A Little International Bazaar

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Another rainy day in paradise…. Paradise you ask?  Well, now I can stamp and play and not feel guilty…although I have been told that I don’t have a guilty bone in my body.  And that is another post.
Before I get to my card share, I remind you about the recruiting promotion that is over on June 30th.
 
Have Your Cake and Eat it Too
 Click HERE to view the Promo and Join the Fun

During June, new demonstrators not only get to choose the products for their fully customizable Starter Kit, they’ll also get products from the brand-new Patio Party Suite for FREE, including the Make a Cake Set, Patio Party Designer Series Paper, and the Patio Party Digital Collection DVD! That’s up to $60 in additional FREE products!

This means for $125 you get to choose $155 of Stampin’ Up! product PLUS $60 of FREE product.
Total Value – $215
 
Today, I am sharing another card that I did for the Open House which showcases some of the new products in the Stampin’ Up! 2012-13 Annual Catalogue.  I think I am in love with the International Bazaar Designer Papers.  It has such bright and cheery colours and so it is good for a gloomy day.
 
 

Stamps: World Treasures (126767 $21.95, w – 126765 $28.95, p.98 2012-13 AC)
Paper: Pacific Point, Lucky Limeade, Whisper White, International Bazaar DSP
Ink: Daffodil Delight, Pacific Point, Lucky Limeade
Accessories: Big Shot, Apothecary Accents Framelits, Large Scallop Edgelit, Delicate Designs Folders, Pacific Point 1/4” Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon, Pearls
I use the Apothecary Accents Framelits on this card and it fits beautifully with the sentiment in the World Treasures stamp set.  In fact, there are a number of stamps in the Annual Catalogue that fit with the 4 different framelits in the set.  
The other product that is great is the new Large Scallop Edgelit which you can use in conjunction with the Delicate Designs Folders. 


New Program Launch Coming this week.  Check back often.


Until time….

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It’s Summer Time

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Yesterday, we hit the first day of summer and that meant the Summer Solstice in the northern hemisphere occurred.  This is where the sun is at it’s highest peak in the sky as seen from the north pole. 
And what does that mean for us?  The longest period of day light.  For us here, that meant we had about 16 hours of daylight.  So nice…and today? We start to head the other way and loosing about 2 seconds of daylight and this loss will get faster over the next several months.
But we don’t have to worry about that right now.  It’s all about enjoying the summer and getting out and doing the things that you love to do outside.
What says summer more than birds and flowers.  So that is what I am sharing today.  Actually this will be a Make and Take for my open house this weekend.
Stamps: Four Seasons (Hostess Stamp Set p.203 2012-13 AC), Itty Bitty Banners (c – 126257- $14.85, w – 126255 – $33.95 p.134 2012-13 AC)
Paper: Wisteria Wonder, Gumball Green, Whisper White
Ink: Primrose Petals,
Accessories: Big Shot, Fancy Fan Folder, Bitty Banners Framelits, Markers: Primrose Petals, Gumball Green, Wisteria Wonder,  1-3/4” Scallop Circle Punch, 2-1/2” Circle Punch, 1/2 Circle Punch Essentials Paper-Piercing Pack, Paper-Piercing Tool, Pierce Mat

I have used the new Paper-Piercing Pack and pierced around the the edges of the circle creating a design.  There are 3 unique templates in this set and coordinates with several different punches, Edgelits and Framelits.

Who would like to earn $150 in FREE Stampin’ Up! product?

The Four Seasons stamp set is a hostess set and for the months of June and July, Stampin’ Up! is having a great Hostess Promotion.
During June and July, hostesses who hold a minimum $575 workshop (not including taxes and shipping) will receive an additional $60 in hostess FREE merchandise dollars-that’s in addition to the $90 they already receive for a $575 workshop! 
  • Orders larger than $575 are not eligible for additional hostess free merchandise dollars. For example, a $1,150 order will not receive an additional $120 in hostess free merchandise dollars.
Contact me HERE for the details.

