Star Wars Making a Comeback?

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Star Wars Making a Comeback?

Star Wars is making a resurgence having gained popularity in the late 1970’s and 80’s. We have Darth Vader, Yoda, R2D2,3CPO that we know and love (well at least some of us) and now there are even more characters.

So where am I going with this?  Well, Star Wars is making its way into the second generations’ hearts.  The children of the parents who were first introduced to Star Wars are helping to regain its popularity.  My now 5 year old grandson is among them.  Of course, it’s with help of his parents.

Star Wrs

Sagan with his Star Wars Birthday Cake – Celebrating 5 years.

This month, we celebrated his 5th birthday and of course, the theme was Star Wars. Well, I just had to make a card using the characters in Start Wars – so it was Darth Vader and Yoda.

Star WarsStamps: Designer Typeset (Photopolymer, – 132956, available online only), Family Reunion (retired)

Paper: Basic Black, Real Red, Silver Glimmer Paper, Gumball Green, Crumb Cake

Ink: Whisper White craft, Chocolate Chip

Accessories: Bird Builder Punch, 1-3/8″ Circle Punch, 1-1/4″ Circle Punch,  Curly Label Punch, Small Tag Punch (retired), 5 Petal Flower Punch (retired), Versa Mark, Clear Embossing Powder, Basic Black Brads, Antique Brass Brads, White Gel Pen, Bone Folder.

Here are the pictures of the various punches used to create Darth Vader and Star Wars.

Star Wars 1

Page 1

I hope that you have the punches that I used to create Darth Vader and Yoda as some are retired (the tag punch and the 5-petal flower punch.  However, you could substitute the square punch and clip off the corners for the tag punch and the leaves on the Bird Builder punch for the 5-petal flower punch.

Don’t have the Square punch, purchase it HERE.  

Don’t have the Bird Builder punch, purchase it HERE

Star Wars

Page 2

 

Star Wars

Page 3

 

These pages were created with My Digital Studio.  MDS is just not for scrapbooking and creating cards.  There are so many other projects that you can create, from recipe books to journals, to planners. 

You can download a 30 Day Free trial version of MDS and going through my online store will also get you 10 FREE lessons plus a bonus lesson to get you started.  Click HERE to find out more information and within 24 hours of downloading the free version, I will send you the link to the first lesson.

 Happy Stamping

Clean and Simple Cards

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Clean and Simple Cards Are Beautiful

Clean and simple cards, aka CAS, can  be beautiful.  Sometimes we get bogged down in making sure that we have lots of layers, embellishments, embossing, etc.  However, a card using a simple stamp set, using lots of white space and a limited amount of embellishments can be so elegant.

This card, which uses the Simply Sketched stamp set, is beautiful in it’s simplicity.  The stamp set lends itself to clean and simple cards.  Your cards will be beautiful and can be done in about 10 – 15 minutes.

It is also a versatile stamp set featuring a flower, leaves and bird with 3 different sentiments, so you can mix and match to your hearts content.

I held a workshop this week and this is the card I demonstrated with lots of ooos and awwws when it was finished.

Clean and Simple Cards

Stamps: Simply Sketched (c-19672, w-129669 p205 2013/14 Annual Catalogue – Hostess Set)

Paper: Whisper White, Soft Sky, Quatrefancy DSP

Ink: Tangerine Tango

Accessories: Delicate Details Lace Tape, Markers: Tangerine Tango, Pistachio Pudding, Big Shot: Needle Point Border Embossing Folder, Framed Tulips Embossing Folder

The flower stamp was coloured with the markers and the sentiment was stamped using Tangerine Tango ink.

Simply Sketched

# w 129669 #c – 129672

The only way that you can get this stamp is by hosting a workshop or a class and if you have a minimum $200 in sales (Before shipping and taxes), you are able to purchase this beautiful stamp with your hostess dollars.

Are you interested?  Send me an EMAIL to get the party started.  You can hold a virtual workshop and have your friends over and I will be on one end of your computer – yes over the internet or one that takes place with me there.

Of course, this is not the only hostess stamp available so even if you do not choose this one, there are several others that are certain to capture your interest.

