How You Can Benefit from the Simply Said Monthly Newsletter?

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

The Simply Said Monthly Newsletter is a benefit to all that receive it.  With that being said, what are the benefits?

  • Exclusive content that you won’t receive from any other newsletter

  • Suggested Greeting Cards for you to recreate with all supplies required and the instructions to put them together.

  • Stuck for Scrapbook layouts? – you will find layouts as well

  • Tips on tools to make your paper crafting easier – Find out how to use those tools to your best advantage

  • Techniques that will make your projects WOW

  • Questions and Answers from my customers

  • First notification of new Simply Said i Classes

  • Notification of all events – Stamp-a-Stacks, Big Shot Classes, Open Houses

  • Information on what’s up at Stampin’ Up!

 

Who receives the Simply Said Newsletter?

Only Subscribers to my email list!

So, how do I get to be on the Simply Said email list

Easy peesy – On the to right hand side of my blog, there is a sign up box.  Sign up with your Name and Email address and your on the list

A pop-up sign up box may also appear for you. “Pop” your name and email address in the box and you are signed up for the newsletter

Once you have signed up, you will get a message asking your permission to send you emails.  Activate you subscription and immediately you will receive a FREE gift from me.

Of course, once you are on the list, you may receive other emails from me to keep you up to date with Simply Said With Karen

Act now and you will be on the list to receive the next Simply Said newsletter!

You can also sign up through my Facebook Page – www.facebook.com/simplysaidwithkaren

Happy Stamping

Karen

Valentine Cards For My Grandsons

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

My previous post found here, talked about how I spent the day making Valentine cards for my grandchildren while celebrating British Columbia’s first ever Family Day holiday.

First it was the Girly Girl valentine for my granddaughter and now it’s my grandsons’ turn.

How hard can it be to make a Valentine card for your grandsons?  Well, the depends on how old they are.  At 5, its easy.  At 9 not so easy….all that mosh Nan, YUK!

So his card was not filled with a lot of mosh.  I tried to hip it up by using black, white and red and of course, I thought the Soda Pop Tops would help.  Who knows, if it will fly.

Valentine Card

Stamps: Hearts a Flutter ( c – 129252, w- 129249, p11 2013 Spring Catalogue), Ciao, Baby  ( c – 129648, w- 129645 p16 2013 Spring Catalogue), Itty Bitties (w-128939 p.25, 2013 Spring Catalogue,

Paper: Whisper White, Real Red, Basic Black

Ink: Whisper White Craft Ink, Real Red

Accessories: Big Shot, Hearts A Flutter Framelits, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Argyle Embossing Folder, Versa Mark, White Embossing Powder, Real Red 1/4” Ribbon, Soda Pop Tops.

Have you tried the new Soda Pop Tops?  They are fun embellishments to add to a card, scrapbook page or a 3-D project.  There are 2 different sizes and the Collage Curios stamp set and the  Itty Bitties stamp set are great for the Soda Pop Tops.

Soda Pop Tops

There are 16 tops in total – 8 of 2 different sizes.  At $4.95, they’re a deal.

You can see my youngest grandson’s valentine by going to this link:  https://simplysaidwithkaren.com/whale-you-be-mine-valentine/

He’s still young enough to like some of the mosh!

Happy Stamping!

Family Day Holiday Valentines Card

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Today, British Columbia citizens celebrated the first ever Family Day!.  It’s a day for families to spend together and it’s the only holiday now between Christmas/New Years and Easter. 

Previous to the Family Day being declared a Provincial Holiday , it was always a very long stretch to Easter.  With winter being dreary, cold and the short days of sunlight, there is a reprieve.

However, there are still those who will not be able to take the holiday today to spend with family and those are the ones who provide services like the police, fireman, health care workers.  Hopefully they will receive an extra day at sometime to take that time with there families.

Of course many families are spread out and can’t spend the time together.  I hope that they have reached out to others to perhaps make their day a little bit better.

So, what did I do?  I spent the time making Valentine Cards for my Grandchildren.  The first one I would like to share is the one for my Granddaughter, the girly girl.!  Of course nothing says Girly Girl like pink.  So, I took some artistic liberty and made Henry a pink polka dotted elephant.  I hope he doesn’t mind.

