Handmade Birthday Cards Celebrate Another Great Year

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Handmade Birthday Cards Celebrate You

Celebrating a milestone birthday with handmade birthday cards will make the birthday person feel so special.  Why?  As you create those handmade birthday cards, you are concentrating only on the birthday person.

I seem to be making a lot of birthday cards lately and there is even more next month.  I guess it’s because every person we know celebrates a birthday, whether it’s quietly or with a full blown party.  Birthday cards are a way for others to celebrate with them.

Handmade Birthday Cards Celebrate Another Great Year www.simplysaidwithkaren.com

Recipe

Stamps: Another Great Year (c-133041, w- 133038, p34 2014 Occasions Catalogue.

Paper: Whisper White, Crisp Cantaloupe, Pistachio Pudding, Vellum, Sweet Sorbet DSP (2014 SAB).

Ink: Versamark.

Accessories: Big Shot, Adorning Accents Edgelits, Gold Embossing Powder, Pistachio Pudding Stretch Ribbon, Gold Sequin Trim.

For some reason I had real difficulty in designing this card.  First I tried the Silver Embossing Powder, put a panel of Pistachio Pudding cardstock behind the vellum which really didn’t go at all.  Then I decided that I would use the Crisp Cantaloupe but the card still needed something.  So that something was the Sweet Sorbet DSP and the Adorning Edgelits to give more design elements to the card.

By adding the Pistachio Pudding stretch ribbon to accent the curve in the Adorning Accents Edgelits, I was finally happy.  The finish out the card, the Gold Sequin trim was added to hide the seam between the vellum and the DSP.  The final step was to add individual Gold sequins to the vellum.  Now, I’m happy.

Handmade Birthday Cards

Order this stamp set by visiting this LINK.  

Remember the 2014 Occasions Catalogue is only around until June 1, 2014 and time is running out.

Not only do I really like the large stamp, I also like and have used the other stamps in this set.  The stamp set is clean and simple and there are so many ideas for ways to use this set.

To revisit this card, PIN it on Pinterest.

Happy Stamping

Project Life Makes Scrapbooking Easy Peasy

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Project Life Provides Ease to Scrapbooking

Do you love to scrapbook?  Do you have pictures sitting in boxes, old albums, and your computer?  Would you like to organize and scrapbook your pictures easily?

Well, I have the answer to your questions.

Project Life – Create Your Story!!

Stampin’ Up! has partnered with Becky Higgins to bring her unique scrapbooking method to us.  Yes, Project Life is now available from me and Stampin’ Up!.  There are pocket page protectors, card pages, journaling tags, stamp sets, framelits, journaling pens, a corner rounder punch, stickers, embellishments, with more to come in the 2014/15 Stampin’ Up! Annual catalogue.

I have never used the Project Life method to scrapbook and I was amazed at how easy peasy it really is.

Here is a sample of my first try.

Project Life Makes Scrapbooking Easy Peasy www.simplysaidwithkaren.com

Because I hadn’t used the Project Life products before, it took me a little longer that it should have.  I did this page in about 40 minutes and as I get better at it, like I can cut that time in half.  Of course the fancier you get, the longer it takes, so you have to decide whether it’s fancy or fast

Project Life Makes Scrapbooking Easy Peasy

Project Life Products Are Now Available

Visit my ONLINE store to view the products up close and personal.

Watch the video for more information

Contact me for more information karen@simplysaidwithkaren.com

Happy Stamping or maybe I need to say Happy Scrapping

Milestone Birthday Celebration

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It’s a Milestone Birthday Celebration – Yes 90 Years.

There was a milestone birthday celebration on Friday.  Yes, my Dad turned 90 years young and he is doing very well for his age.  His health is good except for the same complaints that we all have as we age.  He keeps saying that he is going to live to 100 and given his stubbornness, he is likely to make it.  Him and my Mom (who will also be 90 this year) are talking about going on another cruise.

Milestone Birthday Celebration www.simplysaidwithkaren.com

Recipe

Stamps: The Open Seas (c-123032, w- 128454, p101 2013/14 Annual Catalogue), Sketched Birthday (c-130426, w- 130423, p13 2013/14 Annual Catalogue), Hardwood (c-133035, w- 133032, p37 2014 Occasions Catalogue), Gorgeous Grunge (c-130517, w- 130514, p109 2013/14 Annual Catalogue).