Happy Stamping

Post Cards are Great Reminders

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Post Cards Remind Us

Post Cards are great ways to remind us of our vacations, memorable spots or even a quick way to send a note.  They are quick and easy to compose a “thinking of you while I’m here” and having the picture on the front of the post card with spectacular scenery, may have the receiver of the post card green with envy.

However, post cards can be sent to yourself if you are on some exotic vacation and you will have the stamps to add to your memorabilia stack.  How about adding them to your scrap book.

I like to use post cards in my scrap books, actually I call them my memory books, and the pictures are usually much better than what I can take even with all the fancy photo editing software.

So, when I was going through the new catalogue, I spied the Post Card stamp and then I spied the Postage Collection (hostess stamp set) and I thought, wow, couldn’t this be fun.  So I went past the thinking and purchased the Post Card stamp and created this card.

Post Cards

Stamps: Postage Due (c-126397, w-132064 p103 2013/14 Annual Catalogue), Post Card (c-130369, w-130366 p102 2013/14 Annual Catalogue), Postage Collection (c-129240, w-129237 Hostess p204 2013/14 Annual Catalogue), Best of Flowers (133342 – Online Only see below)

Paper: Naturals White, Smokey Slate, Crisp Cantaloupe, 2013-2014 In Colors DSP Stack

Ink: Crisp Cantaloupe, Pear Pizzazz

Accessories: Versa Mark, Stamp-a-ma jig, Subtle Candy Dots, Pear Pizzazz Seam Binding Ribbon (retired), Hole Punch, 1/2″ Circle Punch

The Smokey Slate panel is stamped using the large background stamp from Postage Due and Versa Mark to create a subtle background.

The Post Card is stamped onto Naturals White using Pear Pizzazz ink.  The cross-hatch effect came from pushing on the stamp too hard, and I left it because I liked it.  One of those oopses that turned into creativity. 

I took several stamps from the Postage Collection and inked them with Smokey Slate and stamped a collage.  The Happy Birthday stamp is inked with Crisp Cantaloupe and positioned using the Stamp-a-ma jig.

The daisies are from the Best of Flowers stamp set.  The stamp was inked with Crisp Cantaloupe and stamped and then moved over a smidgen and stamped again without reinking the stamp.  This gives a shadow effect.

Best Of Flowers Clear-mount Stamp Set

Best of Flowers Clear Mount Only – #133342

Order this stamp set HERE and have a look at the other Best of…. stamps. 

The Post Cart panel corners were cropped from about 1-1/2″ from the center on each side, you just have to remember to get the same distance on the side of the panel when you cut your angles.  Punch a 1/2″ circle from Crisp Cantaloupe and adhere to the center of the post cart where the angles were cut and punch a hole in the center using the hole punch.  Thread your ribbon through the hole.

Don’t forget to mount the post card on the DSP before you punch the hole for the ribbon.  Attach everything to your card base.

Can you see the new product?  Candy Dots from the subtle collection.  They are simply adorable.  You can use them on their one or attach them to the Candy Dots Brad Bases.

Subtles Candy Dots

Subtles Candy Dots #130933 – These come in all the collections except the In Colors.

Candy Dots Brad Bases

Candy Dot Brad Bases #132293

Click on the images to view the details.

Next time you are on vacation, mail yourself a post card from one of your destinations.

Happy Stamping

Gift Packages for the Gift

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Gift Packages Can be as Unique as the Gift

Gift packages can be as fun to create as it is to give the gift.  There are so many unique ways to package up a gift these days.  Although we can still use the traditional wrapping paper, stuck on bow, the trend is towards more unique and individual gift packages.

Over the past month, I have created two gift boxes using the Kraft Gift Boxes and just had a blast.  There are also some new gift packaging ideas in the new catalogue – the Tag a Bag Gift Bags and the Tag a Gift Boxes.