Henry Valentine

Stamps: Henry Says ( c – 128093, w- 128090, p15 2013 Spring Catalogue

Paper: Real Red, Subtle Stack DSP

Ink: Basic Grey, Real Red

Accessories: Artisan Kit, Whisper White Ribbon, Scallop Oval Punch

This card came together quickly because of the Artisan Kit.  Everything was in one place so I didn’t have to go hunting for the doilies, the resin heart or the tickets.  How divine. 

The only thing that took a bit of time was fussy cutting Henry.  That was the least I could do for him when I turned him into a Girly Girl.

 

Artisan Kit

Artisan Kit

This kit is only $11.95 and is worth every penny..

See you next time with my Grandson’s Valentine’s Card

Happy Stamping!

Chalkboard Valentine , Week 3 of Sale-a-Bration, and an Inventor

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

It’s a Chalkboard Valentine for Week 3 of Sale-a-Bration.  If it hadn’t been for Thomas Edison, I wouldn’t have been able to do this card.  It’s Edison’s birthday today and I know I couldn’t live without his inventions…the main one we remember is the invention of the light bulb that shed a whole lot of light on the subject (no pun intended).

Why couldn’t I do this Chalkboard Valentine without Edison?  The biggest reason is that I wouldn’t have been able to see what I was doing.  We are grateful for all Edison’s inventions right down to the heat gun that I used to melt the embossing powder.  Edison didn’t invent the heat gun, but he was the Father of All Inventions.

Chalkboard Valentine

 

Hearts a Flutter Clear Mount

Stamps: Hearts a Flutter ( c – 129252, w- 129249, p11 2013 Spring Catalogue), Vintage Verses (2013 SAB), Ciao, Baby  ( c – 129648, w- 129645 p16 2013 Spring Catalogue), Itty Bitties (w-128939 p.25, 2013 Spring Catalogue)

Paper: Whisper White, Real Red, Basic Black

Ink: Whisper White Craft Ink

Accessories: Versa Mark, White Embossing Powder, Real Red 1/4” Ribbon, Rhinestone Jewels, White Gel Pen

When doing this technique, it is the best to stamp and emboss one image at a time.

Directions:

  1. Cut Whisper White card stock 5-1/2″ X 11″.  Score at 4-1/2″ and fold.
  2. Cut Real Red card stock 4″ x 5-1/4″
  3. Cut Basic Black card stock 3-3/4″ x 5″
  4. Before stamping, wipe the Basic Black card stock with an Embossing Buddy (a used dryer sheet can be substituted).  The Embossing Buddy will help to eliminate the static cling on your card stock so that you won’t get those little flicks of embossing powder showing up on your card.
  5. Using the large heart stamp and a couple of the littler ones,, sayings from the Ciao, Baby and the Vintage Verses randomly stamp on the Basic Black card stock using Versa Mark…this type of stamping will form a collage.
  6. Emboss the images using a heat gun and White Embossing Powder.
  7. Tie a knot in the Real Red ribbon and trim the ends.  Attach to large hear using glue dots.
  8. Attach 3 large rhinestones to the large heart.
  9. Using the White Gel Pen, outline the images…doesn’t have to perfect or straight.
  10. The final step is to make the basic black card stock look like a blackboard by taking a Sponge Dauber and Whisper White Craft Ink and sponge randomly on the card front.
  11. Attach all panels to Whisper White card base.

Have fun with this…it doesn’t have to be perfect and neat.

There, you have it, a perfect Valentine’s card for that special someone.

Happy Stamping

Karen

Your Get Out of Jail Free Card

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

I am sure that you have heard the phrase “Get Out of Jail Free Card” .  The Monopoly Board Game is celebrating an anniversary tomorrow.  The game was available for purchase in 1935 and through the years it has seen various variations and it has spanned many generations.

My “Get Our of Jail Free” card is heading to my craft room and getting lost in the stamps and inks and yes, ending up with some of that ink on my fingers.

Today, I tried out a new technique using the Fancy Fan Embossing folder.  Instead of using it the way that it was intended, I used it as a background stamp.  Just another way to use those tools your have.