CLICK HERE


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Welcome to Tuesday Tips and Techniques

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Here is the launch of Simply Said with Karen Tuesday Tips and Techniques.
Tuesday Tips and Techniques will provide you with ideas to take your stamping, card making and scrap booking to another level.  
The first in a series of videos will help you get more from your Apothecary Framelit dies and provide you with 2 frames to use as you wish.  These frames can be used for images, sentiments and embellishments, so have fun with them.
The Apothecary Framelits dies are NEW in the 2012-13 Stampin’ Up Annual catalogue.  
Apothecary Accents Framelits Dies

              Apothecary Accents Framelits Dies  

Item #127003
$31.95


I hope you have enjoyed the first Simply Said with Karen Tuesday Tips and Techniques.
More New Launches to Come



Until next time…


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Happy Father’s Day

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Happy Father’s Day to all the great Dad’s out there.  I am very lucky to have my Dad who is also a wonderful Papa to his grandchildren and great grandchildren.  
I shared my Dad’s Father’s Day card a couple of posts back and I have Lloyd’s Dad’s card to share with you today.  I again used the Open Sea stamp set.  This is such a great stamp set and can be used for so many different occasions.
Stamps: The Open Sea (c-123032 – $22.95, w – 123030 – $32.95, p. 104 2012-13 Catalogue
Paper: Crumb Cake, Island Indigo, Whisper White, Fan Fair DSP
Ink: Island Indigo, Crumb Cake
Accessories: Big Shot, Strips Emboss Folder, 3” Circle Die, Circles #2 Die, 2-3/4” Circle Punch, Postage Stamp Punch, VersaMark, Pewter Embossing Powder, Crumb Cake Marker, and Colour Spritzer Tool
All products can be purchased from my on-line store HERE
The ship is embossed used the Pewter Embossing Powder.  I created a port hole using the Fan Fair DSP and dotted versamark on the Island Indigo card stock and again embossed with Pewter Embossing powder.
The texture is provided by the Stripes Emboss folder.
So, tomorrow, do something with your Dad, for your Dad and if you are unable then remember the wonderful times that you have had with your Dad.

Special Announcement

Coming very soon,  an announcement on my blog of a new program that I am starting.  It will be of interest to those who have little time to craft or want to get started crafting.  If you live in small town Canada and don’t have access to a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator, this will be for you

Until next time…



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Papaya Collage Thinking of You

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

I finally had a chance to use the new Papaya Collage set.  I think it is so elegant and vintage and I used it to make a “Thinking of You” card for someone that is going through a very difficult time right now. 

I think a hand crafted card makes you really think of the person you are doing the card for and people appreciate a hand crafted card because of the personal thoughts behind it.

Stamps: Papaya Collage (c – 126612, $28.95 w – 126610, $38.95 p. 75 2012-2013 IB&C), Tiny Tags (c – 118592 $20.95 w – 118091, $27.95 p. 124 2012-2013 IB&C)
Paper: Naturals White, Pool Party, Cajun Craze, Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, Comfort Café DSP
Ink: Soft Suede, Summer Starfruit, Cajun Craze
Accessories: Big Shot, Apothecary Accent Framelit Dies, Elegant Lines Emboss Folder, Vintage Brad, Tiny Tag Punch, Rounded Corner Punch, Midnight Muse, Pool Party and Soft Suede Markers, Crochet Lace, Linen Thread


I used a couple of techniques for this card.
  • Masking – The frame was stamped with the Soft Suede and then stamped again on a scrap of paper and the inside of the frame cut out.  Apply the mask over the stamped frame and then you are able to stamp the flowers and leaves inside the frame.

TIP – save your mask with the stamp set and then you can find it again when you want to use it.

  • The butterflies stamp was coloured with the markers.  First the Pool Party marker was applied and then the Midnight Muse marker was thumbed on the stamp, particular on the outside of the stamp.  This gives your image a two-toned effect. 

TIP – Don’t forget to give your inked stamp the “Breath of Life” before stamping on your card stock. This will help the ink to be moist when you stamp.