Here is the gift package and tag that I created for a friends birthday

Birthday Gift Packages

Birthday Gift Packaging

Stamps: Round Array (c-129090, w-129087 p 126 2013/14 Annual Catalogue, Whimsy Wheel Stamp (retired)

Paper: Crisp Cantaloupe, Whisper White, Daffodil Delight, Epic This and That DSP

Ink: Crisp Cantaloupe, Old Olive, Daffodil Delight, Smokey Slate, Whisper White Craft

Accessories: Kraft Gift Box, Versa Mark, Clear Embossing Powder, Silver Embossing Powder,  Big Shot, Secret Garden Framelits, Tasteful Trim Die, Tea Lace Doilies, Whisper White 1é8`ribbon, Simply Pressed Clay, Simply Pressed Clay Molds, Creped Filter Paper,  Epic Day This and That Washi Tape, 1-3/4″Scallop Circle Punch, 1-1/4″ Scallop Circle Punch

Other: Bubble Wrap

The flower is die cut using the Secret Garden Framelits and then using the Paper Snips, each petal is cut to the center and sponged with Crisp Cantaloupe ink.  Two flowers were cut to add fulness.

The Tea Lace Paper Doily was embossed with Silver embossing powder.  Just swipe Versa Mark all over the doily and then heat set the embossing powder.  Only 1/2 the doily was used.  A piece of the Creped Filter Paper was torn and added to the doily.

The box was stamped using the Whimsy wheel stamp and Whisper White Craft ink.  The tag uses the bubble wrap technique.  The video for this technique is part of the Cool Tool Videos HERE

How about trying out some unique gift packaging yourself.

Tag a Bag Bundle

Tag a Bag Bundle /131371

Tag a Box Bundle

Tag a Box Bundle /131372

Kraft Gift Box

 

Give the gift of packages

Happy Stamping

Happy Birthday Dude!

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Happy Birthday to the Dude

Happy Birthday Brody!.  Sometimes it hard to make a masculine card and the Photopolymer stamp set, the Designer Typeset is a great stamp set to use for a Dude.

I find myself gravitating to this set for sentiments that I don’t have in my possession.  With the alphabet letters and the numbers, you can create so many of your own sayings.  You don’t even have to use the Stamp-a-ma Jig because these stamps are clear and you can see where you are positioning the individual letters and numbers.

To go along with the letters and numbers are quite a few graphical designs that are very useful, for example, arrows, banners and you add your sentiments to these as well because you can see where you are stamping.

So, here is the Happy Birthday card.

Happy BirthdayThis card turned out be be kind of funky, or at least in my eyes it did.

 Stamps: Designer Typeset (132956, available online only), Chalk Talk (c-130634, w-130631 p.12 2013/14 Annual Catalogue

Paper: Gumball Green, Smokey Slate, Naturals White, Epic Day This and That DSP

Ink: Gumball Green, Smokey Slate

Accessories: Big Shot, Windows Frame Collection Framelits, Stripes Embossing Folder,  Epic Day This and That Washi Tape, Sponges, Sponge Daubers

The pennant banner was stamped in Gumball Green ink and then the words” Hey Dude” were stamped using the alphabet stamps from the same stamp set.  It was so easy because I could see where I was stamping and did not need to use the Stamp-a-ma-Jig.

The Chalk Talk stamp set has matching framelits which can be purchased together in a bundle and save you 15% off the individual prices.

Happy Birthday Chalk Bundle

w- 132731, c-132730 – Order now – Click on the picture to go to my ONLINE Store

There is also a new Photopolymar stamp set available.

Wanderlust Photopolymer Stamp Set

#133452 Only available on line. Click on the picture for more details

This stamp set would be great for scarp-booking a vacation or a bon voyage card for someone that is off in search of adventure.

Next time you are looking for a stamp where you can create masculine cards, this may be the one for you.

Happy Stamping

 

Creativity – What You Need To Know

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Creativity Can Be For Everyone

Creativity for some means create fear.  Why is that?  Some people think they do not have a creative bone in their body, some try and compare their work to others, some don’t know where to start, and still others think their creations need to be perfect.

Well, guess what.  These fears are myths and with a little bit of time and belief in yourself, creativity will open up a whole new world.

Creativity is an expression of who and what we are and comes in all sorts of packages. I still would like to speak to my Grade 8 instructor who would fail my art projects.  I couldn’t draw or paint to his liking and there is more to creativity than drawing or painting.  So enough with me and we will get back to you.

Sometimes the first thing that people think or say is “I am not creative”.  Well, yes you can be and it only takes a bit of your time and ingenuity to create something beautiful.