Here is the card I created using my “Get Out of Jail Free Card”

Birthday Card

It may be difficult to see, the background stamp technique but it’s there on the top of the card.  The video is available at the bottom of this post

I also dyed the vanilla Flower Trim using a combination of rubbing alcohol and So Saffron ink (reinker), mixed it up in a spritzer and sprayed on the roses.  They dry really fast because of the rubbing alcohol.  

Stamps: Tea Shoppe (c – 125547, w- 125545, p57 2012/2013 Annual Catalogue), Apothecary Art ( c – 125527, w- 125525, p102 2012/2013 Annual Catalogue)

Paper: Whisper White, Naturals White, Sahara Sand, Sycamore Street DSP

Ink: Island Indigo, Pool Party, So Saffron

Accessories: Big Shot, Fancy Fan Embossing Folder, Versa Mark, Pool Party Embossing Powder, Sycamore Street Ribbon, Delicate Details Lace Tape, Tea Lace Paper Doilies, Vanilla Flower Trim

Here’s the video, give is a watch and try the technique

I hope that you enjoyed this technique.  Why don’t you use your “Get our of Jail Free Card”

Happy Stamping

Whale You Be Mine Valentine

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

The Oh, Whale stamp set in the 2113 spring catalogue is so cute and fun for a Valentine card.  You can use this stamp set for the young and the young at heart….  and the matching Sunshine & Sprinkles DSP goes along with the whimsical nature of this stamp set.

Oh, Whale

Stamps: Oh Whale (c – 129132, w- 129129, p29 2013 Spring Catalogue), Hearts A Flutter ( c – 129252, w- 129249, p11 2013 Spring Catalogue)

Paper: Whisper White, Marina Mist, Sunshine and Sprinkles DSP

Ink: Pacific Point, Basic Grey, Real Red, Whisper White Craft

Accessories: Big Shot, Hearts A Flutter Framelits, Cloudy Day Embossing Folder, Happy Whale Clearlits Die

The Marina Mist background panel was embossed with the Cloudy Day Embossing Folder and then sponged using Whisper White Craft ink to give the clouds more effect.

Oh, Whale! Clear-Mount Stamp Set

Sunshine & Sprinkles Designer Series Paper

 

Have you made someone smile today? 

Smiling and laughing can be so good for the spirit and the soul and when a lot of us are in the dregs of winter anything that can help us with our attitudes and well-being is great.  I know that I can certainly use some laughter and smiles as we have hardly seen the sun for a couple of weeks now…and that sunlight sure does help with the attitude.

Try this, the next time you are walking down the street or standing in a line up, smile at someone…and 99% of the time you will get a smile back.  As for the other 1%,they need to lighten up!

SAB Week 2 -Get your Mojo Going with the Artisan Embellisment Kit

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Sale-a-Bration (SAB) is now at the end of Week 2.  Have you browsed your catalogues and picked out some products to order.  Now is a great time to do that as who can resist a sale?

Valentines is quickly approaching, it’s February 1st today, so there is not a lot of time to get those cards done for everyone on your Valentine’s list.

The project for today is a Valentine’s card and it features the Artisan Embellishments Kit.  This kit is packed full of embellishments – designer tags, designer ticket stubs, scalloped lace, cotton lace, oval lace, seam binding ribbon, paper flowers, resin heart resin flowers, buttons heart paper doily and a round paper doily.  And all that for $11.95 (plus shipping and handling)

Artisan Kit

Artisan Kit

What a stash!!!! Perfect for Valentines Day.  Throw in the Hearts a Flutter Bundle ($52.95 – wood mounted) and you have a beautiful set to create Valentine’s cards, Birthday cards, Anniversary card. 

