark.

Paper: Whisper White Thick, Very Vanilla, Delightful Dijon, Watercolour, Serene Scenery DSP Stack

Accessories: Big Shot, Leaflets Framelits, Brick Wall Embossing Folder, Copper Embossing Powder, 5/8” Burlap Ribbon, Linen Thread, Sponge Dauber, Duet Banner Punch.

Have you enjoyed hearing about a new Watercolour Technique? Leave me comment to let me know if you enjoyed this card.

Product List

Remarkable You Clear-Mount Stamp Set

Gorgeous Grunge Clear Stamp Set

Watercolor Paper

Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock

Delightful Dijon 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

Serene Scenery Designer Series Paper Stack

Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Pad

Delightful Dijon Classic Stampin' Pad

Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad

Tangerine Tango Classic Stampin' Pad

Jet Black Stazon Ink Pad

Copper Stampin' Emboss Powder

Leaflets Framelits Dies

Brick Wall Textured Impressions Embossing Folder

5/8" (1.6 Cm) Burlap Ribbon

Linen Thread

Sponge Daubers

Duet Banner Punch

Home Based Business – Can I Do It? Yes You Can!

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Home Based Business

Can I run and manage a home based business?  Have you ever asked yourself that question?

All you need is a “Yes I Can” attitude and believe in yourself.

There is work to run and manage a business, but I have three mechanisms you can put into play.

To some people, manage your business means that you need to work 24/7 to make it a working business.  You don’t have to work 24/7.  Organization, commitment and systems are three necessities to managing a successful business.

Home Based Business

The first thing you need to do is determine what you want to achieve in your business.  These are you goals.  You can have long-term goals and short-term goals.  A long term goal is something you want to accomplish in the future. These goals take time and planning to accomplish . You cannot accomplish these goals in a week or two. Write down this long term goal and hang it on the wall of your office.

Once you have decided what you want to achieve in your business, you must decide how you are going to achieve this goals.

Achieve Your Long Term Goal

For example if your long term goal is to take your family on a holiday, you need to decide how much money you will require for this holiday.  Then chunk out your path to complete your goals.

Here’s your business opportunity. Join my team and become a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator.

Here are some ideas to help you with chunking your goals.if you decide to take the business opportunity that I offer you:

  • Hold workshops – contact friends, family, and co-workers that like papercrafting and introduce them to products that are colour coordinated. Workshops are an easy way to touch many people in a short time and introduce them to fun and creativity.
  • Hold classes – teach technique classes and show people how they can use the tools to create beautiful cards and scrapbooking pages.
  • Develop online classes to reach people that are unable to attend a class.  These classes can live on forever if you concentrate on techniques rather than the products themselves.

 

Business Opportunity

 

Now that I have whet your appetite to manage a home based business find out more by contacting me and/or visiting this LINK.  On this page you will find information on the value of the starter kit, demonstrator benefits, and a step-by-step guide to becoming a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator.

YES, You Can!

Can You Create a Simple Yet Elegant Card?

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Simple Yet Elegant Card

Words that describe simple yet elegant are restrained, graceful, refined, tasteful. It’s using the various elements in harmony with each other. It’s also timeless.  So often we use elements that are the in vogue and will not stand the test of time.

So that is what I set out to do.

Create a simple yet elegant card with these hints. To get started decide:

  • The main colour.  In this card, my main colour was Sweet Sugar Plum. Rich Razzleberry and Emerald Envy are strong colours that compliment the Sweet Sugar Plum.
  • The stamp set. The only stamping on this card is the sentiment.
  • How much and where to position the focal point or, in other words, where does your eye go first..  The focal point on this card is the group of flowers and leaves cut with the Flourish Thinlits.
  • Finally, decide on embellishments, if any.  The embellishments are simply the strip of natural trim with silver accents and the very vanilla lace.

 

Simple yet Elegant

Recipe

Stamps: Floral Phrases

Ink/Markers: Rich Razzleberry

Paper: Whisper White, Sweet Sugar Plum, Rich Razzleberry, Emerald Envy, Silver Glimmer Paper.