When I hold my classes and clubs, I also hear ” Sure doesn’t look like yours”.    My response is “it doesn’t matter that your card doesn’t look like mine, yours is unique to you and the person that you are giving it to will not know what mine looked like”. 

Another comment is “I made a mistake”.  Remember, there are  2 sides to every piece of paper, embellishments can help to cover up those mistakes and sometimes you can just add something to make it look like the mistake is supposed to be there. 

Perfection is a real myth.  I am not sure who invented that word, but trying to be perfect will not get us anywhere.  Life is all about imperfections.

So now, on to my card, which by the way is not perfect.  It has a mistake on it and it has been camouflaged and the recipient will never know.

Creativity with Mosaic Madness

Stamps: Mosaic Madness (c-130249, w-130246, p.123 2013/14 Annual Catalogue), Delightful Dozen (c-122652, w-128547 p.27 2013-14 Annual Catalogue)

Papers: Coastal Cabana, Calypso Coral, Whisper White, So Saffron, Quatrefancy DSP

Ink: Calypso Coral, Coastal Cabana, So Saffron

Accessories: Big Shot, Adorning Accents Edgelits, Large Scallop Edgelits,Modern Mosaic Embossing Folder,  Versa Mark, Whisper White Embossing Powder, Mosaic Punch, Stamp-a-ma Jig, Calypso Coral Bakers Twine, Sponges, Sponge Daubers

Can you spot the mistake?  It’s hidden below the banner and the person receiving this card, will never know it there.

So, get creative, book a workshop and just go for it.  You are unique.

To book a workshop, contact me by EMAIL.

Happy Stamping

Kick Up Your Heels for Fathers Day

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Fathers Day – A Tribute to Dads Everywhere

Fathers Day is a great day to pay tribute to our Dads, because after all, they are a big a reason why we are here.

So why not honour Dad with a special card.  Here is one that I have done to give to my Dad.  I am so fortunate to still have him kicking and screaming..”I’m not dead yet”!

So I thought this stamp set would be very appropriate for a Fathers Day card.

 Fathers Day

Stamps: Bootiful Occasions (c-126597, w-131967, p 24 2013/14 Annual Catalogue), Splatter Stamp (April My Paper Pumpkin), It’s Your Day (retired)

Paper: Ivory Naturals, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, Howlstooth DSP

Ink: Early Espresso, Soft Suede, Crumb Cake

Accessories: Vintage Brads, Linen Thread, Versa Mark, Early Espresso Embossing Powder, Sponges/Sponge Daubers, 1-1/4″ Square Punch (retired), Big Shot, Stars #2 Die (retired), Woodgrain Embossing Folder

I had so much fun creating this card…my imagination just flew.  The lasso is made using Linen Thread and wrapped about 3 xs to form a circle and tied together with a small piece of Linen Thread.  I wanted the ends of the lasso to show. 

The lasso was attached to the star using a vintage brad.  All the stars are sponged using Soft Suede and Crumb Cake.

The boots are stamped 2xs using Versa Mark and embossed with Early Espresso Embossing powder and sponged using Soft Suede and Crumb Cake.  The boots were fussy cut using Paper Snips.  These scissors are so great for getting into tight spots when you are cutting out stamped images.

Fathers Day Paper Snips

Item #103579 If you are looking for a pair of scissors these are the ones to have.

The sentiment comes attached to the stamp.  However to make the stamp more versatile, I will trim the sentiment from the main stamp and attached separately.  This gives you more “bang for your buck”

Bubble Wrap For A Technique

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Bubble Wrap?

Bubble wrap, yes, your ordinary bubble wrap that is used for wrapping and storing breakable items can be used to create a fabulous effect on a card.

This is a technique that was demonstrated while I was at an upline meeting.  Yes, it was great to spend time just stamping and visiting. 

This technique can be used on so many different types of cards or tags.  I do have a tag that I have done using this technique and I will post it later.

I have done a video that shows you how to do the technique and it is much easier than explaining it in the post.

But first here is the card.Bubble Wrap Technique

 

Stamps: By The Tide (c – 129120, w-1131910 p 77 2013/14 Annual Catalogue,

Paper: Sahara Sand, Midnight Muse, Whisper White

Ink: Crisp Cantaloupe, Midnight Muse, Soft Sky, Marina Mist, Crumb Cake

Accessories: Linen Thread, Versamark, Clear Embossing Powder

Other: Piece of Bubble Wrap

 

This video also is part of the COOL TOOL TIPS that you can view HERE

Yes, the 2013-2014 Stampin’Up Catalogue will be live at 12:01 am MST and you can view it HERE. 