Valentine Card using the Artisan Embellishment Ki

Valentine Card using the Artisan Embellishment Kit

Hearts a Flutter Clear Mount

Stamps: Hearts-a-Flutter (c- 129252, w-129249 2013 Spring Catalogue), Tiny Tags, (c- 118592, w-118091 p. 124 2012/13 Annual Catalogue

Paper: Natural White, Primrose Petals, Whisper White, Twitterpated DSP

Ink: Pretty in Pink, Primrose Petals

Accessories: Big Shot, Hearts a Flutter Framelit Dies, Artisan Embellishment Kit, Pearls, Itty Bitty Punch Set, Stampin Sanding Block, Primrose Petals Core’dinations Card Stock, Whisper White Bakers Twine, Versamark, Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Gun, Glue Dots, Tiny Tags Punch, Dimensionals, Sponge Dauber, Sticky Strip, Multipurpose Liquid Glue

Instructions:

  1. Cut Naturals White card stock 4-1/4″ x 11″ and score at 5-1/2″ and fold along score line
  2. Cut a piece of Primrose Petals core’dinations card stock – 3-3/4″ x 5″.  Distress the edges and the surface of the card stock using the Stampin’ Sanding System.  (Distressing adds to the vintage look)
  3. Cut a piece of Twitterpated DSP – 3-1/2″ x 4-3/4″
  4. Take one of the Die cuts from the Artisan kit – Use the white side
  5. Stamp the scalloped heart from the Hears-a-Flutter stamp set using Primrose Petals ink.  Stamp on an angle.
  6. Stamp 3 smaller hearts – 2 with Pretty in Pink ink and 1 with Primrose Petals ink on Whisper White card stock
  7. Using the Big Shot and the Hearts-a-Flutter Die Cuts, cut the 3 small hearts
  8. Using a piece of Primrose Petals and a small heart from the Hearts-a-Flutter stamp set, stamp with Versamark.
  9. Emboss with Clear Embossing Powder and heat set with Heat Gun.
  10. Attach this heart to inside of larger stamped scallop heart.
  11. At a slight angle,attach the Artisan Die cut to the Twitterpated DSP.
  12. Cut a piece of the large Oval lace – 4-3⁄4” and cut in half lengthwise.  Attach to the Twitterpated panel.  Secure on the back of the panel with Sticky Tape.
  13. Cut a piece of the Seam Binding ribbon – 4-3⁄4”and attach to the Twitterpated panel, covering the cut edge of the large Oval lace.  Secure on the back of the panel with Sticky Tape.
  14. Using Primrose ink and Whisper White card stock, stamp the “Love`image from the Tiny Tags stamp set.  Punch out with Tiny Tags Punch.  Using Paper Piece, poke a hole in the top and string a piece of Whisper White Bakers Twine through the hole and wrap around the Seam Binding ribbon.
  15. Cut a piece of the Seam Binding ribbon and tie in a bow around the Whisper White Bakers Twine.
  16. Attach the small hearts from step 7, attach using dimensionals to the top of the Seam Binding ribbon and the large Oval lace.
  17. Punch out 3 flowers using the flower punch from the Itty Bitty punch set.
  18. Using Paper Snips, trim off 2 petals to form a heart.  Attach the 3 hearts to the side of the Artisan White Die Cut
  19. Attach the panel to the Primrose Core`dination panel using adhesive and then attach to card base.
  20. Attach Pearl jewels to the Twitterpated DSP hearts formed by the Artisan Die  Cut.

You now have a beautiful Vintage Valentine to give away to your favourite Valentine.

AND

when you purchase these items will entite you to  a FREE Sale-a-Bration item.  Whooo Yooo!

 What are you waiting for – Order through MY ONLINE STORE

Boutique Boxes Designer Kits

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Kits can be a wonderful source of inspiration and the Boutique Boxes Designer Kits introduced in the Stampin’ Up! Spring catalogue do just that.

This kit comes will 8 die cut printed boxes, note card, buttons, die cut printed paper embellishment sheet, baker’s twine and dimensionals.  The only things you have to supply are the inks you wish to use, any punches and adhesives.

There are so many ways that this kit can be used.  Not only can you make the boxes and decorate them, you can use the kit for scrapbooking, cards, home decor, gifts and a whole lot more…imagination will get you some really interesting designs.

Boutique Boxes Kits

Check out this video to find out more about the Boutique Boxes Designer Kits.

What are your suggestions for using these Boutique Boxes Designer Kits?  Leave me a comment below.

 

Sale-A-Bration – Week 1

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

With the start of the new year, Stampin’ Up! is once again doing “it up right” with Sale-a-Bration. 