Accessories: Big Shot, Detailed Floral Thinlits, Flourish Thinlits, Tags and Labels Framelits, Whisper White Thick Baker’s Twine, 1/4” Silver Natural Ribbon, Very Vanilla 1/2” Lace Trim.

What are the steps you follow when creating a design? What is your style?  Is it simple yet elegant, or do you like to incorporate many elements into your card?

Product List

Flourishing Phrases Clear-Mount Bundle

Rich Razzleberry Classic Stampin' Ink Refill

Rich Razzleberry 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

Sweet Sugarplum 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

Emerald Envy 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

Silver Glimmer Paper

Flourish Thinlits Dies

Tags & Labels Framelits Dies

Silver 1/4" (6.4 Mm) Natural Trim

Very Vanilla 1/2" (1.3 Cm) Lace Trim

Whisper White Thick Baker's Twine

Awesomely Artistic Soft and Peaceful

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Awesomely Artistic

This stamp set will make you awesomely artistic!  Of course, you are probably wondering why I think that a stamp set can make you artistic.

Use this stamp set to create a variety of cards using different techniques.  Can  you spot the techniques?  No? Well, the techniques used are: watercolour, heat embossing, die cutting, splatter, and emboss resist, But, you think, I use those techniques how does that stamp set make be artistic.  Because it’s not what you use, but how you use it.

It’s about placement of the stamps, layers, embellishments, to die cut, embossing, watercolour or not, In other words, what I am saying is, just by picking up a stamp and stamping with it makes you artistic in the world of paper crafting.

Can you see what I am saying?  I always say that “creativity and artistry” is in the eye of the beholder.  What one person thinks about a piece of art can can differ drastically from another person.  The art may be pleasing to their eye for a number of reasons, such as, placement of the different elements.

So, never let anyone tell you that you are not artistic.  And never self-talk yourself into believing that you are not artistic.Awesomely Artistic

Recipe

Stamps: Awesomely Artistic, Basket of Wishes.

Ink/Markers: Soft Sky (ink pad and marker), Pool Party (ink pad and marker), Basic Black Marker, VersaMark.

Paper: Whisper White Thick and Reg, Pool Party, Soft Sky.

Accessories: Big Shot, Rose Garden Thinlits, Mint Macaron 3/8” Sheer Linen Ribbon, Very Vanilla 1/2” Lace Trim, White Emboss Powder, Clear Emboss Powder Aqua Painter Brush.

This card is commonly known as a collage card because of all the different elements that are blended into each other.

First the main image was stamped in VersaMark and embossed with White Emboss Powder. Don’t  forget to use your embossing buddy. Then, using the Aqua Painter Brush, wash the over the embossed image with Soft Sky ink mixed with a bit of water.  Stamp the ferns, the splatters and circle image with Pool Party.

Using the Soft Sky and Pool Party markers, colour the dragonfly wings and colour the body with the Basic Black marker.  Lay the dragonfly image in the VersaMark Pad and emboss with Clear Emboss Powder.  Finally, cut out the dragonfly with the Paper Snips.

Stamp the bottom layer with the dotted stamp and Pool Party ink.  Attach the different layers and embellish with the ribbon and lace trim.

For more ideas using the Awesomely Artistic stamp set, click on these links:

Sympathy Card

Copy and Share Everything

It’s easy to be Awesomely Artistic?

Product List

Basket Of Wishes Photopolymer Stamp Set

Pool Party 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

Soft Sky 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

Pool Party Classic Stampin' Pad

Soft Sky Classic Stampin' Pad

Subtles Stampin' Write Markers

Versamark Pad

Aqua Painters

Mint Macaron 3/8" (1 Cm) Sheer Linen Ribbon

Very Vanilla 1/2" (1.3 Cm) Lace Trim

Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder

White Stampin' Emboss Powder

Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker

Girl Power On Christmas Eve

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Christmas Eve Girl Power

Santa’s making a change this Christmas Eve, he will be using girl power to pull the sleigh. Some of the female reindeer have been complaining to the elves about staying in the barn on Christmas Eve.  They feel that they need to be given a chance.