  • Finally, I made paper beads for the bodies of the butterflies.  Measure the width that you need your finished bead to be.  Cut a strip of paper – again decide how thick the bead will be.  That will determine the length of the paper.  Now cut the strip of paper into a “V” and apply adhesive to the middle of the strip.  Do not apply glue to the top of the “V”.  Using a toothpick or your paper piercer, start rolling the strip from the top of the “V”.  For a glossy effect apply Crystal Effects and hang your bead supported by the two ends of the toothpick.  

Hope you enjoyed this techniques and tips.

Special Announcement

Coming very soon,  an announcement on my blog of a new program that I am starting.  It will be of interest to those who have little time to craft or want to get started crafting.  If you live in small town Canada and don’t have access to a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator, this will be for you.
Until next time.


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Challenges Inpire Father’s Day Card

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After my lament about the rain in my last post, the sun has finally decided to make an appearance.  It’s beautiful here today.  The question of the day is…Will it last? I hope so.
I haven’t done any challenges for a while so decided to use 2 for my inspiration for my Dad’s Father’s Day card. 
I used the sketch from Fresh Made Sketches and the Paper Players Art
PPA136 June 7


My Dad was in the Canadian Navy during World War II, so what would be more appropriate than using the Open Sea stamp set.

Stamps: The Open Sea (c-123032 – $22.95, w – 123030 – $32.95, p. 104 2012-13 Catalogue), Teeny Tiny Wishes (c – 127802 $32.95 w – 115370, $45.95 p. 133 2012-2013 IB&C)
Paper: Naturals White, Midnight Muse, Bashful Blue, Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White
Ink: Midnight Muse, Cherry Cobbler
Accessories: Big Shot, Labels Collection Framelit Dies, Square Lattice Emboss Folder, Tasteful Trim Die, Itty Bitty Banners Framelits, Versamark, Pewter Emboss Powder, Whisper White Baker’s Twine 
Notice the anchor.  I used the faux metal technique.  This technique is simply but you need to be quick.
Use a piece of Whisper White card stock.
Cover with Versamark
Sprinkle with Pewter Emboss Powder and melt the powder with heat gun – Repeat 3 more times
Quickly stamp your image.  Let cool.
I then fussy cut the anchor before attaching to my card with Whisper White Baker’s Twine.
Try this technique…It’s fun.
The Father’s Day sentiment from the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set fits very nicely into the curved Itty Bitty Banners Framelit.
All products are available from my On-Line Store

Special Announcement

Over next several weeks, watch for an announcement on my blog of a new program that I am starting.  It will be of interest to those who have little time to craft or want to get started crafting.  If you live in small town Canada and don’t have access to a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator, this will be for you.
Until next time….


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A Birthday Card

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Rain, rain, go away.  I certainly wish it would quit raining here….it’s been raining for a week and we live in a semi desert climate?  Go figure.
Today’s share is a Birthday card for Lloyd’s Dad.  
I used the shaving cream technique to make the tops of the cupcakes.  This is an easy technique and fun to do.  Maybe a bit messy, but fun all the same.  It’s a great technique to use your ink refills and make colours and patterns which give added interest to the design. 
It’s “like a box of chocolates, you just never know what you are going to get”.  It was Forrest Gump who coined the phrase or something like it.

Stamps: Create a Cupcake (c-$19.95, w-$27.95 P 47, 2012-2013 Catalogue)
Paper: Naturals White, Crumb Cake, Old Olive, Not Quite Navy, Whisper White, Daffodil Delight, Well
Worn DSP
Ink: Old Olive, Not Quite Navy
Accessories: Big Shot, Lattice Emboss Folder, Houndstooth Emboss Folder, Bitty Banners Framelits, Heat and Stick Powder, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Cupcake Builder Punch, Summer Smooches Brads
To give it a sparkly look, I used Heat and Stick powder and Dazzling Diamond glitter.