However, ordering products will not be available until 12:01 pm MST as Stampin’ Up! will need to change and update the Online Store with the new products and remove the retired products. 

You can order at 12:01 MST HERE

If are ordering, please be patient as I am sure that the website will be busy.  You can also email me your order HERE

Give this technique a try and just have fun with it.

Happy Stamping

Karen

Annual Catalogue for 2013-2014 Is Coming

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The Annual Catalogue is Getting Closer

The unveiling of the Annual Catalogue for 2013-2014 is coming May 31st.   Do you have a catalogue?

Drum roll please.

2013-2014 Annual Catalogue

The Stampin’ Up! 2013-2014 Annual Catalogue will be released on May 31st, a whole day earlier than usual.  Stampin’ Up! support will be available all day on Friday if you have any questions regarding the new catalogue.  Of course, I am here too, all you have to do is email me HERE.

2013-2014 Annual Catalogue

This card uses some of the new product available in the catalogue and you are going to love them.  Four new In Colors make their debut and will be around until 2015.  As well, the 2012-2014 In Colors will still be available.  Some of the 2011-2013 In Colors have made their way into the core colors, such as Calypso Coral, Island Indigo, Wisteria Wonder and Pool Party.  These are colors that we have come to love, and I for one am so pleased to see them make it to the new catalogue.  Returning In Colors such as Blushing Bride, Bermuda Bay and Sky Blue are there as well.

There are oodles of new stamps, new Designer Paper, embellishments and tools that you will soon come to love as well.  However, we must say good-bye to some products and if there are some that you love and are on the retired list, they will be gone on June 6th.  So if you have fallen in love with a product and don’t have it, check out the retired list here and order from my online store.

Here are the supplies and products used in this card – can you tell which ones?

Stamps: From My Heart, (c – 126557, w-126555 p 99 2013/14 Annual Catalogue)

Paper: Burnt Brown Sugar, Calypso Coral, Pistachio Pudding, Watercolor Paper, Gingham Garden DSP

Ink: Brunt Brown Sugar, Calypso Coral

Accessories: Big Shot, Secret Garden Framelits Paper Epic Day This and That Designer Washi Tape (new), White Gel Pen, Sponge Daubers, Versamark, Silver Embossing Powder, Simply Pressed Clay (new),  Buttons & Blossoms Simply Pressed Clay Molds (new), Calypso Coral Marker, Rhinestone Jewels, Paper Piercing Tool, Stampin’ Pierce Mat, Essentials Paper-Piercing Pack, Tea Lace Paper Doilies, Creped Filter Paper

Some techniques I used on this card are:

  • Embossed Tea Lace Paper Doilies – cover the doily with versamark and then sprinkle with Silver Embossing Powder and heat – so easy. 
  • The flower is formed using the Simply Pressed Clay and the Button & Blossoms Simply Pressed Clay Molds.  Once the the flower is dry, the middle was colored with a Calypso Coral marker. 
  • Finally the faux stitching is accomplished by using the Paper Piercing Tool and punching holes around the card and then joining the holes with the White Gel Pen.  So easy and you don’t have to get out your sewing machine.  The splotches are done using the Aqua Painter and dabbing Burnt Sugar Reinker on the Watercolor Paper.

Give any or all of these techniques a try out.  You will find them to be fun.  I hope you have enjoyed another Sneak Peek from the 2013-2014 Annual Catalogue.

A Whale of a Birthday

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A Birthday Whale for Maya

Whale, pink it is.   

What could be more fitting than a pink whale and purple umbrellas for Maya.  We all know how much little girls enjoy pink and purple.  I think that it is a given.  Maybe that’s why we ladies of a certain age can’t get enough purple in our wardrobe.

Before I continue though, I would like to boast a bit.  I wrote an article for Ezine titled, “Where do I start to design a hand-crafted card?” and it has now been published.  You can check out HERE

Now, back to the birthday whale. 