In the next 9 weeks, I will show you projects created with products from the 2013 Spring Catalogue and the Sale-a-Bration catalogue.

These projects will have all the supplies listed as well as the instructions for completing them.

Make sure you SUBSCRIBE to my Blog, so you don’t miss an episode. (The “Subscribe” button is in the middle of the right sidebar, and it’s so easy, just type in your email address).

This is Stampin’ Up!’s biggest sale of the year and offers you wonderful products that you can earn for FREE!

Here it is, almost the end of January and I just know that you are hoping for spring. 

Spring breathes new life into the trees, the grass and of course those early Spring bulbs (of course you planted them last fall) begin to show their heads.

Sale-a-Bration runs from January 22, 2013 – March 22, 2013. 

For every $60 CDN that you order (not including shipping and taxes), you will earn a FREE product from the Sale-a-Bration catalogue.  FREE is FREE – no shipping and no taxes.

After Christmas, we all have the Thank You cards to send out.  Here is a Thank You card that is bright and cherry and of course uses those fresh spring colors.

Sale-a-Bration

Supplies

Stamps: Oh Hello (c- 13733, w-130730 2013 Spring Catalogue)

Paper: Natural Ivory (101849), Lucky Limeade (122926), Calypso Coral (122925), Tea for Two DSP (129311), First Edition DSP (121878)

Ink: Calypso Coral (126893), Lucky Limeade (126984), Early Espresso (126974)

Accessories: Natural 7/16” Trim Ribbon (129287), 2011-2013 In Color Brad (122940)
 
Tools: Simply Scored Scoring Tool (122334), Borders Scoring Plate (126192), Glue Dots (103683), Dimensionals (104430), Sponge Dauber (102892), Sticky Strip (104294), Multipurpose Liquid Glue (110755), Paper Snips (103579), Paper-Piercing Tool (126189), Stampin’ Pierce Mat (126199)
 
Other: Small piece of doweling
 
Instructions:
 
  1. Cut Naturals Ivory card stock – 11-1/2″ x 4-1/4″ and score at 5-1/2″
  2. Cut Lucky Limeade card stock – 4″ x 5-1/2″
  3. Using the Simply Scored Stylus, Simply Scored Scoring Tool and the Borders Scoring Plate, trace the large zig-zag along the bottom.  With the Scoring Plate still in place trace the next smaller zig-zag.  Turn the card stock over so that the raised portion of the embossing is on the front of the card.
  4. Cut the Tea for Two DSP 3-3/4″ x 4″ and attach to Lucky Limeade card stock
  5. Cut a 4-3/4″ strip of Naturals Trim Ribbon and attach over the DSP and the Lucky Limeade card stock covering the edge of the DSP
  6. Attach all to the card base
  7. Using Early Espresso and the First Edition DSP, stamp 1 flag with the stitching, do the same with a piece of the Tea for Two DSP.  Trim the two stamped images and set aside.
  8. To Make the Pin Wheel – Using the Tea for Two DSP, cut a 2″ square.  Using scissors, snip starting at each of the 4 corners to within 1/2″ of the center.
  9. Because the square is not large, attach each point of the pinwheel using glue dots. Using the Paper-Piercing too and the Stampin’ Pierce Mat, poke a hole in the center and attach brad.  When assembled attach to the doweling with the Multipurpose Glue and set aside to dry.
  10. Cut 1 piece of Calypso Coral – 2-3/4″ x 1-3/8″ and 1 piece of Naturals Ivory  – 2-1/2″ x 1-1/4″.  Using Calypso Coral ink, stamp the sentiment on the Naturals Ivory.  Sponge around the edges with Calypso Coral ink using a Sponge Dauber. Attach sentiment panel to the Calypso Coral card stock.
  11. Now you are ready to attach your elements to the front of the card.  The pinwheel and the sentiment are attached with dimensionals and the flags re attached with multipurpose glue.

Sale-a-Bration

Have fun!  See you next Saturday with another Sale-a-Bration project.

 Karen

As always, if you have any questions, please EMAIL ME

Valentines Day Verses

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Valentines Day is quickly approaching and I hope you are making those cards for your loved ones, friends and of course your customers.