Paper: Basic Black, Whisper White, Naturals Ivory, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, I Am Me DSP, Gold Foil.

Ink: Bermuda Bay, Smokey Slate, Sahara Sand, Pistachio Pudding, Early Espresso, Soft Sky, Versamark.

Accessories: Big Shot, Arrows Embossing Folder, Circles Collection Framelits, Bitty Banners Framelits, Letters and Numbers Sizzlits (retired) Little Labels Punch Pack, Modern Label Punch, Banner Punch, Signo Gel Pen, Sponges, Sponge Dabbers, Vintage Trinkets, Black Glimmer Brad, Markers: Early Espresso, Bermuda Bay, Gold Embossing Powder.

The techniques used on this card are Faux Patina and Masking.

The Faux Patina, used on the frame around the porthole, was created using the Arrows embossing folder which was sponged with Smokey Slate ink.

After embossing, Pistachio Pudding and Bermuda Bay inks were sponged on the porthole.  Finally, the line stamp from the Gorgeous Grunge stamp set was inked with versamark, stamped over the sponging and embossing with Gold Embossing powder.

This technique is very effective.

The ship was masked and Soft Sky, Sahara Sand and Bermuda Pay sponged to create the ship on the open sea. Finally the white gel pen was used to create white caps on the water.

We went for a family dinner on his actual birthday and next weekend we will celebrate with the whole family.  There could be 17 for dinner so it may be a little crowded in my not so big place.  Oh well, we will survive.  It’s getting warmer now so perhaps we will be able to use the patio for any overflow.

Here are some things that happened in 1924 –

  • April 1 – The Royal Canadian Air Force is formed.
  • Prime minister  of Canada– William Lyon Mackenzie King
  • Walt Disney creates his first cartoon, “Alice’s Wonderland.”
  • Paul Whiteman introduces George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue.
  • New York’s Computer Tabulating Recording Company name is changed to International Business Machines Corp. (IBM).

So, Happy Birthday Dad and I wish you happiness and joy and a very long life.

Happy Stamping

 

A Birthday Card for a Man in Your Life

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Making a birthday card for a man in your life may sometimes be daunting. 

Sometimes we need to ask the questions of ourselves like: what style do I use, what embellishments (if any), what colors and which stamps to use?

A lot of those questions depend upon the man – his he a man’s man and flowers would be just too feminine for him, or  frilly embellishments, or perhaps vintage style embossing.

This year’s Occasions catalogue has a few stamp sets that would make great man cards and would not appear too feminine.  Of course you can use these stamp sets for a female and you would must change up the colours, embellishments, etc.

Stampin’ Up! has something for everyone.

This birthday card I created is for my SIL and he is a man’s man.  No frills, no flowers and simplicity are the words that I think of when designing him a card.  OK, I did use a bit of glitter.  If I were to give him a card with flowers, ribbon or any type of girly stuff, he would laugh himself silly.

A Birthday Card for a Man in Your Life

Stamps: Geometrical (c-133161, w- 133158, p26 2014 Occasions Catalogue.

Paper: Basic Black, Bermuda Bay, Crushed Curry, Whisper White, Kaleidoscope DSP, Silver Glimmer.

Ink: Black Stazon, Bermuda Bay, Crushed Curry.

Accessories: Big Shot, Chevron Embossing Folder, Banners Framelit Dies, Triangle Punch, Owl Builder Punch, Clear Embossing Powder.

The Geometrical stamp set and the Kaleidoscope DSP just scream man and fun.  The stamp set font is blocked like the “Broader” font – strong and bold. and the DSP is bright with coordinating geometrics.

A Birthday Card for a Man in Your Life

Wood – 133158, clear – 133161

 

A Birthday Card for a Man in Your Life

#132995

If you were creating a birthday card for a man in your life, what style would you use?  Leave me a comment and let me know.

Happy Stamping

Thank You Cards Made Simply and Easily

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Thank You Cards Made Are Simply and Easily

How often do you need a Thank You card and you don’t have the time to make one that has a lot of layers, embellishments and stamping.