Special Announcement

Over next several weeks, watch for an announcement on my blog of a new program that I am starting.  It will be of interest to those who have little time to craft or want to get started crafting.  If you live in small town Canada and don’t have access to a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator, this will be for you.


Until next time….


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Envelope Box – Video Tutorial

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

A few weeks back, I posted a set of Stampin’ Up! Note cards in an Envelope Box.  I promised a tutorial and I am finally delivering.
Instead of a PDF tutorial, I am now entering into the world of Video Tutorials.  I have worked on this for the past week and as this is my 1st one, I hope you will understand that I will get better.

Please note:  The score markers need to be set at 2-3/4″, 3-7/8″, 4-1/4″ and 5-1/2″.  Not at the 4-1/2″ as indicated by the call-out in the video.


The Envelope Box tutorial features the Simply Scored scoring tool along with the Simply Scored Diagonal Plate that makes all your scoring needs so easy and simply.  
Simply Scored Too –

Price: $38.95
Simply Score Diagonal Tool

Price: $15.95




Until next time….
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It’s Here – A New Look and a Birthday Card

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Well, the new 2012-2013 Stampin’ Up! catalogue is in full swing and lots of new products.  Be sure and check it out Here.
 
Live in Canada?  Want a catalogue?  Contact me Here and I will get one out to you.
With the new year, comes a new look for my blog.  I hope you enjoy it.  I used My Digital Studio to create the blog header along with the new Fan Fair Suite.  I really like the different products in this suite and I hope you do too.
Monthly Newsletter Sign Up
 
I have also started the Simply Said monthly newsletter that will be jammed pack with information, tips and techniques.  You will find the sign up form on the side bar.  Be sure to get “in the know”!
 
Birthday Card
I have a cute card to share with you today.  It’s Maya’s 3rd birthday card and she adores Minnie Mouse, so what would be more fitting for her than to send Minnie to her.  I wanted to share this for a couple of weeks but had to wait as the card needed to go to Japan so didn’t want to spoil the surprise.


Stamps: On Your Birthday (w – 111664 $41.95 p. 163 2011-2012 IB&C)
Paper: Whisper White, Melon Mambo, Blushing Bride, Real Red, Basic Black, Brights DSP Stack
Ink: Basic Black
Accessories: Big Shot, Bitty Banners Framelits, Circles #2 Die, Ovals Die,  Melon Mambo Scallop Dots  Ribbon, Punches: 2-3/4” Circle, 1-1/2” Circle, Extra Large Oval, Large Oval, Small Oval, Pearls, Timeless Type Junior Alphabet, White Gel Pen


I had so much fun making this card.  Lots of experimenting to get the punches the right size and in the right place.  Notice Minnie’s pearls – every girl deserves a string of pearls.
Check back for more updates on what’s happening with Stampin’ Up!


Until next time….




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It’s Finally Here

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

It’s Here! It’s Here!
The new 2012-2013 Stampin’ Up! catalogue is finally available for your viewing.  I’m very excited about this new catalogue and I am sure you will be too.
 
 
 
Just a couple of things to remember:
My On-Line Store is unavailable until 12:00 Mountain Time as Stampin’ Up! transitions to the the new catalogue.
 
11:00 am Pacific Time
1:00 am Central Time
2:00 am Eastern Time
As Stampin’ Up! is expecting a large volume on the website so there may be delays or lags, please be patient.
 
Live in Canada or any of the Territories and don’t have a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator?  I would love to be your demonstrator.
 
 
Contact me Here for a FREE 2012-2013 catalogue and I will get it on its way to you!



Over the next several months I will be launching some New items on my Blog that will interest you.  Check back often to see the newest and greatest offerings.
Until next time.