Valentines Day speaks to love and caring.  I believe that the word “love” is a verb (an action word) and not necessarily a feeling.  How do you view the word “love”?  Leave me a comment and let me know.

As we make our cards, we often concentrate on the front with all the cardstock, embellishments and sayings.  When it comes to the inside, often we are remiss to add something.

I know how hard it is to come up with sayings and verses, so I am adding some of the Valentines verses that I have found along the way, and some links to verses that you can use.

Here’s some funny Valentines sayings

Love is like a Cabbage
My love is like a cabbage
Divided into two,
The leaves I give to others,
The heart I give to you.
Author Unknown

It’s Valentine’s Day –
that time of year
when we are
once again reminded
of the grand,
old difference between
men and women.
Women are better.

Happy Valentine’s Day

Daddy I Love You

© Claire Anderson
Daddy, I love you
For all that you do.I’ll kiss you and hug you
‘Cause you love me, too. You help me, but sometimes,
you need me to teach you to play. So smile ’cause I love you
On this Valentines Day!

“If love is blind, why is lingerie so popular?” – Author Unknown

Now that you have a couple of verses to add to your Valentines cards, check out the Stampin’ Up! 2013 Spring Catalogue for the Hearts – a Flutter stamp set and matching Framelit Dies.

Hearts a Flutter WoodHearts a Flutter WoodWood Mount Stamp Set  Click on the image to for more information

Hearts a Flutter Clear Mount

Clear Mount Stamp Set  Click on the image to for more information

Links to Other Valentine’s Verses

 

 

 

http://www.brownielocks.com/valentinepoems.html

 

 

 

http://www.imag-e-nation.com/pages/Valentines-Day-Verses-Poems-Quotes.html

 

 

 

http://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/daddy-i-love-you-2

 

 

 

http://www.examiner.com/article/funny-valentine-s-day-quotes-sayings-silly-jokes-and-limericks-for-love

 

 

 

9 Weeks of Sale-a-Bration

Make sure that you are on my Email List.  I will be doing the 9 Weeks of Sale-a-Bration using products from the 2013 Spring Catalogue and the 2013 Sale-a-Bration Catalogue.  Lots of ideas with instructions included.

Have a Happy Day

Karen

Sale-a-Bration Sneak Peek

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Sale-a-Bration is quickly approaching – actually it starts January 22nd and you may have seen the catalogue….if not contact me by EMAIL and I will get one to you so that you can see the beautiful products that have been offered for this once a year sale   —-

 

Yes, for every $60.00 you spend on product, you will be able to order a product from the SAB catalogue absolutely FREE!

Today, I have a sneak peek from the SAB catalogue, the beautiful Madison Avenue Stamp Set, that you can get absolutely FREE with a $60.00 purchase from the 2012/13 Annual Catalogue, the 2013 Spring Catalogue and/or MDS. 

 

Sale a Bration

Stamps: Madison Avenue (c- 129660, w-129657 2013 SAB Catalogue), Birthday Wishes (retired)

Paper: Natural White, Calypso Coral, Whisper White, Island Indigo, Tea for Two DSP

Ink: Island Indigo, Calypso Coral, Lucky Limeade,

Accessories: Big Shot, Chevron Embossing Folder, Ovals Collection Framelit Dies, Naturals Button, Linen Thread, Island Indigo Sycamore Street Ribbons

I mentioned that Stampin’ Up! is celebrating their 25th Anniversary and would have a wonderful year in store for us.  Well, the Pumpkin Patch program is coming your way. 

Sweep away the mundane-your creativity carriage awaits!

I’m Paper Pumpkin . . .

I come to your door each month (a fully decked-out creativity carriage). I’ll help you to escape your life with some paper fun.

I come in a sweet box, but you’ll really love what you find on the inside:

All the stamps, ink, paper, and accessories to create pinable projects. Create stuff like cards, journals, décor, and more!

Paper Pumpkin by Stampin’ Up! is a new monthly kit program that anyone (even you) can enjoy!

You can receive the Monthly Paper Pumpkin kit for $24.95 (includes shipping) and get everything you need to complete the project (excludes adhesive).  You can sign up for AUTO-DELIVERY, so that you never miss a month, or you can skip a month, or you can purchase just one.  The choice is yours!