Well, I have one for you and this card can be created in about 15 – 20 minutes.  Not a lot of time to create a Thank You card.

Actually, this is the 3rd card that I have to show you that was created by the participants of the Crohn’s and Colitis fundraiser last Saturday.

Thank You Cards Made Simply and EasilyRecipe

Stamps: Happy Watercolor (c-133191, w- 133188, p22 2014 Occasions Catalogue.

Paper: Smokey Slate, Calypso Coral, Whisper White, Watercolor Wonder DSP.

Ink: Smokey Slate, Calypso Coral, Daffodil Delight.

Accessories: Big Shot, Flower Garden Embossing Folder, Scallop Label Topper Punch, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch, Gumball Green Marker, Daffodil 1/4” Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon, Calypso Coral Baker’s Twine.

Tips for this card

  1. The Watercolor flower was stamped with Smokey Slate ink on to the Whisper White Scallop Tag.
  2. The large watercolor stamp from the set was inked in Calypso Coral and inked on a piece from the Watercolor Wonder DSP.
  3. The flower was then stamped on the piece of Watercolor Wonder DSP, fussy cut with scissors and laid on top of the Smokey Slate stamped flower and attached with Dimensionals to give the flower some depth.
  4. Off center the flower a bit to provide a shadow.

To see the other cards, click on these 2 links.

Card #1

Card #2

Thank you to all the participants and here are the last pictures of the event.

Thank You Cards Made Are Simply and Easily

Thanks to Sue for Making Sure We Had Enough to Eat and Drink

Thank You Cards Made Are Simply and Easily

Dodie and Maryann creating hard so they can get to lunch

Thank You Cards Made Are Simply and Easily

Gloria, Elaine, Anne and Diane taking a break

Thank You Cards Made Are Simply and Easily

If you are interested in support Cards for a Cause – Kamloops, come and like our Facebook Page

Look for our next event to support the Investor’s Walk for Memories – Alzheimer Society of BC in October.

Happy Stamping

Cards for a Cause Fundraiser- Supports Crohn’s and Colitis

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Cards for a Cause Fundraiser

The Cards for a Cause Fundraiser in support of Crohn’s and Colitis of Canada was held on Saturday and it was a success.

17 diligent card makers spent the day making 9 “All Occasion Cards”.  Mary Jane, the president of the local chapter, spoke to us on what Crohn’s and Colitis is about and gave us a rundown on future activities.  Currently there is no cure for Crohn’s and Colitis, it can only be managed, so the funds from the event will go towards research and education.

One interesting fact is that children as young as 2 are being diagnosed with this disease.  This disease is not high profile as people don’t like to talk of their “gutsy” problems.  I am so glad that we were able to raise the profile of this organization.

Here is another card that we created on Saturday.  To see the previous card I posted use this LINK

Cards for a Cause Fundraiser

Mosaic Flowers

 Recipe

Stamps: Mosaic Madness (c-130249, w- 130246, p123 2013/2014 Annual Catalogue), Lacy and Lovely (c-122887, w- 132025, p117 2013/2014 Annual Catalogue).

Paper: Wisteria Wonder, Naturals White, Old Olive, Pink Pirouette.

Ink: Wisteria Wonder, Melon Mambo, Old Olive.

Accessories: Big Shot, Modern Mosaic, Square Collections Framelits, Mosaic Punch, Itty Bitty Punch Pack, Rhinestone Jewels, Strawberry Slush Ruffle Stretch Ribbon.

Did you know that you could create a flower using the Mosaic Madness stamp set?

For this flower, 4 “leaves” were stamped and punched, 8 “petals” were stamped and punched and attached to the leaves in 2 layers.  The first layer has 5 petals and the second layer has 3 petals.

To achieve some dimension, the bottom layer of petals were curved downward and the top layer curved upwards.  Of course you need some sparkle, so Rhinestone Jewels were attached to the top layer of petals.

Here are some candid shots of the event.

Cards for a Cause Fundraiser

We had door prizes for everyone – thanks to those who donated

Cards for a Cause Fundraiser - www.simplysaidwithkaren.com

Registration Table – participants welcomed and picked up their bags of supplies

Cards for a Cause Fundraiser - www.simplysaidwithkaren.com

Busy! Busy!