This card uses 2 stamp sets from the Spring Catalogue which will expire on May 31st.  So if there is something that you really want, hop on over to my ON-LINE STORE to order or send me an EMAIL.  I will be placing an order at the end of the month. 

Birthday Whale

Stamps: Rain or Shine (c – 126777, w- 126775, p30 2013 Spring Catalogue), Oh, Whale! (c – 129132, w- 129129, p29 2013 Spring Catalogue), Family Reunion (c – 122712, w- 122710, p138 2012/13 Annual Catalogue)

Paper: Whisper White, Marina Mist, Primrose Petals, Sunshine and Sprinkles DSP, Subtle DSP Stack

Ink: Marina Mist, Perfect Plum, Primrose Petals

Accessories: Big Shot, Happy Whale Clearlits Die, Tasteful Trim Bigz XL Die, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Pearl Jewels

The umbrellas from the Rain or Shine stamp set were stamped with Perfect Plum on Perfect Plum DSP from the Subtles Designer Series Pack and then fussy cut with the Paper Snips.  Both the umbrella handles and the water spouts ( ok one is an alphabet spout) were aligned to the whale with the Stamp-a-ma-jig. The Stamp-a-ma-jig is a handy tool for two-step stamping and can be used for both the clear mount and the wood mount stamps.

So that’s it for today, Happy 4th Birthday Maya.

Happy Stamping

3 Reasons Why I Love My Stamping Business

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3 Top Reasons to Love My Stamping Business

My stamping business means a lot to me and I would like to share 3 reasons with you as to why that is so.

However, before I do that, I would like to send out my thoughts to the people in Moore Oklahoma who are suffering due to the tornado that ripped through their town yesterday.  How devastating for those who lost every thing including their loved ones, houses, businesses and supporting facilities.  I have no idea what they are going through and what they must be feeling.

You can help with the situation by going to the Red Cross website and donating.  Canadian donors, US donors

Stamping Business

 

Ok, I will now give you my reasons.

  1. People and Relationships  I love to be around people and share my knowledge and coach them through different things.  I was never afraid to share my knowledge and keep it close to me.  I have met so many wonderful people along this journey.  My customers, my email subscribers, my up-line, my downline and my sideline.  With all of that there are still the people that read my blog, like my Facebook Page and follow me on twitter, and of course there are the various Stampin’ Up! events that I attend and I have met wonderful people there are well. It is the relationship building that is so important to me.
  2. Creativity  I have had many opportunities over the years to be creative and enjoyed those opportunities so much.  When I started stamping, I just knew that I had found a passion, so why not turn it into a business.  Thinking about something does not get you to where you want to be, you must take action, so I jumped in with both feet.  Stampin’ Up! is a premier company in the crafting world and I am so proud to be a part of it.  There is the training that they provide to get you one your way to establishing a successful business. They help you and in turn you help them with the sales and recruits.  The perks are many – advance notice of new products, sneak peeks from new catalogues that allow you to order and work with the products before they are released to the public, contests where you can win FREE merchandise (stamps and other products), bonuses such as FREE trips like the one that was just completed to Fiji.  Yes, you do have to work for these but in the end it is rewards that you have earned.
  3. Conduct my Stampin’ Up! business my way.  My last reason for loving my Stampin’ Up business is the freedom to conduct my business the way I want.  I am the CEO and Founder of Simply Said with Karen and I do conduct my business the way I want.  For example, I can work from home in my PJs if I want; there’s the ability to conduct workshops, classes, private parties, online clubs, online classes stamp-a-stacks and special events.  

Of course as with any business, there is work if you want to succeed.  However, it is about pushing your boundaries and challenging yourself to go beyond those boundaries.  Some days I may not feel like stretching those boundaries and I don’t have to because it’s up to me whether or not I do less on one day and more on the next day.  It’s called FREEDOM!

So if you are interested in the freedom of owning your own stamping business, I would love to talk to you about Stampin’ Up! and give you information on becoming a demonstrator.  All you have to do is EMAIL me and I will call and talk to you.  You can also go to my Online Website to find out more particulars. 

There is FUN to be had.

