12 Weeks of Christmas

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by
Breaking News

The 12 Weeks of Christmas newsletters starts going out next Wednesday, October 3rd.

Don’t miss out.  Sign up for my email.

Lots of ideas for cards, gifts, bag, tags and wraps.
If, I’m going to start with the announcement on the 12 Weeds of Christmas newsletter, then I need to show you a Christmas card to get you in the mood.
It’s really hard to think Christmas I know, especially if you are having beautiful warm weather like we continue to have.
But, did you know that yesterday, was the 3 months till Christmas song?  Like it or not, here it comes.

The card today uses the Scentsational Season stamp set and the matching Framelits Dies.  You can pick these up as a bundle and save 15 % off the cost of purchasing them separately.  That is a $7.95 savings for the clear-mount set. And, you save on shipping and taxes.  BONUS.

Stamps: Scentsational Season(c-121190, w-121026, p.16, 2012 Holiday Catalogue), Greetings of the Season (c-128033, w-128030, p.8, 2012 Holiday Catalogue)
Paper: Naturals White, Cherry Cobbler, Be of Good DSP
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Gumball Green, Cherry Cobbler, Daffodil Delight
Accessories: Big Shot, Holiday Collection Framelits Dies, Window Frames Collection, Petals-a-Plenty Embossing Folder

My Tip for the Day
When embossing and using the Framelits or even the Die cuts, I would suggest that you cut your paper with the Framelits or Dies before embossing.  This will preserve the embossed look and not flatten it out.

For the banner, the sentiment was stamped on a scrap piece of Naturals White card stock and then trimmed with a trimmer and the pointy parts cut with the Paper Snips.  (Love those Snips)

PS – don’t forget the sign up for the 12 Weeks of Christmas


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Karen

More Christmas

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by
Have you been wondering where I am?  Sometimes me too.

Well, actually Lloyd and I and his sister and her husband took a couple of days and went down to Marysville (just north of Seattle Washington).

We just did the the R&R thing and spent time shopping at the Outlet Malls and a couple of other stores that we don’t have in Canada.

Of course, we just had to do the Red Lobster.  I just can’t quite understand why there isn’t one in BC.  Good food and lots of it.

Then on our way home, we missed the Duty Free store…So much for that stop.

So here is my card and I think I have to give the Christmas cards a rest for awhile.



Stamps: Snowflake Soiree(c-127925, w-127922 p.5, 2012 Holiday Catalogue)
Paper: Whisper White, Naturals White, Early Espresso, Soft Suede, Candlelight Christmas DSP
Accessories: Versamark, Gold and Early Espresso Embossing Powder, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch, Pearl Jewels, Spritzer, Soft Suede Marker

I just  love the new Candlelight Christmas DSP.  It is so elegant and there are 2 sheets that are clear with red flocking design.  So pretty for cards, or 3-D items…how about a box lid.  Just found myself another idea.

So now, it’s on with my day.

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Karen

Continuing with the Christmas Theme

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I have another Christmas card for you and then I have to go clean up my stamping area.  I can no longer find anything.

 But first, today is “Talk Like a Pirate Day”.  Where did this come from?  September 19th was proclaimed “Talk Like a Pirate Day” in 1996 by John Baur and Mark Summers of Albany Oregon.  It was born of a sports injury when pain with an outburst of “Aaarrr!”, and the idea was born.  It was in 2002 that the idea was promoted by Dave Berry, the noted humour columnist.

So, I have to leave you a joke

Question:  What does a pirate use to measure his ship with?

Answer:  A yarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrdstick!!!!!!

I know sick!!
Ok now onto more sane things.

Stamps: Joyous Celebrations(c-128069, w-128066, p.7, 2012 Holiday Catalogue)
Paper: Whisper White, Midnight Muse, Raspberry Ripple
Ink: Raspberry Ripple, Midnight Muse
Accessories: Big Shot,  Delicate Designs Folder,  Versamark, Silver Embossing Powder, Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint, Silver Glimmer Paper, Ticket Duo Builder Punch, Label Punch(retired), Raspberry Ripple 3/8” Stitched Satin Ribbon.
I did sponge the embossed wreath with Champagne Shimmer Paint, but it really doesn’t show in the picture.  It’s prettier in person.