Cards for a Cause Fundraiser - www.simplysaidwithkaren.com

Getting that last Rhinestone

Cards for a Cause Fundraiser - www.simplysaidwithkaren.com

Supporting Crohn’s and Colitis of Canada

As we wind up this Cards for a Cause fundraiser, we will start planning for the Walk for Memories  – Alzheimer Society of BC event in October.

More details will follow in a couple of months.

Come and “LIKE” our facebook page – Cards for a Cause – Kamloops  to stay up to date on our activities.

In the meantime, Happy Stamping!

Handmade Cards For Community Service Work

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Handmade Cards Give Back to the Community

Handmade cards for community service work, created 1 at a time can, and do, provide support in the community for those who need it.  Yes, Cards for a Cause – Kamloops, is on the move again.

This Saturday, April 12, 2014, we are once again creating cards as a fundraiser to support the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada. Currently, there is no cure for those suffering from Inflammatory Bowel Disease and the funds raised from this fundraiser will go towards research and education.

We have called this event “A Card for All Reasons” and can you guess why?

The participants will be making 9 beautiful All Occasion Cards.  Who hasn’t needed a card at the last minute?  Well, now you will have 9, ranging from Birthday cards, Sympathy cards, Thank You cards and Just Because cards.  These cards were designed by 3 stampers and stamping business owners and who believed that we could make a difference in the community with our talents.

Last fall we held our first event and the participants made 9 Christmas cards and we were able to donate over $1,000 to aid the Alzheimer Society of BC.  We were very pleased by the support we received from card makers and scrapbookers in Kamloops.

Here is one of the cards that will be made on Saturday.

Handmade Cards Give Back to the Community

Cards for All Reasons

Recipe

Stamps: Flower Shop (c-130942, w- 130939, p94 2013/2014 Annual Catalogue), Label Love (c-130622, w- 130619, 33 2013/2014 Annual Catalogue).

Cardstock/Paper: Pistachio Pudding, Primrose Petals Core’dination, Garden Green, Whisper White, Blushing Bride, Wild Wasabi, Daffodil Delight.

Ink: Primrose Petals, Wild Wasabi.

Accessories: Big Shot, Beautifully Baroque, Starburst Framelits, Chevron Embossing Folder, Tea Lace Paper Doilies, Pansy Punch, Bird Builder Punch, Artisan Label Punch, Boho Blossoms Punch, Pearl Jewels, Stampin Sanding System.

This cards was inspired by Kay Kalthoff.

Handmade Cards For Community Service

2012-2014 In Color Core’dination Card Stock

The Core’dinations Cardstock can give a different look to your cards.

You can create an antiques, distressed, color-popping look by revealing the inside layer of the card stock by sanding, tearing and or distressing.  The Stampin’ Sanding System is one tool that is complimentary to the Core’dinations Cardstock.

So, tomorrow it will be a fun-filled day as we create handmade cards for the community and to support the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada.

Contact me to find how you can create handmade cards for community service work. EMAIL.

Happy Stamping

Heartfelt Sympathy Cards with Simply Sketched

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Heartfelt Sympathy Cards with Simply Sketched

Heartfelt Sympathy cards can be therapeutic for the one creating them and the one receiving them.  Why, you ask.  Of course this is just my opinion.  For the one creating them, it is a time of reflection on the life of the one you are celebrating.  For the one receiving them, it provides a sense of peace knowing that someone is taking the time to create in their loved one’s memory.

These 2 cards are the last of the ones I did to celebrate a cousin’s life…one that was taken from his family due to a tragic accident.

You can see the other cards HERE.

Both of the cards on this post were created using the Simply Sketched stamp set, a hostess reward for holding a workshop and/or class.  This probably has been my favourite hostess set due to the number of times I have used it.  I love its simplicity and the 3 sentiments contained in the set.  This set has become my go to set.

 

Heartfelt Sympathy Card www.simplysaidwithkaren.com

 Recipe

Stamps: Simply Sketched (c-129672, w- 129669, Hostess Reward p205 2013/2014 Annual Catalogue).

Paper: Whisper White, Pistachio Pudding, Sweet Sorbet DSP (2014 SAB).

Ink: Black Stazon.