Happy Stamping

Amazing Birthday Celebration

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Hope You Had an Amazing Birthday

A birthday is amazing and needs to be celebrated.  I always feel that the alternative is not that great.  I know some don’t like to celebrate their birthdays but after all it is your day and does it matter how old you are?  I don’t think so. It is quite funny how people react to their ages.

A child will tell you exactly how old they are, a teenager will attempt to find fake ID depending on what they want to do, a young adult doesn’t like to tell, a middle aged person will try anything to make you think they are younger than they are and then the older person depending on how close they are to 90 will tell you an age that makes them older than they really are.  There is something about living beyond 90 that gives reason to celebrate.

We continually go through life making sure that people really don’t know how old we are.  Of course this is not based on a science but what I have seen and hear over the years.  And, I’m sticking to it.

So now, on with the Amazing Birthday.  Can you guess which stamp set I used?

Amazing Birthday

Stamps: You’re Amazing (c-126722, w-132103, p. 33 -2012/13 Annual Catalogue)

Paper: Naturals White, Whisper White, Soft Suede, Bermuda Bay

Ink: Bermuda Bay, Soft Suede, Crushed Curry, Real Red

Accessories: Big Shot, Argyle Embossing Folder, Early Espresso Bakers Twine

Can you see which are the new colours?

This stamp set can create a real quick birthday and it can be used for a man card as well.  Sometimes its really difficult to do man cards, however, this one works.

 You're Amazing Clear-Mount Stamp Set

You can shop for this stamp set HERE.

So if you are in need of a man card, this stamp set will do it for you. 

Happy Stamping!

Karen

 

Retirement Can Be the Best

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What Are Your Retirement Plans?

Retirement can be the best time of your life.  Notice that I said can be.  Retirement is what we make of it and whether or not it has been a decision that we made freely or forced upon us.

Retirement is a new phase in your life and it takes planning just as we would plan other events in our lives.  One of my friends from work decided to retire. Her husband has been retired for 2 years now and that makes getting out of bed and going to work really tough.

I was very pleased to have been asked to make Gayle’s card so that her co-workers could send her off in style.  So, I drew on what I knew her to like and that is golf.  Gayle and I took golfing lessons together and she stuck with it and guess what…I didn’t.  Oh well!

This is an oversized 8-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ card because there needed to be lots of space for good wishes, so I also created the envelope using the Simply Scored scoring tool  and the Simply Scored diagonal plate.  Do you have the Simply Scored scoring tool?  I find myself using this handy tool every time I sit down to craft.

Here is the card that I had so much fun creating.

 

Retirement Card

Front

Retirement Card

Inside

 

Paper: Whisper White, Old Olive, Crumb Cake, Melon Mambo, Night of Navy, Basic Grey, Basic Black, Chocolate Chip, Riding Hood Red, Sunshine and Sprinkles DSP

Ink: Marina Mist, Baja Breeze, Old Olive, Always Artichoke, Chocolate Chip, Crumb Cake

Accessories: My Digital Studio, Cricut Everyday Dolls, 1/2” Circle Punch, 3/4” Circle Punch, Hung Up Cute Clips,

This card uses a combination of My Digital Studio for the text on the front and the inside of the card.  The bubble on the side used the My Way Bubble outline with a border and the drop shadow.  The “Fore” text was added and a free-form line created and the text added to the line. This page was then printed from my home computer so the elements could be placed.

The elements such as the golf card, golf bag, etc were created using the Cricut Everyday Paper Dolls cartridge.  The sky and the grass were created using the sponging technique.

Creating with My Digital Studio can be so much fun.  As you can see here, projects can be printed out at home or you can send them away to have them printed by Stampin’ Up!.

Currently, MDS digital content as well as the printing is 30% off until May 31st.  You can see the various content on special by going HERE.

Now, if you have never tried MDS, you can download a 30 Day Free Trial Version HERE and I will send you 10 Free Lessons plus a bonus lesson to get you started.  Check out the Free Lesson Information HERE

Now, if you have MDS, and have avoided using it, I am offering the 10 lessons plus the bonus lesson for $29.95.  Check that out HERE

Mother’s Day Flowers

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Mother’s Day wouldn’t be Mother’s Day without Flowers

Mother’s Day is probably the busiest day of the year for Flower Shops, with the exception of Valentine’s Day. 