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Karen

Tuesday Tips and Techniques – # 3 – Every Last Detail Video Series

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Did you know that today is National Cheese Lovers Day in the US?  Each year in the US, on average, people consume 31 pounds of cheese.  That’s a lot of Cheeseburgers.  However, in France, that consumption goes up to 50 pounds.    There are more than 900 different cheese world wide.  How about an “old” cheese.  Cheese making has been around for 800 years.

So today, how about a cheese dish for supper.

On to another topic.
Today, I am featuring Video # 3 in the Every Last Detail Video Series from Stampin’ Up!. This video series features Carrie Cudney from Stampin’ Up showing how to put this project together.  It would make a great gift.

I hope you enjoy.

http://youtu.be/PJi1S27Ff2o

 Now, I’m off to clean up my stamping area.  My eyes are buggy from working on this computer today…, so I should give them a rest.
 

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Karen

Christmas Cards on a Sunny Day

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Gosh, I just wonder how long this beautiful weather is going to last.  It’s like we are on borrowed time right now.  The temperatures are into the low 80’s some days and we haven’t had frost yet.  It would be so nice for this to last but I’m living in LaLa land.


I have also been asked to do some work for the company that I worked for before retirement.  At least they gave me a year to rest and relax before asking me.  It’s a short term contract and I will see how it turns out and then I will know for sure.

So, I carry on doing Christmas cards because I am not going to procrastinate this year like I have done in the past.


Stamps: Ornament Keepsakes (c – 128051, w – 128048 p. 3 2012 Holiday Catalogue), Greetings of the Season (c-128033, w-128030, p.8, 2012 Holiday Catalogue)
Paper: Bashful Blue, Whisper White, Shimmer White
Ink: Bashful Blue, Marina Mist
Accessories: Big Shot, Holiday Ornaments Framelits Dies, Delicate Designs Folders Versamark, Silver Embossing Powder, Whisper White Bakers Twine, Whisper White 3/8” Taffeta  Ribbon, Rhinestone Jewel

I love blue, white and silver together.  It is so icy and it reminds be of those very cold and sunny days and you can hear the snow crackle when you walk on it.


So, there it is another card done.  
Don’t forget to sign up for the 12 Weeks of Christmas emails.  Just use my sign up form on the top right of my blog.




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Karen

My Digital Studio Album Now Finished

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Well, the Japan album is finally finished and sent away to the printers.  I did manage to take advantage of the extension on the 31% off that Stampin’ Up! was offering. 

And that makes me happy.
Sometimes, I just work better under a deadline…probably like a lot of people.

I did enjoy creating this album as it allowed me to use some of the new features in MDS2, like attaching text to curved lines, changing the colours of embellishments, painting stamp images different colours and sometimes using more than one colour on the stamp.  

This page features a temple in Kyoto and the views were spectacular as the complex had been built on the top of the hill.  Actually for the amount of people that were sight seeing that day, the mood was calming and relaxing.  
On this page, there are 3 of the new features…filling a punch with photos,,,this is fun and the stamp “enjoy” is coloured with 2 different colours, and the butterfly (part of the embellishment group) colours have been changed.

These are a series of pictures as we got closer to Mt. Fuji.  We were very lucky that it was such a clear day as we were able to see the top all covered with snow.  It is a spectacular sight in person.  It’s hard to get a picture to do the mountain justice. 

On this page I used the ability to add multiple colours to a stamp, add splatters, and attach the words to the curved line at the top of the page.
Download the MDS FREE TRIAL  and you can try out the new features. 

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Karen

More Christmas

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I am gearing up for those Christmas activities and getting ahead start on my Christmas cards.

Speaking of which, don’t miss out on the 12 Weeks of Christmas coming soon.

Sign up for my email list and you won’t miss a single week.

Here is another card in my series of Christmas cards.  This card is warm and cuddly with the snowflakes coming down, and you won’t loose your mittens.

To give the tree extra sparkle, I coloured one of the Rhinestone Jewels with a yellow Sharpie for the star on the top of the tree and the tree trim is Rhinestone Jewels coloured with a red Sharpie.

Did you know that the Pearl Jewels can also be coloured with Sharpies?  Now you can have as many  Rhinestones and Pearls as there are coloured Sharpies.  Sharpies are not water based and so the colour stays on the jewels.