Of course, this is all “tongue-in-cheek”.  I think this stamp set with it’s matching punch is so cute. But, only if you like”cute” for Christmas.  There are a number of cute stamp sets in the new 2016 Holiday Catalogue.  For instance, there are the Merry Mice on page 23, Jolly Friends with the matching punch, on page 29.Fa-la-la-la Friends on page 20, with coordinating framelits from the Annual Catalogue.

While there are these cute stamp sets, there are the traditional stamp styles for those that enjoy the traditional.Basically, there is something for everyone’s tastes.

Girl Power

Recipe

Stamps: Cookie Cutter Christmas, Hardwood.

Ink/Markers: Early Espresso, Basic Black Archival, Real Red Marker, Soft Suede.

Paper: Real Red, Soft Suede, Champagne Glimmer.

Accessories: Cookie Cutter Builder Punch, Candy Cane Lane Baker’s Twine, Whisper White Baker’s Twine, Banner Triple Punch.

This card is quick and easy.  You could create a number of these for you Christmas Card List.

Stamp the reindeer on Soft Suede using Basic Black Archival ink and punch out. Before stamping the reindeer with the red nose, remove the Basic Black Archival ink from the stamp and replace with the colour from the Real Red marker. Stamp the bows in Real Red ink and punch out.

Finish off the card with  a combination of the red twine from the Candy Cane Lane Baker’s Twine and Whisper White Baker’s Twine wrapped around the front of the card and tied in a bow.

Girl Power

Starting today, you can order from the Holiday Catalogue.

Check out the new 2016 Holiday Catalogue

Start shopping today.

Product List

Cookie Cutter Christmas Photopolymer Bundle

Hardwood Clear-Mount Stamp Set

Real Red 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

Soft Suede 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

Basic Black Archival Stampin’ Pad

Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad

Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Pad

Real Red & Crumb Cake Stampin' Write Markers

Candy Cane Lane Baker's Twine

Banner Triple Punch

 

Subscribe, Be Surprised Each Month

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Subscribe

When you subscribe to my email list you will get a surprise in your inbox each month.  Sometimes you will more than one surprise.

Each month, the Simply Said with Karen newsletter goes out to each subscriber and it’s jammed packed full of good stuff. What kind of stuff?  Well, there is card projects with a supply list and detailed instructions on how to create the card.  Perhaps there may be a scrapbook page, or a project that is neither a card or a scrapbook page.  Again, there are detailed instructions along with a supply list.

In addition to the projects, there are techniques that you can try, tool tips, and questions and answers to questions that I have been asked by my customers.

And there is still more…. For example, class schedules, any Stampin’ Up! and Simply Said With Karen limited promotions that occur, and maybe a little about what I am doing.

How to Subscribe

It’s very easy to subscribe to the Simply Said With Karen email list.  Go to this link HERE, put in your Name and Email address and you are on your way.

You will receive a message with a link to my Thank You gift, a request to complete a small survey and the latest Simply Said with Karen monthly newsletter.

From time to time you will receive other projects such as the 12 Weeks of Christmas Newsletter. Each week of 12 weeks you will receive a project such as a card, gift, or bags and tags to make your busy season easier.

When you subscribe, your privacy is protected at all times.

Here is a sample of the types of projects that may be in the newsletter.

Subscribe

Recipe

Stamps: Floral Phrases, Flourishing Phrases.

Ink/Markers: Night of Navy, Watermelon Wonder.

Paper: Whisper White Thick, Whisper White (regular), Night of Navy, Watermelon Wonder.

Accessories: Big Shot, Detailed Floral Thinlits, Banner Triple Punch, Night of Navy Solid Baker’s Twine..

You will do yourself a great service by subscribing to the Simply Said With Karen Email List.  Subscribe Now

Product List

Floral Phrases Clear-Mount Bundle

Flourishing Phrases Clear-Mount Bundle

Night Of Navy Classic Stampin' Pad

Watermelon Wonder Classic Stampin' Pad

Night Of Navy 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

Watermelon Wonder 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

Banner Triple Punch

Night Of Navy Solid Baker's Twine

Santa’s Sleigh Christmas Home Decor

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Christmas Home Decor

Create Christmas home decor for a festive look with Santa’s Sleigh. While, I cased the 2016 Holiday Catalogue for this project, I have a reason.  I forgot to purchase the stamp set that matches the thinlits, and it was a bundle.