Accessories: Big Shot, Needlepoint Border, Delicate Designs Embossing Folder, Large Scallop Edgelits, Markers: Pistachio Pudding, Calypso Coral, Whisper White 1/4” Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon.

Heartfelt Sympathy Cards

Recipe

Stamps: Simply Sketched (c-129672, w- 129669, Hostess Reward p205 2013/2014 Annual Catalogue).

Paper: Whisper White, Pistachio Pudding, Sweet Sorbet DSP (2014 SAB).

Ink: Black Stazon.

Accessories: Big Shot, Needlepoint Border, Adorning Accents, Markers: Pistachio Pudding, Calypso Coral, Whisper White 1/4” Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon, Markers: Pistachio Pudding, Calypso Coral, Daffodil Delight.

These 2 cards use straight forward techniques as I like to keep sympathy cards simple and clean.  You could easily step up both these cards by adding jewels, buttons, adding sponged backgrounds, etc.

 

Heartfelt Sympathy

Simply Sketched Hostess Set

The only way that you can acquire this set is to host a workshop or a class.  Once the 2013/14 Annual Catalogue expires on May 31, 2014 you will not be able to receive this set as a hostess reward.

So what are you waiting for?  Contact me today and book a class or a workshop so that you can access this versatile stamp set.  Here is my email

karen@simplysaidwithkaren.com

Happy Stamping

Handmade Sympathy Cards Only Mean One Thing

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Handmade Sympathy Cards – So Difficult to Create

Creating handmade sympathy cards, usually means only 1 thing…someone you know and love has been taken from you and there is now a void.

I like to create sympathy cards as I need them and over this past month I have made 4 of them.

Creating a sympathy card it is a great way to think about the person who that has passed away and the grieving family and friends that are left behind.

Sponging and masking techniques were used to create a background of these cards.  However, with changes in the colors used, the focal art piece, and the use of framelits, the overall cards are quite different.

Handmade Sympathy Cards

 Recipe

Stamps: Serene Silhouettes (c-127324, w- 132073, p64 2013/2014 Annual Catalogue), Loving Thoughts (c-1125845, w- 128436, p106 2013/2014 Annual Catalogue).

Paper: Naturals White, Whisper White Soft Sky, Island Indigo, Sweet Sorbet DSP (2014 SAB).

Ink: Island Indigo, Sahara Sand, Pistachio Pudding, Old Olive, Black Stazon.

Accessories: Big Shot, Framed Tulips Embossing Folder, Clear Embossing Powder, Sponges, Sponge Daubers.

Handmade Sympathy Cards

Recipes

Stamps: Serene Silhouettes (c-127324, w- 132073, p64 2013/2014 Annual Catalogue), Loving Thoughts (c-1125845, w- 128436, p106 2013/2014 Annual Catalogue).

Paper: Naturals White, Whisper White, Basic Black, Soft Sky.

Ink: Island Indigo, Pink Pirouette, Black Stazon.

Accessories: Big Shot, Framed Tulips Embossing Folder ,Labels Collection Framelits,  Clear Embossing Powder, Sponges, Sponge Daubers.

The masking on this card to create the silhouette for the birds in the tree branches was accomplished by punching out a circle using the 1-3/4 Circle punch from a sticky note, attaching it to the Whisper White card stock and sponging around the circle using a sponge and Island Indigo ink.

Handmade Sympathy Cards

Serene Silhouettes #127324

 

The Serene Silhouettes stamp set is a great set to have if you are making handmade sympathy cards.  Just the images themselves say “serene”.

Happy Stamping

Good bye Sale-a-Bration – It’s Been Fun

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Good Bye Sale-a-Bration- It’s Been a Fun 3 Months

Good bye Sale-a-Bration for another year.  But wait, you have 1 more day to order and take part in Stampin’ Up!’s sale of the year.

If you haven’t had a chance to participate in the Sale-a-Bration, now would be a good time.  And, it’s easy!

All you have to do is place a minimum $60.00 order and you can receive a FREE product from the Sale-a-Bration catalogue.

Here is one of the FREE products – It’s the Good as Gold card kit.  In this kit, you receive everything you need to complete 8 cards.  But the good thing is that you can add other stamps, punches and papers to change the cards up.  You also receive 8 envelopes with gold foil liners.  What a deal and did I say FREE?