Stamps: Chock Full of Cheer (c – 126717, w – 126715 p. 10 2012/13 Holiday Catalogue), Joyous Celebrations(c-128069, w-128066, p.7, 2012 Holiday Catalogue)
Paper: Naturals White, Very Vanilla, Early Espresso, Real Red, Candlelight Christmas  DSP
Ink: Real Red
Accessories: Big Shot, Northern Flurry Emboss Folder, Gumball Green, Gumball Green, Daffodil Delight and Early Espresso Markers, Early Espresso 1/8” Taffeta  Ribbon, Rhinestone Jewel (coloured with Sharpies)

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Karen

12 Weeks of Christmas is Coming and a Milestone Birthday

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Beginning the first week in October, I will be sending out emails once a week with hot projects to complete for your Christmas season.  There will be projects for beautiful cards, gifts and wrapping those gifts ideas.

Don’t miss out on the 12 Weeks of Christmas. 

The sign up form is on the right top of my blog.

I do have a card to share with you today.  It’s a birthday marking a milestone…there are a lot of us marking milestone birthdays this year…Maybe I see it that way because it’s happening to me as well.

Stamps: You’re Amazing (c – 126722, w – 126720 p. 33 2012/2013 Annual Catalogue
Paper: Naturals White, Whisper White, Basic Grey, Summer Starfruit, Watercolor, Patio Party DSP
Ink: Stazon Black, Midnight Muse, Summer Starfruit
Accessories: Big Shot, Houndstooth Embossing Folder, Summer Starfruit, Midnight Muse, Basic Grey, Baja Breeze Markers, Ticket Duo Punch


This is a guy card so what could you but use the Houndstooth Embossing Folder.  I love all the new Embossing Folders that Stampin’ Up! has added over the past 2 years.  But then again, I love my Big Shot

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Christmas is Coming and How Do I Know

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Today’s weather was a sure prelude to winter. 

It was chilly with storms going through the region and yes, we had hail.  We were lucky because in some areas of BC they actually had snow.  It seems a bit early for this weather. 

However, the weather person does say it will warm up.  I sure hope so.

As it was storming, I was creating Christmas cards…how appropriate.

Stamps: Ornament Keepsakes (c – 128051, w – 128048 p. 3 2012 Holiday Catalogue), Greetings of the Season (c-128033, w-128030, p.8, 2012 Holiday Catalogue), Elements of Style (c-120045, w-118611, p.113, 2012-13 AC)
Paper: Naturals White, Very Vanilla, Gumball Green, Be of Good Cheer DSP
Ink: Gumball Green, Cherry Cobbler
Accessories: Big Shot, Holiday Ornaments Framelits Dies, Gumball Green, Cherry Cobbler and Early Espresso Markers, Cherry Cobbler 1/2” Scallop Dots Ribbon


I did have fun with this and I sure do love the new framelits.  There are so many that go with stamps. 

Actually the Ornament Keepsakes stamp set and the Holiday Ornaments Framelits Dies come in a bundle and if you purchase them together, you save 15% off the cost of purchasing them separately. 

Who doesn’t like to save money?

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Friendships are so Important

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What would life be without friendships. Friends are there to support you, listen to  you and yes, sometimes there are differences of opinions.  Yet, with a friendship, you usually can overcome those difficulties.  It’s about nurturing relationships and becoming a better friend.

I am so lucky to have many friends, some that I have had since school.  My friends have a special place in my  heart.

I would like to share my card on friendship as I see the stamp image that I used as being comforting…”how about a cup of tea” .


Stamps: From My Heart (c – 126557, w – 126555 p. 139 2012-2013 AC)
Paper: Wisteria Wonder, Lucky Limeade, Whisper White, International Bazaar DSP
Ink: Tangerine Tango, Lucky Limeade
Accessories: Big Shot, Apothecary Accents Framelits, Labels Framelits, Lacy Brocade Emboss Folder, Wisteria Wonder Marker, Wisteria Wonder 3/8” Ruffled Ribbon

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A Wedding Gift and Card for the Newly Weds

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Today, we are attending a Wedding Reception for my Nephew and his New Bride.  They were married early in June in Jasper and now they are home for a visit so that everyone can meet and congratulate them.