I know that my Mother enjoys getting flowers on any occasion or a just because occasion.  So along with the cards I created, I also created 3 vases of flowers; one for my Mom, one for my DD and one for my DIL.  I know that these will last much longer than the fresh ones.

 

 Mother's Day Flowers

I used a number of the new colours in these flowers and the vases.  Can you guess which ones?

Ok, I used Bermuda Bay, Burnt Brown Sugar, Pistachio Pudding, Strawberry Slush, along with a retiring colour, Baja Breeze and the Designer Series Papers Stack.

The vases are recycled and I used a mixture of white acrylic paint and reinker to give them their colour. Once you have mixed the paint colour to the shade that appeals to you, pour the paint mixture into the vases and swirl and roll to cover the inside of the vase. I found that the acrylic paint should be too thick or it takes quite a bit of time to cover the inside of the vases. 

After the paint adheres to the inside of the vase, turn it upside down to have the excess paint drain out.  Turn the vase right side up and you can let it dry or put it in the oven and set the temperature at 350 degrees and bake for 10 minutes.  Turn the oven off and leave the vase cool down in the oven.  Remove the vase when the oven is cold.  If you remove the vase to soon, it may crack.

Decorate the outside of the vase as you wish.

These flowers and vases would be great to give to anyone at anytime or maybe even give one to yourself.

Don’t forget that time is running out for the retired stamps and the accessories.  You have until June 3rd to take advantage of the stamps and accessories.  Accessories are available until they are sold out, so if there is something you just have to have, visit HERE

Happy Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day with A Sneak Peek

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Mother’s Day is just around the corner.

Mother’s Day is this coming Sunday, May 12th and it’s a day to celebrate our Mothers and it is also a day to celebrate those that nurture us.  We all do not have Mothers but maybe we have daughters, daughter in laws, sisters, nieces, grandmothers or maybe it’s even the one next door that check up on us to make sure that we are doing ok.

Mother’s Day has been celebrated for centuries throughout the globe, however, the first modern celebrations for Mothers was started in 1908, with formal recognition of the day taking place in 1914.  In the beginning, the celebration was to recognize the Mother of the family and not others.  Hence the spelling of Mother’s Day as opposed to the plural, Mothers’ Day.  However, over the years, the celebration of Mother has expanded to include many.

Gifts for Mother’s Day have centered around flowers especially in North America.  Here in Canada, Mother’s Day flowers are abound as many people start planting their gardens for a summer with colour.

Along with the Mother’s Day card I have to share with you, this card also uses some new products from the Stampin’ Up! 2013/14 Annual catalogue that will be available to start order from on May 31st.  

Mother's Day Sneak PeekThis card uses the new background stamp, Wildflower Meadows which also has a matching embossing folder.  The embossing folder can be purchased separately.

The flowers and leaves on the stamp were colored using Stampin’ Up! markers, and while it took a bit of time, I am happy with the way the images turned out.

Stamps: Wildflowers Meadow, (c – 129168, w-129165 2013/14 Annual Catalogue), Celebrations (Retired Hostess)

Paper: Whisper White, Burnt Brown Sugar, Gingham Garden DSP

Ink: Rose Red

Accessories: Big Shot, Wildflower Meadow Embossing Folder, Markers: Rose Red, Pear Pizzazz, Rose Red Seam Binding Ribbon, Pearl Jewels, Vanilla Flower Trim

I used a couple of other new products, the Burnt Brown Sugar card stock the the Gingham Gard DSP which is so bright and cheery.

When giving a handcrafted card, sometimes we don’t put a verse on the inside.  However, some find it difficult to find the words to convey the meaning, so a good source for wonderful verses is the internet.  I copy and paste on a piece of card stock and then insert into the inside of the card with adhesive.

This is a verse that I found on the website Verse 4 Cards that permits you to download verses for free. 

For all the times you gently picked me up,
When I fell down,
For all the times you tied my shoes
And tucked me into bed,
Or needed something
But put me first instead.

For everything we shared,
The dreams, the laughter,
And the tears,
I love you with a “Special Love”
That deepens every year.

Happy Mother’s Day

Here is the link to the website: http://www.verses4cards.co.uk/mothers-day-poems.html

Happy Mother’s Day and Happy Stamping.