Sign up for your monthly Paper Pumpkin immediately by visiting www.mypaperpumpkin.com and click Get it.

Starting in early March, you can try Paper Pumpkin for one month by visiting our online store.

A Free Gift in Your Very First Kit

The Welcome Kit is the very first Paper Pumpkin you will receive in your first month of membership. The Welcome Kit includes a free gift-a clear acrylic block!

Swallowtail Butterfly Birthday

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Swallowtail BirthdayA Swallowtail Butterfly is beautiful to behold. Now Stampin’ Up! has their own version of the Swallowtail.  Big and beautiful, this stamp can be used in so many ways, as a background stamp, a focal point on the front of a card. 

Techniques that could be used range from embossing, to water colouring, to sponging.  The possibilities are endless and you are only limited by your imagination.

For this birthday card, I did CASE the new Spring 2013 catalogue.  I loved the simplicity of the card which shows of the embossing technique.  Also the colours that were featured were ones that I may not have thought of if I hadn’t seen them together – Pool Party and Summer Starfruit.

 

 

You can purchase all the products that were used to create this card by visiting my ON-LINE Store

Sale-a-Bration is quickly approaching – actually it starts January 22nd and you may have seen the catalogue….if not contact me by EMAIL and I will get one to you so that you can see the beautiful products that have been offered for this once a year sale   —-yes, for every $60.00 you spend on product, you will be able to order a product from the SAB catalogue absolutely FREE!

Sign Up for my Newsletters and you won’t miss out on any of the promotions that are happening this year with Stampin’ Up! 

Stampin’ Up! is celebrating their 25th Anniversary, and I just know that it will be a bang up year.

The sign-up form is on the right hand top of my Blog…Do it now, and don’t miss another issue.

St. Maarten or St. Martin, depending upon which side of the island you are on.

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

We arrived in St. Maarten, the Dutch side of the Island, early in the morning and were greeted by a simply beautiful day.  We took a motor coach tour of the Island which gave us a real picture of this tiny island.  St Maarten, (Philipsburg is its capital with only 4 streets, Back Street, Front Street, Center Street and I’m not sure of the other street name) is governed as though it was Dutch, using the Guilder as its currency.

On the other side of the Island is St. Martin, which is French.  Most of the signs are in French with lots of French bakeries and those fabulous pastries and they use the Euro as their currency base.  The capital is Marigot which has the boutiques, bistros, cafes and art galleries

When you pass from one country to the other, there is no checkpoint and you don’t have to show a passport.  The population is about 102,000 and it is the smallest island occupied by 2 different nations. 

The French side is a bit larger than the Dutch side, but everyone appears to get along as they are fair in the competition, ie.  Most fast foods are on the Dutch side

This Island features many interesting details, the home of America’s Cup, beautiful Orient Beach with its pristine white sand (including a nude beach if you are so inclined and over 40 different species of butterflies.  On the French side, the policemen where the kepis, which is the cap of the French  Foreign Legion.  I saw a policeman but he wasn’t wearing his cap.

So after doing some shopping (there is always shopping to be had), it was back to the ship to depart for St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands.

St. Marteen Plaza

St Marteen Plaza

 

View from the top

View of the Harbour

French Hotel
On the French Side

Sailing the Eastern Caribbean.

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Sailing the Eastern Caribbean with its gentle tropical breezes, sunshine, blue skies and that turquoise blue water, is such a treat. 

Lloyd and I flew to Fort Lauderdale on Thursday and Friday, via, Vancouver and Seattle (staying overnight) and then boarding the plane for  Chicago and finally arriving at  Fort Lauderdale on Friday evening to meet my brother and his wife , who had done a overnighter from Seattle…they were a bit tired to say the least.  And, so were we and we slept in a bed.  The one worry I had was the weather in Chicago but it was stunningly beautiful.  Chilly but sunny.  So we had no flight delays anywhere…Phew!

 

Leaving Fort Lauderdale

Leaving Fort Lauderdale

 

We boarded the Grand Princess on Saturday afternoon to start our 14 day voyage.  Because we hadn’t been on such a large ship before, it took a bit of time to figure out where everything was.  Way more restaurants, bars and venues on the ship and I think we finally have it figured out.