When I was at Convention 2012 in July, Sara Douglas, presented a stamping demonstration around jars, and this was one of her creations.  When I saw it, I immediately thought of a gift for the reception.

Although she didn’t demonstrate it, I managed to get a picture and from there recreate what I saw.

I had so much fun with this and while it took some trial and error as I had no instructions has to how big everything was cut, in the end I am very pleased with the whole gift.

Stamps: Forever With You (c – 126727, w – 122890 p. 132 2012-2013 AC)
Paper: Very Vanilla, Summer Starfruit, Basic Grey, Basic Black, First Edition DSP, Howlstooth and Scaringbone DSP, Patio Party DSP
Ink: Stazon Black
Accessories: Big Shot, Oval Accent Bigz Clear Die, Designer Rosette Bigz XL Die, Beautiful Butterflies Bigz Die, Delicate Doilies Sizzlits L, Paper Doily Sizzlits L, Scallop Circle Big Z Die, Polka Dots Emboss Folder,  Corner Punch, Small Heart Punch, 1-3/4” Scallop Circle Punch, Rhinestone Jewels, Silver Glimmer Paper, Chip Board, White Bakers Twine (Dyed with Basic Black Ink), Linen Thread, Crochet Trim, Other: Glass Jar, White Dowels, Strip of Plastic Bag, Candy

In this close up, you can see the butterfly, which I cut out using Chip Board and the Beautiful Butterflies Die and then cut out 2 pieces of the Patio Party DSP and glued them to the Chip Board.  I filed the edges to make them smooth and then ran a Summer Starfruit marker around the edges.

I cut 2 strips of the First Edition DSP, so that the circle, when finished would be large and full enough.  The size of the paper is 12″ by 5-1/2″ and this seemed to work.  And yes, the Silicone Mat came in real handy for this project.

I managed to obtain a picture of the happy couple and made a slide card.  This the first one I had ever made so there was some trial and error going on with this, however persevering really pays off.  On one side of the slider, I put the congrats message and then on the other side, I attached a gift card.

Finally, I attached a Doily on each side of the jar, circled the jar with a strip of First Edition DSP, and tied the whole think up with Linen Thread.

Then the newly weds got their own pot of gold.  I put a piece of oasis in the jar so that I could insert the dowels and they wouldn’t fall over.  The wrapped candy hides all the oasis and makes a nice pot of gold.

I hope you enjoy this, because I sure did while I was creating it.

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A Just Because Card for Grandparents’ Day

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September 9th is Grandparents’ Day and I just know every Grandparent would love to have their Grandchildren around them for the day.  Well, I get to spend some time with mine tomorrow and for that I am very blessed.

Not all Grandparents have their Grandchildren close by and I know that I am very lucky.

This card, which uses the From My Heart stamp set reminds us that we need to enjoy life no matter what stage of life we are at. 

Stamps: From My Heart (c – 126557, w – 126555 p. 139 2012-2013 AC)
Paper: Wisteria Wonder, Lucky Limeade, Whisper White, International Bazaar DSP
Accessories: Big Shot, Apothecary Accents Framelits, Labels Framelits, Argyle Emboss Folder,  Essentials Paper-Piercing Pack, Lucky Limeade, Chocolate Chip, and Wisteria Wonder Markers.

It’s a fun time spending the afternoon with Nan

 

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A Thank You with the Friendship Preserves

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Gosh, I just don’t know where the time goes to.  One day it’s Monday and now tomorrow it is Friday already.  Time sure didn’t go that quickly when I was working.

Breaking News!!!

I will be doing a “Twelve Weeks of Christmas” event and sending out emails each week for twelve weeks with different card, gift, decor and tag ideas.

If you want to get in on the action, sign up for my EMAIL LIST.  The sign up form is on the upper right hand side of my blog. 

Now on to my Thank You card.
 
I’m still making Thank You cards as I want to build up my stash before I go full bore into Holiday cards and other decor and gift items.

I layered the Window Frames Collection (Framelit Dies) and used a piece of the International Bazaar DSP to frame the textured Wisteria Wonder card stock.