I completed the set to use as Thank You cards for my customers and yes, I did add my own things.

Good bye Sale-a-Bration

Good As Gold

 

As you can see, I added Tangerine, Basic Black, and Bermuda Bay card stocks as well as  Gold embossing and the flowers and elements from the Sweet Sorbet accessory pack.

For these types of kits, you are only limited by your imagination.

So what can you order that would make up your $60.00?  Stampin’ Up! even provided suggested bundles at $65.00 and up.

Good Bye Sale-a-Bration

Click on the Celebrate image to see the bundles

An if you are a digital scrapbooker and/or card maker, there is a digital bundle as well as FREE digital downloads.

So, there is something for everyone needs and tastes.

Before we say “Good bye Sale-a-Bration”,  take advantage and order from my ONLINE store.

Happy Stamping!

Special Birthdays Get More Special When You Are 99

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Special Birthdays Call For a Celebration

I would call your 99th Birthday one of those special birthdays.

Yes, one of my uncles is turning 99 this month.  It can’t get much more special than that.

Can you imagine the changes that he has seen in his world?  When he was growing up, there were 2 world wars, the horse and buggy were a way of life, you were lucky to hear news on a radio, and there was no such thing as getting on a jet plane for a vacation.

What about all those modern conveniences or in some cases nuisances? There is the speed in which we now communicate with cell phones, the internet, texting and the like.  Who ever thought that you could cook your dinner in 3 minutes by taking it out of the freezer and popping it in the microwave?

Things that we now take for granted such as electricity, indoor plumbing, going shopping at the grocery store.  I could go one but I won’t.

Yes, my uncle turns 99 years old and he was a good Canadian farmer, living on a farm, growing the wheat, then harvesting it and sending it off to be milled for flour.

We need to celebrate those special birthdays.  Here is the card that he received.

Special Birthdays

Recipe

Stamps: Clockworks (c-127292, w- 131973, p 109 2013/2014 Annual Catalogue), Off the Grid (w- 130736, p108 2013/2014 Annual Catalogue).

Paper: Naturals White, Midnight Muse, Cajun Craze, Gold Foil, Well Worn DSP (retired).

Ink: Black Stazon, Early Espresso, Gold Metallic, Versamark.

Accessories: Big Shot, Houndstooth Embossing Folder,  Die Cut Letters (retired), Espresso Embossing Powder, Gold Embossing Powder,  7/16” Trim.

  • I choose the Clockworks stamp set as I felt that it depicted the passing of time and 99 years is a lot of time passing.
  • The Naturals White panel was stamps with the various cogs in the stamp set.  The stamps were inked in Early Espresso and stamped off on a scrap on paper before stamping on the card stock.
  • The image of the watch is embossed with Gold Embossing powder as are the hands on the watch face.
Special Birthdays

Clockworks Stamp Set

Are you looking for a stamp that depicts the passing of time?  You can order it from my ONLINE store.

So if the birthday is for a 1 year old all the way to …who knows.., celebrate those special birthdays.

Happy Stamping

 

Crafting Information – Are You Up To Date with the Latest?

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Crafting Information – Do You Have the Latest and the Greatest?

Crafting information is valuable as the art, products, techniques and many other variables keep changing.  We all have a repertoire of crafting information stowed away in magazines, Pinterest Boards, Blogs, Google searches and so much more.  Have you tried them out?  Do you know how to incorporate all this information into your crafting?

Here is one thing you can do to have all that information in one place.  Sign up for my emails.  You will get greeting cards to make, techniques to try, scrapbook page samples, 3-D gift items, tips on how to use the products and of course there is always a Q&A section.

You can file these emails away and refer to them at your leisure.

When your sign up for my emails, you will also receive a free gift.

Sign Up HERE

I have an example of the type of card that you will see in the Simply Said with Karen newsletters.  You will not find these projects anywhere else as I don’t post them to my blog, Pinterest boards or Facebook.  The projects in the newsletter are exclusive! You will receive a listing of the products used to create the project as well as detailed instructions.

.
Crafting Information

Recipe

Stamps: Happy Watercolor (c-133191 w- 133188, p 22 2014 Occasions Catalogue), Simply Sketched (c-129672, w- 129699, Hostess p 205 2013/2014 Annual Catalogue).