San Juan - Caribbean Sea

San Juan – Caribbean Sea

I have managed to go sun tanning a couple of times, so am getting brown…after, all isn’t this what a winter vacation is all about.  Just lazing and hanging out.

After 1 full day and a half, we landed in San Juan Puerto Rico.  For those of you who don’t know, Puerto Rico is a US Territory.  They govern themselves but they can’t vote for the US President.

We did a sightseeing tour with Rafael, who entertained us on our 2-1/2 hr. tour.  We did some stops at different points of interest – Old San Juan which is 465 year old neighbourhood with the Spanish –colonial buildings. 

We were then off to Fort San Cristobal which was built by the Spaniards to fortify the island against the British and French invaders.  This fort was really interesting with its dungeons, troop quarters and officer quarters.  What impressed both Lloyd and I was the thickness of the walls.  They must have been at least 10-12 feet.  Very impressive and when you think of the engineering that had to happen to erect this fort, it is a marvel. 

 

Fort San Cristobal

Fort San Cristobal – Main Plazza

San Juan government building

San Juan Government Building

San Juan is also home to Bacardi rum and is situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea and also is a point on the Bermuda triangle.  No one told us that when we made our reservations, but I guess we can say that we survived the Bermuda triangle.

We ended the tour with sightseeing in the new part of San Juan, stopping in front of the government building made out of marble.  Even the plaza was marble…again very impressive.

Of course what tour would be complete with time to go shopping?  We unloaded the bus at Christopher Columbus plaza and we were off.  I don’t believe it, but I didn’t buy anything.  Just wandered around looking.  However, I would make up for that in a few days.  By the time we got back to the ship, it was dark and we were off to St. Martin Island.

I’ll have more for you next.  I am having trouble uploading pictures.  So “like” my Facebook Page where I seem to be able to upload easier.

FaceBook Page

 

Birthday Wishes

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Birthday Wishes and a card for a friend’s  Birthday prior to New Year’s eve. 

Sometimes having a birthday during the holiday season is hard on the birthday person and they may feel short changed.  That’s why it’s so important to make a card and wrap a gift that isn’t Christmasy.  This makes the Birthday person feel special. 

Here is the Birthday card that I created for my friend. 

Birthday Wishes

 

Stamps: Mixed Bunch ( c – 125537, w- 125535, 2012/2013 Annual Catalogue) , Ciao, Baby! (c – 129648, w – 129645 p.16, 2013 Spring Catalogue), Papillon Potpourri (c – 123759, w – 123757, 2012/13 Annual Catalogue), Birthday Wishes(retired)

Paper: Naturals White, Lucky Limeade, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White, Tea for Two DSP

Ink: Daffodil Delight, Pretty in Pink, Primrose Petals, Lucky Limeade

Accessories: Big Shot, Edgelits Dies, Blossom Punch, Large Oval Punch, Petite Curly Label Punch, Build a Blossom Punch, Elegant Butterfly Punch ,Bitty Butterfly Punch,  1-1/4” Pink Pirouette/Rose Red Two Tone Ribbon, Versa-Mark, Clear Embossing Powder, Pearl Jewels, Artisan Embellishments Kit

The Mixed Bunch stamp is first inked with Versamark and then with Primrose Pink and stamped on Whisper White card stock.  Clear Embossing Powder is sprinkled over the stamped image and heat set with Heat Gun.  This technique allows you to have any coloured embossed image that you would like to have.  Just be careful that you do not stamp the coloured ink and then the Versamark as you will contaminate the Versamark.

The Artisan Embellishment Kit from the new Spring 2013 catalogue has so many elements to it.  26 embellishments in all for $11.95.  Ribbons, designer tags, ticket stubs, scalloped lace, cotton lace, oval lace, seam binding, paper flowers and several doilies and resin embellishments, you will  not be disappointed.

Artisan Embellishments Kit

Shop Now for the Artisan Embellishment Kit

I hope you will try this technique and revisit my blog as I share my Caribbean cruise aboard the Grand Princess.

Karen