Stamps: Friendship Preserves (c – 127913, w – 127910, p. 30 2012 Holiday Catalogue)
Paper: Naturals Ivory, Midnight Muse, Wisteria Wonder, Lucky Limeade, Whisper White, International Bazaar DSP
Accessories: Big Shot, Lattice Emboss Folder, Window Frames Collection, Lucky Limeade Marker, Wisteria Wonder Marker, Perfect Plum Marker

And yes, I am on a roll with Wisteria Wonder and Lucky Limeade.   I will be moving on to another colour combination, I promise.

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Thinking of You Card RAK and the Road to Self Improvement

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The card I have for you today is a thinking of you card for someone that is recovering the hospital from an extremely severe vehicle accident.  The recovery process is long and slow so I am hoping that this card will help to lift her spirits.

Stamps: Papaya Collage (c – 126612, w – 126610 p. 75 2012-2013 AC), Loving Thoughts (c – 125845, w – 125843, p136, 2012-2013 AC)
Paper: Naturals Ivory, Midnight Muse, Wisteria Wonder, Lucky Limeade, Whisper White
Ink: Wisteria Wonder, Midnight Muse
Accessories: Big Shot, Window Frames Collection, Apothecary Accents Framelits, 3” Circle Die, Versa Mark, Black Emboss Powder, Crystal Effects Festive Paper Piercing Pack

I used 2 of the newer framelits for this card and then used a new tool, the Essential Paper Piercing Pack which coordinates with the Window Frames Collection Framelits Dies to add some interest.
I also used the negative image from the Apothecary Framelits.  So often we, just use the cut -out and then we have this perfect piece of card stock with either gets put away or thrown out.  
I also made 2 beads for each of the butterfly’s bodies and covered them in Crystal Effects to give them a shine.  You can’t really see this in the picture.
This is Self-Improvement week and what have you done for yourself?  Maybe you learned a new technique, a new crafts or learned something that will make your life better and easier.
My passion is knowledge and I love to learn new things.  
 Knowledge is the key to turning something into something useful, in other words, it’s taking ACTION.  
The one thing that you have to remember though, is knowledge is not necessary wisdom.
Wisdom is hard to define, but people usually know when they encounter it.  Wisdom usually integrates knowledge, experience and the ability to incorporate tolerance in our daily activities.

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Will It Embellish – It’s back to Spool time

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It’s Back to Spool Time with Stampin’ Up! 

Dates: September 1-30, 2012
Details: While the kids are heading back to school, Stampin’ Up! is going back to ‘spool’! For the month of September, get a FREE package of 3/8″ Stitched Satin Ribbon-an $12.25 value-for every $50 you spend!

 

Choose from the following ribbons:

Gumball Green 3/8 Stitched Satin Ribbon 126848
 Gumba1l Green 3/8″ Stitched Satin Ribbon
$12.25 
Midnight Muse 3/8 Stitched Satin Ribbon
126847
 Midnight Muse 3/8″ Stitched Satin Ribbon
$12.25
Primrose Petals 3/8 Stitched Satin Ribbon
126844

Primrose Petals 3/8″ Stitched Satin Ribbon

 
$12.25
Raspberry Ripple 3/8 Stitched Satin Ribbon
126845

Raspberry Ripple 3/8″ Stitched Satin Ribbon

$12.25
Summer Starfruit 3/8 Stitched Satin Ribbon
126846

Summer Starfruit 3/8″ Stitched Satin Ribbon

$12.25

 The Scoop

  • Any order type qualifies for this promotion-customer, workshop, or online.
  • This promotion has no limits-for every $50 you spend, you’ll get a free package of 3/8″ Stitched Satin Ribbon. Go crazy!
  • Sorry-hostess dollars don’t count toward this promotion.
  • Although we’re pretty sure we’re not going to run out of ribbon, if everyone orders the same color, like Summer Starfruit (you know how we love Summer Starfruit ), and we run the risk of going on backorder, we’ll let you know via a current update and this web page. So, just like your mom always told you-be sure to check in once in awhile!
  • You need to take advantage of this deal before the following deadlines:
    • Phone: Friday, September 28, 2012; 6:50 PM (MT)
    • Online: Sunday, September 30, 2012; 11:50 PM (MT)

Is your paper crafting wish list bigger than your bank account?
Do you live Canada and don’t have access to a stamping club?