Paper: Watercolor, Daffodil Delight, Basic Black, Watercolor Wonder DSP, Calypso Coral.

Ink: Black Stazon.

Accessories: Markers: Calypso Coral, Crisp Cantaloupe, Pistachio Pudding, Sahara Sand, Blender Pen, Natural 5/8” Chevron Ribbon, Pearl Jewels.

A few details if you wish to recreate this card:

  • Watercolor paper is ideal when colouring with markers or inks as it will not pill when you are coloring.
  • The flowers are colored using markers along with Blender pens so that you can get the shading right.
  • The image was outlined with the Sahara Sand marker so that the image is intensified and looks like a Drop Shadow.

Make sure that you receive the newest newsletter coming out the first week of April.  You must me on the mailing list to receive the latest crafting information.

Sign Up Now using this LINK.

Happy Stamping!

How Does Your Garden Grow Now That Spring Has Arrived?

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How Does Your Garden Grow?

How does your garden grow now that the calendar says that Spring is here?

For some of us winter is fading away, hopefully, for others, winter is yet to come.  It seems like it has been a long winter for many of us, so I bet that you are looking forward to more daylight, blue sky, green grass and beautiful color in your garden.

Ok, I confess, I am not a gardener.  I do love the beautiful colors so I do container gardening so that I can enjoy the beauty and smells of summer. I also love to watch the honey bees collect their nectar and the butterflies perching on the edge of the flowers.

Usually I can get my plants to last the summer, if I remember to water them.

So, because it is still about 6 weeks before I can plant my containers, this will be my garden.

How Does Your Garden Grow

Cascading Card

 Recipe:

Stamps: Flower Shop (c-130942, w- 130939, p 94 2013/2014 Annual Catalogue), Daydream Medallions(c-126467, w- 131976, p 115 2013/2014 Annual Catalogue), Mixed Bunch (c-125537, w- 128442, p 89 2013/2014 Annual Catalogue), Papillion Potpourri (c-123759, w- 132085, p 90 2013/2014 Annual Catalogue), Four Frames (c-123442, w- 128589, p 66 2013/2014 Annual Catalogue), Betsy’s Blossoms  (c-126006, w- 131955, p 87 2013/2014 Annual Catalogue).

Paper: Whisper White, Midnight Muse, Pool Party, Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight, Island Indigo, Gumball Green, Old Olive, Pear Pizzazz, Gingham Garden DSP, Window Sheets.

Ink: Black Stazon, Versamark, Gumball Green, Rich Razzleberry, Daffodil Delight, Raspberry Ripple, Coastal Cabana.

Accessories: Big Shot, Floral Frames Collection Framelits, Circles Collection, Autumn Accents BigZ Die,  Punches: Decorative Label, Scallop Edge Border, 7/8” Scallop Circle, 1-1/4” Scallop Circle, Bitty Butterfly, Elegant Butterfly, Bird Builder, Blossom  Builder, Blossom, Pansy, Embossing Powders: Pool Party, Melon Mambo, White, Clear, Rhinestone Jewels, Miscellaneous Buttons and Brads, Delicate Details Lace Tape, Sponges, Sponge Daubers, Envelope Punch Board.

Here are a few details on this card.

  1.  How does your garden grow? Use your imagination as to how you would like your garden to grow…mix colors, papers, inks, texture and stamp sets.
  2. Finish the back of your card with card stock – I used Whisper White as a topper with the Day Dreams Medallion stamp set and cut it out with the Floral Collections Framelits.
  3. Stamp a sentiment in the middle of the Medallion before attaching to the card.  It is difficult if you do it at the end of attaching the flowers.  Ask me how I know.
  4. Start at the back and work forward placing the flowers and the leaves.
  5. Embellish the flowers with various embellishment, – buttons, jewels, brads, punched card stock – the sky is the limit.
  6. Have fun with this card.

Need product to make this card?  Order through my ONLINE STORE.

Don’t forget Sale-a-Bration…It ends in just 10 short days.

So, how does your garden grow?  Leave me a comment and let me know.