When you purchase a bundle, a stamp set with matching dies or punch, you receive 10% discount on the purchase.  As I prepare for my Open House, I like to have samples from the new catalogues and display different ways to used the various stamp sets.

When I discovered this oversight, I thought, “now what”.  Thank goodness I had a frame that would work for this project.

 

Christmas Home Decor

Recipe

Stamps: Banners for Christmas.

Ink/Markers: Archival Basic Black, Basic Black Marker, VersaMark.

Paper: Whisper White, Shimmery White, Crumb Cake, Emerald Envy, Wild Wasabi, Basic Black, Gold Foil, Silver Foil.

Accessories: Big Shot, Santa’s Sleigh Thinlits, Christmas Greetings Thinlits, Heat and Stick Powder, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Multipurpose Liquid Glue, Baker’s Twin Trio Pack (Gold), Mini Pinecones, Metallics Sequin Assortment, 8” x 10” frame with glass removed.

The Details

Because the scene would have snow, I chose to use Shimmery White as the background.  Create the background with the Shimmer White cardstock and cut to form the hills.  Use the VersaMark ink pad direct to paper technique, that is, place the ink pad directly on your paper where  the Dazzling DIamonds Glitter will be placed.  Sprinkle with Heat and Stick powder and melt using the Heat tool.  FInally, sprinkle the Dazzling Diamond on the background.

Add snow to the die cut trees by placing Multipurpose Liquid Glue on the branches. Sprinkle Dazzling Diamonds glitter over the glue and set aside to dry.

Start placing the elements on the background.  Do not adhere to the background until you are happy with the placement.

Colour the reindeer hoofs using the Basic Black Marker. The reindeer are hitched to Santa’s sleigh with a piece of Gold Baker’s Twine from the Baker’s Twin Trio Pack.  Loop the baker’s twine around the front of the sleight then around each of the reindeer’s necks.  Before tying the bow, attach a Mini Pinecone embellishment to the twine.

Finally, die cut the word “Merry” and stamp the sentiment on the top of the picture.  Add the opalescent sequins to the sky.

So why not have fun and create a Christmas home decor project to display this Christmas.

Product List

Holly Jolly Greetings Clear-Mount Stamp Set

Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker

Versamark Pad

Basic Black Archival Stampin’ Pad

Shimmery White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

Crumb Cake 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

Emerald Envy 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

Wild Wasabi 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

Christmas Greetings Thinlits Dies

Heat & Stick Powder

Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter

Liquid Multipurpose Glue

Gold Foil Sheets

Silver Foil Sheets

Metallics Sequin Assortment

 

 

 

Snowman Greeter Points the Way

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Snowman Greeter

Smiling greeters stand at the main doors of many department stores during the holiday, so why not have a Snowman Greeter pointing the way to Santa’s workshop.

This sneak peek card is the first card to make it’s debut.  Not, first, first, but first for me.  I held off posting any of the cards created using products from the 2016 Holiday Catalogue until after my Open House.. Just wait until you see what awaits you.

Being able to pre-purchase new products is one of the perks of being a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator.  I can’t wait to share this catalogue with you.

This little guy is so cute and the stamp set comes with a train with toys, trees and a jingle bell.  The possibilities are endless. Plus, you can use your markers and reinkers to colour the images.  If you like to colour then this stamp set is for you.

 

Snowman Greeter

Recipe

Stamps: Christmas Magic, Holly Jolly Greetings.

Ink/Markers: Black Stazon, Smoky Slate, Emerald Envy Marker, Real Red Marker, Delightful Dijon Marker, VersaMark.

Paper: Whisper White, Real Red, Emerald Envy, Watercolor,

Accessories: Aqua Painter Brush, White Emboss Powder, Silver Sequin Trim, Candy Cane Lane Baker’s Twine.