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Mouthwatering Birthday

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Could summer be here?  I hope so as I now have the deck clean, the patio furniture is out and the flowers are planted.  Bring it on!
The new 2012- 2013 Stampin’ Up! catalogue will launch June 1st.  It is packed with new goodies, from stamps to papers, to punches to die cuts.  
Also the new style ink pads will be available for order on June 1st and these ink pads feature the foam pad and with very little effort, you can ink up your stamps.  These pads also come with sticky labels in different languages and I used the extras to attach to the front and inside so that you can quickly see what colour you are using.  
The ink takes a bit longer to dry that the ones we are currently using, so patience is the key!!  Give the ink a few minutes to dry.
My card for you today is for Brody and it certainly says “Summer”. What would summer be without Watermelon and Ice Cream.   OK, it also says Happy Birthday. 
Stamps: Mouthwatering, On Your Birthday (w – 111664 $41.95 p. 163 2011-2012 IB&C)
Paper: Summer Starfruit, Midnight Muse, Whisper White, Soft Suede, Chocolate Chip,  Comfort Café DSP
Ink: Midnight Muse
Accessories: Big Shot, Bitty Banners Framelits Die,  Markers: Real Red, Gumball Green, Primrose Petal, Soft Suede, Versamarker, Melon Scented Emboss Powder, Cherry Scented Emboss Powder, 2-1/2’ Circle Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch.

The stamps were coloured using the markers, stamped on Whisper White and then coloured using the Versamarker.  I was then able to heat emboss with the Scented Emboss Powder.  The scent will last up to 2 weeks.

The watermelon stamp also fits nicely into the 2-1/2″ Circle punch and the Scallop Punch makes it look like someone has taken a bit. 

The seeds are made using the Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch.

Don’t forget the retiring list!
On Your Birthday stamp set, the Versamarker, the Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch will disappear on May 31st.  Check the lists out here.
Questions?  Email me Here


Until next time…



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Finally Back on Track

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

I am finally back on track and now trying to play catch-up.  I would love just to getting stamping and inking but all those other things that I haven’t done keep calling me.  I finally bought my flowers yesterday so will be getting outside to get dirt on my fingers.
As I haven’t been able to do a lot of card making lately, I would like to share a Mother’s Day card that I did.

Stamps: Loved Ones –
Paper: Naturals White, Whisper White, Early Espresso, Daffodil Delight, Old Olive, Regals DSP Stack (Old Olive)
Ink: Daffodil Delight, Early Espresso
Accessories: Big Shot, Lattice Die, 3/4” Circle Punch, 1-1/2″ Circle Punch,  Build A Blossom Punch, Neutral Designer Buttons


The Sunflower petals are punched using the Build a Blossom punch – 16 large petals and 8 smaller petals.  To get the curve on the petals, each petal was curved using the smallest file tool in the distressing kit and then manipulated a tad with my fingers.  Each petal was sponged with Daffodil Delight ink.
 
A 1-1/2″ circle  formed the base of the sun flower.  Attach the larger petals around the circle and then add a second layer overlapping the base petals.  Finally, the smaller petals were added to the second layer.
The Sunflower’s center was made using a circle punched from Early Espresso card stock, an Early Espresso Designer Button added and then attached to the flower.
Until next time…



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Mother’s Day Notebooks

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

All I can say is “Thank goodness this week is over”. 
I was in bed for 4 days. I have not been so sick in about 10 years and it better not happen again for a very long time!!  I don’t make for a very good patient.
OK, partially it was my fault because I didn’t get the flu shot last Fall, so won’t be missing it again this Fall. Oh well, hindsight is what 20:20?
I did miss out on Mother’s Day though.  I can’t say I missed it entirely because we will be celebrating likely next weekend. 


Here are 3 Notebook Holders that I made as gifts…2 have gone, 1 hasn’t, so Tina if you are reading this stop right now!!  I know you won’t heehee


 

Stamps: Betsy’s Blossom, Betsy’s Blossom Stampin’ Wheel
Paper: Sahara Sand, Raspberry Ripple, Whisper White
Ink: Gumball Green, Sahara Sand, Raspberry Ripple
Accessories: Big Shot, Circles #2, Gumball Green 3/8” Stitched Satin Ribbon, Naturals Designer Buttons, Linen Thread, and Scallop Edge Border Punch

 