Happy Stamping

Feminine Birthday Cards – Soft Colors and Flowers

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Feminine Birthday Cards Using Soft Colors and Flowers

Feminine Birthday cards created using soft colors and flowers are so pretty to create and gift.  Do you like to make these types of cards?  I do, however, I to step outside my comfort zone to create other types of cards as well.

Being uncomfortable, creates an opportunity to stretch ourselves and learn something about what it is we like and don’t like.  It’s like folding your arms in the opposite direction to what we normally do.  Yes, it’s uncomfortable at first, however, if we do it enough times, it becomes comfortable.

So, here is my card – yes, it’s flowers and soft colors.  Add in some pearls and it really says feminine.

Feminine Birthday Cards

Recipe

Stamps: Chalk Talk (c-130634, w- 130631, p 12 2013/2014 Annual Catalogue), Petite Petals (c-133155, w- 133152, p 33 2014 Occasions Catalogue).

Paper: Whisper White, Marina Mist, Sweet Sorbet DSP, Fancy Foil Designer Vellum – Silver, Silver Glimmer Paper.

Ink: Crisp Cantaloupe, Marina Mist.

Accessories: Big Shot, Chalk Talk Framelits, 1-3/8” Circle Punch, Ticket Duo Builder Punch, Petite Petals Punch, Tea Lace Paper Doilies, Silver 1/8” Ribbon, Silver Bakers Twine, Pearl Jewels.

Do you use your punches in different ways?

You will notice that the corners of the Marina Mist panel is punched like the corner of a ticket.  However, Stampin’ Up! no longer carries this punch, so I had to improvise.  I used the Ticket Duo punch and sliding my card stock into one corner of the punch, I was able to create the look.  Do you use your punches in other ways?

 

Feminine Birthday Cards

Item # 126883

 

Try using your punches in a different way the next time you make feminine birthday cards.

Leave me a comment below and tell me how you use your punches in different ways.  I would love to hear from you.

Happy Stamping

Happy Birthday Grungy Card – Or, Any Other Occasion Card

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Happy Birthday Grungy Card – Not!

A Happy Birthday Grungy Card would conjure up all sorts of images in your mind. – Would it be folded up, stomped on, scrunched, or fallen in a ditch?  This birthday card is none of those.  I called it a grungy card because of the Gorgeous Grunge stamp set.  So, how can you have gorgeous grunge?

This stamp set is really versatile as it can be used in so many ways and on so many projects.

I have seen it used on man, female, children cards, wedding and anniversary cards, used as a background, used as the focal point.  This stamp set will stand on its own or is easily combined with other stamp sets.

So, to me this stamp set is one of those, you got to have!

So on this card, I have used it mainly as a background stamp and because I wanted the background to be subtle, the stamps were stamped off on a scrap piece of paper and then stamped on the card stock.

So, on to the reveal.

Happy Birthday Grungy Card

Recipe:

Stamps: Perfect Pennants (c-133230, w- 133227, p 27 2014 Occasions Catalogue). Gorgeous Grunge (c-130517, w- 130514, p 109 2013/2014 Annual Catalogue).

Paper: Naturals White, Coastal Cabana, Tangerine Tango, Retro Fresh DSP, Champagne Shimmer Paper, Vellum.

Ink: Baked Brown Sugar, Tangerine Tango,  Versamark.

Accessories: Big Shot, Chevron Embossing Folder, Banners Framelits, Black Embossing Powder, Tangerine Tango Embossing Powder,  Merry Minis Punch Pack (not shown in any catalogue and can be ordered online – 126882), Mini Metallic Clothespins, Retro Fresh This and That Designer Washi Tape.

A couple of things about this card.

The “Make a Wish” stamp image was stamped with Versamark and embossed with Tangerine Tango EP on Vellum.  By using the Vellum, the card is also softened in its appearance.

The “a” with the banner was stamped again with Versamark and heat embossed with Black Embossing powder, cut out and attached over the Tangerine Tango embossing.

I grabbed the star from the Merry Minis Punch Pack and punched the star from the Champagne Glimmer Paper.  This is a carry-over from the 2012 Holiday catalogue, so it’s a guess as to how long it will stick around.

If you want it, order it now!

So, there is my story about the Happy Birthday Grungy Card.

Happy Stamping.