Create the background using Smoky Slate ink and an Aqua Painter Brush.  No colouring in the lines for this, just swoosh the paint around on the Whisper White.

Stamp the Snowman and Pole on Watercolor Paper in Black Stazon ink.  This ink is great if you plan to colour with water-based ink.  No smudging here!  When the colouring is finished, fussy cut the snowman and pole in one piece.  If the ground lines do not connect, connect them with a Basic Black marker.

Stamp the snowflake from the Holly Jolly Greetings stamp with VersaMark and emboss with White Emboss Powder.

Stamp the stentiment in Black Stazon on a piece of Real Red cardstock.  Make a banner and attach to the card front.

Finally, attach the Real REd Sparkle Baker’s Twine and attach the Silver  Sequin Trim.

Let your Snowman Greeter do the greeting.

The 2016 Catalogue goes live on September 1st.  The Countdown is on.

Product List

Holly Jolly Greetings Clear-Mount Stamp Set

Real Red 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

Watercolor Paper

Emerald Envy Classic Stampin' Pad

Jet Black Stazon Ink Pad

2016-2018 In Color Stampin' Write Markers

Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker

Versamark Pad

2015-2017 In Color Stampin' Write Markers

Aqua Painters

White Stampin' Emboss Powder

Silver Sequin Trim

Flamingo Flaunting Feathers

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Flaunting Feathers

Have you ever seen a flamingo flaunting feathers?  Look no further.

Sometimes it is interesting and fun to add some dimension to a flat stamped image.  Add elements of surprise to whip up laughter, oohs and awws.  That is why I like to create cards that cause people to interact and have a conversation.

This card was created for my DD because she is kind and amazing.  Ok, I’m a bit biased.

flaunting feathers

Recipe

Stamps: Pop of Paradise, Thoughtful Banners.

Ink/Markers: Melon Mambo, Basic Black Archival, VersaMark

Paper: Whisper White (thick & regular), Melon Mambo, Basic Black, Pop of Pink Specialty DSP.

Accessories: Big Shot, Layering Circles Framelits, Gold Emboss Powder, Wink of Stella Clear Glitter Pen, 1/2” Circle Punch.

Create the Feathers

How did I create the feathers?  It was very easy, a bit fiddly but easy.  I used the 1/2″ circle punch to punch out circles.  I really don’t know how many I punched.  The fibers in the paper were broken down by crumpling the circles in my hand.  Don’t crumple them too much.

Fold the circles in half and start layering.  The circles are attached with Multipurpose Liquid Glue (love, love that glue) on the flamingo’s body.  You can overlap the circles so that they stand out from the body.  Before you apply the Wink of Stella Clear Glitter Pen check to make sure that there are no bald spots. Now take your finger and fluff the feathers to spread them apart.  Not too much fluffing though.

And yes, I cut out the space between his legs with an exacto knife.

The feathers were inspired by a card that I saw on the internet, however, I did not write the name of the person down so cannot give kudos but I did want to acknowledge that this technique was not totally my idea.

What type of flamingo would you create?  Try one that is flaunting feathers.  You will have fun.

 

Product List

Pop Of Paradise Clear-Mount Stamp Set

Thoughtful Banners Photopolymer Bundle

Melon Mambo Classic Stampin' Pad

Versamark Pad

Basic Black Archival Stampin’ Pad

Melon Mambo 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

Basic Black 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

Pop Of Pink Specialty Designer Series Paper

Layering Circle Framelits Dies

Gold Stampin' Emboss Powder

Clear Wink Of Stella Glitter Brush

1/2" Circle Punch

Use Botanical Blooms To Create a Generic Card

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Create a Generic Card

Create a generic card or many of these types of cards to keep in your card box.  Stampers create time to stamp, so why not make cards to use in the future..  Often we don’t know what type of card we may need and so delay creating cards we may need.

Stampin’ Up!’s annual catalogue is filled with stamps that can be used for many different events and/or occasions.

The Botanical Blooms is one of these stamp sets.

Notice that the card does not have a sentiment.  However, there is room to put a sentiment on the front of the card.

What are the types of events or occasions would suit this type of card?  What are the emotions that you generate when you see this card?  Can you use this card for men, women or children? Let me answer those questions for you.

Because of the design and colours, do you think that this card is a feminine card and you can use it only women?  Well, you can use it as a sympathy card to a man who has lost his partner, spouse, mother, etc.  Some of the other occasions are female birthdays, couple’s anniversaries, get well, thinking of you.  Wouldn’t it be so much easier to design and create various generic card?  No more running to the store at the last minute, or speedily creating a card as you run out the door?

 

Generic Card

Recipe

Stamps: Botanical Blooms.

Ink/Markers: Sweet Sugarplum.

Paper: Whisper White, Mint Macaron, Sweet Sugar Plum.

Accessories: Big Shot, Botanical Builder Framelits, White Gel Pen, Pearl Jewels, Mint Macaron 3/8” Sheer Linen Ribbon.

Get started creating a generic card.  You can purchase your supplies on my ONLINE Store.

Product List

Botanical Blooms Photopolymer Stamp Set

Sweet Sugarplum Classic Stampin' Pad

Mint Macaron 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

Sweet Sugarplum 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

Botanical Builder Framelits Dies

Mint Macaron 3/8" (1 Cm) Sheer Linen Ribbon

Pearl Basic Jewels Embellishments

 

Cupcake Frosting Adds To The Sweetness

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Cupcake Frosting

Adding cupcake frosting to your cupcakes makes them delicious. However, adding real frosting will not work. Paper cupcakes and real frosting do not mix.

Cupcake Frosting

Recipe

Stamps: Sweet Cupcake.

Ink/Markers: Flirty Flamingo, Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, Daffodil Delight, Peekaboo Peach, Watermelon Wonder, Blushing Bride.

Paper: Whisper White, Flirty Flamingo, 2016-2018 In Colour DSP Stack (diagonal stripes).

Accessories: Big Shot, Cupcake Cutouts Framelits, 2016-2018 In Colour Enamel Shapes, Wink of Stella – Clear Glitter Pen, Light Gel Modeling Paste.

Create the cupcakes and the paper bottoms using various ink colours.  You can use the same ink colour and stamp it off prior to stamping the stamp layers. The cupcake bottoms are stamped with Crumb Cake and Soft Suede inks.  To build the layers, start with the dark ink.  To achieve the lighter layer, the stamp is loaded with Soft Suede ink and stamped off on a scrap paper. The final layer is Crumb Cake ink.

Frosting Details

Create the cupcake with Blushing Bride ink, Peekaboo Peach ink and Watermelon ink. For the cupcake, start with the lightest colour and move to the darker colours.

Now for the frosting.  I experimented with various mediums, like cornstarch, flour and modeling gel paste.  The one I found to be the best was the light modeling gel paste.  Create the frosting by adding a few drops of ink to the gel paste.  You need to reach the right consistency, not too thin and not too thick.  Hmmm, I sound like Goldilocks.

Once, you reach the right consistency, spread a small amount on an acrylic block.  Don’t make too thick of a layer as your stamp will become clogged and there will be no definition. Use the stamp that you used to stamp the top layer. Once you have the frosting on the cupcakes, set them aside to dry.  When the frosting is dry, paint it with the Wink of Stella Clear Glitter Pen.

The Light Modeling Gel Paste can be purchased at any hobby and/or art store.

Leave me a comment and tell me if you make cupcake frosting for you paper cupcakes.

Product List

Sweet Cupcake Photopolymer Bundle

Flirty Flamingo Classic Stampin' Pad

Watermelon Wonder Classic Stampin' Pad

Blushing Bride Classic Stampin' Pad

Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Pad

Crumb Cake Classic Stampin' Pad

Daffodil Delight Classic Stampin' Pad

Peekaboo Peach Classic Stampin' Pad

Flirty Flamingo Classic Stampin' Ink Refill

Flirty Flamingo 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

2016-2018 In Color Designer Series Paper Stack

2016-2018 In Color Enamel Shapes

Clear Wink Of Stella Glitter Brush

 

 

 

Welcome Baby Girl You Are Loved

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Welcome Baby Girl

How special for a family to say “Welcome Baby Girl”. She is the continuation of the family and such a blessing.  It’s about the smiles, the tears, the laughter, and the plans and dreams that parents have for her and their family.

This card is a combination of old and new products.  It has products that are retired (boo-hoo) and products that are brand new (yeah).  One of the retiring products is the Birthday Bouquet DSP.  Love, love that paper.  Yes, I know that as we say good-bye to product, new product will come along and we can fall in love with the new.

The new products used to create this card are the Bunch of Banners Framelits and the Sparkle Emboss Folder.  Use the reverse side of a Metallic Doily if you require a white doily.  Another new product is the Banners for You stamp set.  This stamp set coordinates perfectly with the Bunch of Banners Framelits.  Even better, is that the words in the stamp set can be combined to make sentiments to truly express your thoughts.

 

Welcome Baby girl

Recipe

Stamps: Something for Baby, Banners For You.

Ink/Markers: Mint Macaron, Blushing Bride.

Paper: Whisper White Thick, Whisper White, Blushing Bride, Birthday Bouquet DSP, Playful Palette DSP Stack.

Accessories: Big Shot, Baby’s First Framelits, Bunch of Banners Framelits, Sparkle Embossing Folder, Metallic Doilies, Whisper White Seam Binding Ribbon, Jewel Pearls.

Do you have a welcome baby girl card or project?  Upload a picture in the comments section.  I would love to see it.

Product List

Banners For You Photopolymer Bundle

Something For Baby Clear-Mount Stamp Set

Birthday Bouquet Designer Series Paper

Birthday Bouquet Designer Series Paper
[140557]

Mint Macaron Classic Stampin' Pad

Blushing Bride Classic Stampin' Ink Refill

Playful Palette Designer Series Paper Stack

Sparkle Textured Impressions Embossing Folder

Metallic Foil Doilies

Pearl Basic Jewels Embellishments

 

Birthday Greeting Shaker Card

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Shaker Card with a Birthday Greeting

Create a shaker card for the birthday person.  They will love shaking those sequins behind the Window Sheets.

The layering treatment of the easel makes it appear as though the easel is sitting on the stand. Rather than stamping the sentiment behind the  Window Sheet, stamp the sentiment on the Window Sheet using Black Stazon ink.

Black Stazon ink is the “Go-to” ink for stamping on materials that do not absorb. Stazon ink is a pigment ink that does not fade over time.  If you create scrapbook pages and you want to ensure that your images do not fade, then Stazon ink is the ink for you. Stazon ink does have a longer drying time that the water-based inks, so you need to be patient.

Use Stazon ink  for stamping on glass, wood and fabrics.  Because they have a lengthy drying time, they can also be embossed with embossing powder.

Shaker Card

Making the shaker layer is easy using the Squares Layering Framelits.  The stamp set coordinates with the Framelits. There are framelits that cut out the large square and then the inside square so that you can see the sequins and the background stamping.

Recipe

Stamps: Painter’s Palette

Ink/Markers: Black Stazon, Flirty Flamingo, Peekaboo Peach, Sweet Sugarplum, Basic Black, Sahara Sand.

Paper: Whisper White Thick, Whisper White, Very Vanilla, Playful Palette DSP Stack, Window Sheets

Accessories: Big Shot, Layering Squares Framelits, Metallics Sequin Assortment, Very Vanilla Thick Baker’s Twine.

Give the Shaker card technique a try.  Leave a comment for me and tell me what type of shaker card you would create.

Product List

Painter's Palette Clear-Mount Stamp Set

Jet Black Stazon Ink Pad

Basic Black Archival Stampin’ Pad

Sweet Sugarplum Classic Stampin' Pad

Peekaboo Peach Classic Stampin' Pad

Sahara Sand Classic Stampin' Pad

Basic Black 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

Very Vanilla 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

Playful Palette Designer Series Paper Stack

Metallics Sequin Assortment

Very Vanilla Thick Baker’S Twine

Layering Squares Framelits Dies