Stamps: Creative Elements (c – 122647, $30.95 w – 122645, $40.95 p. 137 2011-2012 IB&C), Layered Labels
Paper: Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, Summer Starfruit, Comfort Café DSP
Ink: Crumb Cake, Summer Starfruit, Pool Party
Accessories: Big Shot, Apothecary Accent Framelit Dies, Pool Party Ruffled Ribbon, Vintage Brad and Scallop Edge Border Punch


Stamps: Papaya Collage, Musical Note Stampin’ Wheel
Paper: Soft Suede, Whisper White, Baja Breeze
Ink: Soft Suede, Baja Breeze, Gumball Green, Primrose Petals,
Accessories: Big Shot, Labels Collection Framelit Dies, Baja Breeze Seam Binding Ribbon, Twitterpated Buttons, Eyelet Border Punch

Each of the notebook holders contain 4″ x’ 6″ post-it notepads that you can put by the phone or even carry in your purse.  
It seems I am always looking for a pad to write on….but did I make myself one?…Guess the answer.


Enjoy and until next time….


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Happy Mother’s Day

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

Who said that there would be more time once you have retired?  I am still looking for that elusive time.
This week was a bit hectic starting with the “Me and Stampin’ Up!” card class.  The 6 kids that were here along with their Mom’s really enjoyed the afternoon and they did  excellent work on their projects.
Next, it was grandchildren sitting, painting the hallway and dining room, volunteering at a High School Track and Field event to help my brother out, lunch with a friend and now I’m sick with a nasty cold.  
The Bright Spot
However, I did receive my Stampin’ Up! preorder plus the catalogue and you are in for a real treat. 
I was able to get some ink on my fingers especially using the new 2012-2014 In Colours – Midnight Muse, Summer Starfruit, Raspberry Ripple, Gumball Green and Primrose Petals.  They are beautiful.  
And the new ink pads to “die for”.  
The pads are made from foam and are so wonderful to use leaving a clean and crisp image.  The only thing, is they take a bit to dry, but that is just getting used to them.  
I used the new stamp set, Betsy’s Blossoms and the bird stamp is mostly solid rubber and there was no need to convince the stamp that it need more ink.  
Just a gentle “tap, tap, tap” and there was sufficient ink for a crisp image.  
Wowee…I may have to indulge myself in the rest of the colours. – What a drag!!!!
Stamps: Betsy’s Blossom, Loved Ones
Paper: Naturals White, Rich Razzleberry, Gumball Green, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White, Floral District DSP
Ink: Gumball Green, Midnight Muse, Rich Razzleberry
Accessories: Big Shot, Apothecary Accents Framelits, Pearls, Daffodil Delight 1/4”Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon.
Don’t you just love the new ribbon?  The 2012-2013 catalogue goes “live” on June 1, at noon (CT).  You will also be able to view the new catalogue as well.  
I have a few more items to share with you over the next couple of day. – Of course, using new products. 
Until next time…


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Kid’s Craft Day

Simply Said With Karen Posted on by

I know that I have been short on posts for the last week, but I’ve been busy creating crafts for the “Me and Stampin’ Up!” class.
There are 6 children between kindergarten age and 10 years coming on Saturday to do some crafting…their Mom’s are coming too to help them out, or better yet, Mom is coming to help me out!
I designed 2 projects for them…one is a banner with their name and the other is a hanging Spring picture.
These 2 projects will get them using the Big Shot, various punches and of course stamps.  Most of the Moms already stamp, so the kids have been exposed to most of what they are going to do.  
I have prepared a lot of the card stock and paper for them, so it won’t take them long to get them done and it’s all about keeping their interest.


Sample Name Banner

The kids were able to choose 2 their own favourite colours

Spring Has Sprung

I also have some other goodies for them to take home.  I know this is rather gender biased…the girls get a purse and the boys get a backpack.  Each has a surprise inside….


Plus they will all get an Angry Bird bookmark to help them out with their reading.


I sure hope they all enjoy what I have in store for them on Saturday and I still have my sanity on Sunday. heehee.
Until